Lillianne and her team were busy at the headquarters of the "Guardians of the Magic Tree.


    While Roland was conquering dungeons, Lillianne, now the head of the guild, was recruiting adventurers from outside the guild to strengthen her troops.


    She said, "We need to surround ourselves with competent adventurers. Hire B-class adventurers and above for any money before they sign a contract with the Gilded Eagle.


    A messenger comes.


    The guild leader. I am here to tell you. Roland''s team has reached the ninth level.


    The people around Lilianne are in an uproar.


    "Level nine. We''re already there?


    That was fast. ......


    And Arik''s unit?


    We''re still on the eighth level.


    Oh," they cheered.


    Gentlemen!　Don''t let your guard down. You still don''t know how the game will turn out. Let us do our best to support the troops who are doing their best in the dungeon."


    (Mr. Roland''s troops, they are attacking the dungeon at an unusual pace. I am sure the troop will come back exhausted of status. We need to gather as many replacement B-class adventurers as possible before he returns. ......)


    As Lillianne is giving instructions, another messenger rushes in.


    ''Guild leader!　A senior member of the Golden Eagle is here to see you.


    A senior member of the "Golden Eagle"?　Who the hell is ......?"


    I''m Jill Irwin.


    What?　Is Jill at ......?"


    Thank you for meeting me on such short notice."


    Jill bowed to Lillianne and said.


    ''Ms. Jill. Why in the world would a senior member of the ''Golden Eagle'' like yourself?"


    I heard that the Guardians of the Magical Tree are looking for adventurers from outside guilds as well, and I came here to participate, even if only in a small way.


    I have not received any word from ...... "Golden Eagle" regarding you.


    My participation in "Guardians of the Magical Tree" was a decision I made on my own. It has nothing to do with the wishes of the Golden Eagle.


    But is it good?　Now our guild is ......"


    My allegiance is to the ''Golden Eagle'' where Mr. Roland was. I am no longer worthy of loyalty to the Golden Eagle without Mr. Roland. No matter how severe the sanctions, no matter how much debt I am saddled with, I will no longer follow any order other than Mr. Roland''s."


    Ms. Jill, ......"


    (The "Golden Eagle" is supposed to be tough on contract violations. You really adore Mr. Roland, don''t you?)


    Lillianne was beginning to think Jill was a tease.


    I understand," she said. I''ll hire you."


    Ha. Thank you."


    Jill," he said. Please don''t be so formal. As someone who was also guided by Mr. Roland, I understand exactly how you feel. Let''s cooperate with each other and support Mr. Roland here.


    I appreciate you saying so.


    Jill''s behavior was frowned upon within the Golden Eagle, but it was Lucius who was criticized more harshly.


    The reason for the rebellion of senior members like Sebasta and Jill is solely due to the successive failures of the guild leader, Lukius!"


    Members who had wanted to replace Sebasta were now plotting to drag him down to take Lucius'' place.


    Demonstrations were frequent within the guild.


    They made a lot of noise, trying to make the issue bigger than it needed to be, so that the anti-Lucius movement would reach the ears of their investors and the public.


    Lukius looked down at the demonstrators from the window of the guild leader''s room.


    (Was it a mistake to coddle Jill? After all these concessions, she still betrays us in the end.)


    Lucius pulled a bitter face and suddenly smiled darkly.


    (Well, that''s okay. Now I''m clear. I finally understand, Jill. I know now, Jill, that you have no intention of following my orders. If that''s your intention, fine, we''ll see what we can do.)


    Meanwhile, at the "Arsenal of Spirits," Cheal and Dorwin were anxiously waiting for the molding of the new materials to be finished.


    Finally, the S-class weapons were about to be completed.


    When Roland reached the 10th level, his troops were severely depleted and his holdings of "potions" and "magic potions" were running low, so he decided to return to town, break up the party, and go to sleep.


    Twenty-four hours later, Roland woke up at home and immediately left his room to find Claria waiting for him, smiling.


    ''Good morning. Mr. Roland.


    Oh, Claria. ......


    I heard you had returned from the dungeon, so I arranged a carriage for you. We have prepared a meal for you.


    I looked and saw a carriage parked on the street.


    （I was so surprised. (You''re so thoughtful about these things.)


    Thank you. Shall we go to work at the "Guardian of the Magic Tree" then?


