After the "Knights of the Crescent Moon" disembarked from the cruise ships circling the four continents, the general public began to disembark as well.
People lined up in line at the baggage drop-off point.
The girl, dressed in her traveling clothes, also went to the reception desk to hand over her luggage number tag.
She handed her baggage number tag to the receptionist. Please wait a moment.
The baggage handler huffed as she said this.
The girl''s silky blond hair was lighter than a horse''s mane, and her eyes were a shimmering blue like the ocean at sunrise.
And even from her modest traveling clothes, one could tell that her breasts were exceptionally full.
Her fresh skin and innocent expression still had the innocence of a teenager, but she also had a mature glow that did not match her age.
Above all, she was clad in an aura that only a celebrity can exude, an aura that accentuates her presence.
The crew member at the baggage claim was so taken by her that he opened his mouth slack-jawed.
What is it?"
The girl tilts her head with a scowl.
Oh, no, I beg your pardon.
The sailor hurries to get her luggage.
Ugh, it''s heavy."
The cloth-wrapped package was not one that could be carried by just one person.
The other crew members helped him to carry it in front of the girl.
"Good boy!"
Thank you."
It''s so heavy. What in the world is this?
Only then did he finally wonder if the girl was capable of carrying such a heavy object.
''Shall I arrange delivery? So much weight. Wouldn''t it be hard to carry it all the way to the inn?"
No, thank you. Thank you."
The girl picks up her luggage with one hand and walks away with light steps.
The crew looked on in amazement.
So this is the Island of the Fire Dragon. ......
Her short-cut blonde hair is silky and she scurries around in the unfamiliar land with a pamphlet in her hand.
Using her "Hawk Eye", she looks down on the city from above and confirms the location of the "Spirit Arsenal".
It looks like we can walk this distance.
（How are you, Mr. Roland?)
She headed for the "Arsenal of Spirits" with a heart full of joy at the prospect of seeing her beloved for the first time in a long time.
In the plaza, Yugan was made to stand on a podium and make a speech.
They were led down to the harbor by the residents and brought to the plaza halfway by force. (In doing so, they were careful not to expose their weapons and equipment like the "Guardians of the Academy of Magic.)
I am Yugan, an S-class adventurer of the "Knight of the Crescent Moon. I have already heard about the outburst of the ''Giant Fire Dragon (Gran Fafnir)'', the disaster, and the damage to the outskirts of the city. First of all, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to those who have been affected. And as for the countermeasures against the "Giant Fire Dragon (Gran Fafnir)" ......, residents, for the time being, you can rest assured. Now that Yugan has arrived, this town will not be threatened by "Grand Fafnir" or any other dragon tribe. Even if the "Grand Fafnir" and other monsters attack this city, I will immediately intercept them and repel them at once. I also intend to dive into the dungeon immediately to find out what Gran Fafnir is up to. In the meantime, I would like you all to remain calm and try to rebuild the damaged houses and maintain normal economic activities and daily life without making a fuss unnecessarily.
Relieved by Yugan''s speech, the residents cheered.
Thunderous applause rang out to welcome the arrival of the S-class adventurer.
Good night."
The second-in-command of the "Knight of the Crescent Moon" calls out to Yugan as he steps down from the podium.
I''m not used to this kind of thing," he said. The guys from the Academy of Magical Arts are putting me through a lot of extra work.
Yugan''s shoulders, stiff from the unfamiliar speech, jiggle.
Sein Orbesta seems to have disillusioned the residents.
The ''rambunctious Sein,'' huh? I thought he''d grown up a little since he became unit commander, but he''s still just a kid."
I see that. After this, we will have a business meeting with the alchemy guild "Dragon''s Fires.
Yeah, because the only person on the island who can service my magic sword "Granir" is Raul in "Dragon''s Fiery Fire".
Yes," he said. Here''s what we''re going to do after that: ......
Sorry. Leave it open after that."
What?
I was giving a speech earlier when I saw something that bothered me a little. I had to check something out."
Anyway, the "Knights of the Crescent Moon" group was on its way to the "Dragon''s Fireside".
Ah, welcome back, Roddy.
Aina called out to Roddy when he returned to the "Arsenal of Spirits.
I''m home. I''m back. I''m so tired. The mountain collapsed so suddenly.
So how did it go? My relative''s house.
Due to the disaster caused by Grand Fafnir, Roland had given them some free time.
Roddy took advantage of the holiday to check on his parents'' home and relatives.
''Fortunately, there was no damage,'' he said. But everyone still seemed anxious.
