The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 108

Chapter 108   The Island’s Focus

Wayne handed out partnership application forms to the adventurers who had crowded into the “Spirit Workshop.”

The forms were quickly distributed, and the adventurers filled them out with their names and guild affiliations before submitting them.

Finally, the adventurers left, and the day ended.

“Phew. What was that all about?” Aina said, exhausted.

“Are you okay, Aina?” Saki, who had come from the dining hall after hearing the commotion, asked with concern.

“Yeah, but I’m really worn out,” Aina replied.

“They really came out of nowhere,” Saki added.

“Saki, take Aina inside and check if she’s hurt. She was pushed earlier,” Laurent instructed.

“Okay,” Saki said, leading Aina away.

Laurent looked suspiciously at the pile of submitted forms.

(How did they know about the upcoming “Spirit Workshop” alliance? We haven’t announced it publicly yet…)

“Man, what a hassle, Guild Master. Those guys have no manners,” Wayne said with a smug expression.

“Wayne… It seemed like you knew them,” Laurent said.

“Yeah, back in the ‘Dragon’s Ember’ days, I took care of them often. I didn’t expect them to show up like this, but we can turn this crisis into an opportunity. Now the ‘Spirit Workshop’ partnership will reach 100 members. We can get money from them and then recruit the Quartet…” Wayne said.

“Wayne, I think you misunderstood… I have no intention of letting them join the partnership,” Laurent interrupted.

“What!? Why not? Isn’t 100 partners the immediate goal for the ‘Spirit Workshop’?”

“I mentioned it in this morning’s meeting, didn’t I? The limit for the ‘Spirit Workshop’ alliance is 50 members. We’re already full with Leon’s acquaintances. We can’t take on any more,” Laurent explained.

“Why are you being so timid? We can manage if we try a little harder. This is our best chance to take down ‘Dragon’s Ember.’ We should go for it,” Wayne urged.

“Even if we defeat ‘Dragon’s Ember,’ it won’t matter if ‘Spirit Workshop’ collapses in the process,” Laurent countered.

“It’ll be good for ‘Spirit Workshop’ too—more clients and fewer competitors,” Wayne argued.

“Think about it. More clients aren’t always a good thing. Each staff member’s workload would increase, and the workshop’s capacity could be overwhelmed. This would lead to a decline in service for the guilds we’ve partnered with from the start, ultimately driving customers away,” Laurent explained.

“So what? Just fudge the details. We could sell them subpar goods or keep them waiting while taking their money,” Wayne suggested.

“No. That would damage our brand and credibility, and it goes against our principles. Look at this,” Laurent insisted.

Laurent showed Wayne the guild affiliation section of the partnership application forms.

“They came in droves, but they’re all from tiny, insignificant guilds, right? I doubt these guilds have a stable financial base. If we start making products for such guilds without proper contracts, we might end up bankrupt without being able to collect payments,” Laurent said.

“Come on, with the help of our S-rank appraiser, we can get them up to speed quickly. They’ll succeed in their quests and start earning,” Wayne replied lightly.

Laurent gave Wayne a skeptical look.

“Even if the number of contracts increases, it might help with funding…”

“That’s just a pipe dream. Such reckless plans based solely on unrealistic expectations are bound to fail. What worries me more is that they somehow got wind of the ‘Spirit Workshop’ alliance. Someone might have leaked information. We need to find out. I’ll go to them, refuse the partnership, and see who leaked the info,” Laurent said.

“Wait, wait, wait. Hold on. You need to think about this. I’ve already told them they could join the partnership. If I suddenly backtrack, who knows what those thugs will do? This guild might get attacked again,” Wayne said anxiously.

“You’re right. In that case, let’s ask Leon and the others for protection. They wouldn’t dare challenge ‘Blue Armor Reflect Armor.’ Once we refuse the partnership…” Laurent suggested.

“Wait, wait, wait! Why are you always thinking about refusing? Can’t we consider this more positively? Try to put yourself in my shoes. I’ve made a big deal out of getting them into the partnership. If I back out now, my credibility will be destroyed,” Wayne argued.

