The Kicked Out S-Rank Appraiser Creates The Strongest Guild - Chapter 95

Chapter 95   The Sinking Crescent Knights

The “Fang Dragon,” having lost sight of Yugan, was wandering the “Volcano Dungeon” in search of new prey.

After all, he was merely a puppet created from a corpse by the “Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir.”

He was destined to perish in a few days.

If that was the case, he at least wanted to kill an adventurer before the end.

As he wandered through the dungeon, he found suitable prey.

The “Fang Dragon” turned on his heel and rushed toward them.

Monica was observing the battle between the “Crescent Knight” alliance and the “White Wolf” thieves with her “Hawkeye.”

(Thank goodness. It looks like Yugan will somehow make it back to town.)

Laurent had told her to keep her distance to avoid getting caught up in the battle between the alliance and the thieves, but she was secretly worried that Yugan might get hurt.

Even if they belonged to a different guild, they had fought together once.

No matter what, she wanted him to be safe.

(Still, the thieves are stronger than expected. To think they could push Yugan that far. They don’t have any particularly outstanding adventurers, but they’re experienced in fighting other people. I should probably report this to Laurent.)

As Monica tried to switch her “Hawkeye” perspective, she saw a shadow rapidly approaching.

(What? What’s this?)

Monica hurriedly tried to catch the shadow, but it was too fast to identify.

(An incredibly agile monster! It’s coming this way.)

Monica turned to look at Leon and the others.

They had just finished their training and were taking a break.

Their statuses were completely depleted.

If a fight broke out now, they wouldn’t stand a chance.

“Everyone, hurry and pack up your things! A formidable enemy is coming!”

Monica and the parties from “Dawn Shield ” and “Pegasus Archer” hurriedly descended the mountain.

“Damn it. What’s going on all of a sudden?”

“Wasn’t the battle between the ‘Crescent Knight’ and ‘White Wolf’ happening on the other side of the mountain?”

“Yes, it should be, but… an unidentified monster is approaching. This wasn’t on the ‘Volcano Dungeon’ monster list.”

“Is the enemy really that strong?”

“Yes. It’s likely an A-class monster.”

Monica said this while checking the enemy’s position with her “Hawkeye.”

(No good. We can’t shake it off. At this rate, it’ll catch up.)

“Monica, can’t we fight it?”

Hans asked.

“What?”

“Your combat skills are top-notch. We’ve also gained strength from our training over the past few days. Even if it’s a formidable enemy, can’t we handle it?”

Monica looked up at the members.

(It’s true that everyone has gotten stronger by following Laurent’s training regimen. They have the strength of at least a B-class. But… we don’t have a commander! I’m the only A-class here. Can we fight in this exhausted state?)

Monica hesitated for a moment.

However, there was no other choice.

“Understood. Let’s fight.”

(We can’t avoid the encounter anyway. If we don’t make up our minds quickly, it’ll be too late.)

Monica and the others chose a suitable spot for the battle and prepared to intercept the enemy.

They positioned themselves on a narrow path with a slope on the right and a sheer cliff on the left.

Their plan was to shoot the enemy as it came along the path.

“Listen up. The enemy is an extremely agile monster. It will be troublesome if it comes to close combat. Fortunately, we have five archers. We’ll deal damage with our arrows when it first appears to gain an advantage in the battle.”

Monica doubted her own idea even as she explained it.

(What if it dodges the initial attack? What do we do then? Is this really the right strategy against an A-class opponent?)

However, there was no time to reconsider.

“The enemy will appear from the other side of the path soon. Everyone, nock your arrows. Those equipped for melee combat, stay at the back.”

The “Fang Dragon” appeared amidst a cloud of dust.

“What is this thing? I’ve never seen it before.”

“A wolf? No, a dragon?”

Jeff and Claire, who had used ” Farsight ” to spot the enemy early, were bewildered by the sight of the “Fang Dragon.”

“It’s within range. Everyone, fire!”

Five arrows were shot simultaneously.

However, the “Fang Dragon” increased its speed and dodged all the arrows, running down the cliff.

(It’s fast!)

