The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild

Chapter 86 The World of A-class

At the “Arsenal of the Spirits,” young alchemists were diligently honing their skills again today.

(Alright. Today I’ll definitely hit my quota.)

Even though there was still time left in the workday, Wayne was on the verge of completing his tenth C-grade sword.

(Aize is still on his ninth sword. Yes, I’ve got him beat. Once I surpass him, next is Aina. If I can defeat her, Laurent will have no choice but to recognize me as the guild’s ace!)

Wayne glanced over at Aize’s workbench again.

Aize was working on a B-grade sword.

(What?)

【Aize Galner’s Skills and Stats】

Skills:

Metal Shaping: B (↑1)

Stats:

Strength Power: 50 (↑10) – 70 (↑10)

Endurance Toughness: 50 (↑10) – 70 (↑10)

“Aize, that sword… it’s B-grade, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. Thanks to Laurent’s advice, it seems my skill has leveled up.”

“It looks like you’ll be able to manage without Rody’s support from tomorrow.”

“Yeah, I didn’t expect my skill to level up so quickly.”

Wayne was stunned.

(Seriously? When he joined, he could barely handle C-grade metal shaping. Now he’s already at B-grade? It took me years to advance my skill from C to B. And he does it in just a few days…)

Laurent turned to look at Wayne.

“Hey, Wayne! Looks like you’ll meet your quota today. Keep it up!”

(Damn this guy…)

Wayne Melzer’s Stats:

Strength Power: 60 (↑10) – 70

Endurance Toughness: 60 (↑10) – 70

Agility: 40 (↑10) – 50

(Finally, Wayne has fully recovered his stats. Aize has also improved his skills and stats nicely. He’ll continue to be a perfect competitor for Wayne.)

“Laurent!”

Aina’s face appeared over the partition.

“Aina, what’s up?”

“I made some equipment for Monica. Could you take a look at it?”

“Sure, I’m coming.”

Wayne quietly followed behind Laurent, peeking into Aina’s workspace.

(That’s Aina’s bow and arrow. She makes such high-quality equipment.)

Aina’s Bow and Arrow:

Power: 90 (↑20 from ‘Coating’)

Durability: 90 (↑20 from ‘Coating’)

Special Effect: Flexibility

“I see. You’ve added flexibility to the bow to increase its power and durability.”

“Yes.”

“Power and durability of 90 each. But it’s still not up to the ‘Silver Ironbreaker Bow.'”

“Yeah, that’s true.”

“Use the best ore we have. Let’s try to push it further.”

“Alright.”

Wayne ground his teeth as he listened to their conversation.

(Damn it. They’re saying a bow with 90 power isn’t enough? Are they aiming to make equipment with over 100 power? Who do they think they are, this tiny guild…)

Wayne returned to his workbench and resumed his work.

“Hey, Wayne. I thought you were done for the day?” Aize asked curiously.

“Shut up!”

(I can’t afford to lose to these guys!)

“Wayne actually met his quota today,” Aina remarked after Wayne had returned to his workspace, fully aware that he had been eavesdropping.

“Yeah, looks like it. Working at ‘Dragon’s Ember’ must’ve really honed his skills. He’s getting back to his old self,” Laurent replied.

“I can’t afford to slack off either.”

With that, Aina immediately began working on a new bow and arrow.

(Wayne’s competitive spirit is positively influencing the entire workshop. Hiring him at this time was definitely the right decision.)

Rody was busy drafting blueprints.

(Aina is working hard to create A-class equipment. I need to support her with my ‘Product Design’ skill.)

As Rody drew lines on the paper, he noticed faint lines starting to appear on the still-blank parts of the paper.

(What’s this? I haven’t even started drawing here, but I can already see the design taking shape. If I follow these lines, I might be able to create a great blueprint. This is…)

Following the emerging lines, Rody completed a blueprint for A-class equipment.

Laurent, observing Rody’s work, decided to assess his skills.

(This is an unexpected but pleasant surprise. Rody has advanced to A-class first.)

Roddy Leavitt’s Skills:

‘Product Design’: A (↑1)

Meanwhile, at ‘Dragon’s Embers’…

“Guild Master, please approve this,” Edgar said, submitting an application for additional funding to Medes as part of their strategy against ‘Arsenal of the Spirits.’

“Additional funding, huh? Well, given the circumstances, I suppose it can’t be helped,” Medes replied, reluctantly signing the documents Edgar had presented.

