The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 68

Chapter 68   Blue Armor

The office door was knocked, and Lilianne paused her writing.

“Come in.”

Upon her call, Monica, Shaqma, and Euphene entered.

“You called for us, Guild Master?”

Lilianne, adopting a calm demeanor befitting a guild master, looked at each of their faces in turn. The three of them tensed up with nervousness.

“Here.”

Lilianne handed a letter to Euphene.

“This is… a letter from Laurent?”

“Yes.”

“What does it say, Euphene?” Monica asked, urging her on.

“The planned collaboration with the Alchemist Guild has fallen through. Therefore, we’ve decided to establish a new Alchemist Guild on ‘Island of the Fire Dragon.’ We need money.”

Euphene summarized the contents of the letter.

“The collaboration fell through?”

“Setting up an Alchemist Guild on ‘Island of the Fire Dragon… Does that mean Laurent won’t be coming back for a while?” Shaqma said, flustered.

“It seems so,” Lilianne sighed.

“For the time being, we must tackle dungeons and protect this guild without Laurent’s help. Therefore, I will appoint an acting captain for Laurent’s team. Euphene, you will be the acting captain. Shaqma, you will be the vice-captain.”

“Yes.”

“Understood.”

“The reconciliation between ‘Guardians of the Magic Tree’ and ‘Golden Hawk’ is progressing, but there are already some movements within ‘Golden Hawk’ opposing our actions. It may be unsettling without Laurent, but now is the time for us to show our unity. Everyone, refrain from rash actions and focus on maintaining the strength of our unit.”

“Yes.”

After leaving Lilianne’s office, Monica continued to worry about Laurent.

(Is Laurent going to be okay?)

Monica placed her hand on her chest and looked towards the sea. Although they had just been told to avoid rash actions, she was overcome with the urge to rush to Roland, who was struggling alone on ‘Island of the Fire Dragon’ without any support.

At the branch of ‘Arsenal of the Spirits,’ Laurent and his team were engaged in repeated trial and error to create armor for Elio.

“It’s no good. It’s a failure.”

Laurent said after just a slight adjustment to the finished armor.

“Huh? Why?”

“The joints aren’t bending properly. It’s a design flaw.”

“Oh, you’re right.”

“Rody, we need to redo the design from scratch.”

“Ugh, understood.”

“Aina, practice ‘Exterior Enhancement Coating’ until Rody completes the design.”

“Yes.”

Each member got to work on their respective tasks.

“Rody, about this part of the blueprint…”

Laurent pointed to a section of the diagram.

“This part requires ‘Metal Shaping A’.”

“Oh, I see.”

“‘Product Design’ can enhance the compatibility between the equipment and the user. In some cases, it can even positively affect the user’s skills and stats. However, if you don’t consider the skill level of the person doing the shaping, the equipment will have defects.”

“Wow, I never thought about that before.”

“You’ve worked on ‘Product Design’ in your previous job, right? Didn’t they tell you anything about this there?”

“No, when I drew the blueprints as taught in the training institute, they immediately marked them as unsuitable.”

“…I see.”

Laurent’s guidance seemed to solve Rody’s long-standing problem.

(So this is why I always had trouble. If I adjust it like this…)

With Laurent’s precise instruction, Rody’s skill in ‘Product Design’ improved rapidly.

(Rody’s getting there. As for Aina…)

Aina felt a tingling in her hand as she attempted to use her ‘Exterior Enhancement Coating’ skill.

(Damn, out of mana.)

Rody was still in the process of redrawing the blueprint.

(No choice. I’ll make a Sword C in the meantime.)

Aina swiftly began forging a Sword C, working alone at an impressive speed. Lautent watched her keenly.

(Aina’s forging a Sword C as if it’s just a warm-up exercise.)

Aina’s Status

Strength: 40-50

Endurance: 40-50

Agility: 70 (↑10) – 80 (↑10)

Stamina: 40 (↓) – 70

Mana: 1 (↓19) – 30 (↑20)

(Thanks to ‘Exterior Enhancement Coating,’ her mana has significantly increased. Her agility has also improved. Aina seems to thrive when she’s busy.)

“How are things going? Any issues?” Laurent asked Rody.

“Yeah, Aina’s working hard, so I can’t slack off either,” Rody replied, drawing lines on the blueprint.

(Rody seems to perform best when he’s working for someone else, not just himself.)

As Laurent tidied up, placing the used practice armor Aina had worked on onto a cart, he assessed their skills.

Aina’s Skills

‘Metal Shaping’: B → A

‘Coating’: C (↑1) → A

Rody’s Skills

‘Product Design’: C (↑1) → A

(Both of them are progressing well. With one day left until the deadline, we should make it.)

Laurent watched the two of them working diligently.

(With these two, we’re bound to create excellent equipment.)

