Lurona city [southern shores of Fuminao Legacy Kingdom], local time [1793.12.16]

“Perfect!” Aisha exclaimed, clapping her hands. “How are we doing it?”

Kwan’s brow raised. “I thought it was your idea? Why are you asking us?”

She shrugged. “There are only two people in this room who are landowners. I am not going to make decisions for you. By the way, weren’t you given a lineage name? The terrain you bought is a little too much to be considered an organization’s property. Even if you shared the ownership with your kin, you should still qualify for the Lesser Landlord title; be able to declare Duels,” she asked curiously.

“Not applicable until we pay the installments,” Kwan quoted. “The City Council probably wants to see how we will deal with the political showdown involving those lands first,” she sighed tiredly. “And I have a feeling it’s just the tip of an iceberg. The offer was too good, now that I think about it. There has to be a catch somewhere… Another reason to form a Guild. At least the lack of the title won’t be restraining.”

There was a moment of silence as they mulled over the information. Zeph felt a little lost and decided to read his ‘Geopolitical Map’ as soon as possible. It should help him to orient himself as he still didn’t understand the structure of their society. It sounded like Kwan was to become a noble of some kind. Not like he heard of any real nobles in this world, but the Landlord title sounded suspiciously similar.

Ghrughah’s rough voice broke the silence. “I can relocate here,” he declared. “It seems necessary, to minimize the risks and strengthen your security. That way, you can also keep an eye on me – I know very well you still don’t trust me entirely. The mark notwithstanding.”

“That would be a problem,” Kwan countered, frowning. “The whole area is to become an entertainment center. We can hide a few production buildings in the housing area, to not stick out like a sore thumb and to assure the security, but if we overdo it, we will overload the throughput of the roads…”

“You don’t have to worry about that,” the giant assured, laughing quietly. “You, humans, like to build aboveground too much, ignoring a much more convenient and safer alternative. The space available for structures is limited but the rock under your feet stays firm no matter how deep you dig. Just give me access to a few buildings and I will take care of your underground infrastructure.”

She thought on the idea for a moment but, seemingly, didn’t find any glaring problems with it. “I suppose it can be arranged.”

“Do you have any suggestions for commanding structure? If we are to form a council, we would need to decide who can take a seat,” the Gremling shot the question at Aisha.

Everyone’s eyes concentrated on her again.

“Only one. I am against assigning a Head. Besides advancing and gaining a foothold on a higher stratum, we all have slightly different goals and specializations. It would be unwise to place one person in charge, as the risk of the organization developing in one direction would be too high.”

Kwan grimaced. “The lack of the main decision-maker will be a headache.”

Zeph wasn’t an authority on the topic of organizations’ structure, but he saw enough on the Earth to, at least, suggest something. “Well, if we just trade between departments, instead of creating a combined budget, it shouldn’t be a problem. But for it to function properly, so that no one would be aggrieved, we would need to follow a simple rule. The choices we make should be best for each department, but also best for the whole Guild. It was actually proved mathematically to work economically… Well, what I have just said was a big simplification.” He was thinking about the Nash equilibrium. The only reason he even remembered about it was ‘A Beautiful Mind’ film – curious about the mathematical theory showcased in it, he checked it in detail afterward.

Prompted by the group, he explained it in more depth, even giving a few examples. After answering the questions, all of them unanimously agreed to implement that solution. If it failed, they could always go back to the old, known methods. But the idea of working for the good of the group without giving away their independency stuck strongly with them, so Zeph was sure they would try hard to make it work.

“And now, that we have a plan,” Aisha started in an official tone, “time to form our first departments!”

“It would be optimal if we separated them by specialization…” P’pfel said thoughtfully.

Kwan was the first to voice her idea. “I propose that everyone here, except for Pavail, form one.” The girl in question was sitting quietly for the whole meeting, only observing the proceedings. “It feels quite natural. My group is already doing a Logistics Department’s job, so we can stick with the name as well.”

“I rather would say, Logistics and Administration Department. You own the place and take care of the political scene as well. As for me, Information and Fighting Force sounds good,” Aisha said, looking up and placing a finger on her cheek. “I can train people and organize them. I have my contacts, too. Even the Temple’s business manages to somehow fit in it, heh.”

“Then, I will leave the contact with Ciriyal to you. She wasn’t against the idea of working with us and should have quite an information network,” Zeph added. “She seems to have financial problems for some time now, maybe you could bring her fully under our banner?”

“Hmm… Ah, the daughter of those two investigators? Yes, she would be a perfect candidate. But wouldn’t it be better to offer her a separate department from the beginning? I don’t think she would refuse something like that.”

