Chapter 35

Under the leadership of the "Spirit Workshop," the alchemical guild began operating the dungeon.

Alchemists, holding shovels and pickaxes, lined up and entered the dungeon one after another.

"Ranj. Here is the list of each alchemist's skills."

Roland handed over the modified list of skills submitted by each alchemical guild to Ranj.

"Quite impressive."

Ranj looked at the list Roland handed him and was amazed.

"How is the preliminary survey of the mine going?"

"It's all set."

Ranj showed the map he had prepared in advance.

"There is an 'Earthcraft' mine on the 8th floor of the dungeon. There is an iron mine on the 12th floor and a silver mine on the 14th floor. These three are the largest ore deposits in the dungeon. For this dungeon operation, we plan to mainly excavate these three dungeons."

"Good. That's fine."

Roland checked the map to ensure there were no suspicious points and then returned it to Ranj.

"Ranj, the goal this time is to bring the alchemical guild members to our side, not to make a profit. Let them make some money, but don't push for excessive profits."

"Understood. What about the members of the Adventurer's Guild?"

"Everything is arranged. They should be arriving soon... Oh, here they are."

Roland saw his team, led by Monica, approaching.

In addition to the regular team members, Rick, Rellio, and Marina, the three new recruits, were also following.

The three new recruits, facing their first mission, arrived at the entrance of the dungeon with tense expressions.

"Ugh, I'm so nervous."

Marina said anxiously.

"I am too. I never thought I'd be part of the main force of the 'Guardians of the Magic Tree' right away."

Rellio agreed.

All three had graduated from the training institute with average grades, never expecting to join a major guild like the 'Guardians of the Magic Tree.'

They had already faced the envy and jealousy of their peers.

"Hey, you guys, stop chatting. We're about to enter the dungeon."

Rick, who had taken on a leader-like attitude, said.

He had become the de facto leader of the three new recruits due to his proactive nature.

(Training with the main force is a great opportunity. If I can impress the captain, I might have a chance to become a famous adventurer.)

Rick marched at the back of the formation, more motivated than ever.

"Stop! Form up!"

Monica lined up the team and then ran to Roland.

"Roland, the team is assembled."

"Good job."

(Ah, this is the person who interviewed us.)

Rellio looked at Roland curiously.

(He looks like an appraiser... Is he going into the dungeon too? Who is he exactly...?)

Rick also tilted his head in confusion.

(Monica, an A-class adventurer, greeted him first. Is he that important?)

While the three were still dazed, the other team members greeted Roland one by one.

"Excuse me, who is that person? He looks like an appraiser..."

Rick asked a veteran team member.

"Oh, that person..."

"Hey, what are you guys doing?"

Yufine spoke to Rick and the others in a sharp tone.

"This is Roland, the captain of our 'Guardians of the Magic Tree' second team."

"Wh-What!?"

The three of them exclaimed in unison.

"You're new, so you should greet him."

"Sorry, I apologize."

Rick immediately bowed.

The other two followed suit.

(But, wasn't Roland's name on the dungeon conquest monument?)

Rellio bowed while wondering in his head.

The names of the dungeon conquest team are inscribed on the monument at the quest reception office, which anyone in the city can view.

"Hehe, it's okay. I should have told you earlier that I'm the captain. Anyway, now that everyone is here, let me explain. Everyone, listen up."

Roland raised his voice to address everyone.

"The mission this time is to support and guard the alchemical guild. Help the alchemists work efficiently. Also, the dungeon operation is a chance to maintain and improve your status during the downtime. I'll give each of you tasks, so make sure to complete them."

"Understood."

The team members split into groups and entered the dungeon.

Most were enthusiastic, but the three new recruits entered the dungeon with heavy hearts, having made a bad impression on the captain.

"Well, the new recruits have already underestimated me, Roland."

Shakma said teasingly.

"Really, I'll have to be stricter with them later."

Yufine said.

"What's wrong? Do I lack authority?"

Roland put his hand on his face, looking slightly dejected.

"Hehe."

Monica chuckled.

"Don't worry. We know your true strength. They will understand eventually."

Shakma said nonchalantly.

Even though the dungeon's boss had been defeated and the monsters on the lowest floor had retreated, the lesser monsters still appeared randomly, hindering the activities of the humans and potentially stealing their items or even their lives.

Therefore, the protection of adventurers was essential for the dungeon operation.

The adventurers had to guard the alchemists from monsters, clear the roads, set up fences at key points, and sometimes even build walls.

"Alright, let's assign today's tasks. Rick, Rellio, Marina, come forward."

At Roland's call, the three stepped forward.

