A few days after the player migration was completed. Raul and his executives were in a meeting.
“How are the players reacting?”
“So far, there haven’t been any significant complaints. On the contrary, they seem quite satisfied with the generous support.”
When Raul asked, Kane reported the players’ reactions obtained through informants.
“Well, they should be! Where else in the world would they find a place that supports mercenaries like our territory? Isn’t that right?”
Jake said, clenching his fist, and Philip nodded in agreement.
“Although they’re not exactly mercenaries, Jake’s point isn’t entirely wrong. Even in Marcus, the kingdom of mercenaries, they wouldn’t receive this kind of treatment.”
The amount of funds Raul had poured into accepting players, as well as the future costs, was enormous.
“Honestly, from the perspective of managing the funds, I’d like to advise reducing the support a bit… but Master has rarely made a losing investment, so I’ll follow your lead. Just don’t forget that we don’t have much surplus capital right now.”
Bernard reported while presenting the territory’s budget.
Currently, the finances of the First Knight Order and the territory were tight. As income increased, Raul continued to invest capital.
Additional investments in each Free City, expansion and construction projects in the barony’s castles and urban areas, the acquisition and establishment of the First Magic Tower, and the costs associated with this player migration (including various support and supplementary expenses) were all ongoing.
Without the established potion manufacturing factory and various sales targeting players from Free Cities, even Raul would have found it difficult to manage.
“Still, if everything goes as planned, it won’t be a losing investment. Isn’t that right?”
Dalton, who had already outlined a blueprint for Raul and the players, asked with a smile, and Raul agreed.
“The 10,000 players we’ve accepted this time will stand out among the countless players to come. Their actions will set an example for those who follow.”
Raul pulled the Connect map placed in the middle of the table. As he did, the First Viscountcy in the southwest of the map moved to the center of the table.
“Our First Viscountcy should become a gateway that new players must pass through. The start might be in the Free City, but to advance to the continent, they need to go through our territory.”
“But will that really benefit us? If random people keep flowing in, security will worsen, and the costs of supporting players aren’t negligible. Wouldn’t it be better to train more knights and soldiers?”
Jake’s question seemed reasonable.
However, it was a perspective that didn’t fully understand the existence of players yet.
“You’ll understand the reason soon enough. An army that doesn’t fear death and can revive even if they die is unimaginably fearsome.”
Moreover, once players began to be actively deployed in dungeons and gates, the amount of loot obtained would be incomparable to what the First Knight Order currently secured. While it might cause the prices of key income sources like mana stones and cores to plummet—
‘I plan to change the revenue structure before that.’
If entrance fees for dungeons, commissions from selling loot, and various other taxes were collected, the revenue would increase exponentially. Additionally, they were establishing a magic tower capable of manufacturing power armor to process and handle the increasing by-products directly.
Beyond the economic benefits, there were enough advantages to accepting players as residents.
‘Regardless of what players think, it means they’ve become residents of my territory.’
Though bound by contracts, becoming a shared destiny community was significant. If anyone targeted Raul’s territory, they would also have to contend with an army of players who didn’t fear death.
Of course, Raul didn’t plan to use players purely for defensive purposes.
“How is the preparation for the establishment of the First Player Association?”
“It is progressing well with coordination centered on the Purple Guild. We’ll be able to officially launch it after the cooperating guilds’ meeting tomorrow.”
Dalton answered confidently, and Raul’s expression showed satisfaction.
In the end, what Raul ultimately aims for is to steer the players connecting to Connect in the direction he desires.
The 『First Player Association』 was practically the first step towards achieving that goal.
*
“So, you’re asking me to take on the role of the association president right now?”
Kim Ilwoo asked, slightly flustered.
“Yes. Player Kim Ilwoo. I want you to be the inaugural president of the newly established 『First Player Association』.”
At Raul’s straightforward words, Kim Ilwoo scratched his head.
“Ah, no. Honestly, it’s already overwhelming just handling the Purple Guild’s affairs. Association president?”
“Don’t think of it as too difficult. It’s essentially just an extension of your work with the Purple Guild. I’ll also assist, and we’ll attach competent administrative staff to the association.”
Even Dalton, who was beside them, urged him to take the role, and Ilwoo sighed deeply and asked.
“Why me? Honestly, I’m not someone who knows a lot, nor am I exceptionally outstanding compared to others. I just happened to get lucky and enter the academy and then join the Purple Guild…”
Raul quickly interrupted, sensing that Ilwoo might continue to self-deprecate.
“That’s very different from what I think. I believe I selected only the very best to form the Purple Guild.”
“Th-that…”
“Are you saying you’re not special? If the second-ranked player in the entire Connect game isn’t special, then who is?”
Raul’s words left Ilwoo momentarily speechless. In reality, he was an orphan who didn’t even graduate from a decent university, working as a lowly office worker.
But by some stroke of luck, he was chosen as an early player of Connect, and thanks to a bit of talent and good traits, he became the vice master of the Purple Guild.
‘Second overall…’
Honestly, he hadn’t even paid attention to the rankings. He was too busy managing the guild in Bae Dohyun’s frequent absences and trying to keep the guild’s unique members in line.
Even so, handling the various commissions provided by the First Knight Order and collaborating with guild members on hunting and quests had naturally raised his ranking.
