Chapter 107: The Book Box

Adventurer's Guild, main hall.

I protected the money pouch at my waist and squeezed through the crowded throng in front of me.

A faint smell of blood mixed with the stench of decay from the Mist Forest, the light clatter of metal armor rubbing and colliding in the jostling crowd, the Common tongue spoken with thick accents from unknown parts of the continent...

With twin swords on my back and wearing two layers of armor, in any ordinary small town on the continent, I would get more than a few stares walking down the street.

But here in the Adventurer's Guild, it couldn't be more normal.

Walking on a tightrope, accompanied by countless dangerous and deadly monsters.

Strengthening one's combat power by all possible means, to maximize the probability of returning alive.

Things like aesthetics, grace, appearance... were not worth mentioning.

For an adventurer, staying alive was the foundation of everything.

After struggling to squeeze out of the crowd, I caught my breath.

Before my eyes was a mission board that took up almost the entire wall.

I had finally practiced [Fang Hunt] to the point where it appeared on my attribute panel.

I had already made a plan to use the upcoming period to increase the proficiency of [Fang Hunt] as much as possible while searching for other suitable combat techniques.

If I could take this opportunity to raise it to "Mastery" lv5, based on my previous experience with [Whirlwind Slash].

In addition to the attribute point reward, I might even be able to gain a related specialty.

It would be a huge boost to my current combat power.

Of course, I was an adventurer who had completed a few missions, after all.

I certainly wasn't going to be so foolish as to just rush into the forest and train blindly.

After all, I still had to save money to upgrade my arm shield. If I could make some extra money on the side, it would be for the best.

...

[Mission No.]: 26

[Type]: Bounty

[Reward]:

150000 Gold (crossed out)

300000 Gold!!! (marked in conspicuous red font)

[Mission Brief]: An extraordinary-rank Swamp Druid (Spore Society) has destroyed half of the "Karanfor" urban area after contaminating the water source in the lower district of Nyum, and his whereabouts are now unknown.

Anyone with relevant information, please contact Peacekeeper Mr. Fran in River Valley Town.

[Time Limit]: None

...

The first thing that caught my eye was still the wanted poster for that high-level druid.

But its content had changed dramatically since the first time I came to the guild.

Not only had the bounty reached a staggering 300,000 gold, but the mission brief had also been updated with another of his "achievements."

—Destroyed half of Karanfor.

Seeing this, my expression couldn't help but falter.

"Swamp Druid," "Spore Society"...

In my mind, I subconsciously recalled that night not long ago, carried by the howl of wolves, amidst the afterglow of a sun-like dazzling light, the tiny dark purple particles that filled the air.

"Perhaps the target Forgan was tracking was this druid?"

I guessed in my heart.

"But since they already know he is the culprit of the Karanfor incident, with such a big commotion, the barbarian's presence couldn't possibly be hidden."

"Yet there are no related bounties on the mission board..."

"When it comes to the Swamp Druid, do the guild and Forgan share the same stance?"

Subconsciously, a peculiar feeling arose in my heart.

I was just an ordinary, low-level adventurer who hadn't even obtained a professional level.

Matters of this level should have been completely unrelated to me.

But by a twist of fate, the goodwill I had unintentionally formed with a mission teammate months ago had actually blossomed and borne fruit later on, allowing me to come into contact with the barbarian Forgan, who was of a similar power level and had intricate ties to the druid.

It was like running into a big celebrity who often appeared on the TV screen while shopping, and even discovering that they were a distant cousin of mine.

"A little interesting."

I sighed inwardly, but my gaze moved away.

I still had a clear understanding of my own capabilities.

Just the aftershock of the battle between the druid and Forgan had almost cost me my life.

It would be wise for me to stay far away from such a dangerous individual.

My gaze moved down.

...

