Chapter 169

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Chapter 169: Weak Ant Tribe? Nothing to Worry About

The archer’s gaze fell upon the golden-haired maiden standing before the counter.

A flicker of surprise crossed his features before his expression darkened. He made to retreat, then hesitated mid-step as if recalling something important. With visible reluctance, he forced himself back into the guild’s embrace.

The Adventurer’s Guild maintained strict regulations – no violence between members within its halls, and any brawl within town limits risked attracting the guards’ attention and subsequent imprisonment.

As Lean crossed the threshold, every adventurer present turned their attention toward him, some subtly, others more overtly.

In days past, he might have met their gazes with scornful remarks that would send lesser adventurers cowering and averting their eyes.

But now…

The Wings of Freedom found themselves in dire straits – their captain grievously wounded, their strongest warrior deprived of both hands. Though wounds may heal and severed limbs be reattached, time was needed – precious time during which they couldn’t seek vengeance against the golden-haired warrior who had bested them. Worse still, they must now watch for retaliation from past enemies they’d wronged.

And among the guild’s current occupants stood several such foes, none more formidable than the very golden-haired maiden before him.

Gritting his teeth, Lean took his place in line behind Lin Yu.

"State your business."

Her voice cut through the air like winter’s chill.

When he raised his eyes, he beheld a face both beautiful and fierce, but the glacial stare that met his own made his heart stutter.

"To… to report mission completion," Lean stammered truthfully.

Lin Yu’s tension eased slightly – she’d expected another provocation. After Nasha finished recording the commission, she carefully stored away the five Commission Orders before departing with her three young companions.

"Sister Army Lady should remain vigilant," one cautioned as they walked. "Once Sylvestre and Martina recover, they’ll surely come seeking trouble – it’s in their nature."

A quiet nod. "I understand."

This time, should they come, she wouldn’t show mercy.

…

Their discussion about Wings of Freedom concluded as they approached the nearest Apothecary, the trio’s conversation turning to lighter matters.

"Tell me," one youth began, "which low-level monster do you consider most troublesome?"

"Goblins, undoubtedly!" another exclaimed. "They wield weapons intelligently. Speaking of which, have you heard about that Class C Adventurer in our guild? The one who exclusively hunts goblins and accepts only goblin-related commissions – never anything else?"

"You mean that fellow they call Goblin Killer?"

"Exactly! Always clad in that impenetrable armor, operating alone. I’ve never once seen him converse with others in the guild. Quite the eccentric character."

Lin Yu listened in silence as the conversation veered wildly off course. Weren’t they just discussing troublesome low-level monsters? She sighed inwardly, keeping her amusement to herself.

"There are plenty of eccentric folks in the guild, and perhaps that person had some grievance with goblins."

"Regardless, it’s not our concern."

"But claiming goblins are the most troublesome low-level monsters is definitely wrong. If you ask me, that title belongs to the Granville Wolves."

"True enough! After all, those are the monsters that pushed us to our limits. Goblins pale in comparison to Granville Wolves when matched in numbers."

"Ah, speaking of which, Sister Army Lady, which low-level monster do you think is the most troublesome?"

At this point, Will turned to the golden-haired girl with his question.

Lin Yu pondered momentarily before answering:

"Weak Ants."

"Weak Ants? Oh right, those exist!"

Sally chimed in excitedly.

"They either don’t appear at all, or show up in massive swarms."

"Though the Weak Ant Tribe only has numbers going for them. Most are unclassified monsters with pitiful individual strength, and they’re terrified of fire. Even when they multiply, it’s nothing serious – just send more adventurers if needed."

"What about other ant species?"

Lin Yu continued, her curiosity piqued.

"Other ant species? Oh, are you referring to Military Ants, Sister Army Lady?"

"Exactly, Military Ants."

(The one you’re speaking to happens to be one.)

"Those can’t possibly be considered low-level monsters anymore."

"Yet we truly mustn’t underestimate Military Ants as a species,"

Will said with uncharacteristic gravity.

"They’re walking calamities – when their numbers grow, they become capable of overrunning entire towns."

"Now you’re exaggerating, Will! Military Ants are Class D to C monsters at most. As long as they don’t exceed Class C, our town’s forces and adventurers could definitely defend against them."

"Besides, with the town’s Defense Magic Crystal active, not a single monster could breach our walls."

…

Through careful questioning, they inquired about other ant species.

They discovered the group only knew five varieties: Weak Ants, Worker Ants, Military Ants, Acid Ants, and Iron Armored Ants. The Earth Digging Ants, Stealth Ants, Flying Ants, and Demonic Ants remained completely unknown to them – they’d never even heard such names.

Their casual conversation carried them to the Apothecary.

The shop was roughly the same size as the furniture store they’d visited earlier.

Following the trio inside, they were greeted by the earthy scent of medicinal herbs.

"Ah, you lot again. What’ll it be today?"

Behind the counter, a slight-framed, bespectacled middle-aged man glanced up from his book.

Upon recognizing Will and his companions, he merely posed a single question before returning his attention to the book.

"Some bandages, Hemostatic Powder, and Life Recovery Potions!"

"Oh? Life Recovery Potions?"

The man glanced up again.

"Can you actually afford those? I recall you just purchased new armor recently… Wait, your leather armor appears different again?"

"Freshly acquired, and superior in quality to our previous two sets!"

Young Mayer lifted his chin proudly.

"We’re flush with coin now, Manfel. Show us your… your most economical Life Recovery Potion!"

"They’re over there – help yourselves."

The man called Manfel gestured toward the shelf housing the Life Recovery Potions.

"The bottom shelf holds the most affordable options – one silver coin per bottle. My less successful concoctions."

"That insufferable man, always so smug."

Mayer shot him a withering look before leading Will and Sally toward the indicated shelf.

"And you, miss? What might you require?"

After their departure, Manfel’s attention shifted to Lin Yu.

The golden-haired maiden’s striking features immediately captured his notice.

"Magic Recovery Potion."

Manfel… that name seems familiar somehow.

Ah! Isn’t this the client who posted the red fruit collection quest?

"You’re an adventurer as well, I presume?"

"Indeed."

"Then may I see your Adventurer ID, please?"

"For what purpose?"

"Oh? Are you unaware? While Life Recovery Potions are unrestricted, attribute-enhancing potions and Magic Recovery Potions are strictly regulated. This apothecary only dispenses them to military personnel, nobility, and registered members of the Adventurer’s Guild. Commoners and merchants require special authorization from the local lord."

Manfel deliberately paused for effect.

"Furthermore, Magic Recovery Potion allocations are tiered according to Adventurer Level."

"So lower-ranked adventurers receive smaller quotas?"

"Precisely. Not just quantity, but the superior-grade Magic Recovery Potions are exclusively reserved for advanced adventurers."

Studying the golden-haired girl’s exquisite features, the man’s lips curled into a knowing smile.

"Though… exceptions can sometimes be made."