Chapter Six: The Arrival of Danger

The detoxification spell in his hand transformed into faint glimmers of light and dissipated. Luo Xiu stared at the panel for the Basic Healing spell as it automatically added five points, his expression inscrutable.

So, from now on, his healing skills would be limited to just Basic Healing? Surely it wouldn't still be called "Basic Healing" at level 100, would it?

But on second thought, this was actually a good thing for him. If skills in the same direction could be converted into skill points, then all the attribute points gained from slaying monsters could be allocated to his own attributes, maximizing his combat power.

With this in mind, Luo Xiu turned to Lise and asked, "Miss Lise, do you have any other healing skill books for restorative spellcasters?"

"Yes, I do," Lise said, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "I recall there are two in the warehouse, but I need some time to find them. And they are both second-tier restorative spellcaster skill books; you probably won’t need them just yet, Luo Xiu."

"Is it difficult to advance from first tier to second tier?" Luo Xiu seized the opportunity to inquire about advancement. Although he relied on the system for adding points, it was still important to prepare for future upgrades. Otherwise, it would be hard to explain if his power suddenly revealed itself at a higher tier without understanding any advancement knowledge.

Moreover, he wanted to comprehend the tier system corresponding to his point allocation.

"For some professions, advancing from first to second tier is not difficult, but for restorative spellcasters, it’s somewhat challenging. If I’m not mistaken, it requires about five thousand uses of healing spells," Lise explained.

"As for the specific time for advancement, it depends on your mana capacity and mana regeneration rate. Unfortunately, our guild lacks mana crystals to test mana levels, so we can't conduct such tests."

"But if you can guarantee casting healing spells twice daily, it would take approximately six to seven years to advance," she added with a smile, patting Luo Xiu on the shoulder. "Take it slow. I’m rooting for you."

Luo Xiu chuckled inwardly. Thankfully, he could still allocate points; otherwise, his life would be effectively wasted here.

Outwardly, however, he showed no sign of doubt, instead adopting an enthusiastic demeanor: "I’ll work hard. Advancing to second tier should make me much stronger, right?"

"Yes, the difference between first and second tiers is significant. Take the Berserker, for example; even the weakest second-tier Berserker possesses the strength equivalent to four adult human males, and that’s before considering skill bonuses," Lise said.

"However, I’m not very familiar with how restorative spellcasters improve, as they are quite rare," she admitted.

That was enough for Luo Xiu. Originally, he only wanted to understand how points corresponded to tiers. Now, he knew that the weakest second-tier Berserker had a strength score of 12.

Satisfied with the information, Luo Xiu felt content. Although he had spent a bit more money, it was worth it.

He thanked Lise and quickly led Leyla toward the exit, his steps hurried.

He had a feeling the transaction wasn’t over—this woman had more cards to play.

But this time, he was determined not to look back. He was going to protect the last fifteen copper coins in his pocket at all costs!

"Wait just a moment!!!" Lise called out once more from behind.

Here it comes!

Luo Xiu’s heart jolted. The same scenario had played out twice before.

Hurry, Luo Xiu! Save some money for meat pies!

Thinking of the mere fifteen copper coins left in his pocket, Luo Xiu forced himself not to turn back.

But this time, Lise approached him holding a piece of clothing, wearing her trademark smile.

"Welcome to Lise’s Clothing Shop!" she greeted cheerfully.

"Sir, I noticed the adorable little girl beside you is a half-orc. Although half-orcs’ transformations merge with their clothes, their garments inevitably suffer damage during battle."

"How about trying our newest outfit? It’s lightweight and breathable, perfect for mobility. And the best part is, it’s on sale for just ten copper coins!"

Luo Xiu looked at Lise’s beaming face, then glanced at the shredded tears on Leyla’s clothes.

He lowered his eyes to his wallet and finally sighed deeply.

Damn, this world is truly perilous!!!

Half an hour later.

Luo Xiu held Leyla’s hand as she wore a brand-new hooded shirt, stepping out of the guild.

The sun was nearly setting.

Gazing at the dimming sunset, Luo Xiu felt as if he were in another world.

Drained—completely wrung out by that terrifying woman.

The guild made money, the guild spent money; not a single coin made it home.

"Let’s go home, Leyla."

The outside world was too dangerous. All he wanted now was to go home and hold Leyla as they slept.

"Thank you, Master, for the clothes!!!" Leyla nodded her small head rapidly, like a chick pecking rice.

That was the eleventh time she had expressed gratitude since they had left.

Master and servant walked homeward.

Bathed in the sunset’s golden light, two figures—one large, one small—walked side by side, hand in hand.

"Leyla, we’re out of money again."

"Master, I’m sorry. It’s all Leyla’s fault for spending too much. Tomorrow, Leyla will work hard to kill goblins and earn money!"

"It’s not your fault. Let’s go buy some thin meat pies."

"Does Master still have money?"

"I restrained myself and didn’t buy the multifunctional fork she recommended. We have two copper coins left; let’s each have half a pie."

