Chapter 84

After procuring "Earthcraft," the "Dawn Shield" returned to the city and immediately visited the "Spirit Workshop."

Leon promptly shared the information about what had happened in the dungeon with Roland.

"The 'Dragon Blaze' attacked?"

"Yeah, after interrogating the attackers, they said it was the 'Dragon Blaze.'"

"…I see."

(The 'Dragon Blaze' attacking the 'Dawn Shield'… Their aim is almost certainly to strike the 'Spirit Workshop.' It seems they are finally starting to feel a sense of crisis. However, their response seems half-hearted?)

"Roland, what should we do? Shouldn't we come up with some countermeasures?"

"It's fine. No matter how excellent the alchemists of the 'Dragon Blaze' may be, the adventurers they send to attack are at most B or C class. They won't stand a chance against Aina's 'Exterior Reinforcement' and Monica's 'Eagle Eye.' There's no need to change our plans."

"So, we'll continue gathering 'Earthcraft' as usual?"

"Yeah, that's fine. Just let me know if there's any new movement from the 'Dragon Blaze.'"

"Got it."

"Mr. Roland, can I ask you something?"

After finishing the discussion with Leon, Aina ran over.

"Aina, what's up?"

"Monica mentioned something about the compatibility of the 'Silver Ironbreaker Bow' when I asked her about the 'Red Arrow.'"

"Hmm. Indeed, the 'Red Arrow' was developed for the 'Dragon Piercing Bow.' It might not be compatible with the 'Silver Ironbreaker Bow.'"

Roland thought for a moment and then turned to Aina.

"Aina, would you like to try making new equipment for Monica?"

"Me?"

"Yeah, I think it's about time I entrust you with the task of manufacturing A-class equipment."

"A-class…"

"Yeah. In the future, I plan to focus more on the appraisal of adventurers, so I need someone else to manage the workshop. I want you to take on that responsibility."

"Me!?"

"If you can create A-class equipment from scratch, I can confidently entrust you with the task. What do you think? Will you give it a try?"

"Yes, I will. Please let me do it!"

(Alright, I'll do my best.)

Aina mentally steeled herself.

Roland was satisfied with her response.

(Aina seems capable. Although Monica's participation was unexpected, this is a perfect opportunity for Aina to gain experience with A-class equipment.)

"Well, I need to hurry and recruit new staff."

(With the retail sale of 'Exterior Reinforcement' and the production of A-class equipment, Aina's workload will increase. I need to hire new staff to prepare for that.)

Roland had already arranged the interviews.

It was about time for the applicants to arrive.

(The 'Dragon Blaze' has attacked. For now, we can hold them off with Aina's 'Exterior Reinforcement' and Monica's 'Eagle Eye,' but if they send mages, it could become dangerous. We need to urgently find an alchemist who can create mage equipment…)

Roland appraised the skills of the young man who had applied.

[Wayne's Unique Skill]

'Mystic Stone Cutting': E → A

(I found him. A unique skill 'Mystic Stone Cutting'! He can create mage equipment. Moreover…)

[Wayne's Skills]

'Metal Shaping': B → A

('Metal Shaping' is already B class. He has the potential to reach A class in the future. He can assist Aina.)

"I'm Wayne Mertz. Before coming here, I worked at the 'Dragon Blaze.'"

"Hmm. At the 'Dragon Blaze.' That's impressive. Why did you leave?"

When Roland asked, Wayne's brows twitched in displeasure.

"Things… just didn't work out."

Wayne said with a bitter expression.

"Ah, I see. Anyway, what we need you to do here is 'Metal Shaping' and, in the future, to handle the creation of mage equipment."

"Sure, no problem. I can make swords, staffs, anything. After all, I'm an alchemist from the 'Dragon Blaze.' I can make better stuff than your alchemists."

(What? Quite confident, isn't he?)

"Understood. Then, you're hired. Can you start tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow? I can start today."

"Really? Then, let's get you settled in the workshop today. However, since it's almost the end of the day, we'll only have time for introductions and a brief discussion about tomorrow's plans."

"Sure, that's fine. Better to get it over with quickly."

Aina was forming an iron bow while recalling the new task Roland had given her.

"Improving skills…?"