“That’s your problem, not mine,” Laurent said coldly.

“Don’t be so harsh. Think of it as saving face for your subordinate. Otherwise, I’ll be surrounded and beaten up by those guys.”

Laurent merely shrugged, conveying an attitude of sympathy but an inability to help.

(How frustrating…)

“Please, think about it. Don’t you also want to train the island adventurers? It would be beneficial for you as well.”

“You’re misinterpreting the goals of the ‘Spirit Workshop.’ The situation and my concerns are off track. Do you understand? What you’re doing is overstepping your authority,” Laurent said.

“What?” Wayne asked.

“I never gave you the authority to finalize partnerships on your own!” Laurent asserted.

“…But it was necessary at the time. The situation could have gotten worse…” Wayne tried to justify.

“Now that the danger has passed, there’s no need to accept their applications. We’ll retract our previous statements and officially protest to their guild for obstructing our business,” Laurent concluded.

“…”

“Stop using others and circumstances as excuses. What about you, Wayne?”

“Me?”

“If you’re going to act with such freedom, there’s only one thing I want to know: are you prepared to take full responsibility for whatever the outcome is?”

“…”

“You often overstep your authority while neglecting your duties and avoiding responsibility. If we keep allowing such behavior, the ‘Spirit Workshop’ will soon become just like the ‘Dragon’s Ember,’ a group driven by individualism, chasing only superficial numbers and anticipated profits. Eventually, the actual results will be a mess, leading to endless blame-shifting. It’s clear that’s where things are heading.”

“…You talk as if you know it all, but you’ve never worked inside the ‘Dragon’s Ember,’ have you?”

Recalling his bitter memories from ‘Dragon’s Ember,’ Wayne’s expression became sharply defensive.

“Even if I haven’t worked there, I can get a general idea. Isn’t that how ‘Dragon’s Ember’ operates?”

“What do you know about it? You can’t be so leisurely when survival is at stake!”

“…Anyway, I can’t approve a project that involves high-risk ventures based on the claims of someone who can’t even manage their own work properly.”

“Ugh… I know I overstepped, but those people really are in trouble. Please, I really want to help them out,” Wayne pleaded.

Wayne’s Status

Planning and Proposals: 50-70 → 90-100

(Wayne’s planning and proposal skills are between 90-100. Although it may be off-track, these skills could potentially be useful in alchemy. There might be a synergistic effect…?)

“This is the last time I’m making such a request. If this succeeds, I’ll focus on mastering unique skills and make up for my past shortcomings. I’ll take full responsibility and complete the task.”

Laurent sighed.

“Alright, if you’re that committed, I’ll allow you to proceed.”

“Great. I appreciate it.”

“Now that it’s decided, there’s one thing left to do.”

“Yes, gather the personnel and procure materials…”

“That’s not it. The important thing is…”

“?”

“To apologize to Aina and ask for her cooperation.”

“Huh? Why is Aina involved now?”

“Of course, she’s the one managing almost everything in this workshop. Without her cooperation, nothing will move forward. You haven’t apologized to her for your slip-up back then, have you? You know, the whole gender thing and all.”

“…You’re still holding a grudge? Isn’t it about time to let it go?”

“Deciding that isn’t up to you, but Wayne. How long do you plan to keep this conflict going? You’re avoiding each other like it’s a strategic game. You need to reconcile soon, or it will be difficult for us to proceed.”

“I’ll handle everything myself. Just let me do it. I can manage it well.”

“No. I can’t permit that.”

“Why? Are you saying I can’t lead subordinates and handle a big task?”

“Yes. I think it’s impossible.”

(This guy…)

“If you’re really intent on moving forward with this project, gaining Aina’s cooperation is a condition.”

“How can I do that? Apologizing to her is impossible.”

“Apologizing and seeking cooperation is part of the job. In fact, it’s mostly what the job entails. Or do you need me to handle it for you?”

