# Chapter 108: Before Departing
For the next four days, my life was incredibly "full". Mornings were spent at the Mage Guild, where I was almost always required to stay inside various Magic Arrays. Having Blood drawn was a daily routine. Damn it, if this were in my Original World, the Blood they've drawn from me would be enough to save several lives. Fortunately, there weren't any other stranger experiments besides that. If they had asked me to drink green sticky liquid scooped from a Large Pot as tall as a person, or tattoo various strange Magic Arrays on my Body, I would have shown these stick-like Sorceresses that Barbarians aren't the only ones with fists as big as cooking pots.
That old man Fara was completely engrossed in all sorts of experiments. Akara's words had long since gone in one ear and out the other for him. Fortunately, Elder Bruce, who I don't know what connection he has to Lin Ya, is a good person! Truly a great person! Even though he wasn't obligated, he still took time out of his precious research to teach me, finally giving me a rough understanding of the essence of Magic. Now no one can say I'm illiterate, right? Next time I chat with Sha La, I can even occasionally brag a little, hoho...
Afternoons were spent learning some basic Techniques with Kashya, and of course, "incidentally" practicing resistance to Negative Status Effects. This stuff is really uncomfortable all over. Every time a Negative Status Effect appeared, it felt like being electrocuted, but dozens of times more painful. It's not something you can get used to just by saying so. Kashya also faithfully fulfilled her promise from the first night. After half a day, almost every Muscle in my Body had gone on strike. As expected, women, regardless of size, beauty, or ugliness, are all vengeful creatures! Ahhh!
Another day was over, and the Sun had long since set. I stumbled back from the Training Ground, dragging my fatigued Body. A Class Changer's physique is truly good. Just moments ago, I was so tired from Kashya's "guidance" that I couldn't even speak, but after lying down for a while, I quickly began to recover.
Today should be the last day. For the past five days, just as I expected, Fara's experiments made no progress at all. Hmph, do you think something like the Redeemer is that easy to imitate? This is a cheat marked with the "Protagonist's patent"! If it were really researched and everyone could do it, what would happen then? However, although he didn't figure anything out from me, the experimental process gave Fara inspiration several times, and unexpectedly, he made good progress in other areas. It could be considered a consolation prize, Barely.
As for my comprehension of Magic these past few days, it's hard to say. Although Fara's self-compiled Beginner Magic book is indeed much more insightful than ordinary Magic Books, and I have Elder Bruce, an expert Sorceress, guiding me, this profound Knowledge is not that easy to grasp. As they say, perhaps even spending a lifetime studying and researching, one can only pick up a few seashells from the Beach of the Magic ocean. My current understanding of Magic can, at best, only be considered Student Level.
As for Kashya, she and Fara seem to know that my foundation is poor, so besides the Negative Status Effect Practice, they only taught me basic things. However, these are exactly what I need. I can't learn overly profound things right now. What I learned from Kashya is much more than from that irresponsible old man Fara. Because compared to Magic, I have more experience in Melee Combat. I could understand the Teachings Kashya gave me almost immediately. These basics, after my continuous practice, will eventually form my unique combat style one day.
Night fell. Walking on the Central Square of the Rogue Encampment at this time, a desolate feeling immediately arose. The Tavern, which would normally be starting to get lively by now, was deserted. Seven days had passed since Kashya assigned the Quests. Most Adventurers had already Departed. The only ones left were the few Adventurers who had just returned in the past few days, or those staying behind at the Camp. The entire center was silent. Walking on the stone-paved avenue, the flickering lights in front of the Inn seemed like will-o'-the-wisps. The occasional hurried Adventurers passing by, their "tap-tap" Footsteps rubbing against the stone road, only added to the sense of unease.
