Gauss and the others returned to town three days later.

When the travel-worn group arrived at Lincrest Town and saw the familiar wooden buildings, rooftops with curling smoke, and the flow of pedestrians and livestock on the streets, the tense nerves of everyone finally relaxed as they breathed deep sighs of relief, feeling genuine peace of mind.

Theoretically speaking, with their team composition featuring multiple level 5 combatants, they should have encountered almost no unsolvable enemies after leaving the Emerald Forest. But this was only under normal circumstances. Even knowing they were likely safe, adventurers in the wilderness must always maintain vigilance. Only upon returning to human civilization could they truly relax.

Without further delay, after finding a nearby inn to drop off their luggage, the group first headed to the Adventurers Guild to report. Although the evil god aura involved the privacy of the dwarf Thorin and others and wasn't reported, the monster camp around those ruins could be reported to the Adventurers Guild. Once the guild verified the intelligence, there would be additional intelligence rewards.

"Let me confirm with you - there's a large monster camp at this location on the map, correct?" The guild receptionist circled a location on the map with his pen.

"Yes," Gauss nodded. "Not some messy wilderness nest, but a proper camp with legitimate high fences, watchtowers, patrols, and transport teams, flying the green dragon banner. The monsters inside are mixed units - we saw mostly Goblins, Lizardmen, and Gnolls in the periphery, but we don't know what other monsters might be in the camp center. Adventurers heading there later need to be extra careful."

The male receptionist adjusted his glasses upon hearing this, not daring to neglect the matter, quickly recording the information word for word in his notebook. The ability to fly the green dragon banner alone was enough to indicate the camp's formidable strength.

"Very valuable warning intelligence. After the guild verifies it, the corresponding intelligence rewards will be issued to you all. You'll be able to collect them here or at any other Adventurers Guild branch." The receptionist finished recording, then turned to look at Gauss.

"Mr. Gauss, there's also a commission payment here for your team. After confirmation, the task Guild Leader Richie entrusted to your team to investigate the Dark Forest has been rated as Beginner Four-Star. The commission has been completed - here is the payment." He handed over a bag of gold coins.

Gauss checked it - indeed 40 gold coins, plus 5 Adventurers Guild Merits.

"Has Guild Leader Richie returned to Lincrest Town?" The speaker was Thorin, his voice rising from below the counter.

The receptionist glanced around before belatedly rising on his toes, finally spotting the dwarf's figure below the counter. "Sorry, I'm not clear about that."

Leaving the guild, the group found a local large trading company to handle the loot from this trip. The main items were the metal components from the Magic Armor Constructs obtained in the ruins, plus various monster body parts, organs, and weapons collected along the way.

After some bargaining, they reached a price satisfactory to both parties. The gold coins were settled on the spot - 95 gold coins total. An astronomical amount for ordinary people, but considering there were 6 adventurers on this trip including 3 level 5 professionals, this loot value seemed understandable.

According to their previous agreement, the dwarf Thorin counted out 60 gold coins for Gauss's team. The extra portion was compensation for Gauss and others continuing to participate in cleaning and purifying the evil god aura.

"Count it - that's what you deserve." Gauss didn't pretend to refuse, completing the count before putting it away to divide with Aria and Serlandul later along with other earnings. This substantial wealth was enough to cover the living expenses, equipment repairs, upgrades, and spell procurement for the team members for some time to come.

The next evening, in the familiar secluded booth of the Silver Blossom Tavern, the air was filled with the aromas of roasted meat, thick soup, and ale. The two teams sat around a table laden with sizzling ribs, fragrant meat pies, roasted vegetables, stewed mushroom soup, and several large mugs of dark ale with thick foam.

Thorin gulped down a large mouthful of ale. His face, flushed from drinking, became even redder than usual as he began animatedly recounting his past experiences with flying spittle. Nancy nearby shook her head helplessly.

She said quietly to Gauss, "Don't listen to his bragging. Just treat his drunken stories as entertainment."

"Nancy, I can't pretend I didn't hear that," Thorin suddenly leaned over. Everyone laughed.

Halfway through dinner, Thorin brought up the old topic again, his face flushed as he wrapped an arm around Gauss's shoulder: "Gauss, seriously. Why not reconsider working with me? I guarantee you and your partners will live well and earn buckets of money."

Nancy added from the side: "Your abilities are quite special, Gauss. Traveling with us, you could access higher-level commissions. This might be more beneficial for your growth."

If Thorin's first invitation to Gauss had been somewhat impulsive, this invitation was completely sincere. Gauss's visible contributions during this trip were obvious, and most of the credit for successfully completing their objectives went to him.

Several pairs of eyes watched him intently. Gauss put down his mug, thought for a long time, then responded: "Thorin, Nancy, Elton, I really appreciate your regard and invitation, but I prefer growing together with my teammates, following our own pace step by step through commissions. Sorry."

Of course, he had another concern he didn't voice. Thorin's trio clearly had unusual identities - Gauss even suspected they weren't ordinary free adventurers but had hidden backgrounds. Otherwise, how did they receive intelligence about this deity-related commission? This raised another question: could they freely choose these special "tasks," or were they assigned by superiors who required their execution? In Gauss's judgment, it leaned more toward the latter. If he joined them, his actions would face corresponding restrictions.