(Whew, for a moment there, I was worried, but now we can produce new equipment. Just you wait, ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’. This time, we’ll crush you completely!)

“Edgar, be careful not to repeat the same mistakes. Be particularly cautious about whom you involve in the project. If you make the same mistake as with Wayne, there won’t be a next time.”

“Understood, sir.”

“Alright, the additional funding is approved. Now, regarding ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’, we’ve received a new proposal from Lord Gilbert.”

“A new proposal?”

“Yes, Lord Gilbert believes our current methods are too lenient. Simply targeting the adventurers’ guild that patronizes ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’ isn’t enough. We need to strike directly at ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’ itself.”

“And how do we do that?”

“It’s simple. We’ll open a branch of ‘Dragon’s Embers’ right next to them. This will allow us to steal their customers and closely monitor their activities, enabling us to respond quickly to any moves they make.”

“I see.”

“It will incur additional costs, but we can’t refuse Lord Gilbert’s request. So, what do you think? Running a branch might be too much for you alone. Should we arrange for some staff to help, perhaps Lizetta?”

“No way. Lizetta can’t handle running a branch. She’s only good for silverwork, a silverwork idiot. I’ll handle the branch management myself.”

“But are you sure? You already have your hands full manufacturing fire spears for ‘Crescent Knights’ and making equipment to crush ‘Dawn’s Shield’ and ‘Pegasus’ Archers’. Isn’t that too much work?”

“I can manage. I’ll delegate tasks to my subordinates. Leave this to me.”

“Alright. If you’re that confident, I’ll trust you with it.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll work tirelessly to meet your expectations!”

The next day, Wayne yawned as he walked towards ‘Arsenal of the Spirits.’

(Sigh, another day of making C-class equipment. They never let me handle high-rank jobs here. Huh? What’s that…)

Wayne noticed a new store had opened directly opposite them. The sign displayed a familiar emblem: a furnace heated by a dragon’s breath.

(That’s the emblem of ‘Dragon’s Embers’!? Could it be…)

As Wayne approached, he saw several people moving in supplies, among them a familiar figure.

(That’s… Edgar!!)

Wayne glared at Edgar with hostility, but Edgar, unaware of Wayne’s gaze, disappeared into the store.

Dylan burst through the door into Laurent’s room.

“Laurent, are you here?”

“Dylan. What’s got you so worked up?”

“How can you be so calm? Didn’t you see what’s happening outside?”

“I did. It’s a branch of ‘Dragon’s Embers,’ right?”

“If you saw it, why are you so relaxed? They’re seriously trying to take us down. They’ll steal our prospective customers!”

“There’s no need to worry. It’s not a big deal.”

“What?”

“Think about it. Our strength isn’t in our location. Our strength lies in the quality of our partnership with the adventurers’ guild. Both ‘Dawn’s Shield’ and ‘Pegasus’ Archers’ came to us because they were dissatisfied with ‘Dragon’s Embers’ equipment. Opening a branch nearby won’t change that. As long as we continue to enhance our partnerships, we’ll be fine.”

“I see.”

“If we don’t have to worry about losing customers, the remaining concern is information warfare. If they seriously start monitoring us and gathering intelligence, that could be troublesome. But so far, none of their workers have high-level information-gathering skills.”

(!? He’s already assessed the enemy’s skills…)

“You really are quick with your work.”

“Setting up a branch isn’t a major threat. The real issue is… Dylan, if you have time, could you scout out their situation for us?”

“Me?”

“Yes. Your skill in information retrieval is superior.”

【Dylan’s Skill】

‘Information Retrieval’: A

“I don’t mind, but why? Isn’t it not a threat?”

“Yes, it’s not a threat. But that’s precisely why it’s strange. Why is ‘Dragon’s Embers’ doing something so pointless? Everything they do seems haphazard, as if they’re reluctantly following someone’s orders. Something might be amiss within ‘Dragon’s Embers.'”

“I see. Figuring out that anomaly could give us a chance to strike back. Is that it?”

“Exactly. But only if you have the time. Our priority is to strengthen our existing guild relationships, market to new adventurers’ guilds, expand our distribution to weapon shops, and increase our market presence. Scouting the enemy comes second.”

“Got it.”

Dylan adjusted his hat and promptly set out for his sales rounds.

After giving Dylan his instructions, Laurent went down to the workshop to hold the morning assembly for the alchemists.

“Everyone, take a look at this. Rody created this A-class equipment blueprint yesterday.”

