The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild

Chapter 84 The Troublesome Newcomer

“The Dawn Shield,” having procured the Earthcraft and returned to town, visited the Arsenal of the Spirits first thing.

Leon immediately shared with Laurent the details of what had happened in the dungeon.

“The Dragon’s Ember attacked?”

“Yeah, when we interrogated the ones who attacked us, that’s what they said.”

“…I see.”

(The Dragon’ Ember attacking the Dawn Shiel… Their aim is almost certainly to strike at the Arsenal of the Spirits. Does this mean they’re starting to feel threatened by us? But even so, their response seems rather half-hearted.)

“Laurent, what should we do? Shouldn’t we come up with some countermeasures?”

“It’s fine. No matter how skilled the alchemists of the Dragon’s Ember are, the adventurers they send are at best B-class or C-class. They are no match for Aina’s ‘External Enhancement Coating’ and Monica’s ‘Hawk-Eye Vision.’ There’s no need to change our plans.”

“So, we just keep gathering Earthcraft as we have been?”

“Yes, that’s fine. But let me know if you catch wind of any new movements from the Dragon’s Ember.”

“Got it.”

“Laurent, may I?”

As Leon finished his discussion, Aina came running up.

“Aina. What’s up?”

“I was talking with Monica about the usability of the ‘Red Arrows,’ and she mentioned their compatibility with the ‘Silver Iron-Breaking Bow.'”

“Hmm. It’s true that the ‘Red Arrows’ were developed for the ‘Dragon Piercer Bow.’ They don’t pair well with the ‘Silver Iron-Breaking Bow,’ do they?”

After thinking for a moment, Laurent turned back to Aina.

“Aina, how about making new equipment for Monica?”

“Huh? Me?”

“Yes, I think it’s about time I entrusted you with crafting A-class equipment.”

“A-class…”

“Yes. From now on, I’ll likely focus more on appraising adventurers, so someone else needs to manage the workshop. I’d like to entrust that to you.”

“Me!?”

“If you can craft A-class equipment from scratch, I can confidently leave the workshop in your hands. What do you think? Will you give it a try?”

“Yes. I’ll do it. Please let me!”

(Alright. I’ll do my best.)

Aina mentally prepared herself with determination.

Laurent felt satisfied with her response.

(It looks like Aina will be fine. Monica’s participation was unexpected, but this is a perfect opportunity for Aina to gain experience with A-class equipment.)

“Now then, I need to hurry and hire new staff.”

(With the retail sale of the ‘External Enhancement Coating’ and the creation of A-class equipment, Aina’s workload will undoubtedly increase. I need to hire new staff to prepare for that.)

Laurent had already arranged for interviews.

It was about time for the interviewees to start arriving.

(The Dragon’s Ember attacked. For now, Aina’s ‘External Enhancement Coating’ and Monica’s ‘Hawk-Eye Vision’ are holding up, but if the enemy sends out mages, things will get dangerous. I need to quickly find an alchemist who can create equipment for mages.)

Laurent appraised the skills of a young applicant.

[Wayne’s Unique Skill]

‘Magic Stone Cutting’: E → A

(I’ve found him. Someone with the unique skill ‘Magic Stone Cutting’! He can create equipment for mages. And…)

[Wayne’s Skills]

‘Metal Shaping’: B → A

(‘Metal Shaping’ is already B-class. He has the potential to reach A-class. He can also assist with Aina’s work.)

“My name is Wayne Melzer. Before coming here, I worked for the Dragon’s Embe.”

“Oh, the Dragon’s Ember. That’s impressive. Why did you leave?”

When Laurent asked this, Wayne’s brow twitched with a hint of irritation.

“Well… a lot happened,” Wayne said with a bitter expression.

“Is that so? For now, we need you to handle ‘Metal Shaping’ and, eventually, take charge of crafting equipment for mages,” Laurent explained.

“Yeah, that’s fine. I can make swords, staves, whatever you need. After all, I was an alchemist with the Dragon’s Ember. I bet I can make better stuff than your alchemists.”

(What confidence…)

“Understood. You’re hired. Can you start tomorrow?”

“Why not today?”

“Really? Well, you can join the atelier today. However, since the day is almost over, we’ll only have time for introductions and planning for tomorrow.”

“That works for me. The sooner we get that out of the way, the better.”

Aina, recalling the new task assigned by Laurent, was shaping an iron bow.

