Chapter 80

The next day, Sain gathered the adventurers and the town's residents in the square and gave a speech.

He announced that he had a significant announcement regarding the recent slaying of the "Huge Fire Dragon."

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am deeply grateful for all the cooperation we received in the recent slaying of the 'Huge Fire Dragon.' Our great battle has only just begun. I intend to reorganize our forces and this time, we will slay the 'Huge Fire Dragon.' However, there is something important you should know first. Do you know about the darkness that the 'Dragon's Blaze' harbors? Their countless acts of wickedness and cruelty, their despicable and shameless deeds that go against the principles of humanity."

The audience held their breath.

What kind of heinous acts did the 'Dragon's Blaze' commit?

"They have been supplying equipment to support our guilds while secretly supporting the thieves' guild, hindering our battles against monsters, and preventing us from achieving glory.

They are truly merchants of death, spreading misfortune with their weapons. They are two-faced bats. What do you think when you see such a corrupt reality? It is unthinkable that the island's top alchemy guild has connections with lowly thieves. Shouldn't we take this opportunity to expose their evil deeds and demand that they change their ways?"

Sain posed the question.

However, the reaction from the islanders was lukewarm.

The fact that the 'Dragon's Blaze' had connections with thieves was already well-known among the islanders.

So was the fact that the island's adventurer community's economy would not function without such connections.

Sain began to grow frustrated with the silent audience.

"Hey, why are you all so quiet? Don't you think anything of it? We are being threatened from behind, and we are fighting for you."

"But what about the rewards!"

One member of the audience spoke up, approaching the podium.

He was an adventurer from a small guild that had participated in the grand alliance.

"When will we receive our rewards? You said you would pay us after we came down the mountain. I'm already struggling with my small guild. If I don't get paid soon, I won't be able to make this month's payments."

"The 'Huge Fire Dragon' is the bigger issue."

Another resident approached the podium.

"Will the 'Huge Fire Dragon' continue to wreak havoc? How long will the rampage last? Surely, it won't spread to the city, right? You're the one in charge. Explain yourself."

"Wait a minute. I haven't received my reward either."

Another adventurer approached the podium, voicing his complaint.

As more and more people approached the podium, expressing their various concerns and grievances, the square became chaotic and uncontrollable.

(Ah, I told you we shouldn't have done this speech.)

Alru looked at Sain with a hint of resignation on her face.

(Sain's bad habit has resurfaced. When he feels cornered, he loses sight of his surroundings. He's completely off track. This is going to be a disaster.)

In the end, Sain's speech was a failure, and it only served to make the islanders anxious and undermine the reputation of the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy.'

While the speech was taking place in the town square, a speech was also being given at the 'Dragon's Blaze' workshop.

"Do you know what Roland did to a subordinate who had served the guild with utmost dedication? He expelled him, effectively silencing him."

Gilbert was giving a speech in the 'Dragon's Blaze' cafeteria.

The staff, who were having lunch, listened intently.

Gilbert had been frequently visiting the 'Dragon's Blaze,' using the guise of inspections and tours to incite the staff.

"That's a terrible story."

"There's more. The number of men he has ruined and women he has made cry is countless. He lies, betrays, and acts unjustly without a second thought."

"Indeed. The more I hear, the angrier I get. This Roland is a terrible person."

"He is undoubtedly the son of the devil."

"Absolutely."

"Ladies and gentlemen, I ask that you spread this story throughout the 'Dragon's Blaze,' from top to bottom. Make sure not to do business with Roland's guild."

"Of course, I will make sure to spread this story within the guild as much as possible."

"That's right. We will not do business with Roland."

"Thank you, everyone. Thank you."

The people applauded Gilbert.

As they were getting excited, the door opened, and Rizetta entered the cafeteria.

Her eyes were narrowed, her lips tightly pursed, and her face was a picture of frustration.

She walked straight to where Edgar and Charles were sitting.

When she reached their table, she slammed her hand on it with such force that the plates almost flipped over.

"Hey, what's going on with you guys? What about Jamil and the 'White Wolves' equipment?"

"Huh? Rizetta?"

"What's wrong? Why are you so worked up? You're ruining your cute face."

"There's nothing wrong. Why are you giving the 'White Wolves' equipment that nullifies my fire guns? This undermines my position."

"We just did what the 'White Wolves' asked us to. That's all."

"An alchemy guild should meet the demands of its clients. We have the guild master's approval."

"I don't care about the jobs you've taken. I'm asking why you're undermining my work."

The cafeteria fell silent.

Everyone stopped eating, captivated by Rizetta's outburst.

"If you keep hindering me, I won't let it go unpunished."

"Shut up, you're being too noisy."