"Haha." Thorin's face showed a trace of regret, but he just laughed heartily. "Seems you have big ambitions, kid."

"But it's fine. If we can't be teammates, we can still be friends." Nancy took out a pre-prepared slip of paper and handed it to Gauss: "This is our address in 'Wineheart City.' Our team operates mostly in that area. If you pass through later or need help with minor troubles, you're very welcome to visit us."

"I'll visit when I have time," Gauss accepted the paper. Another unfamiliar city. Looking at the map location, it was already outside Coldjade Province's jurisdiction, quite some distance from Grayrock Town and Lincrest Town.

Elton looked at Gauss with gentle expression. Unlike Thorin and Nancy, he had no particular obsession with inviting Gauss to join their team. He was more concerned about the mysterious power Gauss used to finally eliminate the evil god aura several days prior.

With a tone of admonishment, he said: "Gauss, though I cannot fathom the power you wield, excessively powerful forces often come with great danger. Please be extremely careful using it. If you experience any discomfort, do not hesitate - the halls of Lathander, Lord of the Dawn, will always be open to those seeking light and hope. Faith might help you control that power." He ended with gentle proselytizing.

Gauss nodded, his consciousness sinking into his body again. The mysterious Giant Egg had fallen back into sleep after absorbing and purifying the evil god's power and feeding energy back to him. But this time its shell surface had become more luminous, with intricate golden patterns flowing across it.

The group didn't discuss serious matters further after that, instead exchanging adventurous anecdotes and cultivation insights over the meal as time flew by. The enjoyable dinner ended in a lively atmosphere.

After this gathering, the two teams that had initially established trust were about to go their separate ways again.

...

After seeing off the dwarf Thorin and his group at the town gate, Serlandul also informed Gauss of his need to leave the team for a few days.

"Captain, I feel the level 3 bottleneck that's trapped me for so long has loosened. I may need to leave for a few days to prepare for breakthrough to level 4."

"Breaking through levels? That's wonderful news," Gauss said happily upon hearing this. According to Serlandul himself, he'd been stuck at level 3 for over two years, nearly three years.

"This is thanks to you, Captain," Serlandul said gratefully.

"Why thank me? This is the result of your own efforts," Gauss waved dismissively, thinking he was just being polite.

But Serlandul shook his head, his expression particularly serious: "No, Captain. I can feel that without this mission, it might have taken me quite some time longer to break through. Especially when you purified that aura at the end... I felt a surge of pure energy that could enhance strength suddenly emerge within my body. It must be closely related to you, Captain."

Halfway through dinner, Thorin brought up the old topic again, his face flushed as he wrapped an arm around Gauss's shoulder: "Gauss, seriously. Why not reconsider working with me? I guarantee you and your partners will live well and earn buckets of money."

Gauss looked at his two partners who had shared many adventures with him, falling into deep thought. While adventure and exploration themselves provided subtle assistance to all adventurers' professional advancement and level progression, that growth tended to be smooth, often undetectable to the individual themselves.

This abrupt enhancement experience was the first time for both since joining him, considering he himself seemed to have gained substantial "experience." A suspicion formed in his mind - could that mysterious white egg share additional party experience with teammates?!

His mind flashed with images from the Dark Forest and those accidentally overheard words. The Converts guarding the Giant Egg, the Treants, the energy-rich depths of the forest, the numerous evolving insects... It seemed to possess some ability to initiate "evolutionary advancement." Its secrets ran deeper than he originally thought.

"It's probably related to that egg," Gauss rubbed his temples, sharing his speculation with his partners.

Hearing Gauss's explanation, both were momentarily stunned. Truthfully, if Gauss hadn't mentioned it, they would have almost forgotten about it. After completing the Dark Forest investigation commission, their team had experienced the defense of Outpost 11, evacuation, reaching agreement with Thorin's group, exploring ruins, and purifying the evil god aura. Each event was significant enough for ordinary adventurers to remember.

Several pairs of eyes watched him intently. Gauss put down his mug, thought for a long time, then responded: "Thorin, Nancy, Elton, I really appreciate your regard and invitation, but I prefer growing together with my teammates, following our own pace step by step through commissions. Sorry."

"Still, we must thank you, Captain," Serlandul thanked again. Nothing in this world was taken for granted - if Gauss hadn't gained its "favor," they as team members wouldn't enjoy these benefits.

"Well, small matter. Focus on your advancement - Aria and I will wait for you in town. Be careful, and come find us at the inn after completing your advancement." Gauss waved it off. A partner's strength meant the team's overall strength - good for everyone.

"Understood," Serlandul nodded.

That afternoon, after seeing off Serlandul, Gauss looked at Aria: "Well, now it's just the two of us again. Let's use this time to rest, replenish supplies, and learn some spells. We can also gather intelligence about the Emerald Forest."

