Chapter 89: Change of Flag I

The man in the car accepted James’s refusal to enter without complaint or visible frustration, which made him feel professional instead of desperate.

"Fair enough," the man said while staying seated in the back of the luxury car with one arm resting casually on the leather interior. "I understand your caution, Mr. Ganner. Unexpected approaches are rarely welcome."

James stayed where he was, keeping several feet of distance between himself and the vehicle.

The man continued without waiting for a response. "My name is William Langford. I represent a UK-backed Challenger development program that operates under royal patronage and government oversight."

Langford’s smile stayed polished and professional in the way that came from expensive training. "I won’t waste your time with unnecessary pleasantries or sales pitches. A Necromancer with your record does not stay unnoticed for long."

James caught the specific mention of Necromancer without class tier and wondered if Langford actually knew he was Legendary or was just guessing based on Floor 10.

"You cleared Hell-difficulty Floor 10 at Level 17," Langford continued while his tone stayed calm and measured. "You’re independent from major guild structures. Not signed to exclusive contracts. Still young enough that your career path remains flexible."

James caught the word "flexible" and did not like the implication behind it.

"I’m here to make you an offer on behalf of my organization," Langford said. "This is not a guild recruitment form, Mr. Ganner. It is a national transfer proposal."

James became colder, but he let Langford continue because refusing to listen would only make him look defensive.

Langford explained the offer with the kind of careful precision that came from professional training, rehearsed speeches, and probably dozens of similar conversations with other Challengers.

"The United Kingdom is prepared to offer you a formal transfer package," Langford said while his hands gestured slightly as he spoke. "The contract would move your Challenger registration from Ireland to the United Kingdom and grant you UK citizenship or protected national status under a royal-backed Challenger program."

James listened without moving.

"This is not a simple guild contract," Langford continued. "This is national-level support. Protected national status under UK law. Full sponsorship from royal-backed institutions. Access to private training facilities designed specifically for high-level Challengers."

He paused before adding more benefits. "Research reports and Tower intelligence Ireland does not release publicly. Priority access to rare gear and consumables appropriate to your growth rate. Secured housing in protected Challenger districts."

Langford leaned back slightly. "The full package is longer and includes additional benefits we can discuss during formal contract review, but those are the primary points."

James understood immediately what was happening. Transfer registration from Ireland to UK. Accept citizenship or protected status. Train under their government program instead of staying independent. They were not asking him to join a guild where he could quit or negotiate better terms—they were asking him to change countries.

"You would have access to resources Ireland cannot match," Langford said while his voice stayed professional but carried weight underneath every word. "The UK has been developing Challenger infrastructure for years. We have connections with international guild networks. We have Tower research teams that share information across borders. Someone with your class should not limit himself too early in his career by staying in a small market."

"Ireland cleared Floor 10 before England did," James said.

Langford’s smile did not falter. "One team’s achievement does not reflect national capacity. The UK has more active Challengers, more funding, better equipment manufacturing, and stronger international partnerships than Ireland can provide."

"Then why do you need me?"

"Because talented individuals should not waste their potential in systems that cannot support their growth," Langford replied smoothly. "You’re Level 17. You have decades of climbing ahead of you. The question is whether you want to do it with full national backing or remain in a system where support will always be divided between larger guilds."

"Why now?" James asked after processing everything Langford had said.

Langford smiled like he had expected the question and had prepared an answer weeks ago. "You’re at a decision point in your career. You’re independent from major guild structures. You’re not signed to exclusive contracts that would complicate transfer negotiations. You’re still young enough to be shaped by the right structure and guidance."

"Shaped?" James asked, his voice carrying an edge.

Langford’s smile widened slightly without losing its professional polish. "Guided. Developed. Supported."

"That’s not better."

Langford accepted the challenge without backing down or showing frustration. "Every Challenger is shaped by the people around them and the resources they access, Mr. Ganner. You cannot avoid that reality. The question is whether you want to be shaped by limited opportunities in a small market or by the best support system available in Europe."

James did not respond immediately.

"Does Ireland know about this offer?" he asked after a moment.

"National transfers are legal under international Tower regulations as long as the Challenger agrees," Langford said, his answer coming too smooth and too practiced. "No government owns a Challenger. You have the right to choose which country supports your career and which flag you represent."

The answer was technically correct according to Tower law, but it avoided James’s real question about whether Ireland’s government or TRB knew England was actively recruiting their Challengers.

"Did Finn Hale get the same offer?"

Langford paused for the first time, something shifting in his expression. "Mr. Hale’s situation is complicated because of Emerald Spire and Marcus Hale. His father’s influence and connections make him harder to approach cleanly without creating political complications. You’re different because you’re independent from major family structures."

That confirmed it. They came to him specifically because they thought he was easier to separate from Ireland than Finn would be. They saw him as the weaker target.

"What about Team Zero?" James asked.

"Team Zero is currently inactive," Langford replied. "Mr. Hale has not entered the Tower in a month. Miss Zhang has retired. Mr. Graves is deceased. The team structure you’re loyal to no longer exists in any functional form."

James’s expression went colder. "You did your research."

"Of course," Langford said without apology. "We don’t make offers like this without understanding who we’re approaching and what complications might arise."