Chapter 81

After the 'Crescent Moon Knight' disembarked from the cruise ship that had circled the four continents, the general passengers began to disembark as well.

The people formed a line at the baggage claim area.

The girl, dressed in travel attire, also went to the reception to hand over the number tag for her luggage.

"This is your luggage, right? Please wait a moment."

The baggage handler, while saying this, was taken aback.

The girl's flowing golden hair was lighter than a Pegasus's mane, and her eyes sparkled a blue like the sea at sunrise.

Even through her modest travel attire, her exceptional bust was noticeable.

Her fresh skin and innocent expression still carried the charm of a teenager, yet she also possessed a mature allure that belied her age.

Most of all, she exuded an aura that only a celebrity could, which made her presence stand out.

All these dazzling visual cues flooded into the baggage handler's eyes, causing him to be completely captivated and slack-jawed.

"What is it?"

The girl tilted her head in confusion.

"Oh, no, I apologize."

The handler hurriedly went to fetch her luggage.

"Ugh, it's heavy."

The wrapped luggage was far too heavy for one person to carry.

Reluctantly, he had to ask another crew member for help, and the two of them carried the luggage to the girl.

"Here we go."

"Thank you."

"Huff, it's incredibly heavy. What on earth is in there?"

At that moment, he finally began to wonder if this girl could carry such a heavy load.

"Shall I arrange for delivery? With this weight, it would be difficult to carry it to your accommodation, wouldn't it?"

"No, that's fine. Thank you."

The girl effortlessly lifted the luggage with one hand and walked away with a light step.

The crew member watched her go, dumbfounded.

"This is the 'Island of the Fire Dragon'..."

The girl, with her short golden hair flowing, looked around the unfamiliar land while holding a pamphlet.

Using her 'Eagle's Eye,' she surveyed the town from above and confirmed the location of the 'Spirit Factory.'

"At this distance, I can probably walk there."

(I wonder if Roland is doing well?)

Her heart leapt at the thought of seeing her beloved again as she headed towards the 'Spirit Factory.'

---

In the square, Yugan was giving a speech from a podium.

They had been led to the square by the residents after disembarking at the port (taking care not to display their weapons like the 'Guardians of the Magic Academy').

"I am YUGAN, an S-class adventurer of the 'Crescent Moon Knight.' I have already heard about the rampage and disaster caused by the 'Huge Fire Dragon' and the damage to the outskirts of the town. First, I offer my heartfelt condolences to those affected. As for the crucial matter of the 'Huge Fire Dragon,' residents, rest assured. With my arrival, the town will not be threatened by the 'Huge Fire Dragon' or any other dragon. If the 'Huge Fire Dragon' or any other monsters attack the town, I will immediately counter and swiftly repel them. I plan to descend into the dungeon soon to investigate the 'Huge Fire Dragon.' For now, I urge you to remain calm, avoid unnecessary panic, and focus on rebuilding damaged homes and maintaining normal economic and daily activities."

The residents, reassured by YUGAN's speech, erupted in cheers.

Thunderous applause echoed, welcoming the S-class adventurer.

"Good work."

A subordinate of the 'Crescent Moon Knight' called out to YUGAN as he descended from the podium.

"Damn, this kind of thing isn't my forte. The Magic Academy guys really pushed this extra work on me."

YUGAN rolled his shoulders, stiff from the unfamiliar speech.

"Sain Orvesta seems to have disappointed the residents quite a bit."

"The 'Reckless Sain.' I thought he had grown a bit since becoming a squad leader, but he's still a kid."

"Indeed. Next, we have a negotiation with the Alchemy Guild 'Dragon's Blaze.'"

"Yeah, this island is the only place where my magic sword 'Graniel' can be maintained, and that's by Raul of 'Dragon's Blaze.'"

"Yes. As for the schedule after that..."

"Sorry, but I need that time free."

"Huh?"

"While giving the speech, I noticed something that caught my attention. I need to check it out."

In any case, the 'Crescent Moon Knight' party headed towards 'Dragon's Blaze.'

---

"Ah, welcome back, Rody."

Aina greeted Rody as he returned to the 'Spirit Factory.'

"Back. Phew. That was tough. The mountain suddenly collapsed."

