After carefully stowing the coins in his leather satchel, Owen stepped out of the bustling guild hall and onto the cobblestone streets of the city. The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the vibrant marketplace, alive with voices and the scent of freshly baked bread. Heath, loyal as ever, trailed closely behind Owen, his footsteps echoing softly against the stone. Pausing at the edge of the square, Owen turned to Heath with a firm nod. "You should return to the hotel," he instructed him. "I need to take some time to think about our next steps." Heath hesitated briefly, concern flickering in his eyes, but ultimately complied, turning to make his way back through the crowd. With the weight of wealth heavy in his bag, Owen felt a surge of determination coursing through him. The coins jingled softly with each step, a tangible reminder that he now had the means to embark on a new venture. The thought of starting a business.
Owen made his way to the central courthouse in the city to register his new company. The walk took about ten minutes, as the courthouse was located across the river, requiring him to cross one of the three bridges. Upon arriving, he climbed the steps to the courthouse and entered a large open room filled with financiers at work. He had to get in line, but fortunately, it was fairly short. After a brief wait, he approached the financier on duty. Upon seeing Owen, he asked, "What can I help you with?" Owen replied that he would like to apply for a business license. The financier then instructed him to follow a receptionist who had appeared almost out of nowhere into a room adjacent to the main area. Upon entering the smaller, neatly appointed room, Owen took a seat at a polished wooden desk. The receptionist, a friendly woman with a warm smile, handed him six forms, each filled with intricate details necessary for processing his application. As Owen diligently filled out the forms, he could hear the faint sound of soft music playing in the background, creating a calming atmosphere amidst the administrative tasks.
After completing the paperwork, Owen returned the forms to the receptionist. With a professional demeanor, she began to read back the information he had provided, ensuring everything was accurate and accounted for. This careful review process added an extra layer of assurance to the experience. Once Owen had verified that all the information on the papers was accurate, she stepped out of the room for a brief moment. When she returned, she carried a substantial stack of documents, which she indicated were the official papers pertaining to the business and company. Each sheet was meticulously organized, reflecting the diligence that had gone into preparing them. After she handed the documents to Owen with a reassuring smile, he took a moment to express his gratitude, acknowledging her assistance with a heartfelt thank you. Feeling a sense of relief at this pivotal step in the process, Owen excused himself and made his way out of the courthouse, the weight of the official papers in his hands symbolizing the progress he had made.
To move forward with his entrepreneurial ambitions, Owen concentrated on the essential steps required to launch his business successfully. The first and foremost task was to acquire a suitable piece of land where he could establish his new venture. After conducting thorough research and exploring various options, he came across a promising property strategically located within the city. This particular lot had a rich history, having been home to several businesses over the years, which gave him confidence in its potential.
The land itself encompassed an impressive 6,000 square meters, roughly translating to about a football field's worth of land, providing ample space to bring his vision to life. After careful negotiation, Owen was able to secure the property for a total cost of 1,000 Thal per square meter for a total of 600 Ran. This decision marked a significant milestone in his journey, as it laid the foundation for what he hoped would become a thriving enterprise tailored to meet the needs of the community.
After finalizing his plans, Owen visited a local labor agency and engaged a workforce of 120 skilled laborers to undertake the demolition of the aging structures on the land he had recently acquired. This demolition project was a substantial investment, costing him 80 Ran and 6,400 Thal for the intensive operation, which spanned 7 days with each worker putting in 8-hour shifts daily. The effort required meticulous coordination and oversight to ensure safety and efficiency on-site.
When Owen factored in all additional expenses related to the project, his total investments reached around 100 Ran. This included the costs for equipment, safety gear, and waste disposal, all of which were necessary to adhere to local regulations and ensure a smooth demolition process. Once the day's operations were wrapped up, Owen returned to his hotel, feeling a sense of accomplishment wash over him as he reflected on the progress he had made. It was rewarding to see his visions for the property gradually taking shape.
During the intense seven days that the workers meticulously deconstructed the old buildings, Owen took the opportunity to immerse himself in various quests for the guild. Each task was filled with unique challenges that tested his skills and resolve. He spent hours gathering medicinal herbs from the lush forest, carefully identifying the right plants while avoiding any lurking dangers. On another day, he ventured into the wild to confront a band of ruthless bandits that had been terrorizing the local travelers; after a fierce skirmish, he prevailed, driving them away and earning his place as a protector of the realm.