The “Fang Dragon” used the bushes below the cliff as cover to circle behind Monica and the others.

“It’s coming from behind! Get ready!”

Everyone was stunned.

Hadn’t the enemy just run down the cliff?

What was Monica talking about?

“Move aside!”

Monica pushed Elio away and moved to the back of the group.

The “Fang Dragon” quickly climbed up the cliff and jumped at the group from behind.

(Nock another arrow… No time!)

The “Fang Dragon” opened its jaws wide, ready to bite.

In a split second, Monica dropped her bow and crossed her arms in front of her face to brace for impact.

The “Fang Dragon’s” fangs sank into Monica’s arm.

“Ugh!”

The “Fang Dragon” knocked Monica over, and they tumbled down the slope together.

“Damn it!”

Monica kicked the “Fang Dragon” in the belly, sending it flying off her.

(…It’s light?)

The “Fang Dragon” landed on the ground and immediately accelerated again.

Monica quickly got back on her feet.

Blood was dripping from her arm.

“Ha, ha…”

(Its strength isn’t that high… It’s specialized in speed. It’s like a monster born to catch highly agile adventurers…)

Her arm throbbed with pain, and she winced.

(I managed to defend myself, but my status… took a hit.)

Monica scanned the surroundings with her “Hawkeye.”

Flat terrain stretched out around her.

(I’ve been dragged into an open area. It’s advantageous for a highly agile opponent.)

“Monica! Are you okay?”

Hans called out from the top of the cliff.

“Stay right there!”

Monica stopped Hans and the others from coming down.

“Throw me the bow! Quickly!”

Hans threw the bow to Monica.

(I can’t lead them. I need to think of a way to fight alone.)

Monica checked the “Fang Dragon’s” position.

It had moved a bit away but was heading towards her again.

(Hitting an enemy moving at that speed is difficult. However, the enemy also seems to have trouble changing direction at such high speed. I might be able to let it come close and shoot it at point-blank range, even if it means taking some damage…)

The “Fang Dragon” approached at high speed.

Monica positioned herself to block its path.

But then, a piercing screech filled the air.

(No way!)

A group of “Fire Dragons” appeared in the sky.

One of them was preparing to unleash a “Fire Breath.”

“Tch.”

Monica turned and shot down the “Fire Dragon.”

In that moment, the “Fang Dragon” slashed Monica’s shoulder with its claws and ran off.

“Ah!”

Monica staggered but managed to steady herself and prepare for a counterattack.

However, the remaining “Fire Dragons” had already disappeared behind the mountain, and the “Fang Dragon” had retreated into the forest.

“Monica, are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

Despite her words, Monica looked pale.

She struggled to stand, favoring her injured shoulder.

Jeff gritted his teeth.

(Damn it. Isn’t there anything we can do? But if I try to help, I might just get in the way. Damn it!)

Monica analyzed the enemy’s attack.

(They coordinated their attack from both the sky and the ground. They’re communicating and working together. That new type must be a dragon species. But what now? I can’t afford to get hit by a “Fire Breath.” If this keeps up, we’ll be worn down gradually. Think. What would Laurent do?)

Monica glanced at Leon and the others.

(If only Laurent were here, he could coordinate with them. Laurent!)

The “Fang Dragon” and the “Fire Dragons” synchronized their attack again, heading towards her. Monica started running towards the “Fire Dragons.”

(I’ll take down the “Fire Dragon” first!)

The “Fire Dragon” locked onto Monica, preparing to counter her attack.

As they were about to engage, Monica paled.

(No way. My arm won’t move.)

The “Fire Breath” was unleashed.

Monica closed her eyes.

At that moment, a blast surged over Monica, dispersing the “Fire Breath.”

“What?”

Monica blinked in surprise.

“Wow, that was amazing, brother.”

“Yeah, this staff has incredible power.”

Two new figures had joined Leon and the others at the top of the cliff.

Both were dressed as mages.

They were Will and Lana.

(Those people… mages? They have weapons from the “Spirit’s Workshop.” Reinforcements?)