I see.
Yugan''s speech calmed everyone down a bit, but the situation is still very unpredictable.
They shared a somewhat somber air.
This uneasiness was an air that even Roland could not understand, and only the people on the island could understand.
Roddy, you''re back.
Oh, Mr. Roland.
Is it safe to go to work already?
Yes, we can get right to work.
I see. Thank you. I was about to get some more work done.
Work?
Dylan found a store that wanted to put some of our equipment in their store. Dylan found a shop that wants to put our equipment in their store. As soon as we are ready, we will start mass production. We will also hire new people.
Is it finally happening?
The profit of this atelier will increase at once.
Now we just have to wait for The Shield of Dawn to return.
Are they still on their feet?"
Roddy asked.
''Yeah. Their psychological damage seems to be deeper than we thought.
Hmmm. I wish there was something we could do to cheer you up.
Aina said.
But here we are. We won''t be able to get the rare metals if we don''t do something.
The only way we can get rare metals is through them.
I''m not sure. At least if the funds come from the "Adventurer''s Town". It should have arrived by now.
I have those funds right here.
(This voice is ......, no way Monica!)
Roland looked toward the entrance of the workshop (atelier), and sure enough, there was Monica, dressed in her traveling clothes, carrying a bag of bows and clutching a bag full of gold coins.
She was dressed in her traveling clothes, carrying a bag of bows and clutching a sack full of gold coins. I''m here.
Aina and Roddy were hiding in the shadows, listening to Roland and Monica standing at the entrance of the workshop (atelier) talking.
Hey. Hey, Aina. What are we doing?
Shh, I can''t hear you talking."
Why are you eavesdropping on those two?
Roddy. What do you think of her?
I don''t know ......, well, she''s a beauty you don''t see very often.
I know. What kind of relationship do you have with Mr. Roland?"
What do you mean ......
The air of intimacy between the two of them. The air of intimacy between them, that familiarity. It''s hard to believe that they are anything more than guild mates.
......"
Roddy dared to keep his mouth shut.
''I''m curious.''
Aina listened carefully, trying to somehow catch their conversation.
''So you came to this island on vacation?
Yes, I am. I applied to the guild for a vacation and they asked if I could take an extra day off and run some errands for them.
I feel bad. It''s my vacation time.
No, it''s fine. I have wanted to visit this island for a long time. For sightseeing purposes.
I see. Come to think of it, isn''t this island famous as a tourist attraction?"
Yes, I hear that the hot springs are especially good. Have you been in yet, Roland-san?
No, I haven''t gotten to that yet. I have a lot of unscheduled work.
I see. I knew you were busy. ......
Yeah, it''s trickier than I expected. This ''Fire Dragon Island'' is trickier than expected."
I see. I wish there was something I could help you with. ......"
No need to be so fussy. It''s your vacation, isn''t it? We need to take our time, do some sightseeing, and get our strength back."
...... yes."
While they were talking like that, a man dressed all in black approached and called out to them.
Yo, S-class appraiser. I knew you had come to this island too.
You are ...... Yugan!
Roland rolled his eyes at the sudden visitor.
It''s been a long time, Roland. Not since the Skull Dragon?"
Hello, Mr. Yugan."
Monica also greeted Yugan.
Monica, the Hawk-Eye Archer, also joined the fight against Grand Fafnir?
She''s just here as a tourist. But still, I was surprised. How did you know I was here?
When I was forced to give a speech, I caught a glimpse of a guy in the crowd wearing equipment from the "Arsenal of Spirits. I thought, ''Well, that''s a good sign,'' so I looked him up and found he was right on the money. I thought I''d better go say hello and scout out the rival.
Your skill seems undiminished."
Roland said as he appraised Yugan.
''You don''t seem to have rusty eyes either.
The two talk with the ease characteristic of people who recognize each other''s abilities.
You are here to slay the ''Giant Fire Dragon (Gran Fafnir),'' aren''t you?
I''m not sure I''m going to be able to do it. But still ......"
Yugan moved his eyes to the "Arsenal of Spirits" branch.
It''s quite a small workshop, isn''t it?
Yeah, we''re still growing.
Hmmm. If you want, I can give you a job. I can send some of the weapon maintenance for "Knights of the Crescent Moon" over here, if you want.
No, I''m just in time. Besides, we are trying to run our business locally this time. That''s why we''ll give priority to supporting local guilds rather than guilds from outside the island.
I''m not sure I''m going to be able to do it. So you''re giving up on defeating Grand Fafnir this time?
