The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild

Chapter 33 Reunion

“What’s the meaning of this, Ramon?”

Lucius, having heard the news about Monica and the others renewing their contracts, was questioning Ramon with an intimidating gaze.

Ramon was simply wiping the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief, looking quite uncomfortable.

“Renewing their contracts and raising the penalty fee? You clearly said you would transfer them to the ‘Golden Hawks.’ Didn’t you?”

“Well, of course. I intended to do just that. However, there were voices within the guild suggesting that we should immediately reward their contributions. I also thought that was reasonable, so I couldn’t exactly oppose it…”

Ramon, trying to escape Lucius’ scrutiny, nervously glanced left and right.

(Tch. Fifty million gold each. That’s one hundred and fifty million gold for the three of them. Even the ‘Golden Hawks’ can’t just casually shell out that kind of money.)

No matter how abundant the ‘Golden Hawks” funds were, Lucius couldn’t allocate fifty million gold on his own.

He needed to get approval from the investors.

(But I can’t just give up over something like this. I’ve already promised the bankers that I’d poach Monica and the others. I can’t just back down because it’s going to cost a bit more.)

Lucius resolved to go around and persuade each investor individually.

“Understood, Ramon. We’ll somehow come up with the one hundred and fifty million gold.”

“Oh, really? That’s wonderful, thank you.”

Ramon expressed his joy at this unexpected windfall.

“However! This time, you must ensure that they agree to transfer. Understood?”

“Y-Yes, of course. Having received one hundred and fifty million gold, I will definitely keep my promise.”

“Just remember this,” Lucius said, moving his face closer to Ramon’s and intensifying his glare.

“Laurent will inevitably threaten your position. If you wish to maintain your status, you must expel Laurent as soon as possible. Understood?”

Ramon could only nod repeatedly in response to Lucius’ stern demeanor.

Afterward, Lucius began the process of persuading the investors.

Since each of the wealthy backers was busy with their own affairs, just coordinating schedules was a difficult task.

Ultimately, it took a week to convince each investor individually.

During that time, various issues within the ‘Golden Hawks’ were left unattended.

Monica was drawing her bow at the training ground of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree.’

She nocked an arrow and aimed at a distant target.

The arrow not only hit the center of the target with pinpoint accuracy but also pierced through to hit the target behind it.

Eventually, the arrow stopped at the seventh target.

(The seventh one. So, my attack power is around 60 to 69, huh?)

While evaluating the power of her recent attack, Monica recalled the new challenge Laurent had given her.

“Strength enhancement…?”

“Yes, your agility as an archer is low. However, there’s still potential for growth in your strength and stamina. The goal is to develop the strength to take down an ogre with one hit and the stamina to endure continuous use of ‘Hawk Eye.’ That is your next challenge.”

“Defeat an ogre… in one hit…”

“If you achieve that, you might become the first archer to rank number one in the kill count rankings.”

Monica anxiously pressed her lips together.

Seeing her unease, Laurent spoke to her gently.

“It’s okay. You can definitely do it. I’ll support you with all my strength.”

“Yes. Thank you!”

Monica drew her bow and aimed at a newly set target.

From a short distance away, Laurent appraised Monica’s stats.

Monica Velmare

- - - Strength: 60-70 → (90-100)

- - - Endurance: 50-60 → (55-65)

- - - Agility: 30-40 → (30-40)

- - - Stamina: 100-110 → (120-130)

(It looks like she’s fully recovered. Her stats are stabilizing.)

Previously, her strength had fluctuated between 40 and 70, but it had now steadied at 60 to 70.

Stats can vary based on one’s physical and mental state, but fluctuations within a range of 10 are considered stable.

All of Monica’s current stats were within this range, indicating she was in good condition.

(Her stats have improved without any visible physical changes. That means… the issue was probably mental. What was troubling her?)

Laurent pondered.

(Well, it seems the problem is resolved now. No need to overthink it.)

