Roland assembled his troops when he came to the dungeon.


    It was the last chance to see his troops before the next season''s dungeon attack.


    Good, everyone''s here.


    Roland said as he looked around at his unit.


    He quickly checked the status.


    (Yes. No problem.)


    Satisfied with the condition of his unit, Roland began to speak.


    As you have heard, a second unit from the Golden Eagle will be sent to the ''mining dungeon. Even though Sebasta is gone, they are an elite group of experienced veterans with a wealth of experience. They are well trained and ready to conquer the dungeon (although that would be a lie). Even you will lose your footing if you are not careful. Each of you must be prepared for dungeon exploration.


    Yes, yes. I have a question.


    Yuffine raised her hand.


    What is it?"


    Who do you side with, us or the Golden Eagle, Mr. Roland?"


    A tense atmosphere prevails among the troops.


    It''s a good question. In a word, you are on both sides and neither side.


    When you say?"


    As you know, I am now the head of the ''Golden Eagle'' guild. However, I have not lost my registration as the captain of the "Guardians of the Magic Tree" Roland Corps. Therefore, I have to carry out my duties as the captain of the Roland Corps, and at the same time, as the guild leader of the "Golden Eagle," I have to support the Second Corps. It is a delicate position. I can''t be overly loyal to either side."


    I see. So, from Mr. Roland''s point of view, it doesn''t matter who wins?


    The situation is a little more complicated than that, but let''s just say that. Anyway, I will not participate in the next dungeon search, and I will be a fair observer of the competition between the two teams. One thing I can say is that the game is always a matter of luck. The game is always decided by subtle differences. I want you to be on your guard and fight with no regrets. That''s all for now. Are there any other questions?　No, I don''t think so. Then I''ll let each of you make your final adjustments."


    Lillianne was greeted by the police at "The Guardian of the Magic Tree.


    Liliane was there to consult with them about the investigation of Lucius.


    So they haven''t caught Lucius yet?


    Yes, we''re doing everything we can to investigate. ......


    The police said apologetically.


    Lilianne crossed her arms and looked difficult.


    (How could she be cornered to this point and still not give up? He''s quite a wayward man, too, isn''t he? You know there is no chance for him to get back on his feet.)


    "We keep putting up emergency lines, so they should still be here in town. ...... Have you been able to find any clues on the part of the Guardian of the Magic Tree?"


    The police asked ostentatiously.


    No, sir. If I had such a thing, I would have reported it to you right away."


    Hah ......." I knew it.


    With a heavy heart, the police nodded.


    Lilianne began to feel sorry for the man in front of her.


    The authorities were getting quite nervous, as there had been a number of incidents involving adventurers in recent months.


    He would probably get a good scolding from his superiors if he did not return home with some clues.


    Cheer up."


    Lillianne spoke in a cheerful voice.


    Don''t worry. If you read the killer''s thoughts and persist in your investigation, you will catch him.


    Hah ......"


    We are willing to help you, so please hang in there a little longer.


    ...... I agree. Let''s start all over again to see what we can find out."


    Lillianne watched the police leave the "Guardian of the Magic Tree" building with a little more energy.


    ''The killer''s idea of ......?


    (If it is impossible to return to the "Golden Eagle," Lukius wants to ....... No way, he wants Mr. Roland ......)


    The worst possible situation popped into Lillianne''s mind.


    In case you were wondering, Lilianne had previously suggested that Loran have an escort, but Loran laughed it off.


    I don''t need an escort.


    He said he was not that great of a man.


    (Roland said he didn''t need an escort, but I''m still worried. (Roland said he didn''t need an escort, but I was concerned.)


    Roland wanted a "Golden Eagle" troop formation meeting.


    The meeting was attended by Arik, Ist, and other familiar faces.


    (The budget allocation has already been decided, and the lineup of troops is fixed, so there''s nothing to mess with (or rather, if we interfere too much, we''re likely to be rebuffed again). (If there is any more room for wrangling, it''s at ......)


    Guild President. I have a proposal!"


    Ist, the second troop commander, leaned forward.


    ''Yes?''


    I would like to request that Jill Irwin be added to our second unit."


    （I knew it.)


    Their confidence in their ability to conquer the dungeon was based solely on the idea of relying on Jill''s strength in this last-ditch effort.


    However, Roland did not want to use Jill in such a losing battle.


    Roland appraised Isto''s status.


    Ist''s status


    Arm strength (power): 40-80


    Endurance (toughness): 40-80


    Agility: 20-60


    Physical strength (stamina): 60-100


    (How can you say that you want to go to the "mining dungeon" with this status?)


    This is exactly what adventurers who neglected their training in the midst of political strife looked like.


    With their current state, they would have run out of breath by the time they reached the fifth level of the dungeon, let alone beat Roland''s team.


    The guild leader said, "Guild leader. Conquering the "Mine Dungeon" is the top priority for our guild. Please give us your utmost support.


    I agree. First of all, I would like to hear his opinion. I know Ist says so, but what do you think, Jill?"


    I''m not sure. I am willing to go wherever the guild leader orders me to go. However, my first wish is to serve at the Guild Master''s side.


    Jill said exactly what Roland had told her to say beforehand.


    Yes, that''s right. I agree with you. Jill is S class. She has the power to change the game. I think the best way to decide which dungeon to deploy her in is to look at each unit''s dungeon attack status, carefully assess their advantages and disadvantages, and deploy her when the situation calls for it.


    When Roland says this, Isto''s face contorts in frustration and he tries to say something.


    But Roland stopped him with a hand.


    I can understand your frustration, Isto," Roland said. But I have to look at the whole picture and make a decision.


    But, sir," the guild president ......


    I''ll be fine. Don''t worry, the second unit can compete with the elite of the "Guardians of the Magic Tree. In fact, they have enough strength to win the battle. I believe so.


    Isto retracts the words that were almost in his throat when he hears this.


    I believe that some of the members of the second unit have the potential to become S-class members. It is possible that this season''s dungeon attack will produce several S-class adventurers. My fear is that by deploying Jill, we may rather stunt your growth and miss an opportunity to fulfill your potential."


    Arik looks stunned indeed when he hears Roland''s words.


    (Loran. No matter how much you want to say, that''s ....... Who would be pleased to be flattered by such transparent flattery?)


    However, the istos easily took Roland''s word for it.


    (Oh my!　Did the guild leader think that highly of us? I thought he was a handsome young man, but he is quite a sight to behold.)


    Guild President. Next term''s dungeon attack. I will make sure we succeed!


    I''m not sure I''ll be able to do it again. I''m counting on you.


    Arik could not help but open his mouth with a sigh.


    It seemed that the members of the second unit had been so busy window dressing their skills and stats that they had even forgotten what they were capable of.


    <>