    Roland eats a sandwich in the carriage and receives a report on what happened while he was in the dungeon.


    First of all," he said, "at the ''Arsenal of Spirits,'' the production of the new ''skewers'' is going well. We are ready to replace all of the equipment for all of the members of the unit for Sword A, Shield A, Bow A, Armor A, and Wand A. As for "Earth Craft," we currently have 150 in stock.


    Claria said as she flipped through the documents in her hand.


    I see."


    (Lange seems to be doing well.)


    Claria. Tell Ranju that we are going into the dungeon again at noon today, and that he should bring a set of equipment and ''Earthcraft'' at that time, as well as a maintenance person."


    Yes, sir.


    How''s it going with the Keeper of the Magical Tree?


    Lillianne has been doing a good job of getting us a replacement. As of yesterday, she has already gathered 30 B-class adventurers.


    I''m not sure I''m going to be able to do that. That''s great.


    (Lily seems to be doing a great job too.)


    Oh, yes. And this is what I heard from Cheal. ......"


    Hmm?"


    They''re almost ready to start work on an S-class weapon.


    S-class weapons!　I see. Finally ......"


    Roland''s face broke into a smile.


    Finally, he would be able to give Jill an S-class weapon.


    (After all, an S-class adventurer deserves an S-class weapon.)


    Claria, too, sees Roland''s happy profile and becomes happy herself.


    (Roland-san looks happy. (Roland-san looks happy. Maybe now is a good time to appeal.)


    Claria thought perceptively.


    She had not yet given up on becoming Roland''s mistress.


    (Since I''m working for such a great man like Roland, I should make the most of the opportunity.)


    Mr. Roland. By the way, I met Dianna."


    "What, to Dianna?"


    Just as Claria had hoped, Roland bites the dust.


    Yes," he said. We only had a short conversation, but he didn''t seem to have much time to spare. She''s always so mean to me, and she didn''t even say one less word."


    Heh.


    It seems the Gilded Eagle camp is in a lot of trouble after all."


    Claria casually winked at Roland.


    Roland was taken aback.


    In fact, Claria was quite an attractive girl, except for her frivolity.


    I see.


    Roland pretends he didn''t see it, looks away and looks forward again.


    Mr. Roland!"


    Hmm?　What?


    If you like, I can get some information out of Dianna for you.　The "Golden Eagle" is in a rut right now, so I think we can extract some useful information from it. I''m pretty good at it. I get information out of people."


    Claria took the opportunity and held Roland''s hand to keep his attention.


    She brought her face so close to Roland''s that she could kiss him on the mouth, her eyes watering.


    I was rude to you before," she said. So I wanted to help him somehow.


    Uh, uh, yeah, um..."


    Roland appraised Claria on her skills.


    Claria.


    Secret Agreement: C to A


    Information Retrieval: C to A


    (Ummm...hmm...) I wonder if this skill is really worth raising)


    Both are intelligence-related skills, and if used well, they seem to be advantageous for information gathering, but on the other hand, it is conceivable that their important information could be leaked to the enemy.


    It could be a double-edged sword.


    Unless we became closer and more intimate with her.


    Ah, it looks like they''ve arrived.


    Roland sees that the carriage has stopped, and he quickly opens the door and gets out.


    Claria looked discouraged for a moment, but soon returned to her usual smiling, affable young girl''s face.


    (She''s tough as nails, isn''t she? (She''s tough as nails, Mr. Roland. (You''re a tough one, Mr. Roland, won''t you be so easily won over?)


    Claria stares at Roland''s back.


    (But there should still be a chance. I won''t let you get away, Mr. Roland!)


    When Roland entered the "Guardian of the Magic Tree" dormitory, he was greeted by Lillianne.


    Welcome back, Loran."


    Lily. You came all the way out here to pick me up?"


    Mr. Roland, the replacement for the Class B Adventurers is already ready for you.


    I''m glad you made it that far. Thank you for ....... With you behind us, we can focus on clearing the dungeon after this.


    I''m not sure I want to go there," he said. But still, ......"


    Lillianne glanced at the carriage with a funny look on her face.


    Mr. Roland is finally coming to work as an executive.


    No," he said. Embarrassing.


    This is about as good as it gets. Considering Mr. Roland''s accomplishments up to now, he deserves to be treated well.