Compared to the quiet center of the Rogue Encampment, the other districts presented a different scene. As the War approached, residents from the threatened Villages, under the Protection of Adventurers, had brought their families to the Rogue Encampment for refuge. In an instant, the Quantity of Tents throughout the Rogue Encampment sharply increased, and many unfamiliar faces suddenly appeared. Fortunately, when the Rogue Encampment was planned, the capacity to accommodate all the nearby Population was fully considered, and it had been expanded many times over the past few thousand years, so there was still ample Space.
However, although the Population increased significantly, it didn't become lively or boisterous because of it. A heavy atmosphere slowly spread, shrouding the entire Camp's Sky, causing people's moods to be unconsciously Influenced, becoming tense. The gray Sky emitted a gloomy feeling, and the light rain carrying a faint smell of Blood foreshadowed the coming War. I heard that the Monsters gathered outside the Villages have already started stirring. In fact, small-scale Melee Combat has already occurred in several Villages. I wonder if things are going smoothly for Druv and the others.
"Big Brother!!"
Just as I opened the Door, as expected, Sha La, the adorable Little Angel, pounced over.
"Nothing happened on your way home recently, right?" I asked, stroking Sha La's cute little head with concern. The Rogue Encampment is crowded and chaotic now, and my biggest worry is Sha La, who still lacks the ability to protect herself.
"En, of course, Sha La can already cast Small Fireball!" The Little Angel puffed out her Chin proudly in my arms.
"Hehe, really? That's great." *Sweatdrop* That kind of ordinary Flame, let alone a Monster, would dissipate with just a casual swat from an Ordinary Person. Forget it, it's better not to say it and discourage her.
"Big Brother. I've already prepared the water for you, hurry and take a bath." Sha La is acting more and more like a little Wife now. Her casual words carry a hint of gentle and charming flavor. Or perhaps my Lolicon Soul within me is finally slowly awakening?
The icy cold water washed down, filled with Sha La's full Intent. A day's Fatigue seemed to vanish with it. I casually took out a clean piece of Clothes from my Inventory Space and put it on. Being a Class Changer is so convenient.
Back in the House. Aunt Shali and Sha La were already sitting around the dining table waiting for me. Lars and the others had already Departed three days ago. This Quest had a relatively low Danger level and was in a nearby Village less than a day's journey away, so Aunt Shali didn't seem particularly worried when they parted. The faint Smile on her face remained even after Lars left.
"Is today a special occasion? It's so sumptuous!" I looked in surprise at the mountain of delicacies piled on the table. This is the kind of treatment we only get when we return from a Trial.
"Hehe, isn't it the same as usual? Hurry and sit down. The dishes are getting cold." Aunt Shali smiled with pursed lips.
After finishing this sumptuous Dinner and taking a short Rest, Aunt Shali was busy clearing the dishes while I, as usual, sat with Sha La chatting about random things. Although it was just some rambling talk, this was the most Leisurely and peaceful moment of my day. Occasionally throwing in some internet jokes from my Original World and seeing Sha La laugh happily, my heart was instantly filled with a sense of Happiness.
"Oh dear. Are you already asleep?" By the time Aunt Shali finished tidying up, Sha La had already fallen asleep on my lap.
"She really worked hard." I looked at her sweet sleeping face with affection. After working hard all day at the Training Camp, she still Barely helped me draw water for my bath and then helped Aunt Shali cook. It would be strange if she wasn't tired.
"She'll catch a cold sleeping here. Carry her back into the Room." Aunt Shali's gentle Smile carried a hint of doting affection.
I nodded and gently lifted her Body. I put my other arm under her knees and carefully picked her up. It wasn't the first time I had carried Sha La back to her Room like this, but every time the Feeling was so gentle, as if she were a piece of cotton candy, soft and fluffy, warm and soft, so tender that it felt like she would fall apart with just a little force.
"Big Brother..." As I tucked Sha La in with the blanket and was about to turn and leave, her soft Voice came from behind me.
"Why are you awake? It's my fault for being clumsy, I must have woken you up."
I turned back. Leaning down, I gently stroked her smooth and tender cheek.
