The next few days.
Gauss and Serdur, with nothing better to do, took on a few more tasks in the vicinity related to hunting goblins and other minor creatures.
These commissions were relatively small in scale and the number of monsters, with the only advantage being that they were close enough.
They were near Barry, not too far off, so carrying them out wasn’t too strenuous.
Coincidentally, as the labyrinth was attracting too much attention from adventurers lately, these tasks, which would have been cleared regularly, ended up overflowing.
As a result, many of Barry’s city guards were out on cleanup missions. Gauss, taking on ordinary tasks, could take on multiple ones at the same time, as long as it didn’t delay progress.
Although relying solely on Gauss and Serdur’s limited strength, they still managed to make a small contribution to the peace and stability around Barry.
In frequent collaborations, Gauss and Serdur gained a deeper understanding of each other’s strengths and abilities.
Especially Serdur, who was initially taken aback by the diversity of Gauss’s power and abilities.
When he thought Gauss was a mage well-versed in casting and possessing some ancient bloodline, in the next task, Gauss showcased an astonishing physical prowess and strong protective spells.
Just as he silently added the label "physically tough" to the team leader in his mind, Gauss then demonstrated solid swordsmanship, learning ability, an astonishing appetite, and more.
Some of these deepened his preexisting perceptions of Gauss, while others revealed aspects of Gauss not regularly shown.
Hmm.
Speaking of which, Gauss’s astonishing appetite.
Even as someone who normally consumes more calories than an average person, he had to admit, Gauss truly had a remarkable appetite.
Especially during outings when adventuring or combat, or engaging in physical activities, it was nearly impossible to see his mouth stop chewing for long stretches.
Using labels like "foodie" or "glutton" to describe him is certainly not an exaggeration.
Because that’s him, eating a lot and enjoying it.
After recovering, seeing him bored alone in the room, he would practically drag him to fine restaurants or pubs every day for meals.
Interestingly, the same inn where they stayed was arranged by Gauss; though he wasn’t sure how Gauss persuaded the innkeeper, who had a face full of reluctance.
Thus, to avoid disturbing other guests, Serdur either stayed in rooms or went out with Gauss, rarely using the public spaces in the inn.
After dining out several times with Gauss.
He sometimes curiously wondered how Gauss’s not-so-rotund body could accommodate so much food and calories; perhaps he had a larger stomach than others?
Or maybe that’s a hallmark of a naturally strong person — a large appetite?
Serdur’s thoughts drifted back, with green wheat spikes swaying in the wind beside him.
The blue-green waves of wheat looked like an unceasing sea.
"Want some?" Gauss noticed Serdur focusing on the jerky in his hand again.
He mistakenly thought he wanted some too.
"Thanks, captain. I’m actually not hungry yet."
Serdur’s voice resonated by Gauss’s ear.
Though the frog jerky, frost snake meat, and lantern ball fruit were initially prepared as reserved rations by Gauss and Aaliyah, Gauss himself wasn’t stingy.
So, early on, these goodies were shared with Serdur.
Serdur found the rust frog jerky and lantern ball fruit to be quite tasty, perfectly to his liking.
As for trying the frost snake meat, well... it’s a bit hellish.
However, regardless of the food’s tastiness, constantly eating can be overwhelming.
Serdur, sliding along the road, couldn’t help but glance sideways at Gauss.
He often felt like their roles were swapped; Gauss seemed like the one expending energy, while he leisurely took in the scenery from the mount.
What’s going on?
Gauss wasn’t aware of Serdur’s musings.
He continued chewing on the jerky.
At the same time, he took a small knife, dipped it in poison, lightly sawing at the [Gauss Force Field] protection.
He was very patient.
The time on the road was not to be wasted.
But to continue researching his core skills.
Recently, he finally found a knack to further improve the Gauss Force Field.
Originating from an aged Mage’s notes he bought at the Caster Association.
It cost him three contribution points.
Bear in mind, the materials taken from the Big Goblin, even the part recycled by the Caster Association, only exchanged for five contribution points.
Though Serdur didn’t require any, he insisted on splitting; but it was only when purchasing, he awkwardly asked Serdur for some points, offering other spoils as a slight compensation.
Reflecting on the Mage’s notes, Gauss still felt he landed a big profit.
His intuition proved reliable, spotting this seemingly ordinary piece among countless notes.
Wizards and mages, though both sounding like casting professions, differ greatly in essence.
On a power level, a wizard’s source is more varied, including and not limited to, making pacts with demons, devils, wild spirits, and elemental spirits; awakening ancestral witch bloodlines; communing with elemental energies in nature, like air, water, fire, earth, and channeling these forces to release special magic and more unknown special methods.