Zeph thought about it for a second, but quickly shook his head. “She is not her parents. It would be better to see how good she is, first. And assess if we can trust her – she will be under huge pressure thanks to being in possession of so much information about us. It’s a weak link, in my opinion. The main position of the Information Department should be taken by the most trusted.”

She nodded in understanding. “I will take care of her, then. So, what you will do?”

“Spells and Innovation,” he said without hesitation. “And about that, I want Pavail to be a part of it,” he declared, looking at Kwan. Pavail fidgeted in her seat. “We already planned a partnership. I want her to be responsible for one of the branches of research. Also, she will be able to represent our department when I am not around.”

“Hmmm. Is it what you want, Hwaran?” Kwan asked seriously, recovering some of her grandeur. “This would mean you are resigning from the Doctor position in my group, if I understand that correctly?”

“Y-yes,” she answered timidly, looking downwards. “I won’t have resources to pursue my chosen path otherwise… And most of the tests have to be done on animals, not people,” she explained, gaining more confidence. “I can still help with the sick if some problems arise!” Her uncertain smile was all the proof they needed to see how much she feared this talk, but her voice, finally returning to its energetic self, told another story.

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

Kwan smiled widely in pride. Wide enough to startle Zeph a little, and to expose a second pair of elongated fangs protruding, this time, from her lower jaw.

Yep, that’s an Oni for you… he thought with a chill. This too-wide grin was unsettling.

“Good! You have gained some spine finally! Don’t you dare to deviate from your path, though. I would be mightily disappointed if you failed only because of self-doubt after being stubborn for so long,” she warned with a stern glare, her face returning to normal. Pavail breathed out with relief, and smiled sincerely, silently thanking her boss. “Zeph, I consider this to be a repayment for forcing information out of you.”

He rolled his eyes. “I thought we can exchange our workers freely? Miss Logistics and Administration?”

“Taking a specialist from my group is another story. Now I need to find someone who can replace her. But don’t worry, I will take care of people who want to work in your departments,” she addressed the whole group. “The newcomers will have to prove their loyalty first, though, so don’t expect many petitioners at the beginning.” Her head turned back to Zeph. “As for the compensation for the help in the fight with Ghan, we will buy you basic furniture and equipment, as long as it’s Tier 0. You just need to specify what you want. Or do you have another idea?”

Oh, that’d be nice! “No, that sounds perfect.”

“Then, for the Spells you had taught me, I will prepare for you a basic Tier 1 equipment for enchanting,” P’pfel added. “I can craft some myself. It would save me gold.”

“Sure, let’s go for that. I would have to ask you about it, anyway,” he lightly agreed. “So, you are going with an Enchanting Department?”

“Yes, that’s my specialization, after all.”

“Why don’t you make it an Enchantment and Alchemy? You are already half a step from being one, and I plan to employ an Alchemist. The person will work on my idea, but I am sure some enchanting will be involved in the project. And I need someone to keep an eye on them, but the research topic is not in Pavail’s field. Also, we already have this double-function naming theme going on for the departments,” he chuckled.

It took the Gremling a good minute to decide. Zeph had a suspicion the two of him were debating the idea and that’s why it took so long. But, in the end, he agreed to expand the scope of his department.

Everyone looked at Ghrughah, who was silent for a long time now.

He rumbled in affirmation. “Production and Security Management. I want all of our crucial infrastructure and facilities underground. That includes your laboratories,” he nodded at Zeph and P’pfel. “But you can set up basic ones in this building, too. It would make for a good distraction.”

A small debate ensued. Kwan took out a detailed map of the vicinity and they started to strategize. The cost of placing everything underground would be exorbitant, but no one could argue with the level of security it would offer. Especially if they managed to become self-sufficient – the place potentially could become a literal fortress. A great advantage in a situation, where the city’s walls were breached. Though, Zeph had a hard time even imagining such an event. He had to rely on the expertise of his companions in this matter.

As he listened, a crazy idea started forming in his head. It doesn’t sound doable… But what do I know? He decided to ask, interrupting the discussion.

“What if we build the walls of underground facilities from Mana-resistant materials to allow the whole area to fly off in case of a wall’s breach? Is that even possible?”

Everyone fell silent, looking at him strangely. Ghrughah spoke first, frowning furiously. “That’s… no… I am no Aeroplanner, but… Yes, I think lifting the whole area is an impossibility. But if we invested and formed a complex adapted for that purpose, wouldn’t an aerostat be able to lift it? It’s a tough thought on my part—”

Aisha’s eyes widened. “Right! I forgot to mention! We can expect Makani to join us as a department head. He’s an Aeroplanner from Blackwind Tower. With our current production capacity, I think you would be able to build an aerostat.”