“…”

“You said you’d take full responsibility and see this through to the end, right? Then you should be able to handle this.”

“Ugh.”

“Therefore, cooperate with Aina.”

*

Aina looked at Wayne with a stern expression.

(Damn, I need to persuade her somehow to get Laurent’s approval.)

“Please. I’m sorry for what happened. I was new and on edge at the time. Now I fully recognize you as an alchemist.”

“Recognizing me is fine, but making such changes will inconvenience everyone. Do you understand that?”

“I understand. I’m aware of the consequences. I’m taking a chance on this.”

“What does Laurent say?”

“…If we get your cooperation, he said it’s okay to proceed.”

Aina sighed.

“Fine. I’ll help you out, considering your modest growth.”

“Yes! I really appreciate it!”

Aina sighed.

(Seriously, Laurent’s so meticulous. If Laurent asked me directly, I’d respond immediately without any fuss.)

The sudden surge in partnership applicants and Wayne’s proposals forced the “Spirit Workshop” to significantly revise its production plans.

Laurent quickly began working on adjusting the plan and recruiting new personnel to meet the updated requirements.

(With the current workshop facilities, we can barely produce equipment for 50 people. To produce for 100, we’ll need to operate the workshop not just during the day but also at night. That means we’ll need to hire new staff suitable for night work.)

Laurent evaluated the girl who had come for the interview.

Lurier’s Skills:

Nocturnal: C → A

Metal Forming: C → A

(I found her. An alchemist with the ‘Nocturnal’ skill.)

Skills and statuses generally become unstable at night. That’s why adventurers on this island avoid fighting at night.

However, someone with the ‘Nocturnal’ skill can perform tasks at night with the same effectiveness as during the day.

Lurier looked like an unhealthy girl with dark circles under her eyes and a sallow complexion. Her unkempt black hair was carelessly hanging down to her eyes.

“Are you alright? You seem a bit sleep-deprived…”

When Laurent asked, the girl flinched.

“Well… I tend to oversleep due to low blood pressure, so I’m often late wherever I go. I’ll do my best to wake up early, so could you please consider hiring me?”

“I see. So, are you able to work night shifts? We plan to keep the workshop running at night as well. This would involve working from the evening to early morning.”

“Huh? I don’t need to wake up early in the morning? I can do that. I’ll definitely work under those conditions!”

Laurent then evaluated the next applicant.

Melinda’s Skills:

Durability Toughness Ultra Recovery: C → A

Physical Stamina Ultra Recovery: C → A

Metal Forming: C → A

(The skills “Durability Toughness Ultra Recovery” and “Physical Stamina Ultra Recovery” are both A-class. With these, the stability of skills during night-time can be maintained.)

Skills become unstable at night due to the rapid decline in durability and stamina. Therefore, with “Durability Toughness Ultra Recovery” and “Physical Stamina Ultra Recovery,” skill usage at night can be somewhat reliable.

Melinda, in contrast to Lurier, had a sparkling gaze as if she had just come off a night shift.

“Are you alright? Your eyes seem a bit bloodshot…”

“Sorry, I’m sleep-deprived.”

“Sleep-deprived? Is there something troubling you…?”

“No, it’s not trouble, but rather a lack of work. I have a constitution that requires me to work at least 12 hours a day to be able to sleep.”

“I see. We currently need to produce a lot of equipment and are short-staffed. If you’re willing, we can offer night shifts and weekend work as well…”

“Really? I can work on weekends too? I’ll do it. Please let me work!”

(Both are C-class in “Metal Forming.” They should be able to handle making C-class equipment. The day shift can handle B-class equipment, while the night shift can manage C-class.)

With the addition of new team members, the “Spirit Workshop” began its new phase under the updated system.

Aina hurriedly revised the schedule.

(With new recruits, I need to rethink how to distribute work. I’ll leave the training of the night shift to Laurent. I need to plan the schedule to ensure smooth transitions between the day and night shifts, create new blueprints for the newcomers, and distribute tasks as soon as I receive specifications from Laurent. Only I can handle “Exterior Enhancement Coating”… and managing the warehouse… Ah, there’s so much to do.)

