The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 105

Chapter 105   A new era

After exiting the forest and reaching the Metal Line, Alzea and his group found that, as expected, they were no longer hindered by caltrops or archery attacks. This made their progress much easier.

However, they still couldn’t catch up to Laurent and his team.

The twin brothers, Aram and Liam, grew increasingly anxious.

“Damn it, we still can’t catch up.”

“Master, at this rate, we’ll lose Laurent and his team.”

“Don’t panic. Laurent and his team will eventually slow down and will have no choice but to face us.”

“But…”

“Haven’t you noticed? Ever since we entered the Metal Line, we haven’t encountered the Fire Dragon at all.”

“Ah, that’s true.”

“Now that you mention it, it’s oddly quiet.”

“The Spirit Workshop’s alliance is fighting the Fire Dragon.”

“The Spirit Workshop’s alliance?”

“That means…”

“If we keep going, by the time we catch up, the Spirit Workshop will be exhausted from their battle with the Fire Dragon and their forced march.”

“I see. If we strike then…”

“We can easily defeat the Spirit Workshop alliance.”

“Indeed. The ideal scenario is to attack them right after they finish their battle with the Fire Dragon.”

“You thought that far ahead. I’m impressed!”

“As expected of Master!”

“Ho ho ho.”

(They thought they could shake us off with guerrilla tactics using caltrops and archers, but that won’t work. If they wanted to escape my pursuit, they should have decisively fought us in the forest. They may have outwitted the Quartet, but they’re still green.)

While advancing, Alzea’s group spotted a team wearing the Spirit Workshop’s blue armor.

“Master, we’ve finally caught up. It’s the Spirit Workshop.”

“They’re waiting for us and have taken up formation.”

“Hmm. So we didn’t catch them in the middle of a battle. Well, no matter. Move the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlet’ forward…”

“Master Alzea! There’s a Fire Dragon coming from behind!”

“What? A Fire Dragon? Suspend the attack for now. Turn the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlet’ towards the Fire Dragon…”

“Master, the Spirit Workshop is attacking us with archery!”

“What? Have they gone mad?”

Alzea’s troops found themselves caught between the Spirit Workshop alliance and the swarm of Fire Dragon, plunging them into confusion.

“Dammit, we can’t fight like this. Fall back for now.”

(Damn you, Laurent. Attacking indiscriminately like this. Don’t you realize that fighting during a battle with the Fire Dragon will only lead to both sides being roasted by their fire breath? Can’t you see that?)

However, the Fire Dragons were only attacking Alzea’s side.

“Dammit, this can’t be. Why are the Fire Dragons only targeting us?”

While battling the Fire Dragon, Aram caught a faint sound.

(Huh? What’s this sound? A harp?)

Nicola’s Skill

Performance: B (↑1)

(Nicola’s skill ‘Performance’ has reached B-class. This allows us to influence the Fire Dragons to launch simple attacks.)

While Alzea’s group was struggling in the forest, Laurent and his team had used Nicola’s ‘Dragon Tone’ to attract the Fire Dragons.

The caltrops and the attacks from Jeff’s archer team were all part of a larger strategy.

With their fire shields up on the right side and under arrow fire from the left, Alzea’s troops were completely demoralized.

“Dammit. Retreat! Retreat back to the forest!”

Alzea’s group fled in haste back to the forest at the foot of the hill.

Meanwhile, Laurent and his team resumed their exploration after giving the promised goblin meat to the Fire Dragons.

Exhausted and having lost track of Laurent and his team, Alzea decided to return to the town and re-equip at the “Dragon’s Ember.”

“What’s the deal, old man? You came back without even clashing with Laurent. The ‘Dragonhead Gauntlet’ hardly shows any signs of use.”

“Don’t be hasty. There was someone in the Spirit Workshop alliance using ‘Dragon Tone.'”

“What? ‘Dragon Tone?”

“Yes. That’s why we retreated without pursuing and engaging them. If we had chased after them recklessly, we would have just worn ourselves out and fallen into their trap. Instead of following the enemy up the mountain, it’s more strategic to return to town, gather our strength, and ambush them when they come down exhausted. So, I need additional funds. Also, we need more archers and thieves with high agility for scouting.”

“That makes sense. But we’re already providing equipment for free and paying the adventurers’ wages. It’s not worth it if we get nothing out of it.”

“Don’t worry. That’s why we plan to ambush the Spirit Workshop alliance when they return. We’ll take the ore they bring back, which should cover the increased expenses.”

