Winfrey

Main Lobby, Voinete Mansion, Meteo Town

Getting back out of the tunnel takes a while, but I didn't really feel up to hurrying, even if it isn't a great idea to leave the boys on their own for too long. They can handle themselves, but that's on the assumption that they have space to cast their spells and the mansion has been getting more assassins visiting than passing birds.

Lacking motivation ultimately doesn't appear to have made a difference, as I pass into the lobby on my way to the kitchens. Grand, Angelus & Jupiter are all present and well, sat at the foot of the stairs on a step each in relative silence for a weird turn. I'd have expected Jupiter to be running his mouth if nothing else, but none of them say a word before they notice me peering over the banister.

"Oh, Win, there you are," Grand waves, "You've been gone for longer than we thought you'd be. We were starting to wonder if you'd come in through the front door instead."

"After dying, you mean," I pick up on the insinuation, "No, it's just a long walk there and back."

"So, what did you find?" Angelus gets straight to the point, pushing off the stairs to stand.

"Not entirely sure?" I shrug, "But we think we may have found what Meteo was using for it's City Core down there. Non-functional, obviously."

"That's way better than what I was thinking would be down there. Or way worse? Not really sure that's like, a good thing since wasn't the City Core...y'know?" Jupiter's head sways from side to side, belabouring the point, "Arevas?"

"So we assume," Angelus nods in agreement, "Does that mean the tunnel connects back to his prison?"

I shake my head in firm denial, "Not directly. There's a complicated magical machinery...array....thing down there which...umm...You remember the Pool of Desire and all that gunk that was leaking out of the big crystal? I think that someone must've deliberately tapped it like a maple tree."

"So, you're telling us that the city core was The Forbidden Maple Syrup?" Jupiter summarises with a mock-serious tone of voice, "Or, fuelled by it."

"Maybe?" I shrug, "Also, never call it that ever again. You're gonna ruin maple syrup for me forever otherwise and I really don't want to put spraycan whipped cream on my waffles. Yick."

"Changing the subject," Angelus clears his throat, "Something has come up we need your input on."

"Hm?"

"Some representatives from some of the local guild teams showed up with some news and an invitation," Grand explains, "In short, DDA has gone too far and the armchair adventurers twiddling their thumbs on the sidelines got a quest from Town Hall that motivated them to get off their collective asses to do something about it. They want our 'help'."

"We're the biggest target for DDA right now," Angelus continues, "So we'd be bait for a confrontation while they extort whatever they can get away with out of us."

"You don't say..?" I fold my arms and raid a knuckle to my lips as I consider the situation, my mind wandering back to the advice I received from Uncle Eric, the information & plans that Alex has been sharing, and drifting through the pros and cons of playing along. I don't know how long it takes, but I eventually come to something of an epiphany.

"Ah," my head jolts, eyes blinking rapidly.

"You alright in there?" Jupiter peers over the railing. Personal space, man. Back it up.

"...Yes," I push his face away from mine, "If they want to benefit off us, why not let them?"

---

 

The Next Day

Winfrey's Bedroom, Matthews Manor, Florida

"That's more or less similar to an idea I was considering using later on, before I was treated to the practical reality of the old maxim 'no plan survives first contact'," Alex muses, yawning, "Go ahead with my blessing. Not that you really need it."

"I just want to cover my ass. Better to ask for permission than seek forgiveness," I explain profoundly while sipping on my green tea, feeling like some kind of East Asian mountain sage.

Alex grunts, "I'm fairly certain that the idiom is traditionally used the other way around. But I take your point."

"How's the journey with Jinx going?"

I know she can be a little difficult to get along with at first. Despite her job, she's not really much for idle conversation with new folks. I think she secretly hopes that people don't come alone or get too sauced to bother trying to talk to her.

"It goes," the boss-man says bluntly, "And so should I when it comes down to it. Unless there's anything else?"

"No, no, you do whatever it is you do in the morning," I swig down some more tea, all that's left at the bottom is the dregs now, blech, "I was just checking in before I logged in."

"Give my regards to the others," Alex requests before abruptly hanging up.

