The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 70

Chapter 70   The Great Alliance

“Alright. Get the ship into port quickly. We’re off to hunt the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir.’ I’m itching to unleash the power of my ‘Dragonhead Gauntlet’!”

“Captain, your skills are in top condition, but your equipment needs maintenance.”

“What? Is that so?”

“Of course. We’ve been on this ship for a month, and it’s been exposed to the sea breeze the whole time.”

“In that case, we need ‘Dragon’s Ember.’ It’s time to visit the world’s greatest alchemist, Raoul Bartley! It’s been a while since I last saw him. Let’s hope his skills haven’t rusted.”

“It’s not possible. They’re closed for the night (and we can’t dock at night). We’ll drop anchor tonight and enter the port in the morning.”

“Ah, I can’t wait. I want to test my strength against ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir’ as soon as possible!”

The following morning, the guild ‘Guardians of the Magic Institute’ docked at ‘Fire Dragon Island.’

“Alright. You all ready? We’re heading to ‘Dragon’s Ember.’ Watch out for the street thieves; don’t let them pick your pockets.”

Fully armed with magical weapons and armor, bearing their guild’s crest, and draped in their symbolically colored purple cloaks, they marched grandly down the main street.

The town’s residents lined up to see this unusual spectacle, turning the main street into a parade.

“Hey, Sein. Why are we going in full gear just to visit an alchemist guild?”

“To make sure the people of this island see and remember our guild’s might.”

“Isn’t this overdoing it? It looks like a parade.”

“Fool. First impressions are everything. If we’re underestimated, it’s over.”

Jamil and Rodo of the ‘White Wolves’ watched the parade from the crowd. Not content with just marching, Sein stood on the central stage in the town square and began to address the crowd.

“I am Sein Orbestar, captain of the third unit of the guild ‘Guardians of the Magic Institute.’ Hearing this, you might think, ‘The Guardians of the Magic Institute failed to hunt the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir’ last year,’ or ‘Last year, the first unit came, but this year it’s the third unit.’ But worry not. I’ve honed my skills and returned stronger to this island.”

Sein raised the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlet’ toward the sky. Flames burst from the hole in the gauntlet’s palm, creating a towering pillar of fire. The audience gasped at the spectacle of flames shooting skyward.

“Oh, what power!”

“Isn’t it even more impressive than the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir’?”

“This looks promising.”

“Please, hero. Save us!”

“Did you see that? With my ‘Dragonhead Gauntlet,’ I can pierce the thick scales of the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir’ in a single blow. Your troubles with this monstrous dragon end today. Unlike those other guilds who just ravage the dungeons, take your resources, and leave without a trace, we promise to rid you of this menace.”

Sein pointed to the peak of the volcano.

“There lies the S-class monster, the ‘Giantc Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir.’ I vow to defeat it and bring eternal peace to you all.”

The crowd erupted in cheers. Recently, visiting guilds would often pillage the resources and leave, without contributing anything to the town. It had been a long time since an adventurer’s guild explicitly stated they would fight for the locals.

“Tch, he’s got some impressive gear,” Jamil muttered as he stood among the crowd, scrutinizing their status one by one.

“They’re all B-class or higher. Their weapons are adorned with magical enhancements. Their skills in both weaponry and magic are top-notch. Especially that guy…”

Sein Orbestar’s Status:

• • • • Power: 80

• • • • Toughness: 80

• • • • Agility: 80

• • • • Stamina: 120

• • • • Magic: 120

“His base stats are exceptionally high, and his magic power is top-tier. He must have some incredible skills too.”

“How did they manage to gather so many magical knights? It’s rare to find someone skilled in both magic and weaponry.”

“In the ‘City of Mages,’ there’s the Magic Institute, considered the highest authority in magic studies. Scholars from all over the world come there to research magic. Every resident is required to study magic from a young age.”

“A place advanced in magic, then.”

“Moreover, to join the ‘Guardians of the Magic Institute’ guild, you need to wield weapons adorned with magic sigils. They don’t have a clear division of roles like vanguard or rearguard. Every one of them is a warrior proficient with swords, shields, and bows, as well as a mage adept in magic.”

“A tough opponent to fight against.”

“Relax. This is our island, and it’s an away game for them. We’ll make them regret stepping into our territory.”

“Shh. It looks like he’s got more to say.”

Sein continued his address to the crowd.

Sein continued his speech to the crowd.

“Some of you may be worried that we lack knowledge about the ‘Volcano Dungeon.’ However, we are not foolish enough to attempt to defeat an S-class monster on our own. We propose to form a grand alliance, seeking wide cooperation with the island’s adventurer guilds.”

