Chapter 577 Nexthorn Vanguard
A week had passed since Erik's personal meeting with Mira, and he strode into the guild hall with newfound confidence.
In his hand, he clutched a list containing the names of fifty prospective members who wished to be part of his new guild.
These were brave souls, mostly young and looking for direction. They saw Erik as a beacon of hope in the vast sea of the mercenary world.
The hall buzzed with its usual activity. Groups clustered around tables, discussing quests, strategies, and trade secrets.
With their grizzled looks and battle-hardened expressions, veterans eyed Erik with suspicion and begrudging respect. They were the ones who'd seen countless seasons, each carrying a hoard of experiences.
They were skeptical of Erik's new guild. To them, managing was a whole different battlefield than actual combat.
And while Erik's prowess was not to be doubted, his ability to lead a guild was an unknown variable. That was why all those who joined his guild started relatively recently as mercenaries. They saw Erik differently from the veterans, primarily due to the hopes they still had.
Joining his guild was an attractive proposition, not just because of his name, but because they believed association with him meant better quests, respect, and, most importantly, a shot at making a name for themselves.
"That's Erik Kay," the people whispered once they saw him stride toward the counter, eyes wide with admiration, jealousy, and greed.
Starting a guild was a challenging task. The guild had its hierarchies, procedures, and rules. While Mira, Kael, Lila, and Aiden were already part of his close-knit circle, the influx of so many newbies was sure to be complicated to manage.
Erik approached the clerk's desk, the weight of the list in his hand seeming more significant than it looked. Fifty new names, fifty fresh faces eager to be part of something bigger than themselves.
The clerk looked up; eyebrows raised slightly at the sheer number of names Erik had brought. "Mr. Kay," she said. "Back so soon?"
Erik smiled, offering the list. "Fifty new recruits for my guild."
She took the list and skimmed through the names, her eyes widening slightly. "You did fast. I'm glad you found comrades," she remarked.
"They believe in the path we're paving. I just hope the mercenary guild will accept our application and allow me to establish the private guild," Erik said, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice.
The clerk tapped a few buttons on the terminal in front of her, listening to the soft hum of the system processing the information.
After a few minutes, she looked up. "All done. Your new members are now officially a part of your guild, Nexthorn Vanguard. Congratulations, Mr. Kay, for having founded it."
Erik let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you," he replied, a weight lifting from his chest.
With everything done. Leaving the administrative area of the hall, Erik then made his way to the cafeteria, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air.
He spotted Vance almost immediately. The old man sat at his usual corner table, his silver hair contrasting against the dark wood around him.
"Vance," Erik greeted, taking a seat opposite him.
Vance looked up, a twinkle in his wise old eyes. "Ah, Erik. How did it go?"
"Smoothly, thanks to your guidance," Erik replied gratefully.
"Without your help, finding all these people would've been much more difficult."
Vance chuckled, taking a sip from his mug. "All I did was spread the voice. You did the rest."
Erik smiled. "Still, I wanted to thank you personally. Your advice and help made all the difference."
Vance leaned back, his gaze distant. "In my years, I've seen many come and go. Young mercenaries are eager to make a name for themselves and build something of their own. But not many have the determination you do."
The praise caused Erik to look down. "You are exaggerating," he said with an embarrassed smile.
Vance nodded approvingly. "However, remember this, Erik: it's not just about numbers or reputation. It's about the people—nurturing them and leading them."
Erik nodded. "I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Vance."
The two continued chatting for a while longer, sharing stories and experiences. As they did, Erik's phone buzzed in his pocket.
"Excuse me, Vance," the young man said apologetically.
"Don't worry. You will be much more busy from now on due to your role."
Retrieving the phone from his pocket, he opened it, recognized Lysa's number on the display, and promptly answered, "Lysa. What do you need?"
There was a brisk professionalism to Lysa's tone, cutting straight to the point. "Erik, I've found the drivers for the vehicles I sold you a week ago, plus the other six you bought two days ago. It took some maneuvering, but the slots are filled."
Erik raised an eyebrow, both surprised and pleased at her efficiency. "That was faster than anticipated. I trust they're competent?"
Like most of us, Lysa replied dryly, "They have monetary reasons to join you. They're aware that being associated with you offers great financial opportunities. While they might not be the most experienced, they're eager to get to work. They are also very young and ready to learn."
Erik processed this for a moment. "Good. With the drivers ready, our operations can scale. We can haul more Thaids' bodies and increase our money stream."
A glint of avarice was evident in Lysa's voice. "Exactly. Just don't disappoint me, Erik. Managing a guild is different from hunting alone."
Erik nodded, appreciating her single-minded focus. "Don't worry about that. By the way, have you projected our potential earnings with this uptick in operations?"
Lysa responded with a hint of smugness, "Based on the current market rates for Thaids' parts and an estimated increase in your haul, we're looking at a significant profit for you and me. However, consistent deliveries and well-kept bodies are the keys."
Erik smirked. "I have no intention of slowing down. Even if the teams under me won't earn well, I can always go hunting alone. Don't worry about this."
"That's what I like to hear," Lysa remarked, hearing the sound of papers shuffling in the background. "All right, let me know when the first product batch will start coming. Make haste."
"Don't worry, Lysa," Erik responded. "Keep me posted on any changes, and ensure those drivers are put to work immediately."
"Will do," Lysa confirmed. "See you soon, Erik."
As the call ended, Erik mentally calculated the potential earnings. The business partnership with Lysa was going to be good. However, now that the groundwork had been laid, the young man needed to do more.
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