Kaizen felt relieved to have been recognized in a positive way by Pavin Dunhall. He knew that being polite and maintaining good relations with NPCs could be valuable, but he hadn't imagined how much.
"Pavin, I really need your help to start a guild. What can you tell me about the process?" Kaizen asked, maintaining a tone of respect and gratitude.
Pavin tilted his head, considering the question. "Founding a guild in Tretidian is a big and very special step, sir. First, you'll need to gather a group of adventurers interested in joining your guild. There need to be three or four members, excluding you. This can be done by advertising in town, or even here at the guild headquarters. When you have enough reliable members, you should choose a name for the guild and create a banner to represent it."
Kaizen nodded, taking mental notes. "And after that?"
"You'll need to officially register your guild with the association." Pavin explained. "This involves filling in forms, paying a fee and agreeing to the rules and regulations of the Three Great Human Kingdoms. You'll also have to appoint a guild leader, who will be the official point of contact between the guild and the association. If you are the founder, you can also be guild leader, but you will have to appoint a captain to take over the guild's commitments should the leader die."
Kaizen thanked Pavin for all the valuable information. "That's very useful to know, Pavin, thank you. What about obtaining territory for our guild? Is that complicated?"
Pavin smiled and nodded, recognizing the importance of this question. "Acquiring territory can be a challenge, sir. Generally, guilds need to demonstrate their strength and influence in order to receive land. This can be done by taking part in quests, defeating high-level monsters or even competing with other guilds in challenges."
Kaizen pondered this for a moment. "So, if my guild is successful in accumulating strength, we'll be able to claim territory in the guild's name?"
"Not exactly, sir. In order to avoid wars between guilds, the kingdom in question will recognize your service and present you with a gift, just as it can also take possession." Pavin said. "Furthermore, when your guild feels ready and has the necessary influence, you can submit a formal request to the association for the acquisition of a territory. The association will evaluate your request based on various criteria, including your performance, reputation and contribution to the security and prosperity of the kingdom and city in which you are active."
"Um... This is all more bureaucratic than I thought it would be." Kaizen said with a hand on his chin.
Pavin Dunhall laughed lightly. "Well, Mr. Kaizen, running a guild is like running a small kingdom within a larger kingdom. Bureaucracy is part of the game. But don't worry, the association is here to help you every step of the way. And if you do well, the benefits will far outweigh the challenges."
Kaizen then got up from the association's sofa and extended his hand to greet Pavin. "Thank you, Pavin. Your information was really enlightening. I'm going to start working on forming the guild and trying to gather a reliable group of adventurers. I'll see you in a few days."
Pavin shook Kaizen's hand with a friendly smile. "I'm happy to help, sir. If you need any further guidance or assistance, don't hesitate to come to me. And remember, the journey to founding and leading a guild can be challenging, but it's also rewarding. Good luck!"
With a nod, Kaizen left the association headquarters, wondering who the hell he could invite to join his guild. Og'tharoz and Alina were definitely two members, but they weren't registered adventurers, nor was it good that they were, after all OG was a demon and Alina an Advanced Mage. Having them registered in the guild's database would be very problematic. At least in the archives of a Kaizen guild there would be no need to register them.
There were a few players on Kaizen's mind at the moment, but he needed to think about it first.
However, interrupting Kaizen's thoughts on the matter, as he leaves the Adventurers' Guild building, an individual appears at the bottom of the staircase, obstructing his passage. This is none other than Salles, a swordsman from the Metal Dragons Guild.
"Kaizen, it's a pleasure to see you again. Do you have some time to talk?" Salles asked.
Kaizen hoped he wouldn't be recognized because of his hood, but he remembered that no one in Holinda escapes Korgrak's eyes.
"Say no more. She wants a meeting, doesn't she?" Kaizen asked.
Salles smiled, but then impressively turned his head away. "Actually, it's me who wants to talk to you. I know a very good tavern around here, would you like to go there?"
Kaizen was a little surprised by Salles' invitation, but he wanted to hear what Salles wanted and get some beer, so it wouldn't hurt.
"Sure, Salles. A tavern sounds great. Let's go."
The two of them made their way through Holinda's bustling city center, passing merchants, adventurers and locals hurrying about their evening activities. Finally, they arrived at the tavern 'The Wandering Drinker', known for its tasty dishes and impressive selection of beers and spirits. They soon sat down at a table in a more discreet corner of the tavern, away from prying eyes.
Salles ordered two mugs of beer for the tavernkeeper and, before the drinks arrived, he had already started.
"Klaus or Kaizen? What do you think I should call you?" Salles asked.
"Whatever." The black-haired boy replied.
"Very well, Kaizen. I've learned that you're an accomplished blacksmith, and I can't imagine how busy you must be at the moment, but I'd like to obtain a weapon produced by you."
"I have several weapons in my store, and I imagine you'd like a sword. I have some Epic-ranked ones that I'm sure you'll like."
"Actually, I want you to forge a sword for me, Kaizen."