The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 53

Chapter 53   Laurent’s Compromise

Having been refused cooperation by the second squad, Laurent decided to hold an inter-squad meeting.

Rather than just issuing orders from above, he wanted to give everyone a chance to speak, thereby encouraging voluntary participation and fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership over the project.

By bringing everyone together to share their opinions, he aimed to align the different values among the squads, resolve any lingering grievances, and build a sense of solidarity.

When the Guild Master calls for a meeting, the leaders and key members of each squad must attend.

The meeting saw the attendance of key figures from the first to the third squads.

“Thank you all for gathering. Today’s agenda is nothing other than the current management of the ‘Demon Realm Dungeon’,” Laurent said, casting a meaningful glance at Ist and his subordinates from the second squad.

Ist and his team pretended not to notice.

Reluctantly, Laurent proceeded with the meeting.

“Daevin, could you explain the details?”

“Yes. The Daevin squad has been tasked by the Guild Master to find resources in the ‘Demon Realm Dungeon’ that match the profitability of the ‘Mine Dungeon’…”

“I object!”

Ist suddenly stood up and began speaking as if spring-loaded.

“Why are we pushing forward with the development of the ‘Demon Realm Dungeon’? Why not continue targeting the ‘Mine Dungeon’ as we have been?”

“Ist, Daevin hasn’t finished his explanation yet. Sit down,” Laurent admonished.

However, Ist refused to comply and continued to speak.

It took a while to get Ist to sit down.

（They’re stalling, trying to run out the clock without making any decisions.）

Laurent could see that Ist and his team were intentionally obstructing the proceedings to ensure that nothing would be resolved before the meeting ended.

Laurent was starting to feel annoyed but managed to maintain his composure and continued with the meeting.

“‘Magirock?’”

“Yes, a red rock that contains magic and is extremely durable. Beneath it, there are various useful items buried. The ‘Chimera’s Feather’ is one of them. Additionally, in the mines, we’ve discovered that large ore deposits are covered by layers of magirock. Even those with a ‘Mining’ skill level of A can’t dig through it. To break it, a power level of at least 100 is needed.”

“A power level of 100, huh…”

“An average adventurer wouldn’t even scratch it.”

“Even a high-rank warrior might struggle.”

“That’s why we need warriors with the strength to wield halberds or greatswords, at least at a B class power level, and support mages with an ‘Attack Boost’ skill of B or higher. As you know, during the dungeon management period, it’s not just about gathering resources but also adjusting our status. If we force the magirock removal by relying solely on strength or support magic, it will disrupt our status adjustments. On the other hand, working in an energy-saving manner won’t be profitable.”

“To efficiently gather resources, the cooperation of the first and second squads is essential,” Alric continued.

“We’ve also discovered that using the ‘Item Appraisal’ skill allows us to see the items buried beneath the magirock. Therefore, before the dungeon disappears next month, we urgently need appraisers with an ‘Item Appraisal B’ skill and warriors with a power level of B or higher.”

“So, we concluded that we need three appraisers with ‘Item Appraisal B’ and about twenty warriors with a power level of 60-80. It seems most appropriate to allocate these personnel from the second squad,” Laurent said.

“We don’t have such resources to spare in the second squad,” Ist retorted.

“I thought your squad was currently only training, without any particular mission?” Laurent tried to sound as gentle as possible.

“Indeed, we are busy with that training. Next season, we plan to reclaim the ‘Mine Dungeon’ from the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree.’ That’s what we’re training for!”

(He’s still using the ‘Mine Dungeon’ as an excuse.)

Laurent was inwardly exasperated.

“The ‘Golden Hawk’ will focus on the ‘Demon Realm Dungeon’ from now on. That decision is final. You will comply,” Laurent declared firmly.

“No, it is not decided,” Ist replied defiantly.

“Ist, enough. Are you going to disobey the Guild Master’s orders?” Alric interjected, unable to stand it any longer.

“Guild Master’s orders? What about the orders from the previous Guild Master, Lucius? His directive was for the ‘Golden Hawk’ to prioritize the ‘Mine Dungeon,’ to organize the squads for its conquest!” Ist shot back.

“The previous Guild Master’s orders? Lucius is no longer with us! His orders are void. They’re void!” Laurent retorted.

“No, they are not void. The previous Guild Master’s orders are still in effect!” Ist insisted.

