Gilbert received a letter from Willik.
It described the situation at the "Dragon''s Fires" branch.
The letter read as follows
Edgar, the person in charge, has left the branch.
After that, a young girl named Leena is in charge of the branch, and she is doing business with the "Arsenal of Spirits.
Not only that, but Roland is proudly going in and out of the "Dragon''s Fires" branch.
It is safe to assume that the "Dragon''s Fires" branch has already been entangled with Roland.
We demand immediate countermeasures.
Gilbert tossed the letter to the ground and stomped on it.
''Oh my God! Why are these guys so pompous about what they do? They''re useless. I went to the trouble of coming up with a plan and teaching it to them!
Gilbert breathes on his shoulder for a moment, then exhales deeply to calm himself.
（The "Dragon''s Fires" guys still seem to think that destroying the "Arsenal of the Spirits" is just a side job. If this happens, I''m going to make your friendship thoroughly sour. Until you two seriously crush each other!)
Roland saw an opportunity and called Wayne.
Wayne walked into the guild president''s office, scratching his head languidly.
What''s the matter with you? I''m busy here.
Wayne. I have a new assignment for you.
New job?
Class-A mage equipment.
What?
The sharpness returned to Wayne''s eyes, which had been looking listless.
A class-A mage, you say?"
Remember that new job that came in the ''Spirit Arsenal'' the other day? Equipment for C class mages, that was just a connection. Will and Lana will eventually become Class A mages. At that time, Aina''s skills won''t be enough."
Oh.
Look at this.
Roland took out a single green magic stone.
This is a ''storm magic stone. It increases the power of blast magic.
I know. But it is something that can hardly be processed to improve the power of magic. So if you want to make equipment for mages, silversmithing is ...... the way to go.
Not so fast, however. With your unique skill ''cutting'', it''s a different story.
Explanation of "Cutting".
The power of a magic stone can be increased by shaving it.
Cutting" is a unique skill that allows the user to unleash the potential of a magic stone by cutting it. With this, you can make equipment more powerful than Lizetta''s ''Javelin of Fire.
Really? I didn''t see anyone with that skill even in Dragon''s Fires.
Of course. It''s a unique skill. It is a unique skill that only a limited number of alchemists can manifest.
"Unique skill ......, huh?"
Wayne said with a wry smile.
''Traditionally mages have been weak on this island. Perhaps that is why there is a tendency among alchemists to disregard equipment for mages. Wayne, you are going to change history. You will be the first and pioneer of equipment for mages."
Wayne reacted slightly to the phrase "change history.
(I guess that''s what I''m reacting to, after all. What Wayne is looking for is scale. (It would have to be a job so impactful that it would change history to motivate him.)
I understand your concern for making A-class equipment. Let''s say it''s okay for me to make equipment for Class A mages.
Wayne said it as if he had already decided that he was going to be a Class A alchemist.
''And then what? How are you treated after that? You wouldn''t leave a Class A alchemist in the flat, would you?"
Of course, when I become an A-class alchemist, I will be treated appropriately. In terms of salary, too. ......
What''s your position?
Position?
You want me to become a class A alchemist, don''t you? If that''s the case, you''ll have to prepare a suitable post for me. When I become an A-class alchemist, you will give me a higher position than Aina, right?"
...... that''s not what this is about."
[Wayne Merza''s skills
Workshop Management": D to C
''Just because I made Class A equipment doesn''t mean I''m ready for a managerial job,'' he said. I can''t promise you a post. But I can promise you better treatment, including an increase in salary."
But it doesn''t sound good for an A-class alchemist to be without a position, does it? You have to give up a post above Aina''s or at the very least, Aina''s post. ......"
Wayne. Why are you so obsessed with petty skirmishes in the workshop?"
What?
You''re going to be a class A student, right? Then don''t be so proud of your little pride and become the best alchemist on this island."
"......."
The "dragon knight''s hermitage" returned to the "dragon''s fiery fire," battered and bruised again.
Even Edgar was stunned.
(What the heck, why is a B-class equipment with a defense grant beaten to a pulp like this? If you''re not an A-class adventurer, you''re not going to be able to pull off a trick like this. ...... No, not only that, you can''t do it unless you''re an A class adventurer wearing A class or better equipment. The enemy is supposed to be the weak alchemy guild and the small adventurers guild, right? (What the hell is going on here?)
The newly added budget from the guild has been exhausted.
The mission had failed.
Medes''s opinion of Edgar would be further diminished.
(You''re saying I lost? I''m the one who lost. ......)
