"What a bowman (archer). ...... I can''t do that.


    The girl, equipped for a Warrior, said in confusion.


    No, it''s not true," she said. You have the skill ''Hawkeye'' for archers. ......


    Hey, what are you talking about?


    As Roland was about to explain to the Warrior girl, a young man interrupted.


    Monica," Roland said, "has been grooming her to be a Warrior in good order. She''s finally come this far, and now you want to turn her into an archer? Please don''t take liberties with me.


    Let''s see, ......, what about you?"


    I am Willik. I am the resident appraiser for the Keeper of the Magical Tree.


    "Appraiser ......"


    I wondered what kind of person would come because I heard he was a special advisor, and sure enough, here he is. I took my eyes off the road for a minute and here it is. I can''t believe they''re converting Monica to a bowman (archer) now. It''s no joke. Did you say Mr. Roland?　I don''t know if he''s a special advisor or what. We have our own specialties that we have cultivated over the years. We can''t afford to have someone from the outside come in and do something so outrageous.


    He said, as if he were trying to pacify the crowd.


    He acted as if he were saying that without him, the guild would not be able to stand on its own.


    Willik. I told you. Roland is a special advisor. From now on, his guidance will take precedence over everything else.


    When Roland was puzzled, Lilianne said in an accusatory tone.


    ''Lilianne,'' he said. No, but you know what? We''ve come all this way ......"


    ''Willik. I know you have your own ideas. But you have been in charge of Monica for three years now. If there is no more progress, there will be nothing left for her to do.


    When Lillianne said this, Monica''s shoulders shook with fear.


    No, but, you see, ....... No matter how much you want to ...... the appraiser from the Alchemy Guild."


    If you insist, then see what your appraisal says about Roland''s skills. That should convince you."


    You want to ...... his skills?"


    Willik looks at Roland''s skills in the appraisal.


    Skill Appraisal S


    Human Resource Development A


    (Nah. Skill appraisal S and talent development A!　(It''s as if they put everything into finding and developing talent: ......)


    Although Wirik could only see the top four skills and did not know their limits, he could still tell that Roland was a much better appraiser than himself.


    But he immediately smiled sarcastically.


    He said, "Pfft. I''m afraid you''re a skill appraiser S, aren''t you? But even if you have such skills, it means nothing if you choose the wrong aptitude, doesn''t it?


    ?"　What do you mean?"


    Lilianne asks dubiously.


    Willik explained.


    The background that made Monica a Warrior (Warrior).


    Why she is not a good archer.


    Is she less ''agile''?"


    Yes, it is. Monica has only a below average level of agility among her stats. Even with training, she is probably a C at best.


    Such as ......"


    In other words, he is not a good bowman (archer). The bowman (archer) is, above all, a job that requires mobility to take advantageous positions. She is not suited for it because of her lack of agility."


    Willik said crisply.


    Monica turned her head down.


    She, too, had wanted to be an archer.


    However, her low agility and inability to take an advantageous position in a real battle disqualified her from being an archer, and she was forced to convert to a warrior.


    (Certainly, agility is the most important aspect of archery. Without it, they could be at a great disadvantage. I wonder what Mr. Roland is going to do about it.)


    On the other hand, they excel in arm strength (power) and endurance (toughness). So her aptitude is not as an archer but as a warrior in the vanguard.


    While Wirik was saying such things with a wistful look on his face, Roland was completing his skill appraisal at Roland.


    Skill appraisal C to C


    Status appraisal B -> B


    (I see. What "skill appraisal" lacks in subtlety, it makes up for in "status appraisal. But he does not see it. Monica''s unique skill, "Hawk Eye," is not visible to him.


    I''m fine," he said. Monica. You have skills that make up for your lack of agility."


    A skill that compensates for low agility?　Do I have that skill?"


    Monica looks at Roland in surprise.


    Wirik was about to say something, but Roland spoke first and took the initiative.


    Wirik. I''m sorry, but I''m going to have to ask you to leave this to me. She gets confused when two leaders say different things at the same time.


