You would think that in a magical world, with magical alcohol, hangovers wouldn't be a thing. But then again, I am in Bureaucratic Hell; I probably didn't fill out the correct paperwork to avoid a hangover. I was lying on my bed in pain, in my birthday suit, when Ka-Del walked into my bedroom. I instantly tried to pull the covers over me as fast as possible. She just laughed.
"Julius, what are you doing?" she asked. "Ummm... I'm naked," I responded. She looked confused, and I realized this must be a cultural difference she didn't understand. So, fully covered up to my chin with my blanket, as I asked, "How are you feeling?"
Ka-Del responded, "I feel like a flower replanted for further growth, she said this while she twirled. A banker from the Anopia Royal Bank of the Immortal Lords will be here soon, so you need to get ready. You look sick; you should cultivate to feel better." With that, she turned and walked out of my room.
I'm thirty years old, and I still don't understand women... and it doesn't help that she's a magical alien. Or am I the alien to her? It seems my new lot in life is to forever be confused and to fill out paperwork...
I took another shower, which quickly became my favorite activity in this new world. Heeding Ka-Del's advice, I cultivated while the hot, steamy torrent of water cascaded over me. I immediately noticed how little external energy I had collected from all the eating and drinking I did last night. I needed a way to cultivate faster; I still only had two abilities. Despite having been here only a few days, the powerful individuals surrounding me were intimidating. Making enemies with the humans and lacking a community here, I felt vulnerable.
No memories surfaced during this cultivation session, so I hopped out of the shower, instantly regretting the lack of towels. I needed to go shopping, and then it struck me—I was ridiculously rich...
I started to get ready for the day, I knew I had a lot to accomplish. I walked over to my closet and I opted for my suit from Earth; the last thing I wanted was to don my government-issued robes on my day off.
Walking into the living room, Ka-Del sneered, "Why are you wearing that atrocious outfit?" I looked offended; this was my favorite suit, a reminder of home.
Seeing my reaction, Ka-Del approached to give me a hug, "I'm sorry, Julius. I sometimes forget you're human; you just don't act like the rest of them." I just nodded and offered, "Do you want to change into my robes?" "No, Julius, you don't have to," she declined.
For the first time, I noticed she wasn't wearing her Barrister robes but a pink bodysuit with long hiking boots, a black belt, and a black vest. "Did you go home?" I asked her.
"No, I have a storage ring. I always keep a change of clothes on me," she explained. Note to self: buy a storage ring. Just then, a knock sounded at my front door. This must be the banker.
I opened the door to find three dwarves standing before me, each half my height, with long, meticulously groomed beards and clad in heavy chain mail armor. They appeared as if they were prepared for war rather than assisting with opening a bank account. "How may I help you, Sirs?" I asked them respectfully.
The dwarf in the center introduced them, "I am Flipih, this is Drango, and this is Aurgotum. We are representatives from the Royal Bank of the Immortal Lords."
"Please, come in," I greeted, shaking each of their hands. "I apologize for not being a proper host, but I've nothing to offer you to drink. I haven't had a chance to go shopping yet."
Aurgotum responded on their behalf, "You are very kind, sir. It's understandable, given you've only been here five days, and most newcomers rely on government-provided meals. We're not offended." I suggested, "Once I get my affairs in order, how about we go out for drinks on me?" Drango's eyes lit up, "I'd be delighted to accompany you. I know an excellent Dwarven bar."
Ka-Del excused herself, and we settled in my living room for the meeting. Flipih led the discussion, "We've collected your pay slip from the Treasurer's office and initiated the paperwork. With your earnings, you qualify for our Dragon Hold Membership, which offers a twenty-five percent daily yield and comes with a private wealth manager."
I admitted my immediate needs were basic essentials like clothing and towels, but beyond that, I was at a loss. Aurgotum offered, "May I suggest a personal shopper to assist with your purchases and some quality of life improvements? And have you considered buying an estate to potentially generate additional income?"
I was intrigued, "I'd like to explore my options. I've never really had much money, even back on Earth, so I'm out of my depth here."
Drango assured me, "We're honor-bound to provide the best service and would never exploit your situation. Dwarves cherish seeing wealth flourish."
Curious, I inquired, "If I purchase an estate, can I design it as I please?" Their laughter was warm. "Of course, Sire," Drango affirmed.
"One more thing," I added, "Is there something like a Cultivation Chamber to help me more efficiently cultivate ambient mana for faster growth?"
Aurgotum nodded, "Would you like us to contact a colleague to start planning your estate and begin purchases while we finalize your paperwork and financial planning?
Drango momentarily stepped outside to summon their colleague as we delved into the intricacies of financial planning. Wealth, I quickly realized, brought an abundance of choices, each accompanied by its requisite stack of paperwork. In a realm where magic was as common as air, the prevalence of paperwork baffled me.
Our discussion veered towards investment strategies, which in Anopia, ranged from delving expeditions and quest sponsorships to local business investments, treasury bonds, and the straightforward accumulation of interest in a Dragon's Hold. When I mentioned my affiliation with a nascent guild, the dwarves' eyes practically gleamed with opportunity, suggesting a heavy focus on delving and quests.
Curious, I asked, "How does one invest in a quest?" Flipih spearheaded the explanation, detailing how quests, typically the domain of adventurers, presented epic challenges like slaying formidable monsters or discovering new worlds. "For those not directly embarking on quests, owning a quest hall can be lucrative. Quest halls entitle the owner to a portion of rewards from all quests initiated there, and with your guild, you'll attract numerous adventurers."
