I Am Not Goblin Slayer

Chapter 102: Trance

Gauss silently observed the druid lady Alia all the way.

Finally, during the time when the sun hung low, they exited the Emerald Forest.

Both of them let out a simultaneous sigh of relief.

Outside the Emerald Forest, there was a small temporary camp for adventurers.  

Some low-level adventurers, hunters, and herb gatherers had gathered here, and there were even occasional appearances of Bronze-rank Adventurers.

The camp was encircled by a layer of wooden palisades, and many carts were parked inside.

Upon entering, one would notice that the soil was dark brown, a color dyed by soaked blood. Various types of trash were scattered on the ground, along with unknown animal viscera or tufts of fur and other miscellaneous debris.

The camp was lively. Merchants were haggling with hunters and low-level adventurers, purchasing their collections and spoils; adventurers murmured as they divided the gains from their expeditions; occasionally, loud quarrels would erupt, and various clamorous noises interwove within the camp.

However, as the two drew near, the other low-level adventurers took notice of the large wolf beside Alia and the green identity bronze badge hanging at her chest. They instinctively kept their distance.

Even though Gauss's identity badge wasn’t displayed, anyone capable of “forming” a two-person team with a Professional must surely be a Professional as well.

Two foul-smelling individuals arriving at the camp weren’t anything special—after all, everyone here stank.

It was merely the pot calling the kettle black.

"Want to ride a cart together?" Alia took the initiative to suggest.

"What about your wolf companion?"

"It will follow the cart on its own."

"Then let’s take the cart back." Gauss was feeling a bit tired too.

They wandered around the camp and quickly negotiated a price with a cart owner preparing to return to Graystone Town.

Alia also bought more than ten pounds of raw meat to feed her wolf companion. Afterward, the two boarded the carriage and swayed back in the direction of Graystone Town.

Upon reaching the inspection gate of Graystone Town, Gauss once again experienced the benefits of the Bronze-rank Adventurer identity badge.

After Alia presented her badge, not only did they not have to line up like the others, they weren’t even subjected to inspection. The town guards at the gate granted immediate passage, and Gauss, traveling with her, enjoyed the same privilege.

Behind them, the other travelers waiting to enter the town cast admiring glances.

"Just showing a Bronze-rank badge means you don’t need to be checked?"

Once inside the town, Gauss couldn’t help but ask Alia curiously.

"No, normally it’s still required. But I’m a resident Bronze-rank Adventurer of Graystone Town. My identity is specially noted in the town guard’s registry, so they just let me through. It’s a tiny, insignificant perk."

Gauss nodded.

This time, having successfully completed a mission—two more to go.

He would soon be eligible for his own Bronze-rank badge.

In fact, if he went to a large city, there were other assessment methods. But in a small frontier town like Graystone Town, undertaking commissions was the only path.

Of course, those who passed the assessment this way had the highest credentials.

This meant their combat capability was excellent, and they also possessed rich experience in fulfilling commission missions, often making good use of tools or other strategies to assist execution—truly well-rounded.

"Let’s keep in touch if there’s a chance in the future." Alia bid farewell to Gauss at the town entrance.

"Sure, we can cooperate again next time." Gauss nodded.

This wasn’t just empty talk, but a judgment based on his observations along the way.

At least in terms of strength, she was a decent partner.

She could provide him with strong control, enabling him to finish off enemies more swiftly.

If there had been no solo requirement for this Redcap Goblin Tribe Extermination, and she had assisted, he wouldn’t have needed to go through all that trouble preparing the drug in advance.

With her controlling the field, he could’ve just charged in and killed them all. That was the confidence of a “Hexagonal Warrior”.

The buffs he received from a control specialist like her were far greater than what a mage or warrior would gain.

Carrying his pack—

Gauss first went to the bathhouse to store his luggage and took a hot bath along the way.

Watching the almost-coagulated bloodstains on his body gradually wash away under the hot water, he felt immensely refreshed, as if a weight had been lifted from his body.

After scrubbing until his skin turned red and the last traces of foul blood and sweat were completely cleansed, a refreshed Gauss finally left the Bathhouse.

As for his luggage, it was temporarily stored in a private compartment at the Bathhouse.

Gauss brought along some personal items and Mission Tools as he headed to the Adventurer’s Guild headquarters.

Although he had a Record Crystal, just to be safe, he also brought along the Goblin left ears he habitually cut off.

It was now around four or five in the afternoon.

