Chapter 99: Not Alone
Perhaps some Class Changers have already spoken of this knowledge, but they are always in teams, while I undertake solo Trials. The atmosphere described and the perspective from which we depart are different. The exquisite cooperation between teammates certainly makes them marvel, but the tension and excitement of undertaking a Trial alone can also be addictive. Even with the Bugged Amulet, my Trials were not always smooth sailing. Many times, I encountered certain Dangers. When it was time to escape, I had to escape. I am not some invincible peerless expert. Although I have Little Snow and the others with me, a situation of narrow escape from death hasn't occurred, but I have indeed experienced many dangers, both large and small. The source of some Dangers wasn't even Monsters, but the climate in Nature, Traps, and so on, just like the Blizzard I encountered in the Cold Plains.
In the Original World, I was at least a forum Expert, so I still had the ability to summarize Experience and insights. With a description that was seven parts truth and three parts exaggeration, the mindset and insights gained from undertaking a Trial alone, as well as the joy after escaping danger, were vividly expressed. This truly allowed the people below to feel a tangible journey of solo adventuring. Even I couldn't help but immerse myself in that period of my journey. Looking back from my current perspective, many times I can only sigh and think how damn lucky I was back then. I didn't even die like that, yet I somehow stumbled my way through it all.
By the time I snapped out of my Memories, the area below was already packed with people. Almost all the Students from the Magic Training Camp had gathered. Not only that, but even the Mentors, and the Mercenaries and Class Changers practicing nearby, were quietly listening on the side. The Experience and insights I described were still very valuable to them. In the entire Rogue Encampment, besides me, perhaps only Sister Sharna had this kind of Experience. But who would be foolish enough to seek her guidance?
After listening to my description, they were also filled with astonishment and admiration. As the saying goes, laymen watch the excitement, while experts see the way. For these inexperienced Students, my experiences were just a perilous journey. Only those experienced Mercenaries and Class Changers could truly feel the thrill of that time from my seemingly casual descriptions. Some people who had still harbored doubts about me were finally convinced.
Unconsciously, the midday Sun was already hanging high overhead. I stopped, licking my dry lips with lingering satisfaction. This time was truly damn exhilarating! The danger and loneliness of solo Trials that I had experienced all this time were poured out in one go. The gloom in my heart felt as if it had been channeled away, and I felt much better.
Looking at the dense Crowd below, there were Students, Mentors, and even Mercenaries and Class Changers, all standing there quietly, their Expressions still lingering on the experiences I had just finished describing. The scene was packed with people, yet at this moment, you could hear a pin drop. What is a sense of accomplishment? This is it.
After waiting for a while, seeing that everyone had come back to their senses, I said in a concluding manner:
"Alright, I'll stop here. I hope my experiences can be of some Help to everyone. However, I must clarify that despite saying all that, I do not recommend you undertake Trials alone. In the future, perhaps many Adventurers will emerge among you. I hope you can still gauge your own Strength and find some reliable Teammates. The purpose of my lecture this time was not to impart the Experience and insights of solo Trials, but rather to make you understand the importance of having good Teammates by your side."
After speaking, I slowly walked down the platform. The Crowd parted, making a path. Under the astonished, adoring, and envious gazes of the people, I walked up to Sha La, gently stroked her little head, and said in a heartwarming gentle Tone:
"It's almost noon. Let's go back together, my little Princess Your Highness."
With a "swoosh," under everyone's gaze, Sha La's innocent and lovely face seemed to be dyed with a layer of deep red blush. She lowered her head deeply, feeling both shy and happy in her heart. Finally, she tightly hugged my arm and, under everyone's envious eyes, proudly buried her head in my arm. The strong "thump-thump" heartbeat coming from the soft buds that were already developing and pressed tightly against my arm showed her shyness and excitement at this moment.
As we walked, the Crowd automatically made a path. Looking at Sha La, who was clinging to me like a little bird, my heart felt warm. From now on, I will make you the happiest princess in this Act.
