After carefully stowing the freshly minted coins in my leather satchel, I stepped out of the bustling guild hall and onto the cobblestone streets of the city. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the vibrant marketplace, alive with voices and the scent of freshly baked bread. Heath, loyal as ever, trailed closely behind me, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone. Pausing at the edge of the square, I turned to Heath with a firm nod. "You should return to the hotel," I instructed him. "I need to take some time to think about our next steps." He hesitated briefly, concerned flickering in his eyes, but ultimately complied, turning to make his way back through the crowd. With the weight of wealth heavy in my bag, I felt a surge of determination coursing through me. The coins jingled softly with each step, a tangible reminder that I now had the means to embark on a new venture. The thought of starting a business
I made my way to the central courthouse in the city to register my new company. The walk took about ten minutes, as the courthouse was located across the river, requiring me to cross one of the three bridges. Upon arriving, I climbed the steps to the courthouse and entered a large open room filled with financiers at work. I had to get in line, but fortunately, it was fairly short. After a brief wait, I approached the financier on duty. Upon seeing me, he asked, "What can I help you with?" I replied that I would like to apply for a business license. He then instructed me to follow a receptionist who had appeared almost out of nowhere into a room adjacent to the main area. Upon entering the smaller, neatly appointed room, I took a seat at a polished wooden desk. The receptionist, a friendly woman with a warm smile, handed me six forms, each filled with intricate details necessary for processing my application. As I diligently filled out the forms, I could hear the faint sound of soft music playing in the background, creating a calming atmosphere amidst the administrative tasks.
After completing the paperwork, I returned the forms to the receptionist. With a professional demeanor, she began to read back the information I had provided, ensuring everything was accurate and accounted for. This careful review process added an extra layer of assurance to the experience. Once I had verified that all the information on the papers was accurate, she stepped out of the room for a brief moment. When she returned, she carried a substantial stack of documents, which she indicated were the official papers pertaining to the business and company. Each sheet was meticulously organized, reflecting the diligence that had gone into preparing them. After she handed the documents to me with a reassuring smile, I took a moment to express my gratitude, acknowledging her assistance with a heartfelt thank you. Feeling a sense of relief at this pivotal step in the process, I excused myself and made my way out of the courthouse, the weight of the official papers in my hands symbolizing the progress I had made.
To move forward with my entrepreneurial ambitions, I concentrated on the essential steps required to launch my business successfully. The first and foremost task was to acquire a suitable piece of land where I could establish my new venture. After conducting thorough research and exploring various options, I came across a promising property strategically located within the city. This particular lot had a rich history, having been home to several businesses over the years, which gave me confidence in its potential.
The land itself encompasses an impressive 6,000 square meters, roughly translating to about a football field's worth of land, providing ample space to bring my vision to life. After careful negotiation, I was able to secure the property for a total cost at 1,000 Thal per square meter for a total of 600 Ran. This decision marked a significant milestone in my journey, as it laid the foundation for what I hope will become a thriving enterprise tailored to meet the needs of the community.
After finalizing my plans, I visited a local labor agency and engaged a workforce of 120 skilled laborers to undertake the demolition of the aging structures on the land I had recently acquired. This demolition project was a substantial investment, costing me 80 Ran and 6,400 Thal for the intensive operation, which spanned 7 days with each worker putting in 8-hour shifts daily. The effort required meticulous coordination and oversight to ensure safety and efficiency on-site.
When I factored in all additional expenses related to the project, my total investments reached around 100 Ran. This included the costs for equipment, safety gear, and waste disposal, all of which were necessary to adhere to local regulations and ensure a smooth demolition process. Once the day's operations were wrapped up, I returned to my hotel, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over me as I reflected on the progress I had made. It was rewarding to see my visions for the property gradually taking shape.
During the intense seven days that the workers meticulously deconstructed the old buildings, I took the opportunity to immerse myself in various quests for the guild. Each task was filled with unique challenges that tested my skills and resolve. I spent hours gathering medicinal herbs from the lush forest, carefully identifying the right plants while avoiding any lurking dangers. On another day, I ventured into the wild to confront a band of ruthless bandits that had been terrorizing the local travelers; after a fierce skirmish, I prevailed, driving them away and earning my place as a protector of the realm.
