Chapter 518: Different Kind of War

Gideon Marholt’s visit had accomplished one useful thing. It had confirmed that the Adventurer Guild’s enemies were becoming impatient, and Sage Alistair had no intention of waiting until that impatience turned into something more dangerous.

The following morning, he summoned several senior employees to a private meeting inside the Royal Capital Headquarters.

Cassian Rook arrived carrying reports from the Security Department, while Tobias Merrow brought the latest arrangements for transporting supplies to Greyfen. Garran Holt represented Mission Administration, and Irene Valcrest attended with the Guild’s expenditure records.

Boren, who had witnessed Gideon’s confrontation, was already waiting beside Sage.

"Before anyone becomes concerned, we’re not preparing to march against a mercenary company," Sage announced after everyone had taken their seats. "I have enough trouble maintaining our buildings without adding the expense of repairing someone else’s."

Cassian regarded him seriously. "Has Commander Marholt made a direct threat against the Guild?"

"Nothing sufficiently specific to warrant a formal complaint," Sage replied. "But he made his displeasure clear, and I suspect his associates will become less patient as their commercial arrangements continue suffering."

Irene folded her hands. "Then we should prepare for interruptions to our income and supplies."

"Exactly," Sage agreed. "I want the Guild capable of continuing its ordinary work even if certain merchants, contractors, or mercenary companies suddenly become unwilling to cooperate."

The meeting wasn’t about preparing an army.

It was about ensuring that the Guild couldn’t be crippled by a handful of powerful men.

---

Tobias began by outlining the supply arrangements supporting Greyfen.

The dungeon outpost now received regular deliveries of provisions, timber, medicines, equipment, and construction materials. Although the Guild had already begun purchasing from several independent merchants, some goods still passed through established trading houses.

"If those merchants withdraw their services simultaneously, deliveries could become difficult for several days," Tobias explained. "We have alternative suppliers, but certain routes depend upon a limited number of transport companies."

Sage examined the parchment. "Then arrange additional carriers before we need them. We should also maintain reasonable reserves at Greyfen, particularly medicines and provisions."

Tobias nodded. "I’ll coordinate the necessary storage arrangements. The temporary warehouses can accommodate additional supplies until permanent facilities are completed."

Cassian followed with his own recommendations. Security patrols would pay greater attention to the roads surrounding Greyfen, while merchants reporting intimidation would be encouraged to preserve witness accounts and seek assistance from the appropriate authorities.

"There’s one thing I want understood," Sage told him. "Our guards are there to protect Guild property, employees, and visitors. They’re not to harass anyone merely because that person works for Iron Fang or Black Banner."

Cassian inclined his head. "Understood, Guildmaster. Any response will be based upon conduct, not affiliation."

Garran then confirmed that mission requests would continue being assessed according to their stated requirements.

By the time the meeting concluded, every department had received practical instructions.

The Guild would prepare for trouble without allowing the possibility of trouble to govern its existence.

---

Pax Riven was considerably less visible in his preparations.

While the Guild’s employees continued their ordinary duties, he spent several days expanding the network of contacts he maintained throughout the Royal Capital.

His work took him through merchant counting houses, crowded taverns, carriage yards, and neighborhoods where servants exchanged information more freely than their employers realized.

He wasn’t interested in recruiting impressive individuals with famous names.

A stable hand who noticed unusual visitors could be more useful than a nobleman who enjoyed boasting about his connections. A clerk familiar with commercial accounts might recognize suspicious payments that an experienced Warrior would overlook entirely.

Pax met one such contact inside a modest eating house near the western market.

"The payments have changed," the clerk informed him, keeping his voice low. "The brokers aren’t using the same accounts as before. Someone instructed them to settle outstanding expenses and avoid unnecessary correspondence."

Pax stirred his drink thoughtfully. "Did anyone explain why?"

"The man delivering the instructions said certain arrangements had attracted unwanted attention," the clerk replied. "He also mentioned that future payments would require approval from someone outside the trading company."

That interested Pax. "Do you know who?"