"Must be in a hurry," I mutter, switching apps to the guild chatroom to check everyone's coming online, then locking my phone and tossing it onto my bed like a basketball. It bounces off the edge and clatters on the floor, to my consternation, but I can't be bothered to pick it up. Just got to remember not to step on it when I collapse into my increasingly familiar bed.

---

 

Officer's Study Room, North Wing, Voinete Mansion

Per some negotiations outside of the game, I somewhat reluctantly agreed to play host to the meeting of the various interested parties at our not-quite-Headquarters. Pragmatically speaking, in spite of the risk to our safety, being in control of the venue and the subconscious message the gesture sends to the others at the negotiating table outweighs that potential negative outcome.

This is our house. These randos are our guests.

On that subject, the last of the dozen or so people that are in attendance for this meeting files through the door and locates a spot on the far left corner of the table opposite me to sit down while their escort is left to stand against the wall behind them with no chair to speak of for him or any of his fellow chaperones. Each person - aside from Truthseekers as the host, naturally - has only been allowed to bring one person inside with them in the interests of security. Several dozen of their subordinates and colleagues stand outside the mansion to ensure no interruptions.

As this is only the first time we're all meeting, no System Contracts that cover all bases are in place as of yet, so the chance that some idiot will try to start some shit persists, but I don't see it as very likely. Whatever the reason, I get the sense that all of the representatives here have come with at least some sincerity to their actions.

Whether or not it will survive the inevitable bickering and infighting remains to be seen, however.

The people present are an uneven mix of different starting races, but from the looks of it the most popular choices were Firm, Wyvernblood and Silva, in that order; with Jericho Fathom as the only Quirstic present and a couple of Kon hanging out with the rest of the chaperones. Further, from the looks of their equipment, it's a near-even split between some manner of spellcaster or frontliner.

I suppose we should get this underway.

"You'll have to forgive the cramped room and lack of chairs," I stand, gaining the attention of those around with a clap, "We don't have a Meeting Room yet, and we weren't expecting to have to accommodate a large number of visitors so soon. Not to mention the obvious, the subject for which you are all here. Why don't we start off with a round of introductions? My name is Windy Fields, I am the Vice-Guild Leader of Truthseekers, and I speak for Silver Nosster in his absence."

"Where exactly is Mr Nosster, on that subject?" the overdone Silva woman from the Pavillion of Myriad Dao interjects, rousing the interest of the rest, "According to rumour, he'd been seen leaving town and hasn't been seen since."

I'm not in a position to just tell them everything, but a poorly thought-out response will just make us look weak. I make a quick judgment, "Completing a Gold-Tier Quest. He'll be back soon."

Most of those present look understandably surprised, unaware that this 'Gold' quest is really just a house call from what I've been given to understand - not sure how that adds up, but I assume it's got more going on behind the scenes than I know. I doubt most of them have had anything more difficult than Iron-Tier fall into their laps, and the one from Town Hall is supposedly Silver-Tier.

"Is that true?" a Firm man with ashen hair questions.

"Yes," I nod, annoyed, "...Now if you don't mind introducing yourselves?"

"As I'm sure you already know, Hadrian King, Guildmaster of Rambling Rose and the one who brought us all together," the smarmy ass smiles as he cuts in front of the rest, his skin a little thicker compared to the last time I saw him. Which was when Silver eviscerated him, come to think of it. Good times.

The ashen-haired man's eyelids flicker for a moment, a hint of suppressed annoyance, "Solar Breath. Grandmaster of Master Dragon."

"Jericho Fathom, Hunt Leader of Wolf Hunt," Jericho nods to me in recognition, his voice just as dry as Silver's, "A pleasure."

"I'm Logan Maddox, here on the behalf of Adventurists while our boss is busy travelling," a handsome Silva to my right bows slightly in his chair, with a hand to his heart. Polite, this one.

Laconic, the overly pretty Silva woman next to him raises a hand, "Dawn Waker, I am the General Manager assigned by Pavillion of Myriad Dao to see to the team's interests in Astral Reckoning."

