"Congratulations, Guild Master Nightingale. Ouroboros is officially recognized as a Silver-rank guild."
The Guild Authority representative handed me the certificate with a formality that couldn't quite mask his surprise. The speed of our ascension had clearly caught the bureaucracy off guard. Most guilds spent years—sometimes decades—climbing from Bronze to Silver. We'd done it in less than two years.
I accepted the certificate with appropriate solemnity, though inside I felt a surge of satisfaction. Another step in the plan executed perfectly.
"Ouroboros thanks the Authority for its recognition," I replied, following the traditional exchange.
The representative nodded stiffly. "The privileges and responsibilities of Silver status are outlined in the accompanying documentation. Your guild territory rights have been expanded accordingly." He hesitated before adding, "The Authority expects Ouroboros to uphold the standards befitting its new rank."
