Enter as Strangers, Leave as Family [Invite/Request/Guild]

[Kumori]

Kumori HP: 100% MP: 100%

"In order to live, I will continue to fight. In order to retain my humanity, I will continue to destroy those who mean to harm my friends."

Another day at the office. You might be wondering “how in the world Ryuu has an office.?” It’s a good question, actually. Forming of a guild, inviting of members, it didn’t seem like something Kumori would do right? He was an Assassin after all, weren’t they supposed to be all quiet and withdrawn? NOPE that was not how Ryuu was. He was an actual businessman in the real world, at 23, already producing a clientele of rich people to invest into him so that he could invest their money to make more money. He was a good leader and a good businessman, that is what Ryuu prided himself in. But the idea of the guild wasn’t brought about by him. No, it was brought about by another who wanted to create a guild that was much like a family, but also a force to be reckoned with. She wanted it to expand what they knew of London and spread their influence all over the Unfounded Kingdom. Well with having a guild, responsibilities were abound, especially when finances were required to be maintained and a place where his members could gather. Finances. Well, it was something he was good at, and he was good at investing as well. That was where his background was. He had already funded several venture capitals that he knew would make it in this new world, hoping that the technology of advancement that was possible in the real world would be increased hundred-fold because of the knowledge already know about inventions that would be made centuries later from the closest era that Elder Tale was based. After signing many documents, mostly finances and budgeting, he came across a few posters that he had placed up about a week ago to recruit for new members. They were a new guild, so any person who was willing to join would be welcome, so long as they held their same beliefs of family. Anyone who was underhanded or wanted more power only for the sake of themselves would be filtered out. Ryuu would not risk the staining of the name of his guild, since popularity and reputation was everything in the world, especially one with little to no instant communication.

The doors were open and many people were coming in to inquire about their guild, but none of them, so far, had really impressed him or were just too power hungry. While Ryuu was attempting to create a strong guild, he was far pickier of the members that would follow him. He had a few, already in the guild who he trusted with his life, but trust is gained. If he didn’t feel like the personalities matched with the guild, they were immediately rejected, well maybe not immediately. He gave a chance, a test for them to pass, but it wasn’t a typical test of “ask a question and see if they fit,” no, it was simply a rejection and to see what their reaction was to rejection, that was the key. He would always reject the prospects kindly, saying “I thank you for your time in considering us, but I don’t think you are what we are looking for.” A true businessman, conducting interviews to find out more about the person he was about to allow to join his family.

Two of them had passed, and he had hoped that they would come by today to be formally inducted into the guild Aeryn. While the guild did not have a rank system quite yet, all that mattered at the current moment was that Ryuu was the Guild Leader. He had yet to choose his sub-Guild leader. Things like that could wait for another time, since he had just started the guild. He knew who his leaders would be, but he still enjoyed the fact that they trusted him enough to not question his actions. Well, Ryuu hadn’t done anything question-worthy, as he stayed close to his intent for the guild. With exploration of Sarum still being done, and Aeryn playing a vital part in exploring and establishing information on Sarum, he knew that after it was over, his guild would be well known throughout the lands. Right now, though, it was time to recruit and to set right the future. If Ryuu wished the world to become a better place, he needed to teach and cultivate the lower-level adventurers into capable legends in the eyes of the Landers and capable comrades in the eyes of other adventurers. As the people he invited came to the guild office, he would greet them warmly.

“Welcome to our humble abode, where we start off as strangers, but leave as family,” he said.

OOC NOTES: 781 words

Made by Sifr of GS, Synesthesia and Adoxography.

[Recca]

The guild hall stood proudly in the heart of the city. A prominent structure scarcely covered in overgrowth unlike its surroundings. That morning, hundreds of players flooded into the building after some sort of announcement.