“Aina, I’ve prepared the iron parts for the armor. Should I just leave them at the ‘Exterior Enhancement Coating’ area?”

While Aina was mulling over various tasks, Wayne came over with this.

“Oh? Thanks. What’s up? You’re unusually considerate today.”

“Well, I’m also responsible for this project. Plus, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance. We all need to pull together. You can leave all the armor and shields to me.”

“Pat needs to focus on ‘Tuning,’ Lina is busy with refining, Rody has to draw blueprints, and Aize should be kept close. You should focus on ‘Exterior Enhancement Coating’ and distributing tasks.”

“Really? Well… then I’ll leave it to you.”

(Quite a commendable attitude. Maybe he’s grown from this experience.)

However, Wayne had different intentions.

Wayne’s Thoughts: (Hmph. As long as I can get the project approved, the advantage is mine. The quest requirements exceed the current production capacity of the workshop, and both Aina and Laurent will be stretched thin. Laurent will focus on assessing the night shift and adventurers, so his attention will be diverted. This is my chance to increase my influence in the workshop.)

Wayne looked toward Aina.

(True, Aina currently controls things, but if I can produce more armor than her here, my reputation will certainly rise. If that happens, Laurent will have no choice but to let me manage this work in the future. My influence will grow, making it easier to push through projects. After that, I’ll oversee the construction of a new workshop. I’ll have the new workshop under my control, and then I’ll show Edgar, that bastard.)

Wayne proceeded to make most of the iron parts for the new equipment.

Both Laurent and Aina were impressed and reassessed Wayne’s capabilities.

Thus, the equipment for 100 people was produced in no time.

Dungeon Exploration Day:

Adventurers hoping to join the “Spirit Workshop” alliance gathered in the plaza.

With 100 participants, the space in front of the “Spirit Workshop” was too small, so they assembled in the plaza.

The staff of the “Spirit Workshop” organized the plaza and equipped the adventurers.

Pat, while distributing the equipment, wore a serious expression.

(We managed to produce equipment for 100 people. It’s impressive how far we’ve come thanks to Laurent. But…)

Pat recalled his conversation with Laurent.

“Laurent, I’m against this. Such rapid expansion will surely lead to some cracks somewhere. Wayne and Lina’s skills are still developing; it would be better to focus on improving those and support the guilds we’ve already partnered with.”

“Yes, I’ve been thinking the same. However, there’s a limit to how long we can wait for Wayne’s growth. Despite having hired him for some time, his unique skills are still below C-class. If he doesn’t progress further, I’ll have to give up on his development.”

“That’s…”

“And that’s where this plan comes in. By giving him responsibility, we might induce a change in his mindset. It’s a risky gamble, but I decided to bet on Wayne’s enthusiasm.”

“…”

“I understand it’s difficult and dangerous, but can you somehow cooperate?”

(For Wayne’s growth, huh? As his friend, I can’t exactly oppose that. But will it be okay? Even with Laurent’s experience, managing and training such a large number of people at once… )

As Pat pondered, he noticed a crowd forming in one corner of the plaza.

Someone seemed to be giving a speech from a platform.

(What’s this? A speech?)

As Pat strained his eyes from behind the crowd, he saw a girl giving the speech.

“Ladies and Gentlemen! Why have we come to be in such dire straits?”

Pat was astonished to see the girl giving the speech.

(Is that… Karla?!)

“The reason we are struggling like this is all due to the adventurers from outside. The reason ‘Dragon’s Ember’ started prioritizing equipment for outside adventurers is because the council passed a resolution to open our gates wide to them. I can no longer sit idly by while adventurers from outside trample all over our turf. Now is the time for us all to rise up together. Let’s seal off the port, shut out the outsiders, and take back the ‘Volcanic Dungeon’ and the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir’ quest for ourselves. Let’s unite and apply pressure to the council. If this many of us show up, they will have no choice but to listen.”