    Gilles, appearing behind Lilianne, said.


    Loran was a little nervous to see Lilianne and Jill together.


    ''Jill!　How did you get here?"


    She''s with us now."


    Lillianne explains.


    ''She offered, and I gave her permission. She came to the Gilded Eagle without asking."


    Jill ......"


    Finally, I can work for you, under you."


    Jill said with flushed cheeks, as if she was so happy.


    I''m so happy to see you, Mr. Roland," she said, her cheeks flushed with joy. I will do whatever it takes. Please order me to do it.


    I see."


    Roland sensed a hint of her determination and decided not to ask too many questions.


    The two exchanged glances as if they had a heart to heart.


    Lillianne was truly satisfied with the way they looked at each other.


    ''So what shall we do?　Jill, I''d like to place you in Roland''s unit for now, if you don''t mind."


    Lillianne consults with him as if she is in trouble.


    Lillianne was troubled and asked for advice. But for now, let''s wait and see. There''s something strange going on in the ''mining dungeon.


    Strange?"


    ''Oh, it''s the lower levels, but there are some unusually strong monsters. Maybe S-class monsters are coming out."


    S-Class ......"


    Jill huffs.


    S-class promotion.


    It was a long-held dream for Jill and Roland.


    Yes," she said. That''s why I want you to be on standby to destroy the S-class monsters. We are almost finished with the S-class equipment in the "Spirit Arsenal. I''ll need to make some minor adjustments, so will you go to the ''Spirit Arsenal'' for a meeting?"


    I understand.


    I''m sure you''ll be waiting at home. What about the replacement staff?


    The shield, sword, and bowmen are heavily depleted. If possible, I would like to replace them with people who are in perfect condition.


    I understand. I will arrange it that way.


    I guess that''s about it for now. Jill. I have to talk to the guild leader, so will you go ahead of me?"


    Yes, Mr. Roland.


    Claria. Take Jill to the ''Arsenal of the Spirits'' in the carriage.


    Yes, sir.


    Well then, Lily. Shall we go?


    Lillianne entered the waiting room and immediately embraced Roland, showering him with passionate kisses.


    She put her arms around Roland''s neck and grasped him firmly, savoring the kiss to the fullest for the first time in a long time.


    The two of them savored each other''s lips hungrily for a while.


    When their breathing becomes labored, they catch their breath and quickly lose themselves in the kiss again.


    It was for this reason that Roland pulled Jill away and left her alone with Lilianne.


    Lilianne, who had been trying to look nonchalant since a few moments ago, was now looking wistfully and passionately at Roland whenever she saw an opening.


    She was not sure what she might do in front of Jill at that moment, so she took emergency refuge.


    It was a full few minutes later that they stopped kissing.


    Lillianne let out a deep, troubled sigh and finally calmed down a bit after taking a breath.


    I''m sorry," she said. I was actually going to hold off until we cleared the dungeon. ......"


    No, no, no. It''s fine."


    I know this is an important time for you. ...... But the job of guild leader is harder than I thought it would be. ......"


    It''s okay. I''m sorry I haven''t been able to take better care of you.


    Roland gently combed Lillianne''s hair and stroked her cheeks as he said this.


    Loran ......


    Lillianne''s eyes welled up as if she was thrilled.


    They kissed lightly one more time.


    Lillianne was so touched that she kissed Lillianne lightly once more, and then said, "I''ll give you plenty of attention when I get back, so just hang in there a little while longer.


    Yes. ......"


    When they left the room, Lillianne was back to her racy self, and walked down the hallway looking rather refreshed.


    She waved and smiled at Roland as they headed off to the dungeon.


    (Roland. (Roland, when you come back, please take care of me a lot.)


    After receiving the replenishers from Lillianne, Loran led them to the entrance of the dungeon.


    Then, Monica and other troopers, Lange and other members of the "Arsenal of Spirits" had already gathered there and started preparing to enter the dungeon again.


    "Mr. Rick," said Monica, "I''ve been waiting for you. The oil on the "armor lizard" has peeled off a lot. I''ll do some maintenance.


    Oh, thank you.


    A young employee of the "Arsenal of Spirits" maintains Rick''s armor by reapplying "armor lizard" oil.


    Cheal was busy maintaining the "Silver Iron Breaking Bow," Lelio''s bow, and Marina''s staff.


