The party talked some more, discussing plans for their guild based on Liam's previous explanations.
They accepted that there was nothing to do at headquarters for now, focusing on the construction of their guild hall. This project had three prerequisites.
A blueprint, an architect, and building materials.
The party learned from Liam that an architect usually came with a basic blueprint. The materials could be gathered through guild quests. They were countless random, small quests issued by the guild association, which could be accomplished by all members.
This left them with the task of recruiting an architect, which was a job held by NPCs rather than a player profession. And Liam already had a candidate in mind.
"Fonor Dragonpiss?!", exclaimed Cyclone with an incredulous expression.
"Mirage, that name doesn't spark confidence. Are you sure that guy has a high potential?"
"Of course. Would I lie about something like that?"
"Well… I guess we'll follow you…"
"Good. I think we are pretty much done discussing then. Should we go?"
"Sure. Good luck, guys…"
Liam nodded at Cyclone while his party members got up, leaving behind Cyclone, Balm, and Sun's Knight to deal with the recruitment.
The friends had already assigned their tasks. Silent Acacia and Quickstep separated as well, checking out the PvP arena, preparing to earn some guild points.
In Fate of Crunaboul the arena matches followed an elo system from bronze to diamond. A registered guild team earned points for the guild depending on their elo.
Dream Avenue planned to form a team soon after sorting out the recruitments, led by the original Hotpot. This team would receive a boost at the start if its members were high elo. Thus, Silent Acacia and Quickstep planned to rise in advance, creating favorable conditions for the team.
The party members knew the couple's wish to win against Silent Acacia's old team and were naturally supportive. Since their aspiration could help the guild as well, it was a win-win situation.
However, the rest suddenly found themselves a little understaffed. Luckily Final Fend messaged Silver Blade, telling her that they broke out of the crowd together with other guild members who logged in later.
Thus, they were immediately conscripted.
Soon, Bleary Mirage, Silver Blade, Radiant Shield, Bloody Edge, Watchful Eye, and Fortune waited near the teleportation platforms.
It didn't take long until they spotted a group of three among the crowd.
The elf cladded in dark armor and the older dwarf arrived together with a pretty woman with flowing pink hair and a broad, colorful dress, which swung freely with every step.
"Final Fend, Braag, Edelweiss! You finally made it!"
"Yes, it was quite the fight! I almost thought my fans would never let me go!"
Braag threw the boasting Final Fend an annoyed glance:
"If you wouldn't have started taking pictures, we would've had a much easier time."
"What can I do? My fans demanded it…"
"I'm just glad we got out.", added Melodious Edelweiss shyly.
Silver Blade looked at the bard they got to know during the party three days ago with a gentle smile:
"Edelweiss, are you ready for our first mission?"
"Ah… I hope so. But I'm such a low level compared to you guys…"
"Haha, don't worry. Look, you reached level 17 despite being by yourself, while those two are only level 19 despite playing in groups!"
Final Fend and Braag looked awkward as Silver Blade used the chance to admonish them.
"Ah, no. But I'm sure Final Fend and Braag are really talented!"
Edelweiss quickly tried to smooth things over, afraid that the two men would hold resentment towards her.
"Ok guys, don't worry about levels. Follow us and you will rise quickly.", promised Fortune.
While the group talked, Silver Blade sent out the party invitations before leading everyone towards the teleporter.
Since they have been in Duabalis Harbor before there was no need to go by cart again. It was marked as destination for their teleport, allowing the party to be directly transported into the harbor.
After a brief shift their vision was filled with a bustling city and a gorgeous ocean.
The party walked along the main street, reaching the busy construction site.
Final Fend watched the scene with a strange gaze. Thinking about the auction house which has been built within a few days, some doubts came to his mind.
"Mirage, do you really think that Fonor guy is competent?"
"Of course, don't worry. Isn't he still young after all?"
"How would I know?"
Final Fend's question caused the party to laugh as they approached the glasses-wearing, black-haired architect.
