The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 120

Chapter 120   Flood Dragon

When Lilianne saw the lake at the end of the journey, she gasped at its beauty.

(Wow, it’s so beautiful.)

The massive lake, formed in a depression created by continuous volcanic activity, was a breathtaking sight. The view was so magnificent that it left an overwhelming impression.

The crystal-clear surface of the water perfectly reflected the surrounding mountain range. Just by looking at its serene beauty, it was hard to believe that a malevolent monster could be lurking beneath.

Lilianne, captivated by the scenery, momentarily forgot the reason she had come here and found herself entranced.

“Everyone, this isn’t the time to be admiring the view. The ‘Flood Dragon’ is just ahead,” Laurent reminded them, snapping Lilianne out of her reverie.

(Oh no, I can’t let my guard down now. The battle with the ‘Flood Dragon’ is about to begin. I need to stay focused.)

“Laurent, could you give me more information about the ‘Flood Dragon’?”

“Sure. Unlike most dragons, which have a lizard-like form, the ‘Flood Dragon’ is serpent-shaped. It has a long body and uses its fins to swim underwater. Its main method of attack is a powerful jet of water, like a high-pressure pump, called ‘Torrent Magic.'”

“A monster that lives in water… That’s going to be tough.”

“You can probably avoid its attacks using your ‘Levitation’ skill, but the real challenge is how we’ll attack it. It’s difficult to strike a water-dwelling monster, especially if it submerges deep underwater. But with your ‘Lightning Strike,’ it’s a different story. Your high-voltage electrical attack can reach deep into the water, even hitting enemies hiding far below.”

“I see. So I just need to fight the way I usually do, right?”

“Exactly. We’ll leave the attacking entirely to you. Are you okay with that?”

“Yes, leave it to me.”

“Alright, then off you go.”

Lilianne mounted her broom and flew toward the center of the lake.

“Leon, our job is to secure a landing spot for Lilianne. The ‘Flood Dragon’ will likely raise the water level, so I need you to take control of the high ground and use ‘Geocrust Magic’ to secure a stable footing.”

“Got it.”

Leon quickly began setting up the area with Lana.

“Elio, Hans, Will, come with me for a moment,” Laurent called the three of them over to a slightly secluded spot.

“Elio, Hans, Will. You’ve all been steadily improving, becoming an exceptional shield-bearer, archer, and offensive mage. You’ve grown into indispensable members of the ‘Spirit Workshop’ alliance. But there’s still something missing for you to reach A-class. What do you think it is that A-class adventurers have, but you don’t?”

“Hmm… Maybe it’s skills or stats?”

“Knowledge and experience?”

“Those are important, of course. But that’s not what you need the most right now. The thing that A-class adventurers have, and you lack, is arrogance.”

“Arrogance…?”

“Think back to the A-class adventurers who came from outside the island. Sein of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Institute,’ Yugan of the Crescent Knights,’ Monica of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree.’ Not only did they have extraordinary skills and stats, but they also had an intense pride that bordered on arrogance, insatiable ambition, and absolute confidence in their own power. On the other hand, adventurers from this island tend to be extremely pragmatic and cautious, perhaps due to weaker financial resources, skills, and equipment. While it’s important to pursue practicality and take precautions, this often leads to playing it safe and staying small. That’s one reason why it’s so rare for adventurers on this island to reach A-class. Doing your job thoroughly is important, but that alone will only get you to B-class. To reach A-class, you need something more.”

“Something more…”

“Yes, something more. A-class adventurers are needed in dangerous and critical situations without exception. The weight of responsibility on their shoulders is immense. If they fail, it could jeopardize the entire team. In such moments, an A-class adventurer must lead the team and make decisive contributions that can change the course of battle. For that, you need a mental fortitude that borders on arrogance.”

Elio, Hans, and Will swallowed nervously, feeling the weight of Laurent’s high expectations and the gravity of what it takes to be A-class.

“The ‘Spirit Workshop’ alliance will face increasingly difficult challenges. The pressure from ‘Dragon’s Ember’ and ‘White Wolf’ will only intensify. As the time approaches for the ‘Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir’ to become more active, adventurers from outside will also arrive. The demands on you will continue to rise.”

Laurent looked up at Lilianne, who was flying overhead.

“Lilly possesses everything required to be an A-class adventurer. Pay close attention to how she fights…”

“Laurent, there’s trouble!” Jeff, who had just returned from scouting the area, came rushing over in a panic.

“Jeff, what’s going on?”

“A group that looks like adventurers hired by ‘Dragon’s Ember’ is approaching.”

“What? What kind of equipment do they have?”

“They’re well-equipped, too. They’re serious about taking us down.”

(Even after we defeated them so thoroughly, they’re still coming at us? Something’s off about this.)

“Jeff, did you notice any special equipment on them? Like ‘Dragonhead Gauntlets’ or ‘Fire Spears’?”

“Uh, no, I didn’t see anything like that.”

“I see…”

(If their goal isn’t to destroy our equipment… then maybe…)

“So what should we do? Should we abort the mission to hunt the ‘Flood Dragon’?”

“No, let’s continue.”

“…Are you sure about this?”

“Our team isn’t so weak that a crisis like this would shake us. Besides…”

Lauren looked over at Lilianne again.

