The **Dwarven guild** was the first step, but it was clear to Alex and his team that forging alliances in this world wasn't just about winning battles—it was about navigating the complex **web of politics** that ruled the NPC kingdoms. The mission to clear the trade routes had been a success, but now came the more delicate part of their plan: ensuring that the dwarves saw CODE as more than just a group of adventurers. They had to be seen as partners, and more importantly, as an indispensable force in the future of the kingdom's prosperity.

Alex stood at the head of the table in CODE's **war room**, a section of the guild base they had recently designated for strategic planning. The room was lined with maps, detailed ledgers, and reports from various scouts and informants that Betsy had placed across Starter City. It was a far cry from the humble beginnings of their guild. Now, they were no longer just another group of adventurers—they were players in the game of **power and influence**.

Betsy sat across from him, her eyes scanning the map of the **Dwarven guild trade routes**. "The dwarves will be careful," she said, her voice measured. "They've been burned by guilds before, and while we've helped them, they're going to want more than just security. They'll want to know what our **long-term goals** are."

"We'll need to offer them more than just protection," Alex replied. "We need to make them see that working with us will benefit them **economically**. We have the wealth from Obsidian Gambit, and we can use that to fund **infrastructure projects**—help them rebuild their defenses, improve their mines."

Drax, leaning back in his chair with his usual grin, chimed in. "They love gold, right? We've got plenty of that. Let's just show them the money."

Betsy gave him a sharp look. "It's not that simple. The dwarves aren't just going to take our gold and hand over their loyalty. They're **pragmatic**—they want to see a return on investment. We need to show them that by working with CODE, they'll gain more than just immediate security."

Alex nodded. "Betsy's right. We need to think long-term. The more we invest in their kingdom, the more reliant they'll become on us. And once they start depending on CODE for their economic growth, we'll have the leverage we need to **influence** their decisions."

Luke, who had been listening quietly from the corner, finally spoke up in his calm, measured tone. "**Verum**."

Alex smiled, understanding the weight of Luke's single word. "Exactly. The truth is, this isn't just about helping them—it's about positioning ourselves as **indispensable**."

Drax shrugged. "Fine, fine. We'll play the long game. But what's the first move? How do we start planting those seeds?"

"We go to the dwarves with a **proposal**," Betsy said, tapping the map on the table. "We'll offer to **rebuild** their most important trade route—fortify it, improve the infrastructure, make it easier for their caravans to move goods. In exchange, we ask for a stake in their **mining operations**. Nothing too large—just enough to give us a foothold."

"Once they see the benefits, they'll want us involved in more projects," Alex added. "We'll offer to **protect their interests**, not just in trade but in politics. We position ourselves as the **guardians of their wealth**."

"And then what?" Drax asked. "We make them dependent on us?"

You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

Betsy smiled. "Exactly. We don't push too hard at first. Let them come to us. Once they see that working with CODE makes them wealthier and safer, they'll want more. And when that happens, we'll have **influence** over their decisions—political and economic."

"Sounds good to me," Drax said, standing up and stretching. "Let's get moving before someone else swoops in and tries to steal our thunder."

---

The next few days were a whirlwind of planning and preparation. Betsy took the lead in drafting the **proposal** they would present to the **Dwarven master**, outlining how CODE would improve the kingdom's trade routes and fortifications, and how these investments would benefit both parties. Drax, meanwhile, prepared a small team of guild members who would accompany them on the mission to ensure everything went smoothly.

As they made their way toward the Dwarven guilds capital, Alex couldn't help but think about how far they had come. It had been weeks since they first established Obsidian Gambit, and in that short time, they had grown from a small guild trying to survive to a **serious contender** for influence on the first floor. But with each step forward, the stakes got higher, and the challenges more complex.

They arrived at the gates of the Dwarven guild—a sprawling underground city carved into the mountains, with towering stone structures and intricate tunnels that ran deep beneath the earth. The city was a testament to the dwarves' craftsmanship, with its impressive architecture and heavily fortified walls.

A group of dwarf guards met them at the entrance, their eyes narrowing as they studied the group of outsiders. "What business do ye have in the capital?" one of them asked, his voice gruff.

Betsy stepped forward, holding out the official **proposal** they had prepared. "We're here to speak with the **Dwarven master**. We have a business proposal that will benefit both our guild and your kingdom."

The dwarf raised an eyebrow, taking the proposal and scanning it quickly before nodding. "Aye, follow me. The king will see ye."

They were led through the winding tunnels of the capital, the air cool and heavy with the scent of stone and earth. Eventually, they reached the **throne room**, a massive chamber carved into the heart of the mountain. The Dwarven master sat on a high stone throne, his beard long and braided, his sharp eyes studying them with curiosity and caution.

"Ye've come a long way to make a proposal, adventurers," the king said, his voice deep and commanding. "Let's hear it."

Betsy stepped forward, her tone confident but respectful. "Your Majesty, we represent the guild CODE, and we've recently taken steps to **secure your trade routes** from the bandits that have been harassing your caravans. We believe there is an opportunity for a **mutually beneficial partnership** between CODE and your kingdom."

The king's gaze sharpened. "Go on."

Betsy outlined the details of their proposal—how CODE would fund the **rebuilding and fortification** of the kingdom's most important trade routes, ensuring that their goods could move safely and efficiently. In exchange, CODE would receive a small **stake in the mining operations**, allowing both parties to profit from the increased trade.

"We're not just offering gold, Your Majesty," Betsy continued. "We're offering long-term **security** and **prosperity**. With our help, your kingdom can expand its reach, strengthen its economy, and protect its resources. And as CODE grows, so too will the wealth and power of your kingdom."

The Dwarven master stroked his beard thoughtfully, his eyes never leaving Betsy's. "It's a fine proposal, lass, but why should I trust yer guild? Ye've done well to secure the trade routes, but what guarantee do I have that ye'll honor yer side of the deal?"

Alex stepped forward, meeting the king's gaze. "We've already proven our commitment to this kingdom by securing your trade routes without asking for anything in return. We're not here to take advantage of your resources. We're here to **build something together**. If we fail to deliver on our promises, you'll lose nothing. But if we succeed, both CODE and the Dwarven guild will prosper."

The king was silent for a long moment, his eyes scanning the group before him. Finally, he nodded. "Ye've got guts, I'll give ye that. Very well—ye'll have yer chance. We'll start with a small investment, and if ye prove yer worth, we'll talk about a larger deal."

Betsy smiled. "Thank you, Your Majesty. We won't let you down."

---

As they left the Dwarven guild, the weight of their success settled over the group. They had secured their first major **political alliance**, but it was only the beginning. There were still other kingdoms, other guilds, and other forces at play on the first floor. And with each new alliance came new dangers.

"We did it," Drax said with a grin, clapping Alex on the back. "We've got the dwarves on our side."

"For now," Alex replied, his tone cautious. "This was just the first step. The real challenge is keeping them on our side—and using that influence to our advantage."

Betsy nodded. "We'll need to tread carefully. The dwarves are pragmatic, but they'll be watching us closely. If we make even one wrong move, they'll pull out of the deal."

"We won't let that happen," Alex said firmly. "We've come too far to fail now. We're going to use this alliance to **expand our influence**, but we'll do it carefully, strategically."

"And what about the other guilds?" Drax asked. "You know they're going to notice what we're doing."

Alex's expression darkened. "Let them notice.

We're not hiding anymore. If they want to challenge CODE, they'll have to deal with more than just shadows."