SSS-Rank Awakening: My Talent Multiplies Everything novel Chapter 138

Chapter 138: A Trouble Maker [2.]

The murmurs spreading through the lobby naturally reached Ferris’ ears.

His expression remained composed, but inwardly, he couldn’t help gritting his teeth.

’Morgan...’

’He’s at it again.’

This wasn’t the first time the vice captain of the Dark Viper Guild had tried to put him in an awkward position.

In fact, the conflict between the two sides had already been going on for months.

It had all started with the discovery of a Rift.

Not an ordinary Rift, but one with a vast subterranean environment rich in valuable minerals. Every survey conducted by the Hunter Association had only confirmed what everyone already suspected. The deeper the exploration went, the more precious ores and rare resources were uncovered.

A resource-type Rift.

One of the rarest and most profitable types in existence.

Naturally, countless guilds had set their sights on it.

The Dark Viper Guild was no exception.

Under normal circumstances, Ferris wouldn’t have had much reason to refuse.

The Hunter Association had long established a merit system regarding Rift ownership.

Since the Association itself couldn’t personally manage every Rift under its jurisdiction, organizations and even independent hunters who had accumulated enough merit could submit requests to obtain management rights over specific Rifts. As long as they possessed the strength to suppress the monsters inside and prevent a Rift Break, the Association would often approve the request.

After years of steadily expanding their influence, the Dark Viper Guild had more than enough merit to qualify.

But...

Ferris had no intention of handing that Rift over.

As a branch director, he understood better than anyone just how valuable a resource Rift truly was.

Although every branch belonged to the Hunter Association, headquarters only provided a fixed annual budget.

That funding sounded generous on paper.

In reality...

It barely covered basic operating expenses.

Maintaining the building.

Repairing equipment.

Replacing damaged simulation pods.

Paying administrative staff.

Supporting rescue operations.

Funding emergency responses.

Every single expenditure chipped away at the branch’s already limited finances.

If Ferris relied solely on headquarters’ funding, the branch would’ve been operating at a loss years ago.

Fortunately, every Association branch had another source of income.

Rifts.

Hunters entering Association-controlled Rifts had to purchase exploration permits.

Materials harvested inside could be sold directly to the Association, which would then process or resell them for profit.

It wasn’t an enormous source of revenue.

But it was enough to keep the branch running.

Even then...

Money was always tight.

Which was precisely why Ferris couldn’t afford to give away such a profitable Rift.

A resource Rift capable of producing valuable minerals year after year wasn’t something he would surrender unless absolutely necessary.

Unfortunately...

The Dark Viper Guild seemed to have reached the exact same conclusion.

For the past several months, they had repeatedly pressured him to transfer ownership.

Negotiations.

Generous offers.

Political pressure.

Public opinion.

They had tried every method imaginable.

Morgan’s actions today were simply another attempt to corner him.

If enough people believed the branch director was neglecting an important guild just to cater to some privileged rich kid, his reputation within the district would inevitably suffer.

Perhaps under enough pressure...

He would eventually compromise.

Too bad Ferris had no intention of allowing that to happen.

Taking a slow breath, he stepped forward and met Morgan’s gaze calmly.

"I apologize for leaving so abruptly."

His voice remained steady despite the countless eyes focused on him.

"I was attending to someone with VIP clearance."

"Association regulations required me to personally assist him, so I had no choice but to excuse myself."

Morgan frowned abruptly.

For a brief moment, he simply stared at Ferris.

Then, He burst out laughing.

"Hahaha!"

"Ferris, don’t make me laugh."

"You’ve become so desperate to avoid assigning that Rift to the Dark Viper Guild that you’re actually making up excuses like this?"

His grin widened.

"It is true." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

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