Chapter 68

The door to Lillian's office was knocked on, and she put down her pen.

"Come in."

When Lillian called out, Monica, Shukma, and Yufine entered.

"Did you call for us, Guild Master?"

Lillian, now fully embodying the calm demeanor of a guild master, looked at each of the three in turn.

The three tightened their faces with tension.

"Here..."

Lillian handed a letter to Yufine.

"Is this... a letter from Roland?"

"Yes."

"What does it say, Yufine?"

Monica asked, urging her.

"The collaboration with the Alchemy Guild has fallen through. Therefore, a new Alchemy Guild will be established on the 'Island of the Fire Dragon.' Send money."

Yufine summarized the content of the letter.

"Collaboration has fallen through?"

"Establishing a new Alchemy Guild on the 'Island of the Fire Dragon'... Does that mean Roland won't be back for a while?"

Shukma said, sounding flustered.

"It seems so."

Lillian sighed.

"We will have to conquer the dungeon and protect this guild without Roland's help for a while. Therefore, I will appoint a temporary leader for Roland's team. The temporary leader will be Yufine. You will take charge. The deputy leader will be Shukma."

"Yes."

"Yes."

"The 'Guardians of the Magic Tree' and the 'Golden Eagles' are gradually making peace, but some of the 'Golden Eagles' are already showing resistance to our actions. Even though you may be anxious without Roland, this is the time we must show unity. Each of you, be cautious and maintain the strength of your team."

"Understood."

After leaving Lillian's office, Monica continued to think about Roland.

(Roland, are you okay?)

Monica placed her hand on her chest, looking towards the sea.

She had just been told to avoid rash actions, but thinking about Roland struggling alone on the 'Island of the Fire Dragon' without any support, she felt an overwhelming urge to rush to his side.

At the 'Spirit Workshop' branch, Roland and his team were repeatedly trying and failing to create Elio's armor.

"It's no good. It's a failure."

Roland said after fiddling with the completed armor.

"What? Why?"

"The joints don't bend properly. It's a design flaw."

"Oh, that's true."

"Rody, we need to redesign it from scratch."

"Ugh, okay."

"Aina, practice 'Exterior Reinforcement' until Rody finishes the design."

"Okay."

Each member got to work.

"Rody, this part of the design."

Roland pointed to the diagram and pointed out the issue.

"This part requires 'Metal Shaping' A."

"Oh, I see."

"Product Design can increase the compatibility between the equipment and the user. In some cases, it can even have a positive effect on the user's skills and stats. However, if the person shaping the metal doesn't consider their skill level, the equipment will have issues."

"Ah, I see. I never thought about that before."

"Didn't you work on 'Product Design' at your previous workplace? Didn't you get any feedback there?"

"No, when I drew the diagrams as taught at the training institute, I was immediately labeled as unqualified."

"......I see."

Roland's comment seemed to resolve Rody's long-standing issue.

(All this time, I thought I was bad at it, but it was because of this. If I do this... and this...)

With Roland's proper guidance, Rody's 'Product Design' skill improved rapidly.

(Rody seems to be doing well. Aina... )

Aina felt a tingling sensation in her hands as she tried to cast 'Exterior Reinforcement.'

(Damn, out of mana.)

Rody was still redesigning the diagram.

(No choice. I'll make a Sword C in the meantime.)

Aina hammered iron at an incredible speed, making a Sword C on her own.

Roland observed her closely.

(Making a Sword C is like a warm-up for Aina now.)

[Aina's Status]

Strength: 40-50

Endurance: 40-50

Agility: 70 (↑10) - 80 (↑10)

Health: 40 (↘) - 70

Mana: 1 (↘19) - 30 (↑20)

(Aina's mana has shown significant growth since 'Exterior Reinforcement.' Her agility has also improved. She seems to perform better when she's busy.)

"How's it going? Any problems?"

Roland asked Rody.

"Yes. Aina is working hard, so I can't afford to slack off either."

Rody said, drawing lines on the diagram.

(He seems to be doing well too. Rody is the type who performs better for someone other than himself.)

Roland put away the used second-hand armor Aina had used for 'Exterior Reinforcement' practice and evaluated their skills.