“Improving skills…?”

“Yes. To create A-class equipment, ‘Metal Shaping’ at B level and ‘External Enhancement Coating’ at C level aren’t sufficient. At least one of them needs to reach A level.”

“I see.”

“That said, your tasks won’t change. Keep making equipment and aiming to improve your stats. Just be mindful of A-class equipment specs while you work.”

“Understood.”

“You’re really motivated, Aina,” Rody said, noticing her focus as she worked on the bow and arrows.

“Yeah, Laurent entrusted me with making A-class equipment. I need to try harder than ever.”

“Aina, Rody, good work.”

Laurent entered the atelier as he spoke.

“Ah, Laurent, good evening,” Aina greeted, noticing a young man beside Laurent she didn’t recognize.

“Laurent, who’s that?” Aina asked.

“Let me introduce you. This is Wayne Melzer, our new alchemist joining our Workshop,” Laurent replied.

“Oh, is he the new staff member you mentioned before?”

“Yes, I finally found someone suitable.”

“That’s great!”

“I’m Aina. Nice to meet you,” Aina said with a smile, extending her hand for a handshake.

Wayne ignored the gesture and looked around the atelier.

(Did he not hear me?) Aina thought, slightly confused as she withdrew her hand.

“Is that my workstation over there?” Wayne asked.

“No, that’s Aina’s. Yours is here,” Laurent pointed out.

“Hmph, the shabby one, huh,” Wayne remarked, turning towards Rody.

“Oh, I’m Rody. Nice to meet you.”

“Yeah, hi,” Wayne responded curtly.

“I’m in charge of product design. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.”

“Hah, no need. I can handle product design myself.”

“Really? You can?” Rody was surprised.

“Yeah. I came from the Dragon’s Ember.”

“Wow, you came from the Dragon’s Ember?” Aina interjected.

“That’s impressive. Dragon’s Ember is the biggest name on the island,” Rody added.

“On the contrary, I think I’ll have more to teach you all,” Wayne said confidently.

“Alright, everyone, that’s enough chatting. Now that Wayne has joined us, let’s discuss tomorrow’s plan,” Laurent interjected.

“Tomorrow, we’re scheduled to produce around 20 pieces of C-grade armor with ‘External Enhancement Coating.’ Aina, you’ll be in charge as the supervisor.”

“Understood,” Aina replied.

Wayne frowned upon hearing this.

(What’s with this atelier? A woman in charge?)

“Wayne, why don’t you start by getting instructions from her?” Laurent suggested.

“You’ve got to be kidding. I’m not taking orders from a woman,” Wayne retorted.

“What did you say?” Aina exclaimed.

“All we need to do is make 10 pieces of C-grade armor, right? I’ll do my own thing. That’s settled,” Wayne said dismissively.

“I can’t let that slide, Wayne,” Laurent said firmly.

“What?”

“Take back what you just said.”

Wayne’s expression turned hostile at Laurent words. Laurent’s face also hardened, and the atelier fell into a tense silence.

“Didn’t you hear me? Take back what you said,” Laurent repeated.

“Heh, I don’t see the problem. What’s wrong with what I said?”

“If that’s how you feel, then you don’t need to come to this atelier anymore.”

“What!?”

“Aina is our ace. I can’t have someone like you, who refuses to follow orders for nonsensical reasons, disrupting her work.”

“…”

“Wayne, you’re an alchemist. I understand the need to assert yourself sometimes, but that comes after meeting our minimum requirements. Anyone who disrupts harmony and fails to contribute to the team isn’t welcome in our guild.”

Laurent pointed to the exit.

“If you can’t show her respect, the contract is terminated. Leave this guild immediately.”

Wayne and Laurent glared at each other for a while. Silence filled the room.

“Tch. Fine. I’ll listen,” Wayne grumbled and reluctantly approached Aina’s desk.

Aina began the discussion, though she felt dissatisfied inside.

(What a rude guy. Fine, if that’s how he wants it, there’s no way I’m going to get along with him.)

Rody, sensitive to Aina’s mood, could read her emotions.

(Ah, the team is falling apart already. Is this really okay? Laurent, why did you hire such a troublesome guy when things were going so well?)

That day ended with just a meeting for the next day’s tasks.

The next day, Wayne was grumbling as he headed to the Workshop.

