Chapter 86

In the "Spirit Workshop," young alchemists were, as always, honing their skills today.

(Alright. I'll finally be able to meet my quota today.)

Wayne was already working on his tenth sword C, even though there was still time left in his shift.

(Aiz is still on her ninth sword. Alright. I've got her beat. If I can take her down, next is Aina. If I can beat her, Roland will have no choice but to recognize me as the guild's ace!)

Wayne glanced at Aiz's workbench again.

Aiz was working on a sword B.

(What? )

[Aiz Garnier's Skills and Status]

- Skills

"Metal Shaping": B (↑1)

- Status

Strength: 50 (↑10) - 70 (↑10)

Endurance: 50 (↑10) - 70 (↑10)

"Aiz, isn't that sword B class?"

"Yes. Thanks to Roland's advice, it seems my skills have improved."

"You might be able to work without Rody's support from tomorrow, huh."

"Wow, I didn't expect to improve my skills so quickly."

Wayne was taken aback.

(No way. When she first joined, her "Metal Shaping" was only C class. Now, it's B class? It took me years to go from C to B. And she did it in just a few days...)

Roland turned to Wayne.

"Hey, Wayne. Looks like you're on track to meet your quota today. Keep it up."

(Damn, this guy...)

[Wayne Merz's Status]

Strength: 60 (↑10) - 70

Endurance: 60 (↑10) - 70

Agility: 40 (↑10) - 50

(Wayne, you've finally recovered your full status. Aiz has also improved her skills and status nicely. She'll continue to be a good rival for Wayne.)

"Roland!"

Aina poked her head over the partition.

"Aina, what is it?"

"I made some equipment for Monica. Can you take a look?"

"Sure, I'll come over now."

Wayne followed Roland without being noticed and peeked into Aina's workshop.

(That's the bow and arrow Aina made. As expected, she made a high-quality bow and arrow.)

[Aina's Bow and Arrow]

Power: 90 (↑20 due to "Coating")

Durability: 90 (↑20 due to "Coating")

Special Effect: Elasticity

"I see. You added elasticity to the bow and arrow to increase their power and durability."

"Yes."

"Power 90 and durability 90, huh? But that's still not enough to match the 'Silver Iron-Breaking Bow.'"

"That's right."

"Use the best ore. Let's try a bit harder."

"Yes."

Wayne gritted his teeth as he listened to their conversation.

(Damn, these guys. They think a bow and arrow with power 90 isn't enough? They're planning to make equipment with power over 100? How can they be so arrogant in such a small guild?)

Wayne returned to his workbench and resumed his work.

"Huh? Wayne, didn't you finish your work for today?"

Aiz asked, looking puzzled.

"Shut up."

(I can't afford to lose to these guys!)

"Wayne seems to have met his quota today."

Aina said to Roland, anticipating Wayne's return to his workbench (Wayne's eavesdropping was obvious to both Aina and Roland).

"Right, it seems so. As expected of someone who worked at 'Dragon's Blaze.' He's finally getting back to his usual form."

"I can't afford to be complacent."

Aina immediately started working on a new bow and arrow.

(Wayne's competitive spirit has had a positive impact on the entire workshop. It was the right decision to bring him in at this timing.)

Rody was drawing blueprints.

(Aina is working hard to make A-class equipment. I need to support her with my 'Product Design' skill.)

As Rody drew lines on the paper, vague lines appeared on the blank parts.

(What? I haven't written anything yet, but I can visualize the design. If I draw according to this visualization, I think I can create a good blueprint. What is this...?)

Rody drew the lines according to the visualization, and the blueprint for A-class equipment was completed.

Roland appraised Rody's skills.

(This is... a pleasant surprise. Rody has reached A class first.)

[Rody Leavitt's Skills]

'Product Design': A (↑1)

At that time, at "Dragon's Blaze."

"Guild Master, please approve this."

Edgar submitted an application for additional funding to Medes to counter "Spirit Workshop."

"Additional funding, huh? Well, given the circumstances, it can't be helped."

Medes signed the documents Edgar submitted, albeit reluctantly.

(Phew. I was worried for a moment, but now we can make new equipment again. Just wait, "Spirit Workshop." This time, I'll crush you completely!)

"Edgar, be careful not to repeat the same mistakes. Be especially cautious in selecting personnel for the project. Don't involve someone like Wayne. If you make the same mistake, there won't be a next time."

"Yes, I understand."

"For now, the additional funding is fine. By the way, regarding the plan to crush 'Spirit Workshop,' Gilbert has a new proposal."

"A new proposal?"

