Chapter 99: Not Alone

Perhaps these things have already been mentioned by other adventurers, but they were always part of a team, while I trained alone. The atmosphere and perspective of setting out were different. The intricate cooperation among teammates certainly amazed them, but the tension and excitement of training alone were equally addictive. Even with the bug amulet, my training was not always smooth. I often encountered danger and had to run away when necessary. I am not an invincible master. Although I had Xiao Xue and the others, I still faced many dangers, some of which were not from monsters but from the natural elements, like the blizzard I encountered in the Cold Plains.

In my original world, I was at least a forum expert, so I had the ability to summarize experiences and insights. With a mix of truth and fiction, I vividly expressed the mindset and perspectives of training alone, as well as the joy of escaping danger. The audience truly felt the vivid and realistic journey of a lone adventurer. Even I couldn't help but immerse myself in that journey. Reflecting on it now, I often marvel at how lucky I was back then, managing to survive and make it through all the hardships.

By the time I snapped out of my memories, the crowd below had grown, with almost all the students from the magic training camp gathered around. Not only that, but the mentors, nearby mercenaries, and adventurers were also listening quietly. The experience and insights I shared were invaluable to them. In the entire Rogue Camp, perhaps only Sister Sharuna had such experience, but who would dare to ask her?

After hearing my story, they were amazed and admiring. As the saying goes, the layman sees the spectacle, while the expert sees the essence. To the inexperienced students, my journey was a series of dangerous adventures. Only the experienced mercenaries and adventurers could truly feel the thrill from my seemingly casual descriptions. Some who had doubted me were finally convinced.

Unconsciously, the midday sun was high in the sky. I stopped, licking my dry lips, feeling thoroughly satisfied. It was truly exhilarating to pour out all the excitement and loneliness of my solo training. The pent-up emotions in my heart seemed to be released, making me feel much better.

Looking at the dense crowd below, with students, mentors, mercenaries, and adventurers standing quietly, their faces still lingering in the experience I just shared, the scene was so quiet that a pin drop could be heard. This is what it means to feel a sense of achievement.

After a while, seeing everyone had come back to their senses, I summarized:

"Alright, that's all for now. I hope my experiences can be helpful to you. However, I must clarify that although I've shared a lot, I do not recommend you train alone. In the future, many of you may become adventurers. I hope you can assess your own strength and find reliable teammates. My purpose today is not to teach you how to train alone, but to emphasize the importance of having good teammates."

After that, I slowly walked down from the stage, and the crowd parted to make way for me. Amidst the amazed, admiring, and envious gazes, I walked to Xia La, gently touching her little head with a tender voice.

"It's almost noon. Let's go back, my little princess."

"Swish," Xia La's innocent and cute face turned a deep red, and she lowered her head, feeling both shy and happy. Finally, she tightly hugged my arm, burying her head in it with pride, her heart pounding with shyness and excitement.

As we walked, the crowd automatically parted, and I felt warm inside, looking at Xia La, who clung to me like a little bird. From now on, I will make you the happiest princess in the world.

When we returned to Lai's house, Aunt Shali came out, surprised to see me and Xia La together.

"Wu, why are you back so late? And why is Xia La back with you?"

"Oh, I stayed at the training camp for a while and then brought Xia La back. Is there a problem?"

"Not really."

Aunt Shali looked at Xia La, who was tightly hugging my arm, and smiled strangely.

"Xia La usually stays at the training camp for lunch and rest until evening. I was just surprised to see her back so early. But, I understand the feelings of young people, hoho~"

Sweat, Aunt Shali really knows how to ruin the mood. I had just felt like a master, and now I'm back to square one.

Seeing Xia La's blushing face, I smiled and gently pinched her cheek.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier? We could have gone to a restaurant. Now you'll have to face your mom's teasing!"

"I... I forgot. I was so dazed that I just came home."

Xia La blushed and mumbled, stealing a glance at me. The excitement and joy I brought her today were overwhelming, and she still couldn't believe it was all real.

