Chapter 104: Chapter 104

"That adventurer team? They're pretty decent, though they're quite an ordinary team, but the people are quite good... Oh, and there's also a very interesting young fellow among them."

Flora's words immediately piqued Bechila's curiosity. A young person described as "very interesting" by this kingdom's magical genius couldn't be ordinary.

"He went from zero to becoming a professional class holder in just over half a month, comprehending skills entirely on his own."

Indeed, the very first sentence was enough to be astonishing.

Bechila thought for a moment: "The legendary superhuman warrior known as the Kingdom's Sword, Grand Duke Preston of the kingdom, took nearly a month to advance back in his day, didn't he?"

Flora remembered clearly, "And Grand Duke Preston had ready-made skills to learn, plus guidance from famous masters."

"In that case, he's truly a rare genius. Given time, he might even match or surpass Grand Duke Preston."

Flora shook her head, "He simultaneously advanced as an assassin class holder too."

Bechila's eyes widened in surprise. Clearly, this was beyond her comprehension.

"He even came to me a few days ago to learn magic, displaying magical talent far surpassing my own."

"Surpassing you... Little Flora, are you certain?"

Bechila felt like she was listening to a fairy tale.

Any one of these three achievements alone would be shocking enough, but having all three...

"Are you sure the person you're talking about is actually human?"

"I've wondered the same thing."

Flora shrugged, "I've even suspected this guy might be some deity's illegitimate child."

Bechila shook her head: "Whether deities even exist hasn't been conclusively proven yet... Putting aside such absurd theories, if he truly has such talent, it would be extremely rare even in the Empire... or across the entire continent!"

"And most of those so-called geniuses come from noble backgrounds, born with all kinds of resources piled onto them from the start."

Flora added, "I don't think their actual talent can compare to Lin Mo's."

"It seems you really think highly of him."

Bechila said with a smile, "I've never seen you praise someone before."

"If Lady Lavell personally witnessed how quickly he learns magic, you'd share my opinion... So I'd like to ask Lady Lavell to absolutely ensure his safety. We mustn't let such a genius be destroyed by the Lawrence family!"

Bechila nodded, clearly giving the matter serious consideration.

"Actually, there's a reason why I asked you about that adventurer team."

Flora nodded in response, waiting for her to continue.

The drawing room door opened, and a golden-haired girl wearing a white hat and a nun's habit walked in.

"Mother, I want to become an adventurer."

Flora looked at the girl before her and felt momentarily dazed: "Finnie has grown up so much..."

Finnie immediately showed a delighted expression, trotting up to her and somewhat awkwardly twisting her skirt, "When did you return?"

"I have some business to attend to..."

Flora didn't elaborate. She looked at Finnie with satisfaction in her eyes: "It seems you've fulfilled your wish to become a priestess and also joined the church as a nun."

She remembered when she left a few years ago, Finnie was only twelve or thirteen, still half a child, always clutching church scriptures, carefully reading them bit by bit, trying to understand those obscure and difficult contents.

Now, that little Finnie who always followed her around had grown almost as tall as her.

Finnie gave an elegant smile, her graceful and composed demeanor exactly like her mother's: "Sister Flora is still just as young and beautiful as ever."

Flora smiled and shook her head: "I'm already getting old. Lately, my teacher often nags me to find a reliable partner and settle down..."

"By the way, you just said you want to become an adventurer?"

Finnie nodded: "The holy scriptures clearly state, 'A hundred days of prayer brings little progress; a thousand miles of practice reveals true knowledge.' But nowadays, priestesses only want to become nuns and stay in the church forever. It's very difficult to improve that way."

Flora rubbed Finnie's round hat: "Because a stable and peaceful life is what most people pursue."

Many don't aspire to join the church to become nuns, nor do they become priestesses specifically to heal others' ailments.

Often, it's just to make a living.

They also don't care whether their skills can improve or what heights they might eventually reach, only seeking secure employment that guarantees a meal, which church work happens to provide.

As for going out to train and improve themselves... Everyone knows that could earn more money, but it also means significant risks.

When people can live stable lives, how many are willing to risk their lives for some uncertain future?

Finnie's pursuit of such ideals is also related to her background. Because she's well-provided for with food and clothing, she has the time and privilege to talk about ideals.

"But wanting to become an adventurer isn't necessarily a bad thing."

