Gauss didn’t respond immediately, pondering as his finger unconsciously tapped the table, weighing the pros and cons in his heart.
The risks and rewards were both apparent.
"Why choose us?" He looked up, directly asking the question that puzzled him. "You are a five-star team exploring a known location’s ruins, it seems you wouldn’t need assistance from bottom adventurers like us, right?"
Without an answer, he couldn’t feel fully assured.
"Good question." Dwarf Sorin not only did not respond with displeasure, but also nodded appreciatively.
"Firstly, after all, the ruins are quite ancient, and what’s inside remains unknown, possibly requiring us to deal with various unexpected situations. Gauss, you are both a caster and possess considerable melee skills; this kind of flexibility is valuable when exploring unknown environments."
"Secondly, the journey to the ruins isn’t exactly close, and we’ll encounter various demons along the way. Our team only has three people and we want to be well-prepared. Your combat skills are not as simple as an ordinary level 3 adventurer. We witnessed your strength that night—being overly modest is a kind of arrogance."
"Lastly, we trust your character." Sorin’s expression grew particularly serious. "That night at the outpost, you proactively escorted those weaker bottom adventurers and soldiers to break through, which is not something ordinary adventurers are willing to do. I don’t want to team up with those strong but backstabbing folks."
"Moreover, I’m not short on money, just seeking to collect some ancient lost skills."
He said while pointing at his eyes: "I, Sorin, rarely misjudge people. You guys are reliable."
Although he indeed thinks Aaliyah and Serdur are relatively weaker, adventures aren’t only about levels; certain special professions or skills might work wonders at specific times.
"I understand." Gauss nodded. "Let me discuss with my companions first."
Gauss could vaguely feel Sorin’s sincerity, but such matters still require communication with the team.
Soon, the three started communication technique to exchange ideas.
Sorin and the others didn’t interfere with them.
After a while, Gauss looked up again at Sorin, his expression becoming solemn.
"We need a more detailed plan."
"Haha, alright." Hearing Gauss respond, Sorin laughed heartily.
Soon, Nancy took out a map and spread it over the table.
"The map is rather old; the terrain might...."
After some communication, the two teams quickly finalized various matters related to the exploration.
The route, potential demons encountered, preparations needed beforehand, and most importantly, the distribution of interests.
The forging skills originally belong to the dwarf Sorin’s team, while other profits are split fifty-fifty.
Sorin values forging skills most; other gains are merely bonuses for him.
This condition is quite generous for Gauss and his team.
Once all matters are finalized, Nancy gently waved her hand to remove the soundproof barrier, the faint noises of the tavern re-entered their ears.
She looked at Gauss and said.
"In the next few days, we need to wait for our channels to report on the activity of demons within the Jade Forest. Once the timing is deemed suitable, we will notify you immediately."
"Alright." Gauss looked at her, realizing more about the not-so-simple identities of the team members.
With negotiations settled, Sorin felt delighted, stepped onto a chair, hooked his arm around Gauss’s shoulder, and shouted at the servant to bring drinks. This time, Gauss didn’t refuse.
After having a bit to drink, he got up to bid farewell to Sorin and the others, leaving the Silver Flower Tavern.
Watching the silhouettes of Gauss and the others disappear at the end of the road.
Priest Elton, who hadn’t said much, withdrew his gaze and looked at Sorin with confusion.
"Is he really as strong as you say?"
"Hmm." Dwarf Sorin nodded heavily. "Don’t underestimate my intuition."
"I can sense a terrifying power lurking inside him; let’s just say it’s a favor in advance."
Nancy nodded faintly beside him.
"Let’s hope nothing goes wrong."
"My little bird has already detected several major tribes in the Jade Forest starting to take action. It’s said the youngest son from the Xavier family encountered an incident at outpost 11, perhaps the turmoil will intensify."
Elton gently drew a prayer symbol over his chest.
"May the light guide the path and avoid meaningless conflicts."