The idea of a guild with its quest hall intrigued me; it promised rapid growth and appeal. Aurgotum added, "Quest halls are incredibly valuable for guilds, often beyond the reach of new ones. But your unique position as a non-adventurer with substantial funds could make this a viable, transformative investment for your guild."
I decided to consult Aaron, activating the communication stone with a pulse of mana. "Julius, how can I assist?" he greeted. After sharing the bankers' proposal, Aaron's enthusiasm was palpable. "Acquiring a quest hall would be monumental for us," he admitted, overwhelmed by the gesture.
With Aaron's approval, we finalized the investment. A mere conversation and a transfer of one hundred thousand platinum bars later, I found myself the proprietor of a quest hall, significantly elevating my guild's status.
The sound of a knock interrupted our session, and Drango re-entered, flanked by ten other dwarves. Their collective presence hinted at the impending flurry of financial decisions about to unfold.
The transition to estate planning was seamless and unexpectedly thrilling. As the room filled with the aroma of sumptuous dishes, the discussion deepened, unfurling the tapestry of my future abode. When the topic of relocating to the human enclave arose, I dismissed it without a second thought; my adventure lay amongst the myriad cultures of Anopia, not within the insular confines of humanity.
My vision for the estate was clear: it wouldn't just be a lavish residence but a profitable venture. The dwarves, aligning with my ambition, suggested that wealth in Anopia primarily stemmed from controlling rifts and producing essential resources. Eagerly, we pinpointed a pristine location, a verdant valley cradled by towering mountains, its heart a serene lake, with fertile lands stretching outwards. I was now an owner of my own town in AnaKaldroo and I decided to name it Hyde Park, it just felt right.
Given my commitment to the Public Defender's Office, the necessity of a central teleportation hub was undisputed, ensuring punctuality remained unchallenged. The concept of resource seeds intrigued me, a magical means to cultivate precious minerals. I invested in an assortment, envisioning the mountain veins coursing with Mithril, gold, silver, adamantite, baronite, and the fabled dragon's milk, alongside the more mundane iron, bronze, and platinum. The establishment of an official mint to coin currency from these resources was the next logical step, a venture that consumed nine million platinum bars from my newfound wealth.
leaving me with thirty million nine hundred thousand platinum bars. Next, we moved on to the farming fields potion making is the most profitable farming in Anopia so we got every seed and potion resource I could farm in my area of AnaKaldroo it was a total of over five hundred different crops, sixty different livestock, spiders, newts and a plethora of other creatures, we also filled my lake with oysters, clams, and mussels, for pearls, golden finch for their scales, rainbow fish, Mana Kelp which is used in cultivation potions, Ruby Pearl Turtles, Glimmerfish scales are to create stronger potions, Aquasilks produce magical silk used in expensive clothes enchanting swans for their feathers,I even bought a mermaid clan which will help protect the lake and farm the resources. Then one of the dwarves had a brilliant idea. Apparently, a friend of a friend, who had a cousin, who had a brother who had a former roommate and he was in the market trying to sell off a Pegasus and Unicorn farm so of course I bought both of them.
The transaction brokered through a convoluted chain of acquaintances, felt destined, adding a mythical allure to my estate. the realization dawned upon me that my fortune had dwindled to ten million platinum bars, with the architectural blueprint of my dwelling still on the horizon. The whirlwind of decisions left me exhilarated but contemplative, pondering the balance between opulence and practicality in this magical realm.
Introduced to Gimlock, a master architect dwarf with a vision as boundless as the realms themselves, we embarked on crafting my dream domicile—a castle that would not merely dwell within the landscape but emerge as its crown jewel. This edifice, wrought from stones that danced with the ever-changing light of Anopia's celestial ballet, was to stand as a beacon where the mystical kissed the mundane.
The castle nestled within the mountain's embrace, its peaks a testament to nature's majesty and protection. Waterfalls cascaded like liquid silver, feeding the lake below, its waters clear as the ancient crystals that powered the land's magic. This lake, alive with glowing fish, mirrored the castle's splendor, its shores shrouded in an ethereal mist.
The lands around were a mosaic of magic-infused agriculture, where nightfall brought a soft radiance to each leaf and stem. Here, the Aeromancers danced with the winds, nurturing the crops with an ancient harmony.
The Castle itself, a marvel of architectural genius, rose with towers and spires that pierced the sky, its silhouette a harmony with the rugged terrain. Runes of old were etched into its bones, a silent sentinel against malice. At its heart, a courtyard cradled a mystical tree, its silver foliage and crystal blooms a testament to the land's deep-seated magic.
Vine-wrapped bridges arched gracefully over the water, connecting realms within my domain, their paths lit by lanterns that floated like spirits in the evening air. Within, the castle was a labyrinth of wonder, with corridors telling the realm's tales through animated tapestries, statues that murmured of ancient lore, and windows that gazed into realms beyond.
Yet, amidst this grandeur, I yearned for the clandestine thrill of hidden passages and secret chambers—a nod to my inner Batman. Thus, we have woven a network of secrets into the castle's very fabric.
To safeguard this haven, a magical barrier was envisioned, encapsulating not just the castle but the entire town of Hyde Park and its mountain gateway. Merca, the sole female dwarf in our council and a genius of interior design imbued the castle's every corner with elegance and comfort, making it not just a fortress of solitude but a home of warmth and welcome.