Although Bechila said this, her face clearly showed some concern: "But if you say you want to be an adventurer, you can't go alone... At the very least, you need to find some reliable teammates. Finnie, have you thought about this?"

"I... I'll go find some."

As Finnie said this, her expression clearly showed some confusion.

As the city lord's daughter, how many opportunities did she have to interact with adventurers? Naturally, she didn't know anyone and could only brace herself to recruit.

And this was exactly what worried Bechila the most.

With randomly recruited people, never mind their strength, just their character alone was worrying enough.

Safety was relatively manageable, but the main concern was that if Finnie met the wrong people, given her innocent nature, she could easily be deceived and exploited.

Moreover, Finnie's background differed from most adventurers, and whether her mindset and perspective could allow her to get along well with other adventurers was also a headache-inducing problem.

As the ruler of Silverstream City, she had many daily affairs to handle and couldn't constantly monitor these matters.

Flora, standing nearby, seemed to understand why Bechila had suddenly brought up the adventurer team earlier.

"Lady Lavell, you mean—"

Bechila: "If those adventurers don't object, I'd like to ask them to take care of Finnie on my behalf. And you just mentioned Lin Mo's safety concerns..."

Flora immediately understood.

If they operated together, both issues could be solved at once.

"Then I'll go ask them tomorrow and contact you immediately with any news."

"You can bring Finnie along too, so they can get acquainted first."

Time moved to the next day.

Lin Mo slept in as usual, not getting up until nearly eight o'clock.

After going downstairs for breakfast and preparing to head to the Association, he noticed a "sneaky" figure watching him from behind.

Lin Mo turned around and said somewhat helplessly: "Come out, Ellie. I'll take you with me."

Ellie immediately popped up in front of him, looking pleasantly surprised.

"Going adventuring so early?"

The inn door opened, and a familiar voice reached their ears: "But wait a moment, let me introduce you to a friend."

As Flora spoke, she waved toward the door: "Come in, Finnie."

Lin Mo looked curiously toward the doorway, where a girl somewhat awkwardly twisted the corner of her clothes, took a deep breath, and walked in.

She wore the church's standard blue-and-white nun's habit, a round hat on her head, her beautiful golden hair neatly arranged with a hair ribbon tied on the right side, her light purple eyes filled with tension and curiosity.

However, her movements were quite proper as she walked unhurriedly before them, giving a slight bow: "Hello, I'm Finnie. I'd like to join your adventurer team..."

Lin Mo cast a questioning look toward Flora.

Where did she find such a cute girl this time?

Flora responded with an eye roll, "Let's go find Mr. Alden and the others to regroup first."

A short while later, in a private room at a high-end hotel in Silverstream City, Alden and the other three team members—Rick, Solan, and Carson—stared bewildered at Finnie before them.

"Let me introduce, this is Finnie, daughter of Silverstream City's ruler."

Flora's opening words struck like a thunderbolt, making them all stand up immediately.

"The ruler's daughter?!"

Alden's first thought was of Lania City ruler's daughter, the notorious Yunis Lawrence.

But just as Silverstream City's ruler differed from the harsh and severe Viscount Lawrence, her daughter was clearly completely different from the arrogant and domineering Miss Yunis.

If not for her barely concealable elegant and noble temperament, she looked as amiable and kind as the girl next door.

"As for the purpose of bringing you here today... let her explain it herself."

Flora said, giving Finnie an encouraging look.

Finnie nodded, seemingly having overcome her initial nervousness, and spoke calmly: "Hello, Mr. Alden, and everyone. I'm Finnie, and I'd like to join your adventurer team."

The ruler's daughter joining their team?

Alden felt like he hadn't woken up properly yet and cast a pleading look toward Flora nearby.

"Anyway, that's the situation. Finnie wants to experience the adventurer's life, so Lady Lavell... that is, Silverstream City's ruler, wants to entrust you with taking care of her daughter. Of course, you'll receive additional compensation."

Upon hearing the last sentence, Lin Mo immediately made the decision for the team leader, then immediately asked: "How much?" Fresh chapters posted on novel-fire.ɴet

He desperately needed money right now!

Flora certainly knew why he was so excited—it was because of the grand promises she'd made him earlier—and couldn't help but laugh: "How about double? For any tasks you accept and complete through the Adventurers' Association, besides the Association's rewards, you can receive an additional matching amount."

Although Lady Lavell hadn't mentioned specific compensation, this level of reward wouldn't be any burden whether she or Finnie paid it themselves.

