Sage studied the status panel intently, examining the sections on Reputation, Guild Rank, Guild Territory, and Guild Facilities. A wave of confusion washed over him.
Clearing his throat, he focused on the glowing panel hovering in front of him. "System… can you explain what Reputation means?"
[Yes, Host.]
[Host, Reputation measures how well-known the Adventurer Guild is. The more people see, hear about, or discuss the Guild, the higher its Reputation rises.] The system's cold tone echoed in his mind.
"So… you're saying that as long as the Guild is famous, it doesn't matter if that fame is good or bad?" Sage raised an eyebrow.
[Affirmative, Host.]
His eyes lit up at this revelation. He was pleased to learn that fame,whether positive or negative,still counted toward the Guild's Reputation.
"Ohhh, so I can become famous even if people dislike me?"
[That's correct, Host.]
"Hehehe… I'm starting to like this world already," Sage chuckled creepily as he rubbed his hands together.
After a moment of reflection, he turned back to the system. "So how do I increase the Guild Reputation?"
[Host can boost Guild Reputation by publicly displaying its name and symbol; attracting crowds to the Guild Hall; Adventurers completing missions from the Mission Board; spreading rumors; getting tavern talk going; having bards mention the Guild; or hosting public events and offering free services. Visibility increases Reputation; obscurity decreases it.]
Sage nodded slowly in understanding. He grasped that making the Guild impossible to ignore was key. "So essentially we need to become a household name?"
[Affirmative, Host.]
"Got it! But how do I rank up the Guild?" Sage rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
[Host, Guild Rank measures operational scale. To rank up requires meeting thresholds for Reputation along with basic capability checks such as member count and funds.]
"Okay, continue," Sage urged with keen interest.
[For instance, your current Rank is F and to reach E you must meet these conditions:
Reputation: 100
At least 1 registered member
100 Gold in Guild Funds]
Sage's jaw dropped in disbelief. "So I can't rank up without members…?"
[Correct, Host. A guild without members is merely a building.]
"That stings... but it's fair," he chuckled softly while rubbing his temples.
Taking a deep breath, he asked again: "What about this Guild Territory? Do I have to conquer lands?"
[Not necessarily, Host. Territory refers to any land or building where the Guild's rules apply. More territory means greater control and visibility.]
Sage fell silent as he processed this information,it was simple yet complex at once.
While conquering territories wasn't required per se, establishing areas where his guild could exert influence would be crucial.
For example, turning this current location into an Adventurer District under their rules would count as territory.
Sage snapped back to reality as he pondered the challenges ahead.
Establishing his own rules in a realm dominated by nobles would be no easy feat; after all, they wouldn't take kindly to a nobody like him trying to assert authority in their territory.
His extensive experience with manhwa, novels, and anime had taught him that such nobles despise any infringement on their power.
"This is going to be quite the journey," Sage muttered under his breath. "Nothing about this will be simple; it'll take time to get everything on track."
He took a deep breath and turned to the system once more. "And what about Guild Facilities? How do I unlock those?"
[New facilities will unlock automatically as the Guild ranks up. Examples include upgrading the mission board, training facilities, clinic, shop, smithy, restaurants, inns, stables, etc. The Host just needs to continue ranking up the guild for these facilities to become available.] The system explained in its usual emotionless tone.
Sage nodded in understanding. Essentially, facilities attract traffic; traffic builds reputation; and reputation leads to rank-ups. While it sounded straightforward, he knew how challenging it would actually be.
Leaning back in his chair and exhaling slowly, he summarized his thoughts: "So I need to make some noise, recruit people, take on missions, and build my popularity?"
[Perfect summary, Host. Become famous, recruit adventurers, expand visibility,rank up and dominate Aetherion.]
"Heh... easy for you to say!" Sage rolled his eyes at the system's response.
Yet behind that facade of sarcasm was a flicker of determination in his eyes. "Looks like I'll have to create the biggest and loudest guild this world has ever seen."
To make both the guild and the concept of adventuring stand out in this world would require more than just brute strength.
Sage realized he'd also need cunning strategies and manipulation skills because while strength was vital here, intelligence played an equally crucial role.