"Thank you, Master!!! Leyla only wants a quarter—no, a fifth is enough."

...

That night, Luo Xiu held Leyla close in their humble dwelling.

In the following days, Luo Xiu and Leyla began their relentless hunt for goblins.

Leyla’s transformation lasted about 24 hours each time. The pair traveled daily between the northern forest and the guild, making full use of their time.

Leyla kept a journal:

Day two with Master.

Weather: Clear.

Killed one goblin.

Someone else at the guild was headshot. Master gently patted Leyla’s head, telling her not to be afraid—Master is the best!

But Master’s hand trembled a bit—probably from not eating enough yesterday.

Leyla must work harder to earn money so Master can eat more next time.

—————

Day three with Master.

Weather: Clear.

Killed one goblin.

This time, two people were headshot.

Sister Lise said cleaning up is exhausting. People get headshot every day, yet more adventurers keep arriving.

Master muttered words Leyla didn’t understand:

"More and more people are coming to town every day. Damn it, what exactly is going on..."

Leyla didn’t understand—she’s too dumb.

—————

Day four with Master.

Weather: Overcast (but sunny in Leyla’s heart).

Killed two goblins.

Today was special. Master’s strength seemed to be growing. Leyla had just transformed for five seconds when Master helped kill a goblin.

Then Master insisted on killing a second goblin. It was dangerous but succeeded.

No one was headshot at the guild today, but someone got pinned to the wall by an arrow.

Sister Lise said it was done by a retainer of the third son of Lord Bantanda—a high elf.

What does an elf look like? Probably beautiful.

Leyla wants to be beautiful too.

Sister Lise is very pretty, and Master often stares at Sister Lise’s chest.

Leyla wants to be like Sister Lise. She will work hard.

Master seems very concerned about the new elf at the guild. Starting tomorrow, they won’t come to the guild but will stay in the Sunset Forest.

Though the outside is dangerous, the town seems even more so.

Because of this, Master spent a lot on equipment and skill books these past few days.

Master is working hard, so Leyla must work even harder. The diary will pause for a while.

...

In the Sunset Forest, Luo Xiu carefully shifted his body to avoid a goblin’s claws piercing his abdomen, only sustaining two scratches on his waist armor.

He raised his iron hammer, shimmering with purple light, and slammed it down heavily on the goblin’s head.

Lightning crackled; the goblin’s skull instantly caved in. It collapsed, lifeless.

Success!

Luo Xiu collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily.

From the day he killed his first goblin until now, seven days had passed, and he had finally slain one on his own strength.

He opened his panel.

[Name: Luo Xiu]

[Strength: 16]

[Agility: 5]

[Constitution: 7]

[Mana: 4]

[Mental Resistance: 3]

[Note: Average adult human male baseline is 3]

[Skills: Basic Healing LV. 2 (5/10), Dust Dispersion LV. 1 (0/1)]

[Available Skill Points: 2]

Looking at his current attributes, Luo Xiu felt a surge of satisfaction.

His strength had already surpassed that of the weakest second-tier Berserker, and his other attributes were above average.

At last, he had some ability to protect himself in this world.

Staring at the two unallocated skill points, Luo Xiu hesitated and decided not to spend them immediately.

There was nothing urgent to strengthen right now; it was better to save them for a rainy day.

"Master is amazing!!!" Leyla ran over, handing Luo Xiu a bag of water and wiping the sweat from his brow.

Luo Xiu smiled as he accepted the water, studying Leyla.

She had changed quite a bit compared to seven days ago.

When well-nourished, half-orcs seemed to develop remarkably fast.

Leyla now looked healthier and cuter, even a bit taller.

Her transformation duration had increased from the initial fifteen seconds to forty seconds.

But in other aspects...

Luo Xiu glanced and sighed inwardly.

Plain and unremarkable.

It seemed Leyla’s talent did not lie in that direction.

After Leyla finished wiping the sweat, Luo Xiu called her to gather the goblin’s corpse and prepare for the next round of hunting.

Since he could now kill goblins without relying on Leyla’s transformation, his leveling speed would surely accelerate significantly.

The goal for today was five goblins!

With renewed vigor, Luo Xiu stood up.

Leyla, carrying a magic pouch, hopped over to the goblin’s body, preparing to pick it up.

Suddenly, a sharp whistling sound cut through the air.

Leyla’s ears twitched sharply; instantly alert, she stepped back two paces.

A white crossbow bolt barely missed Leyla’s lower leg, embedding itself deeply in the ground ahead.

Three men and one woman emerged from the side forest.

Leading them was a chestnut-haired man dressed in standard adventurer’s gear, holding a crossbow, wearing a friendly smile as he looked at Luo Xiu.

"Sorry, I missed," he said. "But could you please ask your slave not to touch my prey with her dirty hands?"

Luo Xiu ignored the man’s insulting words and hurried to Leyla’s side.

Seeing the tear in her pants, his expression darkened fiercely.