Laurent attached the blueprint to the board so everyone could see it.

“An A-class equipment blueprint…?” Aina tilted her head in curiosity.

“Yes. Rody’s skill, ‘Product Design,’ is primarily meant to increase the compatibility rate between adventurers and their equipment. However, an A-class ‘Product Design’ supports the alchemists’ equipment manufacturing and helps boost their skills. By following this blueprint, even an alchemist with B-class ‘Metal Forming’ can create A-class equipment. Leon and Monica will return with ‘Earth Craft’ materials tomorrow. By then…”

“Hey, Guild Master. Why are you leisurely talking about today’s tasks?” Wayne interrupted.

“What’s the matter, Wayne? Is something bothering you?”

“Don’t you see? The people setting up shop right in front of us. The emblem of ‘Dragon’s Embers’ is right there!” Wayne pointed toward the workshop wall, beyond which the new branch of ‘Dragon’s Embers’ was visible.

Laurent sighed.

“I was planning to discuss that later. It’s not particularly urgent, so I postponed it.”

“Not urgent?” Wayne exclaimed.

“Yes. We have strategies in place for that. You don’t need to worry.”

“Not worry? Are you out of your mind?” Wayne stood up, fuming, as if a major crisis was imminent.

“Wayne?”

“Don’t you get it? They’re opening a branch now because I joined ‘Arsenal of the Spirits.’ Their target is clear. They’ve come to crush me!”

“No, that’s not the case.”

“What? N-not the case?”

“No. ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’ has been under attack from ‘Dragon’s Embers’ for a while. This new branch is just part of that ongoing conflict. It has nothing to do with you.”

“What? But…”

“If they were after you specifically, they’d contact you directly rather than setting up a new branch.”

“Oh, yeah, that makes sense.”

(That’s right. I joined ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’ to cause trouble for them because of the feud with ‘Dragon’s Embers.’ I almost forgot. Damn, everyone’s ignoring my presence…)

(How self-centered can he be?)

Aina glanced at Wayne with a hint of hesitation.

“Enough about ‘Dragon’s Embers,’ okay? Let’s get back on track. The important thing now is to create A-class equipment and support ‘Dawn’s Shield.’ Ultimately, that’s how we’ll win against ‘Dragon’s Embers.’ So, first, Aina.”

“Yes.”

“Make sure you finish the equipment for Monica by tomorrow.”

“Understood.”

“Rody, Aize Support Aina with strength and agility so she can focus on shaping.”

“Yes.”

“And Wayne.”

“Yeah.”

“You handle the regular tasks.”

“Yeah, leave it to me! …Wait, why?”

“Aize will also be helping Aina. You’re the only one who can fill in the gap for the regular work.”

“This isn’t the time for regular tasks. Let me handle the ‘Dragon’s Embers’ situation too!”

“It’s impossible for our atelier to make two A-class pieces of equipment simultaneously. Your unique skill, ‘Magic Stone Cutting,’ is still in development.”

[Wayne Melzer’s Unique Skill]

Magic Stone Cutting: E → A

“Meanwhile, Aina’s unique skill, ‘Exterior Enhancement Coating,’ is already at B-class. Considering that, it’s more strategic to bet on Aina this time, right?”

“Ugh…”

“There will definitely be times when we need your power in the future. For now, focus on maintaining your stats.”

(Damn it. Laurent is blatantly favoring Aina. I’ve been meeting my quotas lately too.)

Wayne gritted his teeth in frustration, clearly unhappy with the situation.

“Alright, we’re good with the task distribution. Next, about Monica’s equipment… take a look at this.”

Laurent took out an impressive bow and arrow, showing it to everyone.

Wayne recognized it immediately and his eyes flashed with hostility.

(That’s… Edgar’s…)

Laurent didn’t miss Wayne’s change in expression.

(As I thought, he reacted to Edgar’s bow. So Wayne really has some kind of conflict with Edgar?)

“Aina, this bow is the work of Edgar Rogue, one of the quartet from ‘Dragon’s Embers.'”

“The quartet…”

Aina was captivated by the iron bow, refined to the extreme.

The bow was made of steel and completely black, yet it shimmered like obsidian.

(Amazing. To think someone could refine an iron bow to this extent with just ‘Metal Shaping.’)

“Aina, I want you to create a piece that surpasses this bow.”

“Me? Surpass this bow?”

“Yes, with your skills, you should be able to craft something better than Edgar’s.”

