Chapter 53

Roland, having been refused cooperation by the Second Squad, decided to hold an inter-squad meeting.

Not only would he give orders from above, but he would also allow them to voice their opinions, thereby promoting voluntary participation and fostering a sense of responsibility and ownership in the project.

By meeting face-to-face and exchanging opinions, he aimed to align the differing values between squads, resolve any grievances, and build a sense of solidarity.

If the guild leader called a meeting, the squad leaders and officers of each squad had to respond.

At the meeting, the main figures from the First to Third Squads gathered.

"Thank you all for coming together. The topic today is none other than the management of the 'Dungeon of the Netherworld' we are currently working on."

Roland sent a meaningful glance to Ist, the leader of the Second Squad, and the others.

Ist pretended not to notice.

Reluctantly, Roland proceeded with the meeting.

"Details, Dowin, please explain."

"Yes. Our Dowin squad was ordered by the guild leader to find resources in the 'Dungeon of the Netherworld' that could match the profitability of the 'Dungeon of the Mines'..."

"Objection!"

Ist suddenly stood up as if he had been shot and began to speak.

"Why are we specifically advancing the development of the 'Dungeon of the Netherworld'? Wouldn't it be better to aim for the conquest of the 'Dungeon of the Mines' as usual?"

"Ist. Dowin hasn't finished his explanation yet. Sit down."

Roland said this in a reprimanding tone.

However, Ist continued to speak without listening.

It took some time to get Ist to sit down.

(What a blatant stalling tactic.)

Ist and the others were undoubtedly trying to end the meeting without any decisions being made.

Roland was already irritated internally but tried to maintain his composure and proceed with the meeting.

"'Demon Red Rock'?"

"Yes. It's a red rock that houses magic, and it is an extremely durable rock. However, beneath it lies various items that can be effectively utilized, including 'Chimera Feathers.' It has also been discovered that a layer of Demon Red Rock covers a large-scale ore deposit in the mine. Even those with the 'Mining' A skill cannot dig it. It requires an average power of over 100 to destroy it."

"Power 100...?"

"An average adventurer can't even scratch it."

"Even high-ranking warriors are doubtful."

"That's why we need warriors of B rank or higher who can handle spear-axes and greatswords, and support mages who can use 'Attack Boost' B or higher. As you know, the period of dungeon management is not only for collecting resources but also for adjusting status. Relying solely on physical strength or support magic to remove the Demon Red Rock will throw off the status adjustment, and if we try to save energy, it won't be profitable."

"To efficiently collect resources, cooperation between the First and Second Squads is essential..."

Alik continued.

"Moreover, it has been discovered that using the 'Item Appraisal' skill can reveal the items buried beneath the Demon Red Rock. Therefore, before the dungeon disappears next month, we need appraisers with the 'Item Appraisal' B skill and B-class or higher warriors."

"That's why we concluded that we need three appraisers with the 'Item Appraisal B' skill and about twenty warriors with B-class (60-80) strength. To secure these personnel, it would be most appropriate to dispatch personnel from the Second Squad..."

"Our Second Squad does not have that kind of leeway."

Ist said this dismissively.

"Your squad is currently not assigned any specific mission and is only training, right?"

Roland tried to say this as gently as possible, without sounding sarcastic.

"Indeed, we are busy with that training. Next season, we will reclaim the 'Dungeon of the Mines' from the 'Guardians of the Magic Tree.' That training!"

(He's still using the 'Dungeon of the Mines' as an excuse.)

Roland was inwardly exasperated.

"The 'Golden Eagles' will focus on the 'Dungeon of the Netherworld' from now on. That's already decided. Once decided, you must comply."

"No, it hasn't been decided."

"Ist, enough. Are you going to defy the guild leader's orders?"

Alik, unable to bear it, reprimanded him.

"Guild leader's orders? Then what about the orders from the former guild leader, Lucius? The former guild leader's intention was for the 'Golden Eagles' to prioritize the 'Dungeon of the Mines' and organize the squad for dungeon conquest, wasn't it?"

"Former guild leader's intention... Lucius is gone! That's invalid. Invalid!"

"No, it's not invalid. The former guild leader's orders are still in effect!"

After that, the meeting became contentious over whether the former guild leader's orders were still in effect, whether they contradicted the current guild leader's orders, which should take precedence, and how long the former guild leader's orders were valid.

Since no resolution could be reached through discussion, the meeting had to resort to pulling out the guild rules and past minutes to debate the matter.

This was the first time Roland had seen the minutes of past meetings, and he was startled by their length and lack of substance.

They spent hours on such trivial debates, engaging in fruitless arguments.

(No way. If we keep doing this, even the strongest guild will weaken!)

"Anyway!"

Roland slammed his hand on the table, interrupting the people speaking.

"We need a substantial amount of money. We need to complete the development of the mine and the collection of 'Chimera Feathers' by the end of this season. If we can't do that, we'll have to fire some adventurers. Is there anyone here who can provide the necessary funds? I don't think so."

At this, even Ist and the others had to remain silent.

"Then, without further ado, let's get to work on managing the 'Dungeon of the Netherworld'! We'll deal with the rest later."

Finally, the members of the Second Squad reluctantly agreed to cooperate in the management of the 'Dungeon of the Netherworld,' and the discussion moved on to how to proceed with the management.

(Finally, we can get to the main topic...)

However, Roland was already exhausted, and his ability to think had been drained.

Even in the actual work of managing the dungeon,

The members of the Second Squad did not stop pushing their own convenience.

Ist boldly made the following statement:

"If you want us to send personnel, there are conditions.

1. The First Squad must leave the dungeon.

2. Authority must be transferred to the Second Squad.

3. The First Squad must be prohibited from entering the dungeon.

4. Additional support mages who can use 'Attack Boost' must be provided.

We would like these requests to be met."

