Chapter 20: Fire Garlic Vine

[Mission Number]: 261

[Type]: Bounty

[Reward]: 150,000 gold (negotiable)

[Mission Summary]:

A Transcendent-tier Swamp Druid (Spore Society) contaminated the water source in Nyum’s lower district, directly causing 153 civilian deaths and nearly two months of water shortages in nearby areas.

Contact guild staff for details. Those providing location intel will receive rewards from the Meadow Church.

[Time Limit]: None

…

I stared at the string of zeros in the [Reward] section, my brow twitching.

I stood before the mission board in the Adventurer’s Guild hall.

Having resolved to pursue the path of an adventurer, I planned to take on a few simple missions to get the hang of things and familiarize myself with the process.

Then, with the simple mindset of “if I can’t afford it, can’t I at least look,” I glanced at the top missions with the highest rewards.

“Tch, tch.”

I smacked my lips, mentally noting terms like “Transcendent-tier” and “Swamp Druid,” which I didn’t yet understand but seemed important.

My gaze then shifted downward to the bottom of the mission board.

…

[Mission Number]: 201D2

[Type]: Investigation

[Reward]: 200 gold

[Mission Summary]:

A merchant caravan traveling from River Valley Town to a nearby village disappeared on the route from Karanfor, east of the Mist Forest, to Cuixi Village. The caravan’s owner suspects bandits or monster attacks and needs adventurers to investigate.

[Time Limit]: 15 days

[Additional Info]:

Recently, adventurers spotted traces of “Thorn Demons” near Cuixi Village, possibly linked to the caravan’s disappearance.

…

“What the heck are Thorn Demons?”

Not to mention the two place names—Karanfor and Cuixi Village—unknown to my predecessor’s memories, the term “Thorn Demon” alone brought back painful memories of facing the bear goblin in the cave.

“Until I get something like a ‘Monster Compendium’ to figure out these creatures’ strengths, I’ll treat any unfamiliar monster as too strong for me to handle alone.”

Plus, investigation missions were too unpredictable, with the potential for difficulty to spike to those six-figure bounty levels.

“I really should join an experienced team for a while,” I thought, rubbing my aching brow.

Otherwise, relying solely on the thin [Adventurer’s Handbook], I wouldn’t even know the names of monsters I encountered.

My gaze continued downward.

Finally, after a long search, in the corner of the mission board, I found an option I could handle with my current abilities.

…

[Mission Number]: 387H

[Type]: Gathering

[Reward]: 1 gold per cluster

[Mission Summary]:

Edwina, the owner of “Green Grass Crucible” at 17 West Street, River Valley Town, is preparing a new batch of antidote potions and urgently needs large quantities of “Fire Garlic Vine” (see attached image) from the Mist Forest’s outskirts.

[Time Limit]: 3 days

…

Comparing the mission board’s image and description,

my eyes lit up.

I vividly remembered this plant, glowing faintly green like fireflies at night. I’d seen a large cluster on my way back from the Mist Forest days ago.

I’d mistaken them for some monster luring prey with light and camped far away.

Thinking back, the number of “Fire Garlic Vine” clusters…

“At least thirty!”

That meant over 30 gold coins in rewards!

The Rotten Fish and Shrimp team had risked their lives, nearly wiped out, leaving me as the sole temporary member, for a goblin investigation mission that paid just 30 gold.

This money was practically handed to me—why not take it?

“Is my newbie luck still going strong?”

I thought gleefully.

My body turned, heading toward the Adventurer’s Guild exit.

Before setting out, I needed some preparations.

…

I knew my place.

Even with my lv5 maxed-out [Whirlwind Slash] and enhanced physical stats from attribute points,

I was still a low-tier adventurer.

The tragedies of Erji and Gagu were fresh in my mind.

Even a seasoned adventurer like Maji fell to a “greenhorn” like me.

Being cautious and thinking things through couldn’t hurt.

So, for my first solo mission, I followed the [Adventurer’s Handbook]’s advice, preparing thoroughly, almost excessively:

A one-day round trip, but leaving space for Fire Garlic Vine, I brought enough food and water for five days in the wild—8 silver, 2 copper;

a medical kit with bandages, ointment, and splints for ten uses, plus 20 feet of rope thrown in by the shopkeeper—5 gold;

essential supplies like a compass, simple map, flint, sleeping bag, blanket, and water flask—6 gold, 2 silver.

Notably, to avoid losing my fortune if I had to ditch my pack during an adventure,

I deposited most of my gold from the last mission in River Valley Town’s only bank—interest negligible but very secure.

Though adventurer-related items were priced in another dimension,

I understood these costs were necessary for my safety.

Besides, this mission was short. If smooth, I’d be back at the White Sparrow Tavern by this time tomorrow, enjoying a feast with my 30-gold reward.

Those supplies I prepared would use maybe a tenth of their capacity.

I could reuse them for the next mission.

“Rustle!”

I crossed off the second-to-last item on my checklist.

Tightening my pack, I sighed in relief.

Thanks to the guild street’s “one-stop” services, I finished most preparations in just one morning.

Recalling myself lugging bags, checklist in hand, weaving through odd-looking crowds between shops,

I suddenly felt like I was in a movie from my past life, shopping in Diagon Alley before Hogwarts.

“No going back.”

I shook my head with a smile, glancing at the last item on the list.

[Weapons and Equipment]

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