(XX) First Guild

Bella leaped out of the carriage as Mikaru, James, David, and Maria all dismounted their rides and followed Leon as he walked through the streets.

"I can't believe it's this cramped!" He groaned, wondering why it was like this when the MMO held nowhere near as many NPCs.

"Is there anywhere you specifically wish to go, Milord?" David asked, thinking he was the most familiar with the city.

"It's fine!" He shouted, his voice tinged with frustration, "Just follow me!"

As Leon and his entourage made their way on foot through the vibrant streets of Treuross, they were enveloped in a symphony of sounds. The air was thick with the scent of exotic spices and the clanging of pots and pans as vendors cooked up their wares. The roads were a kaleidoscope of colors, crowded with patrons and merchants haggling at stalls next to the streets as they walked by.

The air was filled with chatter, the sweet aroma of exotic spices and fresh produce, and the clanging of pots and pans as vendors cooked up exotic dishes to lure in customers.

Every few steps, they would pass by vendors selling anything from beautiful textiles to the latest gadgets and gizmos, and the merchants called out to the customers, enticing them with their wares.

As they walked further down the street, the crowds began to thin out, and they came upon a massive fountain in the center of the square. The fountain was an impressive sight, with water cascading down from the top tier into a large pool below.

The statue at the center of the fountain depicted a gorgeous woman with arms outstretched as if welcoming all those who passed by. The water sparkled in the sunlight, and its gentle trickling was a soothing accompaniment to the bustling sounds of the city.

"You wanted to see the Goddess' Statue?" Maria asked, approaching the edge of the pool of water. She sat down and tossed a silver coin at Leon, "Rumor has it that if you submit a prayer to her, she will bless it."

"Of course!" He replied, walking over to the edge and staring up at the statue, "I spent far too much time standing around this fountain doing nothing at all... It's one of my favorite places in Gran Terra."

"What are you going to wish for, Master?" Bella meowed, jumping onto the ledge as she sat down. She stared at Leon, her tail swishing rapidly.

"I can't reveal it, or it may not come true." He responded, his hand gently caressing the top of her head. She closed her eyes, leaning into his touch. He brought the coin to his lips, his eyes briefly shutting before he kissed the coin and flicked it into the water.

"Now, let's make our way to the Guild Registration Office!" Leon declared, turning around with a grin as Bella sprang onto his shoulder, her body curling around the back of his neck and her tail wrapping around the front.

As the group followed him down the adjacent avenue, their gaze was drawn to the massive buildings lining both sides of the street. Each structure was like a towering monument, representing the guild who owned it, with intricately designed signs adorning the facades.

As they walked, the group passed by several groups of adventurers who were deep in conversation with their companions. Despite the evident wear and tear in their armor, their faces were alight with excitement as they recounted their recent quests and adventures.

As the group approached, they were amazed by the enormous size and impressive appearance of the towering glass skyscraper. The building's facade was sparkling in the sunlight while men and women dressed in sharp suits rushed in and out of the entrance doors with a sign above.

"Guild Administration Headquarters"

Leon entered with his vassals behind him as they approached the front desk, where a woman sat staring down at papers. Behind her, men and women sat in cubicles as they rapidly wrote on documents, handling the countless administration tasks for the guilds they represented.

"Good morning." Leon said as he leaned against the desk, "I'd like to enroll a new guild."

"Greetings!" She said, not looking up from her work as she reached into her desk and pulled out a large stack of paperwork, placing it on the lifted countertop, "Fill this out and provide the required fee."

"Bu-" He attempted to protest, but she interrupted him, repeating her instructions, forcing him to sigh heavily as he grabbed the stack of papers and walked away.

"What are we doing here?" Mikaru asked, sitting in a chair beside Leon on the lobby's side.

"Forming a guild... What does it look like I'm doing?" He replied, quickly filling out the forms.

"Yeah, I see that, but why?" He asked. James and Daveed sat beside him, and Maria sat on Leon's other side. The three of them were curious as well.

"There are things that only a guild can accomplish." Leon replied, sighing and looking at the four of them, "What? While I was stuck in the Academy did you all think you would be sitting on your asses?"

"Well, I mean..." Maria chuckled, nudging him in the side.

"So, 'ow about this?" Daveed said, jumping off his chair and facing the group, "We go get a pint o' Ale while yer busy with all dis boring work?"

"I concur." James agreed, standing beside Daveed and leaning his elbow atop his head, "It would be great to catch up on everything that's happened since I've been here."

Leon sighed, flipping through the paperwork to the last page as Daveed and James began bickering. At the bottom were five blank lines requiring the signatures of the founding guild members.

"Quit your fighting, and come sign this." He said, handing it to each of the four members as each signed it before taking it back, "Alright, head over to The Naughty Hag's Tavern, and I'll head over when I'm done."

Maria exclaimed, jumping up as she grabbed Mikaru's arm and dragged him with her, "Oh, that's a great one!"

"Indeed!" James replied, "Good choice, Milord! Many secrets pass through The Hag!"

"Anywhere dey serve a fair pint is a good choice!" Daveed laughed, turning James around and pushing him out as Maria dragged Mikaru away, leaving Leon alone.

He signed his name at the bottom of the page before returning to his previous position and continuing to fill out the forms. Half an hour later, he finished and returned to the receptionist.

"Here you are, all pages filled out and signed." Leon said, slamming the stack of paperwork on top of her active work.

"You're missing the fee of twenty gold pieces." She sighed, pulling her glasses down the bridge of her nose and looking up at him.

"Right here." He replied, reaching into his coat, pulling out a sack of money, and dropping it on top of his application.

"Well..." She said, weighing the bag and flipping through the pages rapidly before replying, "It looks like everything is in order. Congratulations!"

She grabbed the ink stamp and pressed it hard into the ink before slamming it against the top page with a large red "Approved." Suddenly, a series of notifications appeared before him.

[Darkwing Guild successfully formed!]

[Congratulations to the Darkwing Guild for becoming the first guild in The World Online!]

[All members of the Darkwing Guild have received 5 attribute points.]