Goblin Dependency-Chapter 176 - 109: Sudden Encounter_3

The goblin’s short legs couldn’t possibly keep up.

Finally, he swept his gaze across the lair again, confirming nothing was left behind.

Xia Nan, with dual swords strapped to his back, left the cave.

The originally foul air inside the lair instantly cleared up.

Though there was still a slight stench wafting from the passage, it was undoubtedly much fresher compared to inside the cave.

In his ears, the buzzing of insects and the rustle of leaves, the "sasha" sound, became more pronounced.

Xia Nan cast a glance into the depths of the forest, hesitating briefly, then quickly firmed up his resolve.

Currently, his proficiency in [Teeth Hunting] was at (89/100).

Just 11 more points to level up to lv3.

If he could engage in a few more battles, he would quickly level up.

However, Xia Nan abandoned the idea of leveling it up to lv3 in the forest and then returning to River Valley Town.

On one hand, over the past two months, he had been so successful because he adhered to the principle of not lingering in the forest for extended periods, completing tasks, and heading back to the city immediately.

Even the goblin cave behind him was something he stumbled upon by accident on his way back, only entering after a detailed assessment confirmed it was risk-free.

He hadn’t yet acquired a Professional Level, and the outskirts of Mist Forest housed numerous dangerous demons he could not handle.

On the other hand, when [Teeth Hunting] leveled up from lv1 to lv2, it did not grant him attribute point rewards like [Vortex Slash] had before.

It seemed as though only his skill level had been improved.

Xia Nan guessed that perhaps he needed to reach lv5, full level, to be granted attribute points and specialties?

Under such circumstances, the gains did not balance out the risks involved.

Places like goblin caves were not something he could find without perception battle skills.

Instead of wandering the forest, hoping to find suitable enemies by luck while risking his life,

it might be more prudent to train idly in River Valley Town for a dozen days or accept a task and venture out again.

Having made up his mind, he was about to leave.

"Rustle!"

Suddenly, there was a loud rustling noise from thick shrubs not far away.

Buzz—

The gray sword gleamed.

The Beheading Longsword was instantly unsheathed.

In the blink of an eye, Xia Nan was poised for battle.

Pale gray mist drifted in the air, accompanied by the sound of approaching footsteps, and three figures emerged before his eyes.

"Three?"

Xia Nan’s gaze sharpened, though his breathing became more controlled and deep.

Strength silently brewed and accumulated within him.

Leading the way, stepping through the grass and entering his sight, was a robust, short-haired man...

Woman?

Xia Nan recalled distinctly, the person was the female adventurer he had previously encountered at the alchemy shop, who had a dispute with the shopkeeper.

He had thought she was merely a passerby encountered between missions, but unexpectedly, he ran into her again at this moment.

From a brief glance at the Association, he had only remembered a few striking features about her.

Now, meeting face to face, through the light scattered by the tree canopy, her true features caught Xia Nan’s attention.

Like someone crudely and haphazardly trimmed, her black short hair resembled fur treated by a butcher, ruffled and chaotic;

Skin tanned and roughened by long exposure to the sun, bore no relation to terms like "fair" or "delicate," and faintly showed scars on the surface;

A faded gray linen shirt beneath, covered by scale armor reflecting a metallic shimmer, well-maintained, almost the cleanest thing on her.

Were it not for her barely perceptible facial femininity amidst a rugged appearance, and the feminine voice in his memory during the dispute at the alchemy shop,

one wouldn’t immediately notice her gender difference at a glance, mistaking her for a normal low-level adventurer.

The Mist Forest was complex, visibility low.

But at such close range, there was little chance for concealment.

When Xia Nan saw her, she also noticed him simultaneously.

Her body subtly halted.

The two male adventurers behind also stopped in their tracks.

Amidst the pervasive mist, and obscured by leaves,

it was hard to discern facial expressions clearly.

Xia Nan remained vigilant, sword in hand.

While watching the three in front, he kept wary of his sides and rear.

His legs unmoving, with no intention of retreating.

Against common sense, one might say.

In moments like this, especially when outnumbered.

To show the slightest sign of retreat or cowardice,

would surely trigger a deadly encounter.

versus 3.

Without the oversight of the Association and the sheriff, in the deserted wilderness,

To most adventurers,

A solitary adventurer was no different from a green-skinned goblin.

The sourc𝗲 of this content is free(w)𝒆bnov(𝒆)l