The bluish-gray treasure chest no longer bore the red beast-shaped mark that had once adorned it.

Having just obtained an excellent-grade skill scroll from the previous chest, Lin Mo opened this second treasure chest with excited anticipation.

"Huh?"

What met his eyes wasn't another scroll, nor was it weapons or equipment, but rather a small sphere about the size of a thumbnail and a red potion.

A health potion? Although such potions were quite valuable at 15 gold coins, finding only this in a bronze treasure chest would inevitably be somewhat disappointing.

Frowning, Lin Mo carefully picked up the bottle of potion, but the doubt in his eyes quickly vanished.

No, this wasn't...

Because it was valuable enough and he was quite curious about this miraculous alchemy, Lin Mo had spent considerable time studying the health potion after purchasing it.

Although this bottle of potion was also red, it clearly differed from the health potion.

First was the difference in color—the health potion leaned more toward dark red, while this potion's color was brighter, almost fiery red.

Next was the difference in texture. When gently shaken, the liquid in the narrow bottle was noticeably thicker than the health potion.

But this probably wasn't an intermediate or potent health potion superior to the basic one, because as soon as Lin Mo picked up this potion, he immediately felt its scorching temperature.

It had reached a level where it was almost burning to the touch, forcing him to quickly put down the potion.

Due to his lack of understanding of alchemical products, and the novice guide he previously purchased only covered basic potions, the specific effects of this potion remained unknown for now.

This type of knowledge wasn't Bern's area of expertise either. Most likely, they would have to wait until returning to town and visit the alchemy shop to ask that elderly woman for help.

The small bead beside it, however, looked somewhat familiar.

Lin Mo rummaged through his bag and pulled out the "Complete Guide to Roland Town Map," quickly finding the information he sought.

[Introduction to Common Precious Items]............34-38

Magic Stone: A precious gem naturally formed or originating from powerful magical creatures, containing strong magical energy. Through alchemists tuning its magical frequency, it can amplify magic of corresponding attributes. Can be held directly while channeling magic, or used as magical amplification devices embedded in staffs.

Picking up the small bead, Lin Mo found it shared the same scorching temperature as the potion from earlier.

However, unlike the rather "free-formed" images of magic stones in the guide, the one in Lin Mo's hand was noticeably smoother and more regular.

If this bead was a fire-attribute magic stone, then that potion from earlier was most likely related to it as well?

Lin Mo couldn't conceal the delight in his eyes. Great power didn't come without cost—the mage profession, hailed as the strongest class, aside from the well-known weaknesses like short movement range and fragility, had another even more fatal flaw: it was expensive.

Whether it was staffs used to enhance magical resonance or magical amplification devices like magic stones and potions, the prices were absurdly high.

Take staffs for example—as weapons, due to high material requirements and difficult craftsmanship, their prices generally reached several times that of physical class weapons.

As for precious items like magic stones, needless to say, according to the guide, even the most ordinary magic stone was worth at least 200 gold coins!

Getting this item from a treasure chest was definitely not a loss.

But...

Lin Mo sighed somewhat helplessly.

He had magic skill scrolls, magic stones, and potions, yet lacked the most crucial thing—magical power.

It was like having the soup heated and ingredients prepared, but missing the main course.

Time to sleep first.

Carefully storing these items away, Lin Mo took out his sleeping bag and crawled inside.

The day's exhaustion made his eyelids unbearably heavy as soon as he lay down, and within ten seconds, he was peacefully asleep.

Of course, as before, even after traveling with Bern's group for so long and becoming familiar and trusting of them, when outdoors, Lin Mo maintained necessary vigilance. His Wolf Bone Sword remained nearby, and he only entered light sleep—he would wake immediately at any sign of movement.

The night passed in the blink of an eye.

When Lin Mo opened his eyes, it was already morning.

Not early morning, but somewhat later, around eight or nine o'clock.

They hadn't arranged night watch shifts last night, and Evan had practically stayed awake the entire night. It wasn't until near dawn that Miriam finally woke up slowly. After watching her drink the remaining health potion, he finally closed his eyes with relief, soon snoring loudly.

Adequate rest, combined with his current 9-point constitution, left Lin Mo feeling thoroughly refreshed.

Uncle Bern sat under a tree not far away, holding a wineskin, leisurely drinking...

Well, drinking water.

Unless they were suicidal madmen or absolutely confident in their abilities, no adventurer would be foolish enough to drink alcohol during an expedition.

"I collected all those cat demon claws from the secret chamber. Combined with previous ones, we've exceeded the mission requirements."

Lin Mo couldn't conceal the delight in his eyes. Great power didn't come without cost—the mage profession, hailed as the strongest class, aside from the well-known weaknesses like short movement range and fragility, had another even more fatal flaw: it was expensive.

"So..."

"Time to return home!"

These three words from captain Bern made everyone excited beyond measure.

This adventure had encountered too many unexpected events, several brushes with death. Even for adventurers accustomed to living on the edge, their emotions had been pushed to the breaking point.

But now, everything had finally ended—they could go home!

"For this return journey, we'll need to trouble you one last time."

Bern looked at Lin Mo. After this, he planned to rest properly for a while and live a stable life. Evan and the others probably felt the same.

As for Lin Mo...

Now that he had become a class holder, he no longer belonged to their world.

He should join a new team and take on more challenging missions with higher rewards.

This understanding was mutually acknowledged without words.

Lin Mo nodded, extending a hand with an easy smile. "I'm still staying at that inn. Feel free to contact me if anything comes up."

Although he had indeed borne considerable pressure during these two adventures, beyond the benefits, Bern and the others had been helpful—answering many questions, teaching him how to set traps, and sharing numerous adventuring experiences.

"Good."

Bern bumped fists with him, a smile appearing on his serious face.

No need for sadness—such was the way among adventurers. Coming and going, chance encounters, passing clouds...

Whether meeting or parting, all were part of adventure's romance.

Setting their emotions in order and shouldering their packs, the group stepped into the forest, walking upon dappled shadows cast through the trees.

Today, the sunlight was just right.