As one of the most powerful subtypes of goblins, Bear Goblins share the same vicious nature as their kin and often appear as the leaders of a goblin tribe.
In such cases, the adventurer association naturally lists such demons on their bounty board, offering a decent reward due to their prowess far surpassing low-level adventurers—
10 Gold Coins.
It's not much.
But if you add in the loot from clearing out an entire goblin tribe, the haul can barely be considered substantial.
The Bear Goblin that the Stinky Fish and Shrimp Group encountered had evidently just left its tribe recently, as even its underlings' equipment wasn't fully gathered.
Even counting the dozen goblins ambushed yesterday, the only weapon that could fetch a decent price from the whole tribe was the Nail Head Hammer in the Bear Goblin's hand.
Xia Nan tried it out; even for his enhanced physique, it was a bit heavy. Though it looked intimidating when swung, the weapon was probably not suitable for a {Vortex Slash} and could most likely only be sold to a blacksmith shop.
But fortunately.
Perhaps because this was his first adventure, he had some sort of legendary "beginner's luck."
On the Bear Goblin's body, there might exist something that low-level adventurers like them could only gaze at from afar through store or auction house windows—
The ochre-colored Energy Shield.
In most cases, Bear Goblins do not possess magical abilities.
Only a very few individuals favored by the Divine, referred to as "Priests" within their tribe, can master some primitive totemic class magic.
Clearly, the Bear Goblin "Hengge," which Xia Nan had beheaded, was not such an existence.
Otherwise, as soon as they reached the depths of the lair, the Stinky Fish and Shrimp Group would have been wiped out (at least, according to Magi).
On the other hand, during the brief yet intense battle just now, the Bear Goblin did not make any obvious moves to use a Magic Scroll.
Therefore, only one possibility remains.
Magic Items!
And that indeed was the case.
Under Magi's guidance, Xia Nan found a ring in the Bear Goblin's pants pocket.
...
[Dead Line]
Type: Ring
Level: Good (Green)
Effect:
1. Deflection Field (Active/Level 2): Summon a chaotic field to block the next physical attack from an enemy.
Description:
On the night before the deadline, Noel finally remembered the assignment left by his tutor.
Note:
"You know, my efficiency has always been high."
—— Outstanding Graduate of the Star Sea Enchantment Academy, "Rieman" Mage Tower's Best Apprentice of the Year, Noel
...
The ring is completely silver-white, seemingly no different from the ordinary silver rings on a common person's hand.
But upon closer inspection, a few inconspicuous patterns are discernible inside, occasionally flashing with ochre light on its surface.
"That's it!" When Xia Nan retrieved [Dead Line] from the Bear Goblin's pants pocket, Magi instantly became excited.
"This ring is definitely a Magic Item!"
The expression on his face was something Xia Nan had never seen since joining the team.
"And it repelled my {Precise Strike} so effortlessly, indicating it's quite powerful." He asserted confidently, "It's definitely not some trick; at least a level 1 spell is enchanted on it."
Magi took the ring from Xia Nan's hand, examining it with the care of a treasured possession, as if even his ailments vanished at that moment.
Xia Nan wasn't as excited about it as the other, without any unnecessary thoughts in his heart.
Until he suggested leaving while Magi was studying the ring, after searching the cave once more.
Xia Nan keenly noticed that there seemed to be a change in the other's expression.
Magi's previously excited face suddenly cooled at a certain moment.
His gaze lowered, glancing at his nearly crippled right leg, then quickly retracted.
He put on a somewhat stiff gentle smile again, pretending nonchalance while reluctantly handing the ring back to Xia Nan.
"It's time to leave; the smell of blood here is too strong, likely to attract other beasts."
He said thus.
In his past life, Xia Nan wasn't very old, but he'd been muddling through the workplace for nearly ten years, barely achieving some results.
He understood basic observation and discernment.
So, although he didn't reveal anything on the surface, he noted the shift in Magi's expression at that moment.
...
Leaving the cave.
Magi was severely injured, making movement inconvenient;
Xia Nan was carrying many spoils, also making walking difficult.
Thus, their pace wasn't fast.
Fortunately, with professional skills and familiarity with the route, the team continued in the right direction.
No longer needing to change course continuously to track goblin traces as they did coming in, they only had to focus on walking out.
So, within just a day and a half, they reached the outer edge of the forest.
The previously subtle atmosphere seemed to dissolve in the white mist, faced with the high-pressure environment filled with danger in Mist Forest.
"Creak."
Leather boots softly fell on the ground over the fallen leaves, making a sound as they stepped on scattered branches.
"The traces of human presence around here are increasing; we must be nearing the forest edge." Magi said, pressing close to a tree trunk, nostrils flaring, "We should be able to return to the city by tomorrow night at the latest."
"That's good then."
He placed the burden on his back heavily on the ground, letting the Dual Handed Axe (from Gag) in his hand stand against a nearby tree, while removing the Nail Head Hammer tied to his waist.
"Day in, day out, it's nothing but wood and grass; my eyes are going blurry."
"Haha, you'll get used to it." Magi replied with a laugh, looking up at the sky, "It's getting late; let's set up camp first."
The campfire was quickly lit.
The two sat around the flames, eating the simple food they carried with them (a piece of hard black bread, a few strips of overly salty unspecified animal meat), chatting casually.
"So, have you made up your mind?" Magi asked sincerely, looking at Xia Nan across from him, invitingly, "Want to join my team?"
"Let's talk about it after we return to the city; you'll probably need some time to recuperate too." Xia Nan glanced at the other's bandaged right leg, answering.
"Haha, no need to worry." Magi waved his hand, pretending to be hearty, "I've had worse injuries than this; don't worry. Several trips to the Church, and I'll be fine in no time."
Xia Nan nodded, remaining silent.
"Alright, it's been a whole day; it's tough on you carrying so much stuff." Magi stood up with some difficulty, patting the dust off his backside.
"I'll go check the traps, but being near the gathering place, there shouldn't be any danger. You can have a good rest today; leave the first half of the night watch to me."
Xia Nan squinted his eyes, watching the other's figure gradually disappear into the shrubbery.