"Gilbert seems to think our methods are too lenient. It's not enough to just attack the adventurer guilds that are 'Spirit Workshop's customers. We need to directly strike 'Spirit Workshop.'"

"What do you mean?"

"It's simple. We'll open a branch of 'Dragon's Blaze' right next to 'Spirit Workshop.' This will not only steal their customers but also allow us to closely monitor their activities and respond quickly to any moves they make."

"I see."

"It will incur additional costs, but we can't refuse Gilbert's request. So, what do you think? Running a branch might be too much for you alone. Should we assign someone to assist you? For example, Rizetta..."

"No way. I can't trust Rizetta with something like running a branch. She can only do silverwork. I'll handle the branch myself."

"But are you sure? You're already in charge of manufacturing fire lances for the 'Crescent Knights' and making equipment to crush the 'Dawn Shield' and 'Pegasus Arrow.' Isn't that too much work?"

"It's fine. I'll manage it well with my subordinates. Leave it to me."

"Alright. If you say so, I'll trust you."

"Yes, I'll work hard and meet your expectations!"

The next day, Wayne yawned as he walked to "Spirit Workshop."

(Sigh. Another day of making C-class equipment. They never give me any high-rank work. Huh? What's that...?)

Wayne noticed a new store in the building opposite "Spirit Workshop."

The sign had a familiar emblem, the emblem of a dragon's breath warming a furnace.

(That's the emblem of 'Dragon's Blaze'!? Could it be...?)

As Wayne approached, he saw several people moving in supplies.

Among them was someone Wayne knew well.

(That's... Edgar!!)

Wayne glared at Edgar with hostility.

Edgar, however, didn't notice Wayne's gaze and went into the back of the store.

Dylan burst into Roland's room, opening the door hastily.

"Roland, are you here?"

"Dylan, what's the matter? Why are you in such a hurry?"

"What's the matter? Didn't you see outside?"

"I did. It's a branch of 'Dragon's Blaze,' right?"

"If you saw it, why are you so calm? They're finally making a serious move to crush us. If we don't do something, they'll steal our potential customers."

"It's fine. It's not a big problem."

"What?"

"Think about it. We don't compete on location. Our strength lies in the quality of our partnership with the adventurer guilds. Both the 'Dawn Shield' and the 'Pegasus Arrow' came to us because they were dissatisfied with the equipment from 'Dragon's Blaze.' They won't be swayed by just a branch store. We just need to continue strengthening our partnerships. As for the concern about information warfare, if they start monitoring us seriously, it could be a problem, but for now, none of the people working there have high information-gathering skills."

(He's already appraised their skills?)

"You're really quick on the job, aren't you?"

"It's not a big threat to open a branch. However, if you have time, could you go and gather some intelligence for us?"

"Me?"

"Yes. Your 'Information Gathering' skill is better than mine."

[Dylan's Skills]

'Information Gathering': A

"I don't mind, but why? You said it's not a big threat, right?"

"That's right. It's not a threat, but it's strange. Why is 'Dragon's Blaze' doing such pointless things? Their actions seem haphazard, as if they're doing it reluctantly. There might be some internal changes happening within 'Dragon's Blaze.'"

"I see. If we can identify those changes, it could give us a chance to counterattack. Is that what you're thinking?"

"Exactly. But only if you have the time. First, we need to strengthen our relationships with existing guilds, expand our sales to new adventurer guilds, and increase our market presence. Intelligence gathering is secondary."

"Got it."

Dylan put on his hat and immediately set out to do business.

After giving Dylan his instructions, Roland went down to the workshop and held a morning meeting with the alchemists.

"Everyone, look at this. This is the A-class equipment blueprint Rody created yesterday."

Roland posted the blueprint on the board for everyone to see.

"An A-class equipment blueprint...?"

Aina tilted her head in confusion.

"Yes. Rody's 'Product Design' skill is meant to improve the compatibility between adventurers and their equipment. However, an A-class 'Product Design' can also support alchemists in manufacturing equipment and help them level up. If we follow this blueprint, even an alchemist with B-class 'Metal Shaping' should be able to create A-class equipment. Leon and Monica will return with 'Earthcraft' tomorrow. Until then..."

"Hey, Guild Master. Why are you calmly talking about today's work?"

Wayne interrupted.

"What's the matter, Wayne? Is something bothering you?"

"Bothering me? Are you blind? They're right in front of us, setting up a branch of 'Dragon's Blaze.' Can't you see their emblem?"

Wayne pointed to the wall, where the branch of 'Dragon's Blaze' was located.

Roland sighed.

"I was planning to talk about that later. I just didn't think it was that important."

"Not important?"

