The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 60

Chapter 60   Dragon’s Ember

Near the port, there was a tavern that also served as the island’s quest reception area, making it a hub for adventurers. It was also a gathering place for unsavory characters like thieves and swindlers.

Today, as usual, they were busy exchanging information, looking for potential schemes or easy targets. The tavern was bustling with activity when the door opened, and an unfamiliar patron walked in. This newcomer bore a gold emblem of a hawk and an old emblem of a magical tree on his shoulder.

The tavern patrons momentarily fell silent at the unexpected arrival but soon resumed their conversations as if nothing had happened. However, they were all discreetly trying to figure out the identity of this well-dressed man.

Members of the thieves’ guild, “White Wolf,” were no exception. They huddled together, whispering.

“Hey, that guy, never seen him before. Is he from outside the island?”

“Jamil, use your appraisal.”

“Got it.”

[Laurent Gill’s Status]

• • • • Strength: 40-50

• • • • Toughness: 40-50

• • • • Agility: 40-60

• • • • Stamina: 60-70

(Not much of a threat. Probably a D-class, maybe C-class at best.)

“He’s nothing special. We can pickpocket him anytime.”

“Shall we go ahead and do it?”

“Wait. Someone’s coming.”

The three observed as a man approached Laurent, and they concealed their hostility.

As Laurent walked through the tavern, he felt an inexplicable unease.

(This feels very different from ‘Adventurers’ Town.’)

He carefully observed the adventurers loitering in the tavern.

(Are there an unusually high number of thieves?)

While Laurent was looking around, a merchant-like man hurried over from the counter and spoke to him.

“Hey, Laurent, long time no see.”

“Dylan, it’s been a while.”

Laurent shook hands with Dylan, celebrating their reunion. Dylan was a familiar merchant from their time in Adventurers’ Town. He often visited to supply rare ores from ‘Fire Dragon Island.’

Dylan not only dealt in wholesale ores but also handled guild mediation and brokerage services. This time, Laurent had asked Dylan to introduce him to an alchemy guild for a business partnership with ‘Golden Hawk.’

In “Adventurers’ Town,” support for adventurers was managed through the “Arsenal of the Spirits.” However, this wasn’t feasible on the distant “Fire Dragon Island.” Hence, it was wise to seek a local alchemy guild for support and partnership.

“Was the sea voyage pleasant?”

“Yes, thanks to you. So, let’s get down to business, Dylan…”

“Wait. It’s not safe here.”

Dylan looked around.

“What do you mean?”

“There are shady characters all around. You’ve come at a bad time. We should’ve arranged to meet elsewhere. For now, let’s discuss in the carriage.”

Following Dylan’s advice, Laurent boarded the carriage. The three members of the “White Wolf” watched them leave.

“That’s Dylan, a well-known merchant around here.”

“Being noticed by him will make things difficult.”

“Damn. He has a local ally.”

“I thought we’d have some fun this afternoon.”

“No need to rush. When he and his group enter the dungeon, that’ll be the end for him. Until then, let him enjoy his sightseeing.”

“Now, the alchemy guild ‘Dragon’s Ember’ that I’m introducing you to is one of the top alchemy guilds in this town,” Dylan said as they rode towards the guild.

“The ‘Dragon Slayer’s Hammer’ you’re looking to get serviced, right? This alchemy guild is the only one on the island equipped with the facilities and personnel to meet your requirements.”

“I see.”

“They have many talented young alchemists and are currently thriving. I’m sure you’ll be impressed.”

They stopped in front of a large building and went inside. When Laurent announced his visit, the guild master of “Dragon’s Ember” greeted him. He was a middle-aged man with a stout build, a bald head, and a perpetually friendly smile, giving off a grandfatherly aura.

“Oh, are you the renowned executive officer Laurent from the adventurers’ guild ‘Golden Hawk’?”

“Yes, I am Laurent Gill. I came today to tour the facilities of ‘Dragon’s Ember.'”

“I am Dan Medes, the guild master of ‘Dragon’s Ember.’ I’ve heard about you. Please, come this way. Let me show you around our atelier. Take your time.”

Medes led them deeper into the atelier.

“Our guild operates on the principle of competition,” the guild master said as he guided them through the molding room, where alchemists were hammering ores.

“Only competition can nurture individual skills and talents, promote efficiency and optimal placement, and ultimately benefit the entire guild.”

(Certainly, everyone here has high skills. It seems standard to have at least B-class skills. However…)

Laurent used skill appraisal on a young alchemist hammering metal.

[Skills of a Young Alchemist]

• • • • Ore Mining: E → D

• • • • Ore Refining: C → A

• • • • Metal Shaping: B → B

• • • • Silversmithing: D → A

(Not exactly optimal placement…)

“What do you think, Laurent? His ‘Metal Shaping’ skill is impressive for his age, right? He will eventually master ‘Metal Shaping’ at level A.”