    Did you hear that, Willik?　Mr. Roland has some ideas. Let''s leave it to him here. Then our presence here any longer will only be a hindrance to Mr. Roland. Wirik, I have something else I need to ask of you, so why don''t you come with me?"


    Lillianne then tries to physically take Willik out.


    ''....... I don''t know about this. I don''t care what happens.


    Willik says this in frustration, then opens the door roughly and leaves the exercise room.


    (Lillianne. Thank you.)


    Loran thanked Lilianne in his mind and bowed lightly, and Lilianne sneakily winked at Loran as she walked through the entrance door.


    Roland turned to the adventurers once again as they left.


    Lillianne winked at Loran as they left, and turned to the adventurers once again. I want to evaluate each one of you and see if you have any hidden skills or qualities.


    Loran lined everyone up side by side, looked at each person''s face, and appraised their skills.


    As a result, he found two other potential aces besides Monica.


    One was an attack mage named Shakuma.


    She was a petite girl with short-cut black hair and a weeping black spot over her left eye.


    Flame magic C to C


    Lightning magic D to C


    Rock magic -> C -> C


    (Attack mage, huh? But that''s hardly enough to match the firepower of an A-class mage.)


    Roland explores other skills as well.


    Crust magic E to A


    Phantom magic E → A


    Attack grant D to A


    Defensive D to A


    Hm. You seem to be better suited for supportive magic skills. Why did you become an offensive mage?"


    No." "No," he said. I used to hone my supportive mage skills too. ......"


    Shakuma scratched his head in embarrassment and explained why he converted to an offensive mage.


    Support mages are supposed to cover their troops from the rearguard, but she had a habit of moving forward when the battle started.


    I tried everything to cure my habit, but in the end I couldn''t. When I hear a yell or the sound of a weapon being fired, I can''t help but want to move forward. And every time I did that, the enemy would target me and drag my unit down."


    I see. That''s certainly a nuisance.


    (But...) (But...) How can you not develop skills that can be developed?


    Shakuma. It''s not that you don''t like support magic, is it?"


    Yes, I love support magic!


    Shakuma said with a carefree smile.


    I''m sure we can work out your quirks," Shakuma said with a carefree smile. Let''s try to develop your support mage skills again."


    Yes, sir. Please do."


    The other person was a girl dressed as a Warrior, just like Monica.


    Like Monica, she too was dressed in armor and a sword and made to play the role of a shield, even though her qualities as a Warrior were only average.


    It seems that Wirik, when he could not find a suitable occupation, would use her as a shield for the time being.


    One-person recovery magic B → A


    Wide area recovery magic C -> A


    (Warrior (Warrior) despite C for extensive recovery recovery magic and A in the future?　Why on earth ......)


    I see that you are not a healer, despite the fact that you have a wide range of healing magic. You have developed your skills accordingly, but why on earth?　I don''t see anything wrong with your status, either.


    When Roland examined her status, he found that her agility (agility) and magic power were fine, and her qualities as a healer (healer) did not seem to be in question.


    She said, "I was told that my hit rate was too low and therefore I was not qualified to be a healer."


    (Oh, that one.)


    Roland hastily appraised her status and sure enough, her hit rate was terrible.


    In this world, healers (healers) were also required to have a hit rate.


    When activating healing magic, the range of the target to be healed must be specified, and the hit rate must be high in order to correctly match the range of the target to his or her allies.


    I used to apply healing magic to heal an ally, but it did the opposite and healed the monster. ...... That put my troops in danger. Since then I have been banned from entering dungeons as a healer."


    Yuffine said in a matter-of-fact tone, without a hint of sadness.


    She did not seem to be the type to show much emotion.


    I understand. But it is impossible to leave such a powerful skill unused. I''ll find a way to make the most of it. I''m going to ask you to convert to a healer.


    Yes, sir. Yes, sir.


    For now, Roland decided to concentrate on developing Monica, Shakuma, and Yufine as ace candidates.