Edgar remains silent for a while, unable to admit his mistake, and continues to clench his fists and cast his eyes down at his tattered armor.
In the face of his condition, his subordinates around him are unable to speak to him.
For a while, everyone kept their mouths shut and an awkward atmosphere prevailed, but then Edgar suddenly looked up.
He turned his head toward the patrol and glared at them.
It''s your fault."
What?"
You said some weird thing about the enemy having an A-class archer, and that''s why the morale of the whole team went down and this happened.
What? Why would you do that?
Shut up. I''ll tell the guild leader that. You guys better get on the same page."
The others present made a gesture of agreement.
Edgar left and turned to go toward the guild president''s office.
Pato hurried after Edgar and grabbed him by the shoulders.
''Hey, wait a minute, sir.
What the hell are you doing? Get off me!"
Edgar shook Pato off roughly.
Pato was slammed against the wall.
Edgar tries to walk away as if nothing happened.
(You son of a b*tc*. ......)
Pato thought he saw hatred on his face and jumped on Edgar.
Leena had returned to the "Dragon''s Fierce Fire" headquarters to submit an investigation report on the "Arsenal of Spirits.
(I wondered what would happen when I was put in charge of managing the branch office, but it looks like I managed to get through this one without Edgar''s attention.)
Edgar''s viciousness was well known among the alchemists of "Dragon''s Fires.
However, it would be troublesome if he were to come to their attention, so no one would openly stand up against him.
When working with Edgar, it was best to keep a low profile, make no mistakes, and keep a low profile.
Of course, Leena was not without her frustrations with him.
But she was determined not to be the ringleader in bringing him down.
It was like playing haggling.
Someone would turn against Edgar sooner or later.
But that would mean ruining her own career instead of bringing Edgar down.
I don''t want to be a part of that.
（I''m patient. If I can endure until Edgar is disgraced, then luck will eventually come around to me and Pato.)
As Leena was walking down the hallway thinking about this, she heard the sound of something falling with a clang and the sound of men''s voices struggling with each other.
(Is this voice Edgar and ...... pat?)
Leena rushed toward the voice and found Edgar and Pato struggling with each other.
Charles had just intervened to stop them.
What are you doing? Come on.
Pato, what''s wrong? Calm down."
Charles and Leena held Edgar and Pato back, respectively.
Then Medeiros walked by.
Hey, what''s going on? What''s all this racket? What are you guys doing?"
Edgar and Pato looked at each other in a cliched manner.
What the hell is wrong with you? You are alchemists, right? So why are you beating each other up with humans instead of striking iron? How the hell did this happen? We won''t know if you don''t tell us. Will someone please explain?"
I''m sorry. We had a bit of a clash of opinions on the ...... ''Arsenal of Spirits'' measure, and we both got worked up and ended up doing this."
Charles defended himself.
A clash of opinions? What exactly is there to fight about? The "Arsenal of Spirits" is nothing more than a weak guild. You guys have a lot of work to do, don''t you?"
This guy started saying some nonsense about there being an A-class archer on the other side.
Edgar said.
It''s creating havoc in the field. We could have won if we had just done things the normal way. But because of the chaos he''s caused, we can''t even win.
But actually ......
I''ll be right back. All right. Hey, you."
Medes interrupted Pato as he spoke and called for the appraiser who was accompanying him.
He said, "Is. What is it?
I want you to appraise their skills. I want you to appraise their skills, including their future growth potential.
The appraiser appraised their skills.
Edgar''s skills are
Metal Forming: A to A
Ore refining: B to B
Product Design: B to B
Silversmithing: B to B
The following is a list of the most important factors. Patrick''s skills are
Metal Forming: B to B
Ore refining: C to C
Product Design: B to B
Silversmithing: C to B
"The following is a list of the most recent results.
I see. So, Edgar''s skills are better than mine at the moment and in the future. Is that right?
"......, that would be the case."
Good. Pato."
Yes, sir.
You''re demoted.
What? Why?
Whatever the circumstances, you have caused a problem. Someone has to take responsibility for the problem. Someone has to take responsibility so that it doesn''t happen again. Do you understand? This is the end of the matter. No one will be allowed to rehash it again. Now, if you understand, get back to work."
Medes said that much and walked away.
Those present returned to their posts.
The only ones left were Pato, who was disappointed, and Leena, who was watching him with concern.
Pato, are you okay?
When Leena called out to Pato, he did not respond and remained sitting there.
However, he suddenly stood up.
He sat up. I can''t stay in this guild anymore.