(Karla. What are you doing? Are you trying to incite people under the guise of this gathering?)

Pat was shocked by her ideas and actions.

To make matters worse, many people seemed to be captivated by Karla’s speech.

“Hey, you! What the hell do you think you’re doing giving a speech without permission!”

Wayne, fuming, climbed onto the platform and grabbed Karla’s hand.

“Wha—! Let go of me! What are you doing?”

“Only those in the command structure are allowed to give speeches! Come with me. I’ll take you in front of Laurent.”

Pat hurried over to Wayne and Karla.

“Wayne, wait. This girl is an acquaintance of mine.”

“Huh? Pat? She’s your acquaintance?”

“What’s going on? What’s all this commotion?”

Laurent arrived.

“Ah, Guildmaster. Listen, this woman was inciting our alliance members on her own.”

“You were the one who came to our guild before, right…? Pat, do you know her?”

“Laurent, could you leave this to me?”

Pat and Karla moved to a corner of the plaza.

Karla looked quite embarrassed.

“It’s been a while, Karla.”

“…”

“After failing the assassination of Yugan, now you’ve turned to political activities?”

Karla glared sharply at Pat.

“I didn’t fail the assassination. He retreated without me having to kill him.”

“So now you’re turning to political activities?”

“You have no right to criticize my actions. I’m doing this to protect the island.”

(Protect the island…)

To Pat, Karla’s words seemed hollow.

“Karla, why not join the ‘Spirit Workshop’ alliance?”

“What?”

“The ‘Spirit Workshop’ and Laurent intend to play a leading role as the alchemy guild of this island. We plan to eradicate and heal the festering disease that plagues the island.”

“A disease?”

“Yes, a disease. The island is afflicted by an illness—’Dragon’s Ember.’”

“…”

“Since moving to ‘Spirit Workshop,’ it’s become clear. Despite being sick themselves, they’re spreading the virus like infectious disease carriers. Don’t you find it strange? The island’s adventurers never seem to grow stronger, and the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir’ remains unbeaten. Meanwhile, ‘Dragon’s Ember’ is the only thing that’s thriving and expanding. It’s not a coincidence. It’s all due to the disease ‘Dragon’s Ember’ is carrying.”

“…”

“Laurent and the others from outside the island are clearly on a different level compared to the adventurers here.”

“Well, it’s true that there aren’t even S-class adventurers here, let alone A-class. Compared to Yugan Aymar and Sein Orbestar’s teams, they do seem lacking. I didn’t need you to tell me that…”

“You’ve got it backwards, Karla. Compared to Sein Orbestar and Yugan Aymar, Laurent is far superior as an adventurer. That’s what I’m trying to say.”

“What?”

“You’ve explored dungeons alongside Sein Orbestar and Yugan Aymar, haven’t you? You’ve seen their abilities up close. If you explored dungeons with Laurent, you’d quickly understand his true strength.”

“…”

“You’re aiming to take down the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir,’ right? If so, it’s definitely not a waste of time to check out ‘Spirit Workshop’ and Laurent, who will undoubtedly become a major force on this island.”

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Laurent. She’s decided to join the alliance as well.”

Pat returned to Laurent with Karla in tow.

“Finally here, huh?”

Laurent greeted Karla with a friendly smile.

“So, Karla, right? I had a feeling we’d explore a dungeon together someday. I’ve felt that way since the first time we met.”

(Who is this guy?)

Karla eyed Laurent with suspicion.

“Laurent, I’ll be going on this exploration as well.”

“Pat, you too?”

“Yes.”

(If Karla tries to kill Laurent, I’ll stop her. Even if it costs me my life.)

“Hey, wait a minute. If Pat’s going, I’m going too.”

Wayne spoke up.

(I’ve put in so much preparation. If Pat shines in the dungeon, my contributions might be overshadowed. I need to keep a close watch to make sure my achievements aren’t stolen at the last moment.)

And so, with the cast of characters assembled, the alliance descended into the dungeon, carrying with them many flaws, including hastily prepared equipment and tangled motives.