Thus, my castle emerged not just as a structure of stone and spell but as a living testament to the dreams that traverse worlds—my sanctuary in the magical expanse of Anopia.
The revelation that constructing and outfitting my castle was the least expensive endeavor of the day took me by surprise. Yet, the purchase that truly captured my intrigue was a rift seed, setting me back three million platinum bars. When the dust of commerce settled, I found myself with six million platinum bars to my name. Half was destined for growth in a dragon's hold, and the other for investments in rift delves with the guild. Given the wealth of resources now under my stewardship, projections estimated a full return on investment within two years, not accounting for the earnings from my role at the Public Defender's office.
Ka-Del, entering a scene bustling with a dwarven delegation, inquired about the day's acquisitions. I explained to her about the damages that were award for winning Aarons's case. Her astonishment at the financial windfall from my first case led to a heartfelt congratulations. She mentioned that she was planning on offering me an invitation to join the Fey court with her so that I did not have to live in a Government-provided house. This was a path now diverged by my newfound commitments. I could see the disappointment in her voice.
Ka-Del, I asked "I would love you to come out and celebrate with the Dwarves, and I tonight I love having you around and maybe if you are lucky I will even sing to you." I saw a Smile slowly spread across Ka-Del's face and said "Of course, I will come out and celebrate with you Julius." She said this while she blushed.
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That night, I found myself amidst a throng of thirty dwarves and Ka-Del, delving into the heart of AnopieDroogoo's dwarven district. We walked up to the tavern, which reminded me of a Norse drinking hall, brimmed with the warmth of communal celebration. Our feast spanned from roasted boar to salmon, surrounded by an abundance of sides and barrels of ale and mead. Drango's lessons in Dwarven anthems turned the night into a chorus of merriment, drawing even Ka-Del into the revelry. Yet, I chose sobriety, savoring the camaraderie and tales shared.
I was ready to go home, I was extreme tired after today's activities so I decided to say my goodbyes. I went and paired my communication stone with Aurgotum, Flipih, and Drango before I left the Tavern.
I walked over to Ka-Del gave her a hug goodbye and told her I would see her at work. She congratulated me on my new estate and asked if she could come over on Festday I told her I would love to see her and this was the first time I was walking home and not insanely drunk. She gave a soft laugh and waved me goodbye.
As the night waned, I bid my final farewell to Ka-Del with a promise of Festday's company at my apartment. I loved spending time with her and she was quickly becoming my closest friend.
The walk home, clear-headed and contemplative, allowed me to absorb the vibrant life of AnopieDroogoo. Now a town owner, I pondered the recruitment of miners to tap into the mountain's bounty. The desire to maintain control over the resources spurred thoughts of founding my own company, a venture that would ideally attract workers to help my town grow and flourish.
When I arrived home, I was amazed to find my entire apartment spotless. We had left it in disarray, with food, drinks, and dishes scattered everywhere. The conveniences of living in a magical world never cease to amaze me. I decided to take a shower and cultivate before bed. Before I knew it, I was drifting into a new memory.
I had just graduated from law school and was working at the Chicago Consumer Law Legal Clinic. I was house hunting in Hyde Park with my mom. Her face was as clear as day in this memory—the first time during cultivation that I could clearly see someone's face. Hot tears streamed down my face as I remembered my mom, her beautiful caramel-colored skin, curly black hair, and those soft brown eyes that made me feel at home. My mom was beaming with excitement about house hunting and celebrating the significant achievement of buying my first house.
I cherished this memory and spent the rest of the night cultivating. When I saw the suns in the sky through my windows, I decided to start my day. I ate the government-provided food, which tasted awful since it wasn't infused with mana, but I didn't want it to go to waste. I knew all the restaurants would be closed today on Freeday, the one day of the week when no one in Anopia, no matter the planet they lived on, worked.
I quickly finished my meal and then went to my office. Being a barrister has the benefit of access to a vast number of contract law journals, so I started writing up contracts for all the employees I would need to hire to get the Town of Hyde Park up and running. I also needed guards and wanted them to swear allegiance to the town and myself. This was not a simple contract, but after discussing it with Aaron, he suggested a better idea would be to hire guards and invite them to the guild. So, I created agreements along those lines. This task occupied me until lunch. I wrote up contracts and agreements for over three hundred different positions, with Aaron's significant help. Next, I called Flipih to see if he knew any hiring agencies for all the positions I wanted to fill, and asked if the positions were open to all races. I also mentioned that if he knew any independent dwarves who were miners, I would love to hire them. This pleased him greatly, and he told me he would pick up the documents on Solisday.
Once I had all the paperwork for my employees sorted, I started to form the town charter, laws, zoning, and taxes. That's when I received a notification from the system:
New Ability Granted: Arcane Advocacy: This ability allows the barrister to infuse their legal arguments with magical energy, making their words more persuasive to judges, juries, and magical beings. This can tip the scales in their favor during trials, especially when dealing with particularly stubborn or difficult cases.
New Ability Granted: Spectral Jury: This ability allows the barrister to summon spectral representations of a jury from different times and places, ensuring a fair and unbiased trial. These spectral jurors are immune to external influences and can see the truth of matters beyond mortal perceptions.
