The room fell silent, Tanna''s mouth hanging open in shock. 1,000 Klador was a down payment for a nice home in Crown City and more than a year''s salary for Rank B adventurers.


    A vein popped on Becker''s forehead. "DO YOU THINK I''M YOUR FRIGGIN'' BANK?"


    "A loan! It''s just a loan!" Haru quickly said.


    Becker stared at him, exasperated. "How could I lend 1,000 Klador to an F-rank adventurer? Your plaque is worth, at best, 3 Klador as collateral."


    "I know that much... But that''s not what I''m talking about," Haru said, gesturing to his attire. "Look at my clothes."


    Becker examined Haru''s clothes more closely. He had already noticed the strange cat-like patterns and unusual design when they first met. They were definitely peculiar, but what civilization didn''t have its own unique fashion?


    "What about them?"


    Haru grinned. "You see, my clothes aren''t just unique because they''re from my world, but also because none of the other summoned are wearing anything similar. They''re truly one-of-a-kind in this world. And right now, the topic of the summoned is all the rage in Crown City. I''ve been getting looks of admiration everywhere I go."


    Becker raised an eyebrow. "Admiration?"


    Haru''s voice quickened with enthusiasm. "Think about it. The influential people of Crown City are buzzing about the summoned, and they''ll definitely be interested in the things we brought with us. My clothes might not be worth 1,000 Klador as they are, but the design and style certainly could be. If we sell the rights to a high-end fashion designer with connections to major clothing stores, nobles will be lining up to buy them. This is a golden opportunity to make a profit."


    He suddenly pointed to Tanna. "Tell me, what do you think of my clothes?"


    "Me? Uh, I think they''re pretty cute," Tanna said truthfully, praising the design.


    "Exactly! Now, touch it." He stretched out his arm.


    Tanna glanced at Becker, both sharing a weird glance before she reached out to touch Haru''s sleeve. "Wow... so soft!"


    Haru''s excitement grew as he laid out his plan. "See? Quality material and a style that''s never been seen before. It''s perfect for both fashion and sleepwear. And with every product sold, a small percentage will come back to the guild as royalties. You''ll make back five, no, ten times what you lent me in a month, guaranteed!" By the end of his pitch, Haru was a little out of breath.


    Becker scratched his head. "You summoned are really something else..." He turned to Tanna. "You''re better than me with these types of things. What do you think?"


    Tanna considered Haru''s plan and nodded. "I think Haru''s idea has merit. Before the summoning, there was already a lot of buzz, and now that the summoned have arrived, they''re the talk of the city. His clothes may attract more attention from noble ladies, but there should be enough interest all around to make this a profitable venture for us. Plus, we do have connections to a well-known designer."


    "Alright, I got it." Becker reached into his drawer, pulling out a locked box. He opened it and took out a sack of coins, tossing it to Haru.


    Haru caught the sack excitedly and immediately began to strip, causing Tanna to quickly turn away in embarrassment.


    Becker retrieved some of his spare clothes and tossed them to Haru who was a little confused. "I don''t want you leaving this office in just your underwear or rumors are going to start flying," he said. "You can keep these clothes, they''re just my spares."


    Haru smiled. "You''re a pretty cool guy, you know that."


    Becker snorted. "When you''re done, get out. I think I''ve had enough of you for one day."


    Haru laughed as he dressed and headed for the door but stopped. "Don''t worry about the loan; I''ll pay it back soon," he turned and said.


    With that, he left the office.


    The room fell silent once again. Becker let out an exasperated sigh. "Why do I feel like we just got swindled? It feels like everything has been going his way since we first met."


    Tanna smiled. "It''s been a while since I''ve seen you show your true emotions in front of someone like that."


    "Who can keep a straight face with someone so infuriating? It''s like talking to someone who has no shame." He poured himself a glass of alcohol and downed it in one gulp, looking deep in thought. "He''s a recent summon, but the way he carries himself makes it seem like this isn''t his first time here. I feel like he knows more than he''s letting on."


    Suddenly, there was a tapping on the window behind them. Becker reached up and opened it, allowing a bird to swoop in and land on his desk. There was a note attached to its leg. Becker retrieved the note and read it, his expression turning solemn.


    "One of the transports has reached the territory of Blackstone as we speak. Let''s go."


    …


    Meanwhile, back at the castle where the 99 summoned were gathered, the atmosphere was slightly off.


    "Thank you, everyone, for signing your contracts. We will now reveal your skills and conduct a quick test to determine which group you will be placed in based on your awakened skill," the chancellor announced. "When your name is called, please enter the designated door on your left or right."


    The summoned exchanged uneasy glances as the chancellor exited the room, leaving them with guards blocking the exit. The king and princess had already left the moment the contracts were signed, and the once welcoming atmosphere now felt cold and isolating, as if they were being held captive.


    "What do you think they have planned for us?" one of the summoned asked.


    "I don''t know, but I hope it''s nothing too dangerous," another replied.


    Suddenly, the first names were called: "Lance Falknir, please enter the door on the right. Serena Kate, please enter the door on your left."


    Lance stood tall and proud, his chest puffed out as he proclaimed, "I didn''t come here to follow. I came to lead. And when this is over, they''ll speak of my name with awe. Mark my words."


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    His words echoed throughout the enclosed space, and the other summoned could not help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for Lance''s confidence. He then entered through the right door.


    Serena Kate, dressed casually in jeans and a t-shirt, her long black hair in two braids, gave a shy smile. "It''s nice to meet you all," she murmured, ducking her head. "I hope we can get to know each other better."


    With that, she walked toward the left door.


    After that, the names of the summoned were called one by one. In an effort to ease their nerves, the others followed suit, introducing themselves briefly once their names were called. This helped to lighten the tense atmosphere.


    Finally, only one person remained. The chancellor called out the last name.


    "Emily Brine."


    Emily stepped forward, heart pounding. The room held a single occupant, shrouded in shadow.


    "Um, hello, I''m Emily Br-," she began, but the figure raised a hand, silencing her.


    "Forward."


    Emily obeyed, stepping closer. The figure unfurled a scroll, ancient symbols glowing with an inner light. The light surged, engulfing her. As it faded, a single phrase shimmered above her head.


    "Weapon Forging?" she breathed, confusion clouding her voice. "What does it—"


    "It''s up to you to discover its purpose, miss summoned," the figure interrupted with a dry rasp.


    Before Emily could respond, a rune-etched circle flared beneath her, enveloping her in light. Then, she was gone.


    Emily blinked as she found herself in a new location. She was surrounded by rocky walls, with no exit in sight. Jagged stones bit into her palms. Around her lay a graveyard of broken weapons, twisted and shattered.