My Skill Bar is Full of Monster Skills-Chapter 245 - 163: Target—Valley of Dead Water

"Don’t call me small, Brolo! You’re not much taller than me either!"

The halfling Willbo said with a hint of anger.

Indeed.

This brings us to another key factor affecting the team’s decision on whether to venture deeper into the Valley of Dead Water—this task force is entirely composed of melee fighters.

Three Warriors and two Wanderers, which aptly reflects the true distribution of Adventurer classes nowadays.

Casters are rare.

Healers are scarce.

If they had a Caster, they might not hesitate to venture a bit further into the Deadwater Wild Boar People’s lair.

And after Willbo rebuked Brolo, he seemed to recall Brolo’s earlier question, thought for a moment, and said:

"However, I agree with Rock’s words this time."

"Your friend is unlikely to advance to Level 2 Classes so soon."

A halfling’s lifespan is slightly shorter than a dwarf’s but still much higher than a human’s, averaging close to 200 years.

Thus, the forty-year-old halfling Willbo just recently became an adventurer last month, with the same class as Fabian, both Wanderers.

Upon hearing Willbo’s words, Chris’s face lit up, ready to say something.

Suddenly!

Fabian’s face turned solemn, and his eyes blazed as he looked to the left front, exclaiming: "Who’s there!"

As he spoke, he swiftly leaped up, dual darts in front, in a pose ready for battle.

The others quickly moved as well; Brolo didn’t even have time to put away his iron flask and, after wiping his wet beard, hurriedly picked up the hammer and shield leaning against the nearby thornbush.

"Don’t be nervous, everyone, I’m an Adventurer too."

A slightly aged but rather soothing voice sounded from behind the tall thorns not far away.

As the voice faded.

A man holding a magic staff and wearing a gray mage robe slowly walked out of the thorn forest.

Seemingly to avoid Fabian and the others’ misunderstanding, the man’s pace was slow.

As he approached, the campfire gradually illuminated the face under a cloth hood.

This was a human male around forty or fifty, sporting a long beard, with slightly prominent wrinkles and a continuous smile, exuding a charm that felt warm and approachable.

This instantly made the five members of the team feel—’He’s a Mage’, ’Friendly’, ’Approachable’—all kinds of thoughts.

"Sir, are you a Mage?" Fabian sheathed his dagger, breathed a sigh of relief, and said.

"Yes, are you here in the Valley of Dead Water for an adventure task?"

"Hmm, are you as well?"

"Yes, I came to investigate the mutation of the Deadwater Wild Boar People. Let me introduce myself, I’m Audu."

.....

Just a few minutes later.

The mage known as ’Audu’ was comfortably seated around the campfire, chatting with Chris and the group.

"If you’re looking for lone Wild Boar sentinels, it’s unlikely."

"Only by entering the Deadwater Wild Boar People’s lair can you find their weapons."

Although they had suspected it earlier, having it confirmed by this wise Mage made the five of them look at each other with a sudden sense of loss.

And in that moment.

Unnoticed by the others, the mage named Audu’s eyes suddenly flashed a subtle blue light.

It vanished in an instant!

Meanwhile, Brolo, the dwarf, felt a bit dizzy while drinking his wine.

Brolo didn’t suspect anything and mumbled, "Must be too tired, felt dizzy for a sec."

At that moment, the mage ’Audu’, as if perceiving something, calmly stated: "Judging from your abilities, I assume you’re here for the Black Iron Level promotion task?"

Hearing Audu’s words, the squad of five, including Fabian, was visibly surprised—they hadn’t mentioned their task in the Valley of Dead Water.

Yet, they didn’t expect the Mage in front of them to guess it.

Still, considering the Mage’s class and level, their expressions turned to realization.

Given his experience, it wasn’t surprising he could discern this.

Which only increased the team’s respect for him.

"Are you worried about the dangers within the lair?"

"Actually, if you don’t go deep, there’s no need to worry. The Wild Boar people are mostly defensive, with no major threat near the entrance."

Hearing Audu’s words, the five were tempted, especially the halfling Willbo and dwarf Brolo felt excited.

But Fabian and the three others still showed hesitation.

Then Audu smiled and said, "If you’re truly worried, how about entering together with me? You can leave after completing your task."

"Well...."

"It’s just that this time...." Fabian still hesitated.

Because this task was a promotion assessment, according to guild regulations, they couldn’t seek outside help.

Though rules are rules, privately...

Hearing Audu’s offer, the halfling Willbo couldn’t help but feel joyful and said:

"Thank you, Sir Audu."

After all, what would a respected Mage want from them?

He certainly wasn’t after their bodies, right?

"Sir Audu, would you like a drink!" The dwarf Brolo also asked with interest.

This gesture prompted Fabian, Chris, and Grande to exchange glances but offered no objection.

...

Mill Town.

Fireplace Bar.

In a private room, Benest was continuing to introduce the latest situation about the Valley of Dead Water.

"Exactly."

"For example, this skeletal area within the western main passage is believed to be the frequent haunt of the Necromancer Magiller."