As night fell, the coastal city of Sen City was wide awake.
Instead, it was enlivened by the gradually brightening lights, exuding a unique nighttime vitality.
On both sides of the streets, windproof oil lamps cast warm glows, while the gentle sea breeze carried the sounds of the tavern’s clamor and the aroma of grilled fish.
The sailors, arm in arm, sang off-key ballads, while the adventurers gathered to exchange and boast about their adventures.
Gauss and his companions wandered the streets and alleys, finally settling on a bustling tavern called "Song of the Sea Demon."
"I always feel like the name of this tavern is hard to explain..."
Gauss diverted his gaze from the sign beside him.
In this world, stories of sea demons luring seafarers to their doom with their songs also existed.
Unlike in a past life, these stories weren’t just intangible legends but were blood-stained lessons learned by sailors.
However, Gauss noticed that the tavern was populated by captains, first mates, and sailors.
They earned their living from the sea and didn’t mind; hence, adventurers like them, who were active on the continent, had even less reason for concern.
Although they had come to Sen City and would stay for a short while to investigate the local monster distribution and employment situation, Gauss had no immediate plans to venture out to sea.
Even though being on the coast and not exploring the vast ocean felt like a missed opportunity, venturing out to sea required careful planning.
Aside from Serdur, who had some understanding of seafaring, the other three, including Gauss, knew nothing about it.
Even ignoring the lack of experience, they were also short on necessary tools and personnel configurations.
Of course, they could board other vessels to reach special seas or islands, but that would ultimately place them at the mercy of others, limiting their autonomy.
Moreover, the sea was vastly different from land, with too many variables. On the vast ocean, encountering malevolent sailors or facing shipwrecks posed greater threats than on land.
They stepped into the tavern.
After a brief inquiry, they found a few private rooms available. Since there was serious business to discuss later, Gauss chose not to stay in the bustling main hall.
As they entered the private room, the outside clamors were mostly blocked out. Sitting around the table, a waiter with an apron soon approached with a menu.
"Dear adventurers, what would you like to order? Our ’Song of the Sea Demon’ boasts the freshest seafood in Sen port, straight from the boats!"
The waiter introduced enthusiastically, his tone filled with the unique pride of the harbor residents.
His manner also suggested that he noticed the four had just arrived in Sen City.
The menu was varied and plentiful.
Unlike inland taverns, this place offered mostly seafood.
Fish platters, the signature thick soup "Sea God’s Kiss," garlic butter-baked giant claws, fried electric fish, seaweed salad, seaweed bread...
Being in a new place, sampling the locally inspired cuisine was a must.
"Everyone, take a look and see what you’d like to eat," Gauss handed the menu to his companions.
With their now formidable Gauss team, they had long achieved the freedom of eating whatever they wanted, without much consideration.
The group discussed and ordered a table of food, along with a pot of coconut juice and minty sea-flavored water.
The table fell into a temporary silence.
Gauss noticed that since their gathering that evening, Ying had looked like he wanted to speak but hesitated several times.
"Ahem." Gauss cleared his throat lightly.
"This time the Black Tooth Tribe’s commission was successfully completed. Ying, do you have any other plans?"
He looked toward Ying.
Aaliyah and Serdur, upon hearing this, also realized.
Yes, after this commission, temporary teammate Ying seemed ready to part ways, with no reason to stay in the team.
Thinking of this, Aaliyah blinked and looked at Ying.
During these days of being together, Ying, despite his unapproachable visage, wasn’t a bad person.
Especially during the goblin night raid, after Gauss held off those elite goblins, she and Serdur faced a goblin wolf cavalry assault and threats from overhead goblin bat knights.
Several times, the goblin in the sky that had its eyes on Ying turned its attention to her.
If Ying hadn’t used his shadow abilities, she might not have survived numerous instances.
Both she and Serdur found themselves relocated before being targeted, showing that while Ying fought, he was also constantly watching over all his teammates.
Since that night, she knew that despite his cold exterior, Ying was a teammate worth relying on.
After everything, she thanked Ying, who simply deemed it a trivial effort, taking no credit.
If... she could stay, wouldn’t that tremendously aid the team?
Especially for Gauss, given the structure of their team, she mainly provided control and enhancement, Serdur provided healing and enhancement, while Gauss, as the team leader, was the sharpest sword, shouldering the majority of direct enemy attacks.
If Ying were there to keep watch, in case of overwhelming attacks, she could swiftly move Gauss out of danger.
That would put her mind at ease.
Reflecting on how a few days earlier, Gauss in private discussed with her and Serdur to gauge their thoughts on Ying,
Aaliyah suddenly realized Gauss’s main purpose for the dinner tonight.