Additionally, Owen participated in caravan defenses where he collaborated with fellow guild members to ward off threats during crucial trade routes. Each successful defense enhanced their reputation and secured vital supplies for their community. The highlight of his week was the harrowing battle against a fearsome monster that had been plaguing a nearby village. The thrill of the encounter and the subsequent victory were exhilarating, and the grateful villagers offered their heartfelt thanks.
By the end of the week, Owen's dedication to these quests paid off with a well-deserved promotion to Tier 1, two stars. In contrast, his friend Heath celebrated his rise to Tier 0, ten stars, a testament to his extraordinary achievements and combat prowess. As a result of their combined efforts, Owen had accumulated an impressive total of 8,648 Ran and 2,092 Thal, while Heath earned 3,706 Ran and 3,754 Thal. These considerable sums not only elevated their status but also made them quite wealthy in the eyes of their peers, transforming their reputation within the guild and the wider community.
Once the deconstruction phase was completed, Owen gathered the same labor team and presented them with an ambitious new project: to construct a building measuring 100 meters in length, 50 meters in width, and towering 100 meters high. The proposal took the builders by surprise, as this new structure was set to become the tallest building in the city, a significant feat for their team. Their initial excitement quickly turned to apprehension, however, as they voiced concerns regarding their inexperience in handling projects of such height and complexity.
Understanding the gravity of their reservations, Owen chose to be proactive. He recognized that for the project to succeed, they needed to incorporate advanced technology in skyscraper construction. This required him to make a strategic decision to allocate 100 units of Energy towards acquiring the necessary Technology.
With the new knowledge and tools at their disposal, Owen approached the construction company once more, this time with a specific request for documentation. When the owner arrived, Owen was ready with a carefully drafted contract. To seal the deal, he offered him 500 Ran—an amount that was three times the estimated value of his company. The figure was designed to reflect both the potential of the new project and Owen's commitment to a collaborative partnership. After reviewing the offer and deliberating on the potential benefits, the owner agreed to the terms and signed the contract. In a ceremonious exchange, Owen handed him the agreed-upon sum of money, and in return, the owner presented Owen with the ownership papers for the construction company. This transaction not only secured Owen's interests in the project but also established a solid foundation for their future endeavors together.
With the ownership papers securely in hand, Owen approached one of the workers on-site and entrusted him with the documents, instructing him to head to the courthouse to officially register the property under Owen's company, Apollo. His expression conveyed a mix of diligence and eagerness as he set off with the papers clenched tightly. After he departed, Owen took the opportunity to engage in a discussion with the foreman overseeing the construction crew. Drawing a large sheet of paper toward him, he meticulously drafted a detailed outline of the skyscraper he envisioned—a modern architectural marvel that would soar above the city skyline. He included aspects such as the number of floors, the layout of the offices, and the planned use of green spaces around the building to enhance its aesthetic and environmental appeal.
Once Owen completed the sketch, the foreman reviewed it thoughtfully. After a careful assessment of the outlined project, he calculated the material costs involved in bringing Owen's vision to life. To Owen's financial scrutiny, he informed him that the total would amount to 120 Ran. Owen considered his evaluation for a moment, weighing the potential return on investment and the impact this skyscraper could have on his company's portfolio. Satisfied with the projected costs and the promising prospect for growth, Owen nodded in agreement. The foreman's face broke into a wide smile, one that conveyed both satisfaction and excitement for the project ahead. He reassured Owen that, with his approval, the team was ready to mobilize and commence construction on the land Owen now owned. As he gathered his crew, a sense of anticipation filled the air, marking the beginning of a significant chapter for Owen's company, Apollo.
As Owen stood at the bustling construction site, a man named Shawn Huss approached him with an important detail about the project timeline. "If you're willing to wait about six months to complete the building, we won't need to hire any additional workers. However, if you want it finished sooner, we will need to bring on a significant number of extra hands, as 120 workers just won't be sufficient," he explained, his expression serious.
