Chapter 60

Close to the harbor, there was a tavern.

This place also served as the island's quest reception area, making it a gathering spot for adventurers.

At the same time, it was also a haunt for shady characters like thieves and fraudsters.

Today, as usual, they were actively exchanging information, looking for opportunities for mischief or potential victims.

As the patrons were each engaged in their own lively activities, the door opened, and an unfamiliar guest arrived.

On his shoulder was an old-fashioned emblem adorned with a golden hawk and a magical tree.

The tavern patrons fell silent for a moment at the unexpected intruder, but soon resumed their casual conversations as if nothing had happened.

However, some of them, not missing a beat, were trying to figure out who this well-dressed man was and uncover his true identity.

The members of the Thieves' Guild "White Wolf" were no exception.

They leaned in and began whispering to each other.

"That guy, I've never seen him before. Is he from outside the island?"

"Jamir, appraise him."

"Alright."

【Roland Gil's Status】

Strength: 40-50

Endurance: 40-50

Agility: 40-60

Health: 60-70

(He's just a commoner. Probably D-class, at best C-class.)

"He's not much. We can pick his pocket anytime."

"Hey, how about we give him a little scare to liven things up?"

"Wait. Someone's coming."

The three of them saw a man approaching Roland and suppressed their hostility.

Roland, walking through the tavern, felt an indescribable discomfort.

(What is it? The atmosphere is quite different from the "Adventurer's Town.")

Roland carefully observed the adventurers gathered in the tavern.

(There seem to be an unusually high number of thieves?)

As Roland was looking around,

A man who looked like a merchant came running from the counter and spoke to him.

"Hey, Roland, good to see you."

"Dylan, it's been a while."

Roland shook hands with Dylan to celebrate their reunion.

Dylan was a familiar merchant from the "Adventurer's Town" who often came to sell rare minerals from the "Fire Dragon Island."

In addition to selling minerals, Dylan also handled guild mediation and brokerage services.

This time, Roland had asked Dylan to introduce him to an alchemy guild that could partner with the "Golden Hawk."

In the "Adventurer's Town," Roland could support adventurers through the "Spirit Workshop," but on the "Fire Dragon Island," far from the town, that wasn't possible.

So, Roland decided it would be wise to find a local alchemy guild that could provide support and form a business partnership.

"Was your sea voyage comfortable?"

"Yes, thanks to you. So, let's get down to business, Dylan."

"Wait. This place isn't quite right."

Dylan looked around.

"What do you mean?"

"There are too many shady characters around. You came at a bad time. We should have met at a different location. Let's talk in the carriage for now."

Roland followed Dylan's advice and got into the carriage.

The three members of "White Wolf" watched as the two left the tavern.

"That's Dylan. He's a well-known merchant around here."

"If he's targeted, it'll make our work harder."

"Damn. He has a local contact."

"I was looking forward to a drink during the day."

"Don't worry. There's no rush. When he brings his companions to the dungeon, that's when his luck runs out. Until then, let him enjoy his sightseeing."

"The alchemy guild I'm about to introduce you to, 'Dragon's Ember,' is one of the best alchemy guilds in this town," Dylan said in the carriage on the way to the alchemy guild.

"They are the only alchemy guild on this island that can meet your requirements for maintaining the 'Dragon Slayer Hammer' in terms of facilities and personnel."

"I see."

"They have many talented young alchemists and are currently on a roll. I'm sure you'll like them."

The two stopped in front of a large building and went inside.

When Roland announced his arrival, the guild leader of "Dragon's Ember" welcomed him.

He was a middle-aged man with a stout build, a bald head, and a friendly smile, giving off the air of a kind old man.

"Ah, you must be Roland Gil, the executive of the famous adventurer guild 'Golden Hawk.'"

"Yes, I'm Roland Gil. I've come to tour the facilities of 'Dragon's Ember.'"

"I am the guild leader of 'Dragon's Ember,' Dan Medes. I've heard about you. Please, this way. I'll show you our workshop. Take your time."

Medes led the two deeper into the workshop.

"Our guild is based on the principle of competition," the guild leader said as he showed them the molding room where alchemists were hammering minerals.

"Competition is the only way to develop one's abilities and talents, promote efficiency and proper placement, and ultimately benefit the guild as a whole."

(Sure enough, everyone has high skills. B-class and above is the norm. However...)

Roland appraised a young boy hammering metal.

