Desolate World

The third day after Ace became an elder, he founded a guild with the name Nightglow. It was the same with his family name. 

Sampson had recruited a total of 103 people from several races. Excluding Ace's and Adrian's family members, 43 people enlisted as combat personnel, and 60 people as craftsmen personnel.

The recruitment of the guild personnel by Ace made a small ripple that day when it was announced. The rise of Ace's name as an elder made many townsmen want to join the guild, especially townsmen from humans, goblins, and shadows. 

Knowing that, Sampson had an easier time picking. However, Ace emphasized recruiting people who still hadn't had jobs and those who had low levels. His reason was, he didn't want to provoke the other elders by stealing the already strong people, as the strong ones were the backbone of their races.

The people who joined the guild must sign a contract that they should work loyally for the guild for at least 10 years, so basically if they heard an order from their elder and an order from the guild, they must prioritize the guild's order. In short, Ace had made a new faction in the town. 

Although he had a good relationship with them, if he was too excessive in building his power, he eventually would hit many people's nerves. And it actually happened.

Aria, after knowing that Ace had recruited many people, came to him to interrogate him. She asked, "Ace, what is the reason for you to recruit so many townsmen? Won't you recruit guardians eventually?"

He then explained, "I need to build a foundation for the guild, after all. Before knowing the character of each guardian best, it will be impossible for me to trust them wholeheartedly, right?

After all, the guardians had their own lives in their original world. If somehow some of them are incited to betray the guild, or even the town, and I don't have a strong foundation, I and even the town will suffer a great loss." 

With a confused expression, Aria said, "I don't understand. Can guardians betray their settlement?"

"Most of them won't. But some people will. Remember! for them, this world is only secondary. They have lives they are living in their original worlds. 

And, there are many kinds of people out there, with their own personalities and circumstances. So when they enter this world, they have many motives. Some of them come for fun, to earn money, or for other reasons.

At first, they will be honest and do everything the townsmen and the guild order them to do, even if it means they have to die. 

But, when they have enough power, and they realize that their actions can influence the lives of the people in this world, what will they do?" Ace gave her an explanation then a question. As far as he could, he avoided using the game's terms. As it would make her confused.

Aria said, "Maybe they will demand more rewards. Just like what you have done. By the way, can they bring objects from this world to their original world?" 

Ace started to sweat. He realized that he had asked the wrong question. But, he still has to answer her question, "They can exchange dirac with the currency of their world. They can also buy the dirac with their own money in their original world.

And as they have more power like me, they will show their selfishness like me. Either, they will demand more rewards like me or they will ask for authority. But actually, such people like me will be harmless to the town. As their interests will be intertwined with the town. 

If the town becomes more prosperous, they will also be rewarded. As the benefits that they receive will also be increased. So, they will try their best to make the town more prosperous.

What we need to be wary of is people that don't get many benefits from the town. Or their benefits become less as the town grows. People like this will eventually become hindrances to the development of the town. At a certain point, they may betray the town with the incitement of the enemy of the town. And they can do harmful things without any burdens, as their bodies in their original world will stay safe.

Of course, we can give more benefits to them so we can buy their hearts. But, sometimes the incitement can come from their original world. Don't forget, we, the guardians can also have enemies in our original world. For the people like them, we can not do anything but to strengthen our foundations. After all, in front of overwhelming power, any trick is useless."

Aria was silent and then murmured, "In front of overwhelming power, any trick is useless. Good words."

She then looked at Ace's eyes and asked, "And you will never betray us, right?"

Ace said confidently, "Don't worry. I already have everything that I need. Even if I no longer have a place in this world. I will leave it peacefully. But, as one of the founders of this town. I want to see it become the best city in this world before I leave."

"...," Aria was silent. Ace's words seemed to untie a knot in her heart.

She then smiled and said, "Then, I will trust you. Until the time when you have to leave this world. Let's work together."

Aria then stretched her hand. Ace then held it and they shook it.

"Let's work together," Ace said with a grin.

"It's no wonder Mars believes you to such a degree. It is definitely worth it," Aria said while taking her hand.

After that moment, like Mars, Aria became his dependable backer. She never again questioned his view.

Of course, Ace had to work harder to answer such trust. After all, he enjoyed every time he made an achievement in this world.

With the support of Aria and Mars behind him, he started the development of his guild. First, he appointed his brother, Sampson to be the captain of the combat team of the guild. He was responsible for carrying the team to level up every day. And Aria put a blind eye to 'the selfish' behavior of them. 

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