Well, since I've already been teased, I decided to embrace it and firmly hugged Xia La's warm and fragrant body, walking in boldly. Looking around, I saw that Doug and Gao were still snoring in the yard, and Lai was nowhere to be seen, probably still asleep. Nowadays, there are few men like me who can wake up early even after staying up late. I sighed, then followed Aunt Shali's instructions to wake up the barbarian brothers in a "gentle" manner.

After the six of us had lunch, Xia La rested for a while and then returned to the training camp. Lai and the others went to the bar to gather information and see if they could form a team to deal with the monster attacks.

I first went to Charsi to process the magic crystals I had collected. Then, in her stunned gaze, I took out the equipment with low durability and scattered them on the ground. There was no choice; solo training wore down durability quickly, especially when dealing with demon camps with hundreds of monsters. Fortunately, I had plenty of spare equipment, or I would have ended up running around in my everyday clothes.

After instructing her to sell some of the low-level white equipment, I went to Akara's house.

"Is Lady Akara at home?"

"Is it Wu? What a rare visitor. Please come in."

Hehe, since I always get a lot of identification and teleport scrolls from Akara and don't need potions, I am indeed a rare visitor compared to other adventurers who frequently buy items from her.

I lifted the tent flap and saw that there were other adventurers buying items.

"Lady Akara, it's been a while. How are you?"

After the other adventurers left, Akara sighed and sat down.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. The recent monster attacks have made my little shop quite busy."

After chatting with Akara for a while, I handed her the magic cores I had collected. She looked very happy.

"Oh, this is a great help. With more customers, the shop has started to run low on supplies. To be honest, I haven't fully paid for the magic cores you gave me last time."

Akara stood up, apparently intending to give me some teleport scrolls, but I quickly stopped her.

"No need, Lady Akara. I have over a hundred scrolls, more than enough. You should sell them to those who need them."

"Is that so? In that case, I'll have to owe you."

Akara was initially stunned but then her wrinkled face broke into a kind smile.

"Not at all. I know you're thinking of the entire Rogue Camp. Speaking of contributions, who can match yours? By the way, I have some potions. If you don't mind, please take them."

Seeing Akara's weathered face, I was moved. This old woman has dedicated her entire life to the Rogue Camp.

Then, I took out several hundred minor health potions and even minor mana potions—now, even without transforming, I have over 200 health and 100 mana, and my inventory is full of light and even medium potions. These minor potions, which add 40 points, are no longer useful to me.

Akara didn't refuse, silently putting the potions away, and her eyes showed more approval and praise.

"Wu, please allow me to represent the entire Rogue Camp in thanking you for your generosity. Your contributions will be rewarded."

I humbly thanked her, not expecting any rewards, but if there were any I liked, it wouldn't be bad. I'm not a selfless hero.

After chatting with Akara for a while and drinking some refreshing tea, I finally got to the point.

"Lady Akara, I came today to ask about the monster attacks. Since I returned late, I haven't reported to Lady Kasha yet. So, what do you think..."

"Oh, about that, I can make the decision. Since the villages already have enough people, which village would you like to defend?" Akara sipped some water and smiled.

"Actually, I came to apply for the special squad." I said calmly.

"Oh?" Akara frowned. "Wu, I know you are very strong, one of the best in the entire Rogue Camp. But, you are just one person. Isn't it too dangerous to send you to harass large groups of monsters like the other special squads?"

"Please don't worry. I have absolute confidence, and I am not alone!"

"Did you join another team?" Akara asked, puzzled.

"No, I am still alone." I smiled and shook my head.

"Oh? Can you help this old woman understand?"

My contradictory answer confused even the wise Akara.

"It's my honor, Lady Akara." I bowed politely.

"Xiao Xue, Poisonous Flower Vine, come out."

At my call, Xiao Xue, almost as tall as a person, and the Poisonous Flower Vine appeared in Akara's tent. Fortunately, the space had been enlarged, or Xiao Xue would have burst the tent.

"Lady Akara, these are my companions, Xiao Xue and Poisonous Flower Vine. What do you think?" I gestured for Xiao Xue to lie down, leaving some space, and stroked her snow-white fur, confidently saying to Akara.

As expected, Akara was surprised, but it didn't last long.

"Wu, you always give this old woman many surprises!"

