“Molok! So nice to see you, how’ve you been?” Deacon said entering the room shortly followed by Ralph and Amanda. Once they were in Jacob closed the door and sat in the chair opposite Molok.

“I’m quite fine. I understand you’ve had quite the adventure since leaving the Udder. Breaking ancient curses, founding new city states, attaining a noble title, joining the Adventurers guild, unlocking a legendary guild mark, uncovering a plot to invade the city by the Vasilly Empire, a nest of Vampires, and an enemy you created during one of the other things I mentioned. Quite the list of accomplishments in only a few weeks’ time.” Molok listed off while everyone got seated.

“When you string them together like that it does sound impressive.” Deacon replied.

“Deacon, you are a speaking to the founder of the guild. A little more deference please.” Ralph whispered leaning over.

“I didn’t even mention knocking out a giant Ogre, routing the Vasilly troops, freeing hundreds of slave soldiers, breaking Philo’s Wandering Maze, and finally ending the menace that was Philo himself. Aren’t you the least bit concerned that you are at the center of all these incredible events?” Molok asked.

“To be honest, I’m not from this world. I assumed this stuff happened all the time.” Deacon answered.

“No it doesn’t happen all the time you nimrod. What Guild Founder Molok just listed is an entire lifetimes worth of adventures.” Jacob interjected.

“Guild Master Jacob is quite right. We are having this talk for a few reasons. One, Ralph and Amanda have asked to be a party with you, officially. We want them to understand what they are getting into. Two, your membership has enhanced our guilds standing in the kingdom. While everyone may not know you personally, you are in fact growing our strength and reputation with your actions. Three, I don’t think you truly understand your situation. You are in fact causing these events.” Molok said letting that last statement hang in the air.

“Excuse me sir, how is he causing them?” Ralph asked with a look of concern.

“He is the Champion of Chimera. What is Chimera the god of? Chaos and Gambling. His presence creates an atmosphere of variability. I noticed this when I first met him but thought it was an ability given to him by Chimera. It is in fact just emanating from him. I would say that he will bring uncertainty anywhere he goes. Which brings us to my point. The King of the Griffin Kingdom has asked for an audience.” Molok said.

“You’re kidding. He’d be executed within the first sentence. Not possible.” Amanda blurted out before catching herself.

“That or get knighted. It’s all on the table with Chimera.” Jacob replied.

“You see the problem, unfortunately a royal summons can not be declined. Word has been passed down through the guilds back channels stating that it’s a currently a request and if delayed long enough will become an order. I have sent a message to the royal palace on your behalf stating that you are currently incapacitated due to recent events in the city. You seem quite healthy now. I’d like to hear that happened.” Molok said.

“The dragon saved my life.” Deacon put simply.

“Elaborate.” Was all Molok said.

“He performed a race change ritual since my human body could no longer contain the energy I had absorbed. It was a success, but it drained him too almost nothing. He’s essentially in hibernation.” Deacon spoke.

“That explains the eyebrows. Other than that you don’t look all that different. Did you get some kind of reptile race? What kind?” Molok asked.

“Full Spectral Dragon Blood.” Deacon said and Molok immediately cast a spell that washed over Deacon but spread along the walls and ceiling of the room cutting off all sound.

“You are joking right? I’ve heard of the half breeds that were hunted to extinction, but I’ve never heard of an actual Spectral dragon Blood. You must keep that to yourself. No idea what the ramifications of this will be. I also don’t recommend procreating until you have a significant power base. The half breeds were hunted because they’re bodies made for valuable magic components…but you have a defense they lacked. Your natural anti-magic properties may make that null and void. I will do some research and let you know what I find out. For now Jacob has some things for you.” Molok mused.

“So another thing we need to discuss is your wealth. The Teller has been advancing by leaps and bounds. I’m getting messages from other guild halls that their tellers are also enhancing. After a conversation with him, it seems that your business savvy has reawakened their races latent capabilities. This has also been a great boon to the guild as more and more members make use of the new options. Our recommendation is you continue to grow our guilds financial strength. So here is a quest.” Jacob said before Deacon received a new notification.

New Guild Quest: Fiduciary Responsibility- Guild Master Jacob has asked you to continue to grow the guilds finances. This will help the guild grow and expand. Rewards; One thousand Guild Renown, One thousand Guild Points, New Ability- Midas Touch.

“I actually have an idea about that.” Deacon said while reading the notification.

“Good because your recurring quest idea has a steady churn of members using real money in the guild shop. A shop in which you’ve spent little time. If you had, you would have had the opportunity to purchase this.” Jacob said holding a skill book out to Deacon which he took reading the accompanying prompt.

New Item: Party Skill, Advanced Book- This skill allows the user to share pertinent information about each other’s status as well as an auto Inspect ability for targets your level or lower. The party must consist of guilded members in good standing. No cost. Would you like to learn Party Skill, Advanced? Yes/No

Deacon selected yes and the standard light show ensued followed by the book crumbling away.

“Everyone mentioned how you were always waiting for someone else to send an invite. With that book you can start them yourself. It’s the upgraded skill with the auto inspect ability. If you raise the skill you can go beyond that pesky level barrier. Had you spent your guild points in the shop, you could have picked this skill up already. This should make up for not having a ceremony for your change in guild status. Now when it comes to leaving the city, you took some low-level pest control jobs for the farmers. Do you intend to leave them undone?” Jacob asked.

“That’s actually my idea, how would you feel about contracted work for an organization of farmers? I wanted to go out there and clean out the pests. Then create an agricultural organization that can direct contracted low-level adventurers for clean outs of nest. I call it Network Farming Treaties or NFTs for short. It’s my understanding that most adventures skip over those quests in favor of more lucrative ventures. We can even make them part of the entrance tests for the guilds.” Deacon explained.

“That would give the farmers some piece of mind and the guild even more steady income. Not Bad.” Molok said.

“I agree with the founder. If you can convince them to agree to your NFTs, I’ll consider the quest complete.” Jacob responded.

“Are we really going to spend our time fighting off some rats? I just hit level sixteen. What a waste.” Amanda added.

“Jacob can my party share the quest & rewards?” Deacon asked.

“Of course, I encourage it.” Jacob said which completely changed Amanda’s attitude.

“OK, we’ll head out after my first stop today. There are a few things I need to take care of in the city as well as find out what Typhus wanted.” Deacon said.

“Don’t worry about that silly Bloodbeard. I’m sure it’s not important. That does bring up another thing. Did you know all the specialization classes chosen by the Cardinal Unit were unique? Your friends are not only a rare unit within the guild, but they will be able to train other guild members in their new unique specializations going forward. I suggest starting with Armand when you catch up to them. His is the most distinctive. Not sure I’ve ever heard of that specialization before. I of course attribute their unique choices to being around you for so long.” Molok quipped.

“I was surprised when I walked through the list with them when they were choosing. They each had special branching line in their class trees, and they all choose that one. It was surprising because the line kept alternating colors for some reason. Never seen anything like it in all my years as Guild Master.” Jacob said.

“Well now I’ve got to know. I saw that Elle had antlers. What did they pick?” Deacon said excitedly leaning forward.

“Not for us to tell. They were all very excited to share them with you.” Jacob answered.