Additionally, I participated in caravan defenses where I collaborated with fellow guild members to ward off threats during crucial trade routes. Each successful defense enhanced our reputation and secured vital supplies for our community. The highlight of my week was the harrowing battle against a fearsome monster that had been plaguing a nearby village. The thrill of the encounter and the subsequent victory were exhilarating, and the grateful villagers offered their heartfelt thanks.
By the end of the week, my dedication to these quests paid off with a well-deserved promotion to Tier 1, two stars. In contrast, my friend Heath celebrated his rise to Tier 0, ten stars, a testament to his extraordinary achievements and combat prowess. As a result of our combined efforts, I had accumulated an impressive total of 8,648 Ran and 2,092 Thal, while Heath earned 3,706 Ran and 3,754 Thal. These considerable sums not only elevated our status but also made us quite wealthy in the eyes of our peers, transforming our reputation within the guild and the wider community.
Once the deconstruction phase was completed, I gathered the same labor team and presented them with an ambitious new project: to construct a building measuring 200 meters in length, 200 meters in width, and towering 100 meters high. The proposal took the builders by surprise, as this new structure was set to become the tallest building in the city, a significant feat for our team. Their initial excitement quickly turned to apprehension, however, as they voiced concerns regarding their inexperience in handling projects of such height and complexity.
Understanding the gravity of their reservations, I chose to be proactive. I recognized that for the project to succeed, we needed to incorporate advanced technology in skyscraper construction. Which Required me to make a strategic decision to allocate 100 units of Energy towards acquiring the necessary Technology.
With the new knowledge and tools at our disposal, I approached the construction company once more, this time with a specific request for documentation. When the owner arrived, I was ready with a carefully drafted contract. To seal the deal, I offered him 500 Ran—an amount that was three times the estimated value of his company. The figure was designed to reflect both the potential of the new project and my commitment to a collaborative partnership. After reviewing the offer and deliberating on the potential benefits, he agreed to the terms and signed the contract. In a ceremonious exchange, I handed him the agreed-upon sum of money, and in return, he presented me with the ownership papers for the construction company. This transaction not only secured my interests in the project but also established a solid foundation for our future endeavors together.
With the ownership papers securely in hand, I approached one of the workers on-site and entrusted him with the documents, instructing him to head to the courthouse to officially register the property under my company, Apollo. His expression conveyed a mix of diligence and eagerness as he set off with the papers clenched tightly. After he departed, I took the opportunity to engage in a discussion with the foreman overseeing the construction crew. Drawing a large sheet of paper toward me, I meticulously drafted a detailed outline of the skyscraper I envisioned—a modern architectural marvel that would soar above the city skyline. I included aspects such as the number of floors, the layout of the offices, and the planned use of green spaces around the building to enhance its aesthetic and environmental appeal.
Once I completed the sketch, the foreman reviewed it thoughtfully. After a careful assessment of the outlined project, he calculated the material costs involved in bringing my vision to life. To my financial scrutiny, he informed me that the total would amount to 120 Ran. I considered his evaluation for a moment, weighing the potential return on investment and the impact this skyscraper could have on our company's portfolio. Satisfied with the projected costs and the promising prospect for growth, I nodded in agreement. His face broke into a wide smile, one that conveyed both satisfaction and excitement for the project ahead. He reassured me that, with my approval, the team was ready to mobilize and commence construction on the land I now owned. As he gathered his crew, a sense of anticipation filled the air, marking the beginning of a significant chapter on my company, Apollo
As I stood at the bustling construction site, a man named Shawn Huss approached me with an important detail about the project timeline. "If you're willing to wait about six months to complete the building, we won't need to hire any additional workers. However, if you want it finished sooner, we will need to bring on a significant number of extra hands, as 120 workers just won't be sufficient," he explained, his expression serious.
