I Am Not Goblin Slayer

Chapter 103: Professional Intelligence, Storage Tools

"It seems your magical talent is even greater than I expected." When Andini said this, her heart was somewhat bitter. She involuntarily recalled her past, how much effort she had expended after leaving her village, transitioning from a naive newcomer to an apprentice skilled at Tier 0 Cantrips. Eventually, after accumulating extensive experience and wealth through numerous missions, she finally advanced to become a mage.

Even though her talent was already outstanding compared to the average person, naturally sensitive to magical energy, it had still taken nearly two years.

"It’s also thanks to your recommendation to Wormwood’s Spellcaster Mutual‑aid Association. That place really saved me a lot of time." Gauss expressed sincere gratitude.

He placed some produce on the table.

"On the way here, I bought some produce for you. I wasn't sure what you'd like, so I bought a bit of everything."

Andini stared at Gauss's face.

Although she had recommended Gauss to visit Wormwood, she hadn't expected that after just one trip, he would rise from apprentice straight to the Professional rank.

Actually, her original intention was simply for Gauss to interact with other apprentice spellcasters in Wormwood, gradually accumulating experience and resources. With a year or two more of practice, he could smoothly condense his Class Rank.

If a civilian Mutual‑aid Association truly were as effective as Gauss described, their doorsteps would have been trampled flat.

Suppressing the complex feelings of shock, she moved to the table, stood on tiptoes, and rummaged through the bag of produce.

"Why did you even bring gifts?"

Though she said this, she immediately added another sentence.

"By the way, my favorite fruit is blueberries."

"Alright, I’ll bring some next time."

After washing some produce, the two ate while talking.

Gauss took out two scrolls he had obtained during his commission.

"Could you help me check these, senior? I picked them up in a monster camp during my mission." Gauss had already mentioned his participation in the Bronze-rank examination to Andini.

Andini wiped the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief and took the scrolls in hand.

Magical Energy rapidly surged through her fingers.

She placed the scrolls back on the table.

"You're quite lucky."

"These two scrolls, one is a Tier 3 teleportation scroll. Tearing it allows you to instantly move to a safe location three hundred meters away."

"The other is a Tier 3 healing scroll. Tearing it replenishes vitality and removes negative conditions like wounds or poison."

"However, be aware that using them requires consuming some Magical Energy."

"If you plan to sell them, the teleportation scroll can fetch around four gold coins."

"The healing scroll can sell for about three gold coins."

"But if you're not in urgent need of money, I suggest you keep them. For newcomers like you, these scrolls are invaluable lifesavers." Andini suggested.

"Alright, I'll keep them." Gauss nodded obediently.

Actually, after learning their effects, he hadn't intended to sell them.

Although they were single-use spell scrolls, the teleportation scroll’s ability to move three hundred meters was sufficient to disengage from most current battles.

The healing scroll’s effects were straightforward, perfect for emergencies.

Even though each use effectively cost three or four gold coins worth of assets, when truly desperate, having these scrolls gave him greater confidence for future commissions.

At worst, he could simply tear open the teleportation scroll and run.

Hmm?

Why did that sound familiar?

Gauss pondered for a moment, recalling Arya's resentful complaints yesterday about the white-haired mage lad’s shameless escape behavior.

However, he wasn't like that. If he had teammates, he'd definitely discuss with them beforehand.

Gauss believed his character wasn’t so despicable as to abandon teammates without warning.

He put away the scrolls.

A strong sense of accomplishment surged in Gauss's heart.

Over five gold coins in cash, a Life Magic Stone, a Tier 3 teleportation scroll, a Tier 3 healing scroll, along with various weapons and tools—his total assets were now over ten gold coins.

Almost enough to buy a full suit of Plate Armor.

Thinking he was practically carrying around a dozen houses on his back, he felt his efforts over the past few months hadn't been wasted.

A few months ago, he was just a low-level freelancer with a few silver coins to his name. Now, his wealth had reached levels unimaginable to most ordinary people.

Indeed, in such a supernatural world, becoming an Adventurer was the quickest way to change one's fortunes.

Continuing to set traps for hunting, it would take centuries to earn what he'd gained in a few months.

Next, Gauss asked Andini more about Professionals and Bronze-rank Adventurers.

Perhaps because he had advanced to Professional, Andini treated him more seriously, or maybe there was some hidden convention.

In any case, topics she'd previously avoided during Gauss's apprenticeship stage were now freely explained.

Such as acquiring spellbooks.

Certain cantrips could be bought in some shops, though buyers had to identify authenticity themselves.

Alternatively, visiting the Professional Mage Guild in major cities allowed access to higher-level spells.

Additionally, once Gauss became an official Bronze-rank Adventurer, he could also shop on the second floor of the Adventurer’s Guild Headquarters.

There, many Cantrip Learning Scrolls and some low-level Spell Learning Scrolls were available.

However, Spell Learning Scrolls were generally expensive.

Moreover, even if finances permitted, which scrolls to purchase required careful selection by the spellcaster.

Even after becoming a Professional, spellcasters couldn't freely learn every spell they wanted.

Once a certain number of spells were mastered, their mental faculties would feel burdened. Unless using Forgetting Potions or other items, learning new spells was impossible until advancing in rank.

Regarding the exact number of spells one could master, no strict standard existed; it depended on individual mental strength.

Some Tier 1 Mages could master only two Tier 1 Spells, while others managed three. Exceptionally gifted ones could even handle four. The difference was significant.

Of course, more spells didn’t necessarily mean greater direct combat strength. Typically, the most proficient spell was used in battle.

But mastering more spells enabled easier handling of diverse situations, selecting the appropriate spell according to circumstances.

Additionally, mastering Tier 0 Cantrips also burdened mental faculties, albeit much less than spells. Therefore, individual judgment determined the ideal spell-cantrip combination.

Many new spellcasters preferred Tier 0 Cantrips over Tier 1 Spells to enrich their abilities.

Andini advised similarly; after officially becoming a Bronze-rank Adventurer, it was better for Gauss to prioritize learning some Tier 0 Cantrips.

Many functional cantrips were powerful and helpful during wilderness adventures.

Moreover, his current savings weren't sufficient for extensive official spell purchases.

Cantrips at the Adventurer’s Guild store cost only seventy or eighty silver coins; even the expensive ones were usually around one gold coin.

He could supplement his needs accordingly.

Gauss agreed with Andini's suggestion.

On one hand, he felt he knew too few spells, and he hadn’t felt the mental strain Andini described, so learning more seemed feasible.

On the other hand, his Adventurer’s Handbook hadn't rewarded spells for some time, so he couldn't rely solely on it for new spells.

At least, mastering the Light Spell showed he could independently learn cantrips and spells.

Aside from spell scrolls, the guild store also sold Professional-level equipment and Magical Tools, including the storage-space-type Magical Tools Gauss desired.

With that, Gauss wouldn’t have to awkwardly carry heavy packs between towns and wilderness.

Then, storing equipment and loot in storage tools, he could Travel Light, properly matching a Professional Adventurer’s style.

The more Gauss thought about it, the more motivated he became, eager to continue his commissions, quickly rise to Bronze-rank, and shop on the second floor.

Storage Tools, he absolutely had to have one! Gauss's heart raced.

He was a distinguished magic user—how could he not even own a single magical storage tool?

But once again, it seemed he lacked money.

So, he'd just have to kill more Goblins and earn more money.