The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 126

Chapter 126   Crown of the Sage

About a week ago, in the “Adventurers’ Town”:

In the waiting room of the “Golden Hawk,” Lillianne and Alric were having a discussion.

“Lillianne, how much longer will it take for Laurent to prepare the ‘Fire Dragon Island’? Given that he’s been away from town for such a long period, using the guild’s funds without yielding any results, it’s only natural that his qualifications as an executive are being questioned. In fact, there are already concerns being raised both within and outside the guild about Laurent’s actions.”

“Alric, as I mentioned before, the situation on ‘Fire Dragon Island’ is more complicated than we anticipated. Laurent is struggling to nurture the local adventurers’ guild. We must trust and support him through this.”

“But it’s becoming increasingly difficult to suppress the dissatisfaction among the members. I have my own position to consider. There’s a limit to how much I can defend someone who’s neglecting the internal affairs of the ‘Golden Hawk’ and focusing solely on another town. If this continues, all the resources and effort Laurent has invested in ‘Fire Dragon Island’ might be for nothing.”

“Hmm, I see.”

Lillianne absentmindedly stroked her pendant with her fingers. The “Dragon’s Tear” emitted a blue light.

“How about this? For the next term’s dungeon assignments, I’ll let the ‘Golden Hawk’ take over the ‘Mine Dungeon.'”

“What?”

“By increasing the number of dungeons you manage, the ‘Golden Hawk’s’ income will rise, and the members will be kept busy with work. That way, their dissatisfaction with Laurent can be deflected, right?”

“True, that would temporarily suppress their dissatisfaction, but… what about the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ Second Unit, who usually handle the ‘Mine Dungeon’? You can’t just leave the town’s strongest unit, filled with such powerful individuals, idle. If that happens, you’ll be the next one facing backlash.”

“The ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ Second Unit will be dispatched to ‘Fire Dragon Island.'”

“To ‘Fire Dragon Island’?”

“Yes. The Second Unit has grown accustomed to the ‘Mine Dungeon’ and I thought it was about time for them to experience dungeon exploration outside the town. Sending them to ‘Fire Dragon Island’ will strengthen the unit, and it will also help Laurent. For you, it will suppress internal discontent within the ‘Golden Hawk’ and strengthen your position as well…”

“A win-win situation for everyone, huh?”

Alric crossed his arms and thought for a moment.

“Alright, let’s go with that.”

Afterward, Lillianne ordered Euphene and Shaqma to lead the Second Unit to “Fire Dragon Island” to support Laurent. Monica volunteered to join the dispatched unit, but Lillianne found various reasons to keep Monica in the “Adventurers’ Town.”

Aboard the ship heading to “Fire Dragon Island”:

As Euphene was sitting in a chair along the corridor, resting, a man with a smug smile approached her.

“Hey there, are you bored?”

Euphene shot him a sharp glare, but the man continued to talk to her.

“You’re the healer from the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree,’ right? I’m a mage from the ‘Crown of the Sage.’ How about we go somewhere and chat?”

“Hey, knock it off. The captain told us not to cause any trouble,” his companion warned.

“Come on, what’s the harm? She looks like she’s bored. Right?”

Euphene didn’t respond to his words, remaining completely still with an expressionless face.

“Don’t be so cold. We’re on the same ship, after all. I could even teach you about the advanced magic from the ‘City of Mages’ if you’d like…”

As he reached out to place a hand on her shoulder, Euphene slammed her staff onto the floor, instantly deploying a magic circle that spread throughout the ship.

“W-what the…?”

“This… Could it be healing magic? Impossible! I’ve never seen such a wide-range magic circle even in the ‘City of Mages’!”

While the mages from the “Crown of the Sage” were in a panic, warriors from the “Guardians of the Magic Tree” approached.

“What’s going on, Captain Reyes?”

“What is this magic circle? Have we been attacked?!”

Hearing the warriors’ words, the mages became even more flustered.

“C-Captain? Wait, so this person is…”

“Euphene Reyes, the ‘Wide-Range Healer’!?”

“Our apologies!”

The two mages from the “Crown of the Sage” fled with their tails between their legs.

“Euphene, is something the matter?”

Shaqma, who had also noticed Euphene’s magic circle, came over and asked.