[Mission No.]: 320C

[Type]: Bounty

[Reward]: 120 Gold

[Mission Brief]:

A tribe of gnolls from the Western Barrens has attacked several small villages around River Valley Town. They later fled into the Mist Forest after being driven away by professional adventurers.

[Time Limit]: 200 days

[Additional Information]:

There is a "Flesheater" elite individual in the pack, please be on guard.

...

"Gnoll Flesheater?"

I frowned slightly, recalling information related to it in my mind.

In a sense, the ecological niche of gnolls was actually quite similar to that of goblins.

They also lived in groups, were equally ferocious and brutal, full of malice towards other intelligent creatures, and often attacked passing caravans and human villages.

It was just that their numbers were much smaller, and their individual strength was a bit greater.

Even, just like "hobgoblins" and "bear goblins," gnolls also had elite individuals of their own race.

The "Flesheater" was one of them.

As for its specific combat power...

Like the bear goblin, its challenge rating was "1".

Not a target I could handle.

Rejecting it in my mind, I continued to look down.

...

[Mission No.]: 412D

[Type]: Investigation

[Reward]: 300 Gold

[Mission Brief]:

The "Fairy's Breeze" general store has been robbed by thieves. The owner, Mr. Fario, hopes an adventurer can help him find the pickpocket and recover the lost property.

[Time Limit]: 365 days

[Additional Information]:

"Gold coins, jewelry... As long as you return that one item to me, everything else you find is yours!"

—Fario of "Fairy's Breeze"

...

"No wonder he looked so unsettled at that time, it turns out he encountered a thief."

I recalled Fario's distracted appearance when I had the stone appraised at Fairy's Breeze before.

Understanding dawned in my heart.

"This reward is quite generous, a full three hundred gold coins."

Combined with his message at the end, this well-known general store owner in River Valley Town had probably suffered a heavy loss.

"I wonder who was so bold as to strike in a place like River Valley Town, not afraid of retaliation."

"Fairy's Breeze" had been open in town for some time. His meticulous and serious attitude and superb professional ability had earned the owner, Fario, a great reputation not only among low-level adventurers, but even many powerful professionals had dealings with him.

Normally, even seasoned veterans skilled in thievery would not choose such a target.

The risk was too great!

The only ones who would dare to do such a thing were probably the desperate types who would do one job and then run, never to return.

I shook my head.

The reward of 300 gold coins was incredibly tempting, but I didn't possess any tracking-related combat techniques. In my past life, I was just an office worker, with no relevant experience.

"This isn't gold I can earn."

Continuing down.

...

[Mission No.]: 603H

[Type]: Bounty

[Reward]: 25 Gold

[Mission Brief]:

Clear out a goblin nest located on the eastern periphery of the Mist Forest. For the specific location, please consult the relevant staff at the guild.

...

My eyes couldn't help but light up.

"That's the one!"

Since I transmigrated, I was still a long way from obtaining a professional level, but I'd seen my fair share of monsters like basilisks, thorn demons, and bear goblins.

Missions like killing goblins and clearing nests, that's what I should be doing.

Moreover, the main purpose of my trip this time was to increase the proficiency of [Fang Hunt].

I had gained some experience clearing out quite a few goblin caves while following the barbarian before.

This time, I was actually planning to use the green-skins for practice.

A mission like this was exactly to my liking.

I could accumulate combat technique proficiency through battle, and at the same time, take on a mission to earn some money for food.

Killing two birds with one stone!

I scanned it a couple more times, memorized the mission number, and walked towards the front desk.

...

Ten days ago.

The air was filled with the aroma of alcohol and food. A wooden cup sat quietly on the dining table, the clear liquor within rippling slightly from the boisterous footsteps of the patrons coming and going.

Vig sat alone in the hall.

His expression was placid as he drank by himself.

From time to time, he would cast his gaze out the window, observing the gradually darkening sky outside.

Wearing a simple cloth shirt, he looked like just an ordinary townsman, appearing out of place in the White Sparrow Tavern, where the vast majority of customers were adventurers.