Finally, the day of the deadline arrived, and the armor prototype was completed.

Designed with the expansion of the ‘Exterior Enhancement Coating’ in mind, the size adjustment was perfect.

Aina, having already applied the blue coating to the armor, pointed her staff at it.

(Here we go. Skill ‘Exterior Enhancement Coating.’)

As Aina chanted the support magic spell, the coating initially seemed to expand chaotically. However, it was controlled by an unseen magical force, forming and solidifying around the armor’s exterior.

A deep blue armor was completed.

“It’s done,” Aina said.

“Not yet. We can’t call it complete until we test if it actually works,” Laurent replied.

Laurent put on the armor himself.

“Lightness test, okay. No issues with the joints.”

He twisted his body and raised his arms to check the movement.

“Now for the crucial durability test.”

“Are you sure about this?” Rody asked, holding a hammer and frowning with concern.

“Yeah, give it all you’ve got.”

“Alright then… Excuse me!”

Rody swung the hammer with all his might at Laurent. A deafening impact reverberated through the atelier, but neither Laurent nor the armor he was wearing budged an inch. Instead, the hammer itself took the damage. Its head detached from the handle and flew towards Dylan, who had been observing the experiment from afar.

“Whoa, that was close!”

Dylan jumped out of the way, narrowly avoiding the flying hammerhead at his feet. Rody was stunned.

(What? Not only is the armor unscathed… the hammer broke instead.)

“Yes, the defense is perfect,” Laurent confirmed.

Blue Armor Status

• • • • Power: 70

• • • • Durability: 70 (↑20 due to ‘Coating’)

• • • • Weight: 50

• • • • Special Effect: Reflect

(Aina’s ‘Exterior Enhancement Coating’ has not only increased the durability but also added the special Reflect effect. A C-class weapon won’t leave a scratch on it.)

Aina was astonished by her own creation.

(Amazing. This is the power of my unique skill… and thanks to Laurent…)

She looked at Laurent with a sense of awe.

(I’ve only been working here for less than a month, yet I’ve managed to create such customized equipment. It’s all thanks to Laurent’s focused skill training tailored to our abilities.)

(To think things would go this smoothly… This man is truly…)

“Alright, let’s deliver this equipment to our client.”

Laurent carried the blue armor out to Elio, who was waiting outside. Stepping out of the atelier, they were met by unexpected visitors.

“Oh? Saki, and even the old man. This is rare. What brings you here?” Laurent was taken aback by their unexpected visit.

“Hello, Laurent. My grandfather insisted on coming to see this.”

“Heard that a custom piece was completed at the atelier. Couldn’t resist coming to see it myself.”

“You went out of your way to come here? Thank you. Please, take a look at what we’ve created.”

Elio put on the blue armor.

“How does it feel?”

“Not heavy at all. Actually, it’s light, despite the thick armor.”

Elio moved freely in the armor. The old man was visibly impressed.

(Well, well. It’s been a while since I’ve seen equipment that fits the wearer so perfectly. This young man is something special.)

The old man stole a glance at Laurent.

(The one who has taken over might just be an extraordinary talent. ‘Dragon’s Ember’ has ruled the island for years… but this could be interesting.)

“Is something wrong, Grandfather?”

Saki asked, curious about the old man’s unusually happy demeanor.

“No, just thinking it’s good to live a long life.”

The old man chuckled meaningfully.

Saki could only tilt her head in confusion.

The next day, the guild “Dawn Shiel” was once again taking on an ore collection quest in “Metal Line.”

“Hey, Elio. Are you really going in that armor?”

The leader, Leon, eyed Elio’s new gear skeptically.

“Are you sure about wearing armor made by some unknown alchemist? Wouldn’t it be safer to use equipment from ‘Dragon’s Ember’?”

“It’s fine. The defense and durability are guaranteed. Didn’t the guild appraiser confirm it?”

“But I’ve never seen armor like that before. Light and highly durable? Does such armor really exist?”

“Yeah, Elio. Are you sure you haven’t been scammed?”

Even Jeff, the archer, looked at the blue armor with suspicion.

“I trust him, I trust Laurent,” Elio said confidently.

“Well, so far, you’re moving really well. We’re running faster than usual, and you’re not even sweating,” noted Cecil, the thief.

“Yeah, there’s no problem with the lightness and comfort of this armor. It feels well-designed.”

“Alright. Just make sure to tell us if you sense any danger. If you die because of faulty equipment, it won’t be a laughing matter.”

“Hey, no time for chatting. Monsters ahead. There’s an ‘Armored Orc’ too,” Jeff, the archer, warned.

“Alright, I’ll take them on,” Elio said, moving swiftly to confront two ‘Armored Orcs.’

“Hey, you idiot! Don’t take on two by yourself!” Leon shouted, but it was too late.

Two clubs swung down at Elio, but instead of getting hurt, the clubs shattered upon impact.

