Martial Arts Worlds
Chapter 452 - 452: Wanted's General Manager

Irio, Cold Brewing Coffee Shop.

Ding! Ding!

The bell atop the door chimed as Kiernan, dressed in a cozy sweater and beanie, walked inside, and after taking a look around the shop, he found a man waving towards him.

"Hello, sir!"

Thomas stood up from his seat, shook Kiernan's hand firmly, and then sat straight back down with a smile on his face.

"Hello… Thomas, was it?"

Kiernan took off his beanie, revealing his well-cut black hair, and took a seat across from him.

"Yes, Thomas MacCafferty, at your service. I am the General Manager of Wanted. I am sure you've heard about us, but we are the third oldest team in the Rakuya League and have won the Rakuya title about nine times in the past two hundred years."

Thomas said.

"Yes, I've indeed heard about Wanted."

Kiernan said.

However, he didn't know about Wanted before last night—he did some quick research last night as he didn't want to come completely unprepared for this meeting.

After receiving the calling card from his father, he gave a quick call to Thomas and arranged a meeting with him.

"I came to Irio about three weeks ago, all for a chance to have a conversation with you. You know why I am here. I'd like to invite you to Wanted's youth program, and I believe we can take your talents to a whole new level.

"Wanted's owner, Beloved Xavier, is thinking highly of you. He has become a fan of yours after your performance in the nationals.

"It's not every day that one of Rakuya League's teams sends one of their General Managers to recruit in person.

"We're the highest level of martial arts in New Rakuya, but you're a special case, so it was just right that I came to meet you in person."

Thomas said.

"Three weeks ago? Well, I am sorry that I haven't been around. I was traveling, honing my martial arts skills, and whatnot. That's why I haven't been around."

Kiernan said, and then waved for the waitress to come take his order.

A shy-looking girl came over, recognized Kiernan, and shyly took down his order. She then quickly went to make sure that the order would come as perfect.

Everyone in Irio knew Kiernan, as he was their city's golden boy.

"That's fine. I had a brief conversation with your father, and he told me that the decision is up to you, which I respect.

"It's not every day that parents of talented individuals let their children decide on their future."

Thomas said, then leaned over and interlocked his fingers.

"Now, what is your decision? Even though you're only in the youth program, we do offer pay and benefits to those who show potential.

"How does 10,000 gold coins in a month sound? Of course, you'll get your very own house as well in Wanted's Village, where we train all of our fighters.

"The only catch is that in due time, you'll represent Wanted in the Junior Martial Arts Championship, and when you're ready, you'll of course join Wanted in Rakuya League."

It all sounded good, and if anyone else was in his shoes, they would feel dizzy with excitement, as the pay alone was incredibly generous.

However, Kiernan's forehead creased.

"Representing Wanted in Junior Martial Arts Championship? I thought I would be representing Karuza High."

Kiernan asked.

"You would be representing Karuza High, but you can also choose to represent a professional martial arts team of your choosing. I am sure your school would understand. This is about your future, after all."

Thomas said with a smile.

"Sigh… I must admit, the benefits sound great and all, but I must refuse."

Kiernan said with a sigh.

"What?!"

Thomas' eyes widened in surprise, and then his voice shook as he panicked with his words.

"If you're refusing because you don't want to betray your school, that is completely understandable, and we make it so that you can represent both Karuza High and Wanted.

"How does that sound?"

He asked in a hopeful tone.

"The answer is still no. Thank you for the offer, but I have made my decision. I don't plan on staying in New Rakuya once I've graduated."

Kiernan said.

"Why? With your talent, you can become the strongest martial artist that New Rakuya has ever seen.

"You can live an easy life of wealth and never have to worry about anything else. You'll be respected by everyone, loved by all, and admired by many.

"I know what you're thinking—you plan on making a mark on the martial arts world by going international. You're trying to join the World Fighting League and become champion there.

"However, that's the aim of a billion other martial artists. You might be the greatest talent of New Rakuya, but compared to others of higher-tiered countries? You're not good enough."

Thomas said, and as the waitress arrived with their drinks, he saw that Kiernan looked at him with an unchanging look in his eyes.

"I don't seek easy."

Kiernan stood up, left his untouched coffee at the table, and left the store without saying another word.

"Sigh…"

Thomas leaned on his chair, rubbed his forehead, and shook his head.

"The great talent of New Rakuya always refuses to stay. They're all about grandeur, and they think they will become legends in their own minds.

"In the end, they all fail to become anything and will come crawling back to New Rakuya. Then they'll join the Rakuya League, but by then, they're washed-up has-beens."

Thomas took out his phone from his pocket, dialed a number, and then pressed the phone against his ear.

Ding!

It connected.

"Thomas. How did it go?"

Beloved Xavier spoke on the other end of the line.

"As you would've expected. He refused. Saying that he won't stay in New Rakuya after his graduation. It's another fool thinking that they will make any difference out there in the world."

Thomas said and sipped on Kiernan's coffee, which he left.

"Is that so? Well, I had a hunch that would be his response. Rakuya League will always stay as a second-rate league if we can't keep the talents within our own borders."

Beloved Xavier said.

"And how would that be accomplished? Money, fame, and women—we've tried it all, but it's not enough to keep the talents here, as they believe they can achieve that and more in the bigger leagues."

Thomas said.

"If we can only become a higher-tiered country…"

Beloved Xavier sighed.