“We’ve got the ‘Witch of Lightning Strike’ on our side.”

Lilianne hovered in the air above the center of the lake.

(It’s so quiet. Where could the ‘Flood Dragon’ be?)

As Lilianne drifted through the air, searching for the enemy, a giant shadow suddenly appeared on the water’s surface. The shadow quickly grew darker, and soon the water began to rise as the head of a water dragon, its scales shimmering, emerged.

The water dragon opened its mouth wide, more than twice the size of its face, attempting to swallow Lilianne whole. Beyond its sharp teeth, she could see a darkness as deep as the abyss.

Lilianne quickly ascended, taking evasive action. She narrowly avoided being devoured.

(This is the ‘Flood Dragon’. It’s even larger than I expected.)

Realizing it had missed its target, the ‘Flood Dragon’ turned its head and a massive magic circle began to glow at the tip of its nose. A torrent of water, like a waterfall, was fired at Lilianne.

She swiftly descended, barely managing to dodge the attack. The water blast struck the slopes of the lake, toppling about ten trees that had been growing there.

(What incredible power. If that hit me directly, I wouldn’t stand a chance with my toughness.)

Having missed again, the ‘Flood Dragon’ began to cast another spell. It spread numerous magic circles across the lake’s surface, causing columns of water to rise up.

Lilianne deftly maneuvered through the air, dodging the multiple water pillars that surged from the lake.

(These water pillars are just a distraction. The real attack is…)

Without flinching, Lilianne dodged the ‘Flood Dragon’s’ tail as it suddenly whipped out of the water in an attempt to slam her down.

(Dodged it. But that was just another decoy!)

Lilianne rapidly ascended, avoiding the biting attack from the ‘Flood Dragon’ that had come from her blind spot.

(Got you!)

Having seen through all of the consecutive attacks, Lilianne maneuvered above the ‘Flood Dragon’s’ head and unleashed her ‘Lightning Strike.’

(Yes, that hit!)

The ‘Flood Dragon’ writhed as the electric current coursed through its body, then glared at Lilianne with a mix of rage and hatred.

Lilianne faced it without flinching.

(What will you do now? I’ve seen through your consecutive attacks. If you dive underwater, I’ll hit you with another strike.)

The ‘Flood Dragon’ locked eyes with Lilianne for a moment before letting out a roar.

(?)

As Lilianne pondered its actions, she heard the sound of wings flapping from beyond the edge of the lake.

(No way!)

A group of ‘Fire Dragons’ was approaching from the sky.

While Lilianne was battling the ‘Flood Dragon,’ a fight had also broken out on land.

The lake’s water level was rising, and amphibious monsters began crawling out of the water, attacking Laurent and his team.

Fortunately, Laurent’s team had already established a position on higher ground and prepared their defenses, so they were able to repel the monsters with arrows and attack magic. However, they couldn’t stop the rising water.

“The water level keeps rising!”

“What are we going to do? This place will be underwater soon!”

“Everyone, stay calm. It will take time for the water to reach us. Trust Lilianne and hold this position.”

Laurent’s words helped the panicked adventurers regain their composure.

(But still…)

Laurent glanced over at Lilianne.

She was fully occupied dodging the water columns rising from the lake and the ‘Fire Dragons’ breath attacks from above.

(Even Lilianne can’t keep up with attacks coming from all directions. We need to find a way to support her.)

Lilianne was struggling with the barrage of attacks coming from all directions.

(I need to take down either the ‘Flood Dragon’ or the ‘Fire Dragon’ first… But with these relentless attacks, there’s nothing I can do.)

She suddenly felt a gust of wind behind her.

When she turned, she saw that the ‘Fire Dragon’ was about to unleash its fiery breath.

(Oh no…)

Just as it seemed like Lilianne would be engulfed in flames, a fire arrow struck the ‘Fire Dragon.’

(That was… Hans!?)

Hans’ ‘Magic Archery’ had a longer range than regular ‘Archery,’ allowing him to hit the distant ‘Fire Dragon.’

Enraged by the loss of one of their own, the remaining ‘Fire Dragons’ turned their fury towards Laurent and his team.

However, Laurent’s team was fully prepared.

“Will, now!”

“Okay! ‘Explosive Magic!'”

A swirling tornado temporarily lifted the encroaching water into the sky.

With the increased land area, Laurent’s team spread out their archers to the left and right, ready to take on the ‘Fire Dragons.’

The archers, now able to make use of their agility, began taking down the ‘Fire Dragons’ one by one.

(There you go, Lilianne. We’ve secured the area and your escape route. If you need to recharge, you can come back.)

Even without words, Lilianne understood Laurent’s intentions.

(As expected of you, Laurent. Perfect support and flawless strategy. You understand my skills better than I do.)

After all, he was the one who had trained her.

Lilianne thought this to herself, filled with gratitude.

(Thank you, Laurent. But I’m fine.)

She focused sharply on the shadow of the ‘Flood Dragon’ lurking underwater.

(With all this support, I can’t just return empty-handed. I’ll finish this in one strike! That’s my duty as an A-rank adventurer.)

As the ‘Flood Dragon’ made a desperate attempt to bite her, Lilianne deftly dodged and unleashed her ‘Lightning Strike.’

The ‘Flood Dragon,’ drained of all its stamina, collapsed helplessly onto the surface of the lake.