Everyone turned when he entered.
Kaito stood immediately, a smile breaking across his face. "MaxThorne. Glad you could make it."
"Wouldn't miss it," Max said, finally feeling safe enough to unhide his player tag. His username appeared above his head again.
"Come, sit," Ayame gestured to an empty chair near the center of the table.
As Max sat, he noticed something. There was a physical name placard at his seat, as if it had been prepared beforehand:
MAXTHORNE
CORE MEMBER – DPS DIVISION
FULL GUILD STATUS
"First order of business," Kaito said, standing formally. "The trial period for MaxThorne was scheduled to last two weeks. However, given his extraordinary performance in the Obsidian Depths raid—specifically, his solo defeat of the final boss phase—we have decided to grant him immediate full membership status."
Applause erupted around the table. Several members were grinning; a few even stood to clap.
"Furthermore," Ayame continued, "MaxThorne is hereby designated as a Core Member of the DPS Division. This grants him priority access to all guild raids, increased profit sharing, and voting rights on major guild decisions."
More applause.
Max felt overwhelmed again, but in a different way. "I... thank you. I don't know what to say."
"You've earned it," Velara said from across the table, her smile genuine.
"Now, financial matters," Kaito said, his tone becoming more businesslike. A holographic display appeared above the table, showing various numbers and accounts.
"The Obsidian Depths clearly has generated significant revenue for Phoenix Guild through corporate sponsorships, streaming rights, and merchandise. As per guild policy, profits are distributed to all participants."
The display showed Max's guild vault account:
PHOENIX GUILD VAULT – MAXTHORNE
Current Balance: $15,000
+ Obsidian Depths Profit Share: $45,000
+ Solo Kill Bonus (Guild Sponsorship): $100,000
+ Monthly Stipend: $8,000
New Balance: $168,000
Max stared at the number. One hundred and sixty-eight thousand dollars.
"That doesn't include your in-game gold or the legendary sword," Ayame added. "Those are yours personally. The vault funds are from corporate sponsorships and guild operations."
"The solo kill generated massive publicity," Kaito explained. "Sponsors were willing to pay premium rates for the footage and exclusive rights. Your portion is 100,000—we could have kept more, but you earned it."
"Additionally," one of the officers said—a woman Max didn't recognize—"you're now eligible for the monthly core member salary of $8,000. This is paid at the beginning of each month for continued participation in guild activities."
Eight thousand dollars. Every month. Just for being an active member.
Max had to resist the urge to laugh. A week ago, he'd been a freelance web designer scraping by on ¥200,000 per month. Now he was making more in a day than he used to make in six months.
"There's also this," Velara said, sliding a small item across the table—a physical object that appeared in Max's inventory.
[Phoenix Guild Core Member Card – Elite Tier]
Benefits: Access to all guild facilities worldwide, Priority raid signups, personal financial advisor, legal consultation services, corporate networking events
"The Elite Tier card gives you access to things most members never see," Velara explained. "Private gaming lounges, exclusive trading terminals, direct lines to guild leadership. You're part of the inner circle now."
"One more thing," Kaito said, his expression becoming more serious. "Media attention. MaxThorne, you're currently one of the most talked-about players in Aetheria. Articles, videos, forum discussions—everyone wants to know about you."
"I noticed," Max said dryly, thinking about the scene in the Fractured Abyss.
"Phoenix Guild's PR team can help manage that if you want," Ayame offered. "We can issue official statements, handle media requests, and set up controlled interviews. Or, if you prefer, we can help you maintain privacy and anonymity."
"I'd prefer privacy," Max said immediately.
"Understandable. We'll put out a statement that you're not doing interviews at this time and request that players respect your space." Kaito pulled up another document. "We're also implementing a guild policy—Phoenix members are not to harass or mob other members for clout. Anyone who does faces disciplinary action."
"That should help," Velara said. "At least within the guild."
The meeting continued for another hour, covering raid schedules, upcoming content, guild expansion plans, and various administrative matters. Max learned that Phoenix Guild had over 2,000 members worldwide, with about 200 considered "core" members who participated in high-level content.
Finally, Kaito stood, signaling the meeting's end.
"One last thing for MaxThorne specifically," Kaito said. "You're now level 25, which puts you in an interesting position. You're too high for most mid-tier content but too low for the absolute high-level raids we run regularly."
"I was wondering about that," Max admitted.
"So here's what I suggest," Kaito continued. "Take some time to level independently. Farm, explore, and experiment with your build. Phoenix has scheduled raids three times per week that you're welcome to join, but you're not required to attend every one. Use this time to reach level 30-35, get comfortable with your abilities, and build up your gear and resources."
"Basically," Ayame added, "you've proven yourself. You don't need to grind guild content constantly. Explore the world, find your own path, and come back when you're ready for the next tier of challenges."
"And if you find anything interesting—hidden quests, unique mechanics, rare spawns—share it with the guild," Kaito said. "We support solo progression as long as it benefits the collective eventually."