Goblin Dependency

Xia Nan stepped forward slowly.

His gaze casually sized up the two people in front of him.

The priest Isidor, whom he had just met a couple of days ago, hadn't changed much.

Still dressed in that solemn ceremonial robe, but one could vaguely notice the beads of sweat on his forehead and neck, and some areas of his close-fitting white robe were clearly soaked with sweat.

It seemed like he had just been through some intense activity.

His eyes discreetly glanced at the church doors behind Isidor, scanning the floor scattered with stained glass shards.

He also recalled the large number of guards he saw along the way.

"Was there… a fight here just now?"

Xia Nan wondered, feeling puzzled.

He couldn't imagine who would dare to cause trouble in the "Moon God Church," a place located in the center of a large city with a high-level priest on standby, frequently under the goddess's watch.

And from the looks of it, did the perpetrator even manage to escape?

Maybe he could find a chance to inquire about the news.

Better not run into any danger just as he finally completed his advancement mission and was about to leave Neum City.

Beside Isidor, the elegant spellcaster, whom he'd once had a brief encounter with, now looked a bit disheveled.

His face was slightly pale, and his hair was messy.

The once pristine indigo robe now had some dirt stains on it.

More crucially, as Xia Nan approached, he could keenly sense the chaotic magic particles irregularly spreading from the mage at the center.

He was even more astonished.

It seemed the possible attacker just now was quite formidable, as even these two high-level spellcasters couldn't detain them.

Coming before the two, he calmed his restless thoughts.

Xia Nan first nodded slightly towards the mage, who was likewise observing him, signaling a greeting with his eyes.

No matter if he remembered him or not, being a little polite in such a situation couldn't hurt.

Then, he glanced back at the street, where guards in uniform armor were patrolling tensely to and fro.

Before the other could speak, he proactively asked Isidor:

"What's going on, why are there suddenly so many guards in the street?"

"Did something happen in the city?"

The smiling face suddenly turned serious, and the priest solemnly nodded.

"We were just attacked by cultists, it was very dangerous."

"Several nearby blocks are now under lockdown, and if nothing is discovered before dawn, the area will certainly expand."

Hearing this, Xia Nan couldn't help showing a contemplative expression.

"No wonder..."

He noticed that, at the moment, he was only wearing a thin shirt, with dual swords on his back, a strange attire.

Isidor casually asked:

"What about you, why are you out so late, barely dressed?"

Having already prepared his excuse, Xia Nan scratched his head with a smile, not hesitating at all.

"Well, I'm just here in Neum on a mission, I was planning to rest, but I suddenly thought of some clues and went out to see if I could make any discoveries."

"How's it going, made any progress?"

"Not bad, I've sorted out the situation; I'll study it for another two days, and if there's no breakthrough, I won't waste any more time and just head back to River Valley Town."

Isidor merely asked out of courtesy and didn't believe that a newcomer like Xia Nan could be involved with such a high-level affair.

He didn't suspect anything and simply offered a kind reminder:

"Missions are important, but your safety is paramount. Hurry home; it might be dangerous here."

Xia Nan complied effortlessly.

But he didn't forget his purpose, so he asked:

"Does the cultist have any distinct features?"

"If I happen to encounter them, I can alert you."

There was nothing to hide, so Priest Isidor pointed to the longsword behind Xia Nan and replied:

"Also an adventurer, of the elf race, with golden hair."

"Their movements seemed..." He hesitated conspicuously, "possibly awkward, as if physically disabled."

"But don't be careless because of that; if you do run into them, avoid engaging, and just report their location to the nearest sheriff."

"I'll remind you once more; they're... extremely dangerous!"

Golden-haired elf!?

Awkward movement!?

Suddenly remembering the elf's association with the mage team.

Xia Nan's thoughts came to a halt, feeling tumultuous waves in his heart.

Could it be such a coincidence?

On the outside, his expression didn't change, maintaining as normal a reaction as possible.

"Understood, I'll be extra careful."

Exchanged a few pleasantries and took his leave.

Behind the courteous smile on the elegant face, Cornell's thoughts were turbulent.

He certainly remembered this newcomer whom he had seen at the association.

It wasn't so long ago, just a matter of weeks, and as a high-level spellcaster who focuses on Intelligence, he couldn't possibly forget.

However...

A thoughtful look flashed deep in Cornell's eyes.

He recalled that back then, this adventurer named "Xia Nan" hadn't obtained a Professional Level yet, right?

He looked so young; he couldn't have been in the field long.

But just during their brief interaction, he could clearly sense the unique aura that "professionals" have—a sophisticated blend of skill and physical strength, far beyond ordinary human capabilities.