"Mmm~~" A cute sound came from her breath. Sha La gently shook her head, then lightly covered my large palm on her face with her small hand.
"Sha La wasn't actually asleep. I just wanted to stay by Big Brother's side and act spoiled for a little longer."
"You little lass!" My heart immediately warmed. I gently flicked her cute little nose.
Then, the two of us were silent for a while, enjoying this quiet warmth.
"Big Brother, you're leaving tomorrow, right?" After a long while, Sha La finally spoke in a barely audible Voice.
I nodded silently. "I'll be back soon."
"En, you promised! When you come back, Sha La will have a bucket full of water ready for you. Sha La likes drawing water for Big Brother's bath the most. That Feeling is very happy, very happy."
"Definitely." I gently turned my head away and rubbed my eyes. This little lass, always saying things that make people shed tears. It's not like we're parting in life and death.
The instant I turned my head away, Sha La suddenly looked up and lightly kissed my left cheek, pulling back instantly. Those two small lips were warm, soft, and left behind a faint Maiden's subtle fragrance.
"Th-this... this is a bl-blessing for Big Brother... When you come back... there's... the right side too!!" After saying this hesitantly, Sha La, like a little Rabbit, hurriedly turned her back to me and pulled the blanket over her entire head.
I blankly touched my left cheek that had been "Sneak attack"ed. Seeing Little Shara curled up in the bedding like an ostrich, I couldn't help but smile knowingly.
I'm really looking forward to the moment I return.
"Is Sha La asleep?"
When I came out, Aunt Shali was sitting on a Chair, with her back to me.
"En."
"You should go to bed early too. You're leaving tomorrow morning, right?"
"Wu..." As I walked out the House Door, Aunt Shali called out to me from behind.
"Lars and the others, I'll trouble you..."
"A small matter." I turned back and gave her a Smile full of Confidence.
"Wu, this is the list for the Special Action Squad. Make sure to remember it." The next morning, inside Akara's Tent, the Four Great Elders were gathered together again. I thought, do you three have nothing better to do?
Taking the parchment scroll from Akara, I opened it curiously and looked. Those with the Strength/Power to enter the Special Action Squad were all exceptional individuals. To be honest, I was very interested in the other nine Squads.
"This Monster Attack targets ten Villages, but we only managed to assemble nine Squads. We originally thought that little lass Sharna could make it back in time. Fortunately, we have you, Wu, otherwise, it would have been really difficult. As for the other nine Parties, it's best to communicate with them if you encounter them. They are all High-Level Squads who have already started preparing to Challenge Andariel."
Akara said to me with a Smile, then "accidentally" poked Fara's instep with her Cane.
"Cough, cough, Wu, I'm very sorry that I couldn't give you any Teachings these past five days, cough, cough..." Fara turned his Pain into coughs, sounding like a severely ill asthma patient.
"However, Wu, a Wizard's greatest Advantage is being able to master thirty different types of Magic. With this Advantage, they can quickly improve their comprehension of the Elemental forces, thereby creating countless improved and innovative Magic spells. But you have an even greater Advantage than Wizards. So don't be misled by the outward appearance of Strength/Power. Your ability to use other Class Skills, its greatest Help/Assist to you, is not to enhance your Strength/Power, but to give you more opportunities to understand the essence of Strength/Power, and then to explore and pursue even more Powerful Strength/Power. Don't neglect the root and pursue the tip!"
"Kid, make sure to properly experience what I taught you in actual combat." Kashya gave me a thumbs up.
"We look forward to your victorious return." Cain still looked like a good-natured old man.
"Depart towards a future of Light." Akara's current Image was like a sage in a shonen manga pointing with her Cane towards the setting sun, guiding the Protagonist forward.
"Um, thank you very much for coming to see me off, but I still want to go to the West District to buy some things. Is it okay if I Depart a little later?" I looked at the four of them with a pleading Gaze. Seeing how enthusiastic they were, I was a bit embarrassed to say this out loud.