I Am Not Goblin Slayer
Chapter 30: Tactical Core

After Gauss demonstrated his skills, especially Magic Missile, the attitudes of others toward him subtly changed within an extremely short time. Though no one said it outright, their gazes when looking at Gauss carried additional gravity.

During the subsequent individual showcases and team tactical drills, everyone put in extra effort. It seemed that after Gauss set a good example, each person feared their abilities being underestimated and went all out to prove themselves. Sensing the shift in team dynamics, Gauss shook his head and couldn't help but sigh. Indeed, in any world, the strong are always respected. Even if the strong remain taciturn, the team wouldn't ignore their voice because of it. A path paved with flowers and applause...

However, Gauss also understood that strength is relative. With Magic Missile's formidable destructive power, he could instantly occupy the tactical core position responsible for lethal strikes in the team. This was because he was at least one tier above others in terms of burst damage. But among professionals? He might just be another nobody on the roadside, where anyone could casually produce stronger attacks. His Ring 1 spell cast by a rankless mage apprentice might not even match the power of a professional's Ring 0 Cantrip. Moreover, he could only use one full-powered Magic Missile earlier, while professionals could cast Ring 0 spells with even less mana consumption. In other words, his ultimate move was just a professional's basic attack.

He'd heard from Shopkeeper Grom that after formally advancing in profession and condensing a Rank, a mage's mana quantity would increase, its quality would become more refined, and the same spell would yield stronger effects than before. Once he stepped into the professional realm, he'd likely be able to use enhanced Magic Missiles more frequently, rather than being limited to two weakened versions or one full-powered missile in a short time like now.

"That Gauss..." 

"From now on, leave the front to me."

"I can help restrain enemies for you."

Levin watched the few people still gathered around Gauss after the drills ended and sighed in relief. Actually, he possessed a special ability he'd never mentioned to others - a mysterious intuition that had saved his life several times. That morning in the adventurer's hall, when passing by Gauss, he'd suddenly felt an indescribable stirring sensation, sensing something extraordinary about him standing among the crowd like a crane among chickens. So it wasn't after Gauss admitted being a "mage" that Levin chose to approach him, but before that, having already recognized Gauss's uniqueness. This was why he immediately showed intentions to recruit him, even though neither he nor his team members had previously considered adding new members. This also explained why some members were cold toward Gauss - their attitude probably stemmed partly from Levin suddenly bringing someone in without prior discussion, naturally making others uncomfortable inside. 

He couldn't explain the reason to his companions. But now, with Gauss demonstrating strength surpassing ordinary low-level adventurers and smoothly gaining other members' recognition, Levin felt somewhat relieved. At least the outcome was good. The only remaining challenge was how to formally recruit Gauss into the team. Honestly, after interacting for most of the day, Levin could vaguely discern some of Gauss's thoughts. And truth be told, this guy might actually be the most aloof one. Because from start to finish, whether facing Doyle's initial coldness or current friendliness, Gauss maintained the same faint smile on his face. As if no matter how his teammates behaved, he could accept it all. But precisely this attitude reflected a state of detachment.

Early next morning.  

"Dong—"  

"Dong—"  

The melodious tolling of bells awakened Grayrock Town.  

"You're up so early today?" Sophia in the lobby looked curiously at Gauss coming downstairs.  

"Got a mission. Made plans with the team." Before leaving, Gauss checked his equipment and pack again. Only after confirming nothing was missing did he step out.  

"Sophia, I'm off. Probably won't be back for a few days."  

"Safe journey, be careful on your mission." Sophia watched Gauss leave. She already knew he'd officially switched to being an adventurer. His decision worried her somewhat. Adventuring was dangerous work—there was no telling when this young man striving far from home might end up dead in the wilderness. If misfortune struck, perhaps no one besides her, this unrelated innkeeper, would ever know his fate. The thought made her feel somewhat sad and concerned. But she had no standing to interfere with this young man's life choices. Even if she didn't approve, she could only offer blessings. 

However, she could tell that recently, Gauss's physical condition and mental state had been improving, even changing noticeably day by day—completely different from the past year. "Perhaps Little Gauss has found his true purpose in life..."

Buying some meat pies on the street, he ate while walking toward the town exit.  

"Morning!" came the voice of swordsman Doyle from behind.  

"Morning."  

"Want some jerky?"  

"No thanks, I've got fresh meat pies." Gauss responded between big mouthfuls.  

Before reaching the town exit, he spotted the tall Levin by the roadside from afar, standing beside a horse pulling a flatbed cart. Doyle naturally placed his pack, armor and weapons on the cart.  

"This is?" Gauss blinked.  

"Our team's packhorse cart. Gauss, put your gear here too." Levin waved him over. So Gauss also placed his pack and leather armor on the cart. Levin's greatshield, scale armor, Doyle's greatsword and armor, along with cooking pots, food, tents and other supplies were all loaded. Quite well-prepared, Gauss thought privately. 

But on reflection, it made sense—with six people in their group, finding suitable merchant caravans to hitch rides with would be difficult on short notice. Even if they got lucky finding one for the trip out, what about returning? Without horses, no matter how strong Levin and Doyle were, they couldn't possibly walk a full day's journey in the wilderness wearing heavy armor. Probably why the Night Owl Squad specifically maintained a packhorse cart. Though whether bought or rented remained unclear.  

Before long, the others arrived at the meeting point. Everyone unloaded their burdens onto the cart. After confirming no personnel or supplies were missing, Levin gave the signal and the group set out from Grayrock Town traveling light.  

"Creak creak—"  

The sound of wooden wheels rolling over the ground accompanied their orderly progress. Those who got tired occasionally took turns resting on the cart. Overall, the experience was much better than Gauss had imagined.  

"I should get a horse later too—could carry my own gear and future team members' belongings," Gauss mused. Last time when he trekked back from Birch Village loaded with loot, he'd nearly collapsed from exhaustion. At first it was fine, but after an hour or two, he regretted it—lugging various bags and trophies, needing to stop and rest every stretch, otherwise completely spent. It ultimately took over two days, with blistered feet, to return to Grayrock Town. And this was after boosting his Constitution to 6. Now traveling light felt like an entirely different experience.  

Throughout the journey, Gauss felt he was constantly absorbing adventuring knowledge from Levin. Adventuring wasn't like games from his past life where you teleported straight to mission locations. In reality, low-level adventurers spent most time on the road, making preparation crucial. Of course, higher-ranked professionals might operate differently, but Gauss wasn't at that level yet. He was steadily absorbing nutrients, quietly accumulating strength and growing.  

Speaking of which, he'd already inquired about basic wand material prices from Daphne—much more expensive than expected. Material quality varied, including holly, elder, lightning-struck wood, peach, hawthorn etc. Not every branch could be used—only rare segments suitable for mana conduction were selected for processing, so prices started at 70 silver coins. Some premium materials even cost more than the magic stone cores, exceeding 10 gold coins.