Since the team's powerhouse had spoken, it seemed he had no reason to refuse. Alden had just arrived in Silverstream City and spent considerable savings settling his family, so he really needed to earn money.

"Wonderful, thank you all!"

Finnie excitedly clenched her fists: "When do we start adventuring?"

"How about tomorrow?"

Alden thought for a moment. Originally, they planned to rest for a few more days, but with such a good deal offering double rewards, starting work a few days earlier was certainly fine.

After chatting briefly, everyone returned to their respective homes, while Finnie went to the church to explain the situation to the local bishop.

The church didn't impose strict management on ordinary nuns, let alone someone with Finnie's special status. Whatever she wanted to do naturally wouldn't be prevented.

Lin Mo went with Flora to the neighboring tea house to talk privately.

"So, what's on your mind?"

Flora took off her hat, revealing her flowing red hair.

"About Miss Finnie's safety..."

Lin Mo didn't believe that Silverstream City's ruler would simply entrust this young lady to ordinary adventurers like them without any precautions.

"Someone will be protecting her in secret, but don't worry, they won't interfere with your adventures unless extreme circumstances arise."

Lin Mo smiled slightly. This was one reason he'd agreed so decisively earlier.

Unexpected situations were inevitable during adventures, especially since their team's current tasks mostly involved entering the deep forest areas of Roland Forest, where they might encounter powerful magical creatures.

Taking this young lady along not only meant extra rewards but also guaranteed absolute safety. Only a fool would refuse such a good deal.

He also understood that without Flora's connection, such an opportunity would never come their way.

Flora waved her hand: "No need to thank me. It just happened to work out. Actually, you're helping Lady Lavell too... By the way, how's your magic practice going?"

Lin Mo extended his hand, and a fireball quickly appeared in his palm.

Then the fireball extinguished, replaced by an ice spike.

"Your mana improvement speed is quite good."

Flora nodded, pretending to be calm while internally cursing vehemently.

If quickly learning magic could possibly be a coincidence, then Lin Mo's rate of mana improvement had completely convinced her that this guy was a monstrous-level genius.

His progress over these two days amounted to at least what she had achieved in over half a month back then.

And that was without anyone teaching him!

"Any other questions?"

Lin Mo detected some impatience in her tone and felt puzzled.

She was fine just moments ago, why suddenly become irritated?

"Two more questions. First, are there methods to quickly restore mana?"

"Yes, primary mana potion, 25 gold per bottle. Drinking it can quickly restore mana over 5 minutes. With your current mana capacity, one bottle should last you three or four uses."

"...Never mind then."

Lin Mo decisively abandoned the idea of using potions for leveling. These mana potions were even more expensive than health potions. Buying one for emergencies was feasible, but using them as daily items wasn't something he could afford at his current stage.

"Second question, where can I buy spell scrolls, and roughly how much do they cost?"

"As for spell scrolls, they're generally auctioned off, so prices vary. An ordinary-grade magic scroll could cost anywhere from 300 to 800 gold coins. As for other methods... you could try your luck in the adventurer district. Occasionally, adventurers in urgent need of money sell skill scrolls there at prices cheaper than auctions, though not by much."

"What about skill scrolls for other classes? Are they similar?"

"Pretty much, though they're cheaper and more common than spell scrolls..."

Even so, they probably weren't something Lin Mo could easily afford.

Even the most common warrior class skills often cost over 150 gold—he'd struggle to afford them even if he spent all his savings.

Plus, he needed to save money for mithril gloves. After formally learning magic and becoming a mage, the mage class would definitely be one of his primary focuses for development.

"If you need one, I happen to have a spare warrior class scroll."

Flora noticed his hesitation and pulled a skill scroll from her robe: "I obtained this from some foolish thief on my way to Roland Town earlier."

Lin Mo looked at the scroll, somewhat hesitant.

He did want to expand his skill repertoire. Since his main skills had reached outstanding level, the gains from using them to kill ordinary magical creatures had become relatively low.

Magic skills couldn't be practiced extensively due to mana limitations, so the best approach was to acquire a few low-level skills to maximize monster-killing benefits.

After all, low-level skills leveled up quickly, provided some attribute points, and could automatically evolve once mastered. It seemed like a no-lose situation...

But whether to spend money on it made him quite conflicted.