Will traced the emblem of the “Spirit’s Workshop” engraved on his staff with his finger.

“A staff made for anti-air attacks against ‘Fire Dragons.’ It’s impressive that it can produce such power without being made of silver.”

(The “Spirit Workshop’s” alchemy is the real deal.)

“Um, who are you?”

Claire asked hesitantly.

“I’m Will. This is my sister, Lana. Laurent sent us. He told us to join your training.”

“We didn’t expect to walk into such a battlefield, though.”

Angered by the disruption, the “Fire Dragon” turned their attention towards Will.

“Brother, the ‘Fire Dragon’ is coming. Let’s take it down with ‘ Explosive Magic.'”

“Hmm, that’s a good idea, but if we shoot it down from this position, we might end up involving that archer girl. Nicola, you handle this.”

“Alright, alright. Excuse me.”

From the back, a bard named Nicola appeared, holding a harp.

He immediately began to play a mysterious melody known as ‘Dragon Tone.’

The ‘Fire Dragons’ gradually calmed their hostility and returned to the mountaintop.

“The dragons are leaving…”

Everyone watched in disbelief.

(Laurent has made yet another amazing piece of equipment. He never ceases to amaze me.)

Hans smiled wryly, bemused.

Though relieved from the immediate danger, they had no time to relax. The ‘Fang Dragon’ closed in on Monica amidst a cloud of dust.

“What is that thing? ‘Dragon Tone’ doesn’t work on it?”

Will narrowed his eyes suspiciously.

“It might be an A-class dragon species. This harp can only control dragons up to B-class.”

“Lana, can you do something with your support magic?”

“Yes, I’ll try.”

Lana cast ‘ Geocrust Magic.’

The ground between Monica and the ‘Fang Dragon’ rose up.

However, the ‘Fang Dragon’ climbed the steeply rising blocks of earth almost vertically.

“What leg strength! ‘ Geocrust Magic’ has no effect.”

Will looked around at those present.

(Tch. Everyone’s equipped for long-range anti-air attacks. If we try to engage in melee combat, they won’t make it in time.)

(But with my ‘Hawkeye,’ I can track the enemy’s movements even from here!)

Monica pinpointed where the ‘Fang Dragon’ was climbing up and, using her last bit of strength, readied her bow.

As the ‘Fang Dragon’ reached the top of the risen ground, it leaped towards Monica, momentarily suspended in the air.

Monica seized that moment and, with a single deadly shot, took down the ‘Fang Dragon.’

Amidst the falling pieces of flesh and bone, Monica collapsed to the ground.

With the fierce battle over, she felt an overwhelming loneliness and a strong desire to be embraced by someone.

Those on the cliff came down, offering words of encouragement and praise to Monica, but it did little to comfort her.

Monica smiled weakly.

(I really can’t do it without Laurent. Laurent, will you hold me?)

Descending from the mountain, the ‘White Wolf’ group returned to the city slightly ahead of Yugan and his team.

“Damn, we missed our chance to take down Double S-ranked Yugan.”

“Don’t worry. We fulfilled the request from ‘Dragon’s Ember.'”

They had been tasked by ‘Dragon’s Ember’ to cause as much damage to the ‘Crescent Knights’ equipment as possible. In reality, they had managed to significantly deplete the ‘Crescent Knights,’ forcing them to rely on ‘Dragon’s Ember’ once again.

At ‘Dragon’s Ember,’ Raoul confronted Medes.

“Hey, what’s the deal? Why am I being demoted, and why is Edgar taking over as the liaison for the ‘Crescent Knights’?”

“Raoul, as I mentioned earlier, this is not a demotion. It’s a reassignment. For this mission, Edgar is more suitable. That’s the judgment we made.”

“I’m the only one who can repair Yugan’s magic sword.”

“We know. Even though Edgar is the liaison, you will continue to handle the maintenance of the magic swords as before.”

“But still…”

“Raoul. This is final. I won’t tolerate any more complaints. You should focus on your alchemy.”

With that, Medes dismissed Raoul.

“Damn it.”

Raoul, out of frustration, could only punch the hallway wall.