(Great, this is working…) Elio thought.

Elio tackled the larger ‘Armored Orc,’ stabbing its side with a dagger. The orc fell to its knees.

As he prepared to tackle the second orc, a burst of flame came his way from a ‘Pteranodon.’

Elio withstood the flames, thanks to the ‘Firep Repellent Ore’ embedded in the left arm of his armor.

Leon was astonished.

(Unbelievable. That armor is so light yet so strong. Who could have forged such a masterpiece?)

(Yes, I can protect everyone with this!) Elio thought.

Elio continued to fend off the enemy’s fierce attacks, pushing them back and quickly defeating the monsters.

The group proceeded further into the dungeon.

“Elio, are you alright? That last fight looked pretty intense. Are you exhausted?” Leon asked with concern.

“I’m fine. Actually, I feel more energized than usual,” Elio replied cheerfully.

Eventually, they reached the mining site and collected a substantial amount of rare metals. With their packs full, they started their journey back.

Usually, Elio couldn’t carry much, but this time he had plenty of rare metals.

“Heh, maybe I overdid it a bit,” Elio said, grinning.

“Well, it’s been a tough time lately. It’s about time we had a good haul like this,” Leon reassured him.

“Hey, don’t get too relaxed. We’re not home yet. We’re prime targets for the Thieves’ Guild on the way back. Speak of the devil, here come the ‘White Wolves,'” Jeff warned, using his skill ‘Far Sight’ to spot the approaching enemy.

The ‘White Wolves’ quickly noticed them and prepared to attack.

“Look, it’s ‘Dawn’s Shield,'” one of the ‘White Wolves’ said.

“Those idiots are out collecting rare metals again. What fools,” another sneered.

“According to Jamil, their shield bearer is the weak point, right?” one suggested.

“Wait, something’s different. That guy’s wearing some unfamiliar blue armor,” one observed.

“Doesn’t matter. Let’s get them,” the leader ordered.

‘Dawn’s Shield’ readied themselves for battle.

“Damn, they spotted us. Just our luck,” Leon muttered.

“Don’t worry. I’ll protect everyone and the loot with this armor,” Elio said confidently.

With newfound agility, Elio closed in on the ‘White Wolves’ vanguard.

“Fool. You’re walking right into a trap,” a ‘White Wolf’ taunted, thrusting his sword at Elio.

It was a powerful B-class greatsword, but it shattered on impact with Elio’s armor.

“What the…?” the ‘White Wolf’ gasped in disbelief.

Elio swung his shield and struck the thief, knocking him out.

“Ugh!”

“What the hell is with this guy’s armor?!”

“Our attacks aren’t getting through at all!”

As the ‘White Wolves’ panicked, Jeff found the perfect position to shoot arrows from, while Leon engaged in close combat. Meanwhile, the thief Cecil positioned herself behind Elio, ready to cast healing magic if necessary.

“Damn it, we can’t hold out any longer!” one of the ‘White Wolves’ shouted.

“Retreat! Fall back! It’s not worth the risk!” their leader commanded.

The ‘White Wolves’ withdrew, leaving Elio and his team victorious without losing a single item. They exited the dungeon and returned to the city.

The next day, Elio visited ‘Dragon’s Ember.’ Coincidentally, Edgar was being reprimanded by Raoul in the hallway about the contract renewal.

“Edgar, you’re the only one who hasn’t met the quota this month. Are you sure you have the sales lined up?” Raoul questioned sternly.

“Don’t worry. I’ve got it under control,” Edgar replied confidently.

“Do you have a specific plan?” Raoul pressed.

“There’s that shield bearer from ‘Dawn’s Shield,’ right? If he renews his contract, I’ll meet my quota,” Edgar explained.

“Those guys?” Raoul said with a concerned look.

He had heard that ‘Dawn’s Shield’ hadn’t been performing well lately.

“That shield bearer will definitely renew the contract, right?”

“Leave it to me. ‘Dawn’s Shield’ explores all the way to ‘Metal Line,’ so they have no choice but to rely on our equipment.”

“Alright then. Just don’t screw this up.”

“Edgar! Elio from ‘Dawn’s Shield’ is here!” called the receptionist.

“Speak of the devil,” Edgar said, heading to the reception area to meet Elio.

“Elio, you’re late,” Edgar greeted.

“Sorry, I couldn’t give you an answer until the last minute,” Elio apologized.

“You’re a tough one, Elio. Making us worry until the very last moment about the contract renewal. So, have you decided on the renewal?” Edgar asked, already assuming the answer as he grinned.

He had already prepared the armor left with him for the renewal.

“Yeah, I’ve decided,” Elio said with a bright smile.

“I’m not renewing the contract. Thanks for everything. Goodbye.”

Elio turned and left, leaving Edgar stunned.