When we returned to the Lar Family home, Aunt Shali came out to greet us. Seeing that it was Sha La and me together, she said with considerable surprise, "Wu, why are you only coming back now? And why is Sha La back with you?"
"Oh, I stayed at the Training Camp for a while, and then I brought Sha La back. What's wrong? Is there a problem?"
"No, nothing's wrong."
Aunt Shali looked at Sha La tightly holding my arm and said with a mischievous smile, "It's just that before, Sha La always ate and took her Rest at the Training Camp during noon and only came back in the evening. Her sudden return today is a bit surprising, that's all. But, well, Auntie understands the feelings of young people who find it hard to part, hoho~~"
*Sweatdrop* Aunt Shali is really something. I had just managed to feel a bit like an Expert this morning, and now I'm back to square one.
Seeing Sha La's bashfully flushed face, I smiled and gently pinched it. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? We could have just gone to a restaurant to eat. Now you're being teased by your mother!"
"I... I just forgot for a moment," Sha La mumbled with a red face, secretly glancing at me. "I was dazed and just came home."
Sha La mumbled with a red face, secretly glancing at me. The excitement and joy Big Brother brought her today were simply too great. She was still feeling dizzy and couldn't believe it was all real.
Forget it, I'm already being teased anyway. I'm now in the mindset of a dead pig not fearing boiling water. I simply hugged Sha La's warm jade and soft fragrant body tightly and swaggered in. I looked around and thought, 'Damn.' Those two lazy oxen, Doug and Gus, were still sleeping soundly in the Courtyard. Lars was nowhere to be seen either, probably still in dreamland as well. Nowadays, there aren't many good men like me who can wake up early even after staying up late, I thought with a sigh. Then, following Aunt Shali's instructions, I used a very "gentle" method to wake up the Barbarian Brothers.
After the six of us finished Lunch, Sha La rested for a while and then returned to the Training Camp. As for Lars and the others, they went to the Tavern to inquire about News and see if they could find a few Parties to team up with to deal with the Monster Attack.
I, on the other hand, first went to Charsi's place to process the Magic Crystal Ore I had harvested during this period. Then, under her Dumbfounded Gaze, I took out the Equipment with insufficient Durability, letting it clatter onto the ground. There was nothing I could do; when doing Trials alone, Durability drops faster, especially when dealing with Fallen Camps of several hundred or more. Durability would plummet rapidly. Fortunately, I had a lot of spare Equipment; otherwise, I would have ended up running around naked in my everyday Clothes.
After instructing her to sell some low-level White Items, I came to Akara's place.
"Excuse me, is Lady Akara at her place?"
"Is that Wu? What a rare visitor. Please come in quickly."
Heh heh, because I always obtained a large number of Identify and Town Portal Scrolls from Akara, and I wasn't short on Potions, compared to other Adventurers who frequently came to buy Items from her, I was indeed a rare visitor.
I lifted the Tent Door. Besides me, there were actually a few other Adventurers buying things.
"Lady Akara, it's been a long time. How have you been?"
Only after those Adventurers left did Akara let out a sigh of relief and sit down.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting. Recently, with the Monster Attacks, even this old woman's little shop has become lively."
After chatting with Akara for a bit, I handed her the Demon Cores I had harvested this time. She looked very happy. "Oh my, this is a great Help! We've had more customers recently, and the things in the shop are starting to run out. I'm ashamed to say, I haven't paid you back for the Demon Cores you gave me the last few times."
Saying this, Akara stood up, looking like she wanted to get some Town Portal Scrolls for me again. I quickly stopped her. "It's alright, Lady Akara, I still have hundreds on me, more than I can use. You should sell them to people who need them."
"Is that so? In that case, this old woman will shamelessly owe you for now."
Akara was stunned for a moment when she heard me say this, then a kind Smile appeared on her old face full of Wrinkles.
"Not at all. I know Lady Akara is thinking of the entire Rogue Encampment. When it comes to contribution, who in the entire Rogue Encampment can compare to you? Oh, right, I still have some Potions here. If Lady Akara doesn't mind, please accept them."
Seeing Akara's weathered face, my heart stirred. This old woman had dedicated her entire life to the Rogue Encampment.