Liam, ready to prove the power of his new ring, approached Fonor confidently.
"Adventurer? Are you here to help me? Finally!"
"No, I…"
"Listen, my job is it to lead the construction of a gateway here. It is an incredible honor to be hired by the Broken Council directly…"
"Wait, wait, wait!", interrupted Liam hastily. "I came to invite you to our guild… sir."
"Your guild? Oh, I see. Well, I'm not opposed to the idea, but as you can see, I am loaded with work. Why don't you… hey, where are you going?"
Liam felt incredibly embarrassed, going back to his friends. Although his improved charisma stat proved useful in procuring a quest within a few words, he didn't consider solving the quest first as a prerequisite.
"Should I try it?", asked Silver Blade with a teasing smile.
"Go…"
Everyone chuckled watching Silver Blade approach the architect.
"Adventurer, you are back! Great! You won't believe it, but those lazy workers are missing again…"
"I'm sorry sir, but I came with a different purpose this time. I wanted to invite you to our guild."
"Guild? I see. I would love to join you, but I am loaded with work at the moment. Listen, adventurer, if you could help me out here, I would be freed up and could naturally join you."
"Sounds great, what do you need?"
"I need what every architect needs…"
"Inspiration?"
"Money! Do you think I like hanging out here and watch this construction advance at a snail's pace? Of course not!
But the Broken Council has gutted my budget recently and I have to make do with these second-tier workers.
Adventurer, if you can convince the Broken Council to increase my budget, I would be done in no time at all and will happily join your guild!"
Silver Blade quickly accepted the quest she had just received, sharing it with the party.
[
[Step one: Talk to Cepaniar]
"Ah, adventurer, finally someone willing to assist me!"
"Don't mention it, sir. Just wait here for the good news."
"Yes."
Fonor stopped talking, turning towards his blueprints. Silver Blade understood the signal and regathered with the others.
The party didn't waste much time, returning to Duabalis City and following Liam towards the majestic mountain covered in magical fog.
Looking at the stern-faced soldiers guarding the entrance Liam turned around with an apologetic smile:
"Sorry guys, only original nephilim can proceed from here…"
"Oh, what a pity. I will take some time off then, I guess.", answered Braag with a broad grin.
"You wish. We will be back in a few minutes. I dare you not to wait here!"
Liam threw the dwarf a meaningful glance before leading the original nephilim towards the mountain.
They walked along the peaceful paths embracing the natural mountain side until reaching a small temple-like building made from fine white stone.
But as soon as they entered, the serene atmosphere was interrupted by busy nephilim browsing through documents and the loud scribbling.
Surprisingly the temple-like building contained an office inside.
Liam led his friends towards an old nephilim with a thick grey beard. The little hair left on his head was desperately styled in a way which covered as much of his skin as possible.
The man had his eyes closed while multiple quills moved before him as if controlled by magical hands.
Only when Liam came to a stop right in front of his desk, did the old nephilim open his eyes, the quills slowing down considerably.
"Ah, another supplicant… Who sent you? Renaln? Do his troops need more food again?"
"No, sir. We came on the behest of Fonor."
The old man looked ahead for a few seconds before turning towards Liam with a skeptical expression:
"Who?"
"Fonor… Fonor Dragonpiss, the architect working on a gateway in Duabalis Harbor."
"Oh."
As the man fell silent, Liam could only send his condolences to Fonor. Obviously, he had been forgotten by this elder of finance before him.
"Now even Fonor wants money? Do I look like the god of wealth?
Everyone is causing trouble, stretching our budget to the limit. Today it's an infernal invasion, tomorrow it's a group of bandits ambushing merchants.
One person accidently poisons a forest and another experiments with curses. Do you know how exhausting all of this is?!"
"Sorry…"
The old nephilim let out a deep sigh, waving his hand at Liam.
"It's ok. I'm glad you adventurers exist, or else my job would be countless times more difficult.
You want me to increase Fonor's budget, correct? Let me think…"