Chapter Five: Learning About The World.

‘What should I do first? I only have 10 copper coins. These drops should net me some coins, but… As I thought, I need more info on Red Clay City, Vavell Kingdom, and surrounding areas.’

Really, information was everything after all. To decide what to do and where to go for money and other activities the more info the better. Yushin had no idea about the city and its happenings, nor what kind of activities were profitable. The most direct course of action would be just to ask.

Other players were still no good for this. There were some going around, many leaving to other areas and places. But since Tales was just released it was useless to go after them. Of course, in a few days a lot of info would still pop up around the net, but he didn’t plan to wait for it.

“Where do I go for information?” Yushin asked a near Red Clay City Guard. They wore blue outfits with medium iron armor and glaives or swords. In most games, info could be obtained on [Taverns], [Guilds] or [Information Brokers].

“Are you an adventurer, sir? If so, there are many [Adventurer’s Guilds] on Red Clay. Members of the [Temple] can also go there for information. [Mercenary Groups] and [Merchant Alliances] are also selling their info. The [City Lord Palace] will also gladly receive your honor and assist.”

The guard was very respectful towards Yushin. Do they hold adventurers in that much regard? Are they afraid of pissing people off?

Yushin nodded and bowed slightly. He planned on visiting all of them and gathering as much info as possible. He asked for directions to one of the Adventurer’s Guilds and then left the beginner’s area.

There were many impatient players rushing outside the city, some forming groups and others going solo. The variety of races was also impressive. He had already seen about half of the races from character creation.

After passing a few streets with nothing interesting on them, Yushin finally found one of the Guilds mentioned before. It was a very large blue building with Iron doors and a gaudy design full of bright lights. [Golden Rose Guild] read above the door.

Yushin took a step in but was quickly stopped by one of the guards.

“You are not worthy. Leave.” He said briskly.

Yushin was stunned but quickly recovered. He nodded and bowed slightly, then left. He wasn’t someone willing to go in there after being told that, neither someone who would cause a scene for it.

And yet he would never forget.

Following left he quickly found another guild. It was much smaller, with a green outlook and made of some kind of very interesting wood. It indeed was much simpler than the one before and called [Free Forest Guild].

Yushin looked around, but no one has stopped him this time. There were many other players and a few he recognized as NPC’s, such as the guards and attendants. A young looking man with small frame and blue short hair bowed in front of him.

“Hello, Sir…?”

“Yushin.”

“Welcome, Sir Yushin. Are you here for registration or other services?” The young man asked, behaving very politely.

“I would like some information first and to decide later.” He answered with a smile.

“But of course.” Bowing, the attendant led Yushin to a small side room. A dwarf lady sat there and nodded when they came in. She had a dignified and serious air, and looked near middle-age. Hair styled like a single braid, no other defining features stood out.

“Then, if you excuse me.” The attendant left.

“Hello Sir Yushin, please welcome to the [Free Forest Adventurer’s Guild]. I am Moina, and I shall answer your questions today.” She pointed towards a well-built chair.

Yushin bowed and sat. “I am new to Vavell Kingdom and Red Clay City. I would like as much information as you can share.”

“Yes, if you join [Free Forest] you will have access to every bit of info we have. Of course, classified info requires a higher [Member Level], but basic info should be plenty for your current needs.” Moina smiled.

“...” Yushin wasn’t willing to join an organization so fast. He first needed to understand how things worked and stood in the city, after all.

Seeing he wasn’t willing to commit immediately, Moina added, “Of course, since you are new, I will share some basic info concerning the City and Guilds. Those are easy to find and I am allowed to share.”

“Currently, Red Clay is the third biggest city in Vavell Kingdom, considered a [Second Class City], and is known by [Pottery], [Magic Dungeons] and [Archery]. Our Pottery art is unparalleled, hence the name “Red Clay”. You can find many potters around the [Northern Edge] of the City. Merchants also sell it everywhere inside.”

“For Archery, there are many teachers inside Red Clay. In fact, in the three oldest Adventurer’s guilds, all of them have an [Archery Master] present. We have pride in our arrows over here.” She smiled.

“Three Oldest Adventurer’s Guilds? And how does one become an Archery Master?” Yushin asked.

