"Gauss," Gauss answered casually, then smiled and asked a question.
"Did you think I was going to attack you guys just now?"
"Hehe... No, no, Lord Gauss, you seem like a good person at first sight, and someone of your stature wouldn’t waste their strength on us," said the female archer Mira.
Although they were indeed frightened, they certainly wouldn’t voice their thoughts, just sheepishly smiling instead.
"Actually, if I took action here, no one would know," Gauss shook his head.
Just as he said.
This place is so remote that if he really wanted to act, it wouldn’t arouse any suspicion, merely adding one more squad of rookie adventurers who died on a mission to the world.
Cold sweat dripped down as they cautiously glanced at him.
"You’re joking with us, right?"
Gauss smiled and offered no response.
In the distance, Aaliyah and others were slowly approaching.
"Gauss, you scaring the newcomers again?"
The group of newcomers heard the voice and only then noticed Aaliyah and others walking over.
Especially upon seeing the female giant as strong as a small mountain, they instantly gulped.
Her physique exerted an overwhelming pressure.
They had no doubt that if she swung her fist, she could turn them into mincemeat.
"Don’t worry, we’re all good people," Aaliyah reassured them as she saw them staring nervously at Albena. "Don’t be fooled by Albena’s appearance; she’s actually very kind."
She turned to look at Albena.
"Right?"
"If it’s Lord Gauss’s order, I would take action," Albena laughed heartily.
For a moment, it was hard to tell if she was being serious or joking.
Aaliyah considered her usual obedience to Gauss and found herself momentarily unsure.
Fortunately, Gauss spoke up, breaking the peace.
Once he spoke, his charm was like a breath of fresh air, calming these newcomers down.
After such an encounter, these newcomers would probably never dare to put down their weapons again.
The danger in the wilds lurks everywhere.
Whether it’s hidden monsters in the environment or encountering strangers, adventurers must always stay alert.
Even though harboring ill intentions towards someone of Gauss’s level is futile, at least they can resist with some dignity.
Serdur quietly gave a quick treatment to a few of them.
After recovering their physical strength, they quickly gathered the spoils and mission proof.
During their conversation with Gauss and the others, they learned that it was the first time this adventurer squad had come to the area.
As the squad leader, Mira enthusiastically invited them to her small town.
Gauss’s original destination was there, so he didn’t refuse. Having locals as guides was a good opportunity to travel together.
Along the way, Gauss casually pointed out the shortcomings in their previous team fight coordination.
The four listened attentively.
Insight from a Level 5 professional is a rare opportunity for them.
Aaliyah shook her head as she watched Gauss’s "eager-to-teach" demeanor.
Even though Gauss rarely showed much enthusiasm towards others, he was inherently a good person.
Thinking about this, she breathed a sigh of relief.
A gifted adventurer being a kind person is very beneficial for the world and ordinary people, though not for demons.
As the road stretched, a thriving town nestled by the Blue Lake gradually came into view.
It’s completely different from the dilapidated and rundown scene of Gold and Silver Town. Though the small town wasn’t very large, it was full of vitality and vigor.
The wooden and stone houses of the town were scattered in an orderly manner along the gentle slope, with many windowsills and doorways adorned with blooming flowers.
The air was filled with the lake’s unique fresh scent, and lively voices buzzed from the distant market.
Fishing and cargo boats were neatly docked at the pier, the white sails particularly striking under the sun, while fishermen were busily loading and unloading their catches.
There were noticeably more adventurers and traders here than in Gold and Silver Town, indicating the wealth and safety of the area.
Guards were stationed at the watchtower, keeping the bustling town orderly.
A vibrant scene of nature in full bloom.
"We’ve arrived! Welcome to Lakeside Town!" Mira pointed to the town ahead, her voice lightened with relaxation and pride upon returning home.
Gauss noticed the streets were adorned with brightly colored decorations everywhere.
"Is your town celebrating a festival?"
The streets clearly exuded a festive atmosphere.
"Yes, Lord Gauss." Mira patted her head, hurriedly explaining to Gauss.
"We’re hosting the Five-Town United Lake Competition, a major event around Blue Lake that only happens every few years!"
"Oh?"
Gauss was a bit intrigued.
People always enjoy festivities.
Hearing that they arrived just in time for a local festival, Gauss couldn’t help but smile.
It sounded quite lively, seemingly organized by a few small towns around Blue Lake coming together.
"Lake competition?" Aaliyah blinked curiously. "Sounds fun!"
"Can we participate?"
"You can," Mira nodded. "The Lake Competition has civilian and professional categories, with many different entertainment events, open to locals and visitors alike."
"...."
As Mira and the others introduced the event one by one.
Gauss quickly gained a general understanding of the Five-Town United Lake Competition.
Overall, it wasn’t a serious competition and didn’t require participants to fight to the death; it leaned more towards the celebratory meaning of a festival.
Racing, fishing contests, underwater treasure hunts.
Of course, though they’re entertainment events, each branch also offers corresponding rewards.
It’s still the eve of summer, and the heat hasn’t completely dispersed. Such a summer lakeside festival is very attractive to many adventurers and travelers.
"However, Level 6 and above professionals are restricted from participating."
Mira glanced at Albena.
The rule exists partly because there are very few master-level adventurers participating anyway. On the other hand, masters often possess non-human abilities at this level, which, if uncontrolled, could lead to accidents.
But with elite-level adventurers, the presence of guild leaders at the scene can still manage it.
Aaliyah thought for a moment, suddenly turning to look at Gauss.
Gauss was somewhat overpowered, wasn’t he? Just exactly Level 5, but his strength already far exceeds the Level 5 standard.
She wasn’t the only one who realized this.
Serdur and Albena, who were banned from participating, also turned to look at Gauss.
Gauss was exploiting a loophole in the rules.
"Why are you looking at me?" Gauss scratched his head. "Let’s find a place to stay first."
Whether he would participate was still uncertain.
However, he did plan to stay in the town for a while.
On one hand, he was waiting for the arrival of Ying. On the other hand, the monsters around Gold and Silver Town had been cleared, while Lakeside Town and the surrounding Blue Lake area clearly had more demons waiting for him.
After Gauss declined their offer to stay at their home, Mira and the others volunteered to take them to an inn.
However, before they reached the destination,
they were stopped by a group of children holding toy swords and knives on the road.
They seemed to be familiar with Mira and her group.
"Big Sis, you’re back! Was the adventure successful?"
"You idiot, George! Big Sis is back, of course it was successful!"
"Stop asking such stupid questions!"
"Big Sis is as strong as a monster!"
A group of children chattered like a flock of sparrows.
Talking about the adventure, Mira broke free from the festival cheer, turned, and glanced awkwardly at Gauss.
If it weren’t for Gauss’s help,
they would’ve been in real trouble.
Especially hearing her little brothers bragging about her in front of Gauss made her blush.
It was indeed too embarrassing.
Gauss didn’t react to the scene and noticed Mira’s embarrassed glance at him.
He winked at her and nodded.
Seeing the senior not revealing anything, Mira breathed a sigh of relief.
She pulled the kids aside by their ears, putting on a serious expression.
"Alright, go play somewhere else, I have important things to do."
She didn’t dare let these rowdy kids stay here any longer.
If all the bragging she did with them got exposed, she’d really want to find a hole to bury herself in.