These demands from the Second Squad were so unreasonable that the members of the First Squad could not remain silent, and the meeting became contentious again.

Dowin was exasperated.

(Sigh. Here we go again. The struggle for dominance between squads. This will continue even with Roland as the guild leader, won't it?)

Alik, while dealing with the members of the Second Squad, observed Roland's behavior.

(From the creation of a new squad in the 'Guardians of the Magic Tree' and Roland's achievements in squad formation and the training of new members, he is an extremely capable field commander. However, as a manager, he seems to be a bit lax in some areas.)

Even now, Roland is trying to bridge the gap between the First and Second Squads, but he is being swayed by the claims of both squads.

Lucius might have been better at backroom dealings and power struggles.

(I want to help him, but I can't easily accept the claims of other squads in front of my subordinates. Roland will have to handle this on his own.)

"In short, no matter what, you have no intention of cooperating or compromising. You have no intention of sending B-class or higher warriors or appraisers. Is that right?"

Roland said this to confirm.

(If you continue to refuse cooperation, I may have to disband the Second Squad...)

Roland was prepared to disband the Second Squad if necessary and waited for their response.

"Under the current circumstances, we have no choice. However..."

Here, Ist laughed and softened his attitude.

"That's right. We can cooperate with the dispatch of appraisers. We also want to focus on the development of the 'Item Appraisal' skill."

"Is that so? You'll cooperate?"

Roland said this with relief.

(If they can send appraisers by the 19th, we can make the 'Chimera Feathers' profitable.)

"However, it will be from the 20th."

"20th? No, that's too late."

"But, guild leader, we have a pre-set schedule."

"That's true, but at least from the 19th. How about that?"

Ist smiled at Roland's attitude.

(It seems the need for appraisers by the 19th is genuine.)

"If you want to dispatch appraisers by breaking our schedule, the First Squad must leave the dungeon first."

"What? Why should we leave?"

One of Alik's officers snapped.

"The First Squad's presence disrupts the work."

"What!?"

"Besides, you always..."

"Hey, calm down."

The meeting became contentious again and took a while to settle down.

Finally, after about an hour, it calmed down.

"Anyway, we can't make Alik's squad, which has been in charge of the dungeon, leave. Let's try to find a way to cooperate."

Roland said this, but the members of the Second Squad said, "We also have our positions," and refused to budge, so no resolution was reached that day.

"The only thing decided in the meeting was that the Second Squad would cooperate in the management of the dungeon. For now, it's going according to our plan."

In the locked waiting room, alone with Gilbert, Diana said.

"Roland, isn't he going to come crying to you?"

"Yes. I've offered to help multiple times since then."

"Hmm. I see."

Gilbert, poking at his food, looked thoughtful.

(Roland must have lost support from Alik's squad. To be isolated to this extent and still not give up...)

"He's a stubborn one."

"Exactly. He should just leave it to us. I don't understand what he's holding onto."

Diana said this exasperatedly.

"Roland seems to be planning to continue negotiations with the Second Squad. He intends to propose conditions such as dividing the action range and stay time in the dungeon, but he said he cannot accept the withdrawal of Alik's squad from the dungeon."

"Alright, then let's tell the members of the Second Squad to hold out until the withdrawal from the dungeon."

"? But if we do that, the negotiations will break down, and nothing will be resolved."

"That's the problem. I don't want it to be resolved. I want Roland and the Second Squad to keep fighting, forever and ever. We will be the ones to offer a solution."

Jill visited the 'Golden Eagles' before going to the 'Dungeon of the Netherworld.'

(I've been working mostly at the 'Spirit Factory' lately, so it's been a while since I've been to the 'Golden Eagles.')

Jill walked slowly through the building, hoping to run into Roland by chance.

(I wonder what Roland is doing now. He's probably busy. Should I go to the guild leader's room? That might be too much of a bother.)

While Jill was thinking this and walking down the hallway, she heard voices from the waiting room.

"About the guild leader..."

"Huh? Really?"

(Guild leader? Are they talking about Roland?)

Jill hid in the shadow of the entrance and listened.

"So, the guild leader is going to be fired soon."

"Really?"

"Yes, he's isolated among the officers."

"Even though he's only been in office for a short time, he's a failure."

"Ha ha, that's true."

"Well, it's a fitting end for a lackey of the investors."

A thud came from behind, and they were startled.

Turning around, they saw Jill standing with a fist on the wall, looking angry.

The room, despite its sturdy construction, shook for a while, and dust fell from the ceiling.

"Ah!"

"J-Jill?"

"You're skipping training to gossip about the guild leader. What a fine position you're in."

"S-Sorry."

"S-Sorry."

"Wait!"

Jill stopped the members who were about to leave.

"What were you talking about just now? Something about Roland being fired soon. Why are you spreading such baseless rumors?"

"Well, that..."

"We heard a rumor..."

"Rumor? Listen, Roland will not resign as guild leader. Do not spread such lies. Understand?"

"...Yes."

The two hung their heads in shame.

"Now, go to training! Don't talk about unnecessary things."

"H-Hai!"

The members, scolded by Jill, left the room as if being chased.

(I didn't know things had gotten this bad while I was away. Roland is isolated? Roland...)

Roland called Ist and the others to the guild leader's room again for negotiations.

(There's no more time to waste. If I can't convince Ist and the others here today, the management of the 'Dungeon of the Netherworld' will be in trouble.)

"Send appraisers with the 'Item Appraisal' skill to the 'Dungeon of the Netherworld' by the 19th."

"Guild leader, as I said at yesterday's meeting, we have no intention of sending appraisers until the 20th."

"Then, how about this? Limit the action range