The clerk shook his head. "No names. But the messenger carried a letter sealed with dark green wax."

Pax thanked him and departed without pressing further.

The detail was insufficient to identify the hidden patron, but it suggested that someone above Edmund Krail was becoming concerned about the investigation.

And concerned people often made mistakes.

---

Meanwhile, Garen Holtweiss was discovering that commercial competition could be considerably more entertaining than most merchants appreciated.

He stood beside a newly established row of temporary stalls near Greyfen, watching two independent suppliers unload crates of preserved food.

The settlement had become noticeably busier. Adventurers preparing for expeditions purchased provisions from merchants who had arrived only days earlier, while returning companies sought buyers for their recovered materials.

A middle-aged merchant approached Garen with an anxious expression.

"Master Holtweiss, I’ve received a letter warning that my existing trading partners may reconsider their agreements if I continue supplying the Guild," he explained.

Garen accepted the letter and examined its contents.

"An unpleasant suggestion," he remarked. "Has anyone actually terminated an agreement?"

"Not yet," the merchant admitted. "But I can’t afford to lose my customers in the Capital."

Garen returned the parchment.

"Then don’t make any hasty decisions. The Guild isn’t asking you to abandon your other customers, and neither should anyone else. If your goods are reasonably priced and properly delivered, you’ll have opportunities here."

The merchant looked toward the bustling stalls.

"And if the threats continue?"

"Preserve the letters," Garen advised. "Report any unlawful interference, and consider whether you truly want to depend upon people who threaten your livelihood whenever you acquire another customer."

The merchant remained thoughtful, but he didn’t withdraw his goods.

Garen considered that a satisfactory beginning.

---

Greyfen itself appeared remarkably indifferent to the political troubles surrounding its owner.

Every morning, Warriors gathered before the enormous stone pillars sealing the dungeon entrance. Some arrived wearing expensive armor and carrying carefully prepared equipment, while others were veterans who had already learned that confidence alone was insufficient protection against the creatures dwelling below.

The hundred-gold price of an S-Rank Dungeon Pass remained a considerable expense, yet experienced companies continued purchasing them.

Information had become particularly valuable.

Maps describing the early floors circulated among registered Adventurers through the Guild’s established records, and companies increasingly planned their expeditions around confirmed routes rather than relying upon rumors.

The Silver Hart Company returned for another expedition under Darian Falk’s leadership, this time carrying additional provisions and equipment suited to the creatures previously encountered.

Darian examined the updated notices beside the entrance before addressing his companions.

"We’re not attempting to reach the thirteenth floor," he reminded them. "Our objective is to investigate the unexplored passages marked near the ninth. If conditions become unfavorable, we withdraw."

Seraphine Kestrel, his dependable second-in-command, adjusted the spear resting against her shoulder.

"After hearing what happened to Blackthorn Vanguard, I doubt anyone sensible intends to rush toward that crystalline monster," she replied.

Darian nodded. "Then let’s remain sensible and return with something worth selling."

Their company entered Greyfen shortly afterward.

Behind them, another expedition began preparing its Dungeon Passes.

The flow of Adventurers showed no sign of stopping.

---

Back at Headquarters, Lucien Marrow received a fresh collection of exploration reports from Greyfen.

The Grand Library’s growing archives now contained descriptions of numerous dungeon creatures, resource deposits, hazardous passages, and previously unexplored chambers.

Several accounts contradicted one another, requiring careful examination before their contents could be accepted as reliable.

Lucien welcomed the difficulty.

Every new report represented knowledge that future expeditions might use.

Garran’s Mission Administration also benefited from the discoveries. Requests for specific materials became easier to assess, and Adventurers could select assignments based upon more dependable information.

When Sage visited the Grand Library that afternoon, Lucien showed him several newly completed maps.

"Exploration is becoming more organized," Lucien explained. "Companies are beginning to submit clearer accounts, especially now that they understand how valuable accurate information can be."

Sage examined the maps approvingly.

"Good. Encourage that habit. A Warrior who discovers a dangerous passage and reports it properly may save more lives than someone who defeats a dozen monsters."