[Aina's Skills]

'Metal Shaping': B → A

'Coating': C (↑1) → A

[Rody's Skills]

'Product Design': C (↑1) → A

(Both are improving steadily. We have one day left until the delivery date, but it looks like we can make it.)

Roland watched the two working again.

(These two will surely create excellent equipment.)

On the promised day, the armor mold was finally completed.

The design considered the expansion from 'Exterior Reinforcement' and the size adjustment was perfect.

Aina aimed her staff at the blue-painted armor.

(Here goes. Skill 'Exterior Reinforcement.')

When Aina cast the support magic, the paint seemed to expand chaotically but was restrained by an invisible magical force, forming and solidifying the armor's exterior.

The deep blue armor was complete.

"It's done."

"Not yet. Equipment isn't considered complete until it's tested for functionality."

Roland tried the armor on his body.

"The lightness test is okay. No issues with the joints."

Roland checked the movements by twisting his body and raising his arms.

"The crucial durability test is next."

"Are you sure?"

Rody asked, holding a hammer and looking worried.

"Yep, go ahead."

"Alright... Excuse me."

Rody swung the hammer at Roland with all his might.

A loud impact echoed through the workshop, but Roland and his armor didn't budge.

Instead, the hammer was damaged.

The hammer's head separated from the handle and flew towards Dylan, who was watching from a distance.

"Whoa, close one."

Dylan jumped back, avoiding the flying hammer head.

Rody was astonished.

(What? The armor didn't even scratch... and the hammer broke instead.)

"Yep, the defense is solid."

[Blue Armor Status]

Power: 70

Durability: 70 (↑20 from 'Coating')

Weight: 50

Special Effect: Reflection

(Aina's 'Exterior Reinforcement' not only increased the durability but also added a reflection special effect. Class C weapons won't even scratch it.)

Aina was surprised by her own creation.

(Amazing. This is the power of my unique skill. And Roland's...)

Aina looked at Roland with admiration.

(I've only been working at the workshop for a month, yet I've created such custom equipment. It's all thanks to Roland, who trained us intensively based on our aptitudes.)

(For everything to go so smoothly. What kind of person is he?)

"Let's deliver this equipment to the client."

Roland carried the blue armor to where Elio was waiting outside.

When they stepped outside, there was an unexpected visitor.

"Oh? Saki, and even the old man. This is unusual. What's going on?"

Roland was surprised by the unexpected visitor.

"Hello, Roland. The old man insisted on seeing the workshop..."

"He heard about the completion of the custom equipment and couldn't wait to see it."

"You came all the way here. Thank you. Please, take a look at the custom equipment we made."

Elio put on the blue armor.

"How is it?"

"It's not heavy. In fact, it's light. Despite the thick armor."

Elio moved his body freely.

The old man was amazed.

(Hmm. It's been a while since I've seen equipment adapt so well to its user. To create something like this... This young man is no ordinary person.)

The old man glanced at Roland.

(Maybe I've inherited the workshop to an unexpected genius.)

(For the past few years, the 'Dragon's Blaze' has dominated this island... but this might be interesting.)

"Is something wrong, old man?"

Saki, seeing the unusually happy old man, looked puzzled.

"No, I'm just thinking that a long life is worth living."

The old man smiled meaningfully.

Saki just tilted her head in confusion.

The next day, the guild 'Dawn Shield' was attempting the ore mining quest at 'Metal Line' again.

"Hey, Elio. Are you really going with that equipment?"

The leader, Leon, looked at Elio's new equipment skeptically.

"Is it really okay to use armor made by some unknown alchemist? Wouldn't it be better to stick with the 'Dragon's Blaze' equipment?"

"It's fine. The defense and durability are top-notch. The guild's appraiser said so, didn't he?"

"But I've never seen armor like that before. Light and highly durable? Does such armor even exist?"

"Right, Elio. Are you sure you're not falling for some scam?"

The archer Jeff looked at the blue armor with suspicion.

"It's fine. I trust that person, Roland."

"But you're moving so well. You're running faster than usual and not even breaking a sweat."

The thief Cecil said.

"Yeah, this armor has no issues with weight or comfort. The design is well thought out."

"Alright. Just be careful. If the equipment fails and you die, it won't be a laughing matter."