"Akara, aren't you surprised? Did you know about this already?" I said, a bit childishly, not satisfied with her lack of shock.

"Ha ha, dear Wu, you overestimate this old woman. Even the power of the Great Eye is not all-knowing. I've just experienced too many incredible things and am too old to handle much excitement. Do you want to scare me to death?"

"Ha ha, not at all, Lady Akara, you are still young." I laughed awkwardly.

"But, I am truly surprised. Is this a summoning skill you created?"

Akara focused on Xiao Xue. Strangely, Xiao Xue, who usually dislikes strangers, didn't seem to mind Akara's gaze. She just yawned and wagged her tail, finding the tent a bit cramped.

"No, it's just a regular summoning skill. I don't know how it happened, but Xiao Xue has mutated, and the same goes for the others..." I explained in detail about my ability to mutate summoned pets.

"I'm sorry for not telling you earlier, but when I discovered that Xiao Xue and the others could mutate, I was also very frightened and kept it a secret to find out the truth."

I didn't lie to Akara. Honestly, I still don't understand how my summoned pets can evolve.

"Also, I found that if I have equipment with other class skills, I can use those skills!"

"What?"

This time, Akara was genuinely moved. While the mutation of summoned creatures was strange but not unprecedented, the ability to use other class skills was unheard of in the entire history of the continent, and no one had even thought it possible.

"That's right."

To show her, I recited the incantation and used the ice armor from my cloak. Instantly, a layer of white snow surrounded me, making the tent feel much cooler, and Akara stared in disbelief.

"How is this possible?" Akara murmured, looking at my ice armor in disbelief.

"I don't know either. I only discovered it after getting this cloak with the ice armor skill. Is Lady Akara okay?"

I knew this ability likely came from being a Redeemer but touched my nose, pretending to be confused. Seeing Akara's dazed look, I remembered her saying she had a weak heart and asked urgently.

"Nothing... nothing."

After a while, Akara recovered, her face showing a faint smile but more relief.

"Dear Wu, you've truly given this old woman a scare, but it's good, very good. I'm very happy. In you, I see the bright future of the Dark Continent."

She spoke excitedly, a bit incoherently.

Then, Akara asked me a few more questions, but I didn't know much about these things and couldn't easily reveal what I did know, so I played dumb.

Seeing my puzzled look, Akara thought for a moment and said, "Wu, your strength far exceeds my expectations. I will approve your request to join the special squad. Once you decide which village to defend, just let Kasha know.

However, I am still very interested in your abilities, but I am not an expert in this area. If you have time tomorrow, could you come again? A few familiar guests would like to meet you."

"It's my honor, Lady Akara." I smiled faintly and bid farewell to her, who was still a bit dazed.

On the way back to Lai's, I recalled the conversation—this dialogue was something I had thought about deeply, and the events unfolded as I expected. I performed well in front of Akara, not revealing any flaws.

My current abilities far surpass those of an ordinary adventurer, and it's impossible to keep them hidden forever. It's time to reveal them selectively. I considered for a long time which to reveal and which to keep secret, and finally made a decision.

The abilities I showed Akara today are trivial even if known, as they are "non-transferable." Even if they knew, what could they do? They can't take them away.

As for whether they would study me, after some time, I realized this world is quite backward, with no scientific madmen dissecting things. At most, they would conduct magical research, which poses no danger to me. As for the results, I don't care. I'm not short-sighted. Even if my abilities come from being a Redeemer, the chances of discovering anything are slim, but if they do, it would be a win-win, as it would strengthen the Dark Continent. I prefer the peace of the Dark Continent over being the strongest, and as the creator of these skills, I would still be recognized, even if I'm not the world's strongest.

As for failure, I don't mind. With these abilities, being the strongest is also a good outcome.

In my view, if the research yields nothing, the ability to mutate summoned pets can be shown without hesitation. The ability to use other class skills, I will keep secret, as it's a valuable tool for future use. As for the bug amulet, I will never reveal it, letting it rot in my heart.

However, there's the title of Redeemer, which I hesitated about. Although it's also "non-transferable," my intuition tells me that revealing it might add more responsibility. Better to be a bit selfish.

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