The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 56 & 57

Chapter 56   Afterwards

Laurent gathered his unit at the dungeon.

It was his last chance to meet with them before the next dungeon exploration began.

“Alright, everyone’s here,” he said, looking around at his unit.

He quickly checked their status.

(Everything looks good.)

Satisfied with the state of his unit, Laurent began to speak.

“As you’ve heard, the second unit from ‘Golden Hawk’ is scheduled to be dispatched to the ‘Mine Dungeon.’ Even though Savast is no longer with them, they are still a group of seasoned veterans with plenty of experience. They’ve been training diligently and are fully prepared for the dungeon exploration (though that part is a lie). Even for you, if you let your guard down, they could catch you off guard. Make sure you are all thoroughly prepared for the dungeon exploration.”

“Yes, yes. I have a question,” Euphene said, raising her hand.

“What is it?”

“Whose side are you on, Laurent? Ours or ‘Golden Hawk’s’?”

A tense atmosphere spread among the unit.

“Good question. In short, I’m both on your side and not on your side.”

“What do you mean?”

“As you know, I am now the guild leader of ‘Golden Hawk.’ However, I haven’t lost my position as the captain of Laurent’s unit in ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree.’ So, while fulfilling my duties as the captain of Laurent’s unit, I must also support the second unit as the guild leader of ‘Golden Hawk.’ It’s a delicate position. I can’t overly favor either side.”

“I see. So, from your perspective, it doesn’t matter which side wins?”

“Well, the situation is a bit more complicated, but let’s put it that way. In any case, I won’t be participating in the next dungeon exploration. I intend to observe the competition between the two units impartially. One thing I can say is that victory often hinges on luck and small differences. I want you all to fight without letting your guard down and without any regrets. That’s all for the explanation. Any other questions? No? Then each of you, make your final adjustments.”

In the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree,’ Lilianne was meeting with the police.

They had come to consult her about the investigation into Lucius.

“So, Lucius hasn’t been caught yet?”

“No, we’re doing everything we can to investigate, but…” the police officer said apologetically.

Lilianne crossed her arms and frowned.

(He’s been cornered this far and still refuses to surrender. He’s quite persistent. He should realize by now that he has no chance of regaining power.)

“We’ve maintained a cordon, so he should still be in this city… Do you have any leads on your end, ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’?” the officer asked hesitantly.

“No, if we had any leads, we would have reported them to you immediately.”

“I see… So that’s the case.”

The officer looked dejected and hung his head.

Lilianne felt a twinge of sympathy for the man in front of her.

With multiple incidents involving adventurers over the past few months, the authorities had become quite tense.

He probably needed to bring back some kind of lead to avoid getting scolded by his superiors.

“Cheer up,” Lilianne said in a bright voice.

“Don’t worry. If you read the criminal’s mind and persistently investigate, you will surely catch him.”

“Sigh…”

“We will spare no effort in cooperating, so please keep trying a little longer.”

“…Right. We’ll review our leads from scratch again.”

Lilianne watched as the police officer, slightly more encouraged, left the headquarters of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree.’

“The criminal’s mind, huh?”

(If returning to ‘Golden Hawk’ is out of the question, Lucius’s target must be… Could it be Laurent…?)

The worst-case scenario flashed through Lilianne’s mind.

Previously, Lilianne had suggested that Laurent should have a bodyguard, but Laurent had laughed it off.

He claimed he didn’t need a bodyguard, insisting he wasn’t that important a person.

(Laurent said he didn’t need a bodyguard, but I’m still worried. Anything could happen. I should make some arrangements just in case.)

Laurent was attending a unit formation meeting for ‘Golden Hawk.’

Familiar faces like Alric and Ist were present at the meeting.

(The budget allocation is already decided, and the unit members are fixed. There’s not much to tweak. If I interfere too much, they’ll push back. So, the only point of contention would be…)

“Guild leader, I have a proposal!”