"Hey, no time for chit-chat. Monsters are coming. There are 'Armored Giants' too."

The archer Jeff said.

"Got it. I'll handle it."

Elio moved quickly, standing in front of the two 'Armored Giants.'

"What? You're crazy. No one takes on two at once."

Leon shouted, but it was too late.

Two clubs were swung at Elio, but he didn't take any damage. Instead, the clubs shattered.

(Alright, I can do this. If I can...)

Elio tackled the 'Armored Giant,' which was a head taller than him, and stabbed the enemy's side with a short knife.

The 'Armored Giant' fell to its knees.

When he tried to tackle the other one, a flame came flying.

It was a 'Wyvern's' breath of fire.

However, Elio deflected the flames with his armor.

The left arm of the armor was embedded with 'Flame-Resistant Ore.'

Leon was amazed.

(I can't believe it. To have this much defense with such lightness. What kind of skilled person forged this armor?)

(Alright, I can do this. I can protect everyone!)

Elio withstood the enemies' fierce attacks and quickly repelled the monsters.

The group advanced deeper into the dungeon.

"Elio, are you okay? The battle seemed intense, but are you exhausted?"

"I'm fine. In fact, I feel more energetic than usual."

Eventually, they reached the mining site and collected a large amount of rare metal before heading back.

"Ha ha ha. Did I take too much?"

"It's fine. We've been in a slump lately. It's good to have a bit of a haul..."

"Hey, the field trip isn't over yet. We're likely to be targeted by the Thief Guild on the way back. Look, here come the 'White Wolves.'"

Jeff used his 'Far Sight' skill to spot the approaching 'White Wolves.'

They quickly prepared for battle.

"Look, it's the 'Dawn Shield.'"

"They're still mining rare metals. What a bunch of fools."

"According to Jamil, their shield bearer is the main target, right?"

"Wait, something's off. That armor is blue and I've never seen it before."

"It doesn't matter. Let's go."

The 'Dawn Shield' also prepared for the attack.

"Damn, we've been spotted. This is bad luck."

"Don't worry. I'll protect everyone and the items with this armor."

Elio moved with unusual agility, closing in on the 'White Wolves' vanguard.

"You fool. You're like a moth to a flame."

One of the 'White Wolves' stabbed Elio with a sword.

It was a large sword with B-class power.

But the sword broke.

"What?"

Elio hit the thief with his shield.

"Ugh!"

"What is this armor? It's completely impenetrable!"

"Attack isn't getting through at all."

Soon, the rear guard was ready, and Jeff fired arrows from a perfect position while Leon engaged in close combat.

The thief Cecil positioned herself behind Elio to cast healing magic.

"Ugh, I can't hold on. We can't take this."

"Retreat. Fall back. It's not worth the effort to keep fighting."

The 'White Wolves' withdrew.

Elio and his team returned to the city without losing a single item.

The next day, Elio visited the 'Dragon's Blaze.'

Coincidentally, Edgar was being reprimanded by Raul in the hallway about contract renewals.

"Edgar, you're the only one who hasn't met the quota this month. Do you have a plan to meet the sales targets?"

"It's fine. Leave it to me."

"Do you have something lined up?"

"There's a shield bearer in the 'Dawn Shield.' If he renews his contract, the quota will be met."

"The 'Dawn Shield,' huh?"

Raul looked a bit troubled.

He had heard that the 'Dawn Shield' hadn't been performing well recently.

"Will this shield bearer renew his contract?"

"Leave it to me. The 'Dawn Shield' explores up to 'Metal Line.' They can't do without our equipment."

"Alright. Don't mess this up."

"Edgar, the 'Dawn Shield's' Elio is here."

The receptionist said.

"Oh, speak of the devil."

Edgar went to the counter to meet Elio.

"Elio, you're late."

"Sorry, I couldn't reply until the last minute."

"Really, Elio, you're a bit of a troublemaker. Making us worry until the last minute about contract renewals. So, have you decided about renewing your contract?"

Edgar smiled, already knowing the answer. The armor Elio had entrusted to them was already perfectly maintained.

"Yeah, I've decided."

Elio smiled brightly.

"I won't be renewing the contract. Thanks for everything. See you."