The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild

Chapter 89 Places to work

Gilbert received a letter from Wilkes.

The letter detailed the situation at the ‘Dragon’s Ember’ branch.

It read:

Edgar, the person in charge, has left the branch.

Afterwards, a young woman named Lina took over as the manager, but she has the audacity to conduct transactions with ‘Arsenal of the Spirits.’

Not only that, but Laurent openly comes and goes from the ‘Dragon’s Ember’ branch.

It’s safe to say that the ‘Dragon’s Ember’ branch has already fallen under Laurent’s influence.

Immediate action is required.

Gilbert threw the letter to the ground and stomped in frustration.

“Ah, damn it! Why do these guys always mess everything up? They’re useless! Even after I went through the trouble of devising a plan and teaching them!”

After breathing heavily for a while, Gilbert took a deep breath to calm himself.

(The ‘Dragon’s Ember’ guys still think taking down Arsenal of the Spirits is just a side job. Fine then, I’ll make sure they tear each other apart thoroughly. Until they’re truly at each other’s throats!)

* * *

Laurent took the opportunity to call Wayne.

Wayne entered the guild leader’s office, scratching his head in irritation.

“What’s up? Calling me all of a sudden. I’m busy, you know.”

“Wayne, I have a new task for you.”

“A new task?”

“It’s for A-class mage equipment.”

“What?”

The sharpness returned to Wayne’s previously lethargic eyes.

“An A-Class Mage?”

“Do you remember the new job we received at the Workshop the other day? The equipment for C-Class Mages, that was just a filler. Will and Lana will eventually become A-Class Mages. When that time comes, Aina’s skills will no longer suffice.”

“Oh?”

“Take a look at this.”

Laurent took out a green magic stone.

“This is the ‘Storm Magic Stone.’ It has the effect of enhancing the power of ‘Explosion Magic.'”

“I know. But with standard processing, it barely increases the power of magic. That’s why, if you’re making equipment for mages, silver crafting is better…”

“But that’s not necessarily the case. If you use your unique skill, ‘Magic Stone Cutting,’ things are different.”

[Description of ‘Magic Stone Cutting’] A unique skill that enhances the power of magic stones by cutting them.

“‘Magic Stone Cutting’ is a unique skill that brings out the latent power of magic stones by cutting them. With this, we can create equipment more powerful than Lizetta’s ‘Fire Spear.'”

“Really? I’ve never seen anyone with such a skill, even in the ‘Dragon’s Ember.'”

“Of course not. It’s a unique skill, after all. Even among alchemists, it’s a skill that only a few possess.”

“A unique skill… huh,” Wayne said with a wry smile.

“Traditionally, mages have been weak on this island. Perhaps that’s why alchemists tend to underestimate equipment for mages. Wayne, you will change history. Become a pioneer, the leading expert in equipment for mages.”

Wayne slightly reacted to the words about changing history.

(As expected, he reacts to that. What Wayne seeks is scale. Unless it’s a job with an impact significant enough to change history, I can’t motivate him.)

“Well, I understand now why you’re so fixated on making A-Class equipment. Let’s say I’ll make the equipment for A-Class Mages.”

Wayne spoke as if it was already decided that he would become an A-Class Alchemist.

“So? What about the treatment after that? Surely, you won’t leave an A-Class Alchemist at the same rank, right?”

“Of course, when you become an A-Class Alchemist, I’ll provide appropriate treatment. In terms of salary…”

“What about the position?”

“Position?”

“You want me to become an A-Class Alchemist, right? Then you’ll have to prepare a suitable post. When I become an A-Class Alchemist, you’ll place me above Aina, right?”

“… That’s a different matter.”

[Wayne Melzer Skill]

‘Workshop Management’: D→C

“Just because you make A-Class equipment doesn’t mean you can handle managerial tasks. I can’t promise a position. However, I can guarantee an increase in salary and better treatment.”

“That may be true, but it doesn’t look good for an A-Class Alchemist to have no position, right? If I can’t get a post higher than Aina, or at least take over her position…”

“Wayne, why are you so fixated on these trivial squabbles within the workshop?”

“What?”

“You’ll become an A-Class, right? Then don’t cling to such petty pride. Aim to become the best alchemist on this island.”

“…”

The ‘Dragon Knight’s Havin’ returned, battered once again, by the ‘Dragon’s Ember.’

Even Edgar was stunned.

