Goblin Dependency

The hilts of two different swords sprouted from behind his head, a small dagger hung at his waist, the shield on his left arm was dark and lustrous, making it difficult to discern the material, and his right index finger bore a slightly reflective silvery iron ring.

A professional adventurer armed to the teeth.

That was his first reaction.

Without even needing to witness the opponent in action, merely the incredibly fine equipment and that solid, steady demeanor were enough to showcase his strength.

Perhaps... he might even be a professional!

Suddenly, the pair of longswords strapped on the opponent's back seemed to remind him of a name often mentioned in the tavern recently. Contemplating, he couldn't help but glance twice.

And for this reason, his gaze was noticed by the opponent.

The narrow, piercing eyes turned slightly, sweeping over him.

This adventurer, who had just stolen two gold coins from a familiar friend, felt a chill brush across the back of his neck.

He shivered violently.

Instantly lowered his head, not daring to look again.

"Gray Sword!"

An unmistakable attire; even if he hadn't heard anything recently, with a bit of recollection, he could recognize this rumored figure who had already attained a professional level.

Rumors from the tavern flashed through his mind, like a psychological effect, the terrifying chill on his neck grew even more pronounced, even faintly felt stinging.

What he envisioned was a brief glimpse before — that icy cold and fierce face, and the unimaginable oppressive aura of the opponent.

He dared not offend the opponent at such a moment.

His steps shifted, changing direction to appear as if he were merely passing by (actually, he really was just passing by).

Planning to circle once in the tavern, wait for the opponent to sit down, and then leave on his own.

...

Xia Nan felt rather gloomy.

On one hand, due to his drastically reduced fortune.

His bank savings, once nearing four figures, were reduced to a pitiful 271 gold, 7 silver, and 3 copper after the blows of "500 gold leg guards" and "255 gold armor."

He'd hit the lowest point in recent times.

To be honest, two hundred plus gold would be considered a fortune for ordinary townsfolk, even most low-level adventurers.

Used sparingly on daily expenses and maybe some low-risk small investments, it would be enough to retire comfortably.

But having once had a substantial amount in savings, and with the high expenses in a short period of time.

Even knowing these expenses were well worth it, not wasted.

Xia Nan's heart still felt a bit anxious, slightly uneasy and urgent.

Wanting to rush into the forest now, sweep through a few goblin nests venting his anger, earning some extra cash.

On another hand, his emotions were stirred by the experience at the blacksmith shop earlier.

At present, he had identified the material needed to upgrade the "Snake Scale Arm Shield" into a formal magic equipment — "Corpse Erosion Pattern Steel."

And the weight met the requirement.

But acquiring the steel required completing a commission on the Task Board on the Association Second Floor regarding a "Beastman Investigation."

Putting aside the difficulty, the key was the requirement to take on the task:

— A four-person team.

Xia Nan always adventured solo, seldom teaming up unless necessary.

His former teammates suffered heavy losses and casualties.

Currently, in River Valley Town, he could only find two people: "Green Blood" Adeline and rookie Abi.

With no disrespect intended, practically speaking, neither had attained a professional level.

Furthermore, Abi was merely a newcomer battling a few goblins for half a day and struggling to win even with full effort.

Getting these two to participate in such a professional-level task would be sending them to their deaths.

With this premise, it seemed Xia Nan's choice was left with —

Finding a professional-level wild team at the Association.

And this required consideration of "who to find," "how to find," "task reward distribution," "reliability of teammates," and other numerous issues needing pondering.

Highly troublesome.

Aside from these urgent matters, Xia Nan also had to earn a substantial amount of Association Points in the near future to exchange for material tools and premium Battle Skills.

The former to customize equipment with Barn, enhancing overall strength like tolerance;

The latter are essential for professional upgrades and career changes.

"Damn!"

"Too many things to handle!"

Xia Nan cursed silently in his heart.

At the same time, deciding to soothe himself with two bowls of long-missed creamy mushroom soup.

Being away from River Valley Town for nearly two months, although he had tasted similar elsewhere, he indeed missed the unique classic flavor of the White Sparrow Tavern.

"The usual, one number three set meal."

Xia Nan greeted Chapton from a distance.

Earlier, when retrieving previously stored loot coins from the tavern caravan, he had already exchanged pleasantries with him.

Not stopping, just scanning the surrounding tables for an empty seat.

Then he saw the self-proclaimed captain of the "Sea Thorn" adventure team, using a Stone Spear as a weapon, a rugged middle-aged man named "Cash."

It was him who had explained the information on upgrading and career changing in the Association Second Floor.

Sitting near the bar at a table at that moment.

Meanwhile, even more attention-grabbing was the woman across from Cash, with slightly dark skin and flowing silver hair.

Not the tan developed from fieldwork or sailor labor under long exposure.

Her skin was naturally shadowed, subtly purple, a deep dark hue.

Voluptuous and seemingly unashamed to showcase her physical assets.

The side-rear angle prevented Xia Nan from clearly seeing her face.

However, he could glimpse parts of the woman's allure.

Unlike other tavern adventurers whose bulky attire prioritized practicality over appearance.

She wore a painted-on-like tight-fitting black leather armor, accentuating the breathtaking curves formed by her slender waist and full figure.

Even utilized cut-outs at the thigh side and lower back, exposing her smooth skin and the enticing waist hollow fitted to palm curves.

The sleek muscle lines beneath the thin garment, the hair adornment at the end of silver threads, and the dark-skinned woman lent an air of enigmatic danger.

The perception attribute at "10" quietly came into play, allowing Xia Nan to appreciate the physical beauty while noting many subtle yet exceptionally crucial details.

Slender, sharp ears peeked from the silver hair, thights hugged by two daggers sheathed in black armor, faintly visible dark purple tattoos at leather openings, reflected shadows from tavern lights unnaturally swaying...

The information consolidated in his mind and analyzed from his meager knowledge reserves yielded this result:

This appeared to be a "Wanderer" related kind, using daggers as weapons, a Zor half elf hybrid professional.

No doubt, this graceful woman of Zor lineage attracted numerous fiery gazes from around within the White Sparrow Tavern, always teeming with low-level adventurers.

But none dared approach for conversation.

Professionals, striking outfits, Zors, Wanderers...

Stacking these elements together implied whoever retained rationality and held a shred of hope for survival in this world wouldn't want to get near.

Xia Nan had met her companion, Cash, the middle-aged man.

But inherently wasn't the type to initiate greetings amidst apparent unfitting scenarios.

Withdrawing his gaze, intending to continue seeking an empty seat.

Yet up front, Cash abruptly noticed him.

"Xia Nan?"

Raised a hand in greeting.