Kaito stepped forward, his voice clear and commanding. "Thank you all for coming on short notice. I know the real-world news last night was... significant."
Scattered murmurs of agreement.
"The IAOO regulations change everything," Kaito continued. "Aetheria is no longer just a game. It's now an international economic system with legal frameworks, taxation, and severe penalties for violations. Phoenix Guild must adapt to this new reality."
Ayame took over, her voice equally confident. "We've spent the last twelve hours in consultation with legal experts, financial advisors, and IAOO representatives. Phoenix Guild has been officially registered as a Sanctioned Gaming Organization under the new framework."
The screen behind them displayed an official-looking document with various seals and signatures.
PHOENIX GUILD
Registration #: JPN-SGO-0047
Status: IAOO Guild
Corporate Sponsor: Yoshida Enterprises Holdings
"As a Sanctioned Gaming Organization," Kaito explained, "we have privileges that independent players don't. First and most important—taxation. Individual players conducting transactions through ATH facilities face a 15% tax rate. Phoenix Guild members conducting transactions through our corporate framework face only 8%."
Excited whispers spread through the room
"Second," Ayame continued, "we've established a guild-managed trading system. Any items you want to sell, any gold you want to exchange—you can do it through Phoenix Guild's authorized channels. We handle all the paperwork, all the IAOO registration. You just play the game."
"Third," Kaito said, "corporate sponsorships. As of now, Phoenix has secured deals worth $27 million annually from major corporations. This money goes into guild operations, equipment funds, and—most importantly—member salaries."
The room erupted in surprised conversation.
Ayame raised her hand for silence. "All core members—those who participate regularly in guild raids and events—will receive a monthly salary. Amounts vary based on contribution, but entry-level core members can expect around $5,000 per month, with top performers earning $15,000 to $20,000."
Max felt his heart rate spike. That was real money. Life-changing money.
"Trial members," Kaito said, and Max's attention sharpened, "are not yet eligible for this, but all other benefits apply—the 8% tax rate, the simplified trading system, access to guild resources. If you complete your two-week trial successfully, you'll be promoted to full membership."
Kaito's eyes swept the room and seemed to land on Max for a moment. "But there's something all of you need to understand. Phoenix Guild's success depends on trust and discretion."
Ayame nodded. "Many of our members come from prominent families. Many of you have real-world identities you'd prefer to keep private. Phoenix Guild has a strict policy: we don't ask questions about how you play, what builds you use, or what strategies you employ. Your methods are your own business."
"Similarly," Kaito added, "we expect discretion about guild operations and member identities. What happens in Phoenix, stays in Phoenix. We don't leak information to competitors, we don't doxx fellow members, and we don't create drama that could damage the guild's reputation."
He paused, his expression hardening. "Anyone who violates these rules will be immediately expelled, blacklisted from all Sanctioned Gaming Organizations, and—if necessary—face legal action. Our lawyers are very good."
The threat hung in the air.
Ayame's expression softened. "But if you follow the rules, Phoenix offers you something incredible. Protection. Resources. And a community of elite players who can help you succeed."
Kaito gestured to the screen, which now displayed a contract. "All members—including trial members—must sign a digital contract acknowledging these terms. It's legally binding in both virtual and real-world courts. The contract includes non-disclosure agreements, code of conduct clauses, and dispute resolution procedures."
"We know it sounds intense," Ayame said, "but this is the new reality. Aetheria is serious business now. We're treating it accordingly."
A notification appeared in Max's vision:
[PHOENIX GUILD MEMBERSHIP CONTRACT]
Please review and digitally sign within 24 hours
Failure to sign will result in trial membership termination
"You have until tomorrow to review the contract and decide," Kaito said. "We want members who are committed, who understand what they're agreeing to, and who can thrive in this new environment."
Ayame smiled, and it transformed her serious expression. "But enough about legal stuff. Let's talk about what really matters—dominating the game. Phoenix is currently ranked third worldwide. Our goal is number one. And with the talent in this room, I believe we can get there."
Cheers erupted from the assembled players.
"We have scheduled raids all week," Kaito continued. "High-level content, world-first attempts, rare loot farms. Signups are on the guild board. And for our trial members—" his gaze definitely landed on Max this time, "—perform well, and you'll become full members with all benefits. Show us what you're capable of."
The meeting continued with further details—raid schedules, loot distribution, guild bank rules, and the new trading system setup.
Max barely heard most of it. His mind was reeling.
He had joined a guild run by the Prime Minister's children, filled with the sons and daughters of Japan's most powerful families, backed by $27 million in corporate sponsorships, with legal teams and financial advisors managing everything.
And they were offering him 8% tax rates, simplified trading, and the potential for thousands of dollars in monthly salary.
All while promising not to pry into his unique class mechanics or question how he played.
It was everything he needed.
It was also terrifying.
The meeting ended, and players began rushing out. Velara grabbed Max's arm. "Come on. Kaito and Ayame want to meet you personally."
"What?"
"You topped DPS charts in our trial run yesterday. They noticed. They want to talk to you."
Before Max could protest, Yuki was dragging him toward the front of the hall, where the twin guild leaders stood talking with several officers.