At the end of May, we gathered in the guild hall with the full membership to assess our accomplishments and the potential prospects of the guild. Teachers Rumy, Levris, and Reines also joined us to express their opinions.
"Thank you all for coming," Katrina spoke first, "at Vina's suggestion, I would like to hear your thoughts on the current state of the guild and our possible plans for the future."
"If I may speak first," Kurone stood up, "in the first year, we formed a strong team of talented individuals from various fields. We also completed a series of challenging tasks and, of course, earned a decent starting capital. I consider this venture to be extremely successful."
"Tsk," Seleria clicked her tongue, "on the one hand, yes, but there's also a flip side to all of this. What do we do next?"
"Well... continue to undertake the most challenging quests and strive for greatness?" Kurone suggested.
"No-no-no, don't you see? Such quests don't come our way every day. Not every day there's an ancient hydra threatening to wipe a city off the face of the earth, and for smaller tasks, our Guild Master may not agree," Seleria retorted.
"Seleria! I'm not against such quests, but I would still prefer contracts where we could all fight as a team," Katrina interjected.
"Heh, and that's the problem," Vina sighed sadly, reclining in her chair. "We've already gained considerable fame in the Academy and many cities as a formidable guild that not even the gods are afraid of."
"And whose fault is that?" I gave Vina a suspicious look, but she just shrugged.
"And that's precisely what scares away new members," she continued.
"But why?" I asked.
"Hehe, want to know?" Seleria glanced at Levris. "Ask her. After all, we've become quite close with her class, but besides Grain, no one else has joined us."
"Um," Levris awkwardly scratched her head, "when we return from quests, the others often ask how everything went, who we fought, and they listen with interest to the stories... but when I offer someone to join, they usually hesitate and say they would only get in the way of such heroes."
"And I think they're just afraid of us," Ragni shrugged, "think about it, how many people in the Academy are willing to challenge a dragon?"
We exchanged awkward glances.
"Exactly, not that many. And someone decided to do that already in their first week of training."
Katrina guiltily lowered her head.
"If we simplify it," Seleria shrugged, "studying at such a respected institution, meeting new people, and occasionally embarking on missions to deal with some group of orcs for extra earnings – that's the life most students lead."
"But joining a guild that might unintentionally face a monster as powerful as gods," Vina rolled her eyes, displaying extreme displeasure, "which, in turn, could drastically reduce their study time due to severe physical injuries or even... premature departure from the Academy. I believe there won't be many willing to do that."
"Ooh," Katrina sank deeper into a pit of despair, "forgive me, I didn't know it would be like this."
"I think we just need to change the guild's policy a little," Kurone cheerfully stood up, "we need to recruit new members and take on simpler and more frequent quests. By the way, Vina, how are our finances?"
"At the moment, we have about a hundred thousand Veranian gold in reserve, so we can live comfortably until the end of our studies, although it won't be as exciting. But I don't think we should tell the newcomers about this right away."
"What do you mean?"
"Heh-heh-heh," Vina's smile grew satisfied, "we need to recruit new people, BUT it's unlikely anyone will come voluntarily. However, we can be a bit cunning. We don't have to reveal all our achievements."
"But how do you plan to lure them in, especially when you've been boasting about our feats all over Verania?" I gave Vina a skeptical look.
"Well, not all over, just to a significant part of the explored territories. And of course, everyone in the Academy knows about our strength, so we can't deceive anyone already aware of us. And here we come to the topic of newcomers!" Vina narrowed her eyes with malice and clasped her hands in front of her face. "We recently changed our guild's name, and my informants haven't spread the news to every corner of Verania yet. So, it's quite possible that we could be mistaken for another guild."
"But still, how do you plan to entice them?"
"Think about it. If we set aside minor details like battles with the most formidable monsters, we are a highly advantageous guild," Vina explained.
"Minor details?" Katrina raised an eyebrow incredulously.
"Well, think about it, we have our own building, several powerful mages and warriors of various specialties, even an inventive mind from the Empire. That means we can help train practically any newcomer. Plus, we have enough money and space to accommodate at least ten more newcomers and fully support them."