Ist, the captain of the second unit, leaned forward.

“What is it?”

“I’d like to request that Jill Irwin be assigned to our second unit.”

(Just as I thought.)

The confidence they had in their dungeon conquest stemmed from their plan to rely on Jill’s strength at the last moment.

However, Laurent didn’t want to use Jill for what he saw as a losing battle.

Laurent analyzed Ist’s status.

Ist’s Status:

• • • • Power: 40-80

• • • • Toughness: 40-80

• • • • Agility: 20-60

• • • • Stamina: 60-100

(With stats like these, it’s audacious of him to say he wants to tackle the ‘Mine Dungeon.’)

He was clearly an adventurer who had neglected his training, spending his time embroiled in political maneuvering.

As they were now, they wouldn’t even reach the fifth floor of the dungeon before running out of steam, let alone defeat Laurent’s team.

“Guild Leader, the ‘Mine Dungeon’ conquest is our guild’s top priority. Please provide the maximum support.”

“Right. First, I’d like to hear from the person in question. Ist has stated his case, but Jill, what do you think?”

“Yes, if it is the Guild Leader’s command, I will go anywhere. However, my personal desire is to serve by your side.”

Jill responded as Laurent had previously instructed her.

“Indeed. I agree. Jill is S-class and possesses the power to change the tide of battle. The best strategy is to deploy her at the right moment, considering the progress of each unit’s dungeon conquest and carefully assessing the advantages and disadvantages.”

When Laurent said this, Ist’s face twisted with dissatisfaction, and he seemed about to protest.

However, Laurent stopped him with a gesture.

“Ist, I understand your dissatisfaction. However, I must consider the overall situation when making my decisions.”

“But, Guild Leader…”

“Don’t worry. Even without extra support, the second unit is more than capable of matching the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree.’ In fact, I believe you have the strength to completely outclass them.”

Hearing this, Ist swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

“I believe that several members of the second unit have the potential to be on par with S-class adventurers. It’s possible that this dungeon conquest will produce multiple S-class adventurers from your ranks. My concern is that by deploying Jill, we might stifle your growth and miss the opportunity for you to fully realize your potential.”

Alric listened to Laurent’s words with an incredulous look on his face.

(Laurent, come on now… who would be pleased with such transparent flattery?)

However, Ist and his team readily accepted Laurent’s persuasion.

(What?! The Guild Leader values us that highly? I thought he was an insufferable young upstart, but he actually sees our potential.)

“Guild Leader, we will ensure the success of the upcoming dungeon conquest!”

“Good. I’m counting on you.”

Alric couldn’t help but gape.

The second unit had embellished their skills and stats to such an extent that they seemed to have forgotten their actual abilities.

* * *

Chapter 57   Failure

Deanna was walking through the city as night fell, feeling disgruntled.

Once again today, she had spent her time at ‘Golden Hawk’ doing menial tasks, feeling the deep sense of futility as she headed home.

“Honestly, Laurent is blatantly neglecting me. What did I ever do to deserve this?”

Deanna muttered to herself.

(Every day, it’s just a storm of chores. If this keeps up, maybe I should just quit.)

However, there weren’t many places that offered better pay than her current job.

To maintain her affluent lifestyle, she had no choice but to endure the misery of being a sidelined employee at ‘Golden Hawk.’

As Deanna walked on, grappling with her frustration, a homeless-looking man suddenly appeared in front of her.

With disheveled hair, tattered clothes, hollow cheeks, and sunken eyes, he cut a forlorn figure.

Despite his relatively solid build, suggesting youth, his overall appearance made him seem much older.

Was he a fallen adventurer?

Deanna ignored the man and tried to walk past him.

There was no way she was someone that a vagrant could casually approach.

However, the man overtook her and blocked her path again.

Deanna grew increasingly irritated.

