Goblin Dependency
Chapter 325 - 171 Other Rewards_2

Chapter 325: Chapter 171 Other Rewards_2

Having grown up in the slums and barely held any decent jobs, Iron Head couldn’t stand such remarks.

He straightened his back and beat his chest, full of assurances.

As if the Gray Badger Gang would be handed over to him tomorrow.

In response, Eight Finger narrowed his eyes, offered a few words of encouragement, kindly patted his shoulder, and let him go about his own business.

Even though this kid claimed he had nothing to do with those two professionals earlier and just happened to run into them.

But who knows what they talked about along the way, or if they developed some sort of rapport.

Being nicer to him could potentially connect him with those two.

Eight Finger mused over this as he drew back his gaze.

His fingertips gently caressed the texture of the statue’s surface, feeling the cold touch coming from it.

For some unknown reason, the once hideously ugly wood carving, only held for a short while, turned pleasing to the eye.

Its vague outlines, smooth natural lines, and simple texture craftsmanship...

Surprisingly, Eight Finger experienced an indescribable, mystical beauty he had never encountered before.

Roar—

A deep, distorted roar emanating from the depths of the conduit broke his gradually immersive thoughts.

Instinctively, he glanced toward the direction of the sound, only to see a deep, dark void.

Grumbling:

"This damn place..."

...

...

When Xia Nan and Wood, following the small thug named "Crooked Neck," wound their way out of the sewer and left the slums to return to the city.

It was already dusk.

The sky was dim, with purplish-red clouds gliding across the horizon, strands of twilight faintly visible amid the far-off building eaves.

Wood maintained his stern and serious expression, but his words revealed a hint of concern.

"I have to go back to the young master. Be careful yourself tomorrow, don’t be careless."

"While the environment in the slums may not be as dangerous as the sewers, dangerous individuals often hide there, wanted with bounties from the Association."

"With your current level of ability... If you’re careful, there shouldn’t be too much trouble."

Xia Nan nodded seriously, indicating his understanding.

In fact, even without such reminders, he would remain vigilant.

Since arriving in Neum City, even on the fairly secure streets where Jeff resides.

Whenever leaving the house, he would always be fully armed, never forgetting the small dagger at his waist.

Despite gaining a Professional Level, he remained cautious, feeling even more aware because of his enhanced Perception Ability.

"If you encounter any particularly troublesome issues, you can seek help from the Moon God Church."

During their short time spent together, worried Xia Nan might suffer from his unfamiliarity with the city while completing the task, Wood offered additional advice before parting.

"The followers of the Moon Goddess are not stingy in offering aid to those trapped in dire straits, and with the Moon Feast approaching, under the gaze of the goddess, they possess sufficient combat strength."

With that, he suddenly displayed a peculiar and amusing expression on his serious face.

"If necessary, even if you’re not clear about the enemy’s identity or purpose."

"When seeking help from the church, you can hint at the enemy’s identity as ’cultists’ plotting a conspiracy that may endanger the entire city’s residents."

"This will make those robed individuals in the church pay extra attention."

Xia Nan memorized the key points being shared.

These obviously came from someone familiar with the church, summarized from many encounters.

Whether or not these could be useful, it’s always good to note them down.

"If the trouble is too great, or if it involves the church itself..." Wood hesitated slightly, his speech slowing as he seemed to consider whether what he was about to say was appropriate.

"You can come to me and the young master."

"At least your life will be safeguarded."

"But... for your sake, unless absolutely necessary, it would be best to avoid associating closely with us for the time being."

With the lord gravely ill, numerous eyes are set on the next City Lord position.

In such circumstances, the sudden meeting of the City Lord’s offspring with an unfamiliar professional could easily lead to unnecessary trouble.

"Understood, I’ll visit when there’s an opportunity in the future."

Having gathered information from newspapers and others, Xia Nan was aware of the happenings in Neum City and understood Wood’s advice was for his safety, hence he didn’t mind.

With his current strength, he had no trouble slaying a few goblins or slicing some gray skinned rats, but matters of this caliber were somewhat beyond his reach.

He had no intention of getting entangled in such disputes.

Of course, even with these thoughts, both Hai’an Wood had helped him greatly.

Realizing that he might not see them again soon, he decided to express his gratitude before speaking:

"I’ll let this matter go for now, but if you ever need anything within my capacity, you can find me in River Valley Town."

His words were sincerely yet politely meant as a farewell gesture.

Xia Nan didn’t think a City Lord’s young master, who could enlist the help of high-level professionals like Barbarian Fugang, would ever need his assistance.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Wood hesitated for a moment, then slowly spoke:

"Hmm... although it might seem a bit abrupt, in a while, there might indeed be a small task where we would need to trouble you."

If it had been before he met Xia Nan at the tavern, Wood wouldn’t have considered such an idea.

To his eyes, Xia Nan was just a newcomer skilled in a single Battle Skill.

But now, in less than a few months, Xia Nan had achieved Professional Level at an astonishing speed.

This greatly exceeded his expectations.

And if Xia Nan maintained such pace, over the next few months, he might truly find his footing on the professional path, moving towards ’Transcendent.’

After speaking, worried Xia Nan might misunderstand, Wood waved his hand, adding:

"Of course, even if we really need your help, it will be much later; no need to think about it now."

"Moreover, we would commission it through the Association as a formal task, not taking advantage of you."

As an adventurer, accustomed to bounty commissions, Xia Nan didn’t think much about it.

What truly caught his attention, or rather his curiosity, was the information inadvertently revealed by Wood’s words.

"Taking advantage?"

"If they commission the task through the Association, they would take a service fee, right? If they really need my help, directly contacting me privately would save money, wouldn’t it?"

Upon hearing Xia Nan’s confusion, Wood was momentarily stunned, then showed a look of realization.

"Almost forgot, this is your advancement task, to complete it before accessing the second floor, right?"

"I shouldn’t have mentioned it, let the Association tell you instead."

"No worries, you’ll find out once you complete the task and return."

Listening to this, Xia Nan’s confusion deepened.

He thought silently.

According to Wood’s implication, for adventurers who’ve attained Professional Level, aside from regular commission bounties, the Association might provide additional rewards.

Perhaps...

Xia Nan shook his head, discarding the complicated thoughts from his mind.

Speculating too much now was pointless; once he completed the task and returned to River Valley Town, everything would become clear.

Walking side by side down the streets, Xia Nan remembered all the instructions Wood had given him along the way, and the two formally parted at a certain intersection.

Xia Nan returned to Jeff’s place, where he was temporarily staying, waiting for the next morning when someone from the Gray Badger Gang would lead him to Colander Ben’s residence.