"Yes. We have a plan to deal with it, so you don't need to worry."

"Don't need to worry? What are you talking in your sleep!"

Wayne stood up, agitated, as if a major crisis was imminent.

"Wayne?"

"Don't you get it? The timing of this branch opening is because I joined 'Spirit Workshop.' Their goal is clear. They're after me! They want to crush me!"

"I don't think so."

"Eh!? It's not...?"

"No, it's not. 'Spirit Workshop' has been under attack from 'Dragon's Blaze' for a while. This branch opening is part of that. It has nothing to do with you."

"Eh? But...?"

"Besides, if they wanted to target you, they would have contacted you directly instead of setting up a branch."

"Oh, right. That makes sense. Um..."

(That's right. I joined 'Spirit Workshop' to cause trouble for 'Dragon's Blaze.' I completely forgot. Damn, they're all ignoring my existence...)

(How self-centered can this guy be?)

Aina looked at Wayne, a bit taken aback.

"Let's move on. The important thing now is to create A-class equipment to support the 'Dawn Shield.' This will ultimately help us win against 'Dragon's Blaze.' Aina, first..."

"Yes."

"Try to complete Monica's equipment by tomorrow."

"Understood."

"Rody, Aiz. You two will support Aina with your strength and agility. Help her focus on shaping."

"Understood."

"And Wayne..."

"Yeah?"

"You'll handle the usual tasks."

"Sure, leave it to me! ...Why!?"

"Aiz will be supporting Aina, so you'll need to cover the gap in the usual tasks."

"Usual tasks? This isn't the time for that. Let me handle the 'Dragon's Blaze' countermeasures!"

"We can't make two A-class equipment at once in our workshop. Your unique skill 'Gemstone Cutting' is still developing."

[Wayne Merz's Unique Skill]

'Gemstone Cutting': E → A

"On the other hand, Aina's unique skill 'Exterior Reinforcement' is already B class. It makes more sense to bet on Aina this time."

"Ugh..."

"In the future, we'll need your skills. For now, focus on maintaining your status."

(Damn. Roland is clearly favoring Aina. I've been meeting my quotas lately, you know.)

Wayne gritted his teeth, clearly dissatisfied.

"Alright, let's move on. Next, about Monica's equipment... Look at this."

Roland took out a magnificent bow and arrow and showed it to everyone.

Wayne, recognizing the bow and arrow, immediately felt a surge of hostility.

(That's... Edgar's...)

Roland didn't miss Wayne's change in expression.

(So, he reacted to Edgar's bow and arrow. Wayne must have some grudge against Edgar.)

"Aina, this bow is the work of Edgar Rogue, one of the 'Dragon's Blaze Quartet.'"

"The Quartet..."

Aina was captivated by the iron bow, which was forged to perfection and gleamed like obsidian despite being entirely black.

(Amazing. To forge an iron bow to this level with just 'Metal Shaping'...)

"Aina, I want you to create a bow and arrow that surpasses this one."

"Eh? Me... surpass this bow?"

"Yes, with your skills, you can create something better than Edgar's."

[Aina's Skills and Status]

- Skills

'Metal Shaping': B → A

'Exterior Reinforcement': B → A

- Status

Strength: 60 - 70

Endurance: 40 - 50

Agility: 70 - 80

Health: 60 - 70

Magic: 50

(With the emergence of 'Elasticity,' 'Exterior Reinforcement' became B class. But it's still just B class. To be a top alchemist at 'Spirit Workshop,' she needs to reach A class or higher. Her status already meets the requirements for A-class 'Metal Shaping.' Let's see what's missing this time.)

"Wayne, let Aina handle defeating Edgar this time."

Roland said it as if it were a high-stakes game.

(Defeat Edgar? Is he serious?)

Wayne couldn't gauge Roland's true intentions and stared at him suspiciously.

However, Roland just smiled amiably.

Wayne found Roland's demeanor unsettling.

Wayne's desire for revenge against Edgar, which he often chanted in his mind, was partly a self-deception to stabilize his own psyche. He didn't truly believe he could defeat Edgar.

However, Roland's tone had a menacing quality that even Wayne found intimidating.

By this point, Wayne had a vague sense that Roland was more than just an appraiser.

(What is this guy...?)

"Got it?"

Roland's smile was warm but carried a subtle threat: "Get in my way, and I'll...,"

(Well, Aina can't defeat Edgar anyway.)

Wayne convinced himself of this and reluctantly backed down.

Aina immediately started working but looked at Rody's blueprint with skepticism.

"Can we really make A-class equipment just by following this blueprint?"

"Just try it."

"But I can make this without a blueprint, you know