(Damn it, this is depressing. I was entrusted with making B-class armor at the Dragon’s Ember, and now I have to do menial tasks in this guild, under a woman no less.)

When Wayne entered the atelier, he saw Laurent sitting on a chair down the hall, intently examining a sword.

(Is that Laurent? What’s he doing?)

Laurent didn’t notice Wayne’s entrance, his eyes glowing faintly as he scrutinized the sword.

(That’s an appraisal skill. Is he an appraiser?)

“Tch.”

(The guild leader is an appraiser, and the supervisor is a woman. This guild is a mess.)

Wayne rudely slammed the door as he entered the workshop.

Inside, Aina and Rody were already present. Aina was cleaning her hammer with a cloth.

When she saw Wayne, she turned away with a huff.

Wayne, too, said nothing.

(Yup, they’re not saying a word to each other.)

Rody felt the tension between them weighing heavily on him.

(Sigh. The atmosphere is so bad. This is going to throw me off.)

“Is everyone here?” Laurent asked as he entered the atelier.

“Oh, laurent…”

Laurent immediately noticed the changed atmosphere from the previous day.

(Tense. Good atmosphere. Probably means something significant, good or bad, will happen today.)

“Alright then, as I mentioned yesterday, Aina and Wayne will each make 10 pieces of C-grade armor using ‘Metal Forming.’ After that, Aina will apply the ‘External Enhancement Coating.’ Rody, you’ll support them both. You two have the blueprints, right?”

When Laurent looked over at Aina and Wayne, he saw the blueprints laid out on their desks.

“Good. Let’s get started.”

(C-grade armor, huh. Tch, what a lousy job.)

Wayne lazily raised his hammer and struck the iron block, which began to heat up and deform.

(But for now, this is where I am. I need to gather my strength to take revenge on Edgar. I’ll show those who kicked me out of the Dragon’s Ember. I can’t afford to stumble here!)

Wayne continued hammering the iron, gradually shaping it into a single piece.

(All I have to do is make better weapons than that woman, right? Then Laurent will have to acknowledge me.)

On Wayne’s workbench, the iron was starting to come together nicely.

(Alright. This is looking good. It should meet the blueprint’s requirements. Now, how is she doing… What!?)

Aina was hammering with incredible speed, and her armor was already taking shape.

(She’s fast! And the quality seems pretty good too…)

Laurent appraised Aina’s stats.

[Aina’s Stats]

Power: 50 (↑10) → 60 (↑10)

Toughness: 40 → 50

Agility: 70 (↑10) → 80 (↑10)

Stamina: 60 → 70

(With her toughness stabilized, her power and agility have increased. She was getting complacent lately, but Wayne’s arrival has brought back her sense of urgency and awakened her potential. Meanwhile…)

[Wayne’s Stats]

Power: 40 – 70

Toughness: 40 – 70

Agility: 20 – 50

Stamina: 40 – 70

(Wayne’s stats… As expected, his maximum values are high overall, but the variance is too great. These are terrible stats. Did the Dragon’s Ember not provide proper guidance on status adjustment? He can’t even utilize half of his strength like this.)

“Laurent, the first C-grade armor is finished!” Aina announced.

(What? Already finished?)

Wayne looked up in surprise at Aina. On her desk was a completed piece of armor.

Aina glanced at Wayne’s workbench. There was still an unfinished piece of armor, not even halfway done.

(Hmph, so much for being an alchemist from the Dragon’s Ember.)

“It’s perfect,” Laurent said after appraising Aina’s armor. “Keep it up.”

“Yes!”

(Damn, if this keeps up, my evaluation will… I need to hurry.)

Wayne tried to increase his pace. However, the more he rushed, the more he floundered. The faster he tried to swing his hammer, the more he tensed up, making it impossible to strike accurately.

The gap between him and Aina widened, and his exhaustion grew.

(I have to do something.)

Wayne ran to fetch more ore.

“Hey, not that way…” Rody tried to stop him.

“Move!” Wayne shoved Rody aside and reached for the shelf.

The shelf wobbled and threatened to topple over. Wayne tried to stabilize it, but he couldn’t muster the strength.

(Damn, I can’t get a grip.)

The contents of the shelf—ores and weapons—began to fall toward Wayne.

“Watch out!”

Just as the shelf was about to tip over, Laurent caught it just in time. Wayne only ended up with a small piece of ore hitting his hand.

“Are you okay?”

“Damn it.”