Only occasionally, due to the loud shouts of the dwarf at the next table, did he show a hint of disdain and disgust.

"Haven't been back in a few years, this backwater place is still the same."

Although he had once had days of bleeding and sweating while struggling in River Valley Town, ever since he was promoted to "Rogue" and obtained a professional level.

He returned to Nyum, and with his status as a professional and the savings he had accumulated, he began to live a respectable life.

But having come from an adventuring background, a life of precarity had long accustomed him to extravagance.

It had been fine when he was in River Valley Town; the rewards from various missions were substantial and could cover his expenses.

But in Nyum, facing high prices without compromise, he insisted on living like a nobleman. Without a source of income, the small fortune he had saved up quickly bottomed out.

He had no choice but to take on some unsavory "dirty work" to pay the bills.

"Damn it, if it weren't for those bastards from the Wickliffe family, I wouldn't have to miss even the Midsummer Day, and come back to this damn place."

He cursed in his heart.

Vig raised his head again and glanced at the sky outside.

Seeing that the sun had completely set and night had fallen.

After drinking the last layer of liquor at the bottom of the cup, he stood up and walked towards the tavern entrance.

"Karlin Maggot!" "Wind Servant!" "%￥#@￥"

Behind him, the red-bearded dwarf who had just been talking animatedly with his tablemates seemed to have gotten into a conflict with someone. There was pushing and shoving, and the patrons in the hall began to gather around.

With a sneer, his face showed undisguised contempt.

Vig walked around the black-haired youth with twin swords on his back, who was sitting and watching the excitement.

He walked out of the tavern and suddenly felt a cold wind blow through the stuffy air.

He shivered subconsciously.

He looked around suspiciously but found nothing.

Only then did he spit fiercely at the tavern entrance and turn to leave.

And not long after he left, accompanied by an increasingly fierce and chilling wind, a burly figure wearing a wolfskin cloak slowly walked into the tavern.

Vig's mission this time was simple.

No need to kill anyone, no need to face dangerous monsters.

If he was lucky, he wouldn't even have to draw his blade.

—Steal an item from Fario of "Fairy's Breeze."

For a rogue, "stealing" was not a difficult task.

Especially when he already disliked the man.

"What's with the act, you really think you're some kind of master just because you wear a pair of glasses."

"Just because you can appraise a few stones, you put on a straight face and won't even give two extra gold coins."

"Serves you right for being resented!"

Perhaps recalling his experiences as an adventurer, Vig's expression darkened considerably, a hint of schadenfreude in his eyes.

The mission was clear, and he knew the target inside and out.

But he was experienced, after all.

He didn't choose to make his move on the first day he returned to River Valley Town.

Instead, he patiently staked out the "Fairy's Breeze" shop for several nights.

Only after he had completely figured out the other party's routine and living habits.

Did he begin his operation late one night a few days later.

Draped in a black night-walking cloak, his steps were silent.

The iron wire at his fingertips just lightly brushed against the door lock, and with a barely audible click, the shop door swung open.

Fario was not married and naturally had no children; he lived alone.

He didn't go out often, but when he occasionally went to the White Sparrow for a drink, he would drink until dawn the next day before returning home.

Ample time.

With the generous reward promised by his employer in mind, his movements were nimble, like a phantom in the darkness.

In just over ten minutes, he found the hole in the wall Fario used to hide things, behind a picture frame hanging in the inner room.

A small, unremarkable box.

He casually broke the mechanism and pulled it open.

Inside was a thin book with a light red cover.

He flipped through a couple of pages and confirmed it was his mission target.

Without wasting any more time, Vig stuffed the book, box and all, into his coat, and was about to leave.

Then, as if remembering something, he paused, looked at the surrounding shelves, and subconsciously licked his dry lips.

He didn't dare to delay too long, and carrying too much would hinder his escape.

