The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild

Chapter 152 Distant Memory

As Laurent and the others restrained the thieves of the “White Wolf” who lay on the ground or crouched down, Jill returned.

On her shoulder was Zain carrying the “Dragon Head Gauntlet.”

Upon seeing this, the adventurers of the “Spirit Alliance” cheered.

“Wow, amazing.”

“So they finally took down the wielder of the ‘Dragon Head Gauntlet’ from the ‘White Wolf’.”

Jill approached Laurent directly and threw Zain and the “Dragon Head Gauntlet” aside.

“I’ve taken down the wielder of the ‘Dragon Head Gauntlet’.”

“Well done, Jill. With this, our exploration safety will greatly increase. It’s thanks to your fearless charges, regardless of the damage.”

“Yes, thank you very much.”

Jill responded with a refreshing smile.

However, soon after, her cheeks turned slightly red, and she began to fidget.

“So, um… Laurent-san.”

“Hm?”

“Since we’ve achieved this success, can I have a potion soon?”

(Well, that makes sense. After all, she did such a job. It wouldn’t be strange for her to have depleted her stamina and strength.)

Thinking so, Leon tried to offer his potion.

However, Laurent didn’t overlook it.

Jill looked up at him.

In the depths of her eyes was a hidden, submissive expectation.

It was a gesture she made when she expected to be bullied.

“What are you talking about, Jill?”

“Eh?”

“I told you to increase the equipment compatibility rate, didn’t I? You’re not meeting the target at all.”

“Ah, u… well…”

(…No, you’re the one who told her to take off the equipment.)

Leon retorted in his mind.

“Come on, there’s no time to waste. We don’t have much time before we encounter the ‘Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir.’ Equip yourself immediately and resume the exploration.”

“Y-yes!”

Jill, startled, hurriedly re-equipped her sword and shield and moved ahead.

“Hey, Laurent, isn’t that a bit too harsh? After all, she went through the trouble of taking down the wielder of the ‘Dragon Head Gauntlet.”

“Yeah, I think so too. But that’s fine for Jill. She loves unreasonable demands.”

“O-oh.”

“Now, Leon, let’s move the unit forward. Pay attention to everyone’s condition, and proceed with exploration while supporting each other as much as possible to avoid any unnecessary strain.”

Leon held his head in frustration.

“I don’t get it anymore! Laurent, you handle all of Jill’s supervision! I’m going to lose my mind.”

After that, Laurent and the others continued their dungeon exploration, and two days passed without any attack from the ‘White Wolf.’

Perhaps they had been struck by Jill’s attack, or maybe they were at a dead end after losing the ‘Dragon Head Gauntlet.’

In any case, if they kept up the pace, they would likely be able to shake off the ‘White Wolf’s’ pursuit.

(If the ‘White Wolf’ isn’t attacking, this is a chance to further our development.)

[Ike Belford’s Status]

Power: 60 (↘︎10) – 100

[Liz Leowill Status]

Agility: 60 (↘︎10) – 100

[Archie Shetty’s Status]

Power: 60 (↘︎10) – 100

(It’s still hard to say that they are fully compatible. However, the rate of the minimum stat decrease has significantly lowered.)

Two days ago, all three of them had their minimum values reduced by 30 points, but today the decrease is only 10 points.

(This is proof that their status adjustments are gradually progressing. If things continue smoothly, we should be able to advance their development to the next stage.)

Liz, returning from reconnaissance, staggered unsteadily as she rejoined the main group.

“I can’t go on anymore. My legs won’t move. I can’t…”

“What are you talking about? You can’t be worn out from just this much. Come on, hurry up.”

Alice mercilessly hurried Liz, who was staggering.

“But still…”

“Hey, Liz, how are you feeling?”

“Huh? Laurent-san?”

Noticing Laurent’s presence, Liz quickly straightened her posture.

“Hmm. Judging from your stats, you’re improving nicely.”

“Really?”

Liz was surprised.

She hadn’t felt any sense of growth at all.

