Chapter 70

"Alright, quickly get the ship to the port. We're going to slay the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon.' I'm itching to use this 'Dragon Head Gauntlet' my mother gave me!"

"Captain, our skills are in perfect condition, but our equipment needs maintenance."

"What? Is that so?"

"Of course. We've been on the ship for a month, and even though we're on the sea, we've been exposed to the sea breeze all the time."

"If that's the case, let's go to 'Dragon's Blaze.' To the world's best alchemist, Raoul Bartley! It's been a while since I've seen him. I hope his skills haven't rusted."

"No way. The port is already closed for the night (and we can't enter the port at night). Let's drop anchor for the night and enter the port in the morning."

"Ah. I'm getting antsy. I want to test my strength against the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon' as soon as possible."

The next morning, the guild 'Guardians of the Magic Academy' docked at 'Dragon's Island.'

"Alright, are you all ready? We're heading to 'Dragon's Blaze.' Be careful not to let the thieves in the city pick your pockets."

They all wore weapons and armor adorned with magical designs, carried the guild's emblem, and draped themselves in purple mantles, their attire splendid and imposing as they marched down the main street.

The townspeople formed a line to see this unusual spectacle, and the main street took on the appearance of a parade.

"Hey, Sain. Why are we going to an alchemy guild in full gear?"

"Of course. To impress the people of this island with the might of our guild."

"But isn't this overkill? It looks like a parade."

"Idiot. The first impression is crucial. If we're underestimated, it's all over."

Jamil and Rodo of the 'White Wolves' watched the parade from the crowd. When Sain reached the town square, he wasn't satisfied with just the parade and stood on the central stage to address the crowd.

"I am Sain Orvesta, the captain of the third division of the guild 'Guardians of the Magic Academy.' When you hear 'Guardians of the Magic Academy' third division, you might think, 'They couldn't even slay the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon' last year,' or 'Last year, the first division came, but this year, it's the third division.' But don't worry. I've honed my skills and returned to this island stronger."

Sain pointed the 'Dragon Head Gauntlet' skyward.

Fire spewed from the hole in the palm of the gauntlet.

A pillar of fire rose in the venue.

The crowd was awed by the flaming projectile that shot into the sky.

"Wow, what power!"

"Is it even more impressive than the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon'?"

"This is promising."

"Please, brave one. Save us."

"Did you see? With my equipment, the 'Dragon Head Gauntlet,' I can pierce the thick scales of the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon' with a single strike. Your suffering from the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon' will end today. We won't plunder the island's resources and leave without giving anything back."

Sain pointed to the top of the volcano.

"The S-class monster sleeping there, the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon,' I promise to slay it and bring eternal peace to you all."

The crowd cheered.

After all, guilds that came from outside recently mostly took the resources and left the dungeon in ruins without leaving any money or resources in the town.

It was rare to have an adventurer guild declare that they would fight for the local residents.

"Damn, he's got some good equipment."

Jamil, who was in the crowd, began to appraise each of them one by one.

"Everyone has a status of B-class or higher. Their weapons are adorned with magical decorations. They must have high-level skills in both weapon attacks and magic. Especially him..."

[Sain Orvesta's Status]

Strength: 80

Endurance: 80

Agility: 80

Health: 120

Magic: 120

"His base stats are high across the board, and his magic is top-notch. He probably has some incredible skills as well."

"Still, it's impressive that he managed to gather so many magic knights. It's rare to find someone who excels in both magic and weapon skills."

"The 'City of Mages' has the Magic Academy, the highest authority in magic studies. Scholars from all over the world gather there to study magic, and all residents are required to study magic from a young age."

"So it's an advanced area for magic."

"Moreover, the guild 'Guardians of the Magic Academy' only accepts members who can handle weapons adorned with magic arrays. There are no clear front or rear roles in their units. Everyone is a warrior who can wield swords, shields, and bows, as well as a mage who can cast spells."

"They seem like tough opponents."

"Whatever. This is our island, and it's their away field. I'll make them regret entering our territory."

"Shh. He still has something to say."

Sain continued his speech to the crowd.

