The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 74

Chapter 74   The Dragon Pierces the Sky

By the time the Great Alliance reached the “Metal Line,” weapon development for Hans and his team was steadily progressing at the “Arsenal of the Spirits.”

Aina was diligently working on the “external enhancement coating” for the bows and arrows, recalling Laurent’s instructions.

“Lightweight and high-powered bows and arrows… you say?”

“Yes. Hans and his team are archers with B-class potential. However, they are still in development. They don’t yet have the power to take down enemies with a single shot and can’t receive support from shield bearers. Thus, they adopt a hit-and-away strategy, which requires minimizing their agility consumption.”

Laurent wrote Hans and his team’s stats on the blackboard.

“As you can see, their strength ranges from about 40 to 60, which is C-class. Currently, they are using bows weighing 40, but we aim to create bows weighing 30.”

“Thirty in weight…”

“That would significantly reduce power and durability, wouldn’t it?”

“That’s where Aina’s ‘external enhancement coating’ comes in.”

Laurent wrote down the desired specs for the bows and arrows.

[Bow and Arrow]

Power: 60 (↑20)

Durability: 60 (↑20)

Weight: 30

The increases are due to the ‘external enhancement coating’.

“A weight of 30… that makes it D-class.”

“And to have a bow with power 60 and durability 60. That would be B-class. You’re proposing quite an ambitious spec again,” Rody said, astonished.

“But on the flip side, it suggests that even D-class adventurers could potentially equip B-class gear. And with Aina’s unique skill, ‘External Enhancement Coating,’ it should be possible.”

“But my ‘External Enhancement Coating’ can only boost one type of stat. Blue for durability, red for power.”

“True, normal weapons can only have one stat boosted. But bows and arrows are different. What if you applied blue coating to the bow and red coating to the arrows?”

“Oh!”

“I see. That way, both power and durability could be enhanced.”

“Exactly. So, Aina, you’ll need to upgrade your ‘External Enhancement Coating’ skill again. Rody, you’ll work on designing the bow and arrows to meet these requirements.”

“Understood!”

Aina aimed her support magic staff at the red-coated arrow in front of her.

(Here goes. ‘External Enhancement Coating’!)

As Aina chanted the spell, the red paint began to swell.

Aina carefully controlled it.

Thus, an arrow imbued with significant power was completed.

(Now the power should be increased…)

The red arrow gleamed sharply.

Aina cautiously touched the arrow with sturdy gloves.

“!”

The gloves tore just from a slight touch.

“It’s no good. I can’t handle it.”

(After three days of working on the power-enhancing ‘External Enhancement Coating’ since Laurent instructed me, I managed to get it right. But at this rate, it will hurt the user.)

“Aina, how’s it going?”

“Oh, Laurent. Well, the ‘External Enhancement Coating’ went well, but…”

“Hmm, I see.”

[Arrow Stats]

Power: 20 (↑20)

“Yes, the power has definitely increased. Well done.”

“But, um… it looks like it might also hurt the archer.”

“I see. That’s a valid concern.”

Laurent pondered for a moment.

“Can you apply the ‘External Enhancement Coating’ only to the arrowheads? That way, at least the hand drawing the bowstring will be protected.”

“Oh, I see. But then the bow hand won’t be covered, will it?”

“We can protect that with gloves. Regular gloves enhanced with the blue ‘External Enhancement Coating’ should provide sufficient durability.”

“I see, that makes sense.”

“Can you get started on that?”

“Yes!”

[Aina’s Unique Skill]

External Enhancement Coating: B (↑ 1 Rank)

(With more experience, Aina’s ‘External Enhancement Coating’ has risen to B class. It seems like that’s not going to be a problem.)

Once Laurent confirmed that Aina’s work was proceeding without issues, he moved over to Rody.

Rody was testing the feel of a bow model he had constructed based on his designs.

“Rody, how’s it coming along?”

“Oh, Laurent. I’ve made good progress on the anti-air specialization you requested. Want to try it out?”

“Sure, let’s see. … I see, it’s easier to aim upward.”

“Right? I’m confident about this one.”

“Rody, can I ask you something?”

“Hmm, Aina? What’s up?”