The meeting then devolved into a heated debate about whether the previous Guild Master’s orders were still valid, if they contradicted the current Guild Master’s orders, which should take precedence, and how long the previous Guild Master’s orders should remain effective.

Unable to reach a conclusion, the meeting dragged on as they dug into the guild’s bylaws and past meeting records to argue over every detail. This was the first time Laurent had seen the past meeting minutes, and he was appalled by their length and lack of substance.

They had wasted countless hours on such trivial debates, engaged in endless and fruitless arguments.

(This is absurd. Any guild would weaken if it spent this much time on such nonsense!)

“Enough!” Laurent shouted, slamming his hand on the table to silence the room.

“We need substantial funds. By the end of this term, we must complete the mine development and gather the ‘Chimera Feathers.’ If we fail, some adventurers will have to be laid off. Does anyone here have the funds to cover this? No? Then stop quibbling and start working on the ‘Demon Realm Dungeon’ management! We can address other concerns afterward.”

Finally, Ist and his team had no choice but to reluctantly agree to cooperate in managing the ‘Demon Realm Dungeon.’ The discussion then moved on to the specifics of how to proceed with the dungeon management.

(At last, we can get to the main issue…)

However, by this point, Laurent was already utterly exhausted, his mental faculties thoroughly drained.

When it came to discussing the actual work processes for dungeon management, the members of the second squad continued to impose their own conditions.

Ist unabashedly made the following demands:

“If you want us to provide personnel, we have conditions:

1. 1. The first squad must vacate the dungeon.

1. 1. Authority must be transferred to the second squad.

1. 1. The first squad must be banned from entering the dungeon.

1. 1. Support mages capable of using ‘Attack Enhancement’ must be supplied.

We want these demands met.”

The excessive demands from the second squad left the members of the first squad in no position to stay silent, plunging the meeting back into chaos.

Daevin was exasperated.

(Sigh, here we go again. The power struggle between squads. This continues even with Laurent as the guild leader.)

Alric, while engaging with the second squad members, observed Laurent’s behavior closely.

(Considering the formation of a new squad under the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree,’ and his achievements in squad formation and rookie training, Laurent is an exceptionally competent field commander. However, as an administrator, he seems to have some weak points.)

Even now, Laurent was trying to bridge the gap between the first and second squads, but it was clear he was being pulled back and forth by their demands.

Lucius might have been better at maneuvering and power struggles.

(I’d like to help him somehow, but I can’t easily accept the claims of other squads in front of my subordinates. Laurent will have to manage this on his own.)

“So, to clarify, you have no intention of cooperating further, compromising, or providing any B-class warriors or appraisers? Is that correct?” Laurent asked, wanting to be absolutely sure.

(If they continue to refuse cooperation, I’ll have no choice but to dismantle the second squad…)

Laurent awaited their response, prepared to disband the second squad if necessary.

“The current situation leaves us no choice. However…”

At this point, Ist smiled slightly and softened his stance.

“Regarding the dispatch of appraisers, we are willing to cooperate. We have been intending to put more effort into developing appraisal skills.”

“Really? You’ll cooperate?” Laurent asked, feeling relieved.

(If they can dispatch appraisers by the 19th, we can manage to monetize the ‘Chimera Feather.’)

“However, it will have to be from the 20th.”

“The 20th? No, that’s too late.”

“Guild Master, we have prior commitments that we cannot easily adjust.”

“I understand, but can’t you at least start from the 19th? How about that?”

Ist smirked inwardly at Laurent’s response.

(It seems he really needs the appraisers by the 19th.)

“If you insist on dispatching appraisers by altering our schedule, then the first squad must vacate the dungeon first.”

“Are you kidding me? Why should we vacate?” one of Alric’s officers snapped.

“Having the first squad there would disrupt our work.”

“What did you say?!”

“You guys are always…”

“Hey, calm down,” someone tried to intervene.

The meeting descended into chaos once again and took a while to settle down.

It was only after an hour that some semblance of order was restored.

“In any case, we can’t have Alric’s squad leave the dungeon. Let’s find a way to cooperate,” said Lairent, but the members of the second squad remained firm, insisting, “We have our own position to consider,” so no resolution was reached that day.

“In the meeting, nothing was decided except that the second squad will cooperate with the dungeon management. For now, everything is going according to our plan,” Deanna said to Gilbert, alone in a locked waiting room.