I'm not too familiar with that organisation personally, but from the quick internet search I did, her parent company is a pretty big deal in Eternal Wuxia. Which probably goes a long way to explaining the name. Compared to most of us present that's a pretty strong background and the only ones who can compete on equal footing from first glance are Hadrian and Rambling Rose with their own corporation behind them.

Not that it really means a whole lot in the present environment, I'm sure.

"Holy Spring Orchard, Jayeon Adan, at your service," the last familiar-ish face (He has nicer hair than me, so it's hard to forget) introduces himself simply before passing the baton to the woman next to him.

The remainder of the representatives are from smaller teams, including one person who has been elected to represent the interests of the various mercenaries who've decided to get involved for the chance of a quick buck. A rather crude woman named Klare with a sharp look about her.

"Can we get on with it now?" she complains, puffing air through her lips, "If you hadn't noticed, the town isn't getting any less on fire. The entirety of the slums have gone up in smoke, and DDA's gathering all its people a couple of streets over. We don't exactly have a lot of time before they come knocking."

"As you say," Hadrian nods in agreement, "Well, to start with, as all of you have agreed to attend I will proceed with the assumption that you have all chosen to assist me and Rambling Rose. If you have any objections, speak now."

Klare clicks her tongue, sharing a look with one of the captains of a small team, "We're interested, not locked in. Let's talk payment and requirements first."

A murmur of agreement passes around the table, though I personally abstain.

"I'll not share the details with any who aren't committed," Hadrian declines, "You won't get the Quest out of me that easily. It's either work with us, or see a fraction of the benefits."

"And what's to stop us from simply asking Town Hall's staff directly..." Dawn raises an eyebrow, vexed, "Might I ask?"

"Reputation," Hadrian answers back smugly, "As a result of our victory over The Brand and near-constant donations to Town Hall. I believe that the only ones capable of matching our current standing within Meteo are Truthseekers, but it's unlikely any would survive the journey there and back at this stage. Darkest Dreamers has far more post-First Step combatants compared to their previous run-ins. Should they catch wind of their exposure, their miraculous feat of survival against the previous large-scale ambush, is, I fear, unable to be repeated."

Several people look my way, their eyes drilling through my face. I bite the side of my tongue to keep my discomfort from showing through, "While I will contend the odds of our demise, it is a risk I - we - would prefer not to undertake unless absolutely necessary. Regardless of the quest, the Darkest Dreamers Alliance needs to be dealt with."

"Agreed," Jericho declares firmly, cold fury contained in his gaze, arms crossed as if holding himself back physically, "Wolf Hunt has a score to settle with those bastards."

"Likewise," Solar Breath snorts, "Ill Fate and Bone Troupe, to be more specific. Their rampage across the town, murdering NPCs basically at random for kicks has ruined innumerable quests - including repeatable ones which we have come to rely on to fund our excursions and pay their ridiculous tolls for Miner's Nightmare."

"Mm. That has troubled the Pavillion's membership as well," Dawn concedes, "One of my subordinates found a stable source of income and a chain quest in the East Residential District with a merchant company hauling goods across the town. That shop has since been burned down and the NPC responsible for the questline was gutted and burned alive in the street. There are plenty of similar stories I've had to listen to complaints about."

Klare shakes her head in distaste, "Some people really take it too far with the whole 'Open World' genre. Not to mention that's like wringing the neck of the golden goose."

Tapping his fingers on the table and clearing his throat, Hadrian interrupts the conversation, "If we could return to the original subject? If you aren't here to assist Rambling Rose, we will not acknowledge your efforts. In such a case, it would be best for you to leave."

"No details, no help," Klare insists, "We aren't going to work pro bono. This ain't community fuckin' service, man. You want us to cover your backs you've gotta show a little sincerity first. Or, what, is this whole thing about a Silver-Tier quest just a load of smoke?"

"While I wouldn't word it quite the same way," I intercede on her behalf, "That we've agreed to this meeting at all is sufficient to show 'our' sincerity in seeing the problem solved. Considering that regardless of whether we work with you or not after receiving the quest we will likely be working to the same end goal, I don't see the point of silence. What exactly is it that you're trying to prove by being obstinate?"