Laurent refocused and checked Monica’s condition stats.

(Her mind and body are in great shape. It’s time to move to the next stage. We’ll increase the intensity and focus on her strength and stamina.)

“Monica.”

“Yes?”

Monica stopped drawing her bow and turned to face Laurent.

“Starting today, add one more set of wrist exercises and running.”

“Yes, understood.”

Despite the additional training, Monica eagerly headed to the facility to work on her wrists and running.

(Laurent is watching my growth. Just knowing that boosts my spirits.)

Monica trained enthusiastically, her previous melancholy nowhere to be seen.

Though she still occasionally felt pain and sorrow, the time spent under Laurent’s guidance felt like it belonged to her alone.

(Once Monica’s strength and stamina improve, I’ll have Charl increase the weight and power of her ‘Silver Ironbreaker Bow.’ That should cover Monica’s progress. Now, I need to meet with Lilianne.)

Leaving the training ground, Laurent headed towards a private room within the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ where he was scheduled to meet Lilliane.

“Lucius’s influence is waning?”

“Yes. There are signs of it everywhere.”

Laurent and Lilianne were having a private conversation in the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ lounge.

Lately, they had frequently discussed the organization’s management strategy in secluded settings.

“Recently, people from the Alchemy Guild have been consulting with the ‘Spirit Workshop’ about dungeon management. Despite being under the ‘Golden Hawks’ umbrella, this is the first time such a thing has happened.”

“Hmm.”

Lilianne touched her mouth thoughtfully.

“I also felt something was off with the ‘Golden Hawks.’ They usually negotiate with us around this time about dungeon management. Entry fees and resource allocations are always contentious issues. The ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ don’t have the capacity to manage the ‘Mine Dungeon’ alone, so they usually impose favorable terms for resource collection. Yet, there’s been no word from them this time.”

“It seems there’s definitely some discord within the ‘Golden Hawks.'”

“If that’s the case, this could be an opportunity. But we could also consider this: Lucius might be waiting for our move. They still have the upper hand, controlling the city’s Alchemy Guilds. By doing nothing, they might be waiting for us to make a concession.”

“That’s possible, but knowing Lucius, it’s unlikely he’d just wait for us to act. If he wanted to secure favorable terms, he’d be more aggressive—tightening control over the Alchemy Guild or intimidating us. But so far, apart from attempting to buy out Monica and the others, he’s done nothing.”

“True. That doesn’t seem like him.”

“Even with the recent attempt to poach Monica and the others, there’s a sense of desperation in Lucius’s actions. It’s overly forceful… From my time with the ‘Golden Hawks,’ I noticed he struggled with managing the growing organization. It seems the situation might be spiraling out of control.”

“So, this is a chance to weaken the Alchemy Guild’s influence…”

“Yes.”

Lilianne crossed her arms and pondered.

However, she soon opened her eyes with determination and looked straight at Laurent.

“Understood. Let’s seize this opportunity to integrate the city’s Alchemy Guilds. We will manage the dungeon without the ‘Golden Hawks.’ The ‘Spirit Workshop’ should proceed accordingly.”

Lilianne spoke resolutely.

“Thank you. I knew you’d agree, Lily.”

“So, how exactly do we proceed?”

“That’s the issue. Even though the ‘Golden Hawks’ are losing control, the Alchemy Guild members still seem hesitant. If we encourage them to break away, we can’t be sure how many will follow.”

“I see. We lack a decisive move.”

Lilianne folded her arms and closed her eyes, deep in thought.

“How about gathering the key Alchemy Guild members together for now?”

“Gather them together?”

“Yes, like hosting a seminar. A seminar wouldn’t be seen as an act of betrayal, so they could attend casually. We can gauge their reactions and see who might switch sides.”

“That makes sense.”

“If it looks like a significant number are inclined to join us, we can move forward quickly.”

“Got it. I’ll come up with a plan.”