I stood up, stretched, and ate the lunch provided by the government as I reviewed my two new abilities. Their arrival came as a complete shock. I knew I had been using my Mystic Calligraphy ability to write up all the legal documents and my Eidetic Legal Memory to compile all my case law, but now I was closer to potentially receiving my ultimate ability, assuming my maximum number of abilities was only going to be five.
The Arcane Advocacy ability would be amazing in court, and it wasn't surprising that I developed it, as it seemed every barrister I had met so far possessed a similar skill. However, the Spectral Jury was shocking, and I had no idea what its purpose would be, given that the courts provided their own jury.
I tried to channel magic into the new Spectral Jury ability, but it didn't work, so I read the description again. It must not have worked because there was no trial currently going on. Freeday was almost over, and I had finished all my work for the day.
I knew I probably broke a few rules getting so much done today, but I wasn't sure how busy I would be at work this week. From talking to Ka-Del and Ja-Vazee, I learned they were assigned about twenty cases a week; most of those were settled outside of court, with only about one percent going to trial.
I had a lot I wanted to discuss with Ka-Del when she came over tomorrow for FestDay. I should have ordered food to cook for us so that we could truly enjoy the day. Once I move into my new estate, I plan to have her and the entire office over for a true feast to thank them for welcoming me with such open arms.
I spent the rest of the night cultivating, opening my body up to the ambient mana around me. Cultivating was starting to slow down compared to the first few times I did it. I had hoped I wouldn't see a slowdown until I reached the Mana Brain stage, where Ka-Del currently was. Ja-Vazee told me he didn't hit a slowdown until he was forming his Mana Body and that he rocketed through the first few stages of cultivation in a few months.
I tried to put aside my worries. After all, I had built a secret cultivation chamber in the heart of my castle, and I was promised it would help me reach even the highest stages of cultivation. I just had to be patient and avoid angering any stronger cultivators.
This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.
I enjoyed some genuine sleep last night, forgoing cultivation for natural rest. I woke up to a knock at the door, I quickly threw on my suit. More knocked heralded the arrival of Ka-Del, Ja-Vazee, Zeb, and about fifteen other barristers from the office. To my astonishment, Senior Barrister Malhone was among them. Welcoming them inside, I was touched to see they all brought dishes from their diverse cultures. The gesture turned our gathering into a splendid surprise. We exchanged stories about our weekend activities, and I shared news of my newly founded estate.
Malhone, with a hint of intrigue in his voice, posed a question to me, "Barrister Julius, do you grasp the significance of your accomplishment?" Unsure of his implication, I simply shook my head. Zeb interjected, clarifying, "Barrister Julius, this could very well mean that if a royal takes notice of your town, you could ascend to the status of a settlement lord, entering the realm of royalty."
Curious, I questioned the likelihood of such an outcome. Malhone, with a thoughtful look, replied, "Given the resources you've invested in, I wouldn't be surprised if you receive an offer of recognition as soon as the bank finalizes the paperwork on Solisday."
Ja-Vazee, unable to contain his amusement, bowed theatrically, exclaiming, "My Lord Barrister Julius Pavrimax, we are graced by the presence of royalty." His jest sparked laughter among us, with Malhone's laughter ringing the loudest. "Barrister Julius," he said, a smile broadening on his face, "you have outdone me yet again. It has been my ambition to attain royalty since my arrival, and here you are, barely a month in, standing on the brink of such an honor."
Our festive atmosphere was further enlivened by another knock at the door. This time, it was thirty dwarves led by Flipih, and behind them was my new guild leader, Aaron. I welcomed each of my visitors with open arms, their arrival transforming our festivity into an even grander celebration. Aaron and the dwarves contributed to the merriment by supplying an abundance of ale and mead for us all to enjoy.
The dwarves unfurled an assortment of games, transforming my living space into a carnival of mirth and unity. We delved into games akin to cornhole, flip cup, beer pong, and arm wrestling, the air resonating with peals of laughter and the convergence of worlds. Amidst the jovial chaos, Ka-Del approached me with a considerate expression. "Hey Julius, I hadn't anticipated such a large turnout. I've already invited a few friends from the Fey Court to join us, so you wouldn't be alone on your first Festday. Would it be alright if they still come over?" she inquired.
I couldn't help but smile warmly at her thoughtfulness. "I'd be delighted for them to join us. The more, the merrier, honestly and truly," I reassured her, my heart swelling with the prospect of hosting even more guests from this magical world.
Ka-Del's face lit up with the broadest of smiles before she gracefully made her way to the door, welcoming in about ten elves, several Eladrin, fairies, two centaurs, and a few elemental mantises. They arrived bearing gifts of honey bombs and chocolate cake, instantly winning the title of my favorite guest. The fairies, tiny enough to rest in the palm of my hand, fluttered around the room with astonishing speed, adding an ethereal charm to the festivities.
As our space filled to the brim, the centaurs opted to remain in the kitchen, finding the crowded room a bit too confining. Nevertheless, I made every effort to ensure they felt just as welcomed and included in our collective celebration of Festday. This gathering, a tapestry of cultures and beings, was a testament to the unity and joy that could be found in the most unexpected of places.
Before I knew it Aaron, Gimlock, Drango, Aurgotum, and Flipih all came over to me. Hey Julius, Aaron said can we all go speak in your office. I nodded to them and led the way.
