Max considered his words and then gave an overview of what he had built so far.
"You are aware of the first level. And you are correct, it was built with the idea of improving awareness. Normal mode is for level 10 while hard mode is a challenge that requires a maximized team with excellent cooperation if they wish to complete it at level 15."
"The second level has a normal mode at level 15 and a hard mode at level 20. This level is designed to test and improve a person's technical ability in and out of combat. If you wish to pass, then you must know the best use for your skills and abilities. Simply being strong and hearty won't cut it. a few wrong steps and you are done. I imagine that many will enjoy this level while many more will find it very frustrating. But if a group trains enough to be able to clear it, they will have a much better understanding of what they are capable of."
"Third level has a normal mode at level 20 and hard mode at level 25. This level deals with some unique combat situations that one doesn't often encounter but if unfamiliar with will cause you to become blindsided. This level is a bit different in the fact that depending on how you finish the second level 2 different paths are available to you with very different experiences. This level will also introduce people to large scale combat."
"Fourth level, I am sure you have guessed the pattern. Normal at 25 and hard at 30. This level has a specific goal that needs to be accomplished and there are numerous ways to get it done. It is a test of critical thinking. Infiltration, assault, subterfuge, there are many different ways this level can be completed. But know that the boss of this level is a superior foe compared to other bosses."
Cotton thought things over while the Lord looked pleased. "It appears you have put much thought into this and sounds like an entertaining and useful form of training."
Max nodded in appreciation of his efforts. "Thank you. But these levels are only an introduction and warm up. The fifth level. That… that is my baby. Even if I told you about it, I doubt you could imagine it. Words can't do it justice. It will knock your socks off. I really can't wait for someone to get that far. But even then, if they did not take to heart the lessons from the first 4 levels… Well, they will be in for a rough time."
"It sounds like we will be able to station a full-time outpost here. Maybe even some of the senior guards can learn a bit." Cotton said while the Lord agreed.
"Good, good. Now why don't you tell me what you are looking for exactly and I will help you out. Trust me, I want you guys to stay here full time. We can dance back and forth while hinting, or we can just hash it out."
Halbin let out a booming laugh. "Yes, let's cut to the chase."
///
Rod, Dirk, Cindy, and Heath followed Cotton and Lord Titters.
"What kind of facility were you able to get?" Cindy asked her father.
"We worked something out that I think we will all be happy with. If everything looks good, we will sign a 1 year lease and with an option to continue for 5 more."
Cotton and Halbin led them down a street on the south edge of the village. There was less going on in this area and it had even been a few minutes since they had seen a creature strolling down the street.
"Here we are." Halbin said, stopping in front of a large gate that he pushed open.
Inside they saw a large open training ground within the walls of the estate. Waiting before them was a gnome wearing a construction hat.
"Lord Titters, are you ready to inspect the property?"
With the man's nod, the gnome led the way. "On the left we have the barracks. 100 beds, 4 to a room. 4 communal bathrooms and a single dining hall. Food service is provided by an automaton who specializes in nutrition and will make sure everyone is well fed with what they need."
The group looked around the large building. It had everything the recruits would need and wasn't shabby. It was exactly what Halbin had asked for.
Walking back out into the open yard, the gnome motioned to an automaton that stood by the side. "Anyone who wants to use the training field needs to register with RC-31T. They will adjust the sanctuary protection to allow combat practice. Sanctuary rules will automatically reapply if someone's health drops below 25% or is in danger of a lethal strike. RC-31T is also able to preform basic first aid and control the training tools that you have purchased."
"This building on the right has meditation rooms along with spell resistant walls for casters to practice. We also installed the injury simulator you requested so healers can practice even if there is nobody hurt that needs to be patched up."
The group poked around and were again pleased.
"The building in the back is a 2-story house that is equipped with briefing rooms and offices on the first floor and 8 bedrooms and baths on the second floor."
They spent much longer looking around the last building. But once again, they exited with satisfied faces.
"Does it meet your expectations?" The gnome asked.
"Yes, it will do us well."
"Good." The gnome said while handing over a folded piece of paper. "As soon as the payment is received the lease will go into effect."
Lord Titter opened the invoice and was surprised to see that it was actually under budget.
Cindy, who peaked over her father's shoulder almost choked when she saw the number.
"Here you go. There is a little extra since I didn't expect you to be under the estimate. Consider it a tip and remember me if I need more work done in the future."
The gnome grabbed the sack of gold coins that was almost as big as him. "Will do Lord Titters. Give me a shout if you need anything else."
The gnome and the sack disappeared.
"How much did it cost dad?" Rod asked.
"The final price was 14,521 Gold coins."
"Wow."
"That's crazy dad." Cindy said. "Why did you spend so much? And only for a year."
Halbin shook his head. "If I had something like this built in the city it would cost 5 times as much and take several months. And the lease isn't bad. It's 2,000 gold a year. Most of the cost was the facilities. The lease was actually the best deal. It included the 2 automatons. It covers basic healing and also the meal plan for the barracks. We already spend close to that on food and medical for the new recruits."
Cotton nodded. "We paid more up front because of the facility, but our operation cost will actually be lower. And then there is the fact that we can throw the recruits into the dungeon levels and not worry about them dying."
Rod interjected. "Don't forget about dungeon dollars. They are slow to accumulate but they add up. And everything here can be purchased if you have enough. My teacher also told me that they are easier to earn on the harder levels."
"That's true. Weren't the last batch of recruits complaining that they don't get paid enough. Now they can get bonuses from the dungeon based on their progress." Cotton said.
Halbin smiled while looking over the place. "If things go well, we will be able to hold 2 recruitment courses a year and might even be able to send some of the full timers here to sharpen their skills."
"I guess so." Cindy said. "But we need to discuss something important first."
"Oh?" Her father asked.
"Who gets which room?"
"Free-for-all!" Rod yelled before pushing his sister and running towards the house.
"You stinky brat!" Cindy yelled while running after him. "You better not pick the room I had my eye on."
Cotton shook his head. "What a bunch of knuckle heads. I don't know where they get it from." He said as he turned to Halbin to see his reaction to his kids' antics. But the man was gone.
"You punks better not have any ideas about the master bedroom, that one is mine!" Lord Titters yelled while chasing after his kids.
"Ah, of course." Cotton mumbled. He then walked after them.
That was the benefit of age. He didn't need to run there. If one of the kids took the room he wanted, he could just bully them in a fight for it.