“We can provide a venue for the seminar. The ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ have suitable facilities. Oh, it’s about time.”

Lilianne glanced at a clock on the wall.

“Yes, I need to go too.”

“You have interviews with new member applicants next, right?”

“Yes. It’s essential for forming a new unit. After that, I’ll be heading to the ‘Spirit Workshop.'”

“You’re quite busy.”

“And so are you. You’re working late again tonight, aren’t you?”

“Yes, this is a crucial moment.”

The two of them had become increasingly busy.

They had to make time for each other in the midst of their work, or they wouldn’t be able to spend time together at all.

They promised to meet again tomorrow and parted ways for the day.

“Here we are. Everything is already prepared for you.”

The interview coordinator guided Laurent into the interview room.

“The papers on the desk contain the profiles of today’s applicants.”

“Thank you. I’ll take a look at them.”

(We need to create another unit capable of conquering dungeons. To do that, we need to unearth potential A-Class adventurers to lead the new unit.)

Laurent glanced over the applicants’ resumes.

(There must be future A-Class adventurers among them. I will definitely find them!)

The Guardians of the Magic Tree, who had conquered two dungeons this season and produced A-Class adventurers, had attracted more applicants for new recruit interviews than ever before.

Especially high-level applicants who had excelled in the training academy or already had a certain career as adventurers in archer, support mage, and healer roles.

And right away, Laurent found the first A-Class candidate.

Rick Dyer

Sword Skills: C → A

Shield Defense: C → A

Agility Boost: E → A

Group Healing: E → A

(I found him! The potential of an A-Class Magic Knight!)

“I’m Rick Dyer. I recently graduated from the training academy. I’ve been training in ‘Sword Skills’ and ‘Shield Defense.’ I aspire to be a vanguard.”

The tall and earnest-looking boy spoke clearly.

“I see. Your ‘Sword Skills’ and ‘Shield Defense’ are indeed impressive.”

“Yes. I’m confident as a vanguard.”

“It’s clear that you’re promising as a vanguard. How about support magic and healing magic?”

“Support magic and healing magic? Um… I’m not very confident in my magical abilities.”

“I see. Then let me assess your stats as well.”

Rick Dyer’s Status

Magic Power: 10-10 → (100-110)

“It’s okay. If you join us, we can raise your magic power to 100.”

“Huh!? Raise it to 100?”

“Yes. What do you say? If you’re willing to learn support magic and healing magic, I’m willing to hire you right now.”

“Uh, okay. I’ll give it a try.”

The second applicant was a shadowy archer boy with long bangs covering his eyes.

“I’m Lerio Santana. I hope to become an archer.”

Laurent appraised Lerio’s skills and status.

Lerio Santana

Bow Shooting: C → A

One-Hit Kill: C → A

Arm Strength: 35-55 → (70-80)

Agility: 40-60 → (90-100)

(He has both strength and agility. He seems qualified as an archer. However, as Monica’s rival, he needs something more.)

Laurent looked for any other notable skills or stats.

Status Appraisal: E → A

Leadership: 10-10 → (100-110)

(Interesting. With the skill ‘Status Appraisal’ and such high leadership stats, he has the potential to become a captain.)

“Hmm. It seems the ‘Leadership’ aspect of your status is low…”

As Laurent spoke, Lerio awkwardly chuckled.

“I’m not really good at ‘Leadership,’ so my instructors at the training facility suggested I give up on it…”

“I see. Alright then. I’ll hire you as an archer. But I believe you have the potential to be a leader as well.”

“Huh? Really?”

(He’s weird. He’s said my ‘Leadership’ stat is low.)

Lerio tilted his head in confusion.

The third applicant was a somewhat talkative girl.

“I’m Marina Faltuna. At the training facility, I focused on becoming a combat mage. My specialty is ‘Explosion Magic.’ Don’t you think explosion magic sounds cool? As soon as you activate it, there’s this whooshing sound as the wind swirls around. The color of the wind is beautiful too. It’s amazing when you can cast it perfectly…”

While Laurent listened to her story, he activated his skill appraisal.

