After the battle.
This rookie team seemed to have lost all their strength, dropping their weapons and sitting heavily on the ground.
"Phew—"
As their bodies completely relaxed, the lack of adrenaline’s stimulation brought a rush of exhaustion.
Their muscles were twitching and trembling.
They realized that true adventure seemed completely different from what they had imagined, despite thinking they were psychologically prepared before setting off.
Yet, faced with those claw-wielding monsters, seeing them wanting to devour them alive with every part of their bodies including mouths, teeth, and claws, their bodies and minds still felt fear.
This was the most important reason why their strength couldn’t be fully utilized.
Human rationality and thought have great advantages in many things, but in these life-and-death moments without experience, they often become a hindrance.
In low-level battles that reach a fever pitch, rationality and wisdom often become irrelevant, needing a fierce determination to crush the enemy.
"I say, you were really careless."
Gauss’s figure slowly descended from the sky.
The sudden sound instantly startled the four present, making them sweat cold.
Only when they looked up and saw his handsome face and relaxed demeanor did they breathe a sigh of relief.
He seemed terrifyingly strong.
Shouldn’t be an enemy, right?
But even if he were an enemy, a flying strongman, not to mention their current exhaustion, even at full strength, they couldn’t possibly win.
So after a brief shock, they didn’t make any other moves.
"And you are?"
Gauss looked at this slightly "naive" group of rookie adventurers and couldn’t help but shake his head.
Perhaps because he hadn’t left the rookie stage for too long, unlike those who had been adventurers for decades, every time he saw such newcomers, he couldn’t help but remember when he first stepped out of the inn for adventure, wanting to offer help and guidance.
"I’m just a passing adventurer."
At this moment, Mage Pello, who had been deep in thought since Gauss’s appearance, suddenly seemed to recall something.
She scrutinized Gauss’s robe and suddenly exclaimed.
"It was you who saved me earlier!"
She recalled the recent battle, just as she was about to be attacked by the strong Water Ghost, a divine Flaming Arrow descended from the heavens and precisely killed the Water Ghost.
If not for that arrow, she might have met a grim fate now.
Moreover, if she died, the fear of death might unbalance her teammates, potentially causing the team to be wiped out.
Her thinking wasn’t wrong; many rookie teams collapse often starting with the first casualty.
The biggest problem for rookies is lack of experience and mental fortitude, and fear is contagious.
"Just a helping hand." Gauss waved his hand.
He thought that most mentally healthy adventurers would not hesitate to lend a helping hand in such situations.
"Really, thank you so much!"
Having learned he was the mysterious savior who aided them in battle, they quickly helped each other up from the ground, bowing repeatedly.
"However, I think before the battle is truly over, it’s best to keep your weapons in hand."
As soon as he finished, without waiting for their response, Gauss’s hand flashed red.
His casting was so fast.
The four could barely react in time.
The flaming arrow had already formed.
"Why?"
Their pupils contracted sharply, eyes full of shock.
It seemed unexpected that the flawlessly looking man, making one feel good at first sight, would turn against them.
"Shoo!!!"
The flaming arrow tore through the air, emitting a sharp scream.
Their steps seemed nailed to the ground, the temperature from the flames making them feverish.
In their terrified gaze, the arrow brushed past their shoulders.
"Pssch!"
The arrow hit a Water Ghost crawling on the riverbed farther away.
It was always hidden among the reeds, and even when its companions were all dead, it made no sound.
They all thought they were going to die today.
Only when the flame passed did they realize Gauss wasn’t attacking them.
Turning to look behind them.
They saw not too far away, amidst the burning reeds, an ugly humanoid monster pinned to the wet riverbed.
"Whew—"
A feeling of surviving a disaster rose again in their hearts.
This thrilling experience was truly too stimulating.
"Remember, even if you think the battle is over in the wild, don’t relax easily, and never drop your weapons."
"Only when you return to town and submit the task will it be considered complete."
Gauss continued to remind them.
His words, with the scorched black corpse still burning nearby as evidence, were very convincing.
"Hmm hmm."
"Thank you for your guidance, senior!"
The four, still rattled, bowed repeatedly.
Their first real adventure of their lives was truly a worthwhile harvest.
Before they officially started executing tasks independently, they specifically posted a request in the Adventurer’s Guild for a veteran to guide them through a task, but this time’s experience was evidently more rewarding.
"We haven’t asked for your name yet, senior?"
Seeing Gauss’s identity badge symbolizing a level 5 professional adventurer, their expressions became even more respectful.