    Mr. Ric. Please use a new shield.


    Ranju said as he brought a new shield.


    ''Oh, thank you.''


    (As I said, the support system of the "Guardian of the Magic Tree" is excellent. (As I thought, the support system of "Guardians of the Magic Tree" is excellent.)


    Rick receives support with satisfaction.


    Suddenly, he sees Roland talking with Lange in a friendly manner.


    (Roland-san, you seem to get along well with the members of the "Arsenal of Spirits.")


    Um, Monica."


    Rick spoke to Monica, who was getting ready next to him.


    Hm?"　Yes?"


    Mr. Roland seems to be very close to the people in the ''Arsenal of Spirits'' ......


    That''s right. Mr. Roland is the head of the guild of the ''Arsenal of Spirits.


    What?　Is that so?"


    On the contrary, Mr. Roland originally came from the ''Arsenal of Spirits.


    Euphine interrupts the conversation.


    I used to make weapons for the ''Guardians of the Magical Tree'' at the ''Arsenal of Spirits,'' but Lillianne brought me to the ''Guardians of the Magical Tree'' as a special advisor.


    Oh, is that so?


    (From guild leader of an alchemy guild to an executive of an adventurers guild to a troop leader. What kind of background does Mr. Roland have ......? (Too much of a mystery)


    Rick looked at Loran curiously.


    Loran appraises the status of the members.


    He started with Monica, Shakma, and Yuffine.


    Monica, Shakuma, and Yuffine were the first to be evaluated. You guys seem to have no abnormalities in your status.


    Yes."


    It''s a given."


    Yuffine said, puffing out her chest.


    She then appraised the status of Rick, Lelio, and Marina.


    (Rick has a disturbance in ...... magic power. (Rick has a disturbance in his magic power. Is Marina ...... worn out to begin with? Lelio is ......)


    [Lelio''s status.


    Arm strength (power): 20-70


    Agility: 30-90


    Command: 30-90


    (The stones are wearing out. Not unreasonable)


    Lelio. You''re on standby."


    "Ugh, I knew it."


    Yeah, because my status hasn''t been restored.


    "...... yes."


    Don''t be discouraged. I''ve done so much command. A little status disturbance is inevitable. Take it easy here and concentrate on your recovery. If you are able to join us, join the troops who have returned from the forest dungeon or the dungeon of the magical world.


    Yes, sir.


    Roland also replaced the status-depleted members of the shield, sword, and bow squads with replacement personnel, and they re-entered the dungeon with little or no damage.


    ''Alright. As for Monica, Shakuma, and Yuffine, as usual. Rick is committed to the role of vanguard. Don''t use the ''agility grant'' and recovery magic because your magic power is depleted. Marina''s top priority is to supply items. Supply "Skewer" and "Earthcraft" to Monica. Especially from here, "Acid Slime" will appear. Acid Slime" is a monster that accelerates the wear and tear of weapons. Each of you must have one Earth Craft at all times, and if a member''s equipment wears out, Marina must immediately supply the wearer with an Earth Craft.


    Yes, sir.


    Good. Let''s go then."


    After descending to the eleventh level, Roland and his team immediately encountered a "tower golem.


    Moreover, it seemed to be of a very high level.


    （What is a "tower golem" all of a sudden?


    Rick frowned.


    "Deploy the formation!"


    Roland gives the order, and the team divides into vanguard and rear guard and begins to fight slowly.


    In the middle of the battle, Rick spotted a disruption in the enemy line.


    （If we jump in there now, we can get behind them, right?)


    Agility Grant."


    Rick cast a spell, but the magic did not activate; rather, dizziness overtook him.


    (Ggh, what the hell?)


    There''s something wrong with Rick."


    Someone. Help him!"


    The surrounding shield squads start to make noise as they hastily cover the area.


    (After all, it''s tough for Rick to use magic, isn''t it?)


    Roland thought again as he looked at Rick.


    Monica took Rick by the shoulders and pulled him to the rear guard.


    ''Oh God, Roland-san told you not to use the ''agility grant''.


    Ugh."


    You have to listen to your captain''s orders.


    ...... yes."


    Rick said apologetically.


    ''On that note, I don''t do anything except what I''m told.


    For some reason, Marina said proudly, puffing out her chest.


    You should be a little more aggressive!