Next, I took out hundreds of Minor Life Potions, and even Minor Mana Potions. Even without using Shapeshifting, my Life is over 400, and my Mana is over 100. My Inventory still has countless Light and even Medium Potions. These Minor Potions that add 40 points no longer hold any Meaning for me.
Akara didn't stand on ceremony. She quietly put away the Potions, but her Gaze held more affirmation and Praise.
"Wu, please allow me to thank you on behalf of the entire Rogue Encampment for your generosity. Your contributions will surely be rewarded."
I quickly said a few humble words. I hadn't originally expected anything, but if there was a reward I found appealing, it wouldn't be bad either. I'm not some saint who does good deeds without seeking fame or fortune.
After chatting casually with Akara for a bit, and after she poured out some steaming hot Spirit-Clearing Water, I finally stated the purpose of my visit today.
"Lady Akara, I came this time to inquire about the Monster Attack. Because I returned a bit late, I haven't reported to Lady Kashya yet, so you see..."
"Oh, that matter. I can make the decision on this. Anyway, the manpower in each Village is almost sufficient now. Which Village do you want to be stationed at?" Akara took a sip of water and said with a smile.
"Actually, I came this time to apply to join the Special Squad," I said in a Calm Tone.
"Oh?" Akara frowned slightly. "Wu, I know your Strength is very great, one of the best in the entire Rogue Encampment. It's just that you are only one person after all. Wouldn't it be a bit too dangerous to have you harass those large groups of Monsters like the other Special Action Squads?"
"Please rest assured, I have absolute certainty. Moreover, I am not alone!"
"Did you join another Party?" Akara asked, confused.
"No, I am still alone," I said, shaking my head with a smile.
"Oh? Then Wu, could you help this old woman clear up her confusion?"
My contradictory answer had even Akara, with all her Wisdom, a bit bewildered.
"It is my Honor, Lady Akara." I bowed very gentlemanly.
"Little Snow, Poison Creeper, both of you come out."
Following my Summon, Little Snow, who was almost as tall as a person, and the Poison Creeper, appeared one after another inside Akara's Tent. Fortunately, the Space inside had been enlarged; otherwise, Little Snow alone could have burst this small Tent.
"Lady Akara, these are my Companions, Little Snow and Poison Creeper. What do you think?" I motioned for Little Snow to lie down, leaving some Space, then stroked Little Snow's snow-white, soft fur and said to Akara with Confidence.
As I expected, Akara showed a surprised expression. However, it didn't last long.
"Wu, almost every time we meet, you give this old woman many surprises!"
"Akara, aren't you surprised? Could it be that you already knew?" Seeing that Akara wasn't as greatly astonished as I had imagined, I said somewhat childishly and unconvinced.
"Heh heh, my dear Wu, you Overestimate this old woman. Even the power of the Great Eye is not omniscient. It's just that this old woman has already experienced too many incredible things, and now I'm old, my Heart can't take it anymore. Could it be that you want this old woman to be scared into fainting?"
"Haha, not at all, Lady Akara, you are still young," I said, chuckling awkwardly.
"However, this old woman is indeed surprised. Is this a Summoning Skill you created yourself, Wu?"
Akara's Gaze fell upon Little Snow. Strangely, Little Snow, who disliked strangers, didn't seem to mind Akara's Gaze that much. It was just that the Tent's Space was still a bit small, making it wag its Tail in slight confusion and yawn widely.
"No, this is just a very ordinary Summoning Skill. I don't know what's going on either. Little Snow's current appearance is Mutated, and the others..." I explained my ability of Summoned Pet Mutation in detail.
"I'm very sorry for only telling you this now. It's just that when I discovered Little Snow and the others could Mutate, I was also very terrified. To figure out the truth, I've kept it hidden until now."
I wasn't lying to Akara about this. To be honest, I'm still completely baffled about my Summoned Pets being able to evolve.
"Furthermore, besides my Summoned Pets being able to evolve, I also discovered that as long as I have Equipment that adds other Class Skills, I can use the corresponding Skills!"
