Goblin Dependency-Chapter 273 - 146 Intelligence 5

Noticing the gaze, Xia Nan turned around with some confusion, only to see two figures quickly walking away.

He shook his head, dismissing it as an illusion, and thought no more.

The wooden spoon in his hand gently stirred the cream mushroom soup.

The creamy white thick soup swirled, as thinly sliced brown mushrooms and jade-like parsley leaves collided and sunk below the surface.

When the spoon was lifted, accompanied by the rising milky aroma and steaming heat, a semi-transparent milky film was pulled up, vaguely revealing a few grains of black pepper submerged in the soup.

The color and aroma, just by looking at it, he could already imagine the delightful sensation of the thick and sweet soup melting away on the tip of his tongue.

After an adventure, being able to sit in a tavern and enjoy a bowl of piping hot cream mushroom soup, along with a glass of refreshing ice-cold beer,

had become a form of enjoyment for him.

At present, it was Xia Nan’s fifth day back in River Valley Town.

He didn’t ask the people around him to deliberately cover up his performance in battle, nor did he mind that his achievements were being spread.

After all, Cui Xi Village was located near River Valley Town, and such a significant event as a goblin attack couldn’t be kept under wraps.

In fact, on the night of the second day after returning to town, the villagers he had saved and passing adventurers spread the word.

The tale of Xia Nan successfully advancing in battle and killing a Bear Goblin one-on-one had already started to circulate.

Black hair, black eyes, sharp features, young, gray two-handed longsword, professional...

His reputation gradually fermented.

By now, even if he stood alongside the already famous Adeline, many people would first call out his nickname "Gray Sword".

Moreover, Xia Nan’s small hobby developed because of the Beheading Longsword, became increasingly exaggerated in adventurers’ unique embellishments, merging with his nickname "Gray Sword".

He didn’t mind this; instead, he was happy to see such development.

In Xia Nan’s view, having a larger reputation, even if slightly extreme, carrying a bit of not-so-unpleasant "infamy",

could truly help save a lot of trouble.

Just like Scar from Cui Xi Village, there was no need to make a move; he recognized Xia Nan and Adeline’s identity, lowered his head in fear, afraid to start any conflict, and fled hastily.

Currently, the fame of "Gray Sword" had grown alongside the acquisition of his professional level.

Centered at White Sparrow Tavern, among many low-level adventurers, he was much more well-known than before.

"Tap, tap."

Slightly hurried footsteps came from beside the table.

A young woman dressed as a tavern server, carrying a tray, was walking quickly towards him.

"Sir, this is a special delivery from the owner..."

She had just said half a sentence when her foot suddenly slipped, seemingly about to fall.

At that moment, the female server felt her unbalanced center suddenly stabling.

Her backward-falling body was invisibly pulled by something.

She stumbled two steps backward but did not fall.

With lingering fear, the server did not think much, cold sweat dripping from her forehead.

She bowed forward, placing the bottle on the tray gently on the table, smiling respectfully:

"Sir, the owner specially sent this drink for you, please enjoy."

Nodding, Xia Nan looked past the server towards the bar.

He saw the tavern owner Chapton, holding a freshly wiped glass, gesturing a toast.

Xia Nan smiled and nodded back, signaling thanks.

"Rock Heart Black Beer... If bought legitimately, this bottle would cost at least five silver coins."

"And it’s just given to you like that?"

"Tsk tsk... This is the treatment for professionals."

Sitting opposite, Abi looked at the drink on the table with envy, sourly muttering.

"I wonder when I’ll be able to obtain my first Battle Skill."

"Don’t worry, take it slowly, it’ll come to you eventually."

Beside him, Adeline swirled her glass and replied casually.

Compared to before the task, the two had undergone certain changes in demeanor and personality since the battle at Cui Xi Village.

Abi still looked innocent, wearing his simple, newbie equipment.

But within his previously curious and fearless eyes, there was now a touch of maturity. ƒrēenovelkiss.com

Clearly advancing towards becoming a "Senior Adventurer".

"Green Blood" Adeline, from Xia Nan’s perspective, had changed even more dramatically.

Most noticeably, the overwhelming pressure like a dark cloud over her head had completely lifted after the Red Mane Bear Goblins had their heads smashed.

She was refreshed, as if she had changed bodies.

In the five days back at River Valley Town, Xia Nan had seen her smile more times than ever before.

In some sense, Adeline felt like an old person about to retire, enjoying life.

If she suddenly said she planned to retire and return to the countryside to farm for the rest of her life, he wouldn’t be surprised at all.

As for Xia Nan, the rewards from the mission were needless to say.

First and foremost, the most tangible and revealing aspect of "rewards" was the sharply increasing numbers in his bank account.

The Goblin Clearing Mission and the Gnoll bounty task, due to his remarkable contributions during the adventure, resulted in a greater proportion of the rewards, totaling 75 gold.

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