“Yes… indeed.”

Laurent thought the boy might be better suited for ‘Ore Refining’ or ‘Spirit Infusion,’ but he decided not to mention it. In the past, he would have offered advice freely, thinking it would be helpful, but now he knew some people might find it intrusive.

“Guild master, may I have a moment?”

As Laurent and the guild master walked, a red-haired girl with twin tails came running up.

“Oh, Lizetta, perfect timing. Please introduce yourself to him,” the guild master said, presenting her to Laurent.

“She is Lizetta, one of our promising young alchemists.”

“I’m Lizetta Roane. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

She bowed politely. Despite her plain alchemist’s work attire, she possessed a delicate and charming presence.

“This gentleman is Laurent, an executive officer of ‘Golden Hawk.'”

“Oh, you’re from that renowned adventurers’ guild?”

Her wide eyes sparkled as she looked at Laurent.

“I’ve heard that ‘Golden Hawk’ has many A-class adventurers. If you ever need equipment, please make sure to request me as your handler.”

She squeezed Laurent’s hand firmly as she spoke.

“Ah, yes… certainly…”

While saying this, Laurent felt a subtle sense of caution towards her. She was too alluring.

Despite her average build and the plain clothes she wore, there was something sensually appealing about her appearance. Her coquettish expression exuded a devilish charm.

She was undoubtedly a natural at enchanting people. Being able to captivate someone so thoroughly upon first meeting was a testament to her considerable skill. If he wasn’t careful, he might find himself agreeing to something outrageous under her influence.

Lizetta meticulously examined Laurent from head to toe.

“You have a master mage who is proficient in all forms of magic and a heavily armored knight capable of conquering dungeons alone in ‘Golden Hawk,’ correct? What kind of equipment do you use, Laurent?”

“Well, I…”

“Lizetta. Laurent is here to inspect our atelier. Save negotiations for later. I’ll also listen to your concerns afterward.”

With those words from the guild master, Lizetta, though looking displeased, reluctantly stepped back. However, she didn’t forget to address Laurent before leaving.

“Laurent, please feel free to reach out to me anytime. I’d love to hear more about your adventures as an adventurer.”

She said this with an upward glance. Laurent responded with a vague smile and parted ways with her.

Afterward, Medes led Laurent and Dylan to the most well-equipped area of the atelier. There, three young men were present.

“Let me introduce our aces. These three, along with Lizetta whom you met earlier, are called ‘The Quartet.’ They are the backbone of our atelier. Hey, you guys, we have a special guest. Come and introduce yourselves.”

At Medes’ prompting, two of the three paused their work and looked up. One was a handsome, delicate-looking man, and the other was a slightly rough-looking man with short-cropped hair.

“The one working the furnace is Charles,” said the guild master, indicating the handsome man.

“Hello,” Charles greeted.

“The one drafting the blueprints is Edgar,” the guild master continued, pointing to the short-haired man.

“Yo,” Edgar said.

“And… Raoul, we have a guest. Stop working for a moment,” Medes called out.

The last of the three, Raoul, finally turned around at the mention of his name. He glared at Laurent intensely.

“So, you’re the one from ‘Golden Hawk,’ huh?”

(I see. This guy is on a different level.)

[Raoul’s Skills]

• • • • Ore Refining: A

• • • • Product Design: A

• • • • Metal Shaping: A

• • • • Silver Crafting: A

• • • • Magical Crafting: S

(Every fundamental skill for an alchemist is at Class A. On top of that, his unique skill ‘Magical Crafting’ is at Class S. To have these skills at such a young age—he’s truly a genius.)

Laurent felt overwhelmed facing Raoul. The arrogance and confidence allowed only to geniuses were more than enough to overpower Laurent.

Raoul leaned in closer to Laurent.

“You’re Laurent, right? Listen up and remember this well. I don’t care if you’re an executive from ‘Golden Hawk’ or whatever. I have no intention of associating with small fries.”

“Hey, you, talking like that to a guest…”

“Don’t think just because you succeeded in the ‘Adventurer’s Town’ that things will go smoothly here. Adventurers from all over the world come to this island every year. From our perspective, there’s no need to make a contract with you. If you and your people are just weaklings with no decent skills or stats, I’ll have myself removed as your contact.”

“Hey, Raoul…”

“I’ll do my best to meet your expectations.”

Laurent responded with a calm smile, extending his hand for a handshake.

“…Hmph.”

Raoul reluctantly accepted the handshake.

Medes let out a sigh of relief.

“Ah, Laurent, you are quite mature for your age.”

Thus, Laurent completed his introductory meeting at ‘Dragon’s Ember,’ formed a provisional contract, and left the atelier for the day.