"Good idea," Aria responded enthusiastically. "My spellcasting materials have been quite depleted too. Perfect time to replenish with Lincrest Town's specialties - the plant varieties here are much richer than in Grayrock Town."

With over thirty gold coins each still heavy in their pockets from the division, plus previously unspent coins, it was time to spend, converting them into actually needed supplies and items. Young adventurers didn't need savings - gold coins only had value when spent on becoming supplies, equipment, spells, skills, and knowledge.

They came to a blacksmith shop called "Firetongue." This was recommended by Thorin before leaving - the owner was his clansman.

Pushing the door open, a wave of heat mixed with the scents of metal, coal, and leather greeted them. The shop was wider than imagined. Like most blacksmith shops, the walls were covered with various finished weapons and armor. From plain farming tools and logging axes to swords, scimitars, chainmail, and other combat equipment - everything was available.

A shirtless dwarf blacksmith with bulging muscles, wearing a thick leather apron, had just finished a piece and was immersing a glowing red sword blank into a water trough. The scorching blank entered the water with a "hiss," sending up clouds of white steam.

He picked up the towel on his shoulder to wipe sweat, looking up at the two customers who entered, asking casually: "What can I get you two?"

"I heard from Thorin that you handle weapon repair work here, master?"

With a tone of admonishment, he said: "Gauss, though I cannot fathom the power you wield, excessively powerful forces often come with great danger. Please be extremely careful using it. If you experience any discomfort, do not hesitate - the halls of Lathander, the Morninglord, will always be open to those seeking light and hope. Faith might help you control that power." He ended with gentle proselytizing.

Perhaps because of the acquaintance connection, his attitude noticeably softened. Gauss then took out the "Windrunner" he obtained from the ruins, plus Aria's golden dagger and Serlandul's silver small round shield. Though he'd used Windrunner several times, having been sealed for centuries, some repair and maintenance work needed professional handling.

"Haven't seen a Windrunner in such good condition for ages," dwarf Morik held the longsword, eyes flashing with admiration. "And these are Dawnlight and Thunderface, right? These were popular elite weapons centuries ago."

"You came to the right person. I dare say I'm the only one in all Lincrest Town who can handle these."

"By the way, did you explore some ancient ruins?" Morik almost instantly recognized the weapon series and identified their origins.

"Yes," Gauss didn't elaborate due to involving Thorin's privacy. Morik didn't mind either.

After this gathering, the two teams that had initially established trust were about to go their separate ways again.

"This Dawnlight dagger needs energy reinfusion to wake it up..."

"The Thunderface shield needs edge correction and structural reinforcement..."

He gently tapped the weapons repeatedly, finally giving a quote after some time: "All three together, materials and labor, 12 gold coins. Pick them up evening the day after tomorrow. I guarantee they'll be good as new, better than now."

Gauss glanced at Aria, then nodded agreement. The price sounded expensive at first, but considering it covered three weapons, the cost per item was 4 gold coins. All three were ancient relics, elite-grade weapons. Elite-grade weapons typically sold for dozens of gold coins, so spending one-tenth their value on major repairs requiring additional materials from the blacksmith was reasonable. One couldn't expect elite-grade weapon repair costs to match ordinary iron weapons.

Moreover, these three came from dwarf craftsmanship. However reluctantly Thorin might admit it, the Duergar and dwarves shared the same technical lineage. Ordinary blacksmiths wouldn't know where to begin with these centuries-old specialized weapons - they could only be handled by dwarf blacksmiths.

Weapons and equipment couldn't be treated carelessly. Though he'd used Windrunner before without apparent issues, subtle flaws might be harmless now but could cause irreparable damage in future battles. Reliable weapons and shields were like second lives to adventurers. Overall, this was a fair price, though Gauss wondered if Thorin's connection helped.

"Deal, Master Morik. We leave it to you," Gauss promptly handed over 12 gold coins. His promptness made the dwarf blacksmith nod with satisfaction.

"Rest assured, both of you. Come get your treasures punctually tomorrow evening."

Leaving the blacksmith shop, the two wandered through surrounding commercial streets, replenishing essential adventure supplies like ropes, grappling hooks, and antidotes at general stores and herb shops, plus Aria's spellcasting materials, specific seeds, and animal teeth. Gauss also bought some adhesive.

Afterward, they went to the Adventurers Guild second floor to purchase spells, concluding their shopping trip.

Aria bought the 1st circle spell Faerie Fire, a control and support spell that made affected creatures emit faint light, revealing invisible enemies or making enemies in darkness more visible, increasing party attack accuracy.

Gauss purchased the 2nd circle spell [Heat Metal]. This transmutation spell could target any manufactured metal object he could see, such as metal weapons or metal armor, making it intensely hot. Any creature touching it would suffer burn damage.

It might sound ordinary, but it wasn't. This spell had wide applications. Though useless against poor Goblins wielding wooden clubs and wearing rags, Gauss added this spell considering future enemies would have increasingly sophisticated equipment. Against heavily armored enemies using metal weapons, this spell served as an alternative version of "Disarm Weapon, Disarm Armor," forcing enemies to choose between disarming or enduring burns.