Max sat, and Velara perched on the edge of the desk beside him, clearly comfortable in this environment.
Mizuki pulled up several screens.
"Let me walk you through the Phoenix Guild financial system. This is separate from the general IAOO registration you completed earlier—this is specifically for guild operations."
She pulled out a black card from a secure drawer. It was made of what looked like metal, with the Phoenix emblem embossed in gold on the front.
Max's name was engraved on it: MAXTHORNE – TRIAL MEMBER – ID: PT-2847.
"This is your Phoenix Guild access card," Mizuki explained. "It's absolutely essential. You'll need it to access all guild facilities—both in-game features and real-world like this trading room, the guild hall in various cities, and our private gaming cafes."
She slid the card across the desk to Max, and he picked it up. It was heavier than expected, with a quality that screamed expensive.
"This card is biometrically linked to you," Mizuki continued. "Only you can use it. If lost or stolen, report it immediately—we can deactivate and replace it, but there's a significant security risk if it falls into the wrong hands."
"Understood," Max said, slipping the card carefully into his wallet.
"Do not lose it," Velara added. "Seriously. Replacing it is a nightmare, and you'll be locked out of guild systems until you get a new one."
Mizuki nodded in agreement. "Now, for the financial setup. We're linking this card to a secure guild vault account. Any earnings from in-game activities sold through Phoenix channels will be deposited here. You can transfer funds to your personal bank account at any time, or leave them in the vault for security."
She typed rapidly, and Max's personal information played in the screen.
"The tax rate for guild transactions, as you've been informed, is 8% instead. The guild covers the difference as part of membership benefits." Mizuki paused, glancing at Velara, who nodded permission to continue.
"Additionally," Mizuki said, her tone shifting to something more significant, "Phoenix Guild has a policy of providing a welcoming bonus to all new members, including trial members, as a gesture of good faith."
Max's attention sharpened. "Welcoming bonus?"
"Yes, Sir Max. As a first-time registrant with Phoenix Guild, you are entitled to a one-time cash reward of $10,000 USD."
Max's brain stuttered to a halt. "I'm sorry, what?"
"Ten thousand dollars," Mizuki repeated calmly, as if this was a perfectly normal amount. "Deposited directly into your guild vault account. You can access it immediately."
Max stared at her. "Ten thousand dollars. Just for joining?"
"Consider it an investment," Velara said, her tone casual. "We want our members to have the resources to compete at high levels. Better gear, more playtime, less stress about real-world finances—it all translates to better performance."
"I..." Max struggled for words. "That's insane. That's more than I make in six months of freelance work."
"And if you become a full member after your trial period," Mizuki added, "you'll start receiving monthly salary on top of any earnings from item sales and activities. But for now, this $10,000 is yours to use as you see fit."
She pulled up a confirmation screen. "Would you like me to transfer the full amount to your registered bank account, or would you prefer to keep some in the guild vault?"
Max's mind raced. Ten thousand dollars. That was three months of rent. That was proof to his mother that this could actually work.
But it also felt overwhelming. Accepting this money meant he was truly part of this world—the elite guild, the corporate backing, the expectations that came with it.
"Can I split it?" Max asked.
"Of course. However you like."
Max thought carefully. "Transfer $5,000 to my bank account. Keep the other $5,000 in the vault."
"Sure," Mizuki said approvingly. She typed the commands. "The bank transfer will process within 24 hours. The remaining $5,000 will remain in your vault, accessible at any time through this terminal or any other Phoenix Guild facility worldwide."
She turned the screen toward him, showing his account summary:
PHOENIX GUILD VAULT ACCOUNT
Account Holder: MaxThorne (Trial Member)
Vault Balance: $5,000.00 USD
Pending Transfer: $5,000.00 USD (To: Personal Bank Account ***-4721)
Processing Time: 24 hours
Transaction History:
Welcoming Bonus Deposit: +$10,000.00
Transfer to Bank: -$5,000.00
Remaining Balance: $5,000.00
"All set," Mizuki said with a professional smile. "Welcome to Phoenix Guild, Sir Max. Is there anything else I can help you with today?"
"No, I think... I think that's enough for now," Max said, still processing.
Velara stood, clearly pleased. "Good choice on the split, by the way. Always smart to keep some capital in the secure vault—you never know when you'll want to make a quick purchase or investment."
Max stood as well, still clutching his new Phoenix Guild card like it was made of solid gold. In a sense, it was—it represented access to resources and opportunities he had never imagined having.
"One more thing, Sir Max," Mizuki said as they prepared to leave. "You'll receive a digital copy of the guild's financial policies and procedures via email within the hour. Please review them carefully. They outline how to conduct trades, report earnings, and maintain compliance with both IAOO and guild regulations."
"I will. Thank you, Mizuki."
She bowed again. "The pleasure is mine, Sir Max. Good luck with your trial period."
As they left the trading room and headed back toward the lounge, Velara glanced at Max with an amused smile. "You look shell-shocked."
"I just... Ten thousand dollars, Vel. That's life-changing money."