    As for the others, he did not make any drastic conversions, but only gave them a little advice.


    He did not make any major changes in the others, but just gave them a little advice. Thank you for your hard work. I want you to complete the tasks I just mentioned by next week.


    After Roland finished appraising everyone and giving advice, he handed down the details of the training and dismissed the gathering.


    After appraising nearly 30 adventurers, Roland sat down on the spot and went limp.


    (Phew. I''m tired, indeed.)


    Even for an S-class appraiser, appraising this many people at once was a painstaking task.


    However, Roland still had more work to do.


    (Converting is not enough. What was needed to make them A-class adventurers? (It''s the right equipment and the right quests.)


    After leaving "Keeper of the Magic Tree," Roland headed for the quest office on his feet.


    He asked, "Are you okay for a minute? Lillianne. She''s a crazy person."


    Willik appealed to Lillianne with the training plan submitted by Roland in hand.


    Monica, Shakuma, and Yuffine are useless in this profession, so I went to the trouble of converting them all. They were just beginning to take shape, but now they''re back to where they started.


    It''s okay," he said. Mr. Roland has successfully trained people with difficult qualities many times. Besides, ......"


    (If you don''t do something as bold as this, you can''t beat the "Golden Eagle". We can only rely on Mr. Roland''s skills now. (Let''s trust Mr. Roland''s intuition as a connoisseur.)


    While Roland was appointed as a special advisor at "Guardian of the Magic Tree," a general meeting for investors was being held at the "Golden Eagle" headquarters.


    The most prominent members of the city''s most prominent landowners, bankers, and representatives of various guilds gathered there.


    These investors are the driving force behind the growth of "Golden Hawk" into the city''s number one guild.


    With their capital power on its side, the current "Golden Hawk" has established a monopoly on the guild, including the high level of salaries paid to guild members and the alchemy guild''s control system.


    The Gilded Eagle" was able to receive ample funds in this way, but on the other hand, the guild''s representative was required to give a monthly report on the guild''s performance at the general meeting.


    Lukius gathered the investors and explained the results of the last month as usual, but from the very beginning of the meeting, the investors asked tough questions.


    The investors mainly pointed out that the "Guardian of the Magic Tree" had conquered one of the dungeons.


    ''What in the world does that mean?　How could they take one dungeon?"


    It''s a serious blunder.


    You told me that the "Guardians of the Magical Tree" were in the grips of a dying breed, and that they were almost under the control of the "Golden Eagle. Why are you lagging behind a guild that is almost as good as an affiliate?　It''s crazy, isn''t it?"


    If they take another dungeon next month, this is your responsibility.


    Don''t worry. We have already determined the cause of the problem and are taking steps to remedy it.


    Lukius suppressed his inner irritation, smiling and feigning unconcern.


    I know exactly why we didn''t get a single dungeon this month," he said. It was due to an error in judgment on the part of Marco, the unit leader. He made the mistake of retreating while the dungeon boss was right in front of him. This mistake was caused by Marco''s passive decision. The guild has already demoted him and is in the process of appointing a new, qualified troop leader."


    Appointed?"　Hasn''t that been decided yet?"


    One of the investors asked with a frown.


    Our guild has a lot of talent," he said. You all know that.


    Lukius maintained his composure.


    What about Jill, the heavily armed knight, and Dorwin, the alchemist?　You said they were class A caliber. Isn''t it about time you appointed them troop leaders?"


    When one of the investors said this, Lucius'' eyebrows twitched.


    It was a quirk that manifested itself when his irritation level rose one notch.


    It''s premature to make them the head of a unit," he said. They are still young. Now is still the time to focus on individual performance.


    It''s premature. I don''t know how much longer these two are going to be in B class.


    What''s the development officer doing?


    Yeah, it''s really not worth it. I am going to blast the training staff. I''m going to tell them to get more fired up ......."


    The dungeon was taken," he said. Then what is your excuse for the fair hosted by Count Elsen?"