“Yes, just a little more, and you’ll reach A-class. Keep it up.”

“Y-yes!”

(Alright! Since Laurent-san said so, I’ll push myself a bit more.)

Revitalized, Liz regained her energy and started running again.

Laurent continued to go around encouraging the other adventurers in the middle of their adjustments, boosting their morale.

(Now, that should be good for the adventurers undergoing adjustments. The problem is…)

Laurent glanced over at Karla.

Throughout this dungeon exploration, she had consistently lacked her usual spirit.

And her gaze was always fixed on Jill.

[Karla Grazia’s Status]

Power: 30 (↘︎10) – 50

Toughness: 20 (↘︎10) – 40

Agility: 60 (↘︎30) – 100

Stamina: 80 (↘︎30) -–130

(There’s no doubt Karla is shaken by Jill’s strength. As expected, when the prospect of actually defeating the “Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir” arises, her emotions can’t keep up.)

After talking with Karla, Laurent also helped her research the “Dragon Burial Rite.”

They were able to grasp the basic outline of the rite.

1. 1. 1. Defeat the most powerful “Fire Dragon” within the dungeon, specifically the “Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir,” and throw a part of its body into the crater as an offering to the Mountain God.

1. 1. 1. Perform a special dance called the “Dragon Burial Dance.”

1. 1. 1. Bring the dragon core back to the city and offer it at the shrine (this can be done even after the rank is certified at the quest reception desk).

This is the outline of the “Dragon Burial Rite.”

Items 1 and 3 can be executed as is.

The problem lies in item 2, the “Dragon Burial Dance.”

Laurent had also scoured old texts with Karla, but they could not find any details about it.

The dance had been passed down up until her father’s generation, but Karla’s parents had already died when she was very young.

(In the end, we’ve come this far without knowing anything about the “Dragon Burial Dance.” What should we do? At this rate, Karla might become a liability.)

Not only that, but if something triggers her, she might suddenly change her attitude and become an enemy.

Laurent shook his head.

(No, don’t hesitate. All I can do is help improve her skills and status.)

[Karla Grazia’s Skill Status]

“Shadow Strike”: B → A

“Spinning Sword Dance”: B → S

Agility: 60 – 100 → 120 – 130

Stamina: 80 – 130 → 120 – 130

(Somehow, I have to prepare her skills and status before we reach the ‘Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir’!)

Karla continued the exploration, visibly shaken.

(Jill Irwin. What kind of person is she? She took down the “White Wolf” members, whom even Yugan had struggled with, in a single blow… She’s too strong. She might actually defeat the “Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir.”)

Karla felt the scenery in front of her start to waver.

“…Lula.”

(…Father.)

She could barely hear the voices around her.

“Karla!”

(I decided to follow Laurent, trusting him. But was that really the right decision?)

“Karla! Watch out!”

Karla snapped to attention at the sharp voice.

A boulder, seemingly thrown by a monster, was rapidly approaching her.

It was an attack she could usually dodge with ease, but due to her lack of focus and her weakened status, she failed to evade it and was struck hard on the head.

“Karla!”

Someone called out to her, rushing over.

Karla felt everything around her go dark.

In a hazy state of consciousness, unsure whether she was awake or asleep, Karla began to recall memories from the past.

The image of her father, carrying a sword, heading to the “Volcano Dungeon” every day.

She and her mother would stand at the entrance every day, seeing him off.

It was unclear when Karla and her mother started this farewell ritual.

The earliest memory Karla could recall was of watching her father leave for the volcano from the doorway of their home.

In other words, this memory of seeing her father off was Karla’s foundational experience.

“Take care, dear.”

“Oh, today I’ll hunt the strongest ‘Fire Dragon,’ for sure.”

With those words, her father would grin broadly and leave, just like always.

To be honest, Karla couldn’t clearly remember what her father’s face looked like.

But she vividly remembered how large his hand felt when he patted her head, and the crumpled smile he gave her as he looked back.

However, over time, her father’s smile began to fade.

