Gauss noticed Aik beside Aaliyah’s feet, and somehow, a few fluffy little crows had unknowingly started following them.
These little crows had sleek black feathers, their eyes darted around, appearing both clever and cautious.
They crowded closely against Aik, as if taking it as their support.
"Aaliyah, did you buy new pets?" Gauss was somewhat surprised, thinking Aaliyah had gone to the market early.
"No, not at all." Aaliyah shook her head, her face showing a mix of curiosity and helplessness.
"After we rested yesterday, Aik wandered off and brought back these little creatures, they seem to be fledglings who’ve lost their mother."
Raising birds is quite a troublesome thing, but since Aik brought the little ones back, she couldn’t bear to abandon them heartlessly.
Aik heard this and seemed to proudly lift its head, letting out a few growls from its throat, somewhat seeking praise for a good deed.
"Oh, I see..."
Gauss’s gaze lingered on Aik’s shiny black fur for a moment.
Unconsciously, this pet following Aaliyah had also made considerable progress.
Now Aik, its claws looked like meticulously polished obsidian, shimmering with a metallic sheen.
Compared to the beginning, its size had also grown several folds.
Sitting there, it exuded a calm imposingness not belonging to ordinary creatures.
"Then keep them," Gauss nodded. "Raising them to maturity would make them more obedient, later on see if you can increase their numbers and send them out to gather information."
"That’s the way it is." Seeing Gauss agree, Aaliyah nodded with delight.
In truth, she quite liked small animals, only without Gauss’s approval, she couldn’t make up her mind.
Those little crows instinctively shrank behind Aik when Gauss appeared, not daring to show themselves.
Was it because of the stubborn scaly lineage?
"Let’s eat first." The last to get up, Andri yawned, appearing weary and listless as she shuffled out of the room.
Her petite body was wrapped in a slightly oversized mage robe, rubbing her eyes, looking harmless, even a bit sleepy and lazy.
Aaliyah and Serdur still felt somewhat reserved towards her.
Although she now seemed non-threatening, they personally witnessed the terrifying power contained within this small body the night before.
That magic power that stirred a rain of fire at the wave of a hand was enough to make most people reverent.
Breakfast was a simple affair on the first floor of the guest house.
Upon finishing their meal, a few soldiers dressed in Forest Crown Town garrison uniforms approached after waiting at the door for some time.
Their gaze fell on Andri, faces filled with nervousness and reverence.
"Ms. Andri, sorry to disturb you. The town mayor and Knight Captain Felon are convening a meeting at the town center hall to understand the beast tide situation from the day before, they’ve specially requested your presence."
"Alright. I’ll head over shortly."
The soldiers sighed in relief upon hearing her, respectfully saluted before quickly leaving.
"Seems like there’s no time to leisurely eat and rest." Andri stood up, bid farewell to the three, and exited the inn.
Gauss and the others were not qualified to participate in such meetings, leaving them to enjoy leisure for the moment.
"I wonder if our task is still valid." Gauss held the commission letter from President Rich to investigate the Black Forest, originally intending to submit the task to Rich, but he hadn’t returned yet.
"Let’s first go to the Adventurer’s Guild in Forest Crown Town to inquire about the situation."
After breakfast, the three walked to the streets.
On the way, Gauss noticed quite a few people discussing him.
From the conversation content, he caught words like "dragon," "can’t provoke," "transformation," and some even began referring to him as a Dragon-man.
"Captain, it seems since that battle night, you’re starting to gain some fame." Serdur said beside Gauss.
Ordinary level 3 professionals wouldn’t receive such treatment, but the combat strength Gauss now possessed far exceeded the scope of a level 3 professional.
Many renowned adventurers built their titles and reputation through thrilling battles, crisis resolutions, and emerging in large-scale wars.
Like badges of strength, the most powerful adventurers often had the most and the loudest titles.
Similar to the long titles of nobles, but noble titles are usually related to status, while adventurer titles are related to strength and experience.
As they neared the Adventurer’s Guild, Gauss suddenly sensed something, abruptly turning his head.
The street behind them bustled with a crowd.
"What’s wrong?"
"Nothing much." Gauss slightly frowned, retracting his gaze. "I just feel like someone is secretly watching me."
"Maybe they want to see the rumored ’Dragon-man’?" Aaliyah chuckled softly.
"Perhaps." Gauss scratched his head.
But his sixth sense subtly suggested otherwise, unlike ordinary people’s gazing; the feeling was like being covertly observed, like a thorn in the back.
But with the bustling street, it seemed difficult to further verify his suspicion.
The three entered the Adventurer’s Guild hall.
After his figure disappeared, a gray furred mouse cautiously poked its head out from an alley corner.
"Squeak, squeak—"
In the alley, sharp cries echoed one after another.