"Yeah. To create A-class equipment, you need at least B-class 'Metal Shaping' and C-class 'Exterior Reinforcement.' You need to improve at least one of them to A class."

"I see."

"However, the tasks will remain the same. Create equipment and aim to improve its stats. Just be mindful of the specifications of A-class equipment."

"Got it."

"You seem determined, Aina."

While Aina was making a bow and arrow, Rody approached her.

"Yeah, Roland entrusted me with A-class equipment. I need to work even harder now."

"Aina, Rody, good work."

Roland entered the workshop and noticed a young man standing next to him.

"Ah, Mr. Roland, good work."

Aina greeted him and noticed the unfamiliar young man.

"Mr. Roland, who is this?"

"Let me introduce you. This is Wayne Mertz. He's a new alchemist joining the 'Spirit Workshop.'"

"Oh, the new staff member you mentioned earlier."

"Yeah, I finally found a good one."

"Wow, that's great."

"I'm Aina. Nice to meet you."

Aina smiled and extended her hand for a handshake.

Wayne didn't respond and looked around the workshop.

(Did he not hear me?)

Aina awkwardly retracted her hand.

"Is this my workbench?"

"No, that's Aina's. Yours is over here."

"Huh. The shabby one, huh?"

Wayne turned to Rody.

"I'm Rody. Nice to meet you."

"Ah, nice to meet you."

"I handle 'Product Design.' If you have any questions, feel free to ask."

"Heh, no problem. I can handle 'Product Design' myself."

"Really? You can?"

"Yeah. I'm from the 'Dragon Blaze.'"

"Wow, you're from the 'Dragon Blaze.'"

Aina was intrigued.

"Amazing. The 'Dragon Blaze' is the largest on the island."

Rody said.

"Maybe I can teach you all a thing or two."

"Alright, everyone, let's cut the chatter. Since Wayne is joining us, let's discuss tomorrow's plans."

Roland said.

"Tomorrow, we plan to create about 20 C-class reinforced armors. Aina, I'll entrust you with the responsibility of leading the team."

"Got it."

Wayne frowned at this.

(What kind of workshop is this? A woman is the leader?)

"Wayne, can you listen to her instructions…?"

"No way. I won't take orders from a woman."

"What did you say?"

"Cancel that. Your words."

When Roland said this, Wayne's expression turned hostile.

Roland also adopted a stern look.

The workshop fell silent.

"Didn't you hear me? Cancel your words."

"Huh, I don't understand. What's wrong with what I said?"

"Alright. Then, you don't need to come to this workshop anymore."

"What!?"

"Aina is our ace. I can't have her performance affected by someone who ignores orders based on gender or some other nonsense."

"…"

"Wayne, you're an alchemist. You might want to assert your ego, but only after meeting our minimum requirements. If you only cause trouble and don't contribute to the team, we don't need you in our guild."

Roland pointed to the exit.

"If you can't show respect to her, the contract is terminated. Leave the guild immediately."

Wayne and Roland glared at each other for a moment.

Silence dominated the room.

"Fine. I'll listen, okay?"

Wayne reluctantly turned to Aina's desk.

Aina, while discussing the plans, felt uneasy inside.

(What's wrong with this guy? He's so rude. Fine, if that's how you want it, I won't be friendly with you either.)

Rody could sense Aina's frustration from her expression.

(Ah, the team is already falling apart. Is this really okay? Roland, what were you thinking? Why did you hire such a person?)

The day ended with only the discussion for the next day.

The next day, Wayne grumbled as he headed to the 'Spirit Workshop.'

(Damn, this is depressing. I used to be in charge of B-class armors at the 'Dragon Blaze,' and now I have to do menial work for this guild, under a woman.)

As Wayne entered the workshop, he saw Roland sitting in a chair at the end of the corridor.

(Is that Roland? What's he doing?)

Roland was intently examining a sword, not even noticing Wayne's entrance.

Wayne noticed Roland's eyes were glazed over.

(That's an appraisal skill. Is he an appraiser…?)

"Damn."

(The guild leader is an appraiser, and the team leader is a woman. What a messed-up guild.)

Wayne roughly opened and closed the door as he entered the workshop.

Aina and Rody were already there.

Aina was polishing her hammer with a cloth.

When she saw Wayne, she turned away.

Wayne also remained silent.

(As expected, neither of them speaks.)

