The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 63

Chapter 63   Establishment of the Arsenal of the Spirits branch

“I’m sorry, Laurent. I never imagined it would turn out like this.”

Dylan spoke apologetically.

Having been banned from ‘Dragon’s Ember,’ the two were returning to Laurent’s inn by carriage.

“No, it’s not your fault.”

“But what now? At this rate, we won’t be able to support the adventurers from ‘Golden Hawk’ when they arrive on the island. Should we try another alchemy guild?”

“No, let’s not. I’ve been investigating the alchemy guilds on this island over the past few days…”

Laurent took out his notes and reviewed them.

“As you said, no other alchemy guild besides ‘Dragon’s Ember can handle the maintenance of the ‘Dragon Slayer Hammer’.”

“Then what do we do? Are we giving up?”

“Not a chance.”

(I promised the guild I would secure a partnership. I can’t go back empty-handed.)

“Dylan, instead of looking for a partnership, I want you to find a guild we can buy out.”

“Buy out?”

“Yes, since we couldn’t find a satisfactory guild, we’ll have to grow one ourselves. We’ll buy a local alchemy guild and develop it. Dylan, can you compile a list of alchemy guilds that we could potentially acquire?”

“Of course, I’ll gladly help with that. But are you sure about this? Developing a guild yourself means going up against ‘Dragon’s Ember. They already have a dominant presence on this island. Do we stand a chance?”

“Yes. Over the past few days, I’ve assessed the equipment of the town’s adventurers and the work of the alchemists in ‘Dragon’s Ember. The way their alchemists work is inefficient, and there are gaps in the market that we can exploit. I believe there’s an opportunity.”

“Really? I didn’t see it that way…”

“That’s because you were looking at it normally.”

(But my appraisal skills have detected it. There are definite weaknesses in ‘Dragon’s Ember and the market on this island.)

Over the past few days, Laurent had been observing the equipment of adventurers in the town, and he noticed something peculiar.

Everyone’s equipment was excessively worn out.

This was strange given the high skill level of the alchemists; such rapid wear and tear on equipment was unusual.

“Of course, it won’t be easy. On this island, far from Adventurers’ Town, it’s difficult to receive support from ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ or ‘Golden Hawk’. We need to focus on local operations.”

“I understand. If you’re that determined, let’s do it. I’ll start looking into the alchemy guilds on this island.”

“Yeah, please. I’ll search for talented alchemists.”

Laurent went to the post office and wrote letters to Lilianne, Ranju, and Alric, informing them that due to the breakdown of the partnership, his stay on the island would be longer than planned and additional funds would be necessary.

Then he went to the island’s quest reception and posted a recruitment notice for alchemists.

Regarding the acquisition of a guild, they were fortunate to quickly secure a workshop atelier on the outskirts of town that was looking for a buyer.

Attached to the back was a dining hall that offered cheap meals to adventurers from small guilds.

This venerable alchemy guild had been on ‘Fire Dragon Island’ for many years, but the only alchemist running the workshop was elderly and preparing to retire with no successor, and they were contemplating closure.

“Oh, it’s you, the one who’s going to take over this workshop atelier.”

The elderly alchemist spoke with a smile on his wrinkled face.

“You’re a lifesaver. Other than grandpa, there’s no one else here who can use alchemy.”

The alchemist’s granddaughter said (she managed the dining hall at the back with her parents).

“For us as well, starting from scratch is tough, so we’re grateful to take over a guild that is well-regarded locally.”

“It’s not that grand. I only kept it going because my old business partners asked me to. Thanks to you, I’ll finally be able to rest.”

Laurent added a new sign to the entrance of the workshop atelier, which now read ‘Arsenal of the Spirit’s.’

Thus, a branch of the ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’ was born.

While Laurent was establishing the Arsenal of the Spirit’s branch, Medes once again welcomed Gilbert to the workshop atelier.

“I apologize for the trouble of coming here multiple times.”

“No, no, it’s not a big deal. So, what happened with Laurent after that?”

“Rest assured. I firmly rejected any cooperation with him and made it clear that he is not to come near this workshop atelier.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes, I can’t trust anything he says.”

“You’ve made a wise decision.”

“So then, regarding our request…”

“Of course, I will place the order. Since ‘Dragon’s Ember’ has cut ties with Laurent, there’s no reason to hesitate. I’ll recommend to my superiors that we proceed with the transaction immediately.”

“Thank you. That’s a relief to hear.”

“By the way, if I may ask, what has become of Laurent since then? Not that I doubt you, but just to be cautious of his actions.”

“Oh, Laurent? I hear he bought an alchemy guild on this island.”

“What!? He bought a guild?”

“Yes, I don’t know what he’s planning, but I doubt he can achieve much.”

“I see…”

Gilbert appeared to ponder for a moment.

“Is something the matter?”

“No, Medes, if you wouldn’t mind, could you keep me informed if you hear anything about Laurent?”

