CHAPTER 470: CHAPTER 242: PSYCHOLOGICAL SHADOWS AND THE STRANGE TASTE OF MEAT (PART 2)

The supplies needed were prepared two days ago, and once this mission is over, there might not be another chance to visit this small town by the Melted Scale Mountain Range.

The task went smoothly, and feeling fairly good, Xia Nan thought he’d buy some local souvenirs while he was at it.

If he were to pass by again, he could prepare a few small gifts for his acquaintances in River Valley Town, maintaining his not-so-expansive relationships in this world.

Yet, he wasn’t sure whether it was his adventurer appearance that made the other party anxious or his inherently icy demeanor.

The vendor, overshadowed by him, stammered out a price of one silver coin.

Xia Nan casually slashed the price by half, originally expecting the vendor to bargain back, but unexpectedly, the vendor agreed immediately.

Without waiting for Xia Nan to take the copper coins from his purse, the vendor handed over the rather well-crafted water bag with both hands.

Since the discrepancy of five copper coins didn’t matter to him, the vendor’s reaction made him lose interest.

Placing the coins in the vendor’s hand, he tossed the water bag into his backpack and walked away without lingering.

The aroma of charred fragrance surged into his nose with each breath, and from the corner of his eye, he saw a roadside stall that resembled a barbecue stand.

His gaze swept over the skewers of meat on the charcoal, and Xia Nan’s eyes brightened as he walked straight over.

Gazing at the tall figure ahead, carrying dual swords, Vier lingered behind, sighing inwardly.

It was their last day of rest in Melted Scale Town, and all preparations were completed ahead of time, so the team members had free time.

Sava and Luca weren’t familiar before, but after spending time together, they surprisingly found a common hobby.

They had long agreed to go out together this morning.

Hai’an and Wood stayed in the inn; half-elf Hai’an was currently in a fugitive situation, making it inconvenient for him to go out often, while Wood was discussing the itinerary and plans for when they reached Nianshu Territory.

She felt immense pressure because this commission had already wasted a lot of time, and she couldn’t afford to slack off or rest.

Originally intending to stay in the room to meditate, utilizing this precious time to restore her strength.

Unfortunately, she didn’t pay attention at the time, and when Xia Nan asked everyone if anyone wanted to go out with him, she subconsciously responded.

By the time she reacted, it was too late.

If she didn’t go out, it only took a sentence to renege and refuse.

Yet when the person to refuse was Xia Nan... Vier would rather go out for a walk with him.

The ponytail tied at the back of her head swayed gently as her body moved, amber eyes reflecting Xia Nan as he scrutinized the skewers like an unknown trophy.

Vier’s gaze turned somewhat complex.

Having spent so many days together in the same team, she hadn’t seen him exert his full strength.

But regarding Xia Nan’s abilities, using vision honed from years of professional experience in her previous life, she could make a rough estimate.

No matter if it’s different from her memories, exhibiting an unusual speed of improvement, his professional level shouldn’t exceed Level 5.

Honestly, possessing past life memories, as a once-transcendent Mage.

No matter how famous Xia Nan’s name might be in the future, considering he’s yet to completely grow, she shouldn’t have this current attitude toward him.

Otherwise, Vier was aware that simply from a combat perspective, Xia Nan likely couldn’t match her past transcendent Mage skills.

But it felt like some indescribable psychological shadow.

As a child, she awoke to find a long snake beside her pillow; growing up, even the crudest snake toy would make her scream; and the childhood experience of nearly drowning in a lake made her instinctively avoid all water bodies in adulthood, unable to approach even a children’s pool.

Vier knew clearly.

Even if she’s destined to transcend again, even to become legendary among the ordinary.

When recalling another space-time, the rainy night countless years ago; recalling the ground paved with fragmented limbs and flesh, with internal organs and fresh blood; recalling the tower of flesh and bone built from orc-sized heads, some angry, some bewildered, some terrified.

Despite it all, she couldn’t stop trembling and feeling uneasy from the depths of her heart.

Now, she only hoped to finish the task as fast as possible.

The plan established from past life memories was, of course, important, but distancing herself from Xia Nan, who made her uneasy and affected her normal thoughts and actions, was also urgent and necessary.

"How is it, are you going to eat?"

The familiar voice triggered a protective mechanism in Vier’s heart. Her body shuddered involuntarily under the cream-white robe.

Her bright eyes suddenly became unfocused, losing focus and refocusing twice before it returned.

Xia Nan was holding a few skewers, shaking them in front of her.

"Just bought them. Are you eating? My treat!"

Unable to muster a refusal, her face twisted into a stiff smile, and her hands took the skewers offered by him before she could think.

What Vier didn’t notice was.

Xia Nan bought five skewers, but only ate half of one himself.

As for the reason...

It turned out the skewers’ taste was far less delicious than he’d imagined.

Perhaps because of the abundance of flavorful and diverse spices in his past life, and the developed society’s concern for food health.

It caused Xia Nan to misjudge the roadside barbecue stalls.

His outstanding physical qualities gave him a much keener sense of taste than ordinary people.

Just with one bite, he sensed the meat’s weird taste, which should have been covered by the seasoning but now only had coarse salt, having sat for a long time.

It was edible for sure, merely strange-tasting, without affecting his health.

But having earned some money with difficulty, he couldn’t endure such grievances. He wouldn’t mistreat himself.

Throwing it away would be wasteful, though.

Luckily, he had a teammate behind willing to help him deal with the food.

Passed her the skewer, and watched her chew and swallow.

"Thanks, it tastes good."

"What’s up?" Vier questioned, puzzled.

Xia Nan didn’t answer, just lightly shook his head.

Speaking of which, the ownership of the Dream Weaving Corridor Luca brought back that day had been temporarily set aside.

Since they were still in an escort mission, and Hai’an hadn’t completely escaped Neum’s pursuit.

He and Vier agreed that after they reached Nianshu Territory and completed the commission, they’d discuss it thoroughly.

Currently, this stylistically unique metallic object was still carried by its finder Luca.

"Isn’t it unknown where Sava and Luca went? Did they leave early this morning?"

Walking along the bustling, slightly narrow streets, Xia Nan glanced at the shops on either side, and without thinking much, casually asked.

He certainly didn’t believe the two would have some sort of romantic relationship.

Considering the Dragon Descendant’s body structure, akin to a standing lizard covered in scales with no discernible sexual traits, Xia Nan couldn’t imagine what peculiar taste others would have to find them attractive.

Vier knew some information regarding their whereabouts.

"Heard Wood say they might have gone to the town’s casino."

"Casino?"

Xia Nan felt impressed.

Sava was acceptable, but he hadn’t expected Luca, with his thick eyebrows and honest demeanor, would have such a hobby.

On second thought, in this world, at least in his current Pan Yun Province, daily forms of entertainment were limited.

Especially for adventurers like him—a bit above ordinary citizens, wealthier and without economic worries; yet far from nobility, with no ability to indulge in luxury goods to satisfy desires.

On idle days, they resorted to alcohol, brothels, and card tables to alleviate stress.

"Look." Vier lifted her chin slightly, signaling Xia Nan to look ahead.

"That’s the casino."