Goblin Dependency
Chapter 329 - 173 "Colander" Ben_2

Chapter 329: Chapter 173 "Colander" Ben_2

It allowed Xia Nan to not encounter any particular trouble along the way.

In such harsh environments, those struggling to survive clearly know who can be provoked and who should be avoided.

But...

"That Ben, does he really live here?"

Reflecting the surrounding thatched huts and mud houses in his eyes, Xia Nan asked with some doubt, questioning Iron Head who was leading the way ahead.

Based on the information he had gathered so far, although "Colander" Ben had not obtained a Professional Level, he should still be considered a fairly seasoned adventurer.

With a regular job that provides a stable income source—after all, his nickname "Colander" comes from having worked as a cook at the Iron Bucket Toad Tavern.

In his impression, these adventurers in semi-retirement, even if they cannot have the family bliss like Jeff and Buck, shouldn’t be living too badly.

Especially as it was just after the side-income earning activity of Hunting Day, returning to Neum from River Valley Town.

No matter how lavishly one might spend on usual days, one should still have money to splurge a few days at the tavern.

Seems like knowing a bit of the inside story, Iron Head’s steps remain steady, with a calm tone that reveals nothing of his actual thoughts:

"Mr. Ben lived quite... uh, extravagantly in his youth."

"Retiring from adventuring didn’t leave him with much savings, he even sold his once nice set of houses quite early."

"He’s not particularly wealthy, and I’ve heard he occasionally needs to be supported by his old teammates."

"However, it was because of this that I got the chance to meet him, wouldn’t you agree?"

Coincidentally at a corner, Iron Head turned around, smiling as he spread his hands towards Xia Nan behind him.

Whether one achieves a Professional Level is a watershed moment for most adventurers in this world.

Just like athletes who were active on courts in the past life, age and injuries greatly limit the development of adventurers.

The former might bring more experience and skills, but the aging body and declining physical condition multiply the dangers of the adventure process;

The latter, for injuries sustained during missions, a bottle of Healing Potion costs 50 gold coins, saved up over time can be bought.

Yet the internal injuries accumulated over years due to poor living habits, high-pressure environments, and over-exertion cannot be cured by just a potion costing less than three digits.

Many adventurers appear to be at the peak of their lives during retirement, in their thirties or forties.

In reality, their bodies have long been on the verge of collapse due to the high-intensity adventuring life.

If they don’t receive proper rest, they age quickly, and within a few years, an unexpected illness might suddenly take their life away.

Only by mastering Battle Skills to "Master" level and the physical enhancement brought by promotions can they fundamentally reverse the setbacks caused by age and injuries.

And even those with relatively good physical conditions after retirement, already accustomed to the safe and stable life of the towns, find it not easy to pick up the sword and shield covered in thick dust in the warehouse once again.

"We’re here, Mr. Xia Nan."

"Ahead is Ben’s residence."

After weaving through the maze-like alleys for a while longer, Iron Head led Xia Nan to stop in front of a small brick house.

One could only say, the environment was somewhat better than he had imagined.

Although still in the slum, Ben’s house and the street in front of it were noticeably cleaner, clearly frequently maintained by someone.

The house itself might not be much in the West City District, but compared to the thatched huts and mud shacks on both sides, it stood out like a crane among a flock of chickens.

Without letting Xia Nan do it himself, Iron Head very considerately stepped forward to knock on the door for him.

Knock knock knock—

"Who is it?"

A voice, slightly drowsy, as if just awakened, came from inside the door.

And then, the sound of slow, heavy footsteps drew closer.

Xia Nan did not relax his vigilance, his peripheral vision swept past the narrow, densely built surroundings, his right hand lightly lifted, prepared to draw his Wooden Sword, [Green Pine], for battle.

Meanwhile, he focused on the door, and if the other side made any unusual move, the enormous pressure from [Gravity Control] would instantly gush forth.

"Creak."

The sound of door hinges grinding and turning emitted a harsh noise.

Then, in the gap of the door, a wary face with stubble appeared.

Seeing Iron Head standing at the door, Ben’s tense face slightly relaxed, and he waved:

"A bit busy lately, not taking work. Tell your boss..."

As he spoke midway, the door gap widened, revealing the fully armored stern figure standing behind Iron Head.

His expression abruptly changed, his right hand holding the door knob tensed, about to close the door.

Yet the next second, an invisible force emerged from nowhere, pinning him in place.

The door previously intended to be shut, under the mysterious force’s influence, seemed to be drawn by the adjacent wall, slipping from his grasp and flying open with a "bang!", slamming into the wall.

[Gravity Control] silently took effect, as Xia Nan patted Iron Head’s shoulder and walked past him.

The chain armor’s iron rings clinked with a light, crisp sound, the shadow cast by the sun cloaking the middle-aged man’s face in front.

"Ben, right?"

"The Association sent me to get some information from you."

...

...

The cramped, simple living room filled with clutter.

Ben sat on the sofa, his back straight as an arrow, with an awkward and stiff smile on his face.

"My apologies, Mr. Xia Nan."

"The... Association didn’t notify me, I truly didn’t know it was you coming."

As an adventurer active in the Lower City District, often helping gangs with jobs, ever since retirement, he had offended countless people and tangled with numerous forces, so many even he couldn’t count anymore.

At the first sight of Xia Nan, Ben naturally assumed the Gray Badger Gang had betrayed him, bringing in a hit man to settle scores, prompting his instinctive fleeing action.

This led to his previous actions.

After Xia Nan’s explanation, he realized he had misunderstood the other party.

As for whether Xia Nan was deceiving him to lower his guard...

His mind instinctively recalled the eerie scene of the door in his hand being out of his control, frozen on the spot.

He didn’t think any force would have the resources to hire such an obviously Professional Level Big Shot to deal with someone as insignificant as himself.

"You came here this time for...?"

On the table in front, steaming tea dispersed in white wisps.

Xia Nan leaned forward slightly.

"How much do you know about Buck?"

"Buck?" Ben’s expression paused, then he lowered his voice, cautiously speaking.

"Wasn’t he already dead?"

"If he were still alive, where might he be?"

"Hmm, as for his whereabouts..." Ben frowned in thought, muttering to himself.

"He grew up in the slums, his parents died before he developed memories, raised by his grandfather, but that elder also passed away six years ago."

"Had some connections with the owner of Iron Bucket Toad, often went there alone for drinks, perhaps..."

He glanced at Xia Nan’s expression,

"Alright, it seems you’ve already been there."

After pondering for a while, he still couldn’t give a definitive answer.

Seeing the other side couldn’t recall immediately, Xia Nan planned to approach from other angles, to find any useful clues.

Recalling Buck’s neighbor, a girl named Harriet had mentioned that Buck returned to Neum injured midway through the Hunting Day, suggesting he encountered an accident during his adventure.

While Ben in front was Buck’s teammate at that time, he should know something.