(What’s going on here? Why is the B-Class equipment with added defense so beaten up? This kind of feat can only be done by an A-Class adventurer… No, not just that, only an A-Class adventurer equipped with A-Class or higher gear can do this. The enemy should have been a weak alchemy guild and a small-time adventurer guild, right? What the hell is happening?)

The additional budget allocated by the guild was exhausted.

The mission had failed.

Medes’ evaluation of Edgar would plummet further.

(Does this mean I lost? I…)

Edgar remained silent for a while, unable to accept his mistake, clenching his fists and staring at his tattered armor.

Seeing him like this, his subordinates couldn’t bring themselves to speak.

For a while, everyone remained silent, the air heavy with discomfort, until Edgar suddenly lifted his head.

He turned towards Pat and glared.

“This is your fault.”

“What?”

“It’s because you said there was an A-Class archer among the enemies. That lowered the team’s morale and led to this outcome.”

“W-Why is it my fault?”

“Shut up. That’s what I’ll tell the guild master. You all better back me up.”

The others present showed signs of agreement.

Edgar started to leave the area, heading towards the guild master’s office.

Pat, in a panic, chased after Edgar and grabbed his shoulder.

“Wait, hold on a second!”

“What are you doing? Let go!”

Edgar roughly shook off Pat.

Pat was thrown against the wall.

Edgar continued walking as if nothing had happened.

(This bastard…)

Pat’s expression turned to one of hatred, and he lunged at Edgar.

Lina had returned to the ‘Dragon’s Ember’ headquarters to submit her investigation report on the ‘Arsenal of the Spirit.’

(When I was put in charge of managing the branch, I wondered how it would turn out, but it looks like I can get through this without catching Edgar’s attention this time.)

Edgar’s viciousness was well-known among the alchemists of the ‘Dragon’s Ember.’

Still, no one openly opposed him since it would be troublesome if he set his sights on them.

When working with Edgar, the best strategy was to avoid standing out too much, not make mistakes, and adopt a non-confrontational approach.

Of course, Lina also felt discontent with him.

However, she had resolved never to be the ringleader in bringing him down.

It was like a game of Old Maid.

Eventually, someone would rebel against Edgar.

But that would mean ruining their own career in the process.

She did not want that role.

(I need to endure this. If I can hold out until Edgar falls, eventually, luck will come to Pat and me.)

As Lina walked down the hallway, lost in these thoughts, she heard the sound of something crashing to the ground and the voices of men fighting.

(That voice, Edgar and… Pat?)

Lina hurried to the source of the voices and, indeed, found Edgar and Pat grappling with each other.

Charles was trying to intervene and stop them.

“What are you doing? Stop it.”

“Pat, what’s wrong? Calm down.”

Charles held back Edgar, and Lina restrained Pat.

At that moment, Medes happened to pass by.

“Hey, what’s all this commotion? What are you guys doing?”

Edgar and Pat both looked embarrassed.

“What on earth is going on? You are alchemists, aren’t you? Why are you fighting each other instead of working with metal? What led to this? Staying silent won’t help. Someone explain.”

“Sorry, it’s just… we had a bit of a disagreement over the ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’ issue. Both of them got agitated, and this happened,” Charles explained.

“A disagreement? What is there to argue about? The ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’ is just a small guild, isn’t it? You should be able to handle them easily.”

“He started saying there was an A-Class archer among the enemy, which caused confusion,” Edgar said.

“Thanks to that, the scene was in chaos. We could have won easily, but because of the confusion he caused, we ended up losing.”

“But, in reality…”

“Enough. I get it. You, over there,” Medes interrupted Pat and called the accompanying appraiser.

“Yes, what is it?”

“Assess their skills. Including their potential for future growth.”

The appraiser assessed their skills.

“Edgar’s skills are:

‘Metal Shaping’: A → A

‘Ore Refining’: B → B

‘Product Design’: B → B

‘Silver Crafting’: B → B

As for Pat’s skills:

‘Metal Shaping’: B → B

‘Ore Refining’: C → C

‘Product Design’: B → B

‘Silver Crafting’: C → B”

“I see. So, Edgar is superior in both current skills and future potential. Is that correct?”

“…Yes, that’s correct.”

“Alright. Pat.”

“Yes.”

“You are demoted.”

“W-Why?”

“Regardless of the circumstances, you two caused a problem. When a problem arises, someone must take responsibility. To ensure this doesn’t happen again. Understood? This issue is now resolved. No one is allowed to bring it up again. Now, get back to work.”

With that, Medes left.

