Chapter 526: The Guild Never Sleeps

Three weeks passed following Sage Alistair’s advancement to 5-Star Grandmaster Mage, and the Adventurer Guild continued expanding at a pace that left its administrators with little opportunity to rest.

Every morning, the Grand Guild Hall of the Royal Capital Headquarters filled with Adventurers examining mission notices, merchants seeking escorts, and Warriors arriving to register for the first time. The reception counters remained busy throughout the day, while the surrounding facilities accommodated an increasing number of visitors.

Sage stood upon the upper gallery overlooking the hall, watching a group of newly registered Adventurers gather around one of the mission boards.

Beside him, Boren examined a parchment containing the latest membership figures.

"Another substantial increase," Boren remarked, turning the page. "If registrations continue at this rate, we’ll need additional reception clerks before the month ends."

Sage nodded approvingly. "Then arrange for more clerks to be recruited. There’s little point attracting new members if we make them wait half the day merely to register."

Boren made a note before glancing toward the crowded hall. "I remember when we considered a dozen new Adventurers in a single week an impressive achievement."

"Those were simpler times," Sage replied with a nostalgic sigh. "Back then, I could occasionally enjoy breakfast without someone informing me that another building required repairs."

Boren looked at him skeptically. "You still enjoy breakfast, Guildmaster. You simply complain more while eating it."

Sage chuckled.

Whatever difficulties accompanied the Guild’s growth, the results were becoming impossible to ignore.

---

Greyfen remained the greatest attraction.

The enormous S-Rank Dungeon had drawn Warriors from across the Kingdom, including experienced mercenary companies, independent Adventurers, and ambitious parties hoping to establish their reputations.

The hundred-gold price of an S-Rank Dungeon Pass discouraged inexperienced individuals from entering casually, but capable companies continued purchasing passes whenever they prepared new expeditions.

At the temporary Greyfen outpost, clerks recorded purchases, verified Adventurer registrations, and collected reports from returning parties.

Several companies had begun developing regular expedition schedules.

The Ironcrest Company, led by Alaric Fenwick, had returned from another exploration of the lower floors with valuable materials and information concerning previously unexplored passages.

Meanwhile, Roland’s Blackthorn Vanguard continued preparing for another attempt to investigate the thirteenth floor, where the mysterious crystalline stag had forced their earlier retreat.

Roland had become considerably more cautious following that encounter.

Rather than immediately challenging the creature again, he spent time examining available reports and gathering information about similar monsters.

The Guild’s records benefited from such preparation.

Every expedition contributed additional knowledge, and every properly documented discovery improved the chances of future parties surviving.

---

Garran Holt’s Mission Administration had become increasingly involved in organizing requests connected to Greyfen.

Merchants wanted specific dungeon materials. Smiths requested unusual ores, while alchemists sought ingredients recovered from dangerous chambers.

The Guild examined these requests before presenting suitable missions to registered Adventurers.

One afternoon, Garran entered Sage’s office carrying a collection of completed reports.

"Several companies have begun accepting gathering assignments alongside their ordinary dungeon expeditions," Garran explained. "They can earn mission rewards while retaining the materials and treasures that aren’t covered by their agreements."

Sage examined the records with interest. "That’s precisely the sort of arrangement I hoped we’d encourage. Adventurers gain additional opportunities, while merchants obtain materials they might otherwise struggle to acquire."

Garran nodded. "The reports are also becoming more detailed. Companies understand that reliable information can influence the assignments available to them."

Sage smiled. "Excellent. Encourage them to continue. A successful expedition should leave behind more than a pile of monster carcasses."

The Guild’s mission system was gradually becoming connected to every aspect of Greyfen’s exploration.

And that connection strengthened the entire organization.

---

The financial results were equally encouraging.

Irene Valcrest presented the latest accounts during a meeting attended by Sage, Boren, and Tobias Merrow.

Dungeon Pass sales represented a substantial source of income, particularly as more experienced parties returned for additional expeditions.

Mission administration, facility services, accommodation, and commercial arrangements also contributed to the Guild’s growing revenue.

However, expenses remained considerable.

Construction at Greyfen required constant supplies, while the Capital Headquarters continued supporting its existing facilities and expanding workforce.

"The income is strong," Irene explained, placing the accounts upon the table. "But we should avoid treating every gold coin collected as available profit. Several major expenditures are approaching."

Sage examined the figures. "The permanent Greyfen facilities?"

"Among other things," Irene replied. "Road improvements, additional storage, accommodation, and the proposed trading hall will require substantial investment."

Tobias added that the existing temporary arrangements were becoming increasingly crowded.

Sage considered the reports before nodding. "Then we’ll proceed in stages. The outpost must develop according to actual demand rather than whatever grand ideas happen to enter my head during breakfast."

Boren looked surprised. "An admirable discovery, Guildmaster."

Sage gave him a wounded expression. "Your confidence in my judgment continues to inspire me."

---

Garen Holtweiss was making his own contribution to Greyfen’s prosperity.

The independent merchant had established relationships with several reliable suppliers, helping smaller trading businesses participate in the growing commerce surrounding the dungeon.

Additional stalls appeared near the temporary outpost, offering provisions, equipment repairs, medicinal supplies, and other goods useful to departing Adventurers.

Garen visited Headquarters with a report concerning several merchants interested in securing space within the proposed permanent trading facilities.

"Demand is increasing," he explained during his meeting with Sage. "But I’d recommend avoiding lengthy agreements until the construction plans are finalized. We don’t want merchants purchasing rights to spaces that haven’t been built."