"And then what do we do with them? Once they realize our true strength, they might not be willing to go on a quest even once."
"So, we'll go in groups of two or a few newcomers, and we'll share our experience with them. If the quests are simple, like guarding, escorting, or hunting small monsters, any two or three of our experienced guild members will be enough."
"Hmm, but they will surely inquire about our past achievements."
"That's even simpler. What were we doing?"
"Mmm, hunting a black dragon," Katrina looked at Ragni with doubt.
"It's easy. Helping peasants get rid of dangerous wildlife that appeared in the area. The wildlife got scared and ran away on its own, so the quest was canceled due to being unnecessary. We don't even need to mention it."
"Hey, who are you calling wildlife?" Ragni crossed her arms in displeasure, although she would have previously jumped at the opportunity for trading.
"Next?"
"Well, protecting the city from the royal hydra."
"Why so specific? Simply assisting the city guards in defending against swamp monsters' raids, not even a trophy left."
"But there is one."
"But it's not hanging here, so it doesn't count."
"Next, we helped Leira's family get rid of cave monsters."
"What strange names. We simply helped a group of miners get rid of large ants that were devouring valuable metals, and in return, we received a small share of their profit. See how easy it is."
"Treasure hunting?"
"Participating in a cultural event with the main prize being a considerable amount of money."
"The Empire's attack??"
"Meeting a foreign delegation and wishing them a safe journey."
With such free interpretation, the listeners' jaws dropped lower and lower.
"Helping the people of Koroldayne."
"That's the most suitable. Just omit the part about the necromancer and mercenaries, and it will be perfect."
"The tournament, after all!"
"Another cultural event aimed at showcasing participants' skills, where we demonstrated ourselves at a respectable level, and our Guild Master even secured an honorable second place."
"Hey, I got the first place!"
"It's just details; people might think we are boasting about our fame."
"And the battle with Ultras and the Red Baron's army?"
"Um, it was a cultural trip to a neighboring region to study local traditions and meet the hereditary nobility."
"The battle with the dragon in Nordrune!"
"Assisting the local population with abnormal cold spells and unnatural behavior of animals and insects, that's all."
In just a couple of minutes, all our "feats" turned into ordinary school activities.
"And how are we going to attract people then?"
"Well, if we evaluate the options logically... We have completed four successful quests. By the way, Asura, how many has your guild completed?"
"Thirteen quests. They were usually small, with the longest one being a four-day caravan escort to Leran."
"Wow, even Asura completed more quests than us," Katrina gestured with a resigned look, tracing her finger on the table.
"Well, well, Katrina, we were doing simple tasks, nowhere near your level."
"In the end, we are a fairly strong beginner guild, with our own house and a decent financial reserve, ready to accept any talented newcomers, regardless of their class or background!" Vina proudly declared, straightening up to her full height, and then thoughtfully scratched her chin, "I said it quite nicely... I should hang such advertisements all over the main building when the newcomers arrive."
"And so we'll recruit anyone who comes our way?"
"No, of course, we'll assess their strengths, and we can train those who aren't very strong. But I think it wouldn't hurt to have a couple of thieves or assassins."
"What?!" Everyone looked at the merchant with suspicion.
"Well, what? I'm not suggesting we kill anyone. It might be useful to have someone who can sneak into an enemy's lair unnoticed or track a suspicious person. So, at least one person like that would be beneficial for us."
"Cough," Aileen deliberately coughed loudly, drawing our attention, "did you happen to forget about the guild's goal stated in your application?"
I exchanged a glance with Katrina.
"The search for the Summoner... The goal is noble, but unfortunately, he hasn't made himself known. If he had summoned a great spirit, all powerful mages would have sensed it. But so far, there's only a sign that he has acquired his power. Perhaps he's hiding from someone or hasn't realized his potential yet. But we know too little to understand how to find him."
"Interesting... and you have no ideas at all?"
