Recruitment (3): Hunters Assembled
Arthur handed me a list with four names on it.
One for legal and compliance, one quant trader focused on data analysis, and finally, a proper deal-maker trader and a speaker to manipulate public opinion and handle pushback from politics or business circles.
"Since you said you didn't want a big team, Boss, I prepared a small elite group. What do you think?"
Arthur's original plan had been for a massive team, but with all the risks and me having Athena as a cheat key, I'd rejected anything large.
"Looks good. Once final verification's done, we'll hire them right away. And have them recruit the support staff as soon as these four are locked in."
Arthur eyed me cautiously at my response.
"But Boss... you sure a team this small will cut it?"
"No problem. Athena and I'll back you up, so quality over quantity is our play."
Once everyone was in place, the real work would begin.
Finally, time to pull out that business school high.
Why business school, anyway? Plenty of other majors out there.
Pure sciences weren't my thing, and nothing else pulled me in. Business just kinda happened.
I used to think as a kid that business majors became CEOs, but growing up I realized you needed rich parents for that. Kinda funny now.
Anyway, vet these guys. Gotta know if they're worth it.
Dad had warned me about snakes before he passed—always singing that tune.
Got it. I'll compile and report back.
Done compiling, Master. Report now?
During exam season, these idiots only had booze on their minds. I ignored them and pulled up Athena's report.
Sinking into the plush chair, I flicked through with eye gestures, scanning the text. Impressive careers popped up.
"JP Morgan, Vanguard Group... Resumes are killer. Three look solid to go, but the last one's iffy."
Ex-lobbyist, now handling PR for a private equity firm.
"We're in Korea—can a U.S. expert really deliver? Lobbying's illegal here anyway."
Korean-American background was a plus, but usability needed thought.
Reading Athena's files closely, I spotted details I'd glossed over, fixated on "ex-lobbyist."
"Damn... This woman's politician material. Stayed on Wall Street for the money?"
She might jump to politics if we don't snag her. Talented, but comes with enemies.
Athena could sway opinion a million times better, but together? Synergy doubled.
"We look like foreign capital on the surface. If shit hits, nationalists'll cry 'national wealth outflow.' Perfect for her then."
Athena alone might suffice, but for edge cases, no harm bringing her on.
"One hang-up: enemies, like you said. Her style screams it."
Her victims are grinding their teeth, yeah. But as we grow, enemies come anyway. Manageable risk.
Fair point. The establishment hates change.
"Hire 'em as is, handle support staff. Just report."
Yes, Master.
After drinks with old friends, Athena updated me on the way home: all recruits were airborne.
Soon, I could tackle the game that hogged 70% of my daily stress.
"Hmm... Booze got me thinking."
One step forward, but alcohol stirred doubts: Is this right?
Current management's checked out—just squeezing last drops before dumping. We can bet it all. Better us than them; it'll make you and everyone happier.
Lounging on the sofa with a beer, Athena sensed my worry and reassured me.
"Fuck it. Let's do this. Life's short."
Reckless challenge, but with Athena and solid crew? Confidence surged.
"Gonna regret more drinks tomorrow. Bedtime."
Thoughts flooding in, huh~~
"...Shut up, I said."
Mixed soju bombs at the bar, then beer at home—explains the uncharacteristic ramble. Athena teased my hungover self.
You're weaker to booze than expected?
"Mom said strong liquor ain't good."
Of course, she never said that.
Sure sure~ Your secret's safe with the crew.
"Sigh... Anyway, New York folks here yet?"
Not yet. Landing soon.
"Shower and head out—timing perfect."
Cold shower to wake up manly-style, suited up, out the door.
"Head okay, Boss?"
Jacob waited in the underground lot, checking my state.
"...You carried me home last night?"
Memory patchy; no clue how I got back.
"Yes, sir. Picked you up."
Hoped not, but knew better.
"Boss, ease up on the booze."
Ah.
Dread confirmed.
"Did I do anything stupid?"
"Nah. Just cried missing your mom."
Dunno if true, but dignity shattered either way.
"Ha... Sorry. Blacked out."
"It's fine. What happened with your parents?"
Jacob probed gently, gauging me.
"Car crash. Both gone. Other driver drowsy trucking or some shit."
Trauma blanked most memories of their passing.
Woke up, funeral done.
"...Sorry."
"Nah, why you apologizing."
Spotty recall kept it distant usually.
Chatting idly with Jacob, watching scenery, we descended to a familiar building's basement lot.
"Thanks. Catch you later."
Appreciated Jacob, headed to the leased floor below our office.
Previous tenant's leftovers sped up the reno—office screamed luxury flick vibes.
"Worlds apart from our floor. This feels like a real workplace."
Prepped for any contingencies. Elevator rising now.
Snooped around curiously, then picked a chair at Athena's heads-up.
Simulating openers mentally, Arthur opened the door with the four in tow.
Trader? What a tank...
Muscular dude Mark the trader led; they sat opposite me.
"Nice to meet you. Kwon Hyuk here. Arthur briefed you?"
Formal intros exchanged—no confusion or disdain at my youth.
"Everyone gawks at my baby face. You four are refreshingly chill."
Light joke to loosen the tension.
"Hahaha. Without Arthur's intro, I'd peg you for a scammer—or young genius. Age means zilch to us."
Sarah from legal chuckled.
"Since you're here, that means you accept our offer?"
Straight to it—no beating around.
"Yes. Thought it over after Arthur's call. Just point, we'll deliver."
All decided; smooth sailing.
"Great. Clean and quick."
Shoved four tablets their way.
"Contracts vetted by the firm. Numbers prove your worth—sign if agreed."
Eyes darted over tablets.
Then, as one, they gasped.
Softened vibe vanished; office filled with intense, positive mix of emotions.
Mark signed first, then Sarah, quant David, last Jennifer Kang the Korean-American speaker.
Athena, pop those guys up.
Stress-relief time.
"Check tablets again."
Gazes shifted to screens.
"Neo Gate. KOSDAQ market cap around 200th place—gaming firm."
"Game company... Smaller than expected."
Quant David Chan scanned docs.
To a Wall Street vet, Neo Gate's ~500B cap seemed puny first prey.
"Size irrelevant. Tanked hard, but once hit trillion cap, right under Korea's majors."
David's face twisted incredulous, poring over data.
"Management butchered it. Hard to fuck up this bad on purpose."
"Spot on. Cruised early—big, bright future. Then like they ate rat poison, dogshit ops down the slope."
Leaned back, continued.
"Still got bedrock. Solid concrete layer—revenue holds. Good surgery, revivable."
"And they're the bulk of our Boss's stress. Saves his health, makes bank."
Arthur joked; mood lightened.
"Mission: Take the company by Friday. Double your success bonus—taxes on me."
Fire lit in their eyes.
"Stimulate the thrill?"
"Damn right, Boss. Management first—turn 'em into national scum."
Jennifer Kang beamed.
That smile chilled me—pure madness vibe...