He understood that these nobles monopolizing dungeons loved playing mind games; he needed to stay three steps ahead of them at all times if he wanted not only to outsmart them but also survive.
As long as the guild could weather its initial phase successfully, things would become easier for him.
By then there would be plenty of adventurers around; if trouble arose from those nobles or royal families taking action against him, posting a high-reward mission would likely draw many eager adventurers ready for action,assuming those nobles chose not to operate from the shadows.
In essence, he'd be indirectly commanding a private army of powerful warriors. The thought brought a wicked grin to Sage's lips.
"This world is going to be fascinating!" he whispered quietly but couldn't suppress the smile tugging at his mouth.
"I need to come up with enough plans to survive first," Sage thought.
"I have to recruit my first adventurer and post the initial mission. Then, I need to find a way to spread the Guild's reputation because more reputation means more people will want to register. The more adventurers we have, the more missions will be posted, and that translates into more money!" Sage was already brainstorming various strategies in his mind.
"Next, I have to get stronger." This was the most crucial part for Sage. However, when he glanced at his talent for Mana, his heart sank, and a bitter smile crept onto his face.
"Hey system, is there any way for me to get stronger? I can't just remain this weak if I'm going to fight against those corrupt nobles," Sage asked, raising an eyebrow.
[Host, you don't need to worry about that. If you complete enough missions assigned by the system, your talent can be upgraded, provided you're lucky enough to receive a Talent Upgrade as a reward.]
Sage fell silent upon hearing this. So it means that until he completed some missions and perhaps got lucky with a Talent Upgrade Reward from the system, he would remain weak,a mere mortal with subpar talent.
"Sigh... why is my life so difficult? Not only do I have to deal with these corrupt and greedy individuals, but I also lack the strength to protect myself!" Sage lamented sadly.
[Host, there's no need for concern. Within the Guild Hall and a hundred meters around it, you are under absolute protection. You are invincible here; it doesn't matter how strong someone is, if they step into this area of the Guild Hall, you could defeat them with just a breath.]
"What...?" Sage's eyes widened in shock as he nearly fell off his chair. His mouth hung open in disbelief.
After swallowing hard and regaining his composure, he stuttered out: "Sy...system... are you sure about what you just said?"
[Acknowledged. In the Guild Hall and within one hundred meters around it, you are indeed invincible; however, this feature can only be used three times a day.]
Sage felt as if cold water had been poured over him; suddenly everything became crystal clear.
"System, why can I only use this feature three times a day? Why not make it unlimited? I'm navigating through this corrupt world, I should at least have some advantages! You wouldn't want me dead; after all, finding another host like me won't be easy!" Frustration bubbled over as Sage voiced his grievances.
[Host, this limitation is part of the system's design. It prevents you from becoming too arrogant or reckless with such power, your mind may not handle it well. You might abuse it ]
Sage's lips twitched at the system's response. "Bullshit! What a lame excuse. I was a model citizen back on Earth, how could I possibly abuse the power entrusted to me by the people... ahem, by you? Come on, system! I promise I won't misuse it; just let me use it without limits!"
[Negative Host] came the cold reply from the system.
Feeling helpless, Sage let out a heavy sigh and sank into deep thought.
"Well, using it three times a day isn't so bad," he mused. "In this place, I'm practically a god, nobody can hurt me. I just need to be careful not to waste my chances. I can't just use it on any Tom, Dick, or Harry, just on those few powerful ones who might cause trouble!" He rubbed his chin as he contemplated his options.
A mischievous thought crossed his mind, and he asked the system, "Can it be stacked?"
[Negative Host] was the system's only response.
"Stingy!" Sage rolled his eyes but wasn't truly disappointed. After all, there must be a reason the system limited this feature; perhaps too much power could lead to more harm than good.
Shaking his head, he reassured himself that at least he had guaranteed safety,his life wouldn't be threatened here. He could carry out his plans with peace of mind as long as he stayed within the Gulld Hall.
Just then, the system's cold voice echoed in his mind.
[Ding]
[Host: A new mission has been issued.]
[Mission: 1. Register your first Adventurer. 2. First Mission Posted.]