I''m not giving up. We''ll take the S-class monsters this time, too.
What?
I''m currently raising a local adventurers'' guild for a reason," he said. As soon as I''m ready, I''m going to call up Jill and the others and we''re going to go hunt the ''Grand Fafnir.
I''m not sure I''m going to be able to do that. I see. Well, I''m looking forward to it. I''m looking forward to competing with Jill Irwin again. I got snatched up pretty good last time, but I''m not going to fall behind this time.
Yeah, I hope so.
Call Jill as soon as possible. Otherwise, by the time she gets here, we''ll be done with her, won''t we?
Yugan checked the time.
I''ve got to go. I have a meeting.
Yugan. The enemy is not only the ''Giant Fire Dragon (Gran Fafnir). Watch out for the Thieves'' Guild and the Dragon''s Fires.
Dragon''s Fires? One of the best alchemy guilds in the world, right? The quality is second-to-none, you know?"
They are more ...... difficult people than I thought. I''m still not sure how to describe them.
You''re a worrier, too. Well, I''ll take your advice. See you later.
Yugan walked away with his hands fluttering in the air.
Mr. Yugan, are you all right?"
Monica said worriedly.
''He''s S-class, too. He can take care of himself. Well, then, I''d better get back to work. Monica, you must be tired from your long trip. Go rest at the inn."
Uh, well, you know, ......
Hmm?
May I take a tour of your studio? Since I''m here, I''d like to learn more about alchemy on this island.
That''s totally fine with me, but are you okay? You must be tired. ......"
I''m fine! I will try not to disturb you, so why don''t you let me study?"
(And ......, I''d like to stay by Mr. Roland''s side a little longer)
Monica''s purpose in coming to the island was actually for Loran.
Sightseeing and errands were just excuses.
I understand," she said. I''ll let the staff know. You can come and go as you please in the studio.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Monica kept smiling in front of Roland, but inwardly she was sad.
（I really want to go sightseeing on the island with Roland. (I really want to go sightseeing on the island with Roland, but I can''t be selfish and annoy him.)
After parting with Yugan, Leon and his "Shield of Dawn" paid us a visit this time without delay.
Do you want me to retrain you?"
Yes, this whole Grand Alliance thing has made us keenly aware of our own inadequacies."
Leon said, his face downcast with shame.
This time it was completely our fault," he said, his face downcast with shame. We should have listened to your advice. You may think it''s a little bit of a selfish thing to ask for help like this after having rejected your advice once before, but I''d like to humbly ask you to do it again. Roland, will you give us another chance to grow up?"
I have no problem with that at all. But ......, are you sure? I hear that most of the local guilds are already rallying around them now that the "Knights of the Crescent Moon" have landed on the island. Don''t you really want your guild to work with the Knights of the Crescent Moon?"
If the higher-ups object, I''ll make sure to talk them down. From now on, I will never waver.
Do me a favor.
Roland''s eyes widened when he saw someone enter the workshop (atelier) saying that.
Jeff! I thought you were in the hospital.
Are you hurt yet?"
Cecil asked worriedly.
''Oh, I can''t lie around wounded forever. I can''t be a liability to Erio any longer.
Jeff said with a determined look on his face.
''All along, I thought we were in the clear. I thought we could leave the "Grand Fafnir" to the guilds outside the island. But after seeing the way they fought "The Arrow of Heavenly Horses," I finally understood. I can''t go on like this. We have to become stronger, we have to grow up."
"Jeff ......"
We are weak. But we can be stronger. Right, Roland?"
...... yeah. Of course."
(Was being hit by the Grand Alliance a catalyst for changing your mindset? It''s raining and the ground is hardening ....... Whatever it is, if they can rise up from this terrible situation, they, the Shield of Dawn, can be stronger)
Roland was reminded of Carla as he listened to Jeff.
She had told him that he could not rely on outside guilds as much as Jeff did, and how is she doing now?
He said, "All right. Let''s have a meeting then. Aina, Roddy, you guys come with me."
Roland invited them to the work desk in his workshop (atelier) and began the meeting.
The dungeon''s appearance has changed due to the terrain changes caused by the outburst of the "Giant Fire Dragon (Gran Fafnir)" and the great migration of the "Fire Dragon (Fafnir)". Maps and monster distribution information, which were usable until yesterday, are completely useless."
Leon summarized the current dungeon situation.
All the guilds are side by side, starting from scratch.