"Some of you may be worried that we are unfamiliar with the 'Volcano Dungeon.' However, we won't make the mistake of going alone to slay an S-class monster. We propose forming a grand alliance with the island's adventurer guilds."

The crowd murmured.

"Grand Alliance?"

"What's a Grand Alliance?"

"What does it mean?"

One of the crowd members asked Sain.

"The Grand Alliance means that we, the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy,' and the island's guilds will join hands and unite to slay the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon.'"

"What are the qualifications for joining the Grand Alliance?"

"There are none. We will not exclude anyone based on the size of the guild or the level of their skills. All guilds on the island are welcome to join."

The crowd cheered again.

People hoped that these were the heroes who would slay the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon.'

In contrast to the crowd's reaction, Jamil and his group smiled sarcastically.

"Grand Alliance, huh? What do we do? Should we join them to slay the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon'?"

"No way."

"Hmm? It seems they are moving. They're heading to 'Dragon's Blaze.'"

"Let's hide. We can't be recognized yet."

"Our first meeting will be in the dungeon."

"In the battlefield, yes. Hehe."

They disappeared into the crowd.

Roland was also in the crowd, appraising their skills and statuses.

(The 'Guardians of the Magic Academy.' One of the top magic knight guilds from the 'Western Continent.' The rumors are true. Indeed, everyone has incredible magic and stats. Plus...)

['Flame Sword' Status]

Power: 80

Durability: 80

Special Effect: Flame Infusion

['Flame Bullet Shield' Status]

Power: 80

Durability: 80

Special Effect: Flame Nullification

(Magic-enhanced equipment with special effects. Aina's 'Exterior Reinforcement' has a reflection effect, but they probably don't need it.)

The magic knights were heading to 'Dragon's Blaze.'

(They are indeed heading to 'Dragon's Blaze.' A powerful magic knight unit and a world-renowned alchemy guild. If they work well together, they could indeed be the strongest combination... Let's see how it goes.)

Roland and the 'White Wolves' were closely watching the movements of the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy,' and there was a girl who was also intently observing them.

Her name is Carla.

A native of the island.

Her eyes, as she looked at Sain and his group, were filled with a burning hatred.

"Welcome, members of the guild 'Guardians of the Magic Academy.'"

The members of the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy' arrived at the workshop of 'Dragon's Blaze' and were greeted by Medes and Raoul.

"Hey, Medes. How have you been?"

Sain greeted him cheerfully.

"Yes, thank you."

"Hey, Sain, I hope you haven't broken the 'Dragon Head Gauntlet' I made for you?"

"Raoul, don't worry. Look, it's just fine."

Sain rolled up his sleeve to show the 'Dragon Head Gauntlet.'

"I've even improved my skills and can use it better now. But the sea voyage was a bit too long. I need it maintained."

Sain removed the clasp of the 'Dragon Head Gauntlet' and handed it to Raoul.

"Hmph."

"Everyone, please hand over your equipment to the staff. We will take full responsibility for maintaining it."

"Alright. You can relax once you hand over your equipment. Medes, let's get down to business."

Sain, Arle, Medes, and Raoul gathered around a table to discuss.

Sain placed a bag full of gold coins on the table.

"We have about 20 million gold. This should cover the maintenance costs for a while, right?"

"Yes, of course. We gratefully accept it."

"Now, let's get to the main topic. We are targeting the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon' this time."

"Hmm, the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon'..."

"Yes, I just declared it in the square. I need your support, especially since we are unfamiliar with this land. I need all the information you can provide."

"Of course, we will fully cooperate."

"Can I ask a question?"

Arle spoke for the first time.

"I want to know about the movements of the thief guild 'White Wolves.' Are you still supporting them?"

"That matter..."

Medes sighed.

"We would like to cut ties with them, but they are the largest adventurer guild on the island. We can't sever ties with them."

"So, you will continue to provide them with weapons and services while we are in the dungeon?"

"..."

"Can you stop that?"

"Hmm?"

"We are already facing a formidable enemy, the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon.' It would be disastrous to have our backs threatened."

"Well, that's the thing..."