As the room filled, a sense of camaraderie and anticipation hung in the air. The eclectic group that had gathered in my office was a testament to the adventure that lay ahead. With Aaron, Gimlock, Drango, Aurgotum, and Flipih taking their seats, the atmosphere was charged with a tangible excitement. I couldn't help but marvel at the storage rings again, a reminder of the magical conveniences that were now part of my life. "I can't wait to get one of those," I mumbled to myself, a note of eagerness in my voice.
Clearing my desk to facilitate our discussion, I braced myself for the conversation ahead. Flipih initiated the dialogue with a careful tone, expressing a desire to join the burgeoning venture of my town. His proposal was both flattering and momentous, suggesting a partnership that spanned beyond mere financial investment to include a genuine connection and shared vision for the future. The idea of the Royal Bank of the Immortal Lords establishing a branch in my town was a significant endorsement of the potential they saw in it.
Before I could respond, the sound of footsteps descending the stairs caught my attention. Senior Barrister Malhone, followed closely by Zeb, joined our assembly. Their interest in participating in the venture added another layer of depth to the already compelling proposition. "I'm guessing you'd also like to join in on the venture?" I queried, welcoming them into the fold. If we are going to conduct business together I added we need to drop our formal titles or it will drive me crazy I said to them.
Acknowledging my request to drop formalities and engage as friends, Malhone and Zeb readily agreed. At my behest, Zeb stepped out momentarily to invite Ka-Del and Ja-Vazee to the discussion. Within moments, they too entered the room, chairs in hand, ready to contribute to the unfolding narrative of collaboration and mutual ambition.
As we all settled in, the room buzzed with the energy of potential and promise. This gathering of diverse talents and backgrounds, united by a shared goal, marked the beginning of an extraordinary chapter. The journey ahead was not just about building a town or a guild; it was about forging a community that transcended the ordinary, bound by the magic of friendship and the pursuit of a common dream.
"Okay, for transparency, Flipih, could you please restate your proposal for those who are just joining us?" I requested. Flipih succinctly recapped the details he had shared with me. Once he concluded, Malhone requested to speak next. With no objections from the room, he began, "Julius, I have great connections with the Minotaur lords, and considering you'll need a guard force and members for the guild, I see a lot of potential in partnering with you. I believe working together could be very valuable for all of us." I nodded in acknowledgment.
Turning to Zeb, I asked for his input. "Well, Julius," Zeb started, "I never imagined any of this happening. But I'm very closely connected with the Fish Lords of Gungafisian, and we've been looking for a second location to expand on AnaKaldroo. We can greatly enhance your lake's resources with our water magic."
I addressed Malhone and Zeb directly, "If your people join, we won't be creating segmented societies. We all have to come together under one banner, embracing all races who move here. While you will always retain your identities as Dwarves, Minotaurs, Gungafisians, and Fey, and I don't want to erase any of your cultures, I envision a community that builds a new culture founded on all of our backgrounds."
I then turned to Aaron, emphasizing our partnership. "Aaron, as fifty-fifty partners, your agreement is essential. If you dislike any part of this or wish to add anything, please, don't hesitate to let me know."
Ka-Del spoke up, "Julius, from the moment I met you, I knew you had amazing potential. While I initially wanted you to join the Fey court, I think Ja-Vazee and I could easily convince a coalition from the Fey court to join this venture. As I understand it, you have large farm fields and livestock that will need to be taken care of, and the Fey are experts in nature magic." Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Thank you. If everyone, except for Aaron, could rejoin the party upstairs, I would like to discuss this with my Guild Lord.
As they all left and it was just Aaron and me, he burst out laughing. "Julius, meeting you has been such a blessing. I was worried I would have to rely solely on the Golbears to fill the guild, but this is even better. I think a clan of Golbears should also join the town for representation."
"That's fine with me. This actually makes hiring for the town so much easier. I mean, we're going to need thousands of people to move to Hyde Park. How do you feel about all of them joining the guild?"
Aaron said, "Well, they'll be joining as non-adventurers, and they all have valuable abilities that can assist in work adventurers can't do, and they don't share in the same loot-sharing table, so it would be very cost-effective for us. Normally, it's very expensive to attract non-adventurers, and with the Quest Hall, we can even get some non-adventuring quests, which can be very valuable and much cheaper to fund. Plus, we're going to need non-adventurers who can use abilities to gather resources in the two rifts we have access to."
So, I asked him if he was fully on board with them. "Julius," he responded, "I would accept all of them just for the new Bank Branch. We both could end up becoming royalty from this. I don't think you fully grasp how amazing this opportunity is."
"You're right; this is really over my head, and that's why I'm going to need people I trust close by, and I think you, Zeb, Ka-Del, and Flipih are trustworthy," Aaron asked about the names I didn't mention. I responded, "It's not that I don't trust them; I'm still getting to know them, but I believe they will make valuable partners."
Aaron then asked, "I don't want to pry, and you don't have to answer, but how much money do you have left?" I've invested three million platinum bars into rift delving and another three million into a dragon's hold, and I have 900,000 bars left over for everyday expenses.
Aaron nodded at this. "We need them to contribute something. The two of us have spent a few hundred million platinum bars on this, and while we will easily make our money back, it's important for others to have some skin in the game. It's easy to recruit people, but we need them to need this venture to work just as much as we do."
"How much do you think we should ask for their contribution?" "At a minimum, three hundred gold coins for basic membership. Anything above that, we can negotiate." "Okay, let's go upstairs and share our decision."
