The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 123

Chapter 123   The Flow of Time

At the ‘Spirit’s Workshop,’ improvements by Ranju were steadily progressing.

On this particular day, Wayne was once again summoned by Ranju and dragged over to a workbench.

“What now? I haven’t made any mistakes or slacked off today,” Wayne grumbled.

“I’m not here to scold you for mistakes or slacking off today. I’ve come up with a way to enhance your unique skill. You’re going to perform some ‘Magic Stone Cutting.'”

“Ugh, not more magic stone cutting…”

Although Wayne’s skill in ‘Magic Stone Cutting’ had reached Class A, he was still reluctant to engage in it. He couldn’t quite shake off the traditional mindset that forging swords and armor was more prestigious.

“Haven’t I done enough magic stone cutting? I’ve made progress in lightening the equipment, so let me focus on that.”

“Come on, don’t be like that. Take a look at this.”

Ranju led Wayne to the workbench.

Wayne frowned at the unfamiliar sight before him. On the table were unprocessed magic stones, processed magic stones, and a glass tube. The glass tube, in particular, was an odd-looking instrument he had never seen before.

The slender glass tube was marked with fine measurements, and the tip was filled with a silvery liquid.

“What’s this? A thermometer?”

“This is a ‘Magic Power Measuring Device.’ It’s a tool for measuring the level of magic power contained within an item. The liquid at the tip is ‘Magical Mercury,’ a special type of mercury that expands in response to the level of magic power. It was discovered in the ‘Demon Dungeon’ of the ‘Adventurer’s Town’ and has only recently been put to practical use. We’re the only ones handling this latest piece of measuring equipment right now.”

“Hmm, a ‘Magic Power Measuring Device’… huh.”

(According to Laurent, Wayne’s motivation lies in enhancing his specs. To get him motivated, I need to show him numerical improvements in a way he can see.)

“Alright, first, let’s measure the magic power of an unprocessed magic stone.”

When Ranju touched the tip of the measuring device to the magic stone, the mercury inside began to expand, slowly rising through the glass tube.

The mercury stopped at the mark labeled “10.”

“So, this magic stone’s power level is 10,” Ranju said.

“…Interesting,” Wayne replied.

“Next, let’s measure the magic power of the magic stone you processed with your ‘Magic Stone Cutting’ skill.”

As Ranju applied the measuring device to the processed magic stone, the mercury rapidly expanded, reaching the 50 mark.

“What!?”

Wayne’s expression changed.

(This device really measures the magic power within the stone? No, more importantly, did my unique skill really enhance the magic power this much?)

“Do you understand now? Your unique skill can significantly unlock the potential of a magic stone. Your job is to draw out that potential using ‘Magic Stone Cutting’… Wayne?”

Wayne was intensely focused on the magic stone he had processed, seemingly assessing how to further enhance its potential.

(He can’t hear a word I’m saying… Even so, he’s still a craftsman at heart. When he sees the potential in the material, he can’t help but refine it. Laurent’s judgment was spot on—this guy really is an A-Class alchemist.)

Suddenly, Wayne stopped his examination and picked up the ‘Magic Power Measuring Device.’

“I’m borrowing this for a while,” he said, and immediately returned to diligently working on cutting the magic stone.

Pat, who was writing sheet music while playing his harp, noticed the shift in Wayne’s work.

(Did Wayne figure something out? His concentration is incredible.)

Wayne was completely absorbed in cutting the magic stone, his intense focus making it impossible to interrupt him.

(That stubborn determination and earnestness he had back when he was with the ‘Dragon’s Ember’ are coming back.)

“Pat, I brought the ore you asked for. Whoa, what’s going on here? Pat, are you writing sheet music?” Lina said in surprise as she looked at Pat’s work.

“Yeah. Lately, ‘Dragon Tone’ and ‘Demonic Tone’ have been getting mixed up. If I write sheet music, I can record the sounds and share the imagery with other performers more easily.”

“That’s amazing! Being able to write sheet music is incredible.”

“It’s really just the basics. I’m still feeling my way through it.”

(But… I’m starting to get the hang of it.)

Pat glanced over at Wayne.

Wayne was just about to finish his work.

(I won’t lose to you, Wayne.)

Determined, Pat moved on to the final adjustments of his harp.

Laurent, working in a corner of the workshop, quietly observed Wayne and Pat.

(Wayne and Pat are showing remarkable progress. With Ranju’s meticulous management, a healthy sense of competition has finally started to take root. At this rate, their performance will naturally improve without much intervention.)

[Magic Stone’s Status]

Magic Power: 100 (↑90)

[Harp’s Status]

Special Effect: ‘Demonic Tone’ A (↑2)

In the afternoon, Laurent received a visit from Elio, Hans, and Will. They mentioned they had something important to discuss.

“Elio, Hans, and Will too. What’s up? It’s unusual to see the three of you together.”