Edgar stood up from his chair, looking annoyed.

"If you have so many complaints, make a better weapon than us. That's all there is to it."

"Have you forgotten our guild's philosophy? Competition is everything."

"My fire guns are designed to combat 'Fire Dragons.' Of course, they can't compete with 'Silver Shatter Stones.'"

"Then, you should withdraw from this job."

"I'll tell the guild master that you want to withdraw from the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy's' fire gun manufacturing."

"…Fine. I was a fool to have any expectations from you. I won't ask anything from you anymore. Excuse me."

Rizetta turned and left the cafeteria, looking displeased.

The atmosphere in the cafeteria relaxed.

Everyone resumed their meals.

Gilbert observed the scene carefully.

(I see. This is how the guild makes its money. They are merchants of death, pretending to support external guilds while pitting them against the thieves' guild, ensuring that there is no resolution. And they probably don't even realize what they are doing.)

Gilbert smiled.

(This could be useful.)

The 'Dragon's Blaze' had promised to complete the maintenance and manufacturing of equipment for the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy' within a week, but the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy' had to return to the dungeon after just three days.

This was due to the small guilds demanding their rewards and the town's influential figures demanding action against the 'Huge Fire Dragon,' who had gathered at the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy's' lodging.

Alru had to handle the situation, dealing with the disgruntled Sain.

The small guilds and town residents were suspicious of the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy' because the captain did not appear to explain the situation.

Hearing this, the 'Dragon's Blaze' began to feel uneasy about the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy's' financial stability.

The 'Dragon's Blaze' demanded that the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy' pay in advance, provide resources, or set a lien on their weapons.

In the end, the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy' had to enter the dungeon with poorly maintained equipment to acquire new resources.

The result was disastrous.

Without the 'Dragon's Head Gauntlets' and 'Fire Guns,' they were no match for the 'Fire Dragon.' They fled through the dungeon, were pursued by the 'White Wolves,' and had to retreat to the town once again.

Meanwhile, a new ship arrived at the port, flying the flag of the 'Knights of the Crescent Moon,' a top guild from the southern continent.

Upon hearing the news of the 'Knights of the Crescent Moon's' arrival, the 'Dragon's Blaze' immediately convened a meeting with the Quartet.

"It seems the 'Knights of the Crescent Moon' will soon be arriving on the island. It will be difficult to satisfy the orders of both the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy' and the 'Knights of the Crescent Moon.' I want to hear your opinions. What do you think?"

"Sain, the leader of the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy,' has already given a speech in public, criticizing us. I think we can consider this a hostile action."

Raul said.

"They are probably short on funds. It might be dangerous to get too involved."

Edgar added.

"After all, they are from outside the island. They don't have much in terms of assets or equipment to seize."

Charles said.

"Supporting them further seems futile. They can't even defeat the 'White Wolves,' let alone the 'Huge Fire Dragon.'"

"The fire guns were useless too."

Edgar casually mentioned.

"Let me clarify. The fire guns didn't work because the 'White Wolves' had 'Silver Shatter Stone' shields, not because of any flaw in the equipment itself."

Rizetta spoke up, but Raul quickly reprimanded her.

"Hey, don't go off-topic."

"Ugh."

"Anyway, no one thinks we should prioritize the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy' over the 'Knights of the Crescent Moon,' right?"

Medes looked around at the four faces, but no one objected.

(We need to cut our ties.)

"Very well. I understand your thoughts. We will terminate our contract with the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy.'"

At the port, the 'Knights of the Crescent Moon' were being welcomed with cheers from the islanders.

"The 'Knights of the Crescent Moon'!"

"Ugan, who has defeated S-class monsters on both continents, is here."

"We've been waiting for you, Ugan. Save us."

Meanwhile, the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy,' dressed in tattered equipment, were being jeered as they tried to leave the port.

"You're just a bunch of talk."

"You only made the 'Huge Fire Dragon' angry."

"Running away without taking responsibility? That's not what a knight does."

"Never come back, you fools."

"Ah, we won't. We won't come back to this island. You fickle islanders! May the crescent moon curse you!"

"Sain, stop the verbal battle. We'll miss the boat if we don't leave soon."

"God of the sea, sink their ship."

"God, turn that wreck into seaweed."

"Hey, who are you calling a wreck? Step forward, you who said it."

"Wow, he's really mad."

"Run!"

"Sain, the boat is leaving."

Eventually, the mooring lines were cast off, and the ship carrying the magic knights sailed away from the shore.

"Damn. I can't accept this."

"We'll try again next year."

Alru said with a smile.

The flag of the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy' was removed from the best lodging in town, and the flag of the 'Knights of the Crescent Moon' was raised in its place.