What?" Oh no. ....... You don''t have to feel so bad about being demoted. You can be a senior staff member again in no time.
I don''t care if I''m demoted. I abandoned Wayne. I knew that. I knew that the first failure was not Wayne''s fault. And yet I turned a blind eye to the fact that he was being framed. In this guild, you always have to kick others down the road to survive. I can''t keep working here, pretending to be something I''m not. So I''m leaving."
But your contract isn''t up yet, is it? That would be a breach of contract. What are you going to do?"
I don''t know. I might leave the island."
Oh, no. ......
You can stay. I think you''ll do well here because you''re calm and you can control yourself well. Bye.
Pato said that much and headed for the exit.
Leena stood there stunned.
Then Gilbert, who had actually been watching from the sidelines from the beginning of the commotion, walked up to her, pretending that he was just passing by.
Hello, young lady. What''s going on?"
Ah, Mr. Gilbert. ......
''You know, Patrick, you said? I saw him leaving the workshop (studio) a while ago. ......"
Pato told me ...... that he''s quitting the guild.
What did you say? That''s a big deal.
If I violate the contract, I have to pay a penalty. If they find out that I violated my contract in Dragon''s Fires, they won''t hire me anywhere on this island.
So his career as an alchemist is as good as over.
He, pato, is clumsy and difficult, but sincere and kind. He is not the kind of person who would do violence without reason. Even this time, I am sure Edgar would have been unreasonable. As an alchemist, he is certainly not growing at the moment, but that is because he is always thinking about other people and other unnecessary things, and I am sure he will make it big in the future. As it is, I''m not a good person to end up like this. And yet ......"
Hm. I see. That must surely be salvation."
But how can I ......
I know of only one workshop on the island that would accept him and allow him to escape the pursuit of the Dragon''s Fires.
Really? Where in the world is such a place ......"
I''ll tell you, but you won''t tell the guild leader, Medeiros, about it, will you?"
Yes, sir. I will never tell anyone.
Good. The guild you should go to is the Arsenal of Spirits.
"Arsenal of Spirits, ......"
The "Arsenal of Spirits" is the only alchemy guild on the island that is fighting the "Dragon''s Fiery Fire" head-on. If you go there, even the ''Dragon''s Fiery Fire'' will not be able to claim any further compensation from you.
("Arsenal of Spirits"). It is true that Mr. Roland, the head of the guild there, seemed to be a kind man. He might even accept Pato. ......)
I understand. Thank you for telling me."
Leena hurriedly went after Pato.
Gilbert saw her off and ran into the guild president''s office.
Mr. Medes!"
What''s the matter, Mr. Gilbert? What''s the matter, Mr. Gilbert?
I just saw Roland in the workshop.
What?
No, I was surprised. I thought you had banned Roland?"
Of course. Of course," he said. "Roland is not allowed to enter our workshop (atelier) at all. I have told him to be turned away even if he comes to the reception. ......
But it was definitely Lorin.
It''s funny," he said. What is the receptionist doing?
I thought I was going to be chilled.
But what on earth is Roland doing in my workshop? We are not going to make a deal when we come here.
Roland was causing a ruckus just now, what did you say? Yes, yes, Patrick. It seemed he was talking to a girl named Leena, who was a close friend of Patrick and his."
Mhm. Patrick and Leena have a ......"
Yes. He seemed to be making some kind of enthusiastic invitation. What in the world was he trying to lure her with such enthusiasm?
That''s certainly a little curious. Hey, call Patrick and Leena."
The guild president told those nearby to call Patrick and Leena to his room, but they never made it to his office.
The two disappeared from the "Dragon''s Fireside" workshop without a trace.
Soon after, we learned that they had joined the "Arsenal of Spirits.
The "Dragon''s Fiery Fire" began to consider filing a lawsuit against the "Arsenal of Spirits" as well as demanding compensation from the two for the breach of contract.
Gilbert was pleased with the success of his gambit.
（He was pleased that his ruse had worked. Those two are B-class alchemists at best, and even if they joined Roland''s side, they wouldn''t be much of a force to be reckoned with. This is a perfect solution.)
At the "Arsenal of Spirits," Wayne was working on a staff for mages.
（Roland, you want to be the best alchemist on the island? You make it sound so easy. What does a mere connoisseur know about alchemy?)
Aina and her friends were working on the wand C.
Roland brings the material, silver.
Roland brings the material for wand C. "Oh, is this the material for wand C?
It''s quite a fine piece of silver.
