[5] The climb

After the meeting, Elara and I found a quiet spot outside, the cool virtual air a welcome change from the intensity of the discussions. She leaned against a wooden railing, her gaze fixed on the horizon, her mind clearly mapping out Lyrinthia's future.

"Okay, Wang, let's break down this civilization level shit, so you get the full picture," she started, her tone serious but infused with her characteristic edge.

I stood attentive, ready to absorb the complexities of GoK's societal structures.

"In GoK, the size of your population isn't just a number; it defines your goddamn status and power in the world. From camps to superpowers, it's a brutal ladder to climb," she explained, her hands gesturing to emphasize her points.

"Alright, lay it on me," I said, eager to understand.

She counted off on her fingers. "First, you've got camps, tiny as hell, 10 to 100 people. They're like those ragtag groups of survivors in post-apocalyptic movies. Barely getting by. We are currently in this stage.

I scanned at our surroundings and nodded.

"Next up, villages, which is our next target. 100 to 1,000 people. We've got the structure, the community, this market place is what is going to get us there." She said with a confident voice.

"Then, towns. 1,000 to 10,000. They've got some muscle, more resources. They start to matter in regional politics, but they're not big players yet."

I could see the gradual increase in complexity and influence.

"Now, city-states. 10,000 to 100,000. These guys have clout, a real voice in their region. They're a force, but not top tier."

Elara paused, taking a breath before continuing.

"Minor power nations, 100,000 to a million. Now we're talking significant influence, military might, and economic power. They make waves."

Her expression hardened as she spoke of the higher tiers.

"Medium powers, one to ten million. These bastards can throw their weight around. Major political players, strong economies, serious militaries."

I was beginning to grasp the daunting scale of GoK's world.

"Major powers, ten to a hundred million. These are the big boys, the game changers. Their decisions shape regions, their conflicts can engulf continents."

The scale was staggering, a testament to the game's complexity and reach.

"And then," she continued, "you've got the superpowers. Over a hundred million. Right now, there's just one, and they're like a fking colossus straddling the game. When they sneeze, the whole world catches a cold."

I whistled softly. "One superpower? That's... insane."

Elara nodded, her eyes still on the horizon. "It's a whole different level of play. Their influence, their resources – it's off the charts. But remember, Wang, every superpower started somewhere. Even NRE was just a village once."

Her words resonated with a mix of challenge and inspiration. "So, we're aiming to climb this ladder, from camp to...?"

"To whatever heights we can fking reach," she said firmly. "We're Lyrinthia. We may be small now, but we've got ambition, brains, and balls. Who knows how far we can go?"

After discussing the hierarchy of civilizations, Elara and I continued our conversation, walking along the edge of the village. The virtual landscape stretched out around us, a tapestry of digital creation that seemed as boundless as it was intricate.

"You know, this world isn't just vast in terms of population. The actual fking area of this place is mind-boggling," Elara said, gesturing broadly at the horizon.

I looked out at the expanse, curious. "How big are we talking?"

She chuckled, a sound that held both amazement and a hint of disbelief. "Try one-tenth the surface area of the actual Earth."

"One-tenth of Earth? That's... enormous," I said, struggling to wrap my head around the scale.

Elara nodded, her eyes scanning the landscape. "Exactly. It's why the game can handle a billion fking players without feeling cramped. Well, technically only about 1/10 of them are online at the same time. There are continents, islands, oceans, mountains – you name it. It's a playground for every kind of civilization you can imagine."

I looked across the virtual land, envisioning the multitude of territories, each with its own culture, politics, and ambitions. "So, we could potentially expand anywhere?"

"In theory, yes. But it's not like you just pick a spot and set up camp. You've got environmental challenges, existing powers to contend with, and the logistics of moving people and resources. Plus, some areas are more desirable than others – better resources, strategic locations. It's a whole mess of considerations."

Her explanation painted a picture of a world as complex and challenging as the real one, if not more so.

"And all of this is being managed in a single server?" I asked, amazed at the technological feat.

"Yep. It's a fking marvel of engineering and a nightmare for the devs, I bet. But it's what makes GoK unique. You're not just playing in a sandbox; you're living in a whole goddamn universe."

I considered the implications. "So, every decision we make, every expansion or alliance, it's in the context of this vast world?"

"Exactly. And it's why our ambitions for the Global Council aren't just pipe dreams. In a world this big, there's room for everyone to grow, to make their mark. And that's what we're planning to do with Lyrinthia."

Upon hearing her words, suddenly the world doesn't feel so small anymore.

***

Walking back towards the heart of the village, I turned to Elara with a practical question. "So, how long until this new marketplace is up and running?"

Elara glanced at the plans rolled up under her arm. "Seven days. One day for finalizing the plan, one for gathering materials, and five for construction. We work fast here in Lyrinthia, no dicking around."

"Seven days? That's quick," I said, impressed by the efficiency.

She smirked. "In GoK, time is money, influence, and power. We can't afford to waste it."

As we walked, Elara's demeanor shifted to a more serious tone. "While the marketplace is being built, I've got another task for you. I need you to come with me to Eldham. We need to renew our status as their protectorate."

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by the sudden shift in conversation. "Protectorate? I thought we were all about independence and not bending the knee."

Elara let out a short laugh. "It's not about bending the knee; it's playing the game smart. Being a protectorate under Eldham gives us a security blanket. In return, we offer them some economic perks. It's a mutual benefit thing."

"And they're okay with Lyrinthia expanding and getting stronger?" I asked, trying to understand the intricacies of these diplomatic ties.

"They're okay as long as it doesn't threaten their status. Eldham is a big fish, but they're not stupid enough to stifle a potential ally. Plus, they've got bigger shit to deal with than micromanaging us."

I nodded, absorbing the complexity of these political maneuvers. "So, what's my role in all this?"

"You're coming as my bodyguard," she said, her eyes locking onto mine. "It's mostly a formal role, but in these kinds of meetings, appearances matter. Having a swordsman by my side sends a message that we're not just some pushovers."

"Bodyguard, huh?" I said, feeling the weight of the responsibility. "I won't let you down."

Elara patted my shoulder. "I know you won't. But remember, this is as much about diplomacy as it is about strength. We're there to renew a deal, not start a war. Keep your sword sheathed unless I say otherwise."

"I understand. Diplomacy first," I affirmed, aware of the delicate balance we had to maintain.

"Good," she said, a hint of relief in her tone. "Eldham respects strength, but they also value tact and intelligence. We'll be walking a fine line, but it's nothing we can't handle."

Q: Would you want to play GoK?