The others returned to their stations, leaving only a dejected Pat and a concerned Lina behind.

“Pat, are you alright?”

Lina asked, but Pat didn’t respond, sitting on the ground.

Eventually, he stood up slowly.

“Lina, I can no longer stay in this guild.”

“What? No… You don’t have to be so drastic just because you were demoted. You can become a senior staff member again soon.”

“It’s not about the demotion. I abandoned Wayne. I knew that the first failure wasn’t his fault. Yet, I turned a blind eye when he was wrongfully blamed. In this guild, you have to trample on others to survive. I can’t keep working here while pretending to be someone I’m not. So, I’m leaving.”

“But your contract period isn’t over yet, right? Won’t that be a breach of contract? What will you do?”

“I don’t know. I might leave this island.”

“No…”

“You should stay here. You’re calm and good at controlling yourself. I think you can manage here. Goodbye.”

With that, Pat headed towards the exit.

Lina stood there in a daze.

At that moment, Gilbert, who had been observing the commotion from the beginning, walked over, pretending he had just arrived.

“Miss, is something wrong?”

“Oh, Gilbert…”

“Was that Pat I saw leaving the workshop just now?”

“Pat… Pat said he’s quitting the guild.”

“What? That’s a serious matter.”

“If he breaches the contract, he’ll have to pay a penalty. If it gets out that he breached a contract with ‘Dragon’s Ember,’ no one on this island will hire him.”

“So, his career as an alchemist is practically over.”

“Pat is awkward and difficult, but he’s also sincere and kind. He would never resort to violence without a reason. I’m sure Edgar said something unreasonable this time. As an alchemist, he’s struggling now, but that’s because he worries too much about others and unnecessary things. He has the potential to succeed in the future. He’s not someone who should end like this. And yet…”

“Hmm. I see. It seems he needs a helping hand.”

“But, what can we do?”

“I know of only one workshop on this island that might take him in and where he can escape the pursuit of ‘Dragon’s Ember.'”

“Really? Where is such a place?”

“I can tell you, but you must keep it a secret from Guild Master Medes.”

“Yes, I promise I won’t tell anyone.”

“Very well. The guild you should go to is ‘Arsenal of the Spirits.'”

“‘Arsenal of the Spirits…”

“‘Arsenal of the Spirits is the only alchemy guild on this island that openly challenges ‘Dragon’s Ember.’ If you go there, even ‘Dragon’s Ember’ won’t be able to demand further compensation from you.”

(‘Arsenal of the Spirits… Indeed, the guild master Laurent seemed like a kind person. Maybe he’ll accept Pat…)

“I understand. Thank you for telling me.”

Lina hurried after Pat.

Gilbert watched her go, then rushed into the guild master’s office.

“Medes!”

“What’s the matter, Gilbert? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“I just saw Laurent inside the workshop.”

“What did you say?”

“Yes, it was quite a shock. I thought Laurent was banned from entering.”

“Of course he is. We’ve explicitly prohibited Laurent from entering our workshop. I’ve instructed the reception to turn him away if he shows up.”

“But I’m certain it was Laurent I saw.”

“Strange. What is the reception doing?”

“I was quite alarmed.”

“But what could Laurent possibly want in our workshop? We have no dealings with him.”

“Laurent seemed to be speaking with Pat and that girl he’s close to, Lina.”

“Pat and Lina, you say…”

“Yes, it looked like he was trying to persuade them quite intently. I wonder what he was saying.”

“That is indeed concerning. Summon Pat and Lina at once.”

The guild master instructed someone nearby to call Pat and Lina to his office, but the two never arrived.

Pat and Lina had vanished from ‘Dragon’s Ember’ workshop without a trace.

Before long, it was discovered that the two had joined ‘Arsenal of the Spirits.’

‘Dragon’s Ember’ considered suing ‘Arsenal of the Spirits’ and demanded compensation from Pat and Lina for breaching their contracts.

Gilbert was pleased with the success of his scheme.

(“Medes won’t stay quiet after Laurent meddled with their staff. Pat and Lina are only B-class alchemists, so they won’t be of much use to Laurent. This should work out perfectly.”)

At ‘Arsenal of the Spirits Workshop,’ Wayne was working on crafting a staff for a mage.

(“Laurent expects me to become the best alchemist on the island? Easier said than done. What does an appraiser know about alchemy?”)

Nearby, Aina and the others were busy crafting Staff C.

Laurent approached, bringing the silver materials.

“Oh, are these the materials for Staff C?”

