Bright neon billboards illuminated the towering skyscraper that housed Cyberdyne Corp., an ambitious startup that had risen from obscurity in recent years. Inside a sleek conference room, executives sat around a long glass table, their gazes fixed on the holographic display hovering above them. Underworld Online's player economy was projected in real-time, the fluctuating currency exchange glowing like stock market data.
At the head of the table stood Richard Greaves, CEO of Cyberdyne, a man known for his ruthless business acumen and sharp ambition. His gaze lingered on the numbers, his lips curling into a satisfied smirk. "This is it," he said, his voice smooth yet commanding. "The gold rush of the century."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room. Underworld Online's in-game currency was already being exchanged for real-world money, and projections showed that within a year, the economy would surpass that of some small nations. Cyberdyne intended to seize control before the world fully realized its potential.
Richard tapped a command into his terminal, shifting the display to reveal the Monolith Guild Initiative, Cyberdyne's new strategy for monopolizing Underworld Online's economy. "We're not just making a guild," he continued. "We're building a corporate empire inside the game. A digital powerhouse."
Sitting to his right, Marcus Vale, the man chosen to lead Monolith, leaned forward. His sharp green eyes gleamed with excitement as he studied the proposal. "We offer players more than just a guild," Marcus mused. "A career. An investment."
Richard nodded. "That's the pitch," he affirmed. "Recruitment starts immediately. We use our real-world assets to offer players competitive wages in exchange for their dedication. Guild members who prove their worth will earn a real salary." He turned to the marketing team. "I want aggressive advertising. We need everyone, from casual players to hardcore grinders, to see Monolith as the only real choice."
One of the executives hesitated. "Won't this attract the wrong kind of players? Mercenaries only interested in profit?"
Marcus smirked. "That's exactly what we want," he said. "Loyalty isn't free. It's bought. And when we control the resources, they'll have no choice but to stay."
Another executive adjusted his glasses. "And what about player death mechanics?" he asked, shifting the conversation.
Richard's smirk deepened. Underworld Online had one of the most brutal death penalties in any game. If a player died in combat, all of their equipped gear would drop as loot, free for anyone to take. Their experience points would also take a hit, sending them down in levels if they weren't careful. Unlike other VRMMOs, there was no instant resurrection—players respawn at the nearest sanctuary with nothing but the clothes on their back.
Marcus leaned forward. "And personal stash access?"
"That's the key," Richard said, eyes gleaming. "Banking and personal stashes don't unlock until Level 40." He tapped on the display, highlighting a graph showing player death statistics. "That means until then, players either have to risk carrying everything they earn, or they need a safe place to store it."
A knowing smirk spread across Marcus's face. "Guild vaults."
Richard nodded. "Exactly. Monolith's guild vaults will be the safest storage in the game. Any unaffiliated players who hoard valuables will be prime targets for bandits and rival guilds. They'll have no choice but to store their loot with us or risk losing it all."
One of the executives chuckled. "So, Monolith becomes the fortress, while solo players and small guilds are left scrambling?"
"Exactly," Richard confirmed. "And any fools who die without our backing? Well… they'll be walking loot chests for our members."
The room fell silent as the true weight of their ambitions settled over them. Monolith wouldn't just be a guild—it would be a kingdom of workers, grinding for Cyberdyne's profit.
Richard clasped his hands together, his smile widening. "Let's begin."
Recruitment and Promises
The streets of Elvaris, the Dominion's capital, bustled with players and NPCs alike, their movements blending together in the chaotic energy of a thriving in-game metropolis. Standing at the city square was Monolith's first recruitment post, a massive stone structure bearing the guild's name in bold crimson letters. A banner waved above it, emblazoned with the words:
MONOLITH—JOIN US AND CHANGE YOUR LIFE!
Beneath it, recruiters in dark silver armor greeted passing players, handing out parchment fliers detailing Monolith's benefits. Unlike traditional guilds, Monolith didn't just offer camaraderie or protection—it offered wealth.
A player in tattered beginner's gear hesitated before stepping forward. "So… you're really offering actual money for playing?" he asked, gripping the parchment tightly.
A recruiter, a young man with slicked-back hair and an easy smile, clapped a hand on the player's shoulder. "That's right," he said smoothly. "Monolith isn't just a guild—it's an investment. You work hard, you get rewarded. Simple as that."
Another player scoffed, crossing his arms. "Sounds like a scam. What's the catch?"
The recruiter smirked. "No catch," he said. "You contribute to Monolith's expansion, complete assigned tasks, and in return, you earn your fair share. Resource collection, dungeon farming, territory defense—it all pays out. Higher ranks mean bigger bonuses."
The skeptical player glanced at the contract displayed on the recruiter's interface. At first glance, it seemed reasonable. The guild would provide gear, training, and protection in exchange for labor. Those who performed well would receive a share of Monolith's profits.
The first player's eyes gleamed with hope. "Where do I sign?"
The recruiter grinned. "Right here," he said, extending a contract. "Welcome to Monolith."
Greed Takes Root
Inside Monolith's newly established guild hall, Marcus Vale reviewed the early recruitment reports. Hundreds of players had already signed up, enticed by the promise of wealth and power. It was growing faster than he had anticipated.
Beside him, Gavin Holt, one of Monolith's first officers, leaned against a stone pillar, a sly smirk on his face. "This is easier than I thought," he remarked. "People will do anything for money."
Marcus chuckled. "That's why it works." He gestured toward the vaults being constructed in the guild hall. "We'll keep a percentage of all resources our members collect. They think they're getting rich, but in reality, we'll control everything."
Gavin's eyes darkened with greed. "And if someone gets too strong?"
Marcus smirked. "We remind them where their loyalty lies."
A knock at the door interrupted them. One of Monolith's recruiters stepped inside, bowing slightly. "Sir, we have a new applicant—a strong one. Calls himself Rocco. Says he's got experience leading small teams and wants in early before we become too big."
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Interesting."
Gavin shrugged. "You want me to handle it?"
"No," Marcus said, his lips curling into a knowing grin. "I'll meet him myself. If he's useful, we'll bring him in. If not…" He chuckled. "We'll make sure he doesn't become a problem."
As the recruiter nodded and left, Marcus turned back to Gavin. "This is just the beginning," he said. "Soon, Monolith won't just be a guild—it will be the only guild that matters."
Gavin grinned, raising a glass of in-game wine. "To Monolith," he said.
Marcus took the glass, tapping it against Gavin's.
"To power."