Chapter 397: Chapter 207: Beast Nature, Soul, and Methods of Healing

The sudden attack by the Beastmen left Mint slightly injured.

However, the morale of the entire Sea Thorn Squad soared invisibly.

The mission target appeared, the investigation made significant progress, and the upgrade materials for the Snake Scale Arm Shield were right before them, naturally making Xia Nan excited.

For Vireis and Cash, the mane left behind by the Beastmen on the field not only confirmed that their long-tracked target was nearby but also identified it not as some cunning beast as previously thought, but as a Beastman transformed from an intelligent creature.

In just one night, the atmosphere of the entire team underwent a tremendous change.

Though well-hidden, the Half Elf or who spent half the night applying poison to his dagger, and Cash’s subtly changed tone when speaking this morning, still allowed Xia Nan to keenly perceive the quiet shift in attitude of these two temporary teammates.

Before this, whether it was the commissions to clear beasts or the journey to Qingmai Village, although the two behaved very professionally and not perfunctory, they left an impression somewhat like workers on a production line, following a near-muscle-memory routine to prepare supplies, set traps, build camps, fight when encountering enemies, and collecting materials and loot after the battle, endlessly repeating.

Not that there was anything wrong, but it indeed lacked a sense of initiative.

As if some more important matter was looming ahead, and everything else was just a transition.

And now, even though only a night had passed since encountering the Beastmen’s attack, during the morning discussion of the follow-up plan, the two exhibited significant enthusiasm.

Cash explained this as having no previous findings; it was merely a routine investigation commission, hard to muster any vigor.

With the appearance of Beastmen, however, the potential to achieve a full reward arose, offering a legitimate chance to complete an E level mission.

This led to a shift in their mindset.

To this, Xia Nan remained noncommittal, not fully believing it in his heart, knowing they were hiding something.

However, in a certain way, this could also be considered a good thing.

It was merely an investigation mission, not requiring them to bring back the Beastmen’s heads.

Theoretically, even returning with the current collected information would complete the mission, though it would mean missing out on sufficient materials to upgrade the Arm Shield.

In such a scenario, facing even slightly dangerous encounters, Cash and others could choose to retreat and avoid battle, not risking their lives for it.

Now, to Xia Nan’s relief, the attitude revealed by the two suggested that even if he suddenly withdrew, these teammates would continue with the mission on their own.

Outside the window, the last glimmer of night dissipated under the morning light.

Xia Nan packed his bag, meticulously checked the room to ensure nothing was left behind, and then pushed the door open.

Outside the cabin, Mint was quietly waiting, holding her pinewood tree branch Magic Wand.

The blood-stained tattered robe had been thrown away, replaced with clothing of the previous color and style.

Nothing fancy, just a simple plain robe.

“How’s the recovery from the injuries, are you alright?”

Nodding in greeting, Xia Nan casually asked.

“It was just a minor injury, a night’s time was more than enough.” Mint smiled back.

Saying this, she raised her left hand to gesture, indicating she was fully healed.

Xia Nan naturally knew, he was merely making small talk.

After all, last night, he witnessed Mint’s palm emit a green glow, pressed against the wound.

Within a few minutes, it was completely healed, leaving no scar.

He couldn’t help but marvel at the convenience of magic in this world.

If he could learn similar abilities in the future, perhaps he wouldn’t even need the 50 Gold Healing Potion.

While pondering this, noticing Cash and Vireis had yet to arrive, he casually struck up a conversation with the girl beside him.

“I heard you mention before, the Mist Forest, you’ve been visiting frequently for many years?”

“I did say that, but actually…” Mint nodded slightly, and after a night’s rest, her face, previously pale from blood loss, regained some color, “I was just following my mentor, not daring to do anything.”

“Your mentor seems quite trusting, letting you come out alone like this, even needing to find teammates on the spot.”

Xia Nan’s gaze drifted over the dilapidated houses on both sides, seemingly casually asking, yet with a hint of probing.

It was indeed strange.

To become a Magic Professional at such a young age, with some background and under the care of a Senior Professional mentor.

Yet to venture out alone, lacking close combat abilities, even without a guard, simply joining a random team.

According to Xia Nan’s observations of Mint these days, her understanding of Cash and Vireis wasn’t even as detailed as his own.

Whether it was about the mentioned mentor or herself, her heart seemed too big.

To this, Mint responded:

“I’ve at least obtained a Professional Level, I can’t hide behind my mentor forever. Venturing out for a few years, meeting more people, can only benefit me.”

Hmm…

Xia Nan felt a bit nuanced inside, not reacting much and continued,