"Unfortunately, until he decides to reveal himself, we won't be able to locate him."
"Then what about my matter? Are you doing anything to prevent a war with the Empire?"
"Unfortunately, that's also a dead-end for now. I inquired with Victoria about it, but there were no leads. A significant fleet capable of reaching the Empire is not easy to hide, but nothing similar has approached Verania's shores recently. The only option is that they are either based in the icy wastelands of Nordrune or on one of the uninhabited islands of Leran. Finding them there won't be easy. In any case, if they decide to strike again, they won't be able to conceal such a fleet."
"Hmm, it's hard to believe that, but okay. You still have time. Besides, I've taken some precautionary measures just in case."
"Well, then, from the start of the new academic year, we'll look for new people," Katrina confidently clenched her fists. "But for now, we need to finish this year and decide what to do in the summer... By the way, are there any exams we need to take?"
"No, no, what are you thinking," Levris shook her head, "the Rector is more inclined towards free education. So, all students can acquire the knowledge they consider necessary. They only have to show their results before graduation. The only exam is a test of abilities at the beginning of each year. Now you know what it is and can prepare for the next year. Perhaps many of you can get a higher scholarship."
"Mmm, that's even better. By the way, what are everyone's plans for the holidays?"
Having finished planning the guild's actions, everyone decided to share their summer plans.
"I was home not too long ago," Seleria recalled her trip to the Red Clan, "so I don't see the point in going there so often. There will be too many distractions on the road. I'll probably take some of my money and travel to nearby major cities. I'll refresh my wardrobe."
"Hmm, complaining about having a small wardrobe clearly isn't about you," Ragni grumbled, "nobody's really waiting for me at home, so I'll probably focus on teaching the kids."
The dragoness patted her little daughter on the head.
"In that case, I think I'll stay here too. It's best not to separate the kids," Hilda looked at her trio, "Katrina, what are your plans?"
"Me? Well, no one's really waiting for me at home either, so I'll stay in the Academy," the princess surveyed the gathered group, "our conversation seems rather gloomy, just say it: is someone planning to leave from here?"
Vivien timidly raised her hand.
"Well, my sister and I were planning to visit our father at the end of the summer, but we won't be going there soon."
No one else seemed particularly eager to speak up.
"Really, no one else is planning to go somewhere? Visit your parents, take a break?" Katrina's questions were met with silence.
"Well, alright, I'm planning to go home," I didn't want to elaborate on it, but they would find out anyway, "I was taken by the inquisitors at that time, and then I spent some time with our feudal lord... I think my fellow villagers don't even know what happened to me. I should at least let them know... And why are you all looking at me like that?"
Everyone looked at me with interest, clearly expecting something more.
"Krito, can you tell us where your home is?"
I approached the map and pointed to a small island in the east.
"Meilir, a small fishing town with a port where traders from Leran and Nordrune sometimes stop by. Not that I have many friends there, but I should at least say thank you to the people who took me in."
"Wow," Vina thoughtfully scratched her chin, "a small island with a mild climate, and it probably has beaches... Plus, it's remote from the mainland, so news might not reach there easily..."
The merchant slyly winked at Katrina.
"Yeah, I think it's just what we need for a group trip," the princess turned to her guildmates, "so, does anyone want to go to the sea together this summer?"
"Sigh, it looks like I won't be able to be alone..." I thought.
"By the way, will my fellow villagers be bothered... umm... by the nobility of the arriving company?" I doubted the nobility of the bloodline of the gathered group.
"Heh, I don't think anyone in your town knows the members of the royal family personally," Vina shrugged, "besides, you don't have to tell them who we are. We'll just be your Academy comrades."
"Ah, do whatever you want," I waved away their attempts to dissuade me.
"Then is everyone in agreement?"
"YES!"
"Hmm," Aileen hesitated for a moment, "how about we set off in two weeks? I'll finish something important by then... And we can travel with all the comforts."
The cunning smile of the imperial genius made me wary, but in any case, a ship to my island would have to wait a few more weeks.