"Rick, carry 50 stones for the wall to the construction site. Rellio, carry 200 potions to the warehouse. Marina, carry 100 fire magic stones (which drain your mana just by holding them) to the warehouse. Of course, while equipped."

The three new recruits tensed at the challenging tasks Roland assigned.

(The guild's training is different from the training institute. At the institute, we only had to march with weapons, but carrying stones for the wall... This will drain our stats significantly.)

"Do you have any questions? No? Good, next. Monica."

"Understood!"

"You will carry 100 stones for the wall to the construction site. Shakma and Yufine, each of you will carry 200 magic stones to the warehouse. Of course, while equipped. If monsters appear, you will engage them and protect the new recruits and alchemists. Also, lead your teams."

"Understood."

(What! Twice our quota while also fighting and leading the team!? What kind of unreasonable request is this?)

Rick was shocked by Roland's instructions.

He was even more surprised to see Monica and the others follow the orders without hesitation.

Roland assigned tasks to the other team members based on their stats and goals.

"Alright, everyone has their tasks. Let's start the mission."

Roland's team began their support mission for the alchemists.

"Ugh, ohh."

Rick pulled the rope tied to the stones, struggling to keep up with the team.

The alchemists walked ahead without caring about the heavy loads the adventurers were carrying.

Monica passed by Rick, carrying two stones with ease, while keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings and the team members.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, somehow."

But Rick was already at his limit halfway through.

"Don't overdo it."

"No, it's nothing..."

"You're already out of breath. This area is safe from monsters, so take a break. Here, I'll take the stones."

Monica took the stones from Rick.

"Sorry."

Rick sat down, deciding to rest and recover his stats.

As Monica secured Rick's safety and continued forward, Rellio passed by her quickly.

He was responsible for transporting the light potions, but speed was required.

(I need to move faster. I can't finish 200 by the end of the day.)

Rellio quickly moved ahead.

(Fast! His agility must be around 50-60...)

"He will eventually reach agility 100."

"Ah, Roland..."

Monica turned to Roland, who had appeared beside her.

"He will likely become a prominent archer."

"..."

"Are you okay?"

Monica showed a conflicted expression but smiled bravely.

"I'm fine. I have my own way of fighting. Even if I can't become a proper archer, I won't be discouraged anymore."

"Good. That's what I wanted to hear."

Roland said, satisfied.

"Ah, about 10 goblins are approaching."

Monica used her Hawk Eye to spot the approaching enemies.

"I'll engage them."

Monica put down the rope tied to the stones and moved to a shooting position.

"Ugh, I can't walk anymore."

Marina was complaining at the back of the formation.

"You haven't even carried 5 stones yet! You have to make 10 trips, so start moving."

Yufine poked Marina with her staff, forcing her to walk.

After several trips transporting stones, potions, and magic stones, it was noon, and Monica and her team had completed their tasks.

On the other hand, the three new recruits had given up, having completed only about 60% of their tasks.

"Ugh, too tough."

"I can't walk another step."

"..."

"Phew. Already giving up? You haven't even completed 60% of your tasks."

Roland said, exasperated.

"You've completely exhausted your stamina."

"Really, you're so lazy."

"Hehe."

While the three new recruits were exhausted, Monica and her team had completed their tasks and still had energy left.

(Ugh, these people. They've worked more than twice as much as us. How much stamina do they have?)

Rellio, massaging his swollen legs, watched Monica and her team leave with a dejected expression.

Roland appraised Rick's stats.

Rick

Strength: 1-50

Endurance: 1-60

Agility: 1-30

Stamina: 1-50

(All base stats are at their minimum. His strength, endurance, and stamina are understandable, but his agility is also drained, which means he still hasn't mastered using his body efficiently.)

Roland also appraised Rellio and Marina, who were similarly drained in all stats.

(I'll appraise their stats again after they recover tomorrow. They need to learn how to use their bodies first.)

"Alright, that's enough for today. Get plenty of rest for tomorrow."

Roland told the three to drink potions to boost the stats they wanted to improve and then left.

"Monica, are you all okay?"

"Yes, we're still fine. But, can you appraise our stats just in case?"

"Sure."

Roland appraised Monica and her team and confirmed they still had energy left.

"Good, you're fine."

"We plan to do some extra training."

"Alright. I'll take the three new recruits back to the city. Don't overdo it. Know when to stop."

"Understood. Be careful, Roland."

(Next, it's time for Jill's training.)

After returning the new recruits to the 'Guardians of the Magic Tree' dormitory, Roland headed to the training session with Jill, which he had been looking forward to the most today.

They were meeting at the "Spirit Workshop."