Limited by their growth environnt and educational background, these young boys growing up in the remote mountainous areas of the Aifala Continent often lack a clear and comprehensive understanding of the world they inhabit.
Many tis, even upon adulthood, many of them have never ventured far from the villages where they were born.
Their entire understanding of the outside world, besides the countless tales of heroic epics and countryside anecdotes told by a few elderly villagers, cos only from the drunken ramblings of rchants passing by, who have traveled across the continent.
In such a situation, it is quite classic for young and naive boys like Colin, filled with beautiful hopes for the future, to harbor unnecessary fantasies about the profession of "adventurer."
Of course, it is precisely because of this that, even though the mortality rate of the adventurer profession is exaggerated to the extre, there is never a shortage of fresh blood.
Perhaps, until one day in the future, when they have their bones shattered by goblins and lie in the depths of a sunless dark cave, or lose all their coins at a tavern’s card table and spend a night alone in the cold alley, they will truly realize what the word "adventurer" ans on the Aifala Continent.
"Mr. Xia Nan, if I could be as powerful as you, my village wouldn’t be on the verge of collapse just because of a group of goblins."
"Isn’t that important?"
Colin’s azure eyes were filled with the unique vitality of youth, with a hint of stubbornness on his face.
"It’s better than... farming in the village for a lifeti!"
Xia Nan did not reply.
As an adventurer himself, he knew how dangerous this profession was. Every outing was like dancing on a knife’s edge, and even a small unexpected incident on a mission was enough to turn decades of effort into aningless death, with no body to be found.
Yet, at the sa ti, one must admit that for the vast majority of ordinary people trapped in hardship with no way out, "becoming an adventurer"... is the only solution to the problems they face.
Following beside him, Hunter John was watching Xia Nan’s expression with extre tension, prepared to imdiately interrupt Colin if Xia Nan showