Chapter 98

"What? The Alchemists' Guild is leading the alliance?"

In the hideout of the Thieves' Guild 'White Wolf,' Jamil frowned at the report brought by his subordinate.

"Can the Alchemists' Guild even lead adventurers?"

"Which guild is doing such a stupid thing?"

"It seems to be a guild called 'Spirit Workshop.'"

"'Spirit Workshop'? I've never heard of it."

"Still, it seems that a considerable number of guilds have gathered. Over ten guilds and more than fifty adventurers are participating."

"Hmm."

"That's something we can't just ignore."

"Should we attack?"

"Yeah. But I can't go right now."

Jamil looked at the equipment he was wearing.

Right now, he wasn't wearing a sword or armor.

His equipment was currently entrusted to 'Dragon Blaze.'

It was damaged during the battle with Yugan, and due to the shortage of 'Flame-Resistant Ore' in the market, it was said that repairs would take time.

(What should I do?)

"I'll go."

Rod said.

"My 'Dragon Flute' is undamaged. There don't seem to be any adventurers from outside, so even with a makeshift team, it should be easy."

"...Yeah. I'll leave it to you."

"Alright. Those who have spare equipment, follow me."

Rod led only those with minimal damage towards the dungeon.

Jamil watched Rod depart with a troubled expression.

"What's wrong, Jamil? Is something bothering you?"

"No..."

(An alliance formed at this timing when there's a shortage of 'Flame-Resistant Ore'... Is it a coincidence? Or is it intentional...?)

"Hmm. No way. I'm overthinking it."

He couldn't imagine that there was such a decisive person among the adventurers on this island, who had long been dependent on external adventurers.

Jamil stopped thinking and sank deeply into the sofa.

---

The 'Spirit Workshop' alliance, marching in formation, was attacked by 'Fire Dragons' again as they ascended the volcano.

Jeff quickly confirmed his position with Elio and took a shooting position.

(First, I need to hit the 'Fire Dragon' with an arrow to draw its attention.)

The arrow Jeff fired hit the 'Fire Dragon's' body perfectly.

"Kiiiaaaaaa!"

The 'Fire Dragon' let out a roar and rapidly approached.

"Over here. Come over here."

Jeff turned and ran, drawing the 'Fire Dragon' towards him.

Thanks to this, Elio was able to run into the 'Fire Dragon's' blind spot.

(Good. Nice work, Jeff.)

Elio ran into the 'Fire Dragon's' embrace and used the skill 'Shield Charge' on its head.

The 'Fire Dragon,' now unconscious, was finished off by Leon and Cecil.

The synergy of 'Dawn Shield' was deepening.

Jeff's 'Bow Shooting' to draw attention, Elio's 'Shield Charge,' and the follow-up attacks by Leon and Cecil.

"Elio, how was the drawing movement just now?"

"Perfect, Jeff. It was really easy to charge in."

"Good. Let's do the same for the next one."

(Compared to Hans, my 'Bow Shooting' is lagging behind. I'll make up for it by improving my synergy with the shield users and increasing the number of kills.)

"Looking good, Jeff."

Roland came over and said.

"Yeah, thanks to your tactics, this is our third 'Fire Dragon' kill."

"Keep it up."

"Sure thing."

Jeff ended his short conversation with Roland and resumed searching with the skill 'Eagle Eye.'

(Come on, 'Fire Dragon.' I'm ready for you whenever you show up.)

There was no trace of the old Jeff who used to hold Elio back or get distracted by expensive ores.

He was now fully committed to his role.

Roland was satisfied with Jeff's performance.

(Once he has a goal, he moves straight towards it. Jeff is a passionate guy.)

---

Responding to Roland's request, the adventurers of 'Dawn Shield' and 'Pegasus Arrow' started thinking about how they could contribute.

Could they withstand the 'Fire Dragon's' attacks for a while, or could they draw the 'Fire Dragon' as a decoy, or should they leave it to other guilds and focus on rear support or eliminating other monsters besides the 'Fire Dragon'?

After considering their skills and stats, they reported to Roland.

"If we had one more shield user, we could withstand the 'Fire Dragon's' attacks..."

"Alright. Then team up with 'Ore Guardians.' They have multiple excellent shield users."

"We're short on healers."

"Got it. I'll send healers from 'Silver Vulture Alliance.'"

"We have low defense, so we want to focus on enemies other than the 'Fire Dragon'..."

"Understood. You'll work with 'Lynx,' who also has low defense, to handle the ogres and wolfmen."

Their opportunity to prove themselves came soon.

Three 'Fire Dragons,' a 'Great Ogre,' 'Armed Goblins,' and 'Large-Clawed Wolves' attacked the alliance as they reached 'Metal Line.'

Without a word, 'Dawn Shield' and 'Pegasus Arrow' took on the 'Fire Dragons' coming from the left and right.

Roland commanded the other teams.

"Decoy and defense teams, draw the 'Fire Dragons.' The rest, prepare to face the 'Great Ogre,' 'Armed Goblins,' and 'Large-Clawed Wolves'!"

The teams moved, albeit a half-step behind.

The decoy team struggled to hit the 'Fire Dragons' with arrows but managed to draw them in.

The defense team, though hesitant, stood in front of the 'Fire Dragons,' holding their shields and enduring the attacks for a while.

Eventually, 'Dawn Shield' and 'Pegasus Arrow' finished off the 'Fire Dragons' and came to their aid.

The remaining 'Fire Dragons' and ogres and wolfmen were quickly defeated.

Wayne and Pat were amazed at Roland's command.

(What is this guy doing? Is he training adventurers while exploring the dungeon?)

(That's not all. He's building tactics while training...)

Hans and the others were impressed with Roland's command as they defeated the 'Fire Dragons.'

"Wow. He can command a unit too. He's good."

Alice said.

"Even though it's still a bit awkward, the alliance, which was a ragtag group, is starting to function. It's so much easier to fight with a competent commander..."

Claire said.

"Hmm, Roland is casting his magic on us again."

(Not only managing the Alchemists' Guild but also commanding a unit. He's a bottomless man.)

While commanding, Roland didn't forget to check their performance.

He began to distinguish between useful and useless guilds.

"Monica, how much further to the ore mine?"

Roland asked.

"Yes. At this pace, we should reach the first mine tomorrow."

Monica confirmed with 'Eagle Eye.'

"Good. Let's set up camp here for the day. You can rest too, Monica. Good job."

"Yes."

(As always, I feel safe exploring with Roland in command. He's wonderful.)

Monica sent a passionate gaze towards Roland as she rested.

---

The next day, the alliance reached the entrance of the ore mine.

"Roland, once we pass that hill, we'll reach the mine."

"Good. The order of entry will be: 'Spirit Workshop' members first, followed by 'Dawn Shield' and 'Pegasus Arrow.' Then 'Ore Guardians,' 'Silver Vulture Alliance,' and 'Lynx.' The rest of the guilds will go last."

The adventurers were anxious upon hearing this.

Clearly, the guilds with the highest contribution were entering the mine first.

The commander was closely observing the adventurers' performance.

He was also prioritizing those who faithfully followed his orders.

They strongly felt the need to contribute to the alliance or to impress Roland with their work.

---

The first to reach the mine, 'Dawn Shield' and 'Pegasus Arrow,' prioritized the collection of 'Flame-Resistant Ore.'

At the same time, they searched for materials to enhance their weapons.

Jeff walked around the mine with Elio, looking for materials to lighten his weapon.

"Light materials?"

"Yeah. I realized during this exploration that to make the most of Elio's 'Shield Charge,' I need to be a good decoy."

Jeff said.

"What I need is agility to quickly escape after hitting, not power. So, I think light materials are the best."

"I see. That makes sense."

"So, do you have any good materials?"

"Hmm. I'm not sure. Maybe Aina's 'Armor Enhancement' can help? We should consult Roland."

Satisfied with finding a new direction, they focused on collecting 'Flame-Resistant Ore.'

---

"I want to make a silver short sword. Is it possible?"

Cecil consulted Aina.

"Hmm. We're currently short on silversmiths at 'Spirit Workshop.' But I'll pass on your request to Roland."

Nicola found a material that could be used for a harp string.

"Pat, how about this material?"

"Let me see."

Pat used the skill 'Tuning' and lightly tapped the stone.

A pleasant sound rang out.

(This is...)

"Nicola, this might be a good material. It could enhance 'Dragon Sound.' Let's take it back and consider it."

---

Will discovered a magic stone in another area.

"Lana, look at this."

"This is..."

"A 'Stone of Earth.' It might enhance your 'Crust Magic.'"

"Wow. And it's a large one. You're amazing, brother."

"Wayne, what do you think?"

"Huh? What about what?"

Wayne replied lazily.

"What? Making a new piece of equipment with this magic stone is your job, right? I'm asking for your opinion."

"Ah, sure, that's fine."

Will frowned.

(What's with this guy? He's so arrogant.)

When Roland brought the last guild into the mine, Aina reported on the ore collection and the adventurers' requests.

"I see, a silver short sword."

"Yes. They asked if it's possible."

(Maybe we need a silversmith at the branch.)

"Understood. Let's stock up on silver for now. If we have time, we'll collect more."

"Yes."

Thus, Roland and his team explored the next mine using the same method.

They allowed entry to the mine in the order of the guilds' contributions.

They prioritized the collection of 'Flame-Resistant Ore' and, if possible, materials to enhance weapons.

In this way, Roland steadily took control of the unit.

Almost all the 'Flame-Resistant Ore' left in 'Metal Line' was recovered.

The only question was whether they could return to the city safely.

On their way back, Rod and 'White Wolf' were waiting.

---

As soon as Roland and his team left the mine, 'White Wolf' launched an attack.

"!! Three 'Fire Dragons' are coming from the right. A team of archers is coming from the left. It's 'White Wolf'!"

Monica shouted.

(As expected, they were lying in wait.)

"Nicola, play 'Dragon Sound.' Shield users, deploy to the left! Form a battle line."

