About a week ago, in the "Adventurer''s Town.


    In the waiting room of the "Golden Eagle", Lilianne and Arik were discussing.


    Lillianne. How long will it take Roland to prepare the land on the "Fire Dragon Island"? If he has been away from the city for such a long period of time, using the guild''s funds, and has yet to produce any results, it is no wonder that his qualifications as an executive officer are being questioned. In fact, there have already been questions about Roland''s actions from both inside and outside the guild.


    Arik. As I said the other day, the situation on the ''Fire Dragon Island'' is unexpectedly troublesome. Mr. Roland is also struggling to raise a local adventurers'' guild. We must firmly believe in and support him here."


    But it''s no longer possible to suppress the frustration of the corps members any longer. I have my own position. I have my own position. There is a limit to how far I can go in defending those who are so preoccupied with the affairs of other cities that they neglect the internal affairs of the Gilded Eagle. If things continue as they are, all the money and effort that Roland has invested in the "Fire Dragon Island" will be wiped out.


    Hmmm. I see."


    Lillianne languidly stroked the pendant with her finger.


    The "Tears of the Dragon" glowed blue.


    ''Well, how about this? As for next term''s dungeon assignments, I''ll give the ''Mining Dungeon'' to the ''Golden Eagle''."


    What?"


    The more dungeons we are in charge of, the more income the Golden Eagle will earn and the busier our members will be at work. This would help divert any frustration with Mr. Roland, wouldn''t it?"


    Certainly, that would temporarily curb the discontent. ......, but then what about the second unit of the "Guardians of the Magical Tree" who are always in charge of the "Mine Dungeon"?　There is no way we are going to let the city''s most powerful unit, with such a strong lineup, go idle. If that happens, it will be your turn to be pushed up against the wall.


    "The second squad of the Guardians of the Magical Tree will be dispatched to the Isle of Fire Dragons."


    On Fire Dragon Island?


    Yes, sir. The second unit was getting used to conquering "mining dungeons," and we thought it was time to give them some experience exploring dungeons outside of the city. Sending them to the "Fire Dragon Island" would strengthen the unit and would also help Roland-san. It would also strengthen your position while reducing discontent within the Gilded Eagle. ......


    So it''s a three-way street.


    Arik crossed his arms and thought for a moment.


    ''All right. Let''s work with that."


    Lilianne then ordered Euphine and Shakuma to lead a second unit to "Fire Dragon Island" to support Roland.


    Monica also volunteered to be part of the contingent, but Lillianne gave her some reason to stay in the "Adventurer''s Town.


    On board the ship on its way to "Fire Dragon Island," Euphine was resting on a chair in the aisle when a man with a wry smile approached her.


    He said, "Hey there. Is she free?"


    Yuffine stares at him, but the man speaks to her even more.


    You are the healer of the "Guardian of the Magic Tree," aren''t you? I''m a mage of the Crown of Wisdom. What do you think?　Can I talk to you for a minute over there?"


    Hey, don''t do that. The captain told me not to get into trouble.


    A man who appeared to be his friend chided the pick-up artist.


    He said, "That''s all right. She seems to be bored. Hey.


    Euphine does not respond to the man''s words, and her face remains expressionless and unmoving.


    Don''t be so impolite," he said. We''re on the same boat. If you want, I can teach you about magic in the advanced magic zone, the City of Mages. ......


    When the man tried to put his hand on her shoulder, Yuffine tapped the floor with her wand and deployed a magic circle all over the ship.


    ''Hey, what''s that?''


    What is this? Recovery magic?　Nonsense. How is it possible to deploy a magic circle over such a wide area? I''ve never seen anything like this even in the City of Mages."


    As the mages of the Crown of Wisdom were dismayed, the warriors of the Guardians of the Magic Tree arrived.


    What is the matter? Captain Reyes!


    What is this magic circle?　You don''t mean to tell me that you were set up for battle!


    Hearing the words of the Warriors who rushed toward them, the mages became even more panicked.


    The mages became more flustered when they heard the words of the Warriors who came rushing toward them: "Ta, Captain?　No way, then this guy is ......"


    Euphine Reyes, the ''wide-range healer''?


    Excuse me.


    The two men from "The Wise Man''s Crown Jewels" ran away with their tails between their legs.


    ''Yuffine. Is something wrong?"


    Shakuma, who had seen Yuffine''s magic circle, also came and asked.