The number of people submitting commissions at the Adventurer’s Guild was gradually increasing.

This time, Petra was nowhere to be seen at any of the counters—she was likely off duty—so Gauss casually picked the counter with the fewest people.

After queuing briefly, he submitted his Mission Badge, Record Crystal, and a small pouch of Goblin left ears.

The receptionist at the counter stated that the left ears were not necessary and took the Record Crystal to the office behind the counter, knocking before entering.

A short while later, she returned with a respectful smile on her face.

She handed Gauss the commission reward of ninety Silver Coins.

"Respected adventurer Gauss, the assessment mission you carried out has been verified as meeting the Guild’s requirements. Congratulations on successfully completing this Entry-level Mission. Here is your commission reward, please verify it."

Gauss glanced at the pouch.

Ten Silver Coins were bundled neatly per roll—nine rolls in total.

He quickly counted them.

Then stored away the pouch containing the coins.

"Thank you."

"Would you like to accept a second Entry-level Mission now?"

"Not for now."

"Very well. If you ever need to, you may go to any reception desk. There is no need to queue. Just explain your situation, and the appropriate staff will escort you to the VIP Room to accept a mission." The receptionist spoke with great respect, wearing a sweet smile.

This was not the formulaic tone and wording used for ordinary low-level adventurers.

Although Gauss was not yet a true Bronze-rank Adventurer, being able to complete a mission successfully on his first attempt and in such a short time clearly indicated his strong capabilities. Becoming a Bronze-rank Adventurer was only a matter of time for him.

The next day.

Gauss wandered through various shops with a large pack filled with all sorts of spoils.

Leather goods, ceramic art pieces, weapons, and other items of unclear function.

Holding a small notebook, he visited many stores, comparing prices and recording amounts.

In the end, he sold most of the loot acquired from the Goblin Village for about 1 Gold and 25 Silver.

Adding the commission reward from the mission, he had a total of 2 Gold and 15 Silver.

His coin pouch balance had broken past the 5 Gold mark.

It now held 5 Gold and 26 Silver—his highest ever.

After running around most of the day, Gauss, soaked in sweat, held the pouch to his ear and gave it a shake.

Hearing the jingling clash of metal coins inside, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

It was a reassuring sound—he’d become so familiar with it that he could now distinguish between the different coins by their sounds.

The clinking of Copper Coins was short, dry, and had a bit of noise—like the sound of plastic pieces clashing in his previous life.

The sound of Silver Coins was much clearer and more resonant, with a pure aftertone and a slight metallic tremor.

As for Gold Coins, their sound was a long, gentle, deep, and rich echo—exuding a sense of luxury and value.

Of course, he wasn’t a money grubber.

He just found the sound of Gold Coins clinking in a pouch particularly pleasant.

"And I still have two Scrolls left unsold."

Thinking of that—

He remembered Andini.

No time like the present.

Might as well check today to see if she’s back.

Last time he went to Thorn Cottage, no matter how hard he knocked, the door didn’t open.

Several days had passed—she should have returned by now.

At a fruit shop by the street, Gauss bought a good amount of fresh produce and carried two bags of fruit into Widow’s Lane.

"Young man, care to come in and play?"

Passing by a brothel, a scantily clad, fair-skinned, and alluring lady extended an invitation. Upon seeing his face clearly, she covered her mouth and burst into a lascivious giggle.

Startled, Gauss, somewhat flustered, waved his hand repeatedly and quickened his pace past the brothel amidst her teasing laughter.

He arrived at Thorn Cottage.

Knocked on the door.

This time, he didn’t have to wait long. The oak door creaked open automatically with a gentle "aiya" sound.

She’s back.

Seeing this scene, Gauss understood.

He stepped inside and shut the door.

The candles on the wall lit themselves, casting a warm yellow glow.

In the hall, the moment Gauss stepped in, Andini’s eyes locked onto him.

Then she looked at him as if he were some kind of monster.

"Andini-senpai, what’s the matter?"

"You’ve already advanced to a Professional Class?"

Gauss had just been about to open his mouth and surprise her—

But Andini immediately noticed the change in him.

Exposed so suddenly, Gauss could only nod and admit it.

Once she received his confirmation, Andini fell silent for a long while, seemingly lost in thought.

In a daze, the youthful boy before her overlapped in her mind with the fleeting silhouette she had glimpsed many years ago.

It was a while before she pulled herself out of her thoughts.