"We had no idea what we were getting into with the new Raid at the Ruins of Neirul. If we did, a lot of tragedy could've been avoided."
-Elder Alzecks Zere, Holy Record Keeper, Church of Ziranda
~~~(POV: Saint Julianis Cardilsar)~~~
~~~(Location: Church of Ziranda, Capital City Plateo, Taleso Kingdom, Aeternitatem Genesis)~~~
~~~(Day, Date, Time: Tuesday, April 16th, 5:40 PM PST)~~~
~~~(Age: 66 Years)~~~
The vote concludes on whether we should bid on the (Aegis of Calrovizere). It's 55 to 45 against. Meaning we're not spending money on the (Legendary) graded item that has the lands abuzz.
We can move on to another pressing matter. The new Raid in the (Ruins of Neirul). It was discovered shortly after the new arrivals appeared. Why it's strange is that the (Ruins of Neirul) have been explored. It's home to a couple of powerful dungeons.
"Saint Cardilsar, what are the reports from people who've gone inside and explored? Our probe teams should've gone in, gathered rudimentary information, and left via (Flit Crystals). Any news on that front?"
As the representative of the (Biltere League of Free Cities), Marquies Ulveinus Des Elburt, opens the discussion with the most important question, I see everyone set aside their frustration from the previous topic and focus on the new one.
My eyes look over Ulveinus, along with other people waiting for my response. I have an answer to that question, but it's not one they'll like.
"Gentlemen, there have been no survivors from any of the exploration teams we've sent into this new Raid. Until it's cleared, we won't even have a name for it. We know nothing of what's inside, and we're at a dead stop."
As my response resonates through the large meeting room, dark expressions begin to form. Beads of sweat slip from the temples and down the sides of heads all around the room.
"What is the average level of the exploration teams being sent in?"
Unlike in past Raids, there isn't a level recommendation. When a new Raid is discovered, it provides at least a level and a tier recommendation. There have been recorded instances in the past when this occurred, but they were during the (Age of Calamity).
Only through the (Age of Heroes) did the (Age of Calamity) end. That was over 2000 years ago, and long before our time. Any document recording that time can't be said to be accurate or not, since we can't really verify it.
One of the legends of that time was a Raid without a level or tier recommendation, which meant it wasn't meant for average classes.
"The average level was 200 and Tier Two."
As I answer the question, looks of concern pass among the representatives in the room. It's rare for an individual to pass level 300 and reach Tier Three. Even I'm capped at level 300. I can't pass my Tier up, so I can't level up anymore.
There are hundreds of millions locked at level 300, Tier Two. The third-Tier-up quest is just too much for most people to handle.
"We need to come up with an alternative. I suggest we use the new arrivals while we still can. They'll just return to life after dying, no sense in wasting powerful individuals in our own forces that can't return."
Someone down the table voices their thoughts, sparking a discussion of possible plans. Using the new arrivals to gather information isn't a bad idea. There isn't anyone among the new arrivals close to strong enough to take on this new Raid.
The new arrivals' guilds are impressive in size and coordination, but throwing numbers at a problem will only get you so far.
"Why don't we announce a general bounty under the Churches of Light's name. Calling all guilds and parties of the new arrivals. Surely, many of the new arrivals will jump at the opportunity to be the first among their kind to challenge a new Raid."
Exploiting the new arrivals for their gifts does weigh on my conscience. They could be of great aid to us, but from reports, they lose something too when they die and come back. Power they'd likely not want to relinquish.
"While a general bounty would bring in the forces we need for the exploration of the new Raid, the reality remains that we'd have to compensate them. They wouldn't die for no reason. What do we pay each individual who dies in the name of exploration? Six Silver? More? We could quickly bankrupt ourselves if we're not smart."
The financially literate members of the meeting start stepping in. In the bustling discussion, I lean back in my chair and release a long sigh.
The (Ruins of Neirul) are a significant historical and religious site. A new Raid has appeared that's capable of ending exploration teams of level 200 and higher, and that worries me.
What fills me with dread is the prospect of the creatures inside said Raid killing the exploration teams so fast that they have no time to use the (Flit Crystals).
"I suggest we put an end to this meeting for today, and meet again in 48 hours. All of you should talk independently and submit whatever proposals you have in mind, and we'll review and vote on them in the next meeting."
Everyone turns in my direction as I speak. This table has been in session for long enough today, and there are other things I must take care of. After a few minutes, the room clears out aside from Fredrick and me.
He makes his way to me and takes a seat close, leaning back in the chair as we stare in silence at each other.
"What are we going to do about the (Divine) class holder, Julianis... We've discovered his identity, and he's the fabled Hero. That's the literal name of his class. Can you believe that? (The Hero). Should we reach out and make contact..."
I clasp my hands together and contemplate the many shifts the world has undergone since the new arrivals entered it.
"No, we may be the (Church of Ziranda), but we can't go around forcing people to help us. His class already marks him out for a great destiny. If we try to weaponize him, it could be our doom."
I have no way to comprehend how powerful a (Divine) graded class is. Let alone a (Mythical) graded class... How much stronger is the (Mythical) graded class than (The Hero) class?
"Have you found any leads on who may be the holder of the (Mythical) graded class?"
My question gets a simple shake of the head in response. Another sigh escapes me as I lean back in my chair, pinching the bridge of my nose. When I was appointed the Saint, I never expected my life to be this complicated.
Ziranda, guide me.
~~~(POV: Justin Xander)~~~
~~~(Location: Outside Zindar's Auction House, Geonia City, Aeternitatem Genesis)~~~
~~~(Day, Date, Time: Tuesday, April 16th, 5:55 PM PST)~~~
~~~(Current Age: 19 Years)~~~
I stare at the still busy (Zindar's) Auction House. Players and NPCs are coming and going from several large front doors. I walk through one of said doors and see all the most valuable items currently being big on.
At the center of the front desk display, at the center of everything, is the (Aegis of Calrovizere). It's reached 199,000 Platinum Coins. The wealth of entire Empires and Kingdoms. Fighting and negotiating with each other and banks.
All for a single item.
"If I were to create a (Legendary) graded item and sell it, how much would it go for..."
It depends on the item. The winner of the bidding war for the (Aegis of Calrovizere) is putting the financial future of their realm at stake. In truth, everyone bidding on the (Legendary) graded shield is risking everything for it.
The winner won't be able to participate in any future bids for at least a decade, probably longer.
I think that just shows how powerful and desired a (Legendary) graded item is. I should stop gawking at the shield's price tag and focus on why I came here.
I approach the front desk and see an entire team of overworked, undercompensated service workers. They've been worked to the bone with the arrival of the players. I bet it looks like this across the entire network of Auction Houses.
"How may (Zindar's) Auction House be of service to you today? We have several auction halls within our Auction House with a variety of goods up for bid."
There is a fake happiness and a drained energy in the woman's voice as she greets me. I wish I could say I could relate, but my family has been professional VRMMORPG players for four generations since the first Gaming Pods came out.
The stress and toil of an everyday job are unknown to me.
"Yeah, but my question isn't in relation to the Auction House."
The happy facade almost cracks as I say that, but she nods her head, ready to help me anyway.
"Could you give me directions to the shop known as (Badovich's Imporium)? I have some business there, but I don't actually know where it is."
I can see comical cracks appear over her face, and a thematic trail of blood comes from the corner of her lip.
A day job must really be that bad, huh...