    Shakuma replied, "There''s nothing wrong with that. I don''t know how much longer I have to stay here on this ship. There''s nothing to do but hang around the ship day in and day out. I get tangled up with strange men."


    I''m not sure what to say. It''s not all that bad.


    Shakuma said to appease him.


    If we make it to the ''Fire Dragon Island,'' we can see Roland for the first time in a long time.


    When Shakuma said this, Yuffine also relaxed her anger and looked out the window as she looked back at her memories.


    ''Yes,'' she said. I''m looking forward to meeting you, Roland. I have to make sure he sees exactly how I''ve grown.


    As Yuffine was saying this, she heard a rustling of people from across the aisle.


    A tall, slender man approached with two or three men under his command.


    On his chest he wears the emblem of the "Wise Man''s Crown.


    Where is the ''wide-range healer''?　This way?"


    When he caught sight of Yuffine, he immediately noticed her extraordinary features and approached her with an amiable smile on his face.


    At first glance, he realized that Yuffine was also Yuffine and that she was not of the same caliber as the men he had just tangled with.


    (This guy is ...... strong. Class A?)


    Are you Euphine Reyes?　This is an unexpected fortuitous event. I had heard that the Guardian of the Magical Tree was on board, but I never expected to meet the renowned ''wide-range healer''.


    And you?


    I''m sorry I''m late. My name is Ian Jugberg, the first ace healer of the "Wise Man''s Crown. In the "Volcano Dungeon," the work of the rear guard, including the healers, is important because of the presence of powerful flying units, the dragons. In the dungeon, there will be times when you will have to form a joint front against bandits. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.


    ......"


    Ah, it looks like the ship will be arriving at the port soon."


    Shakuma said as he mumbled.


    The sailors begin hurriedly preparing to disembark.


    Yuffine and Ian also parted ways to prepare for disembarkation.


    The "Wise Man''s Crown" and the "Guardian of the Magic Tree" were greeted with shouts of joy by the island''s inhabitants as they disembarked at the harbor.


    Both guilds were escorted to the plaza by the town''s residents.


    Neil Dioclea, the first support mage of the Crown of Sages, asked the man who was leading the way to the square, "What do you want me to do?


    Hey, I have a strange question: is it true that Thane Alvesta, the guardian of the Academy of Wizardry, has almost defeated the Giant Fire Dragon (Gran Fafnir)?


    As soon as he hears the name of the "Guardian of the Magical Academy," the man guiding him pulls back his previously affable, smiling face and turns grim.


    He said, "I would appreciate it if you don''t ask me about the guys at the Academy right now.


    So, it''s still a lie that Thane has cornered the ''Giant Fire Dragon (Gran Fafnir)''?"


    I don''t know. After all, the people from the mage academy left the island as if they were fleeing, without cleaning up the disaster. I don''t think they put up such a good fight against the "Giant Fire Dragon (Gran Fafnir)". After all, after they challenged it, "Grand Fafnir" was energetically rampaging and causing earthquakes. If there are any stories circulating praising their battle, I think they are just false rumors spread by someone somewhere.


    "Hey, did you hear that, guys?"


    Neil looked back at his friends with glee and called out.


    I heard that the story about Sein hunting down the ''Giant Fire Dragon (Grand Fafnir)'' is a lie," he said. I''ve been fed another one of Sein''s lies.


    A hearty laugh erupts among the members of the "Wise Man''s Crown.


    They had always considered the "Guardians of the Academy of Wizardry" to be their rivals, and they were getting nervous about the results of the war that Sein was blabbing about in the guild''s home base, the "City of Wizardry.


    Neil made fun of the guild for a while to boost the morale of the members, and then he came next to Ian.


    Ian was the first one to speak to Neil. It seems that the "Giant Fire Dragon (Grand Fafnir)" has not been hunted yet.


    I''m not sure I''m going to be able to do it," he said. If Sein''s story is true, there is no guarantee that another guild would not have intercepted the "Grand Fafnir" by now. But still, ......"


    Neil smiles with genuine joy.


    The way they hate those guys at the Academy of Magical Arts. It seems they''ve let the island''s inhabitants down big time.


    When I heard that the rampaging Sein had suddenly skipped town and headed for ''Fire Dragon Island,'' I was a bit nervous, but ...... it looks like my fears were unfounded."


    He''s a bastard. He had been bragging that he had a good chance of winning, but in the end, it seems that it was an unthinking expedition. After all, this is the thinking of a greenhorn.