If this is supposed to be some sort of power play, then it's a nonsensical and pointless effort. Completely redundant, in point of fact. 

Cornered, Hadrian frowns beneath the combined weight of our indictment of his foolish narcissism, "...Fine. So be it."

After explaining the general outline, the Quest pops up in front of us.

 

Easier than I was expecting. So easy that it presents something of a problem. The expectation was that Hadrian and one or two of the others would immediately try to take advantage of the situation to blackmail us into paying them for help. With this, that just became a much harder sell for the neutral parties here.

...Is he an idiot?

I feel stupid for asking - Of course he is.

"Our thanks," Dawn smiles beatifically, "The next question, as I see it, is how we intend to cooperate with one another. Though I don't consider it likely that Truthseekers in it's present state is capable of once again cutting our harvest festival short....the same cannot be said for all of us."

I don't like the side-eye she's giving me there. Hey, that wasn't my fault. It was Silver's idea to kill one of the bosses, but then Jade and Hadrian over there had to get into a dick measuring contest and escalate shit way too fast. Although by that point, things were already speeding well outside our control.

"You want to talk shares?" Hadrian infers.

"Exactly," she nods, "After all, there is a finite number of Infamous. Even should one perish and respawn, will they keep doing so? Capturing them is, obviously, out of the question since it removes the possibility of continually farming them for as long as their patience endures. If we were to simply throw all we have at Darkest Dreamers,  the infestation may very well be removed within a day, and in all honesty, the Pavillion will be taking the lion's share of Contribution Points. Though declining that opportunity might seem counter-intuitive, we have no intention of repeating the mistakes of certain others by being greedy."

No prizes for guessing who she was staring at when she said that. Although I really have no choice but to concede the point since this whole mess is happening in no small part because of that. Doesn't mean I have to like it. So yeah, fuck you too. Bitch.

"Your....consideration is appreciated," Hadrian coughs, steepling his fingers, "However, 'ere we speak of that, it would perhaps be more pertinent to address the elephant in the room. The matter of Truthseekers."

Did this little shit just call me an elephant?

Whatever, it seems he's going to bring it up after all which suits me just fine. Of course, this is after he's already kneecapped himself by giving up his biggest bargaining chip to peer pressure like a coward. This promises to be amusing.

"Meaning?" I question him as if I have no idea what he wants.

"As one of the main instigators behind our present woes, it seems rather unbecoming to fight alongside and protect you," Hadrian smiles pleasantly, "While Rambling Rose has no objections to working freely with the rest of you, I can't help but feel we would be exploited without proper reward for such an act in the case of Truthseekers."

Ah, he wanted to show sincerity to the others to endear them to him first. I kind of get it, but he's still making a pretty big fucking assumption about his importance and likability. The Quest details was all he really had going in his favour and they're free to ignore him now should they wish it.

The mercenary representative nods, "I can see your point. Truthseekers are who the top brass of DDA most want to see buried and pissed on after all. No offence to you, but I don't really see you pulling enough weight to justify equal partnership. You're pretty good, but you're only like, six people."

She shrugs, "But so long as we get paid our fair share, I'm not about to judge or complain."

"Agreed," Dawn and Hadrian say in near-unison.

"Personally," Logan speaks up for the first time in a while, "I'd say that we're ambivalent. No matter the reason, the opportunity is in front of us, and Adventurists means to capitalise on it."

"Likewise," Jayeon licks his lower lip, "We have a somewhat favourable business relationship with Silver Nosster, but I still have to look out for the Guild's bottom line. I'd happily help out in light of our previous dealings, and even without, but the difference in what each party brings to the table is rather stark."

The rest keep their silence, but the mood isn't difficult to read. Thankfully, I've prepared in advance for this eventuality, so all I need now is an opening to act upon. For a start, in order to ensure that the flow of the conversation doesn't get away from me and turn into a dogpile, I should speak up.