“Well, if that’s the plan…”

“Exactly. Now, get everything ready smoothly. Alright then.”

Alzea sat cross-legged on a long bench and started smoking his pipe.

(Is this really going to work, being this relaxed…?)

Raoul doubted Alzea’s attitude, but with no understanding of what happened inside the dungeon, he had no choice but to follow his plan.

After adjusting their equipment and reorganizing the troops, Alzea re-entered the dungeon, advancing to a crossroad near the entrance of the ‘Metal Line.’

This crossroad, connected to all routes leading to the ‘Lake Route,’ was a mandatory passage on the way back. However, it wasn’t suitable for defense, making it a poor spot for an ambush.

So, Alzea deployed archers and thieves along the three paths extending from there, ready to respond and attack as soon as the enemy was detected.

While waiting, one of the archers failed to return.

(Ha, they’ve already fallen into the trap. Still so green.)

Alzea moved his troops in the direction where he believed Laurent would be found.

Sensing Alzea’s troops approaching, Laurent decided to retreat and take a position on higher ground.

At the foot of the hill, he had Lana create trenches using her “Earth Magic,” where warriors and thieves were concealed to fortify their defenses.

Alzea, believing that a barrage from the “Dragonhead Gauntlets” would secure victory, advanced his troops with the two C-class attack mages, Aram and Liam, at the front.

Laurent had his archers fire upon them.

The attack mages countered with the “Dragonhead Gauntlets.”

While the range of the archers could be extended by the elevation difference, the range of the “Dragonhead Gauntlets” remained constant due to their magical nature.

As a result, Laurent’s archers’ attacks landed, but Alzea’s “Dragonhead Gauntlets” fell short, leaving Alzea’s side vulnerable to one-sided attacks.

“Damn it!”

Liam launched a “Dragonhead Gauntlet” at the archer on higher ground, but the flaming projectile dispersed just before reaching Jeff.

“Fall back. Shield the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlet’ unit behind the warriors.”

Alzea hurriedly positioned the warriors at the front, but they were still vulnerable to being picked off from above, continuing to expose the “Dragonhead Gauntlet” unit to the archers.

Alzea had no choice but to pull his troops back.

Both sides maintained a standoff from a distance.

Alzea hesitated to attack.

Night fell.

(Hmm, I see. They’ve brought us to a stalemate. They won’t let us win easily. But they must be running low on potions by now.)

Laurent’s group, having returned from dungeon exploration, had already used many potions, while Alzea’s side, having resupplied, still had plenty.

(Eventually, they’ll run out of potions and be forced to confront us. When they do, they’ll be easy targets for the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlets.’)

However, Laurent was biding his time to determine if Alzea had any reinforcements.

(No reinforcements have arrived despite the time that’s passed. So, these are all the enemies. As expected, the Quartet seems to be a collection of individualists. They lack the spirit to fight together. Or perhaps, they don’t know how to combine their strengths?)

By observing from a high vantage point, Laurent was able to assess the enemy’s skills, stats, and equipment.

Before dawn, Laurent packed up and took an alternate route to bypass Alzea’s forces.

Noticing that Laurent and his group were retreating from their position, Alzea hurried to pursue them.

Even Alzea began to feel frustrated.

“Damn it, instead of ambushing them, we’re chasing them again. Damn it, stop running around and face us already!”

Both forces engaged in a chase along a winding, hilly path.

While pursuing Laurent, Alzea pondered the terrain ahead.

“There should be a high ground up ahead.”

This high ground was bordered by a cliff that was impossible to descend without equipment.

Thus, if they blocked the base once Laurent’s group climbed up, they could trap them.

With Laurent running low on potions, he would have no choice but to confront them.

“Alright.”

“Increase the marching speed and pressure Laurent. It’s okay to exhaust some of our stamina!”

“Given the threat of the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlets,’ Laurent will want to take the high ground. Once he does, we’ll block the base and trap them.”

However, Laurent quickly realized that the high ground led to a dead end and easily bypassed it.

“Damn, he saw through it so easily. How infuriating.”

“Then we’ll take the high ground. ‘Dragonhead Gauntlet’ unit, fire at Laurent’s group from behind as they flee!”

Positioned on the high ground, they could target Laurent’s group with the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlets’ even on the winding path.

“Ultimately, they are a makeshift unit. Strong in attack, but fragile when attacked. Once hit by the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlets,’ they will scatter in confusion. We’ll then strike them down with our heavily armored troops equipped with magically crafted armor and swords.”