As we ascended the stairs, music, laughter, drinking, and merriment filled the air. However, the moment we reached the top, the entire room fell silent. Aaron and I had been downstairs discussing for a few hours, and during that time, more newcomers had joined the party. The room now hosted ten Minotaurs, ten Gungafisians, and a few additional members of the Fey. All eyes turned toward us, and Aaron gestured for me to address the room. Seizing this as an opportunity, I decided to test my new ability, Arcane Advocacy.
"I'm sure many of you have heard that Aaron and I have embarked on a new venture, founding a guild and an associated town," I began, channeling my ability to infuse my words with magical energy, aiming to make my proposal as persuasive as possible. "The guild hall is situated in the outer rim of Anopia, where we boast a guild hall, a questing hall, and numerous other resources for the guild's benefit. Exclusively, we have access to two rifts, one of which we own outright."
I proceeded to outline all the town's resources, ensuring clarity and appeal in my presentation. "We are open to inviting all of you to join both the town and the guild. However, each individual who wishes to join will need to contribute an investment of at least three hundred gold. Should you wish to contribute more, we are open to negotiations beyond basic membership. Your investment will be returned in full, plus interest, within two years as a token of appreciation for aiding in the growth of our community. For those unable to make the investment upfront, we offer an alternative of a five-year repayment plan."
Concluding my invitation, I opened the floor for questions. "Does anyone have any questions or concerns?" I asked, ready to address any inquiries with the support of my newfound ability.
The crowd erupted with questions. Malhone snapped his fingers, and all sound vanished from the room. "Okay," he said, "we can't all speak at once, or it will be chaos. Let's go around the room from left to right." I noticed Flipih had raised his hand first. "Flipih, I saw your hand first," I said.
Flipih asked, "Since you want everyone to come under your banner and not bring in outside businesses, how does profit sharing work?" I detailed the profit-sharing plan, explaining that Aaron and I would receive sixty percent of the profits, with thirty percent of our share being reinvested back into the venture for life. The remaining forty percent would be divided based on individual investment and contribution. Flipih followed up, asking, "How can we join your side of the profit-sharing?" I clarified, "Aaron and I have invested seven hundred and thirty million platinum bars. To match our level, you'd need to invest at least thirty million into the venture." Flipih simply nodded.
Zeb was next, his inquiry more about the government structure. I gave them a basic overview of the town's constitution, charter, taxes, and laws, which answered the majority of the questions everyone had.
Malhone was the last person I called on. He asked, "So, should we set up individual meetings with both of you to negotiate joining in on this venture?"
Aaron answered, "We will allow individuals or groups to come one at a time in a few minutes, and we can discuss that. Julius and I need to refresh ourselves before we have more meetings." Everyone in the room nodded in agreement and returned to celebrating.
I stuffed my face with food and downed a few pints of mead before rushing to my bathroom to freshen up. After another shower, I realized I still didn't have any towels. Shaking off the water, I put my suit back on.
Aaron was already waiting for me as I approached him. "Hey Julius, welcome back. So, I have a list here. The first group is going to be the Dwarves, followed by the Gungafisians. The Minotaur Lords asked to go last, and the Fey have agreed to the three hundred gold coin investment. I've already collected it and added them to the guild charter."
"Wow," I exclaimed, "how long was I gone?" We both laughed. "I know how to work a room," Aaron replied. He continued, "I gave Ka-Del the guild's bank account information so that other people from the Fey court wanting to join can transfer their membership investment, and I will add them to the charter."
With that Many of the people who were not staying to discuss business decided to leave. I said goodbye to the Fey and my coworkers from the Public Defenders office and told them I will see them at work tomorrow. I walked back over to Aaron.
"Alright, let's start with the first group," I said, motioning for the Dwarves to follow us. All thirty came along. Aaron and I sat on the same side of my desk. Flipih spoke up for his group, "Julius, we have about thirty thousand Dwarves who would like to join initially. Most of them would like to work in the mountains. I also spoke to the Senior Partner of the Royal Bank of the Immortal Lords, and they have agreed, on contingency, to build a new branch in Hyde Park under my leadership. We Dwarves would like to match your investment of thirty million platinum bars."
Aaron and I exchanged a quick look and he signaled me to agree. "Okay," I said, "we agree. The ownership breakdown will be as follows: Aaron owns forty percent of the guild's equity, which I own twenty percent of. I will sell ten percent of my ownership in the guild. As for the town, I own forty percent, Aaron owns twenty percent, and he is willing to sell ten percent. If anyone else from the group wishes to join what we are calling the ownership bracket, it will come out of your end of the equity."
Flipih smiled. "Where do I sign?" I quickly added the details of the contract I had already written up with the amounts and the ownership levels, and all thirty Dwarves signed it.
As the Dwarves departed, I asked them to invite Zeb and his group down. Zeb, accompanied by ten other Gungafisians, descended the stairs. Zeb introduced me to his close friend and their leader, Gillian. I greeted him with a warm handshake, and Aaron embraced him with a hug. We all sat down and proceeded with the rest of the introductions.
Gillian and his team were known as aqua-Wizards, skilled in enhancing the growth of any resources found in water. They also had the ability to create magical bubble cities underwater. They mentioned their successful collaboration with mermaids and outlined how they could contribute to our magical defense by raising leviathans, krakens, and any other fresh water lake creatures we might be interested in.
