Chapter 41: Bennett

[Adventure EXP - 599, Stealth Assassination Techniques Lv.4 (0/400).]

120 EXP remaining. Giving it some thought, he didn't invest all the 700+ EXP. After all, that wouldn't hit Level 5 anyway, better to save some.

The instant he finished investing EXP, all sorts of experience and techniques related to "Stealth Assassination Techniques" appeared in his mind.

As if he had truly accumulated this level bit by bit through daily practice.

At Level 4 "Stealth Assassination Techniques", aside from letting him adeptly utilize assassination techniques, he could also enter "Stealth" for ten continuous minutes. It would automatically dispel when attacking.

This duration was already very good.

When he had just started at Level 1, he only had a stealth time of about ten seconds. Considering the earlier fight with Christie, Nolan guessed he was also just a beginner, not even Level 2. Otherwise, the duration wouldn't have been so short.

Level 2 could maintain stealth for one minute, Level 3 was five minutes, and Level 4 was ten minutes. He wasn't clear on Level 5 yet since he hadn't reached that point.

The increase was likely significant.

Ten minutes of Stealth was already enough for him to accomplish many things. At least dealing with monsters would be much easier now.

Obtaining a new skill put Nolan in great spirits. He kept testing it out until two in the morning when he really couldn't stay up any longer and went to bed.

The night had passed, and it was early morning now.

Due to sleeping late, Nolan also woke up a bit later. By the time he arrived at the Adventurers' Guild, it was almost noon.

"Ad astra abyssosque! Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild."

Hands folded before her, bearing the manners befitting her dress, Katherine greeted Nolan with a smile.

"Good morning, Katherine." Nolan likewise smiled in response.

"It's not early anymore though. Are you here to ask about the ruins?" Katherine shook her head slightly as she spoke.

After last night's drizzle, brilliant sunshine shone on the reception counter. The slightly obstructed rays from the eaves allowed Katherine to stand in the shade without getting toasted.

Nolan nodded and said:

"Mainly to take today's commissions. If there's any news about the ruins, I'd also like to know."

"Of course. I was also looking for a chance to update you all." The breeze brushed strands of Katherine's black hair by her eyes. She blinked and continued:

"Yesterday, the guild's outstanding investigators found the ruins you spoke of and did some initial scouting, obtaining plenty of useful intel."

"Oh, please elaborate." Nolan's gaze revealed curiosity, wanting to find out more.

Katherine's delicate chin nudged as she plainly relayed without keeping him in suspense:

"Those ruins are very dangerous, but also valuable."

"According to the investigator's report, there are many ancient defense systems inside those ruins. Not just the Ruin Guards, but also Ruin Hunters, Ruin Graders, and so on."

"And in order to excavate the treasures and secrets within, Guildmaster Cyrus has decided to organize an expedition crew for initial exploration starting tomorrow."

"Your reward along with Noelle and Miss Vile will be dispensed after exploration concludes."

Hearing Katherine's account, since there were so many Ruin-type machines, those ruins were likely related to Khaenri'ah. But Nolan wasn't a Traveler, so he had little interest in that history.

He only felt that with so many monsters, wouldn't he be able to gain massive amounts of Adventure EXP? He still remembered those five Ruin Guards in Thousand Winds Temple gave him the most EXP ever.

Getting the reward after initial exploration made sense too. After all, each ruin's value differed. At a minimum, the initial harvest had to be obtained before rewarding the discoverers.

Otherwise, it might send the signal that "even ruins without value can get huge rewards" to other adventurers.

That would be unreasonable.

Giving too little would be the same reasoning.

"I see." Nolan nodded in understanding, then asked, "Katherine, can I also participate in tomorrow's ruin exploration? How does one sign up?"

"Since this ruin exploration is rather dangerous, to reduce accident risks you'll need to join an expedition crew, or find at least two teammates."

Katherine still had her hands folded before her as she smiled and spoke.

The Adventurers' Guild was quite responsible towards its member adventurers. Adventurer wasn't blindly going alone into danger. That privilege was only for very capable, renowned adventurers.

The expedition crew system was set up so everyone could support each other, and not end up dying alone in some unknown place.

Even with Nolan's current ability, he didn't dare claim he could explore these ruins solo.

Better play it safe and find two teammates.

"Also, to participate in tomorrow's secret ruin exploration, you'll need to find teammates and sign up today."

Katherine raised a finger to draw attention as she supplemented.

"Today? No problem!" Nolan nodded twice at her words.

He pondered briefly. This wasn't difficult at all. He could look for Noelle again, she surely wouldn't decline.

She had always aspired to be a Knight of Favonius. This adventuring experience could allow Noelle to grow.

According to Jean, Noelle was rejected from knighthood not because she lacked strength. She was stronger than many official knights.

Jean's exact words were "There is still weakness in her heart. Perhaps this stage is not yet suitable for exposing her to the outside world's dangers."

Well, that's probably it.

As for the other teammate... Nolan stroked his chin as he mentally went through his limited friends.

Vile wouldn't work. Being bullied by some Hydro Slimes was far too weak. Amber had reconnaissance duties for the Knights so wasn't suitable.

Eula should have already departed with her team today.

It seemed everyone was busy with their own matters, except Noelle who might have time. No wait, even Noelle may not necessarily have time.

He still remembers in Noelle's original story, due to over-enthusiastic helpfulness she often neglected her own safety and frequently ended up in danger.

Jean could only "invent" some safe duties for her, to avoid exposing her to risks.

So there was no guarantee Noelle would happen to be free when Nolan looked for her. Also, if Jean found out he wanted to bring Noelle into such a dangerous secret ruin exploration, he didn't know if she would detain him on the spot.

Thinking of that possibility, Nolan got a little scared. He couldn't look for her at the Knights' headquarters.

Jean's office was just left of the hall. She had a gentle personality so that was fine, but the more dangerous Miss Lisa resided in the right wing's library. Seemed troublesome.

Might as well wait for Noelle to get off work and see. But to prevent not catching Noelle outside the HQ, he still needed some backup options.

Just as Nolan was racking his brains, a cheerful youthful voice came from behind.

"Miss Katherine, I'm here to sign up for tomorrow's ruin exploration!"

Nolan turned to look. Blond hair pressed down by his goggles, resolute and determined eyes, and a bright grin - it was Bennett.

(End of Chapter)

To be continued...

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