Under Roland's command, the alliance smoothly changed formation to respond to 'White Wolf's' attack.

Nicola moved to the right and played 'Dragon Sound' to stop the 'Fire Dragons.'

The shield users moved to the left, holding their shields to intercept the rain of arrows.

(As expected, Roland. Smooth command and tactics. But the real challenge starts now.)

Monica clenched her lips and watched the battle.

When the enemy's arrows stopped, Roland gave another order.

"Archers, warning shots. Then, melee units, charge!"

The archers fired at the enemies on high ground.

The enemies on high ground visibly wavered.

It was the perfect opportunity to charge.

However, the shield users and swordsmen didn't move.

"What's wrong? Why aren't you charging?"

Roland scolded them, but they still didn't move.

(I see. This is what Monica meant. They don't want to exhaust themselves further after obtaining the ore, so they become passive in battle.)

Seeing that the adventurers weren't attacking, the thieves regained their composure and rained arrows again.

The alliance's shield team slowly retreated.

(Not good. If this continues, we'll be gradually worn down and eventually collapse.)

Roland looked at the 'Fire Dragons' on the right.

The 'Fire Dragons' had been circling in the same spot, unsure whether to attack or not.

They seemed to be indecisive, torn between the thieves' 'Dragon Sound' and Nicola's 'Dragon Sound.'

Still, if they did nothing, they would eventually be worn down.

(What should we do?)

---

The thieves were also confused.

(The 'Fire Dragons' aren't attacking the enemy? Why?)

No matter how much Rod blew his 'Dragon Flute,' the 'Fire Dragons' circled the sky aimlessly.

(Could it be! Is there someone on the enemy side who can use 'Dragon Sound' like me?)

"Damn."

(This is bad. I didn't expect the 'Fire Dragons' to be unusable. I have no choice but to defeat the enemy with a straightforward attack.)

While continuing to play 'Dragon Sound,' Rod prepared the swordsmen for a charge.

---

Nicola was desperately playing 'Dragon Sound' on her harp to make the 'Fire Dragons' retreat, but they continued to be indecisive.

(Damn. They won't listen to me completely. Unlike regular dragons, controlling a dragon dominated by another 'Dragon Sound' isn't easy.)

Nicola looked at Roland with a pained expression.

Roland understood that Nicola was at her limit.

(Even Nicola can't completely control the 'Fire Dragons' dominated by the enemy. In that case, we have no choice but to repel the enemy with swords and arrows.)

Roland looked at his melee units again.

They still didn't follow the charge order and continued to retreat from the enemy's attacks.

Roland called out to Elio.

"Elio, can you see that high ground?"

Roland pointed to a protruding area.

Amidst the rain of arrows, he gave instructions while hiding behind a shield.

The area Roland pointed to was different from other high grounds occupied by the enemy. It was independent and isolated, with a narrow flat area, limiting the number of people who could be deployed.

In other words, it was the weakest part of the high grounds occupied by the enemy.

"Yeah."

"I want to drive out the enemies occupying that area and set up a position. Can you do it?"

"Got it. I'll try."

Elio launched a 'Shield Charge' at the high ground Roland indicated.

With the support of the archers, he quickly ran up the slope, drove out the five archers stationed there, and occupied the position.

'White Wolf' tried to retake the high ground, but Lana's 'Crust Magic' quickly fortified the defense.

The thieves' attacks on the high ground were all repelled.

On the contrary, Hans and his team could now shoot directly into the enemy's position.

On the 'White Wolf' side, fearing attacks from above, they found it difficult to launch a melee attack.

They ended up engaging in a shooting battle, hiding behind cover from the high grounds.

In the end, the battle was inconclusive, and the thieves retreated at dusk.

---

The next morning, Roland woke up the adventurers before dawn and rushed down the mountain.

(Since we can't defeat the enemy, we have no choice but to occupy a favorable position before them and focus on defense!)

Roland ran the unit as far as he could and, upon reaching a suitable defensive position, occupied all the high grounds by noon and blocked all the roads.

Rod, realizing Roland's move, hurriedly chased after them, but by then, the alliance had already secured the area and was fully prepared.

Reluctantly, Rod gave up on the attack and decided to try again the next day.

The next day, Roland did the same, rushing down the mountain.

They ran through the steep mountain paths, breathless.

Rod also woke up his unit early and ran, but Roland was still faster in securing key positions.

Rod gritted his teeth at the sight of the alliance's position.

(Damn. Why? We have a light unit of archers and thieves. Why are they, with heavy equipment and a lot of items, faster than us?)

Roland had Monica use 'Eagle Eye' to find suitable defensive positions and choose paths with fewer monsters, allowing them to move quickly despite their heavy load.

The local adventurers also cooperated enthusiastically, eager to return to the city and secure their achievements.

Such a passive strategy would surely be frowned upon if attempted by 'Golden Eagle.'

The same scenario continued the next day and the day after.

The alliance steadily approached the city and eventually reached a point where the city was visible.

Frustrated, Rod launched a strong attack on Roland's position.

However