Raul then added the final nail in the coffin.
“Honestly, I don’t know what kind of person you are in the other world. But here in Connect, from what I’ve seen, you are a highly capable and special person who deserves recognition and has a promising future.”
“I agree with the master. Ilwoo, you are the top player we’ve chosen and someone we have high expectations for. As a representative ranker of not just the Purple Guild but also all players, I’d like you to have a bit more confidence.”
Moved by Raul and Dalton’s words, Ilwoo seemed touched.
After a moment of looking flustered, he eventually nodded.
“Alright. It’s hard to refuse when you have such faith in me. I’ll do it, as association president.”
“You made a wise decision! You’ll be a bit busier from now on, but don’t worry. We’ll support you as much as possible from the territory.”
With that, Dalton began to explain the tasks that the association and its president would need to tackle.
As Ilwoo listened to the explanations, a question suddenly popped into his mind.
‘But why did they choose me as the president instead of Dohyun? When you think about it, Dohyun is the best player.’
Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.
*
Buzzing noise.
A banquet hall filled with about twenty round tables. Nearly a hundred players had gathered in one place, chatting and exchanging pleasantries.
They were the masters and executives of the collaborating guilds that had recently relocated to Raul’s territory, along with some unaffiliated rankers.
With this recruitment, the number of guilds with over 30 members that have relocated is roughly a hundred. However, it wasn’t possible to gather all the masters of those guilds in one place.
Or rather, it was possible, but Raul didn’t do so. Only the top 30 guilds with the largest size and highest contributions were invited today.
Those invited were the ones with voting rights on various matters that the association would decide in the future.
On the podium, Raul and the executives of the First Knight Order were seated in designated chairs.
Opposite them, Kim Ilwoo and some rankers from the Purple Guild were seated, while the meeting host announced.
“… Therefore, it is declared by unanimous decision that Player Kim Ilwoo has been elected as the inaugural president of the 『First Player Association』.”
Clap, clap, clap.
Amidst the applause, Ilwoo, now with a bit more confidence on his face, walked spiritedly to the podium.
“Being granted the title of association president is overwhelming…”
Ilwoo briefly expressed his acceptance speech and his future aspirations before returning to his seat.
“With this, we have concluded the official agenda. Finally, we will hear from Viscount Raul, the master of the First Knight Order, the lord of the First Territory, and the advisor and chief patron of the First Player Association.”
The banquet hall, which had been buzzing with whispers a moment ago, fell deathly silent. It was as if all the players had been waiting for this moment, turning their eyes towards Raul.
Flutter.
Raul lifted a small booklet comprising dozens of pages and said.
“Everyone should have received this booklet. It contains the purpose of the association and the roles it will perform.”
Raul tossed the book onto the podium.
“But that’s not what you’re really curious about, is it? Why would a resident of Connect, not a player, create a ‘Player Association’? Are they trying to use us?”
Raul slowly turned his head, making eye contact with each player.
“To be honest, it’s as you suspect. I created this association to use you ‘players’!”
The atmosphere in the banquet hall turned chilly for a moment. The players, caught off guard by Raul’s statement, looked at him with slightly surprised expressions.
“I have a duty to look after and ensure the safety of the First Knight Order and its territory as the master and lord. That’s why I summoned you players to this territory. To protect this territory and you residents.”
Raul pointed to the players with his hand.
“Why did you come here? Everyone has their reasons, but ultimately, you came here to achieve something. But how much do you really know about this Connect?”
Raul patted his chest and said.
“I will be your shelter and guide. Until you find the path you desire, I will lead the way. This association exists for that purpose.”
When Raul raised his hand, a magical screen unfolded in front of the banquet hall, displaying a map of the continent.
Various kingdoms and empires were depicted, with red dots marked here and there, and a chart inscribed in the top corner of the map.
The red dots represented territories taken by monsters due to the gate crises, and the chart roughly displayed the estimated number of dungeons and the number of newly spawned gates each day.
“As you can see, the continent is still engulfed in chaos and threats. I intend to use your strength to stabilize this territory and, eventually, quell the turmoil across the continent. You too!”
Raul pounded his chest once more.
“Use me and the First Knight Order. Do not submit to anyone, grow, and ultimately achieve what you desire! I believe that is the path we must walk together.”
Raul’s speech ended there.
A simple meal and a banquet followed, and the grand conference of the cooperative guilds and the establishment of the First Player Association concluded smoothly.
“But was it really alright to speak so openly like that?”
Bernard asked cautiously, to which Raul chuckled.
“Do you think they wouldn’t figure it out if I didn’t say anything? If they were going to find out eventually, there’s no need to be pretentious.”
Though there were only about ten thousand players, they were, in fact, backed by billions of Earthlings. Any clumsy tactics would inevitably be exposed.
Besides, Raul didn’t desire their loyalty or absolute cooperation.
‘Loyalty from 21st-century Earthlings? Rather than such unrealistic expectations…’
A sensible transaction was much more practical. Of course, even if it was a transaction, for now, the balance of power was tipped in Raul’s favor.
“Now that the association establishment is complete, let’s get to work in earnest. Convene the meeting.”
What Raul, now holding the sharp blade known as the player, aimed for next was…
(To be continued)