Not only that, but B-class monsters such as Fafnir and Ogre, which normally do not appear until you reach the Metal Line, are appearing in the forested areas. It is dangerous for an ordinary adventurer just to enter the dungeon.
Elio said.
The "Knights of the Crescent Moon" have already declared their quest to the far end of the dungeon. Most of the local guilds are gathering to join him in his quest.
Cecil said.
Certainly, with the lack of information about the dungeon, the best way to be sure is to team up with a strong adventurer to explore the dungeon.
Jeff said.
Roland, how can we survive and thrive in this situation?"
Roland appraises each of the "Shield of Dawn" members.
(As for their equipment, Aina''s "Exterior Reinforcement (Coating)" can raise their combat power. The question is status or ......)
Conditions for improving Erio''s arm strength (power)
Aptitude (clean hit) C10 times for 10 days in a row
Leon''s endurance (toughness) improvement condition.
Passive(Guard)C10 times for 10 consecutive days
Jeff''s agility
Evasion (Quickness)C 10 times for 10 consecutive days
Cecil''s stamina
One area trudging for 10 consecutive days.
(You cannot rank up your equipment any further without improving your status. ...... But guys, 10 days to improve status? It''s hard to dive a dungeon for 10 days with their current equipment. If only they had "Earthcraft" at least. ...... d*mn. I guess I''m on the back foot. If only they had collected "Earthcraft" instead of joining the Grand Alliance at that time. ......)
What do you think, Roland? What do we have to do to grow?"
I''ve appraised them, but they all need to stay in the dungeon for at least 10 days to improve."
You can find the information at ...... for 10 days. Ten days in your current dungeon?"
It''s tough to dive a dungeon for 10 days with our current strength," he said. First of all, the durability of the equipment will not last, and even without it, the game is over once you encounter a B-class or higher monster.
U......mm."
So you''re saying there''s nothing we can do?
So we just have to wait for things to change?" Is there anything you can do?"
However, there''s nothing more we can do on our scale ......
They all fell silent and the atmosphere was heavy.
(If I could dive into the dungeon, I could do it, but I can''t leave the "Spirit Arsenal" now,....... d*mn, what can I do ......)
Um..."
Monica, who had been quietly listening in the corner earlier, spoke up.
All eyes turned to Monica.
How about I dive into the dungeon with the Shield of Dawn?"
What? Monica, you?"
Yes, sir. With my ''Hawk-Eye,'' I can look around and control the rate of encounters with monsters even in a dungeon for the first time, and I think it will also be easier to find ''earthcraft.
I''m sure that''s true, but are you sure you want to go to ......? You''re on vacation right now."
Yes, I am. I just wanted to learn more about the dungeons of "Fire Dragon Island. And since the Guardians of the Magical Tree is also an affiliated guild of the Arsenal of Spirits, we can''t just leave them in trouble.
No, but ......"
''Uh, can I have a word with you, Roland? I was wondering earlier, that young lady over there, does she know you?"
Leon interrupted their conversation.
She is Monica Vermale. She''s a Class A adventurer with the Guardians of the Magic Tree.
Monica? I didn''t think Monica meant ......."
Jeff, do you know him?"
I''ve heard of it. Monica the Hawk-Eye Archer. She has conquered three dungeons in the City of Adventurers and holds the record for the number of monsters she has defeated.
What? Is that so?"
I can''t believe you know such a famous adventurer. Roland, what the hell are you ......?"
He said, "Well, well, let''s leave me out of it. Monica is on vacation right now. It''s true that her unique skill ''Hawk Eye'' will solve the problem of ''Shield of Dawn,'' but ......
If that''s the case, then as the Shield of the Dawn, we''d love to have your support."
Roland, I''m asking you to do the same. Can you help us somehow, Monica?"
I mean, Monica, are you sure? I don''t have enough money in my pocket right now, so I can''t afford to pay you as high a salary as you''re getting at "Guardian of the Magical Tree," okay?"
Yes, sir. Yes, you don''t have to accept the reward. But ......, yes. I have a personal favor to ask of Mr. Roland, and I would be happy to hear it. ......"
They all looked at Loran this time.
''u......''
Roland was at a loss for words.
They all look at Roland with clinging eyes.
I understand," Roland said. Monica, I will grant your wish to the best of my ability. So please help me strengthen the Shield of Dawn.
Yes! Monica Vermale, I will now support the Shield of Dawn."
Yay!"
Now we can go into the dungeon.
No, thank you very much.
This is exactly what I was hoping for.
(Mmm. I owe Monica a debt. I wonder what''s going on.)
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