    Yuffine said, as if to encourage him.


    Roland chuckled.


    (The newcomers are still mentally immature, aren''t they? Can they really shake Arik off like this?)


    Loran and his team had to travel at low speed for a while as they marched while covering for Rick, who was feeling ill.


    Other problems, such as a lack of coordination with the newly recruited replacements, also slowed the troop down.


    Meanwhile, at the same time, Arik and his team also dived back into the dungeon after the 24-hour interval and caught up with Roland and his team at a furious pace.


    (After all, the only way to restore the "Golden Eagle" is for me to win over Roland in this "mining dungeon!")


    Arik''s thoughts were further strengthened when he saw the state of affairs at the "Golden Eagle" headquarters.


    He was relieved that he was not subjected to any unnecessary interference from Lucius, but was soon confronted with a movement to bring down Lucius.


    He ran into a group of demonstrators.


    He blackmailed them on the spot, and the commotion subsided, but there was no doubt that it would flare up again once Arik entered the dungeon (Arik was no longer the only one who could display such dignity in the "Golden Eagle").


    Alik and the others followed Roland in a furious chase.


    Despite the high pace of the battle, the strongmen of Arik''s team were able to regain their status after 24 hours of recovery, and not a single one of them dropped out.


    With their well-honed coordination and the advantage of following behind, they ran through the dungeon at a tremendous pace.


    In doing so, Arik was still in the lead, taking command and making full use of his own support magic.


    Roland-san, I have this feeling.


    Monica said in a panic.


    The pressure from behind was tremendous from a while ago.


    ''Ah, Arik and the others are catching up.


    Roland also said, feeling the pressure.


    Finally, Monica''s "Hawk-Eye" caught Arik''s unit.


    (No way, there was a gap of more than one level. (No way, they were already this close. ......)


    Once again, Arik''s troops were within a kilometer behind.


    Arik also caught Roland''s unit with his naked eye.


    （I''ve got them. Roland!)


    Arik closes in on Roland''s unit at full speed.


    (d*mn. They''re catching up because of me.)


    Rick grits his teeth as he feels the pressure from behind.


    However, the difference in speed was so obvious that there was nothing he could do.


    As they passed through the 12th and 13th levels, they gradually got closer and closer.


    When they reached the 14th level, Arik''s unit finally caught Roland''s tail.


    （I got it!)


    Arik was about to give the order to overtake.


    But then he suddenly felt dizzy.


    （What is it?)


    Captain?


    Alik is about to collapse, and his second-in-command rushes to his side to support him.


    Are you all right, sir?　Somebody!　Get the recovery magic!"


    However, Arik did not recover even after the recovery magic was applied.


    No way!"


    The deputy appraised Alik''s status on the spot.


    [Arik''s status].


    Magic: 1-120


    (The lowest value of magical power is 1....... It''s not just a disorderly condition. This won''t heal anytime soon)


    Captain. Please rest. Your status is marginal."


    Don''t be silly. If I take a break now, Roland and the others will just keep going on and on.


    But you can''t shoot magic anymore, can you?"


    Kuh."


    Alik somehow tries to cast a spell.


    However, he inevitably loses concentration and cannot cast the spell.


    No matter how many magic potions he drank, it was useless.


    d*mn it. Just at the right moment."


    (No wonder. I''ve been leading the troop by myself all this time at this high pace.)


    The second-in-command looks bitter.


    Roland and his men moved ahead while Arik and his men were still lagging behind.


    The distance begins to open up again.


    d*mn."


    ''Calm down, please,'' he said. Even Roland and the others are in pain. We have been running at a high pace at the front for a long time. If anything, they must be bearing more of the burden than we are."


    Once you cross the 15th level, the monsters become even more powerful. If that happens, even they will have no choice but to slow down their pace.


    But Roland and his team did not slow down.


    Roland appraised the status of his troop members in small increments to spread out the burden so that it would not become too concentrated.


    As a result, Monica, Shakuma, and Yufineh retained their high power as usual.


    On the other hand, Arik''s troops, say, proceeded through the dungeon with a formation that did not have Arik at the head, but their marching speed was drastically reduced.


    The difference in the number of Class A adventurers they possessed was clearly visible.


    Roland and his men widened the gap as Arik and his men struggled, and finally the gap between the two units was as wide as two levels.


    <>