(Seriously. Can’t you see this emblem? I’m from ‘Golden Hawk.’ Someone like you shouldn’t even think about talking to me.)

“What do you want? You’re in my way!”

Deanna said sharply.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have any spare change. If you’re begging, try somewhere else!”

Her tone was haughty and cold.

Most men would shrink back after being spoken to like this by her.

However, the man in front of her didn’t flinch or move an inch.

Deanna began to feel uneasy.

(What’s with this guy?)

“Have you forgotten who I am?”

The man spoke suddenly.

Deanna froze at the sound of his voice.

“That voice… You… Could it be…?”

“So, it’s true, you’ve sided with Laurent…”

As the man said this, his shoulders began to tremble, then he lunged at Deanna, covering her mouth and dragging her into the shadows.

As night deepened and darkness enveloped the city, the once lively taverns dimmed their lights and fell silent. By this time, Laurent had finally arrived home.

(Phew. In the end, we didn’t find her. Charl…)

The issue had started with a minor argument.

During a meeting at the ‘Spirit’s Workshop’ about the silverwork exhibition, a disagreement over quality and cost arose between Ranju and Charl.

Laurent had sided with Ranju, causing Charl to take offense and storm out of the workshop.

Charl then disappeared without a trace.

Laurent had employed every means available to search for Charl.

He had visited her home and enlisted her parents’ help, and filed a missing persons report with the police.

He had mobilized as many people as he could from both ‘Golden Hawk’ and ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ to search for the elven girl.

Despite all efforts, they could not find any trace of her.

(Damn it. Where on earth did Charl go?)

With such thoughts swirling in his mind, Laurent reached his room and noticed an envelope in his mailbox.

(What is this?)

As he tore open the package, out came a bundle of silver hair and a blood-stained letter.

Feeling a growing sense of dread, Laurent quickly scanned the letter.

“I have taken the elf girl.

If you want her back, come alone to the cave on the 7th floor of the Forest Dungeon.

Lucius”

(Lucius!? This blood… is it Charl’s…?)

“Charl is in danger!”

Grabbing only the sword from his room, Laurent dashed out and headed straight for the dungeon.

(Damn it. Of all people, she had to be captured by Lucius…)

Laurent ran through the darkened streets.

After he had disappeared across the street, a shadowy figure began to move from its hiding spot.

The person approached Laurent’s room, picked up the letter from Lucius that Laurent had dropped, tucked it into their chest, and followed Laurent.

Reaching the entrance of the cave on the 7th floor of the Forest Dungeon, Laurent hid in the shadows and surveyed the surroundings.

(If it’s a cave on the 7th floor, this must be the place…)

A hole yawned open in the rock formation that jutted up from the ground.

Laurent strained his eyes, trying to peer into the cave.

However, he couldn’t see into the pitch-black interior of the dungeon at night.

(Lucius has been elusive, hiding in a place like this within the dungeon. What should I do? Should I go in?)

He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly.

Failure was not an option.

If he failed, Charl’s life would be…

(I will definitely save her. Charl prayed and cried for me. I won’t let her die!)

Images of her tear-streaked face and radiant smile flashed through Laurent’s mind.

He glared at the cave again.

(There might be traps inside. Lucius is a former A-class adventurer. Going in head-on could be dangerous.)

Despite his hesitation, Laurent decided to enter the cave.

(There’s no time to waste. Every moment I delay, Charl is in greater danger.)

He recalled the blood-soaked letter. Lucius was unpredictable and dangerous now. Laurent rushed into the cave.

Laurent tripped over something just inside the cave.

“Ugh!”

He almost fell but managed to regain his balance.

(What is it? A trap?)

Quickly shining his light on the ground, he saw the bloodied form of Deanna lying there.

Laurent gasped.

(Deanna! Did Lucius do this to her?)

Her condition was dire. While her face was unscathed, her body was bleeding from multiple wounds. It was clear she had been stabbed numerous times.