From the high ground, Aram spotted Laurent’s group fleeing below.

“Finally, a chance to hit them with the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlets.’ Take this!”

With a roar, a flaming projectile was launched.

It struck Elio directly.

The ‘Exterior Enhancement Coating’ of his blue armor was stripped away, causing direct damage to Elio himself.

“Argh!”

The injury to their ace, Elio, caused a stir within the group.

“Stay calm. It’s just a single attack from the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlets.'”

Leon shouted as he helped Elio up.

“This level of damage is nothing. Continue marching as planned.”

Leon’s shout helped the unit regain their composure.

Despite being under bombardment from the “Dragonhead Gauntlets,” the unit continued their march steadily.

Leon positioned himself at the rear, exposing himself to the bombardment to demonstrate that the “Dragonhead Gauntlets” were not to be feared.

Leon’s Stats

Leadership: 70-80

“Leon’s leadership skills have improved. His composure in this situation is reassuring,” thought Laurent.

Satisfied that their rear was secure, Laurent checked on Elio’s condition.

“Elio, are you alright?”

“Yeah, but my equipment and stats took a hit.”

Elio’s Stats

Toughness: 60 (↘︎10) – 80

Stamina: 80 (↘︎10) – 100

Elio’s Armor Stats

Defense: 120 (↘︎20)

Durability: 70 (↘︎10)

Note: The decrease in effectiveness is due to the “Enhancement Coating” being stripped off.

“Just one hit stripped the ‘Enhancement Coating’ and reduced Elio’s toughness and stamina. The ‘Dragonhead Gauntlets’ are indeed formidable.”

Eventually, Laurent’s group escaped the range of the “Dragonhead Gauntlets” being fired from the high ground.

Despite the damage, they reached their planned location. Elio and the others used potions and “Earthcraft” to restore themselves and their equipment.

Elio’s Updated Stats

Toughness: 60 (↘︎10) – 80

Stamina: 90 (↗︎10) – 100

Elio’s Updated Armor Stats

Defense: 140 (↗︎20)

Durability: 80 (↗︎10)

“Alright. Even though we couldn’t fully restore toughness, the armor is back to full strength. We can still fight,” thought Laurent.

Despite the bombardment from the high ground, the enemy continued their march, causing Alzea to grow anxious.

“Even under the bombardment of the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlets,’ they don’t flinch? Such high discipline. And my attacks have been consistently thwarted. Are my 20 years of adventuring experience and knowledge really ineffective? Impossible. They act like seasoned veterans. Is the commander truly from the Alchemy Guild?”

Laurent showed no signs of weakness and reached a point where they would arrive at the forest at the foot of the mountain by tomorrow.

“This is bad. If they reach the forest, their thieves and archers will excel. We’ll be plagued by guerrilla tactics with ‘Traps’ and ‘Archery.'”

Alzea decided to assault Laurent’s fortified position. However, Laurent had blocked the only narrow path to their position with a wall created by ‘Earth Magic.’

Even if Alzea destroyed the wall, caltrops and trenches awaited beyond it, and they would be showered with arrows as soon as they entered.

“Damn it! I can’t even use the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlets.’ They keep doing annoying things.”

He pondered a way to outwit the enemy.

“Wait, I’ve got it. There is a way to use the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlets.'”

To the right of Laurent’s position was a cliff. If the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlet’ team could circle around to the cliff, they could bombard Laurent’s position from the high ground, neutralizing the caltrops and trenches.

Alzea ordered a diversion with the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlets’ making a loud noise against the ‘Earth Magic’ wall while sending the other three attack mages around the cliff to flank the enemy.

“With the wall created by ‘Earth Magic,’ they can’t see our movements from their side. Hmph, you’re still inexperienced, youngster.”

Aram, Liam, and the remaining attack mage circled around the cliff.

“Alright, we’ve circled to the enemy’s upper side.”

“Now we can finally unleash the full power of the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlets!'”

However, Laurent had anticipated this move.

Waiting on the cliff were archers Hans, Claire, Alice, and Jeff. As soon as Aram and Liam appeared, they were met with a volley of arrows.

“Ugh, we’ve been ambushed!”

“Fine, a shooting match is just what we want.”

“…Isn’t the enemy a bit far?”

“It doesn’t matter. The ‘Dragonhead Gauntlets’ have enough power to cover the distance!”

One weakness of the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlets’ was that the further the target, the more the concentrated ‘explosive magic’ would spread, weakening its power.