"What?"
This time, Akara was truly moved. The matter of Summoned Creatures Mutating, while strange, had been thought of before, and experiments had been conducted, but they all failed. So, even though Little Snow and the others were still within Akara's understanding, being able to use Skills from other Classes was unheard of. In the entire Continent's tens of thousands of years of History, it had never appeared, and no one had even thought such a thing could happen.
"That's how it is."
Thinking Akara still didn't understand, I immediately chanted the Incantation and used the Frozen Armor attached to my Cloak. In an instant, a layer of white snowflakes swirled around me, under Akara's Dumbfounded expression, making the entire Tent feel cooler.
"How can this be?" Akara murmured, staring blankly at the Frozen Armor on me, looking Incredulous.
"Actually, I don't know what's going on either. I only found out after I occasionally obtained this Cloak with Frozen Armor attached. Lady Akara, are you alright?"
Of course, I knew this might be an ability brought by the Redeemer, but I still rubbed my nose and put on a confused look. Seeing Akara's distraught appearance and remembering she said her Heart wasn't good and couldn't take excitement, I quickly asked.
"N-Nothing?"
After a good while, Akara finally recovered from her shock. She looked at me with a faint wry smile on her face, but even more so with relief.
"My dear Wu, this time you've truly succeeded in scaring this old woman, heh heh. But, it's very good, very good. I am very happy, truly. In you, I have seen the bright future of Sanctuary."
She said, somewhat incoherently, in an excited Tone.
Next, Akara asked me a few more questions. However, I really wasn't very clear about these things. Even if I had some understanding, I didn't dare to say it easily, so I could only answer that I didn't know anything.
Seeing that I also looked confused, Akara thought for a moment and said to me, "Wu, the Strength you have shown has far exceeded my expectations. Regarding your request to join the Special Action Squad, this old woman will make an exception and approve it. After you decide which Village you want to go to, just tell Kashya."
"However, I am still very interested in the matter of your abilities, but I am not skilled in this area. I wonder if you are free tomorrow and can come here again? At that time, there might be a few guests you are very familiar with who hope to meet you."
"It is my Honor, Lady Akara," I said with a faint Smile, and then bid farewell to Akara, who was still a bit out of sorts.
On the way back to Lars's place, I reviewed the situation that had just occurred again. I had actually thought through today's conversation thoroughly beforehand, and the development of events was within my expectations. This time, in front of Akara, I performed quite well and didn't reveal any Weaknesses.
My current abilities are far too outstanding compared to an ordinary Class Changer, and it's impossible to keep them hidden forever. Therefore, it was time to reveal them, albeit with some reservations. As for what should be revealed and what shouldn't, I had also considered it for a long time before finally making up my mind.
As for the abilities I showed Akara today, they were actually Secrets that wouldn't matter much even if they were known, because these are "inalienable" abilities. Even if they knew, what could they do? They couldn't take them away.
As for whether they would take me away for research, after some time of understanding, I discovered that this Act is very backward. There are no scientific madmen doing dissections or anything of the sort. At most, they would conduct some Magic research, which poses no Danger to me. As for the research results, I'm indifferent. I'm not short-sighted either. Although my abilities likely come from my identity as a Redeemer, the possibility of them being researched successfully is small. But if they really could research something, it would naturally be a win-win situation, because it would mean Sanctuary's Strength could become much greater. Compared to becoming the Strongest Expert, I would rather choose the peace of Sanctuary. And as the founder of the Skills, I would have made a great contribution, wouldn't I? Even if I can't become the number one in the Act later, I can still leave a good name for generations.
As for failure, I'm even more indifferent. With these abilities, getting the title of number one isn't bad either.
In my opinion, if they ultimately can't research anything conclusive, the ability for Summoned Pets to Mutate can be displayed freely in front of everyone. As for the ability to use other Class Skills, I will have Akara and the others keep it a Secret for me. This is my Magic Treasure for tricking people in the future; how can I let too many people know? As for the Bugged Amulet, I won't say anything about it even if I'm beaten to death. Let it forever rot in my Heart.