“Those are [Golden Rose], [Free Forest] and [Red Clay] guilds. They have many years of history and exploration, and hundreds of members. [Masters] are people recognized by a king because of their skills. That gives them glory and status everywhere, even other kingdoms. Recruiting of Masters can be very aggressive among powers.”

“I see. Please tell me more about Adventurer’s Guilds.”

“Well, there are many types of guilds, and Adventurer’s are just one of them. There are Mercenary, Merchant, Thieves, Mages, all sorts of Crafters and other related guilds. It’s one association for a common purpose. For the Adventurer’s, our goal is primarily to explore Magic and Field Dungeons, and expand our current [Frontiers]. In some guild’s case, they are also subordinate to a kingdom. You are allowed to rise ranks in a guild according to their rules and your contribution.”

“Can anyone create a guild?”

“Yes. As long as you have the funds for it. Though, in some cases and if you are creating them based on a specific location, the local administration might reject. In which case you’re better off finding another city or kingdom to dwell, right?”

Yushin nodded.

“Also, some types of guilds can have [Branch], [Divisions], [Subordinates], [Allies] or [Contract Partners].”

“Sounds complicated.” Yushin smiled.

“It does, right? But the basics are there. A Branch is merely an extension of the current guild, in the same city or another. A division is always part of the guild, be it a branch or main, and it is often delegated a different purpose. Mercenary guilds, for instance, have many divisions for different tasks. [Free Forest] has a crafting and hunting division, but no branches in other cities.”

Yushin listened carefully. He was very interested in this subject.

“A subordinate is created when one guild yields control to another. This can happen due to [Contract] or the result of a [War]. A contract is based on free will or previous [Binding Agreement], while yielding due to War will have other consequences. Allies are self-explanatory and will aid each other in times of War, and guilds can use each other’s dungeons if they are allied. Contract Partners are made with specific objectives in mind, such as the recurrent use of a facility or dungeon. It’s a temporary and less binding version of an Alliance.”

‘So these are NPC created guilds, but players can rise in ranks and become leaders. They can also create their own, and many subsidiaries, subordinates or partners. Those older guilds probably have some kind of backer though. Maybe even [The King] behind.’

“What are the benefits of joining a Guild?”

“Aside from information, help of the guild and other members, and special quests, some guilds have their own dungeons and facilities. Didn’t I say Red Clay is known for its Dungeons? In fact, each one of the three oldest guilds has their own dungeon. Some have more than one even. Those are well regarded as treasures, for obvious reasons.”

“...I See. Then what would my obligations be?”

“It depends on which organization you join. I can tell you about [Free Forest]. We are part exclusive of [Vavell Kingdom], and as such, any successful exploration you lead will result in a percentage of the gain turned over to the government as a form of Tax. They will also have priority on buying items from you, and you may only sell to outside sources after inspection. In return, they will offer you a position in the Kingdom itself in view of your contributions. You may even become [Lord of Red Clay City] or be bestowed upon a new city or settlement.”

“Also, if the need arises, such as in the case of War or an external force attack, like a [Monster Invasion], you are obligated to participate and defend the kingdom. Failure to do so will result in being expelled, unless there is a good justification for it, such as being away on a mission. Every [Guild Member] receives special summon during times of need, so you should hurry back if you ever receive it.”

‘So, even though it is an Adventurer’s Guild, it still has ties to the kingdom. The other’s must be the same. If there are multiple factions within the city, then maybe behind each guild there is a different faction. Choosing who to help and who not to will definitely have an impact in the future.’

“Besides, anyone is free to commission a “Quest” or “Task” from the guilds, and members will choose which to accept. There are even special missions regarded as very important. I can’t tell you more about the inner workings, but [Tasks] are simple objectives, such as gathering some kind of material, and [Quests] are more difficult requests, which can take longer and have many phases. Quest and Task Difficulty go from F, E, D, C, B, A, S, SS, SSS and SSS+. Needless to say, SSS+ quests are the most difficult and related to events like [The Calamity], and only just exist as a formality. There has never been a single quest that important in the history of the [Heroic Kingdoms].”

“...I understand. What can you tell me about the Heroic Kingdoms?”