Recca paved her way through the crowd of players gathering in the foyer of the building. It's surprising how the place could occupy that many people which made her realise the guild hall was much bigger than it seems. The counters were packed with workers trying to settle players' inquiries, players were rushing jovially up the stairways to get to the upper floors, which houses the main guilds. "How do they manage to fit that many guilds in?" Recca thought. True, the place was enormous, but nestling hundreds of guild halls was almost impossible - or so she thought. What's with Recca's sudden interest of joining a guild? Not really a penchant, more inclined towards a necessity. Players attempted multiple times to explore outer areas of London with no far minimal to nil success. Solo playing was risky, especially when your skills are limited. A few hours after the Catastrophe, Recca tried to venture into the outskirts of the city. Carrying only a cheap spear and a guitar with little knowledge of her own abilities, let alone the game as a whole, Recca was barely prepared. After hiking about 10 metres into the forest areas, she was viciously assaulted by creatures resembling golems and eventually died that instant."Not the best way to die.. is it?" she thought as she lied unconscious on the ground as her health bar gradually decreases until a zero. She woke up on the altar in what seems to be a religious castle, church of some sort. "I'm alive?" Much like other players who died, all of which managed to revive.

Now, she's going to be smart a little, she cannot stand alone. This battle was just the beginning.. and playing solo would just end her up with a losing streak. Dying, despite wasn't absolute, she did not enjoy the feel of it either ways. Recca found herself standing a long, relatively narrow hallways. Doors were aligned along the walls, each inlaid with their individual carvings and symbols, or plaques hung onto each door. There weren't any people around. One or two players casually walking back and forth. "Sorry.. I don't think you're eligible of joining our family.." Recca heard a faint voice from one of the doors. Suddenly, the door slammed open and a bulky sized man stomped out angrily, dragging his giant club behind him. He was cursing under his breath which echoed rather clearly in the hollow halls. "What the neep. That stupid Kumori..." was the only line Recca able to discern. She turned her attention to the semi open door a few rooms away. A few other players followed suit and stormed out, bearing the same mount of frustration as the one before. "Hmph.. that stupid guild master just don't know talent when they see it." A cat-eared woman sneered. "If this keeps up, no one would want to join that petty guild of his." another boy said as he scowled. Must be a very strict guild. If guilds could easily reject players as such, what makes her think that she would be close to reaching the requirements.

Recca was hesitant, but she was determined to find a guild that she could belong to. She peeped through the slit and saw a rather organized office and in the middle stood a young man. She turned to look at the gold plaque on the front door. "Aeryn.." she mumbled.

[Kumori]

Kumori HP: 100% MP: 100%

"In order to live, I will continue to fight. In order to retain my humanity, I will continue to destroy those who mean to harm my friends."

Ryuu heard the people who he rejected as they walked through the door. He shook his head as he knew that they were not the ones he was looking for. Their actions after rejection told a lot about their personality. The first, who cursed at him loudly, was power hungry and wanted to use Aeryn as a stepping stone to gain more power. The Were-Cat, while she was talented, was egotistical and he could not trust her to do what would be necessary in order to protect her other guild members. This was the reason Ryuu was more intent on allowing lower-level players, so he could help mold them into better people. The last one was a boy, while young, he knew was also talented, it was apparent that his talent came from his wit and his ability to strategize, but speaking to him, he had found out that he relied more on his own power as a strategist rather than treating his fellow party members as people. He treated them as pawns to be sacrificed, like in chess, but Ryuu’s stance was that no one was allowed to die, or at least to try the very best to stay alive. No one will be sacrificed willingly. He heard a quiet creak at the door, expecting one of the ones he had rejected earlier to come back and apologize for their behavior, which would be to his surprise, but instead it was another adventurer. She was shy and she didn’t even move to open the door any further, she was just spying on him. This told a lot about her personality, but Ryuu kept a smile on his face and invited her in. Her information popped up onto his screen as he saw that she was a low-level bard. This piques his interest as he wasn’t sure how many of the rejected people she had heard as they left his office, here in the Guild Hall. The Guild House was located nearby, and there were some ports that were formed in order to allow the House and Hall to be connected.