Curious about the implications, Owen asked him how many workers would be necessary to accelerate the completion to just one month. Without hesitation, Shawn calculated that they would require approximately 700 more workers, an enormous increase that would push the budget to an eye-watering 2,000 Ran—about 20% of Owen's total funds. Owen weighed his options carefully; the prospect of finishing the project in such a short time was tempting, and ultimately, he decided the investment was worthwhile. He handed Shawn the money, catching a flicker of surprise in his eyes, which indicated he hadn't expected Owen to commit so quickly.
With the financial aspect settled, Owen encouraged him to maintain the high standards of work, feeling a sense of relief that they were back on track. After exchanging a few parting words, Owen decided it was time to leave the construction site. He made his way to the worker who had been responsible for the change of ownership documentation. He collected the necessary papers, confirming his stake in the project was officially recognized by the government. Satisfied with the progress, Owen turned away from the site and headed towards the hotel where he was to meet Heath. The day had been filled with significant decisions, and now Owen looked forward to discussing their next steps with him over a well-deserved meal. As Owen finished packing his belongings in the hotel room, he glanced over at Heath, who was carefully organizing his things as well. The process was bittersweet, marked by the excitement of what lay ahead yet tinged with a hint of nostalgia for the time they spent there. Once they were both ready, they stepped out into the warm, inviting sunshine and made their way to a local realtor's office.
Upon entering the office, Owen was greeted by a friendly woman named Sarah, who would be assisting him in his search for a new home. After exchanging pleasantries, he sat down with her at a large oak desk cluttered with various real estate. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before sharing his specific home requirements and budget. "I'm looking for a property situated near a Normandy guild building," he explained, emphasizing the importance of its proximity to his interests. "Ideally, it should be outside the bustling downtown area, giving me some peace and privacy." He specified that he wanted a spacious property with at least 4,000 square meters—about 1 acre of land—providing ample room for outdoor activities and future expansion. Additionally, he mentioned that he needed a minimum floor space of over 1,000 square meters to comfortably accommodate his lifestyle.
As Owen finished outlining his criteria, Sarah leaned in with an encouraging smile. "That's a great start! And what's your budget?" she asked, clearly intrigued. "I'm working with a budget of 1,700 Ran," Owen replied, a mix of hope and apprehension in his voice.
Her smile widened as she nodded enthusiastically. "With that budget, there are definitely options available that could meet your needs. Let's see what we can find that fits your vision." Her confidence reassured Owen, and he felt a renewed sense of optimism as they began the exciting process of finding his new home.
The next day, they returned to the properties the lady had mentioned. She had four that fit Owen's description and asked if he wanted to visit them. Owen agreed, and they proceeded to the first property. He didn't like it, and the second was only alright. However, the third property truly captivated him; it was exactly as he had imagined. Additionally, it included full house staff, a large garden, and a sizable lake behind the house.
After taking a thorough tour of the charming house and the sprawling property, Owen turned to the lady who was showing him around and inquired about the price of the estate. She revealed that, surprisingly, it was well below his budget expectations, especially considering the picturesque lake that added such value and charm to the property. The asking price was set at just 1,400 Ran. Her words sparked excitement within Owen, and without hesitation, he instructed her to get the contract to pay, which he did promptly.
Heath and Owen set out early in the afternoon, the sun high in the sky, to find new furniture for refurbishing the estate. Armed with a list of their desired items and a clear budget, they spent the next three hours exploring various shops in town. The vibrant displays and eclectic styles were both exciting and overwhelming, but they eventually settled on a few key pieces that would complement the estate's classic charm. After comparing prices and quality, they ended up spending a substantial 60 Ran.
Once back at the estate, they dove straight into the task of removing the old furniture. The process was surprisingly labor-intensive, as the old pieces were bulky and heavy. They carefully disassembled them, making sure not to damage the walls or floors, which took them nearly two hours.
As the sun began to set, they finally set up the new furnishings, arranging them thoughtfully to create inviting spaces. By the time they stepped back to admire their work, it was already 9 PM. Exhausted but satisfied with their efforts, Heath and Owen exchanged a knowing smile, both of them ready to collapse into bed for a well-deserved night's sleep.