“Laurent, we’ve decided that we want to aim for A-Class adventurer status.”

“A-Class?”

“Yeah. After seeing Lilianne’s way of fighting, we realized we can’t stay the way we are.”

“We want to know what it takes to become A-Class. Will you train us? Can you help us?”

“Understood. Let’s have a meeting.”

Laurent wanted to have a meeting with the three of them, but the dining hall was packed.

With no other choice, they decided to head to the tavern. However, as they were leaving, Laurent noticed Karla standing in front of the workshop.

It seemed she was also there to see Laurent.

“Laurent?”

“What’s the matter?”

“Everyone, wait a moment. I need to talk to her as well.”

Laurent took Karla aside to a place where they could speak privately. He told Elio and the others to wait for him at the tavern.

“It’s been a while, Karla. You really helped us during the last alliance. Thanks to you, we were able to avoid disaster.”

“I should be thanking you… I learned a lot.”

“What have you been up to since then? You haven’t been in touch for a while…”

Karla didn’t answer and looked away for a moment.

“I heard you defeated the ‘Flood Dragon,’ the one that causes the floods.”

“Yeah. Some people wanted to take on an A-Class monster quest. The townspeople were struggling with flood damage.”

When Laurent said this, Karla fell silent again. She seemed to want to say something but hesitated, closing her mouth each time. This continued for a while, the clock on the wall ticking steadily as time passed.

Laurent waited patiently for her to speak, but she remained silent. Finally, he decided to change the topic.

“When we were in the dungeon, you tried to harm me several times.”

“You noticed?”

“I’ve been through my fair share of tough situations. To be honest, you weren’t very good at hiding your intent to kill.”

“Hmph.”

“That intent wasn’t directed at me personally. I heard from Pat and Elio that you also tried to kill Yugan and Sein.”

“…”

“Why did you want to kill adventurers who came from outside the island?”

“I am a descendant of the ‘Dragon Burial Clan.'”

“The ‘Dragon Burial Clan’?”

“A clan that has carried out the ritual of burying the ‘Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir,’ for generations.”

“I see. So you’re a descendant of that clan… I didn’t know that.”

“Well, it’s no wonder you didn’t. Our role was taken from us long ago, and now only a few on the island even know about our clan.”

Karla spoke with a tone of self-mockery.

“In the past, the ‘Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir,’ wasn’t as large or as powerful as it is now. The island’s people could handle it on their own. But at some point, the dragon’s power began to grow rapidly. We never figured out why. Eventually, the islanders couldn’t manage it alone, and they had to ask for help from people outside the island. That’s when everything started going wrong. Adventurers’ guilds from outside started pouring in, seeking rare metals, and the island’s adventurers became weaker and weaker. Now, the only ones who dare challenge them are the thieves’ guild. I still think about it. If only we had managed to hold our ground without relying on outsiders back then…”

Karla clenched her fist tightly on the table, frustration evident.

(So that’s the story. She has been fighting against powerful adventurers from outside and the growing threat of the ‘Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir,’ all on her own. All while carrying the pride of a forgotten clan… But still…)

“That’s why you kill any adventurer who comes from outside the island, but…”

Karla’s tone suddenly grew weak.

“But you’re different from the others. You’ve been nurturing the island’s adventurers, raising my skill level, and you defeated the ‘Flood Dragon.’ I can tell that you’re not just thinking about yourself but also about the island.”

“Is that why you came to see me?”

Karla closed her eyes, as if trying to shake off her hesitation, then finally got to the point.

“Hey… If you really are on the island’s side, can’t you use your power to somehow keep adventurers from outside from coming here?”

“I can’t do that.”

“What? Why not…?”

“Karla, no matter how much you wish for it, you can’t stop the flow of time.”

“The flow of… time?”

“That’s right. This island’s economy is based on the assumption that adventurers from outside will come here. We can’t stop the adventurers’ guilds from coming in from outside. We can’t suppress the desire of people who want to see the island grow. Not now, not ever. You can’t stop people’s progress, just like no one can stop you from becoming stronger and continuing to grow.”

Karla’s face contorted with anguish as she wrestled with the desire to become stronger and the wish to resist change. Laurent patiently waited for her to sort out her feelings.

“Isn’t there… anything we can do?”

Finally, Karla managed to speak, almost in a whisper.

“You can’t turn back the clock. But you can leave something behind in a different form.”

“Leave something… behind?”

“Yes. No matter how much time passes or how much things change, there are things that remain, unshaken and unbroken, just like the core of who you are won’t change, no matter how strong you become.”

As Laurent said this, Karla began to cry.

“Tell me more about the dragon burial ritual. I want to understand the source of your anger and sadness. I can’t stop adventurers from coming to the island, but maybe I can help you in some way.”

After that, Laurent listened carefully to Karla’s story and discussed things with her. Despite her hesitation, Karla decided to stay with Laurent and aim to become an A-Class adventurer under his guidance.