Chapter 175 The Heart of Demons
"Contract?" Eric repeated, his brow furrowing.
He couldn't recall anything about this from his past life. Then again, the player who found this opportunity had kept it pretty hush-hush. But if that guy, with his limited skills, could pull it off, Eric figured he had a shot too. He was stronger, more experienced, and way more determined.
Whatever this task was, it was his ticket to power in Silvervale City.
For any player stepping into Silvervale City, the ultimate goal was owning property. Not just any property, but a noble mansion right in the heart of the trade district. Only a place like that could serve as a guild base.
Guild bases were the lifeblood of any up-and-coming organization. They were, hands down, the most valuable asset a guild could have.
Each base was like its own little kingdom, a private haven in the big city. The perks were endless, from faster leveling to unique base-specific quests. Guild members who rested there got double experience points, a huge boost for those tired from battle or looking to level up fast.
The amount of double experience stored was directly proportional to the time spent resting within the base. A 48-hour rest gave a 20% bonus, maxing out at a full level's worth of double experience. It was a no-brainer for players wanting to get the most out of their time.
Then there were the special guild base quests, given by local NPCs, offering daily chances for big rewards. These quests often dropped rare Obsidian-level items, plus a ton of gold and guild honor. Even after the 20% guild tax, the rewards were better than most high-level quests.
On top of that, guild bases had a bunch of other features, making them the heart and soul of any successful guild.
But getting a base was no easy task. Even top-tier guilds spent months trying to secure a spot. For second and third-tier guilds, it was even tougher. Despite Divine Realms: Legends being live for four months, many third-tier guilds still didn't have a base.
In Eric's past life, his old guild, ShadowForge Studios, had worked for seven long months before they finally got their first base. Seven months – by then, many players were hitting Level 50. And even then, it was a remote outpost in a small city with a population of 200,000 to 300,000. But it was a start, a foundation for their future success.
Eric's ambition burned brighter. He aimed to secure a base within fifteen days of arriving in Silvervale City. He suspected Blackbeard's letter of introduction was the key.
"Yes, but..." Wiseman looked at Eric, concern in his eyes. "Young man, you lack the necessary strength. This contract... I fear it's beyond your current capabilities. I don't know why Blackbeard has so much faith in you, but you're not ready."
"Lord Wiseman," Eric said firmly, "I assure you, I can handle this task."
Wiseman chuckled softly. Such confidence was both charming and naive. Youthful arrogance often crumbled in the face of real challenges. "Very well, young man," he said. "Let's make a deal."
"Prove yourself to me. Pass a test I set, and I'll honor Blackbeard's request, helping you with this... Obsidian Pact. If you fail, come back when you're a true Swordsman. Deal?"
Eric thought it over, his mind racing. The player from his past life had gotten his reward at Level 10. But Wiseman was talking about becoming a true Swordsman.
Players started as apprentices. To hit the first formal tier of their profession, they had to reach Level 20 and pass a tough test at the professional guild. Passing meant they were "Formal," showing they had mastered the basics. As a Formal Swordsman, Eric would get a big boost to his stats, unlock powerful new skills, and get access to exclusive gear and opportunities.
If that other player could do it at Level 10, Eric was sure he could too. He was already Level 13, with better gear and tons of battle experience. Failure wasn't an option.
"Lord Wiseman," Eric said with a nod, "I accept your test."
"Excellent," Wiseman said, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "My request is simple. Bring me the heart of a demon. In the Cursed Enclave is the Demonic Citadel, once a lord's manor, now a den of evil. The lord, corrupted by demonic influence, became Shadowknight Gaia, cursing his people to share his fate. I need Gaia's heart to break the curse. Will you brave the citadel, slay the Shadowknight, and bring back his heart?"
"The Demonic Citadel... in the Cursed Enclave?" Eric's breath caught.
It was a notorious dungeon, a Level 10-15 raid meant for twenty-player teams. Many guilds had failed there, their members slaughtered by the fearsome Shadowknight Gaia.
"Indeed," Wiseman confirmed, looking serious. "Let this be a true test of your skills. If you can't beat this challenge, then the Obsidian Pact is out of your reach."
"Is there a time limit?" Eric asked, thinking it over.
"No," Wiseman replied, a slight smile on his lips. "Even if you succeed after becoming a Formal Swordsman, you'll be rewarded."
"Then I accept your terms," Eric said, feeling relieved. Most players were still struggling to reach Level 10. A strict time limit would have been a disaster. But with time on his side, he was confident.
He now understood how that player from his past life had succeeded.
By then, the average player level was around 20. A well-equipped elite team from a third-tier guild could probably conquer the Demonic Citadel and get the demon's heart. But for current players, it was nearly impossible.
The Demonic Citadel needed a coordinated attack from at least twenty players, all Level 12 or higher, with top-tier gear. Anything less was a death wish.
"I need to put together a team, and fast," Eric thought, his mind already planning. The upcoming gathering, just days away, was a perfect chance. With the right pitch, he could attract the best players, forming a team capable of taking on the Demonic Citadel.
As Eric turned to leave, Wiseman's voice called out, "Hold on, young man. One more thing."
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