Sage nodded. "Agreed. We can establish fair procedures for future applications, but nobody should be promised a particular location before we know what will actually exist."

Garen smiled approvingly. "A sensible decision. I’ll inform the interested merchants."

The expanding trade also provided opportunities for local workers, transporters, and craftsmen.

Greyfen was gradually becoming more than a dungeon entrance.

It was developing into a settlement supported by the constant movement of Warriors, merchants, and supplies.

---

Far from the Royal Capital, Evergreen continued progressing.

Leona’s regular correspondence described steady increases in completed missions and new registrations, while Caelista and Gregor remained occupied with assignments throughout the surrounding territory.

Valeria had also maintained her improved mission schedule.

Her accomplishments were accumulating, although the limited availability of higher-level assignments continued restricting how quickly she could advance.

Sage examined the latest reports with satisfaction.

Evergreen had become capable of managing its ordinary affairs without requiring constant intervention from the Guildmaster.

That independence was important.

The Guild could not expand throughout the Kingdom if every decision required Sage’s personal approval.

During a meeting concerning future recruitment, Boren raised the possibility of assigning additional experienced personnel to Evergreen.

Sage considered the suggestion before shaking his head. "Let’s examine Leona’s actual requirements first. I don’t want to send people merely because the original headquarters has become important enough to deserve impressive titles."

Boren nodded. "Then I’ll request a more detailed staffing assessment."

"Good," Sage replied. "Evergreen should receive whatever support it genuinely needs."

---

While the Guild’s administrators concerned themselves with expansion, two particular Adventurers had become increasingly interested in their mission records.

Leon Drakar and Lucan had developed a rivalry that Sage found considerably more entertaining than either man intended.

Leon possessed the overwhelming combat strength of a 6-Star Grandmaster Knight, while Lucan brought his own abilities, experience, and determination to their competition.

Their rivalry concerned Adventurer Rank rather than personal combat strength.

During an afternoon visit to Mission Administration, Leon examined the available assignments before turning toward Lucan.

"You’re accepting another mission?" Leon asked, noticing the parchment in his companion’s hand.

Lucan smiled faintly. "Naturally. I wasn’t aware that completing Guild assignments required your permission."

Leon folded his arms. "It doesn’t. I’m simply curious whether you’ve decided to spend every waking hour chasing mission records."

Lucan glanced toward the notices Leon had already selected. "An interesting accusation from someone holding three assignments."

Garran, who had been reviewing their requests, sighed quietly.

"Gentlemen, I would appreciate it if you remembered that missions are intended to be completed properly, not collected merely to irritate one another."

Leon smiled. "You have my word, Garran."

Lucan nodded with equal seriousness. "And mine."

Garran remained unconvinced.

---

Their competition soon produced tangible results.

Leon accepted dangerous monster-hunting assignments and difficult escort missions requiring experienced Warriors. His considerable strength allowed him to complete many of these tasks efficiently, although he remained careful not to neglect his responsibilities as captain of the Ardent Sun Knight Order.

Lucan pursued assignments that rewarded investigation, judgment, and careful planning, while also participating in expeditions suited to his capabilities.

Both men submitted their reports according to the Guild’s established procedures.

Their accomplishments accumulated steadily.

Yet neither appeared satisfied whenever the other’s progress was mentioned.

One evening, Sage encountered them outside the Grand Guild Hall after both had returned from separate assignments.

"Guildmaster Sage," Leon greeted him, looking unusually pleased. "I believe you’ll find my latest mission report quite satisfactory."

Lucan glanced toward him. "An impressive achievement, Captain. Although I submitted two completed reports this morning."

Leon turned toward him. "Two minor assignments?"

"Two successful assignments," Lucan corrected pleasantly.

Sage looked between them before smiling.

"How reassuring. I was beginning to worry that our most experienced Adventurers might eventually run out of reasons to compete."

Neither man appeared particularly amused.

Sage, however, enjoyed himself immensely.

---

As the weeks continued passing, the Guild’s activities expanded further.

The Grand Adventurer Hotel accommodated visiting Warriors, the Dining Quarter served increasing numbers of customers, and the Smithing Complex received steady requests for repairs and equipment.

At the Medical Center, Elowen and her colleagues treated injuries sustained during missions and dungeon expeditions.

The Grand Library continued collecting reports, while its growing archives attracted Adventurers seeking dependable information before entering dangerous territories.

Not every development was encouraging.

Pax Riven continued investigating the individuals attempting to undermine the Guild, and his reports suggested that the three known antagonists remained active despite their recent setbacks.

Sage reviewed the information carefully but refused to suspend the Guild’s ordinary operations.

The organization had responsibilities extending far beyond its disputes with a handful of influential men.

And those responsibilities continued growing.

---

One evening, Sage stood inside his office examining a collection of updated Adventurer records.

Boren entered carrying the final reports of the day.

"Leon and Lucan again?" Boren asked, recognizing the names on the documents.

Sage smiled. "Their competition has become remarkably productive."

"Provided they don’t exhaust Garran’s entire department," Boren replied.

Sage chuckled before examining the accumulated achievements more carefully.

Both Adventurers had demonstrated consistent dedication, and their verified records were approaching an important stage.

Their progress would soon require formal consideration under the Guild’s ranking procedures.

Sage set the documents aside.

Outside his window, the Royal Capital Headquarters remained illuminated as employees continued working and Adventurers returned from their assignments.

Far away, Evergreen carried on its own duties, while Greyfen welcomed another succession of expeditions.

The Guild had grown beyond the point where its future depended upon a single man’s daily efforts.

And somewhere among the countless missions, records, and accomplishments passing through its halls, the next major milestone was already approaching.