“Laurent suggested a change in how to apply the ‘External Enhancement Coating’ to the arrows. I need you to modify this part of the design…”

“Okay, no problem. I’ll take care of it.”

[Roddy’s Skill]

Product Design: B (↑ 1 Rank)

(Rody’s skill has also risen a rank to B. At this rate, we should be able to finish everything before Hans and the others return.)

“Laurent!”

“Hm? Saki, what’s up?”

“Hans and his team have arrived!”

“Oh, they’re back. I’ll be right there.”

After three days of exploration, Hans and his team returned in a completely worn-out state.

Laurent immediately assessed their stats.

[Hans Bergamot’s Stats]

Agility: 70-80

[Claire Bergamot’s Stats]

Agility: 60-70

[Alice Bergamot’s Stats]

Agility: 80-90

(All their agility stats are within a margin of 10 and are above B class. That’s sufficient.)

“How do we look, Laurent? Is our agility up to the level needed for the new equipment?”

“Yes. You’ve all improved remarkably. You seem like completely different people compared to a few days ago. What kind of magic did you use?”

“Heh, nothing special. We just followed the training regimen you gave us. If any magic was involved, it was yours.”

“Even just dealing small amounts of damage bit by bit, we managed to hunt something down. Here we go.”

Alice pulled out scales and bones of a “Pterosaur” from her item bag.

“You hunted a Pterosaur?”

Laurent was slightly surprised.

(Defeating a dragon-type creature with the attack power of these three must have been a tremendous challenge. If they managed that on their own, it’s an impressive achievement.)

Laurent glanced at their boots.

The boots were completely worn out and tattered.

(They completed the training I assigned them with a life-or-death determination.)

“Alright, we’ve shown results. You’ve prepared our weapons properly, haven’t you?”

“Of course. I’ve got special weapons ready for you, ‘Pegasus Archers.’ They should be just about finished…”

“Laurent, the new equipment is ready,” Aina said, poking her head out from the workshop.

“Great. Let’s get you all geared up.”

Laurent led Hans and his team into the workshop.

“These are your custom weapons, the ‘Red Arrow Sekishi ‘ and Dragon Pierces the Sky Ryuu.’ They’re designed to protect you from dragon fire and pierce their thick hides.”

“This is…”

Hans and his team each took hold of a bow and arrow.

The bows were embedded with large ‘Fire Absorbing Gemstones’ called Firefrut.

[Sekishi Arrows and Ryuu Bows Stats]

Power: 60 (↑20)

Durability: 60 (↑20)

Weight: 30

Special Effects: Piercing, Fire Absorption, Anti-Air Enhancement

Note: The increased stats are due to ‘External Enhancement Coating.’

While Hans and his team were receiving the ‘ Ryuu Bows,’ the great alliance was progressing through the ‘Metal Line.’

They were attacked by two Fire Dragons, a Rock Ogre, and ten Lizardmen.

These were monsters that typical adventurers couldn’t handle, but they were no match for the battle-hardened magic soldiers of the ‘Guardians of the Magic Institute.’

Without needing to use the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlet,’ they dispatched their foes with fire spears.

However, the small guild members faced a tough battle.

Since Sein hadn’t distributed the rare metals, they tried to form their own groups and manage without the ‘Guardians of the Magic Institute ‘ but their attack and defense capabilities were insufficient against the ‘Metal Line’ monsters.

“They’re coming!”

“Aah!”

“Somebody help!”

Seeing this, Arl decided to step in and assist.

“Units 5 and 6, anyone who’s free, go help those people over there,” Arl commanded.

With the help from the available members of Units 5 and 6, the struggling small guilds quickly regained their footing.

(The monsters are getting stronger, and the smaller guilds are struggling to keep up.)

Arl glanced at Sein’s face.

Despite the dire situation faced by the small guilds, Sein had not issued any instructions, seemingly turning a blind eye.

(I was going to suggest distributing some of the ore to the allied guilds, but he won’t listen in this state. If this continues, it will only deepen the rift between the allied guilds and us. What are you thinking, Sein?)

Arl shot a questioning look at Sein, but he received no response.

Despite their growing concerns, the great alliance managed to traverse two-thirds of the ‘Metal Line.’

