Everyone went silent for a good few seconds before Arthur looked up. “It’s just… Well, it’s a little risky to start a guild now from what I know. It can take a lot of work to make it flourish and get stronger. There is still a lot of room for improvement individually so I thought it might harm your growth if you start a guild now.” He said.
“…”
They all looked at each other for a moment before they looked at Isla. She was the one who made decisions for the team so if there was one single person to speak, it was her. The girl took some time to contemplate before she asked.
“Are you sure about that?”
“Not really. It’s just what I know from other games. I can’t say for DO as it’s completely different from what I know.”
Isla nodded her head faintly.
“Making a guild is the best way to establish our presence in the capital and expand very quickly. If we wait, it will only get harder and harder to do that. I understand that you see the risk in that.” Isla said. “But, this has been our plan from the moment we stepped into the game.”
“… That is fine. It’s simply a suggestion. As I told you before, I’m not going to get too involved with you guys or it will cause you trouble. If you need any help with the guild, I’m here.” He laughed awkwardly.
‘They’re far more determined than I am. It’s a little embarrassing that I’m the only one thinking about the risks as if it’s the end of the world. Everything has a degree of risk in this game.’ Arthur shook his head.
It surprised him that he would be the most reckless person ever at times and be scared of doing other things at other times.
‘I’m a walking talking contradiction if I ever seen one.’ He clicked his tongue.
“We will definitely need your help building the foundation.” Isla nodded.
“What do we even need to start a guild?”
“A headquarters and members to fill all the roles for the guild,” Emmy replied. “Here, it says we need at least 6 members to start a guild.”
“Six members, huh? Let’s see… Well, we’re eight here. More than enough.” Herculia replied. “What else?”
“Hmm, we also need a name for the Guild.”
“A name, huh? Do you guys have any suggestions?”
“It’s not the time to think of the name yet,” Isla said coldly. “We have far more important things to do. We still have at least a few days before the first batch of players arrives in the city. We will create the guild after we secure our position.”
Isla’s plan was very simple, to quickly and effectively spread their influence across the entire region. To do that, they need to create a name for themselves. She still didn’t know how they could do that since they lacked information. The bits and pieces of info they gathered so far were simply not enough.
But, her best hunch was something they learned upon meeting those royal mercenaries. ‘The royal family is watching us currently. They are most definitely interested in us and will make contact in the future. If we play our cards right, we will be able to make them support us in creating our guild here.’
However, that came with its own downsides. Isla didn’t even need to meet the royal family to know that their interest was purely out of greed for power. The players are considered Gifted people with immense power. They are akin to weapons of mass destruction that are waiting to be nurtured.
But, people in power weren’t going to let these players simply reach their peak potential and threaten their position. Instead, they will opt for something far more effective.
‘Controlling our growth to match what they want and then use our powers for their own purposes. If we fall into that trap, we are not escaping it.’
Isla’s main mission was clear: Create the guild and keep the royal family or any other group of people in power in the capital away from them until they become a true powerhouse themselves. That was easier said than done considering how extremely dangerous these people are.
Even if the capital looked like a safe haven for humans, Isla wasn’t hypnotized by that facade.
‘Not at all danger comes in the form of hideous faces and large fangs. It can come in the form of a friendly smile and a handshake.’
“Isla?”
Looking up, she said. “Our very first step is simple. We need to sell all the items we don’t need. We have gathered a lot of things across our journey and most of it isn’t going to be of use. After that, we need to buy new armor and weapons if necessary. Our equipment is getting old and weathered after all the battles we went through.”
Most of the armor they all had was already damaged beyond repair. Even as they were standing there, they all looked like they just came out of a brutal battle. Their weapons were also getting old and weak compared to their own strength.
“Buy the best equipment you can find that fits you. We need to be at our peak for what’s about to come.”
“What about us?” Serko lifted his hand.
“You two have a very important task to do. Can you design the building for our future guild?” She asked with a softer tone.
“Yes! We would be happy to do that!”
“Hahaha! We have the best builders this world has to offer! Finlay and Serko can make the best goddamn headquarters anyone can think of!” Herculia laughed heartily. They all knew the sheer talent the two dwarves possessed. Building their headquarters was a task only they could take.
“Now, with that being said, what are you waiting for? We have a lot of work to do. Go!”
“Yes, ma’am!”
“Could you please get us some paper and pencils to draw on your way back here?”
“Hmm, I will try to see if I can find some.” Emmy nodded her head.
Quickly, Herculia, Danny, and Emmy left the room and headed outside to get their tasks done. They needed some time to sell all their stuff and get their new equipment so they couldn’t waste any more time.
“We will start planning the structure. If you would excuse us.” Finlay and Serko then vanished somewhere.
That left Arthur, Isla, and Sora alone. Sora was silent the entire time, listening to their conversations with a confused look on her face. She didn’t understand anything at all so she simply remained secluded and silent.
“You,” Isla said.
“Y-Yes!” The girl flinched visibly as she straightened her posture.
“You will come with me. You need to take a shower and get new clothes. I will help you.” Isla explained.
“A… shower?” The girl asked.
“Yes. A shower. Let’s get all that blood and dirt off you.” Isla tapped her shoulder gently, leading her to the bathroom.
Arthur watched the scene with a smile on his face. Isla was treating Sora like her own daughter in a way. Her tough front seemed to always melt when it came to people close to her.
“I’m also going out to buy some stuff for myself.”
“Understood.”
“See you later then.”
Then, Arthur himself left the hotel and headed back to the main street. ‘I wonder if there is any good armor here for a reasonable price. I will have to look and see.’
Unbeknownst to him, something was about to happen that would change his plans completely.
A//N: Don’t forget to give the book some golden tickets for good luck! :3