"Nothing permanent, just while we are in the dungeon..."

"Hey, cut it out."

Raoul said.

"It's our business who we deal with. You have no right to interfere."

"Hey, Raoul... To the customers..."

"First of all, you are one of the top guilds from the 'Western Continent.' Don't be scared of a mere thief guild. Or what? Can't you defeat a thief with my 'Dragon Head Gauntlet'?"

"..."

"If you take that attitude, we can refuse to deal with you."

"Hey, Raoul..."

"Hmph, that's right, Arle. What are you being so timid for? A mere thief can't even scratch our magic-enhanced armor. Guild Leader, Raoul, don't worry. We won't be outdone by a thief. We will slay the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon,' obtain the rare metals, and annihilate the thieves."

"Hmph. Got it, Arle. Did you understand?"

"As the vice-captain, I can't argue with the captain. I understand. I won't say anything more. But just to be safe, I hope you won't tamper with our equipment to favor the thief guild."

"Don't underestimate us. We are an alchemy guild. We have never neglected our duties."

Medes said.

"Let's hope so."

"Alright, let's end this formal discussion. Let's shake hands. Come on, you too. Good. Since we can't enter the dungeon today, let's go to a tavern to gather information. We'll drink a lot."

"Sain, you're going too far."

"Stop calling me 'Sain.' Come on, let's go."

"Okay, okay."

Medes and Raoul watched them leave.

"Well, well, they are quite optimistic."

"They say they will slay the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon.' Hmph. I hope they can back it up with action."

"Raoul, take care of the 'Dragon Head Gauntlet.' You're the only one who can maintain it."

"Sure, I understand."

"'Earthcraft' gathering quest?"

Leon was taken aback by Roland's suggestion.

"Yes, I think now is the perfect opportunity."

Leon scratched his head.

"Hey, Roland. The adventurer guilds on this island are split into two. Those who support the Grand Alliance and those who oppose it."

"I know."

"Then why 'Earthcraft' gathering quest?"

"To improve our staying power."

"Staying power?"

"Yes. From what I've seen, the small guilds on this island have problems with their staying power in the dungeon."

"..."

"Because iron, silver, and rare metals are easily obtainable, the adventurer guilds on this island undervalue 'Earthcraft.' Everyone is focused on the Grand Alliance of the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy.' Now is the time to leverage the flexibility of small guilds. The thief guild's attention should be on the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy.' While other guilds are distracted, we should focus on 'Earthcraft' gathering quests..."

"Roland, you don't know this, but the guilds that come to this island are the representative guilds of the major continents, elite units. They come here, take all the rare metals, and leave. This time will be no different."

"..."

"We, as a small guild, need to curry favor with them to get a share. It might seem pitiful, but that's the reality of small guilds."

"Leon, you don't have to be so harsh."

Elio interrupted their conversation.

"Roland has a point..."

"Besides,"

Leon cut Elio off and continued.

"We already have orders from the guild to support the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy.' Since the guild has given the order, there's nothing more we can do."

Leon left the 'Spirit Workshop.'

"Sorry, Roland. I can't help you."

Elio said apologetically.

"No, it's on me. I shouldn't have pushed. Go, you have preparations to make, right?"

"..."

Elio left the workshop, looking apologetic.

"The 'Dawn Shield' is no good either."

Dylan sighed.

The people of the island seem to have lost a lot of confidence.

"Yes, this won't change overnight."

(Roland clenched his teeth. The arrival of major guilds from outside the island has caused this. But what can we do? If we don't act, we'll miss this perfect opportunity.)

(Is there a guild with the determination to slay the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon'...?)

"Hey, is this the 'Spirit Workshop'?"

Roland was startled by the sudden voice of a girl.

"You are..."

[Girl's Skills]

'Sword Technique': C → A

'Shadow Strike': D → A

'Item Theft': E → A

(This... 'Shadow Strike' and 'Item Theft' at A-class potential. She has the qualities of an A-class thief!)

"I am Carla Gracia. Forge this sword to slay the 'Gigantic Fire Dragon.'"

I'm getting a bit tired of posting every day.

From tomorrow