Throughout history, those truly standing at the pinnacle of power have emerged by seizing opportunities amidst the sweeping tides of their eras.
Only by standing on a larger stage can they continuously achieve leaps in the level of their lives.
Even in their own small party, traces of such phenomena can be observed.
Not long after Gauss finished the winter hunt, he advanced from level 1 to level 2. And upon going to explore Barry’s maze, Aaliyah also advanced to level 2, while Gauss, having accumulated enough experience, soon advanced to level 3.
Even Serdur has vaguely revealed to Gauss that he feels he is touching the threshold of level 4.
This establishment of Outpost 16 is clearly part of the escalating conflict between humans and the demon factions, and might even be the prelude to a new era.
Through the exchange in the Communication Technique, the three quickly reached a consensus.
Looking up, Gauss glanced at Shirley, who was leisurely sipping her tea and waiting for their decision.
"Lady Shirley," Gauss spoke. "We accept this commission."
Shirley’s face showed an understanding smile, as expected, and she put down her teacup. "A wise decision. Now, for the details..."
Shirley intertwined her fingers and rested her chin on them as she began to explain the details calmly.
"...."
With Shirley’s patient explanation and Gauss’s occasional questions, the three finally had a certain understanding of this long-term commission.
First, Outpost 11 has not officially started construction yet. The building progress is currently zero, but personnel are gathering in the direction of Forest Crown Town.
By then, adventurers from the surrounding four towns and knights dispatched from the province will be present as well as spontaneously coming adventurers from inland.
Naturally, those like them, the "pillar forces" of the four towns, can enjoy more benefits.
Second, the site selection for Outpost 11, which lies on a node of natural magic, is very particular. It naturally attracts monsters and to some extent influences the birth frequency of surrounding monsters and demons. Therefore, during the garrison period, there will continually be small or large groups of monsters attacking the station.
Third, during the garrison period, besides subjugating monsters and defending against "sieges," there are also tasks such as assisting with the transportation of goods and supplies, traveling back and forth among surrounding major towns, helping villages eliminate stray monsters, and exploring special locations. Each task can provide more rewards than ordinary tasks.
Fourth, in addition to fixed bounties for killing monsters and daily allowances, there will also be "priority exchange rights," and special tasks will reward credits from the Adventurer’s Guild.
Credits can directly exchange for precious resources that are difficult to procure externally, including the magical materials they may need, like clay of magic item grade, and also equipment, potions, various spellbooks, and so forth.
"We have no more questions." Gauss put away the parchment scroll Shirley handed over, which listed clear terms and various exchange options.
"When do we need to set out?"
"Good." Shirley smiled. "Naturally, the sooner the better. But since you’ve just returned from a mission, take a day to rest. The morning after tomorrow, there will be a supply convoy heading to Forest Crown Town waiting at the guild entrance. You can depart with them. I will notify them ahead of time."
"Escorting this convoy, I will also count it as a beginner 1-star task for you."
Though it was a simple, convenient escort task, Shirley still used her authority to give Gauss and the others a little advantage.
The decision made, Gauss didn’t linger any longer, rising to bid farewell.
Upon leaving the guild, the sunset had painted the sky a vibrant orange.
Gauss looked at the bustling street.
His gaze seemed already cast towards the distant Forest Crown Town he had never visited before, and towards the just-identified 11th outpost base.
Behind this seemingly unchanging peaceful life, in reality, was a turbulent undercurrent.
Gauss knew.
Although Gray Rock Town seemed incredibly peaceful at this moment, should the intensity of conflict increase and if the human side were to suffer setbacks, the first to be stricken would be these towns, rooted like stubborn nails on the map, potentially facing attacks from Two-legged Flying Dragons or even more powerful demons.
Gray Rock Town, as a frontier town, exists precisely as an outpost focal point.
Similarly, the node of natural magic beneath Gray Rock Town has already been occupied and utilized. If captured, the surrounding area would completely fall, becoming a haven for monster breeding.
Recalling the recent conversation with Shirley, Gauss breathed a sigh of relief.
It was spot on not to bring his family to the town.
In contrast, small villages wouldn’t attract much effort from demons to conquer, as capturing them would provide little in returns other than a scant handful of goods.
The territorial disputes between humans and demons essentially revolve around the contest over natural magic, which births monsters and demons while also bringing precious herbs and mineral gemstones resources, and even increases the probability of professions arising in the surrounding regions.
"Enough, stop overthinking, let’s rest well for a day and head for Forest Crown Town the day after tomorrow,"
Gauss directed this to his companions beside him, under the evening glow.
Forest Crown Town is the largest town in the surrounding vicinity.
Though Gauss was once impressed by the prowess of the Adventurer’s Guild’s Abelhard in Gray Rock Town, it was merely his personal extraordinary ability, but overall the adventurers’ level in Gray Rock Town isn’t very high indeed.
The fact that a team like the Iron Arm Squad, of a level 3 small town, could hold a decent reputation in town shows this clearly.
Gray Rock Town lacks level 4 and 5 professionals.
Moreover, many elite adventurers rushing from inland areas this time will arrive.
Although inland adventurers may not have as rich combat experience against demons as those from frontier regions, many have received systematic academic education, and coupled with family support, thus their strength and potential are considerable.
"Let’s start by making our...no, our team’s name known from Forest Crown Town, shall we?" Gauss pondered while holding his chin.
"Aaliyah, what do you think would be a good title for our squad? I guess we need a resonant team name now."
To prevent titles like Goblin Slayer and Goblin Slayer Squad from continuing to be "maliciously" spread, Gauss planned to take the initiative to establish his name prominently first.