Curious about the implications, I asked him how many workers would be necessary to accelerate the completion to just one month. Without hesitation, he calculated that we would require approximately 700 more workers, an enormous increase that would push the budget to an eye-watering 2,000 Ran—about 20% of my total funds. I weighed my options carefully; the prospect of finishing the project in such a short time was tempting, and ultimately, I decided the investment was worthwhile. I handed Shawn the money, catching a flicker of surprise in his eyes, which indicated he hadn't expected me to commit so quickly.
With the financial aspect settled, I encouraged him to maintain the high standards of work, feeling a sense of relief that we were back on track. After exchanging a few parting words, I decided it was time to leave the construction site. I made my way to the worker who had been responsible for the change of ownership documentation. I collected the necessary papers, confirming my stake in the project was officially recognized by the government. Satisfied with the progress, I turned away from the site and headed towards the hotel where I was to meet Heath. The day had been filled with significant decisions, and now I looked forward to discussing our next steps with him over a well-deserved meal. As I finished packing my belongings in the hotel room, I glanced over at Heath, who was carefully organizing his things as well. The process was bittersweet, marked by the excitement of what lay ahead yet tinged with a hint of nostalgia for the time we spent there. Once we were both ready, we stepped out into the warm, inviting sunshine and made our way to a local realtor's office.
Upon entering the office, I was greeted by a friendly woman named Sarah, who would be assisting me in my search for a new home. After exchanging pleasantries, I sat down with her at a large oak desk cluttered with various real estate. I took a moment to gather my thoughts before sharing my specific home requirements and budget. "I'm looking for a property situated near a Normandy guild building," I explained, emphasizing the importance of its proximity to my interests. "Ideally, it should be outside the bustling downtown area, giving me some peace and privacy." I specified that I wanted a spacious property with at least 4,000 square meters—about 1 acres of land—providing ample room for outdoor activities and future expansion. Additionally, I mentioned that I needed a minimum floor space of over 1,000 square meters to comfortably accommodate my lifestyle.
As I finished outlining my criteria, Sarah leaned in with an encouraging smile. "That's a great start! And what's your budget?" she asked, clearly intrigued. "I'm working with a budget of 1,700 Ran," I replied, a mix of hope and apprehension in my voice.
Her smile widened as she nodded enthusiastically. "With that budget, there are definitely options available that could meet your needs. Let's see what we can find that fits your vision." Her confidence reassured me, and I felt a renewed sense of optimism as we began the exciting process of finding my new home.
The next day, we returned to the properties the lady had mentioned. She had four that fit my description and asked if I wanted to visit them. I agreed, and we proceeded to the first property. I didn't like it, and the second was only alright. However, the third property truly captivated me; it was exactly as I had imagined. Additionally, it included full house staff, a large garden, and a sizable lake behind the house.
After taking a thorough tour of the charming house and the sprawling property, I turned to the lady who was showing me around and inquired about the price of the estate. She revealed that, surprisingly, it was well below my budget expectations, especially considering the picturesque lake that added such value and charm to the property. The asking price was set at just 1,400 Ran. Her words sparked excitement within me, and without hesitation, I instructed her to get the contract to pay which I did promptly, after which
Heath and I set out early in the afternoon, the sun high in the sky, to find new furniture for refurbishing the estate. Armed with a list of our desired items and a clear budget, we spent the next three hours exploring various shops in town. The vibrant displays and eclectic styles were both exciting and overwhelming, but we eventually settled on a few key pieces that would complement the estate's classic charm. After comparing prices and quality, we ended up spending a substantial 60 Ran.
Once back at the estate, we dove straight into the task of removing the old furniture. The process was surprisingly labor-intensive, as the old pieces were bulky and heavy. We carefully disassembled them, making sure not to damage the walls or floors, which took us nearly two hours.
As the sun began to set, we finally set up the new furnishings, arranging them thoughtfully to create inviting spaces. By the time we stepped back to admire our work, it was already 9 PM. Exhausted but satisfied with our efforts, Heath and I exchanged a knowing smile, both of us ready to collapse into bed for a well-deserved night's sleep.