Chapter 38

The extermination of ghouls continued. (Although the ghoul extermination was not registered at the quest reception office, since they would eventually turn into undead or vampires if left alone, it was considered the moral duty of adventurers to hunt them down when found.)

Among Roland's troops, some voluntarily trained after completing the ghoul extermination.

Rick was one of them.

"Roaaaaaaar!"

Rick would show that he could carry 100 stone blocks by noon.

He was training to improve his strength alongside the ghoul extermination quest.

Rick built a pile of stones in front of Roland for everyone to see.

"Wow. That's amazing, Rick."

Marina, who was standing next to Roland, exclaimed in amazement.

"How about it, Roland? I carried 100 stone blocks in one day, the same amount as Monica."

"Hmm. That's impressive. So, is that it?"

Rick reacted sharply to those words.

"What? Who said it's over? I was just about to keep stacking more."

Rick ran off to gather more stone blocks.

"It's about time for dinner."

Roland muttered, glancing at his watch.

"Marina, go ahead and let everyone know it's dinner time."

Roland called out to her, who had been standing by his side.

"Understood. Everyone, it's dinner time. Stop your training and gather in the dining hall."

Marina repeated the message, informing everyone.

(Interesting. He's using chatty Marina as a messenger to relay information to the entire unit.)

Rellio observed Roland's methods from the side.

Since learning tactical retreat, Rellio's enthusiasm for command had increased significantly.

He was tirelessly observing, trying to learn as much as possible from Roland.

"Rellio, you can take a break. I'll keep an eye on things here."

"Okay."

As they parted ways, Roland appraised Rellio's status.

Command: 60-90

(A maximum of 90. That's good. All he needs now to fill the gap is practical experience.)

Roland also appraised Rick and Marina's statuses.

Rick Dyer

Strength: 70-80

Endurance: 70-80

Agility: 20-30

Health: 70-80

Magic: 70-80

Marina Fortuna

Explosive Magic: C → A

Ore Possession: B → A

Equipment Possession: B → A

Potion Possession: B → A

(Rick is at 70-80 in everything except agility. Marina has B in ore possession, equipment possession, and potion possession. They can be counted on as a solid force for the main unit!)

Roland was satisfied with the growth of the new members.

---

Having obtained permission from the investors to use 150 million gold, Lucius had returned to the "Golden Eagle."

(Phew. I finally got the investors' approval. With this, the recruitment of the "Guardians of the Magic Tree" should be possible. They really make things difficult.)

Lucius was frustrated by the inconvenience of using other people's money.

(But with this, the game is as good as won. No matter how much they resist the transfer, no one will refuse 50 million gold per person. If necessary, I can invest all 150 million into one person.)

If he could transfer one person, the other two would start to regret their decision and feel guilty about the transfer.

This would cause tension among the main unit and deal a significant blow to the "Guardians of the Magic Tree."

(With this, the recruitment issue is settled. Now, it's been a while since I've been back. I wonder if the ones left behind are doing well?)

Lucius entered the guild leader's room in high spirits, freed from his recent worries.

However, as soon as he heard the reports from his subordinates about what had happened in his absence, he immediately furrowed his brow and flew into a rage.

"The Alchemy Guild is rebelling? The 'Guardians of the Magic Tree' have started operating a dungeon on their own? Jill is supporting the 'Guardians of the Magic Tree'? Damn it! What are you all doing!"

Lucius shouted at those who had come to report.

Diana was not among those being shouted at.

She stood next to Lucius, looking as if she had nothing to do with the matter.

Diana had skillfully manipulated the information.

First, she suppressed the report from Zens and kept it to herself.

Then, through other people, she leaked the problem to the person she had chosen as a scapegoat.

As a result, the chosen ones, while trying to solve the problem, ended up taking responsibility and were put in the position of reporting to Lucius.

The reporters, who were being shouted at, did not suspect that it was Diana's fault.

After being shouted at by Lucius, they were informed of a rank-down as guild members and ordered to leave the room.

"Damn. As soon as I'm gone, this happens."

"I apologize. I didn't expect such things to be happening behind the scenes."

"Diana! What about you? Didn't you notice that the problem had grown this big?"

"Actually, I had a vague feeling that Jill's actions were suspicious. I have already conducted my own investigation and taken countermeasures."

"What? Is that so? ...I see. I see. Sorry, I shouldn't have shouted at you."

"It's fine. I don't mind."

Diana smiled.

"You are indeed different from the others."

"I am honored."

"Then? What are these countermeasures you mentioned? Tell me quickly."

Lucius, now in a better mood, listened to her report.

However, after hearing the report, Lucius's anger flared up again.

"Jill... is receiving training under Roland?"

It felt like his own property was being tampered with and altered by someone else, causing him great discomfort.

"Bring Jill here immediately!"

---

Jill had returned to the city from the dungeon after completing the bridge construction quest.

Roland had gone to the entrance of the dungeon to meet her.

By the time they met, it was already getting dark.

"Huff, huff. Roland, I'm back."

Jill was clearly exhausted.

"Yeah, good job."

(Maybe I was a bit too strict?)

Seeing Jill's state of exhaustion, Roland felt a twinge of guilt.

She had endured two weeks of harsh labor, subsisting on river water and fruits without drinking any potions.

"Huff, huff. So, Roland, what kind of punishment do you have in mind for me next?"

"Huh!? Punishment?"

"Ah, no, I made a mistake. What kind of training will you give me next?"

"Oh, right. Just a slip of the tongue."

(Well... at least she seems to be in good spirits.)

Roland was relieved to see that his worries were unfounded.

"Come on, what kind of harsh training do you have in mind for me next?"

"Wait a minute. Let's check your status first."

Roland appraised Jill's status.

Strength: 105-110

Endurance: 115-120

Agility: 100-105

Health: 195-200

"Well, how is it, Roland?"

Jill looked at Roland with a mix of hope and anxiety.

"No, that's amazing. Congratulations, Jill."

"Huh?"

Roland undid the clasps on Jill's armor, disarming her.

Jill, freed from the heavy armor, felt her body become lighter.

She was now in a simple undergarment.

"All your base stats are over 100 and within a 5-point margin."

"So, that means..."

"Yes, you're now at the level of an S-class adventurer. There's nothing more I can teach you. You can delve deep into any dungeon and defeat any enemy."

"Roland!"

Jill, overwhelmed with emotion, hugged Roland.

"Jill?"

"Thank you. I wouldn't have made it this far without your strict guidance, cold rejection, irresponsible neglect, and harsh insults. Thank you so much."

"Umm, yeah."

(The content of the thanks seems a bit off...)

"Anyway, let's rest."

Roland draped his jacket over her and led her to a nearby bench.

"There's nothing more I can teach you. You did a great job."

"Yes, but I can't receive your guidance anymore. That makes me a bit sad."

"Jill..."

"Roland!"

Suddenly, Jill turned to Roland with a serious look.

"What is it?"

"I intend to fight Lucius."

"Huh!? But that's..."

"Yes, it goes against the contract. I will be punished, and I might not be able to stay in this city like Sebastia. But I will fight."

"No, you can't do that! There must be another way..."

Jill shook her head.

"Jill..."

"I can't work under him anymore. Besides, I've already been complicit with you. I will be held responsible either way."

Roland was speechless.

"Even if it goes against reason and rules, I can no longer follow Lucius's methods... I can no longer follow Lucius, who exiled you. That's why I will fight."