Marina Faltuna

Explosion Magic: C → A

Ore Possession: E → A

Equipment Possession: E → A

Potion Possession: E → A

“Hmm. You seem to be excellent at item possession as well.”

“Huh? Is that so?”

“Yes. You’ve passed the interview. If possible, I’d like you to start participating in the guild’s training from tomorrow onwards…”

“Really!? Yes! I’ll do anything if it means joining ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’!”

(Alright. With this, we’ve secured three new adventurers with A-class potential. Together with our existing forces, ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ now has a total of seven A-class candidates. With the quality of our adventurers, we can overwhelm the ‘Golden Hawks’!)

* * *

“Mmm… It’s been a while since I had some free time.”

In the central square of the city, Jill stretched her arms.

Her mood was as cheerful as that of a prisoner who had just finished serving their sentence.

As Laurent had imagined, the internal situation of the “Golden Hawks” was in a sorry state.

Lucius was busy raising funds for recruitment, so he left all guild matters to his aide, Daenna.

However, Daenna, being lazy, was incapable of managing a large organization like the “Golden Hawks,” and all issues were being neglected.

The problem of filling the vacancy left by Savast’s escape from the second squad leader, as well as issues related to dungeon management.

As a result, no one knew what they should do or how to proceed with any task, and all operations came to a halt.

However, just because the organization was dysfunctional, it didn’t mean people’s desires for honor, power, and diversion could be suppressed.

Members with nothing to do busied themselves not with their duties but with plotting in the shadows.

A power struggle erupted over the vacant position of the second squad leader.

Taking this opportunity to position themselves as Savast’s successor or to install someone they favored, people formed factions, held secret consultations, and actively engaged in these movements.

Jill, too, was almost drawn into the power struggles within the guild (as an aide to Lucius and a capable individual, there were many who wanted her on their side), but for now, she had rejected every offer presented to her and kept her distance from these activities.

In fact, she was fed up with the atmosphere within the guild and had come out for some fresh air.

Given that her PR work had also drastically decreased due to the shift in popularity to Monica and the others, it was the perfect timing to take a holiday.

(Indeed, holidays are wonderful. Occasionally, I just want to walk around the city without any concerns.)

At the moment, she was walking through the streets in a trademark disguise to avoid public attention, covering her beautiful hair with a hat, wearing a plain brown coat, and hiding her mouth with the collar.

However, to any observer, her appearance unmistakably resembled that of a celebrity incognito.

(Being able to walk through the streets without worrying about others’ gazes is truly wonderful.)

Jill enjoyed her freedom to walk through the bustling shopping district without caring about anyone’s gaze.

“Hey, isn’t that girl cute?”

“Wow, you’re right.”

“She has a great figure.”

Jill, who was looking at the flower shop, heard whispers behind her and felt a shiver down her spine.

Turning around, she saw two men glancing at her.

Although she was in disguise, her tall stature and outstanding beauty were impossible to conceal, and she inadvertently became the center of attention just by walking through the streets.

“Should we go talk to her?”

“Huh? But I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere before…”

Sensing trouble brewing, Jill hurriedly slipped into a side alley.

(Phew. Good grief. Why is everyone paying attention to someone like me?)

“That aside…”

Jill realized that she had unknowingly wandered into the back streets of the bustling district.

There, rows of small workshops lined the street.

(How nostalgic. When I was a fledgling adventurer, I used to wander around streets like this looking for shops that would make weapons cheaply.)

Nowadays, the guild takes care of all weapon procurement, so she no longer visits weapon shops like this.

(Cheap weapons break easily, so I used to search for shops that would repair them cheaply.)

Feeling like a newcomer again, Jill strolled down the back alleys.

Eventually, she stumbled upon an alchemy guild.