Laurent felt a chill run down his spine. Lucius was truly out of control. If he didn’t act fast, who knew what he might do to Charl?

He hurried deeper into the cave.

Laurent had been descending a narrow path for a while when he reached an exit leading to a wide-open space within the cave.

Light seeped through the exit, and he sensed the presence of people. Pressing his back against the wall, he peeked out. Faint moans reached his ears—a young girl’s weak voice.

“Charl! Are you there?”

As Laurent rushed into the open area, a dagger flew at his feet.

“Stop right there!”

Laurent froze mid-step, like a statue, turning only his head and eyes toward the voice. Lucius stood there, holding Charl tightly.

“Lucius…”

“You made it, Laurent.”

“Mm-mm…mm!”

Gagged, Charl struggled to call out to Laurent, writhing in Lucius’s grip in a desperate attempt to break free.

“Charl!”

“Mm-mm…”

“Don’t move! If you do, I’ll slit her thin throat with this sword!”

Lucius pressed the blade to Charl’s neck. Feeling the cold steel, Charl instantly stopped moving.

Laurent quickly scanned Charl’s body. She was gagged and had her arms tied behind her back, but there were no visible injuries. Her eyes still retained their spark. Lucius hadn’t harmed her—yet.

However, the situation was far from safe. Depending on what happened next, Charl’s life could still be in grave danger.

“Lucius. Your target should be me, not Charl! Release her, that girl!”

“Hehehe. I can’t let her go just yet.”

Lucius said with a twisted grin, his gaunt cheeks contorting as he laughed.

“Laurent, there’s something I need you to do.”

“What?”

“It’s because of you that I’ve been unable to get decent food for weeks, wandering through dark caves during the day and lying on hard ground at night, always fearing the watchful eyes of the guards. While you’ve been enjoying yourself as the guild leader of ‘Golden Hawk,’ I’ve been enduring all of that!”

“…”

“Do you think that simply taking your life now will satisfy me after all that?”

“What do you want then? Evacuation from the city? Money? If that’s—”

“I’m not interested in petty cash. What I want is the seat of the ‘Golden Hawk’ guild leader.”

Laurent was dumbfounded.

(The seat of the guild leader? That’s absurd. Pursued by the police, he wants to be the guild leader? What is he thinking?)

Above all, he had crossed a line.

He had killed Deanna.

There was no turning back now.

Though Laurent thought so, he hesitated to voice it.

It was dangerous to provoke Lucius in his current state.

“Lucius. Please, calm down for a moment. You’re being hunted by the police—”

“Shut up! You took everything from me. Now it’s my turn to take everything back from you!”

“Even if you say that…”

Laurent felt despair.

Lucius’s demand was detached from reality.

He might already be mad.

“Stop your nonsense and get ready. Give me the seat of the ‘Golden Hawk’ guild leader right now. Hurry up! Otherwise, I’ll cut off this elf’s long ears!”

Lucius pressed the blade against Charl’s ear.

The blade made a shallow cut on Charl’s ear.

The pain seemed to sensitize Charl, and she began to struggle.

“Mmm! Mmm!”

“Damn it, be quiet!”

Lucius pinned Charl to the ground and restrained her head.

He pointed the sword near her face.

“Stop it. Don’t harm her, please!”

“Laurent, you’re not planning to surrender your position after all, are you? Very well then. Let me show you that I’m serious.”

Lucius stepped on Charl’s head and raised the sword.

“What are you doing!?”

“A hostage doesn’t necessarily need to be unharmed.”

“Stop it!”

Lucius’s sword swung down towards Charl’s slender arm.

Laurent hurried to reach her, but he couldn’t make it in time from this distance.

At that moment, an arrow pierced through Lucius’s arm.

“Urgh!”

Lucius staggered backward from the force of the arrow, falling to the ground.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Charl stood up and ran towards Laurent.

“Mmm, mmm!”

“Charl!”