“Please, come in… welcome to Aeryn’s Guild Hall. I am the Guild Leader. Am I to assume you’re interested in learning more about Aeryn?” he asked. Ryuu was in front of his desk, closer to the front door, as he leaned his butt onto the edge of the table to support him from falling. “Before I tell you about Aeryn, I would like to ask you a few questions. How do you feel about death, here in Elder Tales? Every time you die, you come back alive at the Abbey, but I would like to know if you think that death is okay for someone to go through,” he asked her. After she answered the first question, Ryuu then asked her the next question. “What do you see a guild as? What is your intention for joining a guild?” he asked her. And the last and final question was asked after her second answer: “What is your ultimate goal in life, both the life you have now in Elder Tales, and the life that is now lost, that is reality,” he asked her. All of these questions had philosophical and emotional backgrounds that Ryuu used to analyze each person. Those who were willing to protect each other and uphold justice was what he was looking for, and he hoped that this girl was one of them. Most level 1 players were intimidated by the reputation that Ryuu upheld with Aeryn, many times throwing out talented and high-level people for younger and less-skilled people, but that was because Ryuu saw potential as if it could be read off of his HUD. Those he had rejected were already stunting their own growth, and so he did not need them.

After she would answer, he would give her his answer, but he did wonder what her reaction was if he did reject her. Alas, he would soon find out and make a decision.

OOC NOTES: 671 words
Recca

Made by Sifr of GS, Synesthesia and Adoxography.

[Recca]

"Crap! I've been spotted..." Recca panicked. She leaned a little too forward and found herself tripping onto the hard, wooden floor flat on her face. Smack! There was a loud thud which triggered the young man in the room to turn around and looking at her pitiful self in a humiliating position. All this time in her life, she had never felt so awkward. She's been brought up prim and proper, with the occasional violence among her peers, but never in her life have she ever fell like that in front of anyone, in front of a guy no less. Recca didn't hesitate and pushed herself up, brushing off the specks of dust on her skirt. She looked towards the young man who stood directly in front of her. "He doesn't look that scary." she reassured herself. But looks can be deceiving. With that many players, one by one, dismissed in minutes without having chances to defend themselves, this guy might be scarier than she anticipated.

He greeted Recca with a warm smile. It was so hard for her to accept the possibility of him being scary. Now that came in mind, she guessed that he might be friendly but he can play a stern character, especially in interviews like these. Recca straightened herself, bowing slightly as a form of respect. She was raised in a strict family where manners towards her superior were as important as her academics. A culture that soon became a habit, even in the most casual of occasions. Some regarded her as stiff or "too much of a doll", noted by her cold yet pretty face. "It's an honor to make your acquaintance. I'm Saori... I mean Recca. My in-game name is Recca." she replied. "Yes.. I am interested in inquiring about guilds." she continued. But before she got to say anything else, the young man had already threw some questions at her. Those of which she never expected. In animes, most leaders would solely grade candidates' eligibility solely on their abilitles and physical strengths. This one here was different.

"Death.. It's not something I'd enjoy. I've already experienced it in the game once. But... I don't know there's this feeling that even if death was never absolute and we players would be guaranteed the privilege of respawning, I still have to struggle to survive. I don't want to die." She still remembered the fresh memory of her perishing in the woods to some wild beasts eventually reviving at the cathedral. "Even if we're in the game and our real lives aren't at stake but I believe that everyone in this world shouldn't be subjected to death so easily. If were to die so easily, why not just die for real. It'll lose the purpose of us living even if we're trapped in here. I don't know how long I'll have to stay in Elder Tale, but for now this is my world, and it's my duty to survive, just like back then." Recca never actually heard herself sound so philosophical, or anything that deep ever. Most of the time she kept her thoughts to herself, but here there's this burning courage that pushed her to say that. The first idea she thought of the moment she stepped foot in this world.