    Neither of you can afford to rest on your laurels over the failure of the Academy.


    Glen Ross, the first attack mage of the "Wise Man''s Crown" with broad shoulders and a rigid air, said.


    This is not just an expedition to save the islanders. This is not just an expedition to save the islanders, but also a battle for the honor of the "City of Mages. If we return home with less success than the mages, we will be the laughing stock of the city.


    But it will be a piece of cake. There are no great adventurers on this island, and no one can match us in the A class. ......


    There are certainly no notable adventurers'' guilds on the island," he said. But having said that, somehow things don''t work out the way we want them to every time, and that''s the hard part about this island."


    Still the chaperone of the young Ian and Neil, he showed his dignity as the elder of the two.


    The guild of thieves in particular is a tricky bunch," he said. The city''s inhabitants are not so easy to deal with. The city''s inhabitants are no slouch either, and flying units such as Fafnir are also a problem. Both of you must be on your toes and be on your toes.


    Heihei. I understand. All right.


    Neil ends the conversation with a wave of his hand in annoyance.


    After that, "The Wise Man''s Crown" reached the podium in the plaza.


    Neil, the first support mage, delivers his speech.


    The residents of the island are frightened by the threat of the "Giant Fire Dragon (Gran Fafnir). Now that we, the "Crown Jewels of the Wise," have arrived, you can rest easy. There are some very reliable men and women in the force that has come here today. The first unit of the "Crown of Wisdom" not only has many excellent mages who have studied and trained hard, but it also has three A-class mages.


    A commotion arose among the audience.


    Three A-class students?


    This is a big deal."


    Satisfied with the audience''s reaction, Neal continued his speech.


    I would like to introduce to you the proud A-class mages of the first unit of the "Wise Man''s Crown". First, Glen Ross, an A-class mage who has mastered attack magic of all attributes!


    Glenn steps forward and raises his hand.


    The crowd applauded.


    Next is Ian Jugberg, a healer whose speed and hit rate with recovery magic are unrivaled!


    Ian steps forward and takes a bow with good manners.


    Another round of applause came from the crowd.


    And finally!　I, Neil Dioclea, am a specialist in all kinds of support magic, offensive, defensive, and agile!


    Neil proudly made his triumphant triumph.


    The crowd''s applause reached a climax.


    It looks like we really do have three A-class mages!


    This could take down the Giant Fire Dragon (Gran Fafnir), right?


    We, the Crown Jewels of the Wise, will not end up like the "Guardians of the Academy of Witchcraft"!　I hereby promise that we will surely outperform them!"


    When he concluded his speech without forgetting to snub his rival guilds, he received applause from the audience.


    Will you form a ''Grand Alliance''?"


    A member of the audience asked a question.


    "''The Grand Alliance''?"　What''s that?"


    It''s an alliance formed by the ''Guardians of the Magisterium. They took in adventurers from all over the island, regardless of skill or status, and challenged them to conquer dungeons.


    Hm. I see. What do you think, Ian?"


    Neil asked Ian beside him in a whisper.


    ''I think we should follow the precedent set by the Magisterium here, don''t you?　In any case, the cooperation of local adventurers is essential.


    But what about the no-separation policy?　You can''t have too many low-quality adventurers in your troop, or they''ll slow you down."


    There''s the rub. Just gather as many people as you can and then turn them away for whatever reason you can find.


    I see. I see. That''s the way to go.


    After a private consultation with Ian, Neil turns to the crowd once again.


    Excuse me. I was just going over some details with my colleagues. We are of course advocating a similar alliance and will be working closely with the local guilds to promote dungeon exploitation. We hope that adventurers on the island will join us.


    There was a gasp and a cheer from the crowd, especially from a group of adventurers.


    Excuse me," he said, "I''m sorry. As adventurers on the island, we would like to make a proposal to the "Wise Man''s Crown.


    One female bandit (shifu) raised her hand and appealed to the crowd.


    What is it?　Miss?"


    How about all of you ''Wise Crown Jewels'' joining us in the ''Arsenal of the Spirits''?"


    The Arsenal of Spirits?"


    Neil wondered at the unfamiliar phrase.


    The "Arsenal of Spirits" is an alchemy guild that has been rapidly gaining power on the island recently. Although it is an alchemy guild, it has formed its own adventurers'' alliance, and recently it finally accomplished an A-class quest. Our guild "Wildcat" is also a member of the "Arsenal of Spirits" alliance. I think it would be great if the "Wise Man''s Crown" would also join the "Arsenal of Spirits" alliance.


