Goblin Dependency

The catalog itself is not particularly refined, but judging by the revision date marked on the cover, it seems to be updated quite frequently.

Opening the book, there is no preface as commonly seen in past life, just a straightforward listing of text representing the categories of combat skills.

"Combat Skill Catalog (Adventurer Association River Valley Town Branch)"

1. Warrior ... (1-13)

2. Ranger ... (13-21)

3. Barbarian ... (22-32)

4. Mechanical Master ... (32—40)

...

12. Miscellaneous ... (132-197)

...

"Wow, just the catalog alone is almost two hundred pages?"

Feeling the thickness of the book between his fingers, Xia Nan couldn't help but click his tongue in admiration, marveling at the depth of the adventurer association.

If it is indeed a mega-organization whose influence radiates across the continent, just the depth displayed by this one "Combat Skill Catalog" already surpasses the total sum of seemingly strong small to medium-sized forces, doesn't it?

Moreover, it's important to note that all the combat skills listed in the catalog are genuinely ones that can be practiced, unlike those flashy fakes sold by the bundle outside, where you might not even find a usable one among hundreds of books.

They are the precious pathways to ascension coveted by countless low level adventurers, difficult to achieve even after spending half a lifetime of effort.

Previously, after numerous struggles, gathering countless pieces of information, and searching through countless channels, only with a bit of luck could one arduously gather the combat skills necessary to become a professional.

Now, they are laid bare right in front of him.

Giving Xia Nan a feeling he couldn't quite put into words in his heart.

From the note on the book cover, it seems the association continues to include new combat skills each year, maintaining updates.

And the specific mention of the "Association River Valley Town Branch" obviously indicates that within the continent's scope, different regions' adventurer associations, while there might be some overlap in the recorded combat skills, surely there are differences in the specific quantity and content.

Just the catalog from the Mist Forest here is over a hundred pages long, if you add in the combat skills from other regions...

"Tsk."

Xia Nan clicked his tongue again, saying nothing, but just turned to the first page belonging to the "warrior" profession.

What came into view was line after line of densely packed small text:

[Iron Wall Support]——170 points

[Disarming Strike]——120 points

[Patience]——100 points

[Spear Throwing Chain]——140 points

[Powerful Strike]——150 points

[...]

It can only be said that just from the perspective of names, the combat skills listed in the catalog are completely different from those flashy fakes in the junk bins of general stores.

Straightforward and concise, they appear to be something you could actually practice, quite practical.

And in terms of the points required, it also looks alright, not overly extravagant.

Based on the bounty missions Xia Nan had just seen on the task wall, even a newly designated professional like himself, who just attained professional level.

With a little extra effort, even a high-priced 100 point ordinary combat skill could surely be managed within half a year.

But that is secondary.

The key is, compared to before, now there's a clear and definite path for advancement, doing tasks isn't just for the gold coins, there's clarity on which direction to strive towards.

Yet...

Xia Nan opened the book, turning to the quiet blonde girl Moli, who stood silently by his side, afraid of disturbing him.

Pointing towards the points requirement behind each combat skill, he asked her:

"Why do the points required to exchange for these combat skills, not follow a standard?"

"Is it because of their varying strength?"

Just the page he had open at the moment already showed subtle differences in the points required for the listed combat skills.

Ranging from a minimum of 100 points to a maximum of 180 points.

Leaving Xia Nan confused.

Moli first paused to think, then nodded somewhat hesitantly.

"The pricing for points required by combat skills is determined through discussion among professionals organized by the association every year."

"The main considerations include the learning threshold of the skill itself, growth potential, resistance difficulty, action cost and various other factors."

"Under normal circumstances, a fluctuation of fifty points up or down doesn't have a particularly large connection with the skill's strength."

"It purely depends on the adaptor's compatibility."

"However, if it's something like this..."

Saying that, Moli stepped forward two steps, turning the catalog two pages further for Xia Nan.

Tapping a finger lightly.

[Rock Blade Entanglement]——500 points

"The kind with substantially higher points required than other combat skills, the skill's inherent strength or practical utility should have increased accordingly."

Upon hearing this explanation, Xia Nan also came to understand.

Simply speaking, the combat skills in the association, with similar prices, also have strengths that are approximately similar, what can ultimately be accomplished depends entirely on the user themselves.

But if it's three or four times more expensive, or even directly has an extra zero in the exchange price, no matter what type the skill is, it definitely has something substantial.

He couldn't help but think of the few combat skills he had.

[Vortex Slash] was alright, but at least [Teeth Hunting] should be on the 500 points scale, right?

After all, it was extremely useful, the speed and mobility it provided practically laid the foundation for his gradually shaping fighting style.

As for [Gravity Control]...

He couldn't say.

As long as one isn't a Saint, this kind of level of combat skill shouldn't be put on a list for exchange and learning by others.

"And one more thing." Xia Nan turned the catalog to the end, "What does this so-called 'Miscellaneous' mean?"

"Are they skills that cannot confirm their specific classification?"

Moli seemed well-prepared for such conventional questions, answering smoothly.