Yugan visited ‘Dragon’s Ember’ to repair his damaged equipment. Edgar attended to him.

“Well, sorry about this. Yugan, we’re currently out of the necessary ores,” Edgar said with a sly grin.

“I’m afraid we can’t take your request right now.”

“Again? Can’t you do something about it?” Yugan replied.

“Really, I’m very sorry,” Edgar continued, maintaining his smug demeanor.

(According to the information, the ‘Crescent Knights’ plan to explore the dungeon three times. That means they will need to rely on us at least once more. But now, I’ll squeeze them for everything they’ve got. Three times, four times, five times, six times… as many dungeon explorations as it takes, Yugan.)

“Where’s Raoul? I need to talk to him…”

“Raoul has been removed from the negotiation role. From now on, I’ll be handling your requests. So, what will it be? If the ‘Crescent Knights’ can provide the ores like last time, we can get started right away.”

“…Let me think about it.”

Yugan walked down the hallway of ‘Dragon’s Ember,’ deep in thought.

According to his lieutenant’s report, the ore procurement rate was at 70 percent. If he provided the ores to ‘Dragon’s Ember,’ they would have to start over from scratch.

Could they gather the ores and defeat the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir’ in one last dungeon exploration? It seemed impossible. The ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir’ still had unknown tricks up its sleeve. The ‘White Wolf’ team would surely come up with more countermeasures next time.

“Damn it,” Yugan muttered. The situation was worsening.

(Isn’t there anything I can do?)

“Excuse me, sir,” a voice called out.

“Huh?”

A stranger approached Yugan, who was lost in thought. He was a warrior carrying a halberd.

“Who are you?” Yugan demanded.

“I am Gilbert, a member of the northern adventurer’s guild, ‘Knights of Hail.’ Excuse me, but are you Yugan of the ‘Crescent Knights’? If you’re having trouble with ores, I have a proposition for you.”

“What? What kind of proposition?”

“Target the guilds ‘Dawn’s Shield’ and ‘Pegasus Archers.'”

“‘Dawn’s Shield’ and ‘Pegasus Archers?”

“Yes. They have a large stockpile of ores in the city’s warehouse. If you defeat them in the dungeon and take them hostage, you can acquire plenty of ores.”

Yugan looked at him suspiciously.

(The ‘Dawn’s Shield’ and ‘Pegasus Archers? Never heard of them.)

“Hey, do you know anything about ‘Dawn’s Shield’ and ‘Pegasus Archers?”

Yugan asked one of the local guild members who was accompanying him.

“Well, I do know of them. They’re insignificant, small-time guilds. I can’t imagine they have a large stockpile of ores.”

“Just small-time guilds, huh? Hey, Gilbert, what’s the meaning of this? Your story doesn’t add up,” Yugan said, growing irritated.

“Ah, but you see, they will definitely become a threat to the ‘Crescent Knights.’ They are notorious villains who have risen through theft, betrayal, and bribery.”

Yugan frowned.

(What’s this guy talking about? Changing the subject all of a sudden? This is fishy.)

“You might not know this, Yugan, but doing yakuza work on this island is quite profitable. It’s possible to have a large stockpile of ores.”

“Uh, okay,” Yugan responded, feeling increasingly uneasy around Gilbert. He decided to keep his distance and instructed his lieutenant to ignore anything the man said.

Yugan then tried to procure ores in the city but had little success.

(No choice. In that case…)

Yugan made a decisive plan.

Late at night, when everyone was asleep, the members of the ‘Crescent Knights’ quietly headed to the port and loaded the procured ores onto a ship. They left on the first morning boat.

(Defeating the ‘Giant Fire Dragon Grand Fafnir’ is impossible. It’s better to leave than to continue being manipulated by ‘Dragon’s Ember’ and ‘White Wolf.’ We didn’t meet the guild’s quota, but it’s better than returning empty-handed.)

The people were stunned by the sudden retreat of the ‘Crescent Knights,’ and by the end of the day, the crescent flag was removed from the inn.

Once again, the islanders were left disappointed by an adventurer’s guild from outside.