Aaron inquired, "That all sounds really wonderful. What level of investment were you considering?" Gillian replied, "We have been saving for a long time and are looking to bring with us five hundred thousand Gungafisians. We suggest transforming the lake into a new settlement and are willing to invest two hundred million platinum bars, along with additional resources." They proposed that they would receive thirty percent of the Lake's profits, with ten percent going to me, another ten percent to Aaron, and ten percent to the Dwarves. I called Flipih back down to see if he agreed to the terms. After a discussion among all parties, we reached an agreement, and the contract was drafted and signed.
Finally, we invited Malhone and the Minotaurs to join us, informing Gillian and Flipih to stay since they were now fellow owners.
As the Minotaurs descended the stairs, my office instantly felt crowded with twelve beings, each over ten feet tall. This office was clearly not designed for such large guests. I turned to Flipih and half-jokingly requested, "Can you ensure my office is big enough for all of our friends in the new estate?"
The room erupted into laughter. I was really beginning to enjoy this group's company. We had such a positive working environment.
We briefed the Minotaur Lords on the current investment breakdown, and Malhone was visibly thrilled. He launched into his proposal: "Considering the open land available, I propose matching the land purchase. To the East are large woods and open plains. Under the banner of the Minotaur Lords, we bring the Boartaurs, Rhinotaurs, Lionids, Panthornids, Tigranids, Elephantoros, and Apetaurs. We can offer some of the strongest guards for the city, along with smiths, builders, and other craftsmen. I'm prepared to invest the full thirty million platinum bars for the land purchase, plus additional resources."
Considering Malhone's offer made me realize accepting it might preclude me from becoming the Settlement Lord by default, as I wouldn't hold a clear majority ownership. After reviewing the current ownership breakdown, especially of the lake, I recognized that while I would be the single largest landowner with forty-eight percent, it could disrupt my plans. Reviewing the map of where Hyde Park was to be located, I noted a large plot of discounted land to the west, rumored to contain sulfur, coal, and other minerals. If I secured another 30 million platinum bar loan, I could purchase all the land to the west, extending our lands to the sea and allowing for a seaport. This would secure me over sixty percent land ownership in Hyde Park and ensure my position as Settlement Lord.
I shared my thoughts with the group. Flipih suggested that we could negotiate the land for a much lower price and use the remainder of the loan to acquire more resources. He assured us that the Prince of AnaKaldroo would likely support this deal.
We drafted all the necessary contracts, with Flipih's expertise facilitating the creation of the loan and purchase agreement for the additional plot of land I intended to acquire. Fortunately, the paperwork for my initial purchase hadn't been processed yet, owing to it being the weekend. Flipih also outlined purchase plans for both Malhone and me for the land to the east, all under the banner of Hyde Park. We meticulously calculated the land ownership distribution: I would hold 63.57% of the total land, making me the primary landowner. Gillian came in as the second largest landowner with 12.47%, followed by Aaron with 7%, the Minotaur Lords also with 7%, and the Dwarves holding the remaining 9.96%.
The business ventures within Hyde Park were just as intricately divided. I retained a 40% stake in the overall business operations of the town, while Aaron, Gillan, the Dwarves, and the Minotaur Lords collectively owned the remaining 20%. For the business emanating from the lake, Gillian held a 40% stake, I owned 10%, and the remaining 10% was equally divided among Aaron, the Dwarves, and the Minotaur Lords. The forest businesses were primarily controlled by the Minotaur Lords with a 40% stake, with the rest of us sharing the remaining 20%. Additionally, 40% of the profits from all business ventures were allocated to the guild, distributed based on individual investment and contribution.
The guild's ownership was divided as follows: Aaron held 40%, I owned 30%, Gillian had 20%, and both the Minotaur Lords and the Dwarves possessed 8.7%, with the remaining shares allocated to the guild collective.
In the ensuing hours, we strategized on the new resources to be acquired for the expanded territory, realizing that Hyde Park would require around a million more inhabitants to achieve the desired production levels and fully capitalize on the land's value. Given the overcrowding in AnopieDroogoo, this seemed a feasible goal. This expansion positioned Hyde Park as the fourth largest single land settlement in the Anopia system and the second largest on the capital planet of AnaKaldroo—a monumental achievement in the making.
Gillian addressed the group with a solemn tone, "I feel there's something I must share with everyone here. The funds I've invested in this project represent over seven hundred thousand years of my people's efforts to accumulate this wealth. So, you could say a significant portion of our history is tied up in this venture."
Malhone placed his hand on Gillian's shoulder, offering a gesture of solidarity. "You are not alone in this," he said. "The Minotaur Lords and I have also dedicated the last two hundred years to amassing our contribution. While it may not span as lengthy a period as yours, it represents the entirety of our wealth. We don't have another refuge to fall back on, so we are equally committed to ensuring the success of this endeavor. We stand together as brothers and sisters in this venture."
Flipih nodded in agreement, adding, "Aye, together we will ensure this venture endures for far beyond seven times seven hundred thousand years."
Seizing the moment, I addressed the group, "Although I've been in this world, let alone this system, for barely a week, I believe that by working collaboratively and establishing a Board of Advisors, we can steer this venture towards unparalleled success."
The atmosphere in the room grew emotionally charged as we recognized our shared commitment. Having concluded our business, and with the night well advanced, I saw the Dwarves, Gungafisians, and Minotaur Lords out, promising to reconvene soon. Aaron, Ka-Del, and Ja-Vazee lingered as I had requested.