“Alright, today’s exploration ends here. Build fortifications to protect us from monsters and prepare for camp,” Arl instructed.

“Captain,” several representatives from the small guilds stepped forward and knelt before Sein.

“Hm? What is it?”

“On behalf of the small guilds, we have a request,” one of the representatives spoke.

“Go ahead.”

“We have done everything we can for the great alliance, giving our utmost effort. However, we’ve reached our limit.”

“I see. In that case, descend the mountain. At dawn, gather the departing members and start your descent.”

“We have a request regarding that. Could you please advance our rewards?”

Sein’s eyebrow twitched in annoyance.

“I’ve told you before. Rewards for each guild will be distributed based on their contributions after we defeat the giant fire dragon, Grand Fafnir, and descend the mountain. If you leave now, you can wait in town until we return.”

“However, we small guilds are already destitute due to this expedition. Our armor has been damaged by dragon fire, our swords dulled by rocky skin, and we are thoroughly depleted. Without immediate compensation, we can’t repair our equipment or continue exploring the dungeon. We humbly ask for your understanding and generosity…”

“You’re persistent! I will not change my decision!”

“But…”

“Enough!”

The roar of the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlet’ echoed.

A bullet grazed the side of one of the petitioners, hitting the mountain slope and creating a crater.

“Eek!”

“If you’re going to be dead weight, get lost! If you keep whining, I’ll expel you from the alliance! Now, if you understand, descend the mountain and disappear from here!”

The small guild members who had petitioned stopped their preparations for the night and hurriedly began their descent.

After watching them leave, Sein turned to address the entire army with a speech.

“Listen up! From now on, we’re going to face even stronger enemies. We don’t have the luxury of protecting dead weight. If you’re deemed useless, you’ll be cut down on the spot. Fight as if your life depends on it!”

The commander’s ruthless words tightened the resolve of the entire army.

They resumed their tasks, eager to prove their loyalty to the ‘Guardians of the Magic Institute.’

Once Sein confirmed the army’s morale was restored, he returned to his tent.

Once they were away from other guild members, he began to vent.

“Damn it, this is why weaklings are such a hassle. They’re nothing but trouble.”

Arl watched over him as he ranted.

(Sein is really on edge. It’s partly because the allied guilds are useless, but the real cause is probably that girl, Karla. He’s been irritable ever since he encountered her.)

Sein kicked the ground in frustration.

Dust briefly rose and then settled.

(I hope nothing else happens… Is everything going to be okay?)

The sound of cannon fire from the volcano echoed all the way to the town.

The adventurers in the dining hall murmured amongst themselves.

“That’s the sound of the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlet’ again.”

Rody looked out the dining hall window towards the volcano.

“That’s the third time today. Looks like the ‘Guardians of the Magic Institute’ are causing a ruckus.”

Aina put down her fork, stopping her meal to glance out the window as well.

“They’ve been in the ‘Volcano Dungeon’ for seven days now. They should be reaching the summit where the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir’ resides soon.”

“Maybe they’ve already defeated it,” Aina suggested.

“What?” Rody exclaimed.

“Think about it. That guy Sein and his ‘Dragonhead Gauntlet’—it’s got some serious firepower. Although Laurent seems to think they’ll fail this time, I think they might actually succeed.”

“Is that so?” Laurent said, sitting down next to Rody with his tray.

“Oh, Laurent,” Aina muttered, worried he had overheard their conversation.

“I don’t think it’s going to be that easy,” Laurent said, gazing out the window.

(The ‘Guardians of the Magic Institute’ each had fire spears. Yet, they’ve been recklessly using the ‘Dragonhead Gauntlet’ repeatedly. With a strategy relying solely on firepower and a poorly coordinated alliance, how far can they really get?)

Despite Laurent’s skepticism, the great alliance was on the verge of reaching the summit.

Ahead on the mountain path, they could see the long, scaly neck of the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir’ rising.

“Look, it’s the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir,'” Sein said, grinning and clenching his gauntlet-clad fist.

(Finally, I’ve reached you, ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir.’ I’ll defeat you and bring back the title of S-Class to the ‘City of Magicians’!)