“Has Laurent still not come to you for help?”

“No. Despite me offering my assistance several times since then.”

“I see,” Gilbert said, thinking while picking at his snacks.

(Laurent must already be losing support from Alric’s squad. Even when isolated to this extent, he still doesn’t give up.)

“He’s quite tenacious.”

“Really. He should just let us handle it already. I don’t know what he’s so hung up on,” Deanna said with exasperation.

“Laurent intends to continue negotiating with the second squad. He’s planning to propose conditions such as dividing the action areas and staying times in the dungeon for each squad. He said he can’t accept the condition of making Alric’s squad leave the dungeon.”

“Alright, then let’s tell the second squad to hold out for the dungeon exit condition.”

“Won’t that just cause negotiations to break down and lead to nothing getting resolved?”

“We can’t afford for things to get resolved. Laurent and the second squad need to keep fighting indefinitely. In the end, we are the ones who will offer a solution.”

Before heading to the ‘Demon Realm Dungeon,’ Jill stopped by the ‘Golden Hawk.’

(I’ve been working at the ‘Spirit Workshop’ recently, so it’s been a while since I’ve been here at ‘Golden Hawk.’)

Jill walked slowly through the building, hoping to run into Laurent by chance.

(I wonder what Laurent is doing now? Is he still busy? Maybe it’s too intrusive to go all the way to the Guild Master’s office.)

As Jill pondered this while walking down the hallway, she heard voices coming from the waiting room.

“The Guild Master, you know…”

“Huh? Seriously?”

(The Guild Master? Are they talking about Laurent?) Jill hid in the doorway, eavesdropping.

“I heard the Guild Master is about to get fired.”

“No way.”

“Yeah, apparently he’s isolated among the executives.”

“He’s only just been appointed, and he’s already a failure.”

“Haha, no kidding.”

“Well, it’s a fitting end for a lapdog of the investors.”

A loud bang came from behind them, making them jump. They turned to see Jill standing there, fist against the wall, with a furious expression.

Despite the sturdy construction of the room, it shook for a while, and dust trickled down from the ceiling.

“Eek!”

“J-Jill?”

“You guys, slacking off on your training and badmouthing the Guild Master? You’re quite something.”

“We’re sorry.”

“We apologize.”

“Wait!” Jill called out, stopping the members as they tried to leave.

“What were you just talking about? Something about Laurent losing his position soon? Why would you say something so baseless?”

“Well, um…”

“We heard rumors…”

“Rumors? Listen, Laurent is not stepping down as Guild Master. Never spread such falsehoods again, understood?”

“…Yes.”

The two members lowered their heads in shame.

“Now, get back to your training! And keep your mouths shut about unnecessary things.”

“Y-yes!”

Chastised by Jill, they hurried out of the room as if chased.

(I can’t believe things have come to this just because I haven’t been around for a while. Laurent is isolated? Laurent…)

Laurent was once again negotiating with Ist and his men in the Guild Master’s office.

(There’s no more time. If I don’t convince Ist and his team today, the management of the ‘Demon Realm Dungeon’ will fall apart.)

“I need you to send someone with appraisal skills to the ‘Demon Realm Dungeon’ by the 19th.”

“Guild Master, as we said in yesterday’s meeting, we have no intention of sending our appraisers before the 20th.”

“How about this condition: we’ll limit the Alric team’s operational range in the ‘Demon Realm Dungeon’?”

“Limit their operational range?”

“Yes. If we limit their operational ranges so they don’t overlap, there shouldn’t be a problem with both teams being in the same dungeon. For example, the first team won’t enter the 12th floor, and the second team won’t enter the 11th floor, something like that.”

“This is absurd.”

Ist, looking exasperated, made to leave the Guild Master’s office.

“Wait! Alright, then how about we schedule specific times for each team to enter the dungeon, alternating between them? It might be slightly less efficient, but it will prevent the issues that arise from having both teams in there simultaneously.”

“Guild Master!”

Ist’s voice rose in anger.

“Please do not undervalue us like that! If you truly want our assistance, you must show the utmost sincerity you can offer as Guild Master. If you cannot do that, we will no longer support the management of the ‘Demon Realm Dungeon.’”

Laurent paused, closed his eyes in a moment of inner conflict, then spoke with renewed determination.

“…Alright. We’ll have Alric’s team withdraw from the dungeon temporarily. However, this is my final concession. If you demand more, I have other plans in mind.”