By the time Karla was old enough to be aware of her surroundings, she often saw her parents speaking with serious expressions.

When Karla secretly listened in, she could catch snippets of their conversations.

The “Fire Dragon,” was growing stronger year by year.

Additionally, more and more adventurers from outside were coming every year, and they were starting to lag behind in the dungeon competition.

Among their peers, the “Dragon Burial Clan” was gradually going out of business one after another.

Local adventurers were increasingly joining the ranks of thieves or seeking opportunities by forming alliances with outsiders.

The number of organizations willing to sponsor them was also decreasing rapidly, making it financially challenging.

“Father, if you’re having such a hard time with the ‘Fire Dragon,’ should I help you?”

When Karla suggested this, her father, startled, smiled wryly and patted her on the head.

“There’s no need to worry. I can handle the ‘Fire Dragon’ on my own. But yes, when you grow up, Karla, I might have you learn the ‘Dragon Burial Dance’ and help with my work.”

But that promise would never be fulfilled.

One day, her father never returned.

According to the testimony of the adventurers who were with him, in the “Volcano Dungeon,” he chased after a larger-than-usual “Fire Dragon,” ignoring the attempts of his companions to stop him.

Unfortunately, he was caught in a pyroclastic flow that had erupted and was buried.

As a result, his body was never recovered.

Her father had returned to the mountain.

That’s what her mother said.

And she added that it was a proud thing for a man born into the “Dragon Burial Clan.”

Eventually, her mother, worn out from the years of worry, passed away, following after her father.

Karla was taken in by relatives.

Later, Karla joined the local adventurer’s guild.

(Father, Mother, I will carry on after you. As a descendant of the ‘Dragon Burial Clan,’ I will fulfill my duty.)

Karla swore this at her mother’s grave, holding the sword her father had left behind.

However, the adventurers from outside continued to pour in through the harbor.

In the dungeon, the “Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir,” appeared.

Although the “Giant Fire Dragon, Grand Fafnir,” had appeared multiple times in the past, this one was rumored to be the strongest in history.

Karla resented them.

The adventurers who came from outside.

They were shameless, trampling over her father’s resting place without knowing a thing.

Karla felt herself being carried on someone’s back.

Her consciousness began to awaken.

(…Father?)

But the back she was on was too slender to be her father’s.

(No… Laurent!?)

“Karla. You’re awake?”

Laurent glanced back over his shoulder, speaking to her.

“Ugh. Laurent, what are you doing? What about leading the unit?”

“I left the unit’s command to Leon. I’ve decided to focus on adjusting Jill.”

“Then you have even less reason to be carrying me around. Put me down. Damn it.”

Karla tried to jump off Laurent’s back, but her body didn’t respond well, still weakened from her drowsy state.

“In any case, we’re almost at today’s campsite. I’ll put you down when we get there.”

“…”

Eventually, the “Spirit Alliance” reached their campsite for the day.

Laurent and Karla sat down together, watching Leon as he took command.

“Are you sure about this? Leaving everything to Leon?”

“Yes. Leon has what it takes to eventually lead the ‘Spirit Alliance.’ I want him to learn how to manage external negotiations while he can. Are you okay, though?”

“…”

“That wasn’t like you. Normally, you would’ve dodged that kind of attack easily. And your status… it’s terrible. Your mind is elsewhere; you’re not seeing your surroundings.”

“…”

“But maybe this is a good thing. I was thinking it was about time to talk to you.”

“Talk? About what…?”

“We’re about to enter the ‘Barren Zone.’ And there, we’ll have to choose who will face the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir.'”

“What!?”

“I can’t bring you along for the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir’ subjugation quest in your current state. But I understand why you’re shaken.”

“…”

“As a commander, I have to decide whether it will be safe to take you along. If you do come, you’ll need to grow one more step.”

Karla clenched the dirt on the ground tightly.

“What will you do?”

“I’m going. I have to go.”

“If Jill ends up subjugating the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir,’ will you be able to stay calm?”