And then the last two questions. "A guild.. It's not a penchant for me to socialize around people that frequently but I realized that in this world, we can't strive alone. It might sound a bit inhumane for me to state that I have to use a guild in order for me to advance or go any further from the city borders. But I can't go on alone, that's why I'm seeking a guild. A stepping stone at least.." she stopped for a bit. "Plus.. I want to know what it feels like to be in a loving family.. people who actually care about you. And I figured a guild is some place where I no longer feel lonely..". Shit! she thought, that was personal. Recca never intended to say that, but since it's out now, all she could do is look down in shame. She wanted to be professional but now she blew it. All she can do now is wait for his reaction. Then the last question."My goals?" she processed that word for a moment. She joined this MMO just for the sake of fun or just shutting the world outside. But now she's really in the game, with everything she had left behind except her brief memories, what is her next move. It was a tough question. She barely knows her in-game self, how is she going to look that far. "Well.. I don't know. All I need to do is survive and maybe something will come along the way." Well that was some cliche answer.

[Kumori]

Kumori HP: 100% MP: 100%

"In order to live, I will continue to fight. In order to retain my humanity, I will continue to destroy those who mean to harm my friends."

He caught the name that she originally said which was “Saori…” she had stopped there, so it sounded like she said the somewhat common Japanese name of Saori. “Are you Japanese by any chance?” he asked her. While he was wrong, he still heard the name in a Japanese manner, but with a slight Chinese accent. Her nerves spoke a lot about her demeanor. One, it told him that she was humble. She did not assume she was outright the best of the lot. Second, it told him that facing her fears, while still nerve-racking and forced into confrontation, she faces them head-on. Ryuu admired her for it. It had already boosted her points in becoming a member of Aeryn. While her stats showed her low level, it didn’t bother him. Aeryn was about potential, and the lowest of levels meant the greatest of potential.

After she answered that, he would continue on with the interview asking her the three questions. Her answers weren’t what he expected. For a level 1 to go out and experience death, no less, on her own, it was an unfortunate even to hear about. She had told him it was something that she would never want to go through again, additionally saying that no one should be subject to death either. He nodded in understanding and also that that was one of the answers he wanted to hear. That was one of his goals for this guild. She then answered the last question. While she was stumbling over the words “stepping stone” she finally revealed herself and what she really wanted. Ryuu smiled and nodded. “And that is exactly what we are, Recca, my guild… I treat it as my family, and I love every member to death. Well figuratively,” he smirked.

Lastly, she answered his question about her goals. While she didn’t know what her goals were, Ryuu found potential in shaping her destiny, her fate. Ryuu smiled warmly towards her and showed no hesitation in preparing the invite. “Now that you’ve answered my questions, are there any questions you have for me? About this guild?” he asked sincerely. It truly was an interview process, but his mind was pretty much set on her fate for this guild. He had no reason to deny her, not when she wanted a family. He treated all like his children, brother, and sisters. He wouldn’t allow any harm come to them while ensuring their safety during outings. He would teach, improve, and discipline his family into building this world into a better place. While he was the guild leader, his family had no real leader. He was simply the one in charge of recruitment and paperwork. He considered his families as equals, hence the reason why their dinner and meeting halls were round tables. His eyes showed a genuine glow of compassion and love. While it wasn’t the normal love of physicality, it was more of the love a father would give to a daughter, or a brother would give to a sister. A familial love of protection, selflessness, and care.

OOC NOTES: 515 words

Made by Sifr of GS, Synesthesia and Adoxography.

[Recca]

"Japanese? Um..ah no.. I'm not Japanese. What I wanted to say that my name was Saorise. But I forgot that I have to use my character name, Recca. Sorry for that misinterpretation." she answered. Saori did sound Japanese so the misconception was kind of understandable.

Recca fidgeted for a moment after replying all of his questions. As she answered, the young man kept his poker face throughout her entire interview. Recca wondered whether was just staring blankly or in contempt. It was hard to tell. But he seemed happy at the end of her sessions. He said that she does have a true understanding of what a guild actually means. It's not all about the weapons, the margin between the strongest and the weakest. Instead it's like a family, and how everyone interacts with one another and how we watch each others' backs. "Okay, he seems quite pleased. I might have a shot at this.." she happily thought.