The silver is originally processed by ''silversmithing,'' but it can also be done by ''metal molding. The silver is not as finely decorated as silversmithing, but with Aina''s "metal molding" A, it should be possible to make a B-class cane. Try making one with this silver as the base.
I understand.
Wayne steals a glance at the silver provided by Aina.
(I see. It is indeed a good silver. With that, he could make a wand B without any difficulty.)
Aina immediately gave instructions to Roddy and Ize.
Let''s make a blueprint first, shall we? Roddy, please make the blueprints. Ize will support Roddy. Make a prototype so that Roddy can design it easily.
Roger that.
Ize immediately begins to mold the steel while looking at the specifications (the prototype is made of steel, not silver, to reduce the budget).
Is it really okay to make it just as it is?
Yeah, speed is more important than quality when it comes to prototypes. I need you to be agile at full throttle.
Understood.
Ize struck the iron, thinking only of making it fast anyway.
A cane of reasonable quality was produced.
How does it look like now?
Yeah, it''s good.
Lodi''s design image is solidified.
(I see. (I see. I guess it''s easier to see improvements when you see the real thing. The handle of the staff could be simpler. The part that incorporates the magic stone should be more robust.)
Roddy draws a blueprint based on the image that emerges.
(At this rate, the blueprints will be ready soon.)
Aina judged this from the speed of their work.
Roddy, Ize. I''ll do the ''exterior reinforcement (coating)'' work, so give me a call when you''re done.
Okay."
Roger that.
And so, as Roddy and Ize were working on the prototype and Aina was working on the "exterior reinforcement (coating)," the silver brought by Roland was temporarily left out of everyone''s sight.
Wayne did not want to miss that opportunity.
(If I use that silver, I can make something better than Aina!)
Wayne interrupted his "cutting" of the "magic stone of the storm" to make a wand from the silver mixed with the iron he had been provided, and submitted it to Roland.
I''ve made an A-class wand, just as you wanted," he said.
This doesn''t seem to be using ...... ''storm magic stone''?"
Yeah, but I''m particular about the materials and the design.
(This is how my reputation goes up and Aina''s reputation goes down for mismanagement of the lost silver.)
Roland appraised the cane Wayne brought as an item.
The process of making the cane flashed in Roland''s mind.
There was a perfect image of Wayne chipping away at the silver from Aina''s workbench.
After the appraisal, Roland gave Wayne a hard look.
''What the hell is this?''
What?"
Who told you you could use Aina''s silver?"
No, its ......."
I cannot accept such a thing as an achievement. We have to start over."
Wayne left the guild president''s office, looking unconvinced.
(d*mn. What the hell? This was a normal thing in "Dragon''s Fireside". I didn''t check it this closely. How could Edgar do it this way ......? Oh, God.)
Aina looks at Wayne walking down the hallway with jittery eyes.
''Hmmm. He''s pissed off at Mr. Roland. I''m sorry to hear that.
Wayne, you''ve done it again. ......
Roddy put his hand over his face as if at a loss.
''He''s in trouble,'' he said. I''m sure Mr. Roland will have to punish him for this one time.
He got what he deserved. You got what you deserved. You got in the way of my business.
"Whew. Good grief.
Roland comes out of the guild president''s office looking a little tired.
Oh, Mr. Roland. I heard. I heard that Wayne''s guy got into trouble again.
I''m not sure I''m going to be able to do it. Sorry."
Oh, no. It''s not your fault, Mr. Roland.
I''ll get you some new silver by tomorrow. The Cane C will have to wait a little longer.
Yes, sir.
(I guess I didn''t encourage him to become the best alchemist on the island. (I guess I couldn''t make him become the best alchemist on the island...) The foot dragging mentality that was ingrained in "Dragon''s Fires" is hard to cure. No matter what I do, I''m always stuck in competition with the person in front of me. (At any rate, Wayne needs a new competitor.)
As Roland pondered this, Saki arrived.
Roland, may I?"
Saki, what''s wrong?"
There was an alchemist in the cafeteria who wanted to interview for a position at the Arsenal of Spirits.
The Arsenal of Spirits?
Yes, sir. Yes, a woman named Leena came the other day. She is in the dining room with a man.
I''ll be right there."
Roland appraised the two alchemists who visited the diner.
[Patrick Garcia''s Unique Skills.
Tuning": E to A
[Leena Hart''s unique skills
Recycle": E to A
(Each has a unique skill in addition to "Metal Forming" B. Perfect competition for Wayne)
Roland decided to hire them both in his "arsenal of spirits".
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