We continued waiting in line, chatting about various topics. One that caught my attention was the discussion on how merchant guilds and auction houses operated. While most functioned on a regional or continental level, there were also ways to send items, receive messages, and even travel between continents.
According to William, intercontinental travel was possible through two main methods. The first was by paying a high fee in certain capitals of specific countries, which granted access to their state-controlled intercontinental teleportation circles.
The second method was through large-scale merchant guilds and auction houses, which also possessed intercontinental teleportation circles. However, these teleportation circles were incredibly expensive and difficult to access, making their use highly restricted. For instance, whether using the kingdom's or the guilds' teleportation, one had to hold a high-ranking position within their hierarchy and pay a substantial amount of money or resources to use the service even once.
Moreover, traveling to another continent typically meant arriving in allied kingdoms or territories. Entry often required permission or completing a mission that justified one's presence there—similar to entering a foreign country in the real world, though with slightly more lenient restrictions.
As for other means of travel, such as by sea, they were extremely dangerous. The oceans were home to terrifying monsters that could easily turn any traveler into a mere snack.
After making the necessary payment, I was finally able to enter the kingdom and parted ways with William.
"Sir Alan, I noticed that you paid a higher fee," he remarked. "I recommend registering with the Adventurers' Guild or the Merchants' Guild. They don't impose too many obligations, help with gathering information, can serve as a source of income, and even provide discounts when entering cities where you're not a citizen. Depending on your ranking, they can even help with intercontinental travel."
Hearing his words, I remembered my friend mentioning this before—she had said it was a good idea. Both organizations operated on a global scale and assisted not only players but also NPCs.
"Alright, I'll check it out. If you need anything, just send me a message in the chat."
"Likewise. And trade your loot with me—especially the rare ones. I promise to offer a better price than the Merchant Guild or the auction house. As a member, I also pay reduced taxes."
He spoke respectfully, but his demeanor clearly carried the marks of a businessman. Since he wasn't trying too hard to conceal it, I simply nodded and smiled. I preferred dealing with honest people, and having a merchant as a contact could prove useful.
After bidding him farewell, I made my way to the Adventurers' Guild, enjoying the view of the city as I walked.
As I strolled through the city, I took the opportunity to observe its structure. As I had imagined, it was incredibly diverse in terms of races, with no single race—humans included—being the clear majority. Though from what I knew, the country's king was human.
At the city's center stood a grand Western-style castle, likely the royal family's residence. The entire city was built in a style reminiscent of Portuguese colonial architecture, which brought back memories of a trip I had taken years ago.
I took a deep breath, appreciating the city's unique atmosphere. Experiencing different cultures had always been something I enjoyed.
After walking a few more meters, I finally arrived at the Adventurers' Guild.
The building was made of white stone, with a small, blue-colored balcony that gave it a charming and cozy appearance.
The entrance bustled with people coming and going—players and NPCs alike, from various races and at different power levels. Some NPCs, in particular, radiated an overwhelming aura that made me instinctively tense up.
Taking a deep breath, I ensured that my magic, mask, and cloak were all properly in place. Once I confirmed everything was set, I stepped inside.
I noticed a few quick glances in my direction, but they soon turned away. It was clear that this was the kind of place where many concealed their identities through various means. I could sense traces of magic from some individuals who, like me, seemed to be using magical disguises. Others simply wore cloaks and masks.
I took a moment to observe my surroundings. The guild's layout was just as I had read in books.
At the front was a reception area where new adventurers could register, request information, or select missions. Nearby, there were bulletin boards displaying available quests, as well as designated rest and dining areas.
One section featured a restaurant where people could order different meals, while another had chairs, armchairs, and similar furnishings. Though made of stone, they didn't seem particularly comfortable.
Small paintings and decorative plants adorned the space. The paintings followed an oil-based Renaissance style, which caught my attention.
On the second floor, there appeared to be a more restricted area, though I couldn't see much due to the magical barrier at the staircase. It was clear I wouldn't be able to enter.
I ignored it and got in line for registration. Fortunately, my turn came quickly.
"Hello, it's a pleasure to meet you. Is this your first time at an Adventurers' Guild?"
The speaker was an elf receptionist.
With chestnut brown hair and striking blue eyes, he possessed an undeniable charm.
'Even the receptionists have to be attractive, huh?' I thought to myself before replying aloud.
"Yes. I'd like to register."
"Great! We'll need you to deposit some of your mana into an orb. You'll also need to register your name and class. I can explain the guild's ranking system and mission classifications if you'd like."
I nodded in confirmation.
"The guild ranks are divided into Iron, Gold, Dark Gold, Silver, and Emerald. Higher ranks are not publicly disclosed.
Additionally, there are special roles such as training instructors, guild attendants, members of the defensive team, and the vice-leaders and leaders of each branch.
Rank progression is based on multiple factors, including your level, the number of missions you've completed, and other criteria.
Every rank-up requires an evaluation, which usually comes in the form of a special mission.
As a guild member, you gain access to missions, the ability to issue mission requests, entry to the guild's information network and library, and other benefits. The extent of these benefits depends on your rank.
Any questions?"
"Yes. Could you explain the roles of instructors and the defense team?"
I was curious about these roles, as they seemed different from the others, which either didn't interest me or would be difficult to obtain.
"These positions function more like contracted jobs. Both receive compensation based on their branch and ranking.
The defense team is responsible for protecting the guild headquarters and completing specific assignments, such as hunting particular monsters, eliminating guild enemies, or assisting certain individuals.
Since we have a strong alliance with the Merchant Guild, we also form temporary partnerships with them from time to time."
I nodded in understanding. Since I had no further questions, I proceeded with the registration.
I wrote down my name and class as "Mage." I could have specified an element, like "Elemental Mage" with one or two affinities, but it wasn't necessary, and leaving it general was a common practice.
Next was the mana registration.
The receptionist retrieved a seemingly ordinary orb, made of glass-like material with magical symbols and runes surrounding it. The base bore an insignia resembling glasses, likely used for assessment and surveillance.
Placing my hand on the orb, I felt a trace of my mana flow into it. A record immediately appeared.
The receptionist glanced curiously between the orb and me a few times but remained silent. After asking me to wait a few minutes, he soon returned with my guild token.
"Here you go."
The registration had been processed quickly.
The token was a rectangular iron card designed to be attached to clothing or worn as a necklace.
[Name: Alan. Race: Unregistered. Level: 30. Class: Mage. Rank: Iron]
Satisfied, I clipped it to my belt, hiding it beneath my cloak, and went to look for a mission.
….
Receptionist's POV
After that person left, I kept glancing at his record with curiosity.
A secret of the guild was that the initial registration not only recorded one's real identity to prevent forgery but also assessed their potential and elemental affinities.
Strangely, his magical potential registered as exceptionally high, with an affinity for water and darkness. However, the reading flickered, as if the system couldn't fully comprehend him.
This was unusual—and concerning.
Regardless, I flagged him on the guild's watchlist as a potential asset and someone to monitor.
With that done, I returned to attending the next adventurer in line.