“And you are mentioning it only now?” Zeph asked incuriously. “I thought he wouldn’t be able to join our Guild?”

“Nah, the Towers don’t restrict their members in such a way. But he will be useless if we get ourselves into any conflict that isn’t acknowledged by the Towers. He would have to stay as politically impartial. That doesn’t mean he can’t work with us,” she explained happily.

“So, the sixth division.” The giant nodded. “It looks better than I expected. Assuming it’s doable, building the aerial complex would take time and resources we currently don’t have. Let’s leave the topic for when he comes. But if you want your laboratories to be a part of the possible complex, it would slow down the construction process right now,” he addressed Zeph.

“Definitely not. Keeping all of the materials, notes, and prototypes in the lab is just asking for trouble. We can lose some equipment and prototypes in case of an evacuation, but they’re less important than the data and rare materials. Right?” he asked P’pfel. The Gremling nodded vehemently.

“Understood. We will leave the detailed planning for after he shows up,” the Blacksmith declared, looking at Kwan. She nodded in affirmation. “Then, is there anything else?”

“Not really.” Shrugged Aisha. “I will take care of the registration. You just have to sign a few documents and confirm their validity later at the City Hall. I have a friend there, so I can guarantee it will be done in a day. Ah!” she exclaimed in realization. “But we still need a name for the Guild.” She snapped her fingers.

Everyone froze in disbelief. Zeph also wondered how the hell it was possible that each and every one of them to forget about his one, crucial detail.

Gods... Tell me we are not creating a Guild of airheads… he prayed silently.

The livid discussion started anew, names flying right and left. With each new one, Zeph wanted to facepalm more and more.

Is their chuunibyou that advanced? What the fuck is the ‘Scorching Plane Riders’ even meaning? P’pfel, stop with those disgusting ideas!

The discussion quickly devolved into a shouting match. All integrity of the group disappeared in but a few moments. Ghrughah and Pavail evacuated to the bar, isolating themselves from the madness they couldn’t even hope to contain.

Zeph exerted his brain as hard as he could, to salvage the situation. There was no way he would become a part of the ‘Source Spring’ Guild. The name currently taking the lead. He refused to become an SS-man.

The combination of the first letters of their names flew through his mind with the speed of light. Forming names that way has become basically a tradition back on Earth, right? he hoped the reasoning behind the naming would shut down any counter-arguments. There had to exist a reasonable combination!

It didn’t.

Shit! Think, what to use… Our departments! What would come out of th… His mind made an immediate restart after spewing out a ‘Spiel Maffia’ as the first, perfect result.

He shook his head.

Jesus, that was worse than the ‘Ornamental Onsen Wardens’… But that set of letters gave me one word to use… Let’s improvise the rest!

“What about the Gem Familia?!” he cried out to be heard. The ruckus paused, so he hurried with the explanations. “The first part includes the first two letters of Gewong, a first letter of Ghrughah, and a first letter of Makani, while the second part includes some of the letters from abbreviations of our departments…” seeing the skeptical faces, he continued with the charade. “Or we can use Sepia Familia – the name is formed only from those abbreviations of the departments, but also takes into account the future Aeroplanning and Ingeniators Department”—a name he pulled from his backside—"where Sepia should be a name of a cephalopod”—Assuming I translated the genus name correctly to Cir, which I definitely didn’t!—“with nine arms.” He finally allowed himself to take a breath.

The silence that followed lasted a good minute, people digesting what he just said.

Finally, Aisha nodded. “I like the name Sepia, it rolls nicely on the tongue.”

Great… It seems we are going to be named after a Cuttlefish… Ugh.

“Nine arms, you said? We would still lack another three departments, but I can see the appeal to mislead people… Assuming they would recognize the word.”

No, they won’t!

“Familia sound about right. As are the arms coming straight from the ‘head’, in our situation,” commented Kwan.

Yes, we should start the Cthulhu cult right away!

…

Why did I even spoke up, again? Ah, yes… To avoid an even worse fate… Haah. “What do you think?” he asked Ghrughah, consciously stopping his facial muscles from twitching.

The giant shrugged. “As good as any.”

“Great!” he deadpanned. It was time to change the topic, before they came to their senses. “Now that we are finished, I will need to speak with you, Ghrughah. I don’t know if you can make a plate with a modifiable cross-section shape, but you can for sure manually model it…” the prototype of a true wing would be much easier to make if he could test the shapes instantly. The meeting with the pilots was coming close.

“Before that, we need to talk,” Aisha said to Zeph, still sitting down while the rest stood up.

“And I would need to talk with our Enchanter,” Ghrughah declared. “Let’s split up. La-Gewong, by your directions.”

And thus, the Sepia Familia Guild was born.

The name written in the annals of history.