The “Dragonhead Gauntlets” wielded by Aram and Liam usually had the power of A-class attack magic, but at this distance, their power was reduced to that of B-class. However, it still seemed sufficient to deal damage to Hans and his team.

The moment the arrow barrage ceased, Aram and Liam raised their heads and prepared to counterattack.

“Take this!”

The three barrels spewed fire. The flames shot straight towards Hans and his team, but were absorbed by the red gemstones embedded in their arrows.

“What? Are those ‘Fire-Absorbing Ores?”

“That’s right. The ‘Fire-Absorbing Ores’ embedded in our equipment ‘ Dragon Piercer’ can absorb up to B-class fire attacks. And ‘ Dragon Piercer’ is particularly effective against aerial attacks. You might think you’ve outsmarted us, but it’s actually you who fell into the trap. Additionally…”

Hans unleashed an arrow imbued with the flames of the “Dragonhead Gauntlets.”

“My unique skill, ‘Magic Shooting,’ allows me to return the power of your ‘Dragonhead Gauntlets’ right back at you!”

Hans’s “Magic Shooting” struck Aram directly.

“Ugh!”

“Aram!”

“Damn it!”

A frustrated C-class attack mage slid down the cliff.

“Clare!”

“Yes.”

Clare showered the descending enemy with a volley of arrows, rendering him unable to fight.

“Tch.”

Aram aimed his “Dragonhead Gauntlets” at Alice. However, Alice’s “Fire-Absorbing Ore” still contained the flames from the previous attack.

(“Fire-Absorbing Ores” can’t absorb flames when already filled. At least I’ll take her down…)

“Hans!”

“Okay!”

Alice and Hans swapped their ” Dragon Piercer,” allowing Alice to absorb the “Dragonhead Gauntlets” attack once more. Hans then fired another “Magic Shooting.”

“What!?”

Liam managed to dodge by lying flat on the ground.

(Damn it. What coordination. There’s no opening.)

Liam stayed low, trying to hold out, but each time Alice shot an arrow, his heart began to stir.

(What is this? Hatred welling up inside me…)

[Alice Bergamot’s Skill]

‘Focus Hatred’: A

“Hehe, how long can you endure against my skill ‘Focus Hatred’?”

“Ugh, damn youuuuu!”

Finally, overwhelmed by anger, Liam stood up and aimed his “Dragonhead Gauntlets,” but Hans shot him down with “Magic Shooting.”

While Hans and the Aram-Liam brothers were engaged in their shooting battle, Alzea was also attempting to break through the “Earth Magic” wall.

Contrary to expectations, beyond the broken wall, there were no traps or trenches—only warriors waiting. However, there was no sign of them being under bombardment.

(Damn it. What are Aram and Liam doing?)

“In that case, we’ll settle this with hand-to-hand combat! ‘Attack Enhancement!'”

The warriors covered in “Magic-crafted” swords and armor were enveloped in a red light. They now effectively possessed the attack power of A-class warriors. They charged towards the enemies clad in blue armor.

Leon and his team intercepted the enemy’s swords with their “Entangling Flexible Shields.” The “Magic-crafted” swords, glowing with the red light of “Attack Enhancement,” became weighed down and unusable.

Leon and his team knocked the enemy’s swords away and prepared to counterattack.

“N-no. ‘Defense Enhancement!'”

Alzea hurriedly switched the support magic from “Attack Enhancement” to “Defense Enhancement.”

(Hard…so hard…)

Leon’s team’s swords were deflected. Thus, the frontline battle reached a stalemate, and the battle lines were drawn.

“Looks like it’s finally my turn.”

Will’s staff began to glow.

Alzea panicked.

(Damn it. They have an attacking mage on their side too!)

While Alzea still had an attacking mage equipped with the “Dragonhead Gauntlets,” the “Dragonhead Gauntlets” were powerful but only effective for direct linear attacks and could not reach through the frontline warriors.

Moreover, the mage had exhausted his magical power breaking the “Earth Magic” wall and was already out of mana.

(Damn. To think that someone with over 20 years of adventuring experience like me would be outdone by such a young one…)

“Master Alzea, you once ruled as the island’s top mage, but it seems the times have changed. ‘Explosion Magic!'”

As Will chanted the spell, a magic circle appeared beneath the feet of the warriors in “Magic-crafted” armor, and an explosion ensued.

Even though the “Magic-crafted” armor enhanced support magic, it couldn’t defend against magical attacks.

Their stats were reduced.

“Wow. That’s impressive. Brother.”

With the enemies subdued, Leon and his team captured Alzea.