“What’s the matter? I’ll tell you what’s the matter! Ugh, how much longer do we have to be cooped up on this ship? Day after day, with nothing to do but wander around the ship, getting harassed by weird guys.”

“Come now, it’s not all bad,” Shaqma said in a soothing tone.

“As soon as we reach Fire Dragon Island, we’ll finally get to see Laurent again,” Shaqma said.

Hearing this, Euphene’s anger began to subside, and she looked out the window with a nostalgic expression.

“Yeah, I’m looking forward to seeing Laurent. I need to make sure he sees how much I’ve grown.”

As Euphene said this, a commotion was heard from the other side of the corridor. A tall, slender man, followed by two or three subordinates, was approaching. He wore the emblem of the “Crown of the Sage” on his chest.

“Where’s the ‘Wide-Range Healer’? Over here?”

Spotting Euphene, the man quickly recognized her exceptional presence and approached with a charming smile. Euphene immediately sensed that this man was on a different level from the others who had bothered her earlier.

(This guy… He’s strong. An A-class, maybe?)

“Are you Euphene Reyes? This is an unexpected honor. I heard that the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ were on board, but I never imagined I’d meet the renowned ‘Wide-Range Healer’ herself.”

“And you are?”

“My apologies for the late introduction. I am Ian Yugberk, the chief healer of the ‘Crown of the Sage.’ In the ‘Volcano Dungeon,’ where powerful flying units like the dragon race are present, the role of healers and other rear guards is crucial. We may find ourselves working together against the thieves within the dungeon. I look forward to your cooperation.”

“……”

“Oh, it looks like the ship is about to reach the port,” Shaqma murmured.

The crew began to prepare for disembarkation, and Euphene and Ian parted ways to get ready to leave the ship.

After disembarking at the port:

The members of both the “Crown of the Sage” and the “Guardians of the Magic Tree” were welcomed with cheers by the island’s residents. Both guilds were led by the townspeople to the plaza.

Neil Dioclea, the chief support mage of the “Crown of the Sage,” asked the man guiding them to the plaza:

“Hey, I have a question. Is it true that Sein Orbestar of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Institute’ nearly defeated the ‘Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir’?”

The guide’s once friendly smile faded into a scowl as soon as he heard the name of the “Guardians of the Magic Institute.”

“I’d prefer not to talk about those Institute folks right now.”

“So, it’s not true that Sein nearly defeated the ‘Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir,’ then?”

“Who knows? All I can say is that the Institute folks left the island in a hurry after the disaster, without bothering to clean up the mess they caused. Personally, I find it hard to believe they put up much of a fight against the ‘Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir.’ After all, the dragon was still causing earthquakes and rampaging around after their so-called battle. If there’s talk of them nearly defeating the dragon, it’s probably just some baseless rumor spread by someone.”

“Did you hear that, everyone?”

Neil turned to his comrades with a delighted expression and called out to them.

“They say the story about Sein almost defeating the ‘Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir’ is a load of rubbish. Looks like we got tricked by that braggart, Sein, again!”

The members of the “Crown of the Sage” burst into laughter.

They had always considered the “Guardians of the Magic Institute” as their rivals, so they’d been on edge hearing about Sein’s supposed achievements back at their guild’s headquarters in the “City of Mages.”

After a good laugh at the expense of the Magic Institute, Neil walked over to Ian’s side, still smiling.

“Good news, Neil. It seems the ‘Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir’ hasn’t been taken down yet.”

“Yeah. If Sein’s story were true, some other guild might have already swooped in and claimed the kill. But still…”

Neil grinned broadly, clearly pleased.

“The folks from the Magic Institute are really hated here. It looks like they seriously disappointed the island’s residents.”

“When I first heard that the wild Sein had suddenly left the city to head to ‘Fire Dragon Island,’ I was worried… but it turns out I had nothing to worry about.”

“That guy. He talked big about being confident, but in the end, it was just a reckless expedition. He’s still green.”

“Both of you, don’t get too comfortable just because the Magic Institute failed.”

Glen Ross, the chief offensive mage of the “Crown of the Sage,” spoke, his broad shoulders and stern demeanor exuding authority.

“This isn’t just an expedition to save the islanders. It’s also a battle to defend our reputation in the ‘City of Mages.’ If we return with fewer accomplishments than the Magic Institute, we’ll be the laughingstock of the entire city.”

