The witches' draft system differed from the talent shows and training agencies of many, many past lives in three ways.
First, registration could be delayed indefinitely. You could even register five minutes before the draft began on draft day itself. But registering so suddenly generally meant you would miss it, since the fastest processing time was around ten minutes.
Second, witches selected in the draft could choose not to compete, but they had to wait until the two-year protection period ended before terminating their contracts and becoming free witches, free to sign with other teams.
Lastly, drafted witches would receive two contracts. The first included appearance fees, revenue shares, minimum weekly appearances, and so on; this was the Witch Association's standard contract. The second was offered by the club that selected them, generally including salary, training, breach-of-contract clauses, and the like. But witches could also refuse to sign the second contract, endure two years, and dive straight into the free-agent market.
"...So, I have to make sure you're picked by one of our own."
Kraken lowered her head. Her smile was calm, carrying a faintly crafty air as she said:
"Our friends include the Horsehead People and the Absolute City Team. They've both agreed that if we spot a rookie we like, they'll help us pick her. In return, we'll use some of our higher picks to help them select targets they have their eyes on."
The Horsehead People and Absolute City weren't Rachel and Su Suwei's teams... Oh, right. They actually had a pretty good relationship with Sea Shepherds Club. Sea Shepherds' big founding trade had mainly involved swapping for Absolute City's people; Absolute City had not only gotten money, but also the chance to have a Great Witch personally renovate their floating city... As for the Horsehead People,