Turning to Aaron, He mentioned, "I know it's late, but there's something important we need to discuss after you've spoken with Ka-Del and Ja-Vazee." Acknowledging his request, he headed back downstairs to my office.
I slumped onto the couch beside my friends, letting out a deep sigh. The exhaustion from the day's extensive business planning was palpable, and I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. Ironically, I found myself in significant debt, humorously contemplating if I could escape this financial burden as I had my student loans—by being summoned to a different universe and acquiring magical abilities.
I shared the details of our recent decisions, omitting the confidential information that the owners' group chose to keep from the regular guild members. Ja-Vazee chimed in, "This venture is evolving into something much grander than we initially anticipated. I'm confident many from the Fey court will be interested in becoming citizens. Considering there are over seventy trillion beings living in this city, reaching the minimum population requirement shouldn't be challenging. Many would relish the opportunity to spread out."
Hearing that alleviated some of my concerns. On Earth, achieving a population of a million would be a daunting task. We continued to discuss the venture until I shifted the conversation to a more personal topic. I revealed my acquisition of two new abilities.
Ka-Del exclaimed, "I knew it! Pay up, Ja-Vazee. I won the bet." After they exchanged a few silver coins, I couldn't help but laugh. Ja-Vazee curiously asked about the abilities I had gained.
After explaining Arcane Advocacy and Spectral Jury, their excitement was evident. Ka-Del was the first to respond, "Julius, you're incredibly fortunate. All four of your abilities so far are related to your occupation!" Ja-Vazee speculated, "I doubt you'll only have five abilities. You're more likely to develop seven or even ten." Ka-Del playfully added, "With his luck, he'll get the full fifteen." We all shared a laugh.
Ka-Del mentioned, "The Arcane Advocacy ability is fairly common. I've heard of a few barristers in the Public Defender's office with either the exact skill or something very similar. However, I've never heard of the Spectral Jury skill. It's going to be quite challenging to train, I suspect."
Ja-Vazee disagreed, "While I've never heard of the ability either, it's considered an Alternative Dispute Resolution ability, which is very rare. Senior Barrister Melora Aquamystus has one, and she's in high demand, traveling across the Anopia system to perform arbitrations and mediations. She'll be thrilled to learn you've developed this skill. She's the only one in our office with such an ability and has to travel constantly to keep up with demand. There used to be two others in the office with similar skills, but they left to start their own private practice."
Ja-Vazee said, “I'll make sure to introduce you to Senior Barrister Melora and inform her that you need training in Alternative Dispute Resolution. She'll likely prioritize this and start your training as soon as possible.”
Curious about the financial aspects, I inquired, "Are Alternative Dispute Resolution quests as profitable as other types of quests?"
Ja-Vazee explained, "They can be quite profitable because you don't have to share a portion of your earnings with the court, although the office still takes fifty percent of the barrister's fees. The real benefit, however, is the significant boons of pure mana awarded by these quests, which are invaluable for cultivation. Senior Barrister Melora saw tremendous growth in her cultivation after developing her Alternative Dispute Resolution ability, even though hers isn't as versatile as yours. You're going to be in high demand."
After our conversation concluded, I gave them both hugs and escorted them out, promising to see them at work the following day.
It was time for my last conversation of the evening before heading to bed.
I descended the stairs to find Aaron waiting for me. Settling into the chair across from him, I could sense he was about to share something critical.
"Julius, what I'm about to tell you must remain confidential until I have the go-ahead to inform the other owners," Aaron began. I nodded, understanding the gravity of his request.
"The rift tied to the dragon's den is more complex than you might realize. The reason I, and now our guild, have exclusive access is because I saved the dragon's life, leading to our souls being bound together." My expression must have betrayed my confusion, as Aaron took a moment to explain the significance.
"Dragons can enter into a soul-binding once in their lives. Born immortal, the dragon I saved is relatively young by their standards, akin to a child, and was just starting to oversee his first den. We became soul-bound after I saved him. The Dragon hasn't even had his naming day yet." Aaron gestured to his armor, particularly the two blue gems embedded in it. "These dragon soul gems are a symbol recognized by any dragon. It's precisely why the dragon refused to negotiate with the human guild. I had to implore him not to retaliate against them, to avoid unnecessary conflict. This rift, under his care, will become immensely valuable once both the dragon and the rift reach maturity. That's exactly why the humans were so desperate to gain access, even if it meant breaching our contract."
I was astounded. Pieces of the puzzle started fitting together. "Who's guarding the rift at the moment?" I asked.
"Aaron shared, "A contingent of Dragonkin is safeguarding it temporarily. That's why securing the guild seal for the dragon to officially join is crucial. Once that's settled, the Dragonkin will likely join us, propelling our guild to prominence."
"I've already set a plan in motion to obtain the Seal," I mentioned, recalling the appointment I'd scheduled with the Seal Office for the next afternoon. "I've heard the process can be quite tedious."
Aaron nodded in agreement. "I've heard similar tales. I was planning to stay here for the week. Would it be alright if I used one of your guest bedrooms?"
"Of course," I replied, pleased at the prospect of collaboration. "We can tackle a lot of the guild preparations together."
He then inquired about the timeline for the official guild paperwork will be processed. "It should be completed by early tomorrow," I assured him. "Since we were exempt from the fee, the processing should be faster and smoother."
With our plans for the week outlined, including tasks for both the guild and our burgeoning town, we retired to bed, ready to face the challenges and opportunities that awaited us.