I Am Not Goblin Slayer
Chapter 55: Chasing Dreams with Malin 2

Black Anvil Workshop.  

Returning to a familiar place, Gauss looked at the shop with many feelings.  

The last time he came here, he was still a rookie who had just completed his first mission.  

He knew nothing about the adventurer's career or the supernatural system of this world.  

But now, he was already on the right path.  

He stepped into the blacksmith shop.  

Unexpectedly, Gauss did not see the familiar figure he had anticipated.  

Instead, a face he did not recognize was at the front counter.  

"Welcome to Black Anvil Workshop. Are you looking to buy any weapons or equipment?"  

Seeing the man dressed in standard adventurer armor and carrying a sword, he knew this visitor was unlikely just some passerby casually asking about prices.  

"I want to buy a short sword," Gauss said after looking around for a moment.  

Although he already had multiple weapons—daggers, a rapier, and a Bone Staff—he decided to add a short sword to his arsenal after some consideration.  

Light daggers were small and easy to conceal for emergencies, but in close-range frontal combat, short swords were more reliable.  

As for why he needed a short sword despite having a rapier, he was preparing for more varied combat environments in the future.  

In narrow places like caves and tunnels, a short sword would be more effective.  

Of course, the main reason was that he happened to have some cash on hand.  

Carrying more weapons was never a bad idea; he could choose the appropriate one for the situation.  

Choosing a short sword was not complicated; he just needed one that looked well-made.  

Short swords were a common choice among adventurers, so the shop stocked plenty of standardized models. Any one of them would do.  

"By the way, can I ask where Malin went?" Gauss casually asked while settling the payment.  

The new clerk glanced at him cautiously.  

"I'm his friend. I remember last time I came, he was still working here."  

The freckled boy replied.  

"He quit last week and went home. I heard he's preparing to become an adventurer." He shook his head as he spoke.  

"I don't know who persuaded Malin, but the shop owner tried to convince him to stay. He didn’t listen, and in the end, the owner even helped him by providing a weapon."  

The freckled boy looked puzzled.  

Gauss, feeling a bit awkward as the "culprit," listened quietly.  

He knew Malin was probably influenced by him, especially since last time when Shop Owner Grom had temporarily valued the Life Magic Stone at two gold coins, which greatly excited Malin.  

Perhaps that incident gave Malin the illusion that since Gauss could do it, he could too.  

Leaving the blacksmith shop, Gauss did not disturb Grom, who was busy forging in the backyard.  

Thinking of Malin, he sighed quietly.  

He actually wanted to say that if it weren’t for the golden finger of the Adventurer’s Manual, Malin probably wouldn’t have chosen to become an adventurer.  

"May he stay safe," Gauss shook his head.  

Regarding Malin’s choice, all he could do was bless him, hoping to see him again someday.  

Gauss did not have many acquaintances in this world.  

From Malin’s perspective, Gauss did not think becoming an adventurer was necessarily more promising than being a blacksmith.  

In terms of income, a competent blacksmith could surpass most low-level adventurers and enjoy stability and safety.  

Adventurers had higher potential ceilings, but the work was risky, and very few could reach the higher ranks. If stuck at the bottom, unless one truly yearned for that lifestyle, Gauss found it hard to imagine why anyone would give up the secure job of a blacksmith apprentice.  

Gauss turned and headed toward the Adventurers Guild.  

Common low-level monsters around Grayrock Town mostly included goblins, giant rats, and fishmen.  

He had no intention to carefully pick and choose.  

First, after collecting five types of monster profiles, the system would randomly select one monster's talent from the five killed.  

Since four slots were already filled, even carefully selecting the last monster was only a one-fifth chance.  

Moreover, even if it was the fifth type, there was no guarantee of drawing the desired talent.  

It was better to go with the flow, as long as he could gather five types to unlock the draw.  

"Looks like everyone has rested well," Levin said cheerfully, looking at the energetic group.  

Although nothing unexpected happened on their way back, everyone still carried a bit of mental shadow left by that ghoul.  

After several days of rest, the more experienced adventurers quickly adjusted their emotions and state.  

You can never know if your next mission will be your last, but if you still dream of becoming a professional, you must overcome the fear of the unknown and continue forward cautiously.  

The Night Owl Squad clearly had this awareness.  

"I'm ready to show my skills anytime," Doyle said, clenching his fist and glancing around at the other teammates.  

When his gaze settled on Gauss, it paused, and his eyes narrowed to carefully scrutinize him.  

Honestly, though reluctant to admit it, Gauss had always been Doyle’s main focus.  

Partly out of respect for a "strong" person, and partly because Doyle wanted to learn from Gauss’s growth.  

Therefore, he was very sensitive to Gauss’s changes.  

Seeing him again today, Doyle felt Gauss’s aura had shifted in an indescribable way compared to a few days ago.  

It was as if some shackles had been removed.  

Gauss felt uneasy under Doyle’s intense gaze.  

From his memories, he knew this world had a few people with unusual orientations.  

Although this body’s charm was still rated five points, Gauss felt it might be close to six points.  

However, the panel did not round numbers, so whether it was 5.1 or 5.9, it still showed as 5.  

His belief that his charm was nearing six was not due to vanity.  

He had solid reasons: his foundation was already good, and recently, eating well, drinking well, and replenishing nutrition had strengthened his body, improving his aura and vitality. It was natural that his charm had increased.  

Calling him somewhat handsome would not be an exaggeration.  

"I'll say this first: I like women," Gauss said helplessly to Doyle’s stare.  

The others first showed strange expressions, then followed his gaze.  

They saw Doyle looking stunned, his eyes shifting strangely for a moment.  

Especially Oliver, the archer, who was originally standing beside Doyle, silently stepped back several paces at some unknown time.  

Noticing the strange gaze of his comrade, Doyle, lost in thought, looked around at the teammates in confusion.  

He glanced at Oliver, silently asking for an explanation.  

"I like women too," Oliver said cautiously.  

Only then did Doyle realize and instantly blush.  

After this small episode, the group laughingly entered the Adventurers Guild hall.  

Leading the way, Levin quietly sighed inside.  

Those who noticed the change in Gauss’s aura were not just Doyle, but also Levin himself, the shield bearer with a keen sixth sense.  

Has he grown stronger again? he thought silently.  

At this rate, we might not be able to keep up with Gauss’s pace.  

For a team, if one member’s strength pulls far ahead of the others too quickly, it often means farewells are not far off.  

Because it benefits neither side: the stronger one is dragged down, slowing progress, while the weaker side loses their drive due to overprotection. Over time, the door to becoming a professional closes for them.  

This was a terrifying prospect for adventurers eager to become professionals.  

After all, if they only sought safety, why become adventurers? Staying in town would be more peaceful.  

Levin had come to understand this and suspected that separation was inevitable.  

However, though he sensed this, he would not say it out loud.  

"Same as usual?" Levin asked Gauss.  

"Yes."  

"Then I'll take a look," Gauss replied.