The crowd buzzed with excitement.

“A grand alliance?”

“What is that?”

“What does a grand alliance mean?”

One of the crowd members asked Sein.

“A grand alliance means that we, the ‘Guardians of the Magic Institute,’ will join forces with all the guilds on the island, uniting to defeat the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir.'”

“What are the qualifications for joining this grand alliance?”

“There are none. There will be no exclusion based on guild size or skill level. Every guild on the island is welcome to participate.”

The crowd erupted in cheers once more, their hopes rising that these might be the heroes capable of defeating the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir.’

Contrary to the crowd’s enthusiastic response, Jamil and his companions smirked cynically.

“A grand alliance, huh? What do you think? Should we join them to take down the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir’?”

“No way.”

“Hmm? It looks like they’re moving now.”

“Towards ‘Dragon’s Embers.'”

“Let’s hide. It’s too soon to let them see our faces.”

“We’ll meet them for the first time in the dungeon.”

“In the killing ground, right. Hahaha.”

They blended into the crowd, hiding themselves from view.

Laurent, mingling with the crowd, was also evaluating their skills and statuses.

(“Guardians of the Magic Institute,” huh? One of the top magic knight guilds from the “Western Continent.” The rumors were true. Each of them has impressive magic power and stats. And in addition…)

Status of the “Flame Sword”

• • • • Power: 80

• • • • Durability: 80

• • • • Special Effect: Flame Enhancement

Status of the “Fireball Shield”

• • • • Power: 80

• • • • Durability: 80

• • • • Special Effect: Flame Nullification

(Their equipment, enhanced with magical effects. Even Aina’s “Exterior Enhancement Coating” with its Reflect effect wouldn’t be necessary for them.)

The magic knights were heading towards “Dragon’s Embers.”

(So, they’re heading to “Dragon’s Embers.” A powerful squad of magic knights and a world-renowned alchemist group. If they work well together, they indeed make the strongest combination. But… how will it turn out?)

As Laurent and the members of “White Wolf” closely monitored the movements of the “Guardians of the Magic Institute,” a girl was also keenly observing their actions. Her name was Karla, a native of the island. Her eyes, as she watched Sein and his group, were filled with an emotion akin to boiling hatred.

“Welcome, members of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Institute,'” Medes and Raoul greeted the group from the “Guardians of the Magic Institute” as they arrived at the atelier of “Dragon’s Embers.”

“Hey, Medes. How have you been?” Sein cheerfully called out.

“Thanks to you, I’ve been well.”

“Sein, you haven’t broken the ‘DragonHead Gauntlet ‘ I made, have you?”

“Raoul? Don’t worry. Look, it’s still in perfect condition.”

Sein rolled up his sleeve and proudly displayed the “DragonHead Gauntlet.”

“Actually, my skills have improved, and now I can handle it even better than before. However, the sea voyage was a bit too long. I need maintenance done.”

Sein unclasped the “DragonHead Gauntlet” and handed it to Raoul.

“Hmph.”

“Everyone else, please hand over your equipment to the staff. We will take full responsibility for the maintenance.”

“Alright. Once you’ve handed over your equipment, you can relax. Medes, shall we move on to the business discussion?”

Sein, Arl, Medes, and Raoul moved to a room for the business discussion and gathered around a table.

Sein placed a hefty bag full of gold coins on the table.

“There are about 20 million gold coins here. That should cover the maintenance fees for a while, right?”

“Yes, of course. We will gratefully accept it.”

“Now, to the main point, we are here to target the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir.'”

“Oh, the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir’…”

“Yes, I announced it in the square as well. We need your support, especially since we are not familiar with this land. We would like continuous information.”

“Naturally, we will fully cooperate with you.”

“May I ask something?” Arl spoke up for the first time.

“We want to know about the movements of the thieves’ guild ‘White Wolf.’ Are you still supporting them?”

“Regarding that matter…”

Medes sighed with a troubled expression.

“We want to cut ties with them as well. However, they are still the largest adventurer guild in the area. We can’t easily sever our relationship.”

“So, even while we are in the dungeon, you will continue to provide them with weapons and services?”

“…That’s correct.”

“Can you stop doing that?”

“Hmm?”

“We already have to fight the formidable ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir.’ We can’t afford to be threatened from behind as well.”

“But still…”

“I’m not saying you have to cut ties forever. Just while we are in the dungeon…”

“Hey, watch your mouth.”

Raoul spoke up.

“We can trade with whoever we want. It’s none of your business to interfere.”

“Hey, Raoul… they’re our customers…”

“Besides, aren’t you the top guild in the ‘Western Continent’? And you’re scared of a mere thieves’ guild? Or are you saying that even with my ‘DragonHead Gauntlet,’ you can’t handle a bunch of thieves?”