    Neil always looks like a pain in the ass.


    (The "Arsenal of Spirits" in the "Grand Alliance" hey ....... (The island has changed a lot in the time I''ve been gone.)


    Neil. I think the Alchemy Guild might be a bad idea."


    Ian overheard.


    Ian overheard, "We can''t handle alchemical matters, let alone matters related to our competitors. It would be safer to use ''Dragon''s Fires''. And ......"


    Ian glanced toward the "Guardian of the Magic Tree" standing behind him.


    The "Guardians of the Magic Tree" are here, too. When it comes to the battle between the A-class players, the only thing that counts is the superiority of their equipment. The game will be decided by how many alchemists of the "Dragon''s Fires" including Raoul Bartley can be secured.


    I agree. I guess we can''t give up that part of the stone.


    Neil breaks off his sneak peek with Ian again and turns to the crowd.


    He turned to the crowd and said, "Brave adventurers of the guild Wildcat. Thank you for your wonderful suggestion. But I am sorry. We have a number of people in our unit who are equipped with equipment that can only be maintained by alchemists of the "Dragon''s Fires". The "Arsenal of Spirits" alliance is also an attractive proposition, but we will have to pass on it this time."


    When Neil said this, the "Wildcat" bandit (shifu) slumped his shoulders and nodded.


    We''ll leave our speeches for now, since we have a lot of time to kill. Thank you very much. Thank you.


    Neil left the podium, waving his hands in response to the generous applause from the crowd.


    He immediately began whispering to Ian and Glenn.


    Hey," he said. Let''s hurry to the "Dragon''s Fires. We need to get to the quartet before the "Guardians of the Magic Tree" do.


    I agree. We''ll have to get there first on this island.


    I agree. Fortunately, the "Guardians of the Magic Tree" are unaware of this. Thank goodness they are the ones we are competing with. They''ve never been to this island yet, being novices and ......"


    In fact, Yuffine was already dreading the moment.


    She had been led here without prompting, but imho, she didn''t know what the point of this parade and speech contest was.


    I had been told by the locals earlier to make a speech, but I had prepared nothing and had no idea what to say.


    I had nothing prepared and no idea what to say," Shakuma said. What am I supposed to say in my speech?


    What?　I don''t need to be told. I didn''t expect this. ......"


    What are you going to do? The guy in front of me was talking about something respectable. Hey, Rick. You should give a speech."


    You mean you?　Oh, come on!


    While Yuffine and the others were jostling around in the background, the crowd began to get suspicious that the speech was not going to start anytime soon.


    Yuffine and the others became more and more uncomfortable.


    At that moment, a young man came up to the podium through the crowd.


    He said, "Excuse me. Let me through. Please let me through.


    Euphine''s face lights up when she sees the person.


    Oh, Mr. Roland!


    Yuffine. It''s been a long time. I''m sorry. Coming through.


    Roland stepped up to the podium with Rick''s help.


    The audience was stunned by the unexpected appearance of a man.


    Mr. Lorang, thank goodness. I was just in trouble.


    I''m sorry I''m late. I didn''t expect you guys to be here.


    It was a quick decision," he said. The guild leader told me to go to ''Fire Dragon Island'' to support Mr. Roland. ......"


    I didn''t know that. Let''s talk about the pile up later, for now. I''m here to talk about this place. ......"


    Roland told Yuffine that she should speak at this point.


    After hearing everything, Yuffine went with Roland to the crowd.


    ''Nice to meet you all. My name is Yuffine Reyes and I am the captain of the second unit of the "Guardians of the Magic Tree. The purpose of our visit to this island is neither ore nor the "Giant Fire Dragon (Gran Fafnir). Our purpose is to support our friend, the "Arsenal of Spirits". We hereby announce our participation in the "Arsenal of Spirits" alliance!


    The audience gave a thunderous applause.


    The applause was so loud that it even stopped the "Wise Man''s Crown," which was on its way to the "Dragon''s Firing Fire," in its tracks.


    The applause was so great," he said.


    Mm-hmm. I never thought that there was an alchemy guild other than the "Dragon''s Fireside" that had gained so much local trust.


    Ian and Glenn said surprisingly.


    Neil looked at Euphine, who was waving to the crowd at the podium, with an uninterested look on her face.


    (What the hell is wrong with those guys? They''re newcomers to ....... I don''t like it.)


    <>