Rody felt the tension between them.

(Sigh. The atmosphere is so bad. This will affect everyone's performance.)

"Everyone here?"

"Ah, Mr. Roland…"

Roland looked around the workshop and immediately noticed the change in atmosphere from the previous day.

(The tension is palpable. Today will likely bring both good and bad things.)

"Alright. As I said yesterday, Aina and Wayne will each create 10 C-class armors using 'Metal Shaping.' Aina will then apply 'Exterior Reinforcement.' Rody will support both of you. Do you both have the design plans?"

Roland looked at Aina and Wayne's desks, where the design plans were laid out.

"Alright, let's get started."

(C-class armor. Damn, this is a low-level job.)

Wayne lazily raised his hammer and struck the iron block.

The iron block, heated, began to flatten.

(But, I have no choice but to be here for now. I need to avenge Edgar. I need to build my strength. I can't afford to stumble here!)

Wayne continued to flatten and shape the iron.

(All I need to do is make better weapons than that woman. If I do, Roland will have no choice but to recognize me.)

The iron on Wayne's workbench was gradually taking shape.

(Alright, it's looking good. This should meet the design requirements. How is that woman doing…? What!?)

Aina was hammering at an incredible speed, and the armor was already taking shape.

(So fast!? And the quality seems pretty good…)

Roland appraised Aina's stats.

[Aina's Stats]

Strength: 50 (↑10) - 60 (↑10)

Durability: 40 - 50

Agility: 70 (↑10) - 80 (↑10)

Stamina: 60 - 70

(Her strength and agility have improved due to her stable durability. She had been slacking recently, but the addition of Wayne has brought back her focus. On the other hand…)

[Wayne's Stats]

Strength: 40 - 70

Durability: 40 - 70

Agility: 20 - 50

Stamina: 40 - 70

(Wayne's stats. His maximum values are high, but they are inconsistent. His stats are terrible. He probably didn't receive proper guidance on stat adjustment at the 'Dragon Blaze.' He can't even use half his strength.)

"Mr. Roland, I've completed the first C-class armor!"

Aina said.

(What, already done?)

Wayne was surprised and looked at Aina.

On her desk was a completed armor.

Aina also looked at Wayne's workbench.

There was only a half-finished armor.

(The alchemist from the 'Dragon Blaze' is only this good?)

"Perfect."

Roland appraised Aina's armor.

"Keep up the good work."

"Got it."

(Damn, this is bad. If I keep this up, my evaluation will… I need to hurry.)

Wayne tried to speed up.

However, the faster he tried to go, the more he struggled.

The faster he tried to swing his hammer, the more he strained and lost accuracy.

The gap between him and Aina widened, and his exhaustion increased.

(I need to do something.)

Wayne ran to get more ore.

"Hey, wait, that's…"

Rody tried to stop him.

"Get out of my way!"

Wayne pushed Rody aside and reached for the shelf.

The shelf almost toppled over.

Wayne tried to steady it but lacked the strength.

(Damn, I can't even lift it.)

The ore and weapons on the shelf were about to fall on Wayne.

"Watch out!"

Just as the shelf was about to tip over, Roland caught it.

Wayne only got a small piece of ore on his hand.

"Are you okay?"

"Ugh."

[Wayne's Stats]

Strength: 10 (↘︎30) - 70

"Your strength is down. You can't properly work the iron with those stats. Take a break."

"Ugh, I know."

"Hey, you're bleeding."

Rody noticed Wayne's bleeding hand.

"Are you okay? Do you know where the first aid kit is?"

"Get away! I'm not a kid. I can find it myself!"

Wayne left the workshop and headed to the break room.

"Mr. Roland, are you okay?"

Aina ran over.

"Yeah, I'm fine. More importantly, Aina, you seemed to be in good form today."

"Really? I guess so."

"Yeah, at this rate, you'll improve your skills soon."

"Really?"

"I'm counting on you for the A-class equipment."

"Got it! I'll do my best."

"Mr. Roland, what about the rest of the day?"

Rody asked while cleaning up Wayne's unfinished armor.

"Aina will proceed with 'Exterior Reinforcement' as planned. Rody, please support Aina."

"Got it."

(Aina and Rody are fine, but Wayne is a problem. He's a bit of a handful.)