The Kingdom's Alignment, King of PY!
With a base of 130 points of favorability, as long as William doesn't do anything offensive, King Vekru won't lower his favorability towards him.
The two had a very pleasant conversation, discussing everything from territorial management to the Dark Invasion, and from the Dark Forces to the Light Faction.
William, drawing upon his rich experience and knowledge from his previous life, revealed a great deal of subtle information, along with his insights into the future, which greatly impressed Vekru.
Vekru even asked him, "What do you think the future of the Red Fire Kingdom should be like?"
William's words further reinforced Vekru's sense of agreement.
But it must be said...
What William just said was the direction of development for the Flame Kingdom in his previous life!
This is also the key reason why his statement coincides with Vekru.
Now His Majesty the King has truly begun to value William!
Even to Vekru, William's strength was not a big deal.
It has great potential!
He not only possesses the vision and strategy expected of a lord, but also a group of subordinates with exceptional combat capabilities and immense potential.
But Vekru still asked, "Your Dawn City's development method is quite interesting. Your territory is safe and secure on all sides, yet in order to continue developing, you've introduced a system of full-scale employment."
Do you know how much of a reaction this model has caused among Neutral Lord and some Mercenary Group?
The Mercenary Guild is extremely busy these days, and many people want the Mercenary Guild to vouch for them, indicating that they are willing to accept such employment.
In this way, your advantages will diminish, and you may even stagnate due to resource constraints.
William glanced at Vekru with surprise. What was this old guy up to?
Is this done with my best interests at heart?
Or do you want to see if I'm qualified to become your partner?
William pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice, "I am aware of that, but not every Mercenary Group possesses sufficient military discipline."
We can undertake any comprehensive outsourcing mission related to war, defense, guarding, transportation, garrisoning, etc.
The key is not my own strength, but that I have enough control over my subordinates to prevent them from causing losses to the employer.
If it were any other Mercenary Group, how could the Mercenary Guild possibly vouch for them if they had a history of misconduct?
Even if I provide guarantees for them, this model was my idea; others are still exploring and imitating it.
All I can say is...
Dawn City can only be imitated, never surpassed.
William paused, then continued, "The most important point is that Mercenaries are a bunch of guys who would rather die than be rich."
You can let them start a war, since it's all on the battlefield anyway, and any trouble they cause is an attack on the enemy.
But if you ask them to do something else, most Mercenaries would probably rob their employers, live a carefree and happy life under assumed names, and there's no guarantee that anyone will catch them.
But our Dawn City is different; we have territory, so there's no escaping it!
Moreover, if my soldiers really make a mistake, I have enough money to compensate them.
Now, the Lanyu Grand Duchy has taken on Dawn City's first major order. If it is successfully completed and the city helps them defeat the Dark Creatures, I believe Dawn City's reputation will skyrocket, and they will be receiving so many orders that they'll be overwhelmed.
However, other mercenary groups rarely enjoy the same treatment.
After William explained all that, Vekru probably understood!
Dawn City is a neutral faction with its own territory and a group of immortal Chosen Ones undertake war missions.
Meanwhile, the well-trained Legion soldiers were sent to take on other missions.
As long as arrangements are made properly and no powerful forces are provoked, Dawn City, supported by two Elves, will have unlimited potential in the future.
In just those few short seconds...
Vekru was determined to offer help when it was most needed, rather than adding to someone's already good fortune!
What is Dawn City lacking now?
Reputation!
The Mercenary Guild's support alone is not enough, and a single large-scale mission by the Lanyu Grand Duchy cannot prove anything.
Dawn City needs to complete many tasks and have a high enough reputation and exposure before other factions realize that Dawn City, as a Neutral Faction, is trustworthy and can be entrusted with tasks that other factions cannot spare the manpower for.
What Vekru needs to do now is very simple.
He issued ten tasks directly to William!
Most of them are not too difficult and are within the current capabilities of Dawn City.
These tasks include escorting and transporting goods, helping to defend the front lines, developing new territories (such as undeveloped forests and grasslands), and gathering intelligence.
William was almost ecstatic when he saw the ten A-Class missions.
It's like someone handing you a pillow just as you're about to doze off—so comforting!
These tasks are all for Intermediate-Class Professional. They are not difficult, not risky, and the rewards are not very high. The only downside is that they require a lot of people, which also means they will be exposed quite a bit.
So that's an advantage.
Because the Dawn City, now free from war, has no shortage of people.
Even though the vast majority of Player are engaged in two S-Class missions, many Player are still idle.
And it's not just the Player.
William could also send out Regular Army.
Today, Dawn City has a full 100,000 Regular Army, and their daily expenses for food, drink, and sanitation are a huge burden.
Instead of keeping them like this, it's better to put them into missions. Not only can you make some money, but you can also reduce a lot of waste.
The most important point is that this is a mercenary mission belonging to the Red Fire Kingdom.
This represents the trust of the Red Fire Kingdom.
The Red Fire Kingdom's trust is like an advertisement.
If Dawn City can perfectly resolve these tasks, will the other Grand Duchy still be able to ignore Dawn City now?
Absolutely not!
William glanced at Vekru with a hint of gratitude, then said in a deep voice, "Dawn City can accept all these missions, but to avoid wasting time, I wonder if we could open Portal, and perhaps conduct some business dealings along the way?"
"That's no problem at all. The more trade routes there are, the better for everyone."
"But does your Dawn City have Spatial Mage?"
William smiled and said, "There happens to be a Spatial Element Archmage here, so there's no need to trouble Your King."
When Vekru heard the Space Archmage, he couldn't help but pause, feeling a pang of jealousy. But this only strengthened his resolve to invest in Dawn City.
And interests are always mutual.
William has gained so many benefits from Vekru now.
Then he needs help resolving some trouble!
The task issued by Vekru was not troublesome at all in his eyes, and he could easily spare the Legion to handle it; he was just giving Dawn City an opportunity.
So here comes a crucial task!
[Hint: You have received a task message]
[Hint: The Kingdom's Alignment]
[Task Level: S+]
[Mission Information: The Red Fire Kingdom and the Sand Sea Kingdom have been at war for decades; unless one side is completely destroyed, the conflict will continue to Undying Relentlessness.]
[Hint: Choose your future faction: Red Fire Kingdom or Sand Sea Kingdom!]
Without a doubt.
William could not refuse this task.
If he chooses to refuse, not only will Vekru's favorability rating drop to rock bottom, but the mission he just completed will likely be canceled as well.
Moreover, he had absolutely no reason to refuse.
Because the victor in the previous life was the Red Fire Kingdom.
He readily accepted this Main Quest, which would take place many years later.
Then.
They looked at each other and smiled.
The implication of PY is extremely clear!
William glanced at his own Talent — his Handsome —and couldn't help but shout in his heart, "I... am the King of PY!"