Laurent caught Charl as she ran towards him and quickly untied the gag and the rope binding her hands.

Charl clung to Laurent’s legs.

“Waaah! Laurent saaaan!”

“Charl, are you okay?”

“Uuu, sniff sniff. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have run off on my own.”

“It’s okay. I’m glad you’re safe.”

As Laurent spoke, he looked around, searching for the person who had shot the arrow earlier.

“Ugh, who… How dare you… my arm…”

Lucius groaned, clutching his arm.

He seemed unable to stand up properly, the damage he received was substantial.

The arrow shot by the shooter was extraordinary in both accuracy and power.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call them a master.

As for who in this town could perform such archery…

“Are you okay, Laurent-san?”

Monica appeared from behind a rock.

“Monica!? Why are you here…”

“That’s because…”

“I requested her assistance. To guard around you, Laurent-san.”

A witch appeared, riding on a staff, emerging from a gap in the rocks overhead.

“Lily!?”

“I’ve been worried about Lucius not being caught. So I instructed Monica to use her ‘Hawkeye’ to guard your surroundings a few days ago.”

(Is that so?)

Laurent finally understood why Monica had been monitoring his movements.

Then, a female knight in armor rushed in.

“Laurent-san, are you okay?”

“Jill, even you…”

“In case of emergency, I instructed Monica to immediately contact her as well. She’s one of the fastest and most agile in this town. Now…”

After Lilianne added her remarks, she turned to Lucius.

“Lucius. Your fate ends here. Surrender yourself to the police quietly. Otherwise…”

“Ugh…”

Though Lucius managed to get up despite the damage from the arrow, he was now completely surrounded by three renowned adventurers from the town.

Monica aimed her arrow from a distance, Lilianne wielded her staff from above, and Jill stood between Laurent and Lucius, shielding Laurent and Charl with her solid defense.

Jill glared fiercely at Lucius.

Once regarded with respect as the guild leader, her eyes now held nothing but contempt for him.

Though possessing unrivaled beauty, her gaze was merciless, reflecting the harshness of her circumstances.

Lucius, worn out from a life on the run, couldn’t withstand her.

“Enough! Lucius, you scum! Not content with your numerous crimes and embezzlements, you now dare to kidnap this innocent girl and even attempt to take Laurent-san’s life. Despicable! Face your punishment! There’s no need to leave you to the justice system. I’ll execute you right here and now!”

Jill drew her sword and advanced towards Lucius.

“Ugh, ah!”

His already pale face turned even paler, his emaciated features grew even more gaunt, contorted in an ugly grimace.

Jill sneered.

“Pitiful, isn’t it? This grotesque appearance, that’s your true form. The mask has been ripped off. This is the retribution for stealing Laurent-san’s reputation and achievements, cementing yourself with a false crown and throne.”

Jill raised her sword.

Lucius desperately stepped back.

“S-stop it! I’m not guilty!”

“What?”

“It’s him! It’s Laurent!”

“You, still spouting incomprehensible excuses at this point…”

“I’m not guilty! It’s him, Laurent, he told me to become the guild leader…”

“Yes. Indeed, I supported you in various ways to become the guild leader. I put aside my own advancement to support you, to let you shine, thinking you had the qualities of a guild leader.”

“Laurent-san?”

“I pushed for you to become the guild leader because I believed you had what it takes. But then…”

Laurent appraised Lucius.

Now, Lucius’s skills and stats were displayed exactly as they were to Laurent’s eyes.

It was far from what Laurent had envisioned.

“It seems… you were a failure.”

With a tone full of disappointment, Laurent said so.

“Laurent, you bastard!”

Lucius sprung up as if rebounded, ready to attack Laurent.

Jill poised her sword, but Laurent grabbed her shoulder, restraining her.

“Laurent-san?”

“Half of this is my fault. That’s why, by my hand…”

With the sword he brought, Laurent cut down Lucius with a single stroke.