He just grabbed a few handfuls of gold coins and jewels and stuffed them into his waist pouch.

He swiftly left the town under the cover of night and mounted the horse he had prepared on the outskirts of town during the day.

With the book box in his coat, he headed towards Nyum City.

"After this mission is over, I should be able to live it up for a few months!"

His body rose and fell with the galloping horse. With the operation going smoothly, Vig couldn't help but relax a little, his thoughts wandering.

"After some time, I'll ask a few friends, Fario..."

Boom—

On the distant horizon, a dazzling golden ball of light, like a sun, suddenly burst forth.

The galloping horse was startled, its hooves rearing high.

Vig was caught off guard and was thrown directly from the horse's back.

Fortunately, his rogue's instincts allowed him to adjust his posture in mid-air, maintaining his center of gravity.

Not only did he land lightly on the ground, but he also rolled sideways, dodging the falling hooves.

"Fuck! What was that!"

His eyes reflected the blinding light from afar. A scorching wind, carrying wolf howls and spores, washed over his body like a tidal wave, his outer cloak whipping violently.

His face was pale with shock. Holding the reins, he was just about to mount the horse.

Suddenly, the dull thud of flapping wings came from above his head.

A sharp wind blew.

Vig instinctively dove to the side.

The next second, a monster with membranous wings and bone spikes all over its back and tail, surrounded by dark purple spores, swooped down like a falcon, crushing his mount into a bloody pulp.

"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!"

"How can there be a thorn demon in this damn place!?"

His pupils contracted violently, his hand tightly gripping a short dagger.

Vig wailed in despair in his heart.

Knowing there was no possibility of escape, he clutched at a sliver of hope and lunged forward.

The shadow power granted by the "Rogue" class, along with his agile body, actually allowed him to not be at a disadvantage at the very beginning.

The poison-coated dagger, its edge glowing with a faint blue light, left wound after wound on the thorn demon's body.

In the midst of the struggle, the thorn demon's eyes, which were gradually losing their sanity under the erosion of the spores, flashed with a final glimmer of humanity.

It exposed an opening, allowing Vig to leave a deep wound in the center of its chest, the poison from the blade's surface seeping into its flesh.

At the same time, its long tail took the opportunity to shoot out a bone spike, impaling the unlucky thief.

Its last shred of sanity was also annihilated by the erosion of the spores. The thorn demon let out a piercing shriek, flapped its wings, and unsteadily took off, its body disappearing into the depths of the night sky.

Still clutching the book box stolen from the general store, Vig's body lay quietly on the ground.

It's unknown how much time passed, perhaps attracted by the stench of rotting flesh.

A few goblins wandering in the wilderness discovered Vig's body.

They immediately let out sharp cheers, waving the wooden clubs in their hands, smashing the rotten and softened flesh, and brought it back to their cave.

The blood-stained ragged clothes were torn to shreds, and the wooden box containing the thin book was casually tossed into a corner of the cave.

What echoed between the stone walls was the gurgling sound of boiling soup and the sound of chewing.

A bone with scraps of meat remaining fell next to the book box.

In the damp and stuffy environment of the cave, in just a few days, the cooked strands of meat also began to stink.

"Ska!"

The excited and greedy shrieks of the goblins suddenly echoed densely in the cave.

And immediately following was the dull sound of a blade entering flesh.

The air was compressed, faintly emitting a sound like a wolf's howl.

Twitching and convulsing skinny limbs fell to the ground, and viscous pus and blood splattered onto the surface of the book box.

In just over a dozen seconds, the green-skins' cries changed from initial jubilation to anger, and then to panic.

Finally, it returned to silence.

In the cave, only a slow, heavy breathing sound remained.

The book box still lay quietly in the corner.

Footsteps gradually approached.

The wooden box was picked up from the ground.

Opened.

Facing the light red thin book inside the box, was a black-haired youth with sharp features.