Flora chuckled lightly: "It's nothing valuable. You can have it."

"Is that appropriate?"

Though Lin Mo said this, his hand had already quite honestly reached for the still-warm scroll.

"Consider it thanks for helping me destroy the site the Lawrence family set up. As for magic, being a Saint Antonius Academy instructor prevents me from personally teaching you, but things outside magic don't matter."

Flora said while handing the scroll to him.

Lin Mo expressed his gratitude sincerely.

Flora waved her hand: "Take good care of Finnie. I don't just mean during adventures, but also in interpersonal interactions. I'm worried she might struggle to integrate into the adventurer community. Initiate conversations with her... This is my personal request. That child is like a younger sister to me. She's very innocent and kind-hearted. Please don't bully her."

"I'll remember that."

Lin Mo nodded seriously.

"Alright, go practice your new skill. With your talent, you should be able to use it in tomorrow's adventure."

Flora picked up her hat, put it back on, waved her hand, swung her robe naturally, and turned to leave.

Lin Mo stared at her retreating figure for a good while before reminding her: "Are you taking the window?"

This was the third floor. Could it be that mages at her level had already learned flight magic?

As soon as he finished speaking, he heard a *thud*, and Flora completely disappeared from his sight.

Lin Mo hurried to the window and looked down, seeing Flora walking into an alley as if nothing had happened, though her steps seemed slightly awkward.

This passionate, seemingly mature mage... was she a bit... scatterbrained?

In the alley, Flora rubbed her stinging buttocks, inhaling sharply.

Perhaps because her talent had been surpassed, she always felt a strange competitive urge around Lin Mo, wanting to maintain an expert's demeanor. So when leaving, she tried to look cool without thinking, instinctively walking in the opposite direction after saying goodbye. Coincidentally, that tea house had an open layout rather than enclosed private rooms, and the doors and windows looked similar, so she mistook the windowsill for a doorstep, even wondering why she'd forgotten to close the door earlier...

Fortunately, she reacted quickly enough, and probably not many people saw.

When leaving the tea house, Lin Mo overheard people on the street discussing how some mage had apparently jumped from upstairs earlier and landed hard on her rear.

For some time to come, this would likely become a famous local rumor.

Back at the inn, Lin Mo took out the scroll and unrolled it to examine.

It recorded this technique's movement essentials and, most crucially, the Qi and Blood circulation pathways.

Just like when he first learned skills before, he stimulated the Qi and Blood within his body to attempt the circulation. Soon, a feeling of sudden understanding arose from within.

Lin Mo went to the small courtyard behind the inn, holding his Wolf Bone Sword, and thrust forward.

"Learned skill [Thrust]! Strength +1!"

Such information immediately appeared before his eyes.

Lin Mo checked the new skill's effects.

[Thrust] Lv1 (0/10): Use a weapon to thrust forward

Note: Thrust, slash, upward cut, hook... The thrust is one of the most fundamental sword techniques, also a fast and fierce offensive method.

This was an ordinary-grade skill, similar to the "Slash" he comprehended when first transmigrating, with simple descriptions—one of the most common skills.

But Lin Mo never disdained skills for being weak. No matter what kind of skill it was, as long as it was a skill, he welcomed them all.

After practicing a few times, his movements became somewhat smoother, but improving proficiency solely through practice remained quite difficult. Practicing until evening might only raise it by one or two points, so it wasn't necessary.

Better to rest properly, relax a bit. They had missions tomorrow...

It was just noon, so Lin Mo went to the Adventurers' Association, bought another set of Silverstream City edition map guides from Lena, and also purchased "Illustrated Guide to Common Magical Creatures in Roland Forest Deep Zone" and "Adventurer's Essential Plant Guide (Intermediate)."

Essentially upgraded versions of the books he bought when first becoming an adventurer, costing 1 silver coin total.

A bit pricey, but manageable—nothing significant for Lin Mo now, and Lena got some commission too.

For the remaining time, Lin Mo explored the city properly, also visiting Silverstream City's "adventurer sanctuary," where the coming and going young ladies made him somewhat dizzy.

But experiencing it briefly was enough. Lin Mo didn't actually intend to partake, so he found a reputable massage parlor to relax his body, then went with Ellie to the Association to pick up Lena after work.

Today was his turn to treat.

Leisurely time passed quickly, and the next day's sun soon rose. Today marked the official start of adventures for the brand new Raging Bull Team...