"What happened? How was your relative's house?"

Due to the disaster caused by the 'Huge Fire Dragon,' the two had been given time off by Roland.

Rody had used the time to check on his family and relatives.

"Fortunately, there was no damage. However, everyone still seemed anxious."

"I see."

"Yugan's speech helped calm people down a bit, but the situation remains uncertain."

The two shared a somber atmosphere.

This unease was something only the islanders could understand, even Roland couldn't fully grasp it.

"Rody, you're back?"

"Ah, Roland."

"Is it okay for you to come back to work?"

"Yes, I can start working immediately."

"That's great. I was about to need more hands. The workload is increasing."

"Work?"

"Yeah, Dylan found a store that wants to stock our equipment. They're looking for gear with 'Exterior Reinforcement.' We plan to start mass production as soon as we're ready. We'll also need to hire more people."

"Really?"

"This workshop's profits will increase significantly."

"Only the return of the 'Dawn Shield' is left."

"Are they still struggling to recover?"

Rody asked.

"Yeah, their psychological damage is deeper than expected."

"Hmm. If there's a way to boost their morale, that would be great."

Aina said.

"But, this is a problem. Without them, we can't get rare metals."

"Our only source of rare metals is through them."

"Yeah. I hope the funds from the 'Adventurer's Town' arrive soon. They should be here by now."

"The funds are right here."

(This voice... Could it be Monica!?)

Roland turned his gaze towards the entrance of the workshop, where Monica, dressed in travel attire, holding a bow case and a bag full of gold coins, stood.

"Hehe. I'm here."

---

Aina and Rody, hiding in the shadows, eavesdropped on Roland and Monica's conversation at the workshop entrance.

"Hey, Aina. What are we doing?"

"Shh, listen to their conversation."

"Why are we eavesdropping on those two?"

"Rody, what do you think of that girl?"

"What do I think... She's a rare beauty, that's for sure."

"Right. What's her relationship with Roland?"

"What do you mean..."

"The intimate atmosphere between them, the familiarity. It doesn't seem like they're just guild comrades."

"..."

Rody remained silent.

"I'm curious."

Aina strained to hear their conversation.

---

"So, you came to this island on vacation?"

"Yes. When I requested a vacation from the guild, they asked me to take an extra day off and do some errands for them."

"That's a bit unfair. It's a shame to use your vacation like that."

"No, it's fine. I've always wanted to visit this island for tourism."

"Is this island famous for tourism?"

"Yes, especially for its hot springs. Have you tried them, Roland?"

"No, not yet. I've been swamped with unexpected work."

"I see. You must be very busy..."

"Yeah, this 'Island of the Fire Dragon' is more troublesome than I thought."

"I see. If there's anything I can help with..."

"That's not necessary. Enjoy your vacation and rest up."

"..."

As they were talking, a man in all black approached and spoke to them.

"Hey, S-class Appraiser. So, you're here too?"

"You... YUGAN!?"

Roland's eyes widened at the unexpected visitor.

"It's been a while, Roland. Since the Skull Dragon, right?"

"YUGAN, hello."

Monica also greeted YUGAN.

"Oh, the 'Eagle's Eye Archer' Monica is here to fight the 'Huge Fire Dragon'?"

"She's here for tourism. Still, I was surprised to see you here."

"When I was giving the speech, I saw someone in the crowd wearing 'Spirit Factory' gear. I checked it out, and here you are. I thought I'd come say hello and gather some intel on the competition."

"Your skills haven't diminished."

Roland said while appraising YUGAN.

"Neither have yours."

The two, recognizing each other's abilities, spoke with a mutual ease.

"Are you here to fight the 'Huge Fire Dragon'?"

"Yeah, but..."

YUGAN glanced at the 'Spirit Factory' branch.

"It's a small workshop, isn't it?"

"Yeah, it's still growing."

"Hmm. How about I send some work your way? The 'Crescent Moon Knight' could use some of your services for weapon maintenance."

"No, we're fine. I'm focusing on local operations. I want to prioritize support for local guilds over those from outside the island."

"Huh. So, you're giving up on the 'Huge Fire Dragon'?"

"No, I'm not giving up. I'll take the S-class monsters this time."

"What?"