"We understand as much," I admit, sweeping my gaze over all and sundry, "But before I elaborate on our thoughts, I'd like to hear what exactly it is that you're looking to receive in return for your support. It would certainly appear as though you have something in mind already, perhaps beyond the proposed plan to use us as bait?"

Hadrian chuckles softly, "Your financial situation is not difficult to understand. Even simply looking around us now is more than enough to see that Truthseekers, for all your achievements, are paupers. In fact, the only thing of value you would seem to own is the building itself."

"You want Voinete Mansion, huh?" I deadpan, perching my elbow on the table and propping my cheek on my knuckles, "And, how exactly, is that commensurate with allowing us to benefit from this alliance of interests? Furthermore, how does that benefit the others gathered here? It's not as if you can just carve away pieces of the architecture to everyone present like a novelty cake."

"Of course, I am prepared to pay a significant amount of real-world currency as compensation," he continues to smile, like the cat that caught the mouse, "According to Contribution Points accrued by the end, would be a fair metric, I'd say? As for Truthseekers, I dare say you aren't in a position from which to negotiate..?"

I laugh, my shoulders and belly shaking, "You think so? Evidently, you give yourself a little too much credit. To start with, Silver asked me to pass on a message in expectation of this, quote: 'My house is not a kennel you can acquire as you please - I was clear on my distaste for your designs of a collar around my neck once already'. End quote."

Hadrian's brows furrow and knit together while Jericho smirks and the rest look on in mild confusion.

"To paraphrase: No. You don't get to 'negotiate' as though you had any say or control over us or our property," I continue, smiling wide, "It's ours. Not yours. So, with that information freshly reiterated to the rest of you, we have a counter-proposal for your consideration. Yes, it is certainly true that we are lacking in Empire currency, though to what extent our coffers are filled is a secret. But, we are prepared to offer an investment opportunity that in light of current events and concerns that were laid out earlier, you'd do well to listen to."

"You're already negotiating from the backfoot, and now you're asking for more without giving up anything on top of that?" Solar Breath asks incredulously.

"Truly, your greed and arrogance are profound," Hadrian concurs in disbelief.

"Before you judge, why not hear me out first?" I stand up slowly, "Truthseekers isn't just any old group. Rambling Rose may have accrued enough influence within the Empire of Stone to be given this Quest, certainly, but no matter how much money you all may have hoarded away in the last month or so, not one of you can claim truthfully to be an Official Guild. Much less own a property eligible for conversion to a 1-Star Guild Headquarters. Or am I wrong?"

"True, but what's your point?"

"You're asking us to bankroll you and protect your home from arsonists in exchange for nothing."

"On the contrary," I beam, "It might not be public knowledge amongst the playerbase yet, but a Guild Headquarters is able to accommodate a number of facilities. From Stables for animal companions, to rooms for members. It just so happens that, in partnership with the Pioneers Alliance, we have secured the Blueprints to construct a 1-Star Employment Bureau and repair a 1-Star Training Hall. These, respectively, would allow for access to a daily pool of requests from local NPCs, for Truthseekers to post our own custom Quests, and to duel in peace in training matches without being bothered by the Guard or worrying about death."

That revelation grabs everyone's attention, without fail. Hadrian in particular looks like his stomach has sunk so hard it's evacuated his sphincter like a stillborn fetus.

"Where did you come by such providential luck?" Jayeon leans back, mouth open in shock.

"That's neither here nor there. The point we want to make is that we were already planning on giving access to the public in exchange for a fee, but in helping us to complete them sooner and protect our mutual interests, we are prepared to give you priority access to these facilities over the public for a time, second only to ourselves," I conclude, pausing for emphasis, "In time you will be able to gain access to these things for yourselves, but what about here and now? Only Truthseekers and select NPC organisations can accommodate you, which will likely involve a lot more effort."

Standing abruptly and leaning on the table, Dawn stares me down, "Exactly how much money do you need? The Pavillion is prepared to invest heavily in an alliance should it prove worthwhile."

I chuckle, knowing that I've got at least one big fish, hook line and sinker, "Let's discuss terms, shall we?"