Goblin Dependency

The tavern's main hall was full of eyes and ears, and the other party seemed to be discussing something with his teammates, so Xia Nan originally didn't intend to disturb.

But now Cash saw him and took the initiative to greet him.

He naturally had no reason to refuse.

After all, he had just been quite enthusiastic in explaining some advancement knowledge to him.

Thinking of exchanging a few pleasantries, he'd then find an opportunity to take his leave.

On another note, whether it was due to his personality or he discovered certain qualities in Xia Nan.

Cash showed extraordinary enthusiasm. Although they had just met this morning, it felt as if they were old acquaintances separated for a long time.

He reached out, put his arm around Xia Nan's shoulder, and introduced him to his teammates:

"This is Xia Nan, whom I mentioned to you before, 'Gray Sword,' remember? I happened to run into him on the Association's Second Floor today."

Xia Nan could clearly feel that, following Cash's words, a curious gaze was assessing him.

The Half elf Zor sitting opposite him at the table did not possess the imagined coldness of an underground race. On the contrary, he displayed quite a warm demeanor.

A gentle smile hung at the corner of his mouth, and his shimmering eyes slightly moved. He proactively said:

"Your attire doesn't quite match Cash's description of a newcomer."

Rich adventure experience, along with the unique insight of seasoned adventurers, makes it perhaps difficult for professionals like her and Cash to immediately distinguish whether a piece of equipment has enchantment effects.

But from the craftsmanship and quality alone, it's evident that several pieces of Xia Nan's equipment are quite expensive.

"Oh, almost forgot to introduce myself." The Half elf Zor with slightly dark skin and a head of silver shiny long hair rose elegantly amid the crisp sound of hair accessories clashing behind Xia Nan, offering a handshake.

"Vireis, member of the 'Sea Thorn' adventure team."

"Hello."

The cooling sensation in the palm faded as soon as they touched.

Without hiding his gaze, Xia Nan naturally glanced over the well-proportioned figure of his counterpart.

He pondered.

Tall stature, standing straight, eyes almost at the same level as his own, estimating a height of around 180 centimeters.

But he didn't feel any calluses on her hand, exceptionally smooth and delicate.

Her attire suggests she isn't a spellcaster or something of the like. Perhaps... she has removed the calluses from her hand through some method?

"Sit down, sit down." Cash made space, pulling Xia Nan to sit, "What would you like to eat? It's on me."

With a wave of the hand, indicating he's already ordered.

Xia Nan's face remained unchanged outwardly, but internally he grew increasingly puzzled, even a bit wary.

In this world where productivity isn't particularly advanced, facing two genuinely seasoned adventurers.

He didn't believe his current charm attribute could provoke such behavior from these professionals, who were strangers before today.

Clearly there was an agenda.

Having just ended a long journey from Neum, Xia Nan was reluctant to waste time testing the waters with them.

He responded politely for a few sentences, then openly stated his position.

Seemingly unprepared for the young black-haired man's straightforwardness, Cash was momentarily stunned before exhaling and exchanging glances with Vireis across the table, who nodded in agreement, prompting Cash to explain:

"We need another teammate."

"No need to formally join the team, just form a temporary team, of course, if you wish to team up with us long-term, that can be discussed later."

He gently rubbed the blade of a nearby stone spear with his fingers, the tattoo covering half of his face became more prominent due to his serious expression.

"You should be able to tell, Vireis and I are not from River Valley Town."

"We came here because of a mission."

Xia Nan said nothing, only nodded silently.

Indeed, it was evident.

The man and woman before him, one clearly from coastal areas, likely having been a sailor or fisherman for a long time; the other was a Zor hybrid, a Half elf.

Even if both were professionals, with such distinct identity traits, Xia Nan had spent half a year in town and daily sat in the White Sparrow Tavern, collecting intelligence from various adventurers coming and going, it was impossible not to have heard of them.

They were definitively outsiders.

"Regarding the specific content of the mission, I can't disclose it due to some important information, my apologies."

Cash continued.

"But what can be confirmed is, the beast disturbance lately in Mist Forest likely relates to it."

"That's also why we've lingered here in River Valley Town."

During the conversation, the waiter had already brought the mushroom soup Xia Nan ordered to the table.

Holding the spoon, lightly stirring, the rich creamy aroma surged into his nose with his breathing.

The sweet aroma made Xia Nan imperceptibly swallow.

"So, both of you should be seasoned adventurers with professional levels, right? Why do you need a newcomer like me?"

Facing Xia Nan's inquiry, Vireis seamlessly took over the topic.

Her slender fingers lightly tapped on the tabletop, her shiny nails reflecting the tavern's soft overhead lights.

"We need to use the beasts fleeing from the forest to track our target's whereabouts, but Mist Forest is vast. Without a vague direction, even if we spend years here, we might not gain anything."

"And you should know, the adventurer association over there has some special information channels. Whether it's the goblin cleanup task or other commissions, after accepting a task, it provides relatively useful intelligence to help you complete it."