“Yeah, but this should be a cakewalk, right? There aren’t any significant adventurers on this island. There’s no one here who could match us A-class mages…”

“True, there aren’t any notable adventurer guilds on this island. But somehow, things never seem to go as planned here. That’s what makes this island tricky.”

As their mentor and overseer, Glen spoke with the authority of experience.

“The thief guild here isn’t to be underestimated, and the island’s residents are no pushovers either. The ‘Fire Dragons’ and other flying units are also a real pain. You two, make sure to stay sharp and don’t let your guard down.”

“Yeah, yeah. Got it. Got it.”

Neil waved his hand dismissively, signaling the end of the conversation.

Afterward, the “Crown of the Sage” reached the podium in the town square.

The chief support mage, Neil, began his speech.

“Residents of this island, who have lived in fear of the threat of the ‘Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir,’ you can now rest easy. With the arrival of the ‘Crown of the Sage,’ you are safe. Today, the forces that have gathered here include some of the most reliable individuals. Not only does our First Division boast a large number of skilled mages who have honed their craft through intense training and discipline, but we also have three A-class mages among us.”

A murmur spread through the crowd.

“Three A-class mages!?”

“This is incredible!”

Satisfied with the crowd’s reaction, Neil continued his speech.

“Now, let me introduce you to the pride of our ‘Crown of the Sage’ First Division, our A-class mages. First, we have Glen Ross, an A-class mage who has mastered attack magic of all elements!”

Glen stepped forward and raised his hand.

The audience responded with applause.

“Next, we have Ian Yugberk, a healer whose speed and accuracy in casting healing magic are unmatched!”

Ian stepped forward and bowed politely.

Again, the audience erupted in applause.

“And finally! The specialist in all types of support magic—offense, defense, agility—none other than myself, Neil Dioclea!”

Neil proudly took his place as the final introduction.

The audience’s cheers reached a fever pitch.

“There really are three A-class mages!”

“With them, maybe they really can defeat the ‘Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir!'”

“We, the ‘Crown of the Sage,’ will not meet the same shameful fate as the ‘Guardians of the Magic Intitute’! I promise you we will achieve far greater results than they ever did!”

Neil concluded his speech, not forgetting to disparage the rival guild. The audience responded with enthusiastic applause.

“Will you be forming the ‘Grand Alliance’?”

One of the spectators asked.

“The ‘Grand Alliance’? What’s that?”

“It’s the alliance formed by the ‘Guardians of the Magic Intitute.’ They gathered all the adventurers on the island, regardless of their skills or status, and challenged the dungeon together.”

“Hmm. Is that so? Ian, what do you think?”

Neil whispered the question to Ian standing beside him.

“It might be best to follow the example set by the Magic Institute. After all, we’ll need the cooperation of the local adventurers either way,” Ian suggested.

“But including everyone indiscriminately? If we bring in adventurers of too low a caliber, they might just hold us back,” Neil replied with concern.

“Well, we could gather them first and then find reasons to dismiss the less capable ones later,” Ian proposed with a sly grin.

“I see. Let’s go with that,” Neil agreed.

After finishing their private conversation, Neil turned back to the audience.

“Apologies. I was just discussing some finer details with my companion. Regarding the ‘Grand Alliance,’ we, of course, plan to propose a similar alliance, collaborating closely with local guilds to tackle the dungeon. We invite all adventurers on the island to join us enthusiastically.”

A wave of cheers erupted from the audience, particularly from the group of adventurers.

“Excuse me! As a local adventurer, I have a suggestion for the members of the ‘Crown of the Sage’!”

A female thief in the crowd raised her hand and called out.

“And what might that be, young lady?” Neil asked.

“How about the members of the ‘Crown of the Sage’ participate in the ‘Spirits Workshop’ as well?”

“‘Spirits Workshop’?” Neil repeated, puzzled by the unfamiliar term.

“The ‘Spirits Workshop’ is an alchemy guild that has recently been rapidly expanding its influence on this island. Although primarily an alchemy guild, they’ve independently formed an adventurer alliance and even completed an A-class quest recently. Our guild, ‘Mountain Cats,’ is also part of the ‘Spirits Workshop’ alliance. I think it would be wonderful if the ‘Crown of the Sage’ joined as well.”

