I Am Not Goblin Slayer
Chapter 74: The Anomaly of Mage Armor

Gauss browsed through the daily goods shop, picking out various items.  

Several sets of ordinary linen clothes for changing.  

A black cloak that draped neatly behind him, providing shade and rain protection - when needed, it could be spread on the ground as a makeshift blanket.  

A pair of pitch-black leather boots with thick wooden soles, polished to a shine and fastened with metal buckles on both sides.  

An extra-large leather water skin.  

A more spacious adventurer's backpack with additional clasps, exterior tool nets, hidden compartments, and storage pouches to accommodate more gear.  

After upgrading his daily equipment, he spent another 8 silver coins.  

But Gauss didn't feel too heartbroken - old things needed replacing, and money was meant to be spent.  

Before leaving the shop, he thought for a moment and bought a ceramic tea set along with a small booklet titled "Tea Brewing Guide."  

After dinner, Gauss returned to the inn with his new gear.  

"You're back? This outing seemed longer than usual?" Sophia asked as she saw Gauss entering with packages.  

"Stayed out a few extra nights," Gauss approached the counter. "By the way, Sophia, I brought you a gift."  

He placed the tea set on the counter.  

"Why would you buy me a gift?" Sophia gave him a strange look.  

"I just saw it while shopping and thought of how you often brew flower tea. It didn't cost much."  

Gauss hadn't overthought it - he simply wanted to show appreciation for Sophia's usual kindness. He wasn't the type to take others' care for granted.  

"You really shouldn't have. Can we still return this?"  

"Probably not. Just keep it, Sophia. I'm tired - going upstairs to rest now." Gauss shook his head and quickly ascended before Sophia could respond.  

"Hey wait... Well then... thank you!" Sophia watched his retreating figure before looking down at the ceramic set, a faint smile appearing on her face.  

It had been so long since she'd received a gift.  

Early next morning.  

With a surge of magical energy, an invisible transparent armor coalesced around Gauss's body.  

A familiar warmth seeped through the armor's surface into his body, making him feel comfortably heated.  

"Mage Armor lv2 (19/20)"  

This proficiency level had been stuck for several days now.  

For Gauss, this was clearly abnormal progress.  

Could it be that unlike cantrips, reaching near lv3 with a 1st-circle spell was enough to touch the threshold of a Professional Path?  

Gauss remembered shopkeeper Grom's explanation about professionals - when a skill was practiced to extreme proficiency, one could sense mysterious guidance from the surrounding world.  

Following that guidance would lead one onto a Professional Path.  

Yet he hadn't felt anything resembling such guidance.  

"Time to visit Thorn Cottage again."  

Though it might disturb someone, Gauss currently had no other familiar spellcasting professionals to consult, so he'd have to swallow his pride and visit.  

Mainly because his last interaction with the halfling Lady Andni had been quite pleasant - he doubted she'd developed any aversion toward him.  

Leaving the inn and following his map, Gauss easily found Thorn Cottage this time.  

Just like before, the cottage's exterior walls remained mottled with moss growth.  

The oak door with its embedded copper bell was equally dusty, appearing long abandoned.  

*Knock knock!*  

Gently rapping on the door.  

Perhaps because it was his second visit - this time the door creaked open automatically after two knocks.  

"Co...come in!"  

Andni's dreamy voice called from inside.  

Crossing the threshold, the door closed automatically behind him as he entered the hallway.  

In the main room, just as expected -  

Andni lay comfortably on a wicker chair, wrapped in a soft wool blanket, sound asleep with her eyes closed. A trace of dried drool was visible at the corner of her mouth, with one leg kicked out from under the blanket, swinging lazily over the chair's armrest.  

Gauss couldn't help but develop sweatdrops on his forehead.  

Even with few customers, this was too lax.  

Besides, wasn't this normal business hours? How could she still be sleeping?  

Damn... he envied this retired expert's daily life...  

*Yawn—*  

Perhaps sensing a visitor, Andni stretched and sat up, her loose pajamas hanging carelessly as she rubbed her sleepy eyes. She sat chewing air blankly for several minutes before her brain seemed to reboot, her gaze gradually clearing.  

"Eh! Gauss? What brings you here?" She turned her head sharply, startled by his presence.  

"I've been here awhile," Gauss reminded her. "Senior Andni, wouldn't this be inappropriate if another customer saw?"  

Though as a halfling, Andni likely didn't meet most humans' romantic standards, there might be those with unconventional preferences. Even as a professional, shouldn't she maintain some decorum?  

"Relax, outsiders can't enter at this hour. Few have access to my door."  

"......" Gauss pressed his lips together, a question mark appearing over his head.  

Should he feel honored by Andni's trust?  

If he recalled correctly, they'd only met once before. Why would she grant him entry permissions so readily?  

Though it likely only worked when she was present, this still seemed overly familiar for their acquaintance level.  

Why then?  

Gauss didn't believe his charm (previously 5, now barely 6 points) could be so persuasive.  

And would a veteran professional adventurer in retirement really be this naive? There must be some key factor he wasn't grasping.  

Noticing Gauss's thoughtful expression, Andni spoke up:  

"What brings you here today?"  

Based on her previous assessment of Gauss's finances, she doubted he came to shop.  

"Well... it's like this." Setting aside his confusion, Gauss focused on his purpose.  

For all adventurers, matters concerning professional advancement were paramount.  

After hesitating, he described the changes he'd experienced - mainly the slight bodily warmth during Mage Armor practice.  

To his surprise, despite having only demonstrated the Mage Hand cantrip last time and now mentioning the 1st-circle Mage Armor, Andni showed no curiosity about his multiple spells.  

After listening, she simply blinked before her gaze went distant, seemingly analyzing Gauss's situation.  

Moments later, a massive hardcover book materialized in her hands.  

Licking her finger, she balanced the tome (nearly half her size) on her crossed legs and began flipping pages rapidly.  

The rustling pages made Gauss wonder if such speed could possibly locate the desired information.  

Just as he doubted, Andni's finger stopped.  

"Found it! I know the reason now!"