“I can tell you that, besides Vavell, there is [Graceful Wind Kingdom] to the North, the [Aubrubia Empire] to the east, [Nealia Dynasty] to the west and [Grillia Kingdom] in the northeast, further from Graceful Wind. I cannot tell you any more than this unless you’re a member.”

‘So it seems the only one not bordering Vavell is Grillia, that means those other three kingdoms are the main competitors, probably even have some tension with each other.’

“And the surrounding areas?” Yushin asked.

“Each kingdom has many [Settlements], [Forts] and [Gates] protecting their territory, especially close to the [Frontier]. You might have heard about the Frontier already, but it is what we call the unexplored space after a kingdom’s domain. Each kingdom's law does not apply there and anyone can claim territory, as long as they can protect it from [Demons], [Bandits] or anyone interested, really. You can even grow your settlement into a city or kingdom! Isn’t that exciting?” Moina really liked this subject.

“Sounds dangerously fun,” Yushin replied with a smile.

“But it is not easy to do. Even the kingdoms only send a few expeditions outside the border, because there is a lot of preparation and danger involved. Holding a new fort requires great manpower and resources. Many new settlements are still being attacked nowadays, so few venture out the [Outer Walls]. There are many riches, including [Relics of The Fallen Kingdoms] to find and explore.”

‘And now players will try to get stronger quickly and go outside. Later on, there will be many new guilds and kingdoms, maybe even some Fallen Kingdoms revived. It’s a good thing they said this world is massive. Technology has come a long way…’

“One last thing. Can you tell me about healing and selling items?”

“Healing over time is really slow, so most adventurers go to the [Temple], [Tavern] or [Inn] for help. Each will help you heal in a different way and at a different cost. You also heal slowly outside most dungeons. Of course, [Healing Magic] and [Items] can also be used.”

Indeed, Yushin had healed a lot since he left. It seems being inside Dungeons prevents his normal regeneration.

“About items, there are markets and each crafter’s guild will buy specific materials. They prefer to buy in bulk though, so maybe selling to merchants and other players is a better option. You can receive coins for undertaking quests, and several guilds, kingdoms, and other organizations may retain you as an [Advisor], [Member] or [Guest] with a [salary]. Isn’t it wonderful? Though I spend mine mostly on wine. Wine is the best!”

“I’ll remember that.” Yushin nodded. “Thank you for your help, Miss Moina. I will come back after I decide.”

“Oh, you flatterer!” Yushin didn’t realize she was much past being called “Miss”. “I usually don’t tell people this much, but I got this familiar feeling from you… even though you’re clearly not a Dwarf.”

Yushin eyebrows knit. ‘A familiar feeling? Maybe I’m half-dwarf? But I’m pretty tall for a dwarf half-breed…’

Bidding farewell for both Moina and the attendant, Yushin left the Free Forest Guild. He had learned a lot about Tales of The Heroic Kingdoms, and there was still a lot more to learn.

However, now he knew the outside world was prime for exploration. A dangerous and exciting scenario filled with new discoveries and species. Of course, the enemies would also be many, including other players and NPC’s. Based on his first dungeon, the strength level needed to explore would not be low either.

There was no need to rush into action.

If information was key to understanding the world, connections were key to getting things done. He couldn’t do everything by himself, especially if he was going to compete with larger organizations.

Joining Free Forest or other guilds had many benefits, but also many obligations. He would be bound to protect the kingdom at all times, limiting freedom and decision power. If he didn’t join, he wouldn’t get access to their dungeons and would be forced to rely on luck.

How long would a small guild take to find a dungeon? And a good one at that? From what he could understand, the dungeons there were not common ones, but [Permanent] and most likely [Unlimited]. How else would it fit an entire Guild? How did they even get hold of them? Were them created or natural? Whose property are them? Can them be moved, destructed or stolen? If so, power was needed to protect everything.

He got many answers, but even more questions right now. Even if he couldn’t answer them all, many options were there. Either joining a guild, creating one and becoming [Subordinate] or [Ally] to a more powerful one. He could keep exploring without affiliation as long as possible. He could join crafters or Mercenary Groups instead.

But, to decide, he still needed at least to learn about [Red Clay Guild] and visit Merchants.

In his mind [Golden Rose] was already nothing.