Lucien smiled. "I’ve been telling them much the same thing, Guildmaster."

Sage returned the documents.

The Guild’s enemies could spread rumors and threaten merchants, but they couldn’t easily erase the practical benefits Adventurers were experiencing.

That was an advantage worth protecting.

---

Elsewhere in the Royal Capital, Gideon Marholt was discovering that anger did little to restore lost contracts.

He sat inside Iron Fang’s headquarters, listening as his officers described another disappointing week. Several employers had chosen to post assignments through the Adventurer Guild, while experienced Warriors continued expressing interest in Greyfen.

"We’ve offered better terms," one officer explained. "But some clients prefer the Guild’s arrangements because they can select Adventurers without entering lengthy agreements."

Gideon’s expression hardened. "Then remind our remaining clients what they’ve gained from working with us for years."

"We have, Commander," the officer replied carefully. "Unfortunately, several are asking why we cannot offer comparable terms."

Gideon dismissed him before his temper worsened.

That evening, he attended another private meeting with Roderick Halbrecht and Edmund Krail.

Roderick was already furious.

"Two more of my men have been questioned by the city authorities," he complained. "And merchants who used to respect Black Banner are suddenly refusing to discuss anything without witnesses."

Edmund looked equally displeased.

"Several of my trading partners are demanding concessions," he admitted. "They’ve discovered that Greyfen offers opportunities outside our established arrangements."

Gideon stared at them both.

"Then our previous methods have failed."

Roderick leaned forward. "Because we’ve been too cautious."

Edmund’s expression tightened. "And reckless action will only give Sage the excuse he needs to turn the authorities against us."

"Then what do you suggest?" Roderick demanded.

Edmund hesitated before answering.

"I suggest we request further assistance."

---

The words silenced the chamber.

Gideon regarded the merchant suspiciously.

"From whom?"

Edmund lowered his voice. "Someone with considerably more influence than any of us. Someone who understands that allowing Sage to continue expanding will eventually threaten interests far beyond our own."

Roderick narrowed his eyes. "You’ve mentioned powerful supporters before, but I’ve yet to see one accomplish anything useful."

Edmund ignored the insult.

"Our benefactor has been patient," he replied. "But I believe that patience is nearing its end."

Gideon considered the statement.

He disliked depending upon an unidentified patron, particularly one who apparently possessed enough influence to remain concealed while others suffered the consequences.

Nevertheless, his options were becoming limited.

"Then send your message," Gideon instructed. "And make it clear that we need more than promises."

Edmund nodded.

The meeting ended shortly afterward, with none of the three men particularly satisfied.

---

That night, Sage stood upon a balcony overlooking the illuminated grounds of the Royal Capital Headquarters.

Boren joined him carrying the latest reports from Greyfen.

"Another successful day," Boren remarked. "More Dungeon Passes sold, more materials recovered, and another group of merchants requesting space near the outpost."

Sage accepted the documents with a smile.

"And our troublesome friends?"

"Pax says they’re becoming increasingly restless," Boren answered. "Apparently, losing money hasn’t improved their dispositions."

Sage chuckled.

"How unfortunate."

Boren rested his arms against the balcony railing.

"Do you think they’ll finally leave us alone?"

Sage considered the question before shaking his head.

"No. Men who believe they’ve been entitled to certain privileges for years rarely surrender them gracefully."

He looked toward the distant lights of the Capital.

"But that doesn’t mean we should stop building simply because they’re offended."

Below them, employees continued their duties, Adventurers entered and departed from the Guild Hall, and merchants prepared goods for the following morning’s journeys.

The Adventurer Guild had become too large, too useful, and too deeply connected to ordinary people’s livelihoods to retreat whenever someone powerful demanded obedience.

Sage understood that the struggle ahead would not be settled through a single battle.

It would be fought through contracts, influence, information, reputation, and the ability to endure pressure without abandoning what the Guild represented.

And whatever his enemies intended next, Sage had already decided that the Adventurer Guild would continue moving forward.