Chapter 60: After the Quest, an Awkward Predicament
"No, no, of course not," Levin chuckled. "If it had been a kobold with an official challenge level, even level 1, there’s no way we would have dodged that fireball."
Gauss felt a bit disappointed.
He had thought he had just defeated a monster with a challenge level.
However, upon another thought, the Monster Atlas only lists this kobold as an ordinary one, indicating it doesn’t possess the power to transcend its tier.
"We’ve encountered some monsters with weak casting abilities during previous commissions," Levin continued. "They either rely on tools or mutated body parts to exhibit power beyond their own."
"Overall, they’re somewhat of a hassle, but not unbeatable."
Though his prowess might not compare to Gauss’s now, Levin’s adventuring experience was undoubtedly richer.
He was more than willing to share this information with Gauss.
Even if it was common knowledge, winning the favor of a future caster at the professional level was worth it. Anyone would make that choice.
"No wonder..." Gauss mused.
No wonder he didn’t sense any significant magic fluctuations earlier. It seemed that the old kobold had used mutated body parts to unleash that fireball.
He recalled the state of the old kobold instantly aging after the first successful fireball breath. That symptom must have been the price of wielding such power.
The spell was indeed a formidable force.
Even a kobold, barely mastering a rudimentary spell, could pose a threat to a squad with a surprise attack.
Of course, it’s also crucial to realize that the professions related to casters are quite fragile.
If approached closely, the old kobold could easily be slain with a single sword strike. Being physically weaker, its struggle might even pale compared to its kin.
Gauss had only used a Mage’s Hand to seize the fleeting moment, causing it to "self-terminate."
Fortunately, he was not such a fragile caster.
The tragic death of a "companion" left Gauss filled with reflections.
It made him even more resolute in the idea that living was necessary for output.
No matter the circumstances, one’s priority in battle should always be self-preservation over offensive measures.
After collecting the spoils in the hall and ensuring no kobold survivors were left in the nest rooms, the group began trudging out with their loot.
About ten minutes later.
As they emerged from the mine, sunlight hit their faces, prompting the group, who had been in the dark for quite some time, to squint subconsciously.
"Finally out,"
Leaving the cramped and oppressive underground maze, even faced with the dreary and sinister abandoned mine outside, the squad members felt uplifted.
Humans seemingly hold an innate fear of narrow and dark underground spaces, and although unspoken, the dark environment had been a continuous mental pressure.
After a brief rest at a temporary camp and a glance at the sun, estimating that there was enough time, the team set off towards Gray Rock Town.
If possible, it’s best to minimize overnight stays in the wild.
Building a fire, cooking, setting up camp, and taking turns on night watch were all tedious chores.
Gauss wondered how much profit they could get from this venture, looking at the cart filled to the brim with resources.
Though the kobolds’ combat ability was questionable, their talent for hoarding was undeniable.
They seemed to have an innate strong passion for collecting, filling their living spaces with miscellaneous items.
Even Medvedeva couldn’t discern the value of many items, so they just decided to take it all.
The mutated old kobold’s body also took up considerable cart space.
Due to the kobold’s corpse, they decided to quicken their pace back to Gray Rock Town, fearing it might start to spoil by tomorrow.
Dragging a cartload of miscellaneous items, they managed to return to Gray Rock Town just before nightfall.
Upon entering the town, guards stopped them to carefully inspect the cart’s contents, verifying their identities before allowing passage.
Next came the familiar routine, with the first stop being the Adventurer’s Hall to submit their task.
"Eighty copper coins for each adult kobold, forty copper coins for each kobold pup, for a total of exactly twenty silver coins, please check and accept them,"
Upon submitting the task items, the Adventurer’s Guild receptionist handed them the commission payment for the task.
Gauss curiously peeked below the counter.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t see what the receptionist was doing underneath.
Every time they submitted a task, it seemed both the task items and commission payment were handled covertly below the counter.
If it was an item with no worth, like a beast’s ear, the receptionist wouldn’t bother bringing it out again. But valuable items would be returned along with the currency after checking.
"Is it magic?" Gauss mused to himself.
In this world, most unusual occurrences are generally linked to magic.
However, he detected no trace of magical fluctuation during the verification process, leaving him pondering whether it was due to his current level or some other reason.
He left the counter with the commission payment.
Levin distributed the money on the spot.
Gauss received five silver coins from the Adventurer’s Guild’s commission, noticeably more than the others.
But the rest had no objections.
If not for Gauss’s warning and quick resolution of the kobold with some casting ability, the commission wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.
In the Night Owl Squad, rewards were distributed based on contribution, so it was only fair that those significantly contributing to a task received more.
Gauss didn’t feign humility. After expressing thanks, he pocketed the silver coins.
Next was handling the flat cart’s miscellaneous items.
"You sure took your time."
Doyle, who was waiting outside to guard the goods, said impatiently when he saw them come out.
"Quickly get rid of that pile of junk, I’m starving."
Besides having a quick bite of emergency rations during their midday camp, they hadn’t eaten anything else until now.
Hearing that, Gauss suddenly felt hungry too, rubbing his stomach.
He seemed to feel hungrier than usual.
Recalling the recently acquired racial talent [Rapid Digestion], he pondered before shaking his head.
It seemed that ability wasn’t entirely beneficial.
Feeling hungrier faster? Perhaps he’d turn into a glutton?
Oh no, the Engel coefficient would rise again.
The thought of needing more money for food made Gauss instinctively rub his recently improved wallet, worried about insufficient funds.
The sword at his side seemed to itch for action.
Facing this dilemma, he felt the need to seek support from old friends while enhancing the Rapid Digestion ability, achieving two goals at once.