He thought again about the matter Vice President Shirley had for them, could it be related to the disturbances in Jade Forest?
After having lunch, Gauss and the others hit the road again.
After a day of rushing, they finally made it back to Gray Rock Town before nightfall.
This was thanks to the speeding up made possible by the chocobo; otherwise, if they had traveled with the trade caravan like before, it would have taken at least two or three days to return.
As Gauss neared the city gate, he tightened the reins, slowing the chocobo down. With a crisp and rhythmic "clip-clop" sound, they passed through the gate into Gray Rock Town.
On the main road by the entrance, it was crowded and noisy, with various merchants and laborers busy loading and unloading goods...
However, when Gauss appeared on his majestic chocobo, an invisible force seemed to sweep over, and a strange phenomenon happened.
Many townspeople who were originally rushing about, stall vendors, even civilians and adventurers idly chatting by the walls, unconsciously slowed down, instinctively turning their gaze toward the entrance.
The figure came into view.
The young man dressed in a black fitted robe, sat upright on the chocobo.
The bangs casually hung over his forehead, yet didn’t seem messy at all. His face was handsome and well-defined, not just simply beautiful, but exuding a unique aura combining strength, confidence, and calm wisdom. Especially those eyes, clear and sharp as if they could see through human hearts, yet not overbearingly so, instead carrying a reassuring steadiness.
Today’s sky was exceptionally clear, and the warm yellow afterglow of the sunset just happened to cast a subtle golden edge around him.
The bustling market seemed to quiet down momentarily with Gauss’s arrival.
Only when he rode his chocobo away did the sounds gradually return to normal, with people continuing their original work after the brief pause to appreciate the moment. Life always moves on.
Of course, a few blushing girls were still chattering away.
"Gauss, everyone’s looking at you." Aaliyah blinked.
"Yeah. I know," Gauss was well aware of the reason. "It’s a bit troublesome..."
"Oh, stop it." Aaliyah didn’t believe him.
Just now, this guy deliberately slowed down the speed while riding the chocobo.
Gauss shook his head.
A few days ago, after leveling up to level 3, his Charm attribute also increased to 10 points.
Besides optimizing his appearance, Charm mainly enhanced his aura, presence, and attractiveness.
Especially strangers find it hard not to glance at him more than once.
Moreover, it’s not just about having a Charm level of 10; his overall attributes are also close to 10 points, making his body nearly flawless at the same level, emanating a harmonious and perfect "sense of presence" from inside out.
That means, even if other professionals could enhance their Charm attributes, they still wouldn’t be as captivating as him.
This isn’t entirely a good thing; it counts as one of the "side effects" that come with increased power.
"But..."
Gauss looked down at the bracelet on his wrist, pondering.
He felt that after reaching ten points, this equipment could no longer provide attribute benefits.
His current displayed Charm is 10 (9).
The true Charm is 9 points, but he could sense that the bracelet was strained in enhancing it to 10 points.
When the actual attribute reaches 10 points, the effect should weaken, by then it probably won’t show a change of one point in value.
Arriving at the Adventurer’s Guild hall.
Tying up the chocobo, Ulfen and Aik stayed outside.
The three walked into the hall.
"As expected, a lot of people have returned."
Along the way, Gauss met several professionals.
Clearly, after the temporary closure of the labyrinth, the adventurers all "returned home," going back to their respective towns.
After submitting the task, and receiving 20 silver coins as the commission fee.
Guided by the receptionist, Gauss headed toward Shirley’s office.
It wasn’t quitting time yet.
"Knock, knock!"
Arriving at the office where he first met Shirley, he knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Soon, a slightly lazy voice sounded from inside.
Gauss, Aaliyah, and Serdur entered the office.
Behind the desk, Shirley’s presence was very striking.
Like a walking, unmissable flame.
Her long hair draped casually over her shoulders and back, the ends slightly curling as if a burning waterfall, a deep merlot, the crimson of the evening glow, the bright orange of a newborn flame, that warmth and dynamic vitality rolling through her strands with a gradient.
Gauss glanced, then withdrew his gaze.
Sitting down, he got straight to the point.
"Madam Shirley, what can we do for you?"
"Would you like some tea first?" Shirley, originally half-reclining on the chair, straightened up slightly upon seeing the three enter, a beautifully crafted porcelain teapot appearing in her hand, steam rising from its spout.
"Sure," Gauss nodded.
He also had become accustomed to having a bit of tea before discussions.
Before long, teacups appeared on the table before the three of them.
Soon, clear red tea flowed from the spout, intermingling with the afterglow from the glazed window behind, as if sunset had been poured into the cup.
Shirley glanced at Gauss’s face, but didn’t move her gaze after just one look.
She might just be like that; without much concern for avoiding suspicion, she just stared directly.