Now the tables turned. It's Recca's chance to question the young man, anything about the guild. "But what do I ask?" she contemplated.It can't be something stupid. Her shot of getting into such a high-requirement guild would just plummet, just because of one query that could ruin everything. So what was she going to say? If nil, he might think I'm either arrogant or clueless; if yes, he might think I'm purposely trying to make a fool of myself. "Um.. I didn't actually catch y..your name." Okay, wasn't too bad, a common icebreaker perhaps. "And also, what does being in a guild feel like?" Maybe a bit too far. She should be asking the typical "Oh how much can we reel in everyday?" or "So what's our battle strategy?". Too late, because either way, he has yet to give a confirmation.

[Kumori]

Kumori HP: 100% MP: 100%

"In order to live, I will continue to fight. In order to retain my humanity, I will continue to destroy those who mean to harm my friends."

“Ahh, my name,” he said, when she had noted she never caught his name. Ryuu smiled. “Well since you told me your real name, I will tell you mine, however I do ask you keep it a secret. There are not many people who know my real name. My real name is Ryuunosuke, however my in-game name is Kumori,” he said to her. Because she had shared her real name to him, he felt that it was only right to tell her his name. It was more of an obligation than a service, as he felt that if someone trusted you with something, you should trust them with something of similar or even greater value than what you were given.

She then asked what being in the guild would feel like. Ryuu nodded, as it was an understandable question. He took a few seconds to come up with an answer. After formulating his answer, Ryuu looked towards Recca and told her: “Our guild is exactly as you wish it to be… The guild is my family, and I would like you to join… You have shown some great qualities, both as a player and as a guild member. Do not feel pressured to answer right away, as I think that joining a guild is a big step in surviving in this world. I do not want to force you into any position like that, so I implore you to check other guilds if you haven’t already and come back to me with your answer. While I may not be the strongest of players, I do know talent when I see it,” he said to her. He would click the guild menu and invite Recca to the guild and placed a 7 day expiration date. If she wished to have an extension to choose, Ryuu would give it to her, but only if she came in person. Ryuu would await her answer, and he hoped it’d be a good one.

OOC NOTES: 329 words

Made by Sifr of GS, Synesthesia and Adoxography.

[Recca]

"Ryuusuke. So he was Japanese." she guessed. But what matters now, is that obligation he has to bear because of something she said - her real name. He perceived that, since she was polite enough to reveal her own name, thinking that its a form of trust, he should reciprocate the same way. She did feel a bit guilty, having him to bear that unintended weight of courtesy because of a little slip. Plus, he did request for her to keep it a secret. Its the least she could do. Even back in the real world, privacy and anonymity on the Internet was common, and for someone to disclose his name to someone, must be someone very trustworthy. She didn't want to break that oath, so she nodded.

“Our guild is exactly as you wish it to be… The guild is my family, and I would like you to join… You have shown some great qualities, both as a player and as a guild member. Do not feel pressured to answer right away, as I think that joining a guild is a big step in surviving in this world. ” Ryuu said to Recca. Was it for real? Never did she think that Ryuu would ever accept her. At some point, there were small tears in the corner of her eyes. She was always an outcast back in the real world, often regarded with sinister comments. She thought the same thing after she was trapped in Elder Tale. "Thank you." she whispered. A part of a family who cares.. she's never experienced it, but not given this chance, she can.

A small icon popped up in front of her, an invitation to join the guild. He didn't want her to rush in deciding, allowing her to visit other guilds before she could make her choice. True, it's quite rash to suddenly decide on the spot without any form of survey. That's the "realistic" method of evaluation. Most people would opt for the strongest, and even if players do have their eye on that particular guild, their acceptance might not be guaranteed. This was the only guild she visited, yet it's the only guild where she feels welcomed. Before she arrived, Recca did likewise peeped through the doors of other guild interviews. Some shooed her away without doubt, some sneered at her for being an unwanted rookie. However, she could feel a certain genuine kindness in Ryuu, like he really wants someone like her to join a guild as prestigious as his. She doesn't need the wait, she wants to grasp that opportunity of being accepted into a family. An opportunity she was deprived of from her busy parents who paid no attention to her. 'Accept' she pressed.

Word Count: 457


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