【Young Alchemist's Skills】

'Ore Mining': E → D

'Ore Refining': C → A

'Metal Molding': B → B

'Silverwork': D → A

(Not the most optimal placement...)

"How about it, Roland? What do you think of his 'Metal Molding' skill? He's quite impressive for his age. He'll soon reach A-class in 'Metal Molding.'"

"Yes... I see."

Roland thought that 'Ore Refining' or 'Spirit Enchantment' would be better for the boy than 'Metal Molding,' but decided not to say anything in this situation.

In the past, he would have given advice thinking it was for the best, but now he knew that some people found it annoying.

"Guild Leader, may I have a moment?"

As Roland and the guild leader were walking together, a red-haired twin-tailed girl ran up to them.

"Ah, Rizetta. This is a good time. Introduce yourself to him."

The guild leader introduced her to Roland.

"This is Rizetta. She's one of our promising young alchemists."

"My name is Rizetta Rone. Pleased to meet you."

She bowed politely.

She was a charming and radiant girl, despite wearing a plain alchemist's work uniform.

"This is Roland, the executive of 'Golden Hawk.'"

"Oh, you're from the famous adventurer guild?"

She looked at Roland with sparkling eyes.

"I've heard that 'Golden Hawk' has many A-class adventurers. If you need any equipment, please designate me as your handler."

She grabbed Roland's hand tightly.

"Yes, certainly..."

While Roland said this, he felt a faint sense of caution.

This was because she was too alluring.

With an average build and a plain work uniform, she still exuded a sensual charm.

Her seductive expression gave off a mischievous allure.

She undoubtedly had a natural talent for captivating people.

To be able to charm someone so thoroughly on first meeting, she must be quite skilled.

If he wasn't careful, he might find himself making a ridiculous promise without realizing it.

Rizetta carefully observed Roland from head to toe.

"I've heard that 'Golden Hawk' has all-knowing magicians and heavily armored knights who can conquer dungeons alone. What kind of equipment do you use, Roland?"

"Well, I..."

"Rizetta. Roland is currently inspecting our workshop. Let's save such negotiations for later. We'll discuss your business later as well."

The guild leader said, and Rizetta reluctantly stepped back, though her face showed disappointment.

However, she didn't forget to say one last thing to Roland as she left.

"Roland, please call on me anytime. I'd love to hear more about your adventures."

Rizetta said with a sidelong glance.

Roland gave her a vague smile and parted ways with her.

After that, Medes led Roland and Dylan to the most well-equipped area of the workshop.

There were three young men there.

"Let me introduce you. These are our aces. They, along with Rizetta, are known as the 'Quartet.' They are the four pillars of our workshop. Hey, you three, this is the client I mentioned. Say hello."

When Medes said this, two of the three paused their work and looked up.

One was a handsome young man, and the other was a tough-looking man with a buzz cut.

"The one operating the furnace is Charles."

The guild leader pointed to the handsome young man.

"Nice to meet you."

"The one drawing the blueprint is Edgar."

The guild leader pointed to the buzz-cut man.

"Hey there."

"And... Hey, Raul. I said this is the client. Can't you stop working for a moment?"

When his name was called, the last of the three, Raul, finally turned around.

Raul glared at Roland.

"So, you're the one from 'Golden Hawk.'"

(I see. He's in a league of his own.)

【Raul's Skills】

'Ore Refining': A

'Product Design': A

'Metal Molding': A

'Silverwork': A

'Magic Enchantment': S

(All his basic alchemy skills are A-class, and his unique skill 'Magic Enchantment' is S-class. To have these skills at his age... he's a true genius.)

Roland felt intimidated as he faced Raul.

The arrogance and confidence that only geniuses are allowed to have were enough to overwhelm Roland.

Raul leaned in close to Roland.

"Your name is Roland, right? Listen up. I don't care if you're an executive of 'Golden Hawk' or whatever. I have no intention of fraternizing with commoners."

"Hey, you can't talk to a client like that..."

"Don't think that just because things went well in 'Adventurer's Town,' they'll go the same way here. Adventurers from all over the world come to this island every year. We don't need to contract with you. If you're just a commoner with no decent skills or stats, I'll request to be taken off your case."

"Hey, Raul..."

"I'll do my best to meet your expectations."

Roland smiled warmly and extended his hand for a handshake.

"Hmph."

Raul reluctantly shook his hand.

Medes sighed in relief.

"Roland is quite mature for his age."

Thus, Roland completed his initial meeting with 'Dragon's Ember,' signed a provisional contract, and left the workshop for the day.