[Aina’s Skills and Stats]

Skills:

Metal Shaping: B → A

Exterior Enhancement Coating: B → A

Stats:

Power: 60 – 70

Toughness: 40 – 50

Agility: 70 – 80

Stamina: 60 – 70

Magic: 50

(With the manifestation of ‘Flexibility,’ ‘Exterior Enhancement Coating’ became B-class. But that’s still just B-class. To become the ace of the Workshop, she needs to reach A-class or higher. Statistically, she should already meet the requirements for ‘Metal Shaping’ A. I’ll use this quest to see what she’s missing.)

“So, Wayne, let Aina handle defeating Edgar this time.”

Laurent spoke with a relaxed tone, as if discussing a game with high chances of winning.

(Defeat Edgar? Is he serious?)

Wayne stared at Laurent, trying to gauge his true intentions.

But Laurent just smiled cheerfully.

Wayne found Laurent increasingly unsettling.

Wayne’s repeated mantra of seeking revenge on Edgar was partly a self-deception to stabilize his own mind; he didn’t truly believe he could defeat Edgar. However, Laurent’s tone carried an intimidating edge that even made Wayne shiver.

By this time, Wayne had started to realize that Laurent was not just an ordinary appraiser.

(What is this guy…?)

“Alright?” Laurent said with a pressure-filled smile, implying without words, “If you interfere, I’ll kill you.”

(Hmph. There’s no way Aina can defeat Edgar.)

Convincing himself with that thought, Wayne reluctantly backed down.

Aina immediately started her work, but she looked skeptically at the blueprint Rody had drawn.

“Can we really make an A-class piece of equipment if we follow this blueprint?”

“Just try it,” Laurent encouraged.

“I think I could make this without a blueprint.”

“Just do it.”

“Okay,” Aina grumbled as she began using her ‘Metal Shaping’ skill on a chunk of iron.

After just four or five strikes, the square chunk of iron started to curve and transform into a bow shape.

(See, it’s easy. Just a couple more strikes and… huh?)

Suddenly, the light points on the iron chunk disappeared.

(The light points vanished. Could this be the shaping limit?)

Metal had a limit to how much it could be refined with ‘Metal Shaping.’ Once that limit was reached, no amount of hammering or cutting would increase the equipment’s power or durability.

(Maybe I hit it too hard. I need to be more careful not to damage it next time.)

Aina cautiously began to shape another bow from the chunk of iron using ‘Metal Shaping.’

(Good. This time, I’ll follow the blueprint exactly… What? Again?)

Once more, the light points vanished.

(Why? I was precise with my strikes this time. Could it be a time limit?)

‘Metal Shaping’ initiates a time limit from the moment the first strike is made. If this limit is exceeded, further shaping will not increase the item’s stats.

Aina tried shaping according to the blueprint two or three more times, but it didn’t go well. She either inflicted too much damage or exceeded the time limit.

(I thought it was easy, but it’s unexpectedly difficult. Precision to the unit of one power and speed in execution are crucial. What should I do?)

Pondering in front of the half-finished bow, Aina decided to use her ‘Exterior Enhancement Coating’ to boost the stats.

(No choice. If I do my best, Laurent will understand.)

Aina applied ‘Exterior Enhancement Coating’ to the bow, enhancing its stats.

“This should do it. Laurent, it’s done!”

Laurent’s response was curt.

“No.”

“What? Why?”

“You used ‘Exterior Enhancment Coating’. This time, I want you to surpass Edgar’s bow using only ‘Metal Shaping’.”

“But… it already surpasses Edgar’s bow like this, isn’t that enough?”

“No. This won’t satisfy Monica.”

“……”

“From now on, you are prohibited from using ‘Exterior Enhancement Coating’. You must complete the A-class bow using only ‘Metal Shaping’.”

“Ugh. Okay.”

Dejected, Aina returned to her workstation.

(Aina’s ability to think flexibly is a good trait, but her knack for taking shortcuts is problematic. She tends to compromise at a certain point. An alchemist needs an unwavering pursuit of quality. Now, let’s see how far she can go with her unique skill sealed.)

Aina wrote down the process on paper, summarizing the number of strikes and the damage to be inflicted.

1st strike: 60

2nd strike: 70

3rd strike: 30

4th strike: 70

…

10th strike: 60

(These are the number of strikes and damages required to create according to the blueprint. It’s this third strike that causes such a drastic drop in power because I put too much force into it.)

