Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons

Chapter 139 Starting the Plan.

Charles nodded again. "I can do that, Protector. But how will they train? We don't have proper facilities for something like this."

"That's the second part," Arthur replied, his tone confident. "I want you to build a training ground. Not just any training ground, but one designed for growth—for real improvement. Sparring areas, archery ranges, weapon racks, everything they'll need to hone their skills."

Charles frowned slightly. "That sounds... ambitious. But Protector, we don't have enough instructors to train them. And even if we did, we don't have the funds to pay them."

Arthur smirked faintly. "You let me worry about the funds," he said. "As for instructors, we'll take a different approach. First, I want you to use the experienced fighters we already have in the village—those above level 10. You know who they are. Have them oversee and supervise the training."

Charles nodded slowly, though his expression remained uncertain. "That will help, but it won't be enough. We're a small village. Even those above level 10 are limited in number."

Arthur's smirk widened. "That's where the players come in."

"Players?" Charles tilted his head, confusion flashing across his face.

"Yes," Arthur said, leaning forward slightly. "We'll issue missions to the players. They can take up teaching roles at the training ground in exchange for a salary—ten silver coins a month. That should be enough to attract a decent number of them."

Charles' eyes widened again. "Ten silver coins? That's... generous. Are you sure players will accept it? They don't seem the type to settle down and teach."

Arthur chuckled softly. "Trust me, they'll come. Some players are focused on quick profit. Others want a steady income. And there will be those who see teaching as an opportunity to train themselves while earning money. We'll attract all kinds. It's not about them being permanent instructors—it's about creating a system where the players can contribute to the village's growth while benefiting themselves."

Charles rubbed his chin thoughtfully, nodding slowly. "I see. That might just work. But this project will cost... a lot. Tens of gold coins, maybe even three figures by the time it's done."

Arthur leaned back slightly, his expression calm. "Don't worry about the gold. I'll handle it."

Charles blinked. "You'll handle it?"

"Yes," Arthur said simply. "I've already made arrangements. Let's just say the village isn't going to run out of funds anytime soon."

Charles' mouth opened as if to ask more, but he quickly thought better of it and nodded. "Understood, Protector."

Arthur continued. "Now, about the funding itself. We'll introduce a tax system for the players. Nothing excessive—just enough to keep the village running and fund these projects."

He made his way inside, navigating the modest hallway until he stopped at a familiar door. He raised his hand and knocked twice.

After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing Jasmine—the self-proclaimed princess he'd met in the forest. She stood there, her auburn hair slightly messy as though she'd just woken up, and her hazel eyes blinked in surprise.

"Fateless," she said, her lips curving into a mischievous smile. "You miss me already? I didn't think you'd be the type to check up on someone."

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Arthur leaned casually against the doorframe, his expression neutral. "I wasn't checking up on you," he said bluntly. "I just wanted to let you know you won't be able to stay in this inn for much longer."

Her playful smirk faltered slightly. "What do you mean?"

Arthur crossed his arms. "The funds I gave you will run out at some point. And, I won't keep paying for your room anymore."

Jasmine's eyes widened. "What? No, no, no!" she exclaimed, stepping closer. "You can't just leave me like this! Where are you going, anyway?"

"I'm going to the city," Arthur replied nonchalantly. "And I can't take you with me. I've got a teleportation scroll, and it's a solo trip."

Her face fell slightly, her playful demeanour replaced with something more vulnerable. "The city...?" she repeated, her voice softer.

Arthur frowned. Something about her expression made him pause. He could feel a faint twinge of guilt creeping in, though he quickly pushed it aside. Instead, he asked, "Are you good at anything?"

Jasmine blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

"Your skills," Arthur clarified. "What are you good at? Do you have a talent?"

She hesitated for a long moment, her eyes darting away. "I... I don't know what you mean."

Arthur's brow furrowed. "Don't play dumb," he said sharply. "Everyone has a talent. What's yours?"

She bit her lip, her gaze fixed on the floor. "I don't want to talk about it," she muttered.