"I'm currently fostering local adventurer guilds. Once we're ready, I'll call Jil and the others to hunt the 'Huge Fire Dragon.'"

"Hmm. I see. Well, I'm looking forward to it. I get to compete with Jil Arwin again. Last time, he got the better of me, but I won't let that happen this time."

"Agreed."

"Call Jil as soon as possible. If you wait too long, it might be too late."

YUGAN checked his watch.

"I need to go. I have a meeting."

"YUGAN, be careful. The 'Huge Fire Dragon' isn't your only enemy. Watch out for the Thief Guild and 'Dragon's Blaze.'"

"'Dragon's Blaze'? They're one of the top alchemy guilds in the world. Their quality is top-notch."

"You don't know how... difficult they are. I can't quite explain it yet."

"You're a worrier. I'll keep that in mind. See you."

YUGAN waved and left.

"Is YUGAN going to be okay?"

Monica asked, concerned.

"He's an S-class. He can take care of himself. I need to get back to work. You must be tired from your journey. Why don't you rest at your inn?"

"Um, that..."

"Hmm?"

"Can I tour the workshop? I want to study the alchemy of this island."

"That's fine, but are you sure? You look tired..."

"I'm fine! I'll be careful not to get in the way. Can I study here?"

(And... I want to stay a little longer with Roland.)

Monica's real reason for coming to the island was to see Roland. The tourism and errands were just excuses.

"Sure. I'll let the staff know. You can come and go freely."

"Thank you."

Monica maintained a smile for Roland, but inside, she felt a pang of sadness.

(I really want to tour the island with Roland. But I can't be selfish and cause him trouble.)

---

After parting ways with YUGAN, LEON and the 'Dawn Shield' visited the workshop shortly after.

"You want to be retrained?"

"Yeah, we realized our lack of skill after the Great Alliance."

LEON bowed his head in shame.

"This time, it was entirely our fault. We should have listened to your advice. I know it might seem like a selfish request, but I'm asking for your help again. Roland, can you give us another chance to grow?"

"I have no problem with that. But... are you sure? I heard that most local guilds are joining the 'Crescent Moon Knight.' Don't you want to work with them?"

"If the higher-ups oppose it, I'll convince them. I won't waver again."

"I also ask for your help."

LEON's words made Roland's eyes widen as he saw JEFF enter the workshop.

"JEFF!? You were in the hospital."

"Is your injury okay?"

SESI asked, worried.

"Yeah, I can't stay in bed forever. I can't be a burden to Elio any longer."

JEFF said with determination.

"I always thought we were fine as we were. We could leave the 'Huge Fire Dragon' to the guilds from outside the island. But after seeing the 'Pegasus Arrow's' battle, I finally realized. We can't stay this way. We need to get stronger, to grow."

"JEFF..."

"We're weak. But we can become stronger. Right, Roland?"

"...Yeah. Of course."

(Their defeat in the Great Alliance has changed their mindset. Like rain solidifying the ground... If they can rise from this difficult situation, they, the 'Dawn Shield,' can become even stronger.)

As Roland listened to JEFF, he thought of KARLA.

She had said that relying on outside guilds was not the way. How was she doing now?

"Alright. Let's discuss this. Aina, Rody, you two as well."

Roland led them to the workshop's worktable and began the discussion.

"The terrain has changed due to the 'Huge Fire Dragon's' rampage and the mass migration of 'Fire Dragons.' The maps and monster distribution data from yesterday are useless."

LEON summarized the current dungeon situation.

"Every guild is starting from scratch."

"Moreover, B-class monsters like 'Fire Dragons' and 'Giants' are appearing in the forest, where they usually don't show up until the 'Metal Line.' Regular adventurers can't even enter the dungeon safely."

ELIO said.

"The 'Crescent Moon Knight' has already declared their intention to explore the deepest part of the dungeon. Most local guilds are gathering to join their exploration."

SESI said.

"Given the lack of clear dungeon information, teaming up with strong adventurers is the most reliable method."

JEFF said.

"Roland, what should we do to survive and grow in this situation?"

Roland appraised each member of the 'Dawn Shield.'

(With Aina's 'Exterior Reinforcement,' I can boost their combat power. The problem is their stats