The trio arrived through an opening in the forest, and there was a long wooden bridge. Which went all the way over to the other side of the lake. Which used to be known as the Lake of Madame Gia. Because Madame Gia has fallen at a battle that took place around this lake. She was a celebrated soldier back in the day. The nation they used to live in was quite patriotic and were proud of their battles. Throughout their entire history so you likely find a bunch of places called after war heroes. But also quite some monuments celebrating both the old nations' wins and remembering their losses.

But of course that was before the world changed. Now it is just a long bridge with a big portal connected to it. Beside the portal there was a group of three thugs who blocked the way to the other side of the lake. The lake is surrounded with boulders and big trees and other rough terrain so this is the only way to get back to their village.

Collin decided to approach the group of three and ask them what the reason was that they were blocking the way.

So the tribe approached the bridge and one of three thugs started talking.

"Who are you three and what is your business in this territory." They said bold and straight forward.

"Well we just arrived from a little adventure. We went to explore an old farm. But I managed to finish it and want to go back to our village. However a group of three thugs suddenly stands on the bridge leading to our village. So why is that the case if I may ask?"

The group of the three thugs started talking with each other for a bit. Giving dirty looks to them now and then. They then turned back to the tribe and finally replied.

"Well this is a bridge that's under our control, you are required to pay a toll. It needs to be pod if you wish to cross this bridge. Otherwise we are afraid that you can't get back to your 'village'"

Collin replied expecting this somewhat.

"So how much does this toll of yours amount to? Because we do wish to cross over to get back home."

The thug put up two hands.

"100 RTP per person, you got a group of 5 so that will be 500 RTP total. Time to pay up kid"

The thug then lowered his hand, and opened one of the hands ready to grab the rtps that they will pay to him.

Sophie clenches her fists. Trying to stay in control of her anger. Because those lackeys dare swindle her and her friends.

Collin notices and nodded to Sophie then he turned back to the thugs.

"That is practically a robbery, that's half of our wealth somewhat."

When the thugs wanted to reply. A figure was seen at the other side of the bridge. It was a tall man with short cut blond hair. Wearing sunglasses and quite muscular. He stepped on the bridge and you could feel it. He likely weighs quite some mass too. He walked over to the thugs and put his hand on the shoulder of who looks to be the leader. The thug became pale and the man started to talk.

"What is happening here? Why don't you step aside and let me have a talk with this young man."

The lackey nodded and stepped aside and shouted at the other thugs to move it. The man then stepped forward. He reached out his hand to Collin and introduced himself.

"The name Mr. Valegat from the Mellico corporation. But please just call me Vale. That name was mainly formal in the old world. I am one of the team leaders of Mellico corp. We were exploring the areas around Lareyville city. To look for any areas to expand to in the future." The man explained in a calm yet confident tone.

Collin was shocked, he didn't expect to meet someone from the Mellico corp around here. The Mellico corp used to be a big name within Lareyville City in the old world. It looks like they wish to put their footprint in the new world too.

He felt intimidated and asked Sandy to do a scan of the group in front of him. Sandy started right away and quickly afterwards she managed to share some information. However it scared Collin for sure.

All the three thugs actually were not some low leveled assholes. They were all level 5 and tier 1. However, the most terrifying one from the bunch. Was the guy standing in front of him calling himself Vale. This man is actually level 8. Confirming they really were powerless in this situation, and that they likely will need to follow whatever the demand of this corporation is.

It didn't take long before Vale noticed Sandy and the similar devices that the two behind the young man were wearing. So he asked them.

"What are those devices you guys are dragging along with you? I have never seen those before, before and after the world changed."

Collin was in shock and scanned the group before him. To his surprise none of them had a device that looked anything or at least familiar to what his tribe had with them.

Ronald stepped beside Collin and started to explain. Because he noticed that Collin was somewhere else.

"Ah yeah we don't really know what they are called but me and that girl over there got ours. Within the tutorial level, however, the young man over there got a flying and talking one instead. While ours mainly shows stuff and gives a few words now and then."

"Don't you three have anything similar then? I thought it was something that everyone gets after completing the tutorial."

Vale shook his head.

"Nah no one here or back at our base got a device like you three do. So it isn't something common around here. But then again we don't really have something called a 'tutorial level' yet."

He then crossed his arms and looked back at Collin.

"But now to get back to the issue at hand. You're currently within the territory of the newly formed Mellico house. I suggest you be civil about this and just pay the toll. Hopefully next time we meet we do so under better circumstances."

Sophie replied.

"How do we know they speak the truth and aren't just using the name of the corporation to rob people?"

Vale glares at Sophie.

"Be careful what you're saying pal, you dare to say that we are lying. Even though until now we have been peaceful about all of this.

Sophie grabbed her rod but Collin raises his hand and gestures to put the weapon down. Sophie looked confused at Collin's weapon still in hand.

"Sandy scan this area will you."

Sandy flew up and scanned the lake thoroughly. Vale had no clue what to do or expect from all this and just looked confused at Sand while she was flying with some laser all around the lake. However when he starts to realize what it might be a bit of fear was seen on his face.

"Scan completed!" Sandy replied and Collin nodded.

"Sandy, can you tell me how many members are in the Mellico house?"

"Hmm about 80 members are under that house if that's what you mean."

This shocked Ronald a bit but Collin half expected it with how large the company was in the old world.

Sophie then lowered her weapon feeling powerless. However something tells her Collin might have a plan.

Vale continued.

"Now that's also settled, I will repeat once more. Because I am starting to lose my patience. Pay 500 RTP. To be allowed to cross our border here. If you don't have the coin. You can work under us to earn the amount through work."

That's when Vale gave a sign and the thugs unsheathed their weapons. This was what Collin was waiting for.

"Sandy, are we currently standing in the territory of the Mellico house?"

Vale's eyes widened. This was what he was afraid of with this little scheme of his.

Sandy shakes her head

"No this is neutral territory, there is no power who has control over it yet"

Collin shook his head.

"So you were lying to us. So much for the big Mellico house. Robbing the smaller powers, your company really is scum. Nothing is noble about that"

Vale tried to keep his anger in but told the thugs to attack if he gave a sign. Just in case.

"Fine but like you can most likely see with that device of you. I am level eight, and the men behind me are all level 5. But you found it out. So I will let you pass for a lower price of 80 RTP for each human totalling 240 RTP."

Collin nodded and told Ronald and Sophie to get 80 RTP. Ronald right away gave 80 RTP knowing that there is no way they could win. Sophie's pride is still up in the air. But after she calculated her chances she decided to give 80 RTP to them either way.

"I appreciate it that we managed to handle this peacefully. Guys lower your weapons and move out of the way."

Just like that this first encounter but certainly not the last with the Mellico house ended. While the tribe headed over back home. Collin had one more question to Sandy.

"What is a house compared to a tribe?"

"It is simply a higher level of a tribe. Once you get out of the tribe level you will get the rank of a house."

With that what is now still a tribe moves to their village of Galley.