Neil couldn’t help but make a slightly irritated face.

(“‘Grand Alliance’ and now Spirits Workshop… It seems this island has changed quite a bit during our absence.”)

“Neil, isn’t it a bit risky to get involved with an alchemy guild?” Ian whispered to him.

“When it comes to things related to our own trade, we can handle it, but dealing with alchemy is beyond us. It would be safer to stick with ‘Dragon’s Ember.’ Also…”

Ian glanced discreetly at the members of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ standing nearby.

“‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ are here too, and they have A-class members among them. If it comes down to a clash between A-classes, equipment quality will make all the difference. The outcome will depend on how many alchemists from ‘Dragon’s Ember,’ like Raoul Bartley, we can secure.”

“You’re right. We can’t afford to give that up,” Neil agreed, ending the hushed conversation with Ian and turning back to the crowd.

“O brave adventurers of the Mountain Cats guild, thank you for your wonderful suggestion. However, I must apologize. Many members of our unit wear equipment that can only be maintained by the alchemists of ‘Dragon’s Ember.’ While the Spirits Workshop alliance is indeed an attractive proposal, we must decline this time,” Neil responded.

Upon hearing this, the thief from the Mountain Cats slumped her shoulders in disappointment.

“Well then, since others are waiting, let’s conclude our speech here. Thank you, thank you,” Neil said, waving to the crowd’s enthusiastic applause as he stepped down from the platform.

Immediately afterward, he began speaking quietly with Ian and Glen.

“Hey, let’s hurry to ‘Dragon’s Ember.’ We need to secure the Quartet before the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ do,” Neil urged.

“Right. Without securing them first, we can’t get anywhere on this island,” Glen agreed.

“That’s true. Fortunately, the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ haven’t realized this yet. We’re lucky they’re the ones we’re up against—they’re still novices on this island,” Ian added.

Meanwhile, Euphene was already feeling uneasy. She had been guided here without fully understanding the meaning behind this parade and speech event. Although she had been told to give a speech to the locals earlier, she hadn’t prepared anything and had no idea what to say.

“Hey, Shaqma, what should I say in the speech?” Euphene asked in a panic.

“Huh? Why are you asking me? I had no idea it would come to this…” Shaqma replied, just as confused.

“What are we going to do? The guy before us spoke so impressively. Rick, you give the speech!” Euphene demanded.

“Wh-what!? M-me? Please, spare me!” Rick stammered in distress.

As Euphene and her group continued to panic backstage, the crowd began to grow suspicious, wondering why the next speech hadn’t started yet. The longer they waited, the more uncomfortable Euphene and her friends became.

Just then, a young man began making his way through the crowd toward the stage.

“Excuse me. Please let me through,” he said as he approached.

Euphene face lit up as she recognized him.

“Ah, Laurent!” she exclaimed.

“Euphene, it’s been a while. Excuse me, coming through,” Laurent said as he climbed onto the platform with Rick’s help.

The crowd murmured in surprise at the unexpected appearance of Laurent.

“Laurent, I’m so glad you’re here! We were just in a bit of trouble,” Euphene said, relieved.

“Sorry for being late. I didn’t expect you all to come,” Laurent replied.

“It was a last-minute decision. The guild master told us to head to ‘Dragon’s Island to support you,” Euphene explained.

“I see. We’ll catch up later, but for now, let’s focus on what we need to do here…” Laurent said as he quickly briefed Euphene on what she should say.

After listening to Laurent, Euphene turned to the audience with him by her side.

“Hello, everyone. My name is Euphene Reyes, and I am the captain of the Second Unit of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree.’ Our purpose on this island is not for the ores or the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir.’ Our true purpose is to support our friends in the Spirits Workshop. Today, we are here to announce our participation in the Spirits Workshop alliance!” Euphene declared.

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

The applause was so overwhelming that it stopped the ‘Crown of the Sage’ members, who were on their way to ‘Dragon’s Ember,’ in their tracks.

“That’s some serious applause,” Ian remarked.

“Yeah, I didn’t expect there to be another alchemy guild besides ‘Dragon’s Ember’ that had gained so much local support,” Glen added, clearly surprised.

Neil, however, watched Euphene waving to the crowd from the platform with a displeased expression.

“Who do they think they are? Newcomers like them… I don’t like this at all,” he thought to himself.