“This is quite the quality silver.”

“Yes, typically, silver is processed with ‘Silversmithing,’ but ‘Metal Shaping’ can also be used. Although ‘Silversmithing’ allows for more detailed decorations, with Aina’s ‘Metal Shaping’ at A level, she should be able to create at least a B-class staff. Use this silver to make it.”

“Understood.”

Wayne took a furtive glance at the silver given to Aina.

(“I see. It’s indeed good silver. With that, making a B-class staff should be no problem.”)

Aina promptly gave instructions to Rody and Aize.

“Alright, let’s start by making the blueprint. Rody, can you handle the blueprint? Aize, support Rody. Make a prototype to help Rody with the design.”

“Got it.”

Aize immediately began shaping iron according to the specifications (using iron for the prototype to save costs instead of silver).

“Is it really okay to make it roughly?”

“Yeah, for the prototype, speed is more important than quality. Give it your best agility.”

“Understood.”

Aize focused solely on speed, hammering the iron.

A reasonably good quality staff emerged.

“How’s this?”

“Great job.”

Rody’s design concept started to solidify.

(“I see. Seeing the actual product makes it easier to identify improvements. The handle could be simplified. The section for embedding the magic stone should be sturdier.”)

Rody began drafting the blueprint based on these ideas.

(“At this rate, the blueprint should be ready soon.”)

Aina judged this, seeing the speed of their work.

“Rody, Aize, I’ll be working on the ‘Exterior Enhancement Coating.’ Let me know when you’re done.”

“Got it.”

“Understood.”

Thus, while Rody and Aize were working on the prototype, and Aina was busy with the ‘Exterior Enhancement Coating,’ Laurent’s silver was temporarily left unattended.

Wayne didn’t miss this opportunity.

(If I use that silver, I can make something better than Aina!)

Wayne interrupted his “Storm Magic Stone” “Magic Stone Cutting” and secretly mixed the silver he had stolen with the iron supplied to him to create a staff, which he then submitted to Laurent.

“As you wished, I’ve made an A-class staff.”

“This is… It seems you didn’t use the ‘Storm Magic Stone’?”

“Yeah, but I paid attention to the materials and design.”

(This way, not only will my evaluation go up, but Aina’s reputation will also suffer due to her careless management of the silver.)

Laurent appraised the staff Wayne brought.

In Laurent’s mind, the entire process of staff creation unfolded vividly.

He saw Wayne sneaking silver from Aina’s workstation as clear as day.

After the appraisal, Laurent turned a stern look towards Wayne.

“What is this?”

“Huh?”

“Who said you could use Aina’s silver?”

“Well, um…”

“I can’t accept this as an achievement. Redo it.”

Wayne left the guild leader’s office looking dissatisfied.

(Damn it. What the hell was that? In ‘Dragon’s Ember,’ this was normal. They never checked this closely before. Edgar got away with this method so easily… Ah, damn it.)

Aina watched Wayne walk down the corridor with a dark look.

“Heh. He’s getting scolded by Laurent-san. Serves him right.”

“Wayne, did he mess up again…”

Rody sighed, holding his head in his hands.

“He’s a troublesome guy. This time, Laurent-san will probably have to impose some punishment.”

“He brought this upon himself. He interfered with my work.”

“Sigh. What a hassle.”

Laurent emerged from the guild leader’s office looking somewhat tired.

“I heard, Laurent-san. Wayne messed up again, huh?”

“Yeah, that’s right. I’m sorry about that.”

“No way. Laurent-san, it’s not your fault.”

“I’ll make sure to procure new silver by tomorrow. Please wait a bit longer for the production of Staff C.”

“Understood.”

(Encouraging him to become the best alchemist on the island didn’t work. The competitive spirit ingrained in ‘Dragon’s Ember’ seems hard to shake off. No matter what, Wayne seems fixated on competing with those around him. Anyway, Wayne needs a new competitor.)

As Laurent pondered this, Saki approached.

“Laurent-san, are you available?”

“Saki, what’s up?”

“There’s an alchemist in the cafeteria who wants to interview with ‘Spirit’s Workshop.'”

“‘Spirit Workshop?”

“Yes, it’s a woman named Lina who came here recently with a man. They’re currently in the cafeteria together.”

“I’ll go right away.”

Laurent appraised the two alchemists who had come to the cafeteria.

[Pat Garcia’s Unique Skill]

“Tuning Calibration”: E → A

[Lina Hart’s Unique Skill]

“Waste Recycling”: E → A