“Well, I don’t mind, but…”

“I’m quite cautious by nature. I want to eliminate any potential threats. You never know what scum like him might do if you take your eyes off them. It’s important to keep a close watch.”

Gilbert’s eyes darkened as he spoke.

While Laurent was setting up the Arsenal of the Spirit’s branch, he continued gathering information.

“In the Adventurers’ Town, Lily provided me with jobs, so making equipment for the Guardians of the Magic Tree was enough. But here, without any connections, I’ll have to find buyers for the equipment myself. I need to gather more information.”

After investigating the history of the island’s dungeons and adventurer guilds, Laurent discovered the following:

1. 1. 1. 1. Unlike the dungeons in the Adventurers’ Town, which existed in a different dimension, the dungeons on this island are extensions of the real world and share the same timeline.

1. 1. 1. 1. Nearly 70% of the alchemy demand on Fire Dragon Island comes from adventurers visiting from outside the island.

1. 1. 1. 1. Unlike the Adventurers’ Town, player-killing (PK) is allowed within the island’s dungeons.

The island is rich in rare ores such as Fire Repellent Ore (Fire Rest), Ice Repellent Ore (Ice Rest), and Wind Repellent Ore (Wind Rest). Additionally, the massive fire dragon Grand Fafnir frequently appears, attracting powerful adventurers from the four continents to mine these ores.

However, unlike the Adventurers’ Town, the allowance of PK within dungeons is not widely known. Originally, PK was prohibited, but local adventurer guilds continued to mug adventurers from outside the island, regardless of regulations. Due to persistent complaints from local guilds about losing resources to external guilds, the administration eventually allowed PK within dungeons. However, causing harm to those who surrender their items and equipment is still prohibited.

This led to PK becoming a major industry for local guilds to compete against external guilds. However, it also resulted in the fragile local adventurer guilds destroying each other, making it difficult for large guilds to grow.

“I see. This explains why most adventurer guilds on this island are small and why their equipment wears out so quickly. It’s because they’re constantly destroying each other’s gear through PK. The abundance of thieves in the tavern makes sense now.”

Having gathered this information, Laurent stood up in the library.

“PK among adventurers, rare ores, powerful guilds from outside the island, and unique dungeons. This is entirely different from the Adventurers’ Town. This won’t be easy.”

Laurent returned to the workshop atelier after finishing his research. The alchemists who had applied to join the guild were likely already there for interviews.

“To outmaneuver Dragon’s Ember and establish a base here, I need more than just talent. I need someone with unique skills.”

Laurent assessed the skills of the first applicant, a man named Largif Glenn.

“I’m Largif Glenn, applying for the position of metal forming.”

Skills:

• • • • Ore Refining: C → A

• • • • Metal Forming: D → B

• • • • Silversmithing: D → C

• • • • Product Design: C → B

“His Ore Refining could reach A, but this won’t be enough to compete with Dragon’s Ember.”

Laurent concluded the interview quickly and moved on to the next candidate.

The next interviewee was a lively and cheerful girl with her hair tied back.

“I’m Aina Burke. My dream is to have my own atelier one day.”

Unique Skill of Aina Burke

• • • • Exterior Enhancement Coating: E → A

(I’ve found someone with a unique skill. And moreover…)

Skills of Aina Burke

• • • • Metal Forming: C → A

• • • • Workshop Management: C → A

(She has the potential for both Metal Forming and Workshop Management to reach A in the future. She could become a central figure in the atelier.)

“We prioritize supporting adventurers over profit. Ultimately, we aim to produce A-class adventurers with our equipment.”

“Producing A-class adventurers! That’s amazing.”

“If you join us, you’ll acquire the skills to create A-class equipment. How about it? Would you like to work at the Arsenal of the Spirits?”

“Yes, I’d love to!”

Aside from her, there were no particularly noteworthy applicants that day.

The next day, Laurent promptly showed the newly hired Aina around the atelier.

Aina looked around curiously as she was led into the workshop.

Besides Laurent and Aina, there was no one else in the workshop.

“We’ve just started, so you’re the only worker for now, but we’ll add more people as soon as we find the right candidates.”

“I see. So, what’s my job?”

“Come with me.”

Laurent guided Aina to a workbench.

“This will be your workbench.”

“Wow. This is my workbench.”

The bench, though old and well-used, was solidly built.

It bore numerous scratches and impact marks, evidence of enduring rough tasks over the years.

Aina knocked on the bench and shook it slightly to check its stability.

“Yeah. It’s a bit old, but it’s sturdy. I think I can make something good with it.”

“For today’s job, I’ll have you do some metal forming. Here we go.”

Laurent opened a box stacked beside the workbench and took out a lump of iron.

He placed it on the workbench and performed an item appraisal.

“Alright. It’s C-class iron as ordered. Now, I need you to forge this iron into ten swords with at least 50 power and 50 toughness.”

“A sword defined as C-class by quest common standards, right?”