    Lukius'' eyebrows twitched again.


    The matter of Count Elsen was the last thing he wanted to be touched on at the moment.


    This time, it was not just his eyes that twitched, but also his cheeks, and his face scrunched up.


    Oh, yes. I believe you were talking about bringing Count Elsen into the fold as an investor, right? What happened to that?


    With Count Elsen''s capital offer, the leading adventurers of the "Guardians of the Magical Tree" will be drawn out and completely enclosed. That was the arrangement, as I recall.


    I heard it was snatched away by another guild for the top prize at a fair.


    The fair?　What the hell are you talking about?"


    The silversmith competition was held under the auspices of Count Elsen. The guild that submitted the best silversmith work received an award, and it seems that the guild that received the award and approached Count Elsen was the ''Arsenal of Spirits.


    The Arsenal of Spirits?　I''ve never heard of it."


    It''s not a guild under the umbrella of the Golden Eagle.


    A guild of unknown origin has snatched the prize?　You have all the alchemy guilds in the city under your control?　Lucius!　What are you doing?　Hmm?"


    Lucius looked down with a somber look on his face for a few moments.


    It looked like he was depressed after being scolded, and he seemed to be suppressing his anger.


    The investors watched his reaction.


    Eventually, Lucius looked up.


    By then, he had completely regained his usual spare smile.


    He said, "Don''t worry, sir. The "Arsenal of Spirits" is just a small guild. We have already taken steps to block the ore distribution route and put pressure on the cooperative guilds. It is only a matter of time before the "Arsenal of Spirits" dries up. Eventually, they will cry out for us to take them under our wing.


    Well, if you say so, I guess it doesn''t matter. But you know what I mean. If we fall behind again next month against the Guardians of the Magical Tree, ......, your career will be in jeopardy.


    I am very much aware of that.


    The investors still looked unconvinced, but they were reluctant to pursue the story any further and remained silent.


    Lukius patted his chest with relief in his heart.


    (I was pursued a little too persistently, but I seem to be able to get through it somehow. Oh dear.)


    Is that all the questions?　With that, the general meeting is adjourned. ......"


    Wait for me."


    One of the investors, a nervous-looking man with glasses, raises his hand.


    Here. I see that you''ve expelled one of your appraisers. ......"


    Lucius makes a straight face.


    That was the last thing he wanted to be pointed out right now.


    ''The severance paid when they banished him. Isn''t this somewhat wasteful?"


    He said, pointing to the financial documents at hand.


    Lucius was relieved of his nervousness when he learned that the banishment itself was not being challenged.


    Oh, you mean the expulsion of the appraiser," he said, "because he was so badly mistreated. If we had continued to employ him, he would have contributed to the demoralization of the guild as a whole. So I had no choice but to expel him.


    I''m not so sure about that. Why don''t you just keep him until his contract expires without bothering to retire him?　There are so many ways to use them, such as converting them into shields or whatever and using them up. This kind of wasteful expense loosens the strings of the organization and says ......"


    Afterward he lectured Lukius endlessly about how important it was to cut costs.


    His attitude was as if to say, "I have to teach you everything from the beginning to the end, or you will never understand.


    For a while, Lucius had to listen to his lectures, which went on and on.


    He was so tired that he could not even hear himself say, "Thank you very much, ladies and gentlemen. Your carriage home and souvenirs are waiting for you.


    After the general meeting, Dianna escorts the investors to the exit.


    She greeted them amiably and escorted them to the exit.


    The investors walked down the corridor to the exit, their shoulders hunched and their posture huge, as if to say, "We are the investors.


    Lucius is left alone in the conference room.


    When no one is around, he takes the sword on the shelf and slashes at the chairs where the investors are sitting, taking it out on them.


    He slashes at the chairs where the investors are sitting and takes it out on them. Those pigs! They''ve been interfering in every single thing I do because of a single dungeon failure!


    When Lucius finishes slashing all the chairs, he finally sheathes his sword and throws it at the shelf.