“….”

“If you keep that attitude, we can just cancel the deal.”

“Raoul…”

“Exactly, Arl. Why are you being so timid? These thieves can’t even scratch our magic-imbued armor. Guild Master, Raoul, you needn’t worry. We won’t be foolish enough to be tripped up by thieves. We will defeat the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir,’ obtain rare metals, and eliminate the thieves.”

“Hmph, that’s the spirit. Arl, did you get that?”

“With the captain saying that, as vice-captain, I have nothing more to say. I understand. I won’t say anything more. Just to be sure, please ensure that no favors are given to the thieves’ guild to the extent of tampering with our equipment.”

“Don’t underestimate us. We are an alchemy guild. We never neglect our duties, regardless of our clients.”

Medes said.

“That’s good to hear.”

“Now, let’s end this stiff business talk. Let’s have a handshake and make up. Come on, you too. Alright. Since we can’t enter the dungeon today, let’s gather information and head to the tavern. We’ll drink our fill.”

“Sein-chan, don’t go overboard.”

“Stop calling me ‘Sein-chan’! Alright, let’s go.”

“Okay, okay.”

Medes and Raoul watched as they left.

“Good grief, what optimistic guys.”

“They said they were going to defeat the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir.’ Hmph, let’s hope it’s not just talk.”

“Raoul, make sure the ‘DragonHead Gauntlet’ is perfectly maintained. You’re the only one who can handle it.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“An ‘Earthcraft’ gathering quest?”

Leon was bewildered by Laurent’s suggestion.

“Yes, I think now is the perfect opportunity,” Laurent responded.

Leon scratched his head.

“Listen, Laurent. Right now, the adventurer guilds on this island are split in two. Some are siding with the Grand Alliance, while others are opposing it.”

“I know,” Laurent acknowledged.

“Then why an ‘Earthcraft’ gathering quest?”

“To enhance our endurance capabilities.”

“Endurance capabilities?”

“Yes. From what I’ve observed, the small guilds on this island have issues with their endurance in the dungeon.”

“……”

“Because iron, silver, and even rare metals are easily accessible here, the adventurer guilds on this island underestimate the value of ‘Earthcraft.’ Everyone is focused on the Grand Alliance proposed by the ‘Guardians of the Magic Institute.’ Now is the time to leverage the agility of small guilds. The thieves’ guild is likely focused on the ‘Guardians of the Magic Institute.’ While other guilds are distracted, we should put our effort into the ‘Earthcraft’ gathering quest…”

“Laurent, you might not know this since you’re from outside the island, but the ones who come here are the representative guilds and elite units from each continent. They are chosen groups. Every time they come to this island, they strip it of its rare metals and then leave. This time will be no different.”

“……”

“As a small guild, we have to ingratiate ourselves with them to get even a scrap of the leftovers. It may seem pathetic, but that’s the reality for small guilds like us.”

“Leon, you don’t have to be so dismissive.”

Elio interjected into their conversation.

“Laurent’s suggestion has some merit…”

“And besides,” Leon interrupted Elio and continued.

“We’ve already received orders from the guild. We’re to support the ‘Guardians of the Magic Institute.’ With the guild’s directive in place, there’s nothing more we can do.”

With that, Leon left the “Arsenal of the Spirits.”

“Sorry, Laurent. I can’t help you,” Elio said apologetically.

“No, I’m the one who should apologize for making such a tough request. Now, go on. You’ve got preparations to make, right?”

“…”

With a look of regret, Elio left the atelier.

“The ‘Dawn Shield’ turned us down too,” Dylan sighed.

Laurent and Dylan had already approached several guilds about taking on the ‘Earthcraft’ gathering quest, but they had all declined.

“It seems the people on this island have lost quite a bit of confidence,” Laurent observed.

“Yeah, that’s not something that can be fixed overnight.”

(The mere presence of large guilds from outside the island has led to this situation. But what can we do? At this rate, we’ll miss a golden opportunity.)

Laurent gritted his teeth.

(Is there no adventurer guild with the resolve to take down something as formidable as the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir’…?)

“Hey, is this the ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’?”

Laurent was startled by a sudden voice from a young girl.

“And you are…?”

【Karla Grazia’s Skills】

Swordsmanship: C → A

Shadow Strike: D → A

Item Seizure: E → A

(This… She has A-class potential in both ‘Shadow Strike’ and ‘Item Seizure.’ An A-class thief’s talents!)

“I am Karla Grazia. I need you to forge this sword so that it can defeat the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir.'”