Listening to all that explanation, a little fear rose within Yamamoto. This truly was no longer a game, and even when this world was a game, having good skills was still superior to having a higher level, so what Tormund had said kind of made sense.
"I'll figure it out." Yamamoto said, half shrugging it off since if it came to skills, he knew the whereabouts of obtaining some powerful ones for his class.
Tormund shrugged. "Your choice. But if you join the Iron Vanguard, we have connections to several sword schools. It's one of the benefits."
"Speaking of benefits," Kenneth interjected, "maybe you should explain what guild membership actually offers? I gave him the basics, but you can be more thorough." He was more afraid of Tormund driving Yamamoto away now than actually recruiting him to join the guild.
Tormund nodded and pulled out a sheet of paper. "Let me break down what the Iron Vanguard provides to its members."
"First, access to mentors, training, and structured progression. We have experienced members who can teach, correct techniques, offer guidance. Not just combat training—strategic thinking, resource management, survival skills. We help you grow systematically rather than haphazardly."
"Second, steady work with reliable quests and fair pay. The guild has contracts with cities, noble houses, merchant consortiums. We get first access to quality quests—properly vetted, appropriate rewards, legal protection. When you complete a guild-sourced quest, we take a 5% administrative fee. That's it. Much lower than the 15-20% that quest brokers typically charge."
"Third, protection and legal status. Guild membership means something. Guards treat you with respect. Courts give you the benefit of doubt. If you get into legal trouble—within reason—we have lawyers and connections to help. Plus, we have guild safehouses in major cities. As a member, you can stay in guild lodging for free rather than paying inn fees. In a city like Mashlow, that saves you 5-10 silver per night. Over a year, that's significant."
"Fourth, resources and equipment. We maintain a shared armory—weapons and armor that members can borrow for quests. Not the best gear, but solid Common and Uncommon pieces. We also have relationships with craftsmen who offer members discounted prices on custom work. Need a sword repaired? Guild blacksmith does it cheaper. What about potions? Guild alchemist gives you a discount, way cheaper than getting those outside."
"Fifth, information network. We maintain updated maps, monster databases, dungeon information. Before you take a quest, you can check our archives and know exactly what you're walking into. This alone prevents countless deaths."
"Finally, allies and backup. You're part of a community. Need a party for a difficult quest? Easy to find reliable members. You get in over your head? Send word and nearby guild members will assist. Adventuring alone is isolating, the guild gives you reliable comrades you can trust. It builds camaraderie."
After he was done reading all that out, he set down the document and sat back into his chair a bit. "Of course, membership comes with obligations. When the guild has a significant quest or operation, members are expected to participate if called upon—unless you're not strong enough or the quest doesn't suit your capabilities. We don't force low-level members into high-level danger. We also don't involve ourselves in noble house politics or kingdom-level power struggles. We're adventurers, not mercenaries or political pawns."
He leaned forward. "That's the deal. Membership gives you structure, support, and resources. In exchange, you represent the guild professionally and answer the call when needed. Fair?"
Yamamoto sat in silence, processing everything. The benefits were substantial, and the obligations seemed reasonable, and thinking deeper, it wasn't a bad idea at all… for the most part at least.
"What about leaving?" Yamamoto asked. "If I join and later decide it's not for me?"
"You can leave anytime," Tormund said. "We're not a prison. Just give two weeks' notice, settle any outstanding obligations, and you're free. No hard feelings. Some guilds have contracts that bind you for years—we don't believe in that. Loyalty should be earned, not coerced."
'What? Are you guys not too perfect?' Yamamoto thought to himself.
Yamamoto looked at Kenneth, who gave an encouraging nod, not that he needed it to make his decision.
The way Yamamoto saw it, this was no longer the game. Playing the lone wolf might have been satisfying for his ego, but it was not strategically optimal now. It was wise to make use of every advantage.
With that, he made his decision. "Alright," Yamamoto said finally. "I'll join."
Hearing that, Tormund couldn't help but smile—a genuine pleasure, not just satisfaction at recruiting another member. Kenneth also looked weirdly excited, almost as though he would be getting a bonus for bringing a member to the guild.
"Excellent. Welcome to the Iron Vanguard, Odinson. Kenneth, take him to Registrar Pelin to handle the paperwork. Get him set up with lodging access and a guild marker."
Kenneth stood enthusiastically. "Will do, Branch Head. Come on, Odinson—let's make it official."
"Make it official? What is this, a marriage vow?" Yamamoto said, a little taken aback by the words used.
"Hahaha, oh come on, don't be so petty"