Laurent and Ist stared each other down for a moment, engaging in a silent battle of wills.

“Fine. We will accept this arrangement, then. Alric’s team will withdraw from the dungeon.”

Ist reluctantly accepted the condition and left the Guild Master’s office.

Laurent collapsed onto his desk, utterly exhausted and unable to move for a while.

But he couldn’t stay like that forever. Now he had to persuade Alric and his team.

(To think it would be this complicated just to get some personnel. But I’ve learned something important. It’s clear that Deanna is the one orchestrating the second team behind the scenes. Ist’s demands matched exactly what I discussed with her. But why? Why are the members of the second team so willing to follow Deanna’s agenda? What is she aiming for by obstructing me?)

Laurent headed to the ‘Demon Realm Dungeon’ to convince Alric and his team, but Alric, unsurprisingly, was not easily persuaded.

He couldn’t afford to back down easily in front of his subordinates.

“Laurent, you were the one who entrusted us with the ‘Demon Realm Dungeon.’ Why should we withdraw just because Ist’s team arrived later?”

“Please, Alric. Just this once, prioritize the demands of the second team. I’m begging you.”

Despite being in front of Alric’s subordinates, Laurent bowed his head.

“Alright. I’ll let it go this time for your sake. But you owe me one.”

Alric sighed as he reluctantly agreed.

“Thank you. I owe you big time.”

Once Laurent left, Alric’s subordinates started voicing their complaints.

“Second team wins by whining again.”

“Seriously. We were the first to cooperate with the new Guild Master and we’re the ones getting the short end of the stick.”

“Even with a new Guild Master, things are the same as in Lucius’s time.”

“Hey, don’t talk like that. The Guild Master just took office and he’s dealing with a lot.”

Alric tried to calm his subordinates.

(But it’s true that we can’t run the ‘Golden Hawk’ like this. On the 22nd, both the first and second teams need to work together. What’s his plan? Is he going to keep bowing his head like this? As a team leader, I can’t compromise any further.)

After their meeting with Laurent, Ist and the members of the second team gathered at a tavern to celebrate.

They were as jubilant as if they had just conquered a dungeon.

“Haha, we did it! We finally got Alric’s team out of the dungeon.”

“It seems Gilbert’s information was accurate.”

“Yeah, thanks to that we played the Guild Master perfectly.”

“You could see the Guild Master was panicking.”

While the second team celebrated, Gilbert alone had a sullen look.

(Damn Laurent. I didn’t expect him to actually remove Alric’s team from the dungeon. Deanna said he wouldn’t do that. What useless information she gave. Useless.)

“You’re reliable as always, Gilbert.”

“We’ll keep counting on you.”

“Yeah, of course. You can count on me.”

Prompted by Ist and the others, Gilbert hid his displeasure and responded with confidence.

“Now that we’ve secured concessions from the Guild Master, isn’t it about time we conveyed our true intentions to him?”

“Yeah, you might be right. It could be time for reconciliation.”

“Indeed. It’s the opportune moment.”

“Wait a minute,” Gilbert interjected sharply. “I’ve said it before. We can’t let our demands slip. We’ll lose our leverage. Besides, Alric’s team has only been temporarily removed. If we start acting docile, Laurent will just let them back into the dungeon and start favoring them again.”

“But Gilbert, even though we waited until the 19th, our demands still weren’t met.”

“True, indeed. Removing Alric’s team from the dungeon isn’t our true objective. No matter how many concessions we wrangle from the Guild Master, it’s meaningless if our original goal isn’t achieved.”

“That’s why I’m saying it. Laurent needs a warrior with at least Power B strength by the 22nd. He won’t interrupt negotiations until then.”

“But what if they don’t come to us with our demands by then?”

“Right. If the Guild Master doesn’t know our demands, he can’t fulfill them, can he?”

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure it gets to Laurent through the spy at the right time.”

“Fair enough. If that’s the case…”

(Sigh. They’re such a handful. I can’t afford for you guys to reconcile with the Guild Master now. We need to settle things properly through Deanna, or that idiot woman’s authority won’t be restored.)

Gilbert bolstered his resolve with another gulp of his drink.

(Anyway, this is where it all comes to a head. I won’t compromise at all next time. Brace yourself, Laurent. I’ll tighten the screws until you come begging to Deanna.)