“Exactly. We deliver ten of these C-class swords daily to a weapons shop we’re contracted with. So, you’ll need to make them every day. Can you handle that?”

“Leave it to me. I’m really good at metal forming.”

Aina promptly took out her favorite hammer and stood in front of the workbench.

(Alright. Here we go. Skill: Metal Forming!)

As Aina activated her skill, several points of light appeared on the iron lump.

She struck the glowing points with her hammer, and with a resounding clang, the iron lump began to change shape.

“Haa!”

Aina continued to strike the iron lump repeatedly.

Gradually, the iron took the form of a sword.

“It’s done.”

“Oh, it’s finished. Let me see.”

Laurent appraised the completed sword.

Sword Stats

• • • • Power: 55

• • • • Toughness: 52

• • • • Weight: 50

“Great. Both power and toughness are over 50.”

“Yes! I did it!”

“It looks like you’ll be fine. Now, I have a meeting with some suppliers. Can I leave this place in your hands?”

“Yes, leave it to me.”

When Laurent returned from his meeting with the suppliers, he noticed that there were now three completed C-class swords.

(Already finished three swords? She’s fast.)

Aina’s Stats

• • • • Agility: 60-70

(Her high agility makes her work quickly. But it’s not just that. Is she working on two swords at once?)

Laurent noticed that Aina’s workflow was different.

She had two pieces of iron for swords on the workbench and was hammering them simultaneously.

The sword-making process is divided into three stages:

1. 1. 1. 1. Consolidating separate pieces of iron.

1. 1. 1. 1. Roughly shaping the iron.

1. 1. 1. 1. Finely shaping the iron.

However, she seemed to be doing stages 1 and 2 simultaneously for two swords.

“Ah, Laurent.”

Aina noticed Laurent and paused her work to approach him.

“There were some D-class and E-class irons mixed in with the C-class iron basket, so I sorted them out.”

In a shabby box, there were pieces of noticeably lower-quality iron.

“Oh, thank you. That helps a lot.”

“You’re welcome.”

Aina resumed her work on the C-class swords. She had roughly shaped one sword and now moved to the finer shaping stage.

(She even sorted out the low-quality iron. Her work is fast, she figures out efficient methods on her own, and she goes beyond the tasks given to her. So far, she’s doing exceptionally well.)

As Laurent listened to the metallic sounds created by Aina, he began organizing some documents.

While working, he continued to observe her progress.

(So far, there are no issues. At this rate, her skills will naturally improve as she continues with the tasks. However…)

Suddenly, Laurent sensed someone’s presence nearby. He turned to see a young girl standing there.

It was Saki, the poster girl from the restaurant out front.

“Here, please help yourselves. There’s some for the person working over there as well.”

She offered a teapot and teacups.

“Thank you very much. Sorry for the trouble.”

“No, no, just having you use the workshop is a great help. We didn’t know what to do with it after my grandfather could no longer work.”

Saki handed a cup of tea to Laurent and stood by, watching Aina’s work with him.

It seemed she had some free time during this period.

“She’s amazing, isn’t she? Handling such a heavy hammer like that.”

“Yes. For now, there are no issues, but…”

As they watched, Aina’s movements started to slow down.

It was during the production of the sixth sword.

“Damn it…”

Eventually, Aina struggled even to lift the hammer.

Laurent assessed her stats.

Aina’s Stats

• • • • Power: 20 (↓20) – 50

(Her power is dropping drastically. Unnaturally so. This must be…)

Aina’s Stats

• • • • Power: 20 – 50

• • • • Toughness: 1 (↓19) – 30

• • • • Agility: 60 – 70

• • • • Stamina: 40 – 70

(As I thought. Her weakness is toughness.)

Soon, Aina’s stamina hit its limit, and she nearly collapsed to her knees.

(Oh no, dizziness…)

As Aina began to wobble, she felt someone supporting her shoulder.

“You okay?”

“Oh, Laurent…”

“Take a break. I’ll handle the cleanup.”

“Sorry, I suddenly got really tired.”

“No worries. Everyone has days like that.”

Aina sat down on a nearby chair to catch her breath. Laurent continued cleaning up the workstation while assessing her stats further.

Aina’s Stats

• • • • Toughness: 1 – 30 → 60 – 70

(Her final toughness range is 60 – 70. That’s sufficient for an alchemist specializing in metal shaping. But simply working hard won’t increase it. What are the conditions for improving her toughness?)

Conditions for Increasing Aina’s Toughness

• • • • Produce 10 C-class swords within a day.

• • • • Continue this for five days.

(Ten C-class swords for five days. She’s stopping at the sixth sword. Forcing her to complete the task is one option, but…)

Laurent observed Aina. Despite drinking a potion, she was still exhausted and clearly couldn’t lift the hammer any longer.

(Today, she’s reached her limit. Pushing her further will affect her performance tomorrow. But without making ten swords in a day, her toughness won’t increase. To resolve this dilemma…)

Laurent pondered the situation, searching for a solution.