Chapter 205: Rank and Identity · Glorious

First, there were Linna and Rayna with their playful banter. Sterl responded to each one with a slightly indulgent smile at the corners of his mouth.

Then there were the reports from Teresa and other family members regarding various duties. Sterl acknowledged them with a simple "Read."

Finally, there was Faye's message.

"Mr. David, I have completed the trial. My residence is in the Hall of Valor, specifically in the Cold Water Mountain Range, District 74."

"Remember to visit me when you get the chance."

Sterl agreed and then closed the private message panel.

At this moment, he was standing still, and several players who had already passed the trial couldn't help but want to approach him. After all, this "David" was a legendary figure capable of single-handedly taking down legendary bosses. However, before they could say anything, they noticed Sterl standing there with a cold expression, causing many to lose the desire to strike up a conversation.

It wasn't that Sterl didn't want to interact with others; he was primarily occupied with reviewing the information about forming a guild that Teresa had sent over.

Creating a guild was actually quite simple. Anyone could propose forming a guild through their player panel to [Transcendence].

However, this would result in the most basic type of guild, offering minor buffs like a 2% or 3% increase in strength or constitution.

For a better guild, players could apply through local factions. For instance, Earth humans could apply to create a guild through specific NPCs in the Divine Mountain Empire or the Dark Moon Alliance.

This brings us to a particular mechanism in [Transcendence].

Once NPC factions and player factions grow to a certain extent, a large number of NPCs will be present. Some of these NPCs will be selected by the [Transcendence] system to provide additional functionalities.

This includes the skill tutors in the lower-level bases where Sterl was born, as well as those who offer guild creation services.

Now, if Sterl wanted to create a guild, he could apply to the relevant NPC in the Hall of Valor.

The guild's quality would be determined based on the amount of funds Sterl provided and the materials related to guild creation.

The funding aspect was straightforward. For a basic guild, one hundred purple gold coins would suffice. However, each subsequent upgrade would require more purple gold coins, leading to an extremely high long-term consumption!

But this was no big deal for Sterl. His money-making abilities were already quite formidable. Hundreds of purple gold coins were just the reward for a main quest, a hidden quest, or a few boss fights.

Not to mention, Sterl had the [Resistor] item, which increased the probability of triggering quests.

Even if he maxed out the guild funds, he could afford it. The key point was the message from Teresa that mentioned—

"We also need guild core-exclusive materials of varying rarities??"

"Where on earth am I supposed to find those?"

Sterl suddenly felt a bit at a loss. He had no clue where to get these guild materials...

Next, a legendary [Challenger] descended from the sky, leading Sterl and the players who had completed the trial with him to their residences.

Other players, like Faye, were randomly scattered in various places.

The legendary figure was surprised when he looked at Sterl. "Kid, you're pretty lucky. You've been assigned to the core area of the Hall of Valor, Valhalla."

"Although that area is vast, all the spots were taken long ago. Maybe a few unlucky souls died recently, so the Hall of Valor allocated you there."

Nearby, some knowledgeable players whispered among themselves.

"Valhalla, isn't that the area with the densest elemental energy?"

"I heard the drop rates for wild monsters there are significantly higher than elsewhere."

His expression was one of absolute entitlement, but in reality, he was trying to strong-arm Sterl into giving up his residential rights without offering any real compensation.

Seeing this, the other players' faces turned pale, and they quickly distanced themselves from Sterl. None dared to utter another word to him. They looked at the "lucky kid" with eyes full of pity.

"At first, we thought this kid was lucky, getting the best residential rights, but it's all for nothing."

"No wonder they say that without strength, coming to the Hall of Valor is pure suffering. I thought our lower status would mean others wouldn't bother with us, but it turns out any resources we have will just be taken away."

They looked on sympathetically at Sterl.

The legendary figure was effectively taking Sterl's residential rights with empty promises. As for the so-called future protection, it was unlikely to happen.

The Hall of Valor was vast. If the "lucky kid" found himself in trouble, a low-tier legend wouldn't make it in time to save him.

A few players who had previously known about "David's" combat prowess hesitated and stepped back.

Though he could defeat Willis, it didn't necessarily mean he could take down this legendary figure. There was always a gap even among legends.

They realized that if a fight broke out, the outcome would be a toss-up.

They neither wanted to side with David and get targeted by a legend, nor did they want to support the legend, because what if David won again?

The legendary guide watched Sterl coldly. "Hand it over. Don't keep me waiting."

In the distance, several other legendary figures, each leading a new Trial Seeker team, stopped to watch the unfolding drama.

While the residential rights to Valhalla were indeed precious, anyone could buy them with enough contribution points. However, according to the rules of the Hall of Valor, the weak had no dignity. Any resource that could be taken would be taken.

The legendary figures sneered.

"That newbie is out of luck, running into Sarius."

"He's always so eager to lead teams just to squeeze some benefits out of them."

"I bet the newbie will fold in under 5 seconds and obediently hand over the residential rights."

The new Trial Seekers led by these legendary figures looked at Sterl with a mix of sympathy and resignation. It wasn't out of kindness but rather a shared sense of helplessness.

While none of them had their Hall of Valor resources outright taken, many had been extorted for purple coins and items by their legendary guides.

Watching Sterl being pressured, they could only sigh.

"Get stronger! Only by getting stronger can you survive in the Hall of Valor."

Sterl, seemingly oppressed and standing still... was actually just replying to some private messages.

Looking at the legendary figure blocking his path, Sarius, Sterl sighed.

"Move!"

His words were brief and to the point, which instantly angered Sarius. "Looks like you need a lesson."

Just like Willis, this legendary figure intended to intimidate Sterl with his strength.

But in the next second, with a soft thud, Sarius was instantly turned into a human torch by Sterl's newly upgraded golden-quality skill, Ignition Flame.

Sterl then maxed out the legend points for Ignition Flame and activated various attribute-enhancing abilities.

With a snap of his fingers, it was all over.