Aina was conscious of this table as she tried again.

However, she inevitably hit the wall of the shaping limit.

(No good. I’m putting in too much power again. But if I go slower, I’ll exceed the time limit…)

Aina pondered in front of her workstation.

(What should I do? I clearly understand what the problem is, but I don’t know how to fix it.)

Laurent watched Aina’s state carefully.

(She’s truly capable to identify the challenge on her own to this extent. She is indeed fit for ‘Workshop Management’ A.)

[Aina Burke’s Skills]

‘Workshop Management’: B (↑1)

(But for now, this seems to be her limit. Let’s throw her a lifeline.)

“Aize. Try shaping as well,” Laurent said.

“Huh? Me?” Aize who was carrying iron, stopped and looked towards Laurent.

“Watching someone else work might help Aina grasp something.”

“Understood. I’ll give it a try.”

While Aina and the others were bustling in the distance, Wayne was striking a hammer against iron in a remote area.

(Ugh, I feel incredibly left out here…)

Wayne swung his hammer towards the iron.

The echoing sound of his strikes reverberated emptily throughout the workshop atelier.

Aize proceeded to strike the iron with a lively rhythm.

However, it didn’t go according to the blueprint.

“Huh? It’s not working well.”

“You’re striking too quickly. You need to put more power into it.”

“Really? But if I don’t strike quickly enough, I’ll hit the time limit.”

“That’s the tricky part of this quest.”

(“Ah, I think I understand.”)

“Aina, did you figure something out?”

“Yes. Let me try something.”

(If I shorten the swing, I can maintain speed while reducing power!)

Aina adjusted by shortening her swing on the third strike and continued to rhythmically strike the iron.

(Did I… did it?)

(I’ve overcome the difficult part. I should be able to handle the rest on my own.)

Laurent discreetly stepped back, observing her growth from a slight distance.

Aina continued to experiment thereafter.

(I’ve grasped the trick to the third strike. Just a little more… To complete the shaping within the time limit, I need to adjust the rhythm. Bang, bang, clink. Is this how it goes? Alright, let’s do this.)

And finally, that moment arrived.

On her tenth attempt, she struck the iron, unleashing the brilliance of an A-class bow.

[Bow A’s Stats]

Power: 100

Durability: 100

“Wow, amazing!”

“Well done, Aina-san!”

Rody and Aiz applauded.

(Yay, I did it! But…)

Aina felt somewhat dissatisfied as she looked at the A-class bow she had forged herself.

If she used “External Enhancement Coating” and “Fire-Absorbing Ore Firefrut,” she felt she could enhance it even further.

(But I’ve just made this A-class bow…)

“Aina, you have some ideas, right? Go ahead and try freely.”

“Laurent-san, but this bow is finally an A-class…”

“It’s okay. I won’t be upset even if you fail.”

“Okay.”

To Aina, the inside of the metal seemed transparent.

The density of the metal, the degree of polish, the bonding of the elements.

She could sense these connections not through theory but through intuition.

[Aina Burke Skills]

“Metal Shaping”: A (↑1)

(Aina’s “Metal Shaping” has finally reached A-class. From here on, even I don’t know what she sees. Right now, she’s glimpsing a world beyond ordinary reach—the world of A-class!)

Aina shaved the A-class bow and applied “External Enhancement Coating” to the vacant parts.

(For this part, a green “External Enhancement Coating.” And for this part, “Fire-Absorbing Ore Firefrut “…)

[Bow A’s Stats]

Power: 140

Durability: 140

“Laurent-san, what about this…”

“Ah, congratulations. You’re now an A-class alchemist.”

[Aina Burke Skills]

“Metal Shaping”: A (↑1)

“External Enhancement Coating”: A (↑1)

(She’s finally awakened. Aina reaching A-class is huge. With this, not only can she defend against the onslaught of “Dragon’s Ember,” but she can also counterattack!)

“Yay!”

Aina raised her hands in joy.

“Well done, Aina.”

“Yes. I… Laurent-san!!”

Aina was overwhelmed and instinctively hugged Laurent.

(Uh…)

The sensation of Aina’s soft body pressed against every part of Laurent body was stimulating.

“Laurent-san, I… I…”

Aina hugged Laurent tightly, filled with emotions.

Her arms, back, neckline—various parts of her pressed closely against him.

“Uh, um, Aina. It’s about time…”

Laurent gently held Aina’s shoulders and gently pulled away.