    ''That''s it, Roland!　It''s his fault. He is a mere appraiser, and he has the nerve to get in my way!


    Lucius kicks away the chair he just smashed. But that didn''t stop him from getting angry.


    Watch me now," he said. Roland. I''ll make sure this humiliation will be avenged.


    Oh, Mr. Roland. Welcome.


    At the quest reception desk, Claria, the receptionist, greeted Roland with a beaming smile.


    She had been timid toward Roland for a while, but as soon as she got to know his personality (when Roland told her, "You don''t have to be so humble"), she took to him and now she was like a well-informed customer.


    Hey," he said. Hello, Claria."


    Thank you for everything. How can I help you today?"


    That''s the thing, it''s a bit of a crowded subject today. ......


    I will be happy to help you. Please come into this private room.


    She stood up and led Roland to a private room.


    As soon as they moved into the private room, Roland began to talk about his requirements.


    I have a request for an adventurer''s quest.


    For adventurers?　Is it about alchemical items?"


    No, no. It is a quest for archers, support mages, and healers.


    What?　So then ...... Roland, you''re an adventurer?"


    I''m an adventurer, but I''m a trainer.


    Roland said shyly.


    I''ve been made a special advisor to the Guardians of the Magical Tree."


    ''Well. So you have risen in the world, then. Congratulations.


    Haha. Thank you. Well, that''s why I need you to let me know when quests for archers, support mages, and healers appear.


    Roland gave her his contact information.


    ''Yes, sir,'' she said. I''ll be sure to let you know as soon as I can.


    After the interview, Loran was politely escorted to the exit by Claria.


    (Well, now that we''re ready for the quest, all that''s left is the equipment. (Now that we''re ready for the quest, all we need now is the equipment.)


    After seeing Loran off, Claria, the receptionist, wrote down the request and put it at the top priority place on her list of jobs.


    (Wind. You''re a good man, Roland. Well, well. A new dungeon will appear soon, and I have to prepare for Roland-san. I was rude to him before, so I have to make up for it.)


    As Claria is filing the paperwork, someone comes to the reception desk again.


    Welcome. ......?


    Hello Claria. You''re as beautiful on all sides as ever.


    Di, Miss Dianna.


    Long time no see.


    It''s been a while. It''s very rare. I can''t believe you''re here at the quest reception desk. Ha ha."


    Claria begins to break out in a cold sweat as if she is upset to see Dianna''s face.


    It was understandable that she was frightened.


    In fact, even though Dianna is smiling, there is something intimidating and cowering about her smile.


    That was Roland you were talking to in the private room just now, wasn''t it?


    What?　Eh, yeah well. Yes, it is. Ha ha."


    I''m not terrible, Claria. You broke your promise to us and introduced your quest to Roland. I guess that means you guys are better off with Roland than with us now.


    No, no, no. No, no, no. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Dianna is a very important customer. We at the Quest Reception Center value our relationship with the Golden Eagle more than anything else.


    Claria said, slurred.


    Yes," she said. That''s good to know.


    Dianna smiled.


    To Claria, that smile was more frightening than anything else.


    ''So you''ll tell me, won''t you?　What in the world did Roland come here to do for his quest? What did he talk about here? I want the whole story.


    Uh-uh.


    Although the quest receptionist office was bound by confidentiality agreements not to divulge the details of consultations with clients, Claria had no choice.


    She had no choice. I can''t believe I''m a special advisor. Tensions between the "Golden Eagle" and the "Guardian of the Magical Tree" are growing even now. Lillianne has done a bold thing.


    Dianna left the quest reception desk with a look of disappointment on her face.


    Well, okay," she said. Now we''ve found a way to destroy Roland.


    （If the training plan fails, the relationship between Roland and the "Guardian of the Magical Tree" will be cracked. This situation. We can''t afford not to take advantage of it.)


    Dianna left the quest office and immediately went to Lucius to tell him about it.


    Rukius begins to organize a unit to destroy Roland''s training plan.


    <>