Goblin Dependency

And now, Xia Nan's perception attribute has reached a solid two-digit number—10 points!

Compared to ordinary people's attributes, the difference is far more exaggerated than the literal meaning of doubling.

As he walked this path, Xia Nan already had a very profound experience.

Whether it was at the entrance of the Moon God Church, where he instantly perceived the tension in the guards passing by and noticed the Priest and Mage seemed a bit disheveled, like they had just finished a fierce battle;

Or the panicked residents awakened by the noise from the houses on both sides of the street, the unknown birds and beasts flying in the night sky overhead, the little mice rummaging in the garbage piles in the alley corners...

Details that were once impossible to notice now appear so clear, captured by his five senses.

It is foreseeable that in his future adventures, unless facing enemies with exceptionally high concealment skills, it will be challenging to encounter a demon's sudden attack as he did when he first crossed over, without noticing it.

Even when delving into an unknown cave, he can use his heightened perception to make judgments about the situation inside in advance.

Of course, these are just a few conservative predictions Xia Nan made based on his understanding and the vague feelings he has right now.

After experiencing it for a long time, he'll definitely further perceive changes in his body in daily life.

Like the three constitution attribute points Drip Dew provided before, he initially thought it was about somewhat increased stamina and better combat endurance.

Later, he discovered improved sleep efficiency and increased resistance to toxins, plagues, cold and other effects.

The perception as high as "10" points will obviously have a huge impact on his daily life.

At present, confronting the black cat on the eave.

Xia Nan isn't a Druid and lacks the ability to communicate directly with animals.

But he can passively and instinctively observe the detailed movements of the other's body with his high perception, analyze them in his mind instantly, and draw conclusions.

The right hand softly passes over his pocket, and a small piece of jerky is already grasped in his palm.

Taking two steps forward, amid the black cat's wary gaze, he places the jerky on the ground.

Stepping back a bit, leaving some space.

Then watching the other, cautiously jumping down from the eave, with its golden eyes fixing on him, it tentatively approaches, sniffing twice at the jerky on the surface with its nose twitching.

Xia Nan initially thought this small creature dwelling in the night would behave like its proud and cautious fellow kin in his impression, snatching the jerky, finding a solitary safe spot, and slowly savor it.

But unexpectedly.

This black cat with its pure fur and not a single imperfection, actually took the jerky, voluntarily approached, and came to his feet.

Its long tail intimately lifted, arching its slim and slender waist, gently rubbing against Xia Nan's pant leg with its body.

Meanwhile, it purred comfortably.

Feeling the warm, soft sensation against his calf through his pants, Xia Nan's face showed a thoughtful expression.

Since the crossover half a year ago, he has seen many stray dogs and cats in River Valley Town.

He knew he had no affinity with these little animals.

Sometimes, even due to the bloody and demon aura clinging to him after an adventure, they didn't dare to make a sound, just fleeing far away upon seeing him.

Yet this black cat behaves so unusually.

Was its nature inherently affectionate, or...

Could it be that 1 point of charm attribute affecting it?

Xia Nan pondered, thinking about asking a few acquaintances later to see if there were any noticeable changes in his demeanor or appearance.

He bent over, intending to gently stroke the black cat's head.

Before his fingertips could touch that soft and smooth fur, a loud noise suddenly came from afar.

Boom—

The sudden clamor seemed to startle the black cat beneath him.

The little body swiftly retreated, its long legs moved lightly, and with a rise and fall, it vanished into the depths of the night.

Xia Nan didn't mind.

Just turning his head, he looked towards the direction of the sound.

From a considerable distance, he could vaguely see dense smoke rising, accompanied by intense firelight.

Having no desire to get involved, he promptly turned and continued along the path back home.

He left Jeff's house hurriedly without having had dinner.

Now, his stomach was inevitably somewhat hungry.

"I wonder if Lady Dais is asleep, and whether I can borrow her kitchen."

"What was that she added to that mushroom soup last time, cheese... or lemon?"

...

...

Neum.

Outside the slums.

A small group of guards stood watch over an empty and deserted intersection, led by their captain.

"Ah-hoo~~~"

The young-faced guard, leaning lazily against the wall beside him, stretched with some indolence.

The Moon Feast, which should have been a time for family reunion.

Yet he was abruptly summoned from home, feeling somewhat resentful.

"Captain, what's the point of us guarding here?"

"If such a level powerhouse wants revenge, they'll just head back to the city center where the aristocrats and wealthy merchants are."

"If they want to escape, they'll definitely go in the direction leading out of town through the slums."

"We're hanging here, what can we possibly guard?"

The response was a slap on the back of his head.

"So lazy after just a few years on the job?" The captain, in his thirties or forties, with a thick beard, widened his eyes and scolded.

"Stop babbling around, just do what you're told!"

Seemingly having a considerable authority in the team, witnessing his reaction, the previously noisy and complaint-filled atmosphere in the squad turned serious instantly.

The air turned quiet.

He understood the excess and indeed the time was quite special; it was the night of the Moon Feast.

The bearded man switched his tone, lowered his voice grinningly:

"Guard properly for me, don't let anything go wrong."

"Once things settle down, no rush to go home, I'll take you all to Iron Bucket Toad for a couple of rounds!"

The atmosphere instantly warmed up.

The young guard, previously scolded and hanging his head low, his eyes lit up with excitement, then seeming to think of something, he approached hesitantly:

"Captain, I want to go, just... the last couple of days... stayed at Nightingale's Nest for two days, I'm kind of... heh heh."

"Don't worry." The burly bearded man patted his shoulder, "Going for drinks with your captain, how could it be your turn to pay?"

"The Gray Badger gang still owes us a few tabs, it's okay if you drink until you puke; I'll have 'Stubborn Donkey' bill it all to them."

With these words, the last trace of worry on the young guard's face vanished.

His mouth curled into a slight smile, gaze slightly unfocused, seemingly pondering what to drink later.

"Plop."

Suddenly, from the end of the street.

Tiny yet clear footsteps, at the same time, entered everyone's ears.

In unison, the guards turned their heads, gazing towards the source of the footsteps.

Through the moonlight, a tall and distorted silhouette staggered step by step, slowly approaching.

Under the moonlit reflection, disheveled golden hair swayed, revealing two sharp elongated ears.

His Adam's apple moved.

The bearded middle-aged man immediately responded.

"Alert!!!!"

"Chris to call for help, Jack and Noli follow me, Conrad grab your shield!"

"Conrad!?"

The hurried and frantic arrangement echoed in the cold air.

Yet there was no response.

The man suddenly sensed something amiss.

His peripheral vision darted towards his side.

In his line of sight, only a glossy, unblemished human skeleton remained, without any flesh or blood sticking to the surface.

A sudden dread gripped his heart.

He instinctively lowered his gaze to his chest.

The sturdy armor had somehow dissolved, skin lifted up, muscle fibers gotten blown away by the wind, heart along blood vessels compressed and twisted into a swamp of gore, exposing pale ribs and spine beneath.

His mouth opened trying to say something.

But he found he had long lost control of his body.

Darkness engulfed the world in front of him like a tide.

"Clatter."

The crisp sound of bones clashing and falling echoed.