The sun was shining on the streets of New York for a week like any other. For his part, Klaus Park was sitting at a table in a downtown café, observing the frenzy of urban life as he sipped his coffee. The sound of honking horns, hurried conversations and the hustle and bustle of people formed a soundtrack characteristic of the metropolis.
Klaus adjusted his sunglasses and glanced at the watch on his wrist. Andrew should be arriving any minute. It was a pleasant surprise to find him willing to meet in the middle of his week off. He felt grateful for the friendship they had built up over the years.
Klaus was absent-mindedly stirring his cappuccino, watching the people passing by the window, when a friendly voice greeted him a few seconds after he entered the café with a smile.
"Klaus, long time no see!" Andrew exclaimed, tapping Klaus on the shoulder enthusiastically as he sat down in the chair opposite him.
Klaus smiled, genuinely happy to see Andrew. "Andrew, it's been three since we saw each other."
Andrew waved his hand in a casual gesture. "I got used to seeing you every day, man, so I missed you already."
Once again, Klaus smiled. "Thanks for coming, and sorry for calling you here during our week off from the special program."
"It's okay. I live just around the corner, and you said it was important."
The waiter appeared to take Andrew's order, and he ordered a simple black coffee. As the waiter walked away, Klaus asked, "So, how are things going for you, Andrew? The family?"
Andrew sipped his coffee and sighed, "My family's fine now, thanks for asking. My father and brother are closer to me, but, as I told you that day, my mother didn't call me even after the tournament."
Klaus nodded, knowing how complicated Andrew's situation was, as he didn't want to follow in her footsteps and take over the family business.
"And how's that idea of starting to learn to use the bow in Rise Online going as well?"
Andrew smiled, a twinkle in his eye. "It's going very well, actually. Yesterday, I managed to improve a lot, but at the same time as it's easy, it's also difficult. The movements are the same, but the arrows in Rise Online seem much harder to control, to predict the trajectory, as if the precision system itself was against me."
"It's a question of adaptation really, because I also have the impression that the arrows in Rise Online are more unpredictable. Bows have a stability attribute, and the better the bow, the more stability it has. In order to balance the game and not make the game shoot the arrow for you when you have a good bow, they've drastically reduced the accuracy of the cheaper bows, so many even think they're cursed bows, which literally distort the arrow's trajectory."
Thinking about it, Andrew nodded. "That makes a lot of sense... Scoundrels, and me thinking I was a lousy archer. Does that mean that good bows will be like normal bows in real life?"
"I wouldn't say normal bows, because they try to replicate the feel of a good real-life bow too, but for sure normal life bows will be dozens of times more stable than ordinary RO bows."
The two friends continued talking about various subjects for a while, reminiscing about some moments, discussing others and laughing together. At one point, however, Klaus finally got to the subject that had brought him to the café.
"You know, Andrew, I've been thinking about something lately, something I'd like to share with you."
Andrew looked up curiously. "Sure, Klaus, I'm listening."
Klaus took a deep breath before continuing. "Well, like you, I've been thinking about forming a guild. That's the best way for me to get stronger, get more money and also be able to explore options that I haven't been able to explore yet. Guilds can have official territories, they can receive official titles of great importance to the kingdoms and many other things. Recently, I learned that the Three Great Human Kingdoms are almost at war, for something as dumb as it is understandable: uncertainty. With a guild, it would be easier to remedy all this."
Andrew arched his eyebrows. "I think you're right... Although your name is known to many nowadays, a guild would be a union of names, of representatives and not just you working towards something... A guild, eh? That sounds interesting. But what are the requirements? There must be some, right?"
Klaus waved his hand excitedly. "The requirements are simple: at least three adventurers and a foundation fee. I've invited someone I trust, a descendragon who is helping me with this diplomatic issue of the kingdoms, and now I need a second member, a third player, and I thought of you."
"Me? For your guild?"
Andrew thought for a moment, looking through the window at the people passing in the street. It was clear that he was considering "Of course. You're strong, you have a high level, you have a rare class and you're as good with the sword in the game as you are with the bow in real life. You'd be a valuable member."
Andrew thought for a moment, looking through the window at the people passing in the street. It was clear that he was considering Klaus' proposal seriously. Finally, he turned his attention to his friend after a few seconds.
"Klaus, you know I can't refuse a request like that when it comes from someone like you, and if you're telling me I won't be a burden, I'll believe it."
Klaus smiled, satisfied with Andrew's answer. "That's great, my friend! With you on board, there are already three of us, the minimum for signing up, but if we're going to form a party, I believe we need to find one more last essential member."
Andrew shook his head. "Do you have anyone in mind?"
Klaus nodded. "Yes, a friend who helped me when I really needed it, who offered me his hand and who, luckily for us, will complete our party perfectly, because he's a bard."