Chapter 1

"From today on, you don't need to come here anymore, [Act Age]. You are an unnecessary and useless person to this guild."

Those were the words of the bastard boss who told me to leave.

"But that's not fair! I've contributed to this guild for many years! It's terrible to be fired out of the blue!"

"There's no room to keep useless people around. Pack your things and get out quickly."

"But... what am I supposed to do from now on?"

"Who cares. You're no longer a part of this guild."

The words of that bastard guild master still linger in my mind, even after several years. On that day, I was unjustly expelled from the guild. That's why I made a resolution.

I will never become such a cruel person.

★

"From today on, you don't need to come here anymore, [Cage Baron]. You are an unnecessary and useless person to this guild."

In the guild master's room.

Cage, the adventurer, is sitting in front of my desk, his face pale.

"But that's not fair! I've contributed to this guild for many years! It's terrible to be fired out of the blue!"

Cage, his face pale, shouts at me, the guild master.

"There's no room to keep useless people around. Pack your things and get out quickly."

There are limits to everything in this world.

Money is one, and so are human resources.

Keeping unnecessary people around is a waste.

I wonder if the bastard who expelled me a few years ago felt this way.

"But... what am I supposed to do from now on?"

To the dejected Cage, I respond in a flat tone.

"I've prepared a position for you as the deputy head of the capital branch of the Blacksmith Guild [Hammer of the War God]. Go there."

"I have no other options, and my parents are gone. If I get fired as an adventurer, I'll end up on the streets... Wait, what?"

Cage looks at me with a stunned expression.

"Act, what did you just say?"

"A friend who is the master of a blacksmith guild was looking for someone capable. You've developed your blacksmithing skills to a certain level in this guild. Show your skills in your new place."

I look at the secretary standing beside me.

"[Frederica], give him the documents."

"As you wish, Master."

A young woman with blue hair, dressed in a maid's uniform, hands the file to Cage.

"You're getting married soon, right? It's more efficient and less wasteful to become a manager and receive a fixed salary rather than stay in this unstable job as an adventurer. The salary will be three times what you're getting now. Worried about moving expenses? We'll cover it, as it's a necessary expense."

Cage, looking at the file, is trembling.

"I've already informed the others to take over your current tasks. Get out quickly."

"Act! Thank you! For doing so much for me..."

"Don't misunderstand. This isn't for you. We are an adventurer guild. We don't need blacksmiths. Paying unnecessary people is a waste of resources, and it's also a waste for you to let your talent rot here."

Cage, tears streaming down his face, bows repeatedly.

"I'm sorry... I haven't repaid you or the guild for anything..."

Cage confesses.

"You hired me when I was expelled from my previous guild and was at a loss, and you discovered and nurtured my blacksmithing talent, which I didn't even realize I had..."

I have the talent to [recognize and develop others' talents].

Cage was unaware of his blacksmithing talent and was working as a combat adventurer. I hired and nurtured him to stop him from wasting his time.

"Don't think about the people left behind. You're no longer a part of this guild. Just leave without any worries."

Cage wipes away his tears and nods firmly.

"Act, I will never forget this kindness! I'll work hard in my new place and return the favor a hundredfold!"

"Good. I'm counting on you."

"Yes!"

Cage, with a bright expression, bows repeatedly and leaves my room.

"Was that good, Master?"

Frederica says, glancing at me sideways.

"Cage was quite a capable person. Was it a waste to let him go?"

"This is the right decision. He will definitely achieve great things. My [Appraisal Eye] says so."

My [Appraisal Eye] is a powerful tool that can recognize hidden talents and potential.

"He will definitely become the head of a large organization. It's a more rational decision to have him repay me when he's in a position of power."

"Indeed, you're letting the little fish out to fatten up with power, and then you'll take the best parts. Truly, Master, you are a master of evil guild management. I am impressed."

Frederica claps without changing her expression.

"By the way, Frederica."

"Yes, Master?"

"Why was Cage thanking me?"

I thought I was expelling him for my own sake, but he was bowing and crying.

"Indeed, Master. You are a remarkable villain."

"Is that a compliment?"

"Yes, of course. I think Act is a wonderful guild master."

The words of that bastard guild master still linger in my mind, even after several years. On that day, I was unjustly expelled from the guild. That's why I made a resolution.

I will never become such a cruel person.

...I will never let anyone else go through what I did.

That's why I created it.

The guild [Heaven's Raw Stone].

Gathering and nurturing those who have been deemed unnecessary and expelled from the world, and then releasing them into the world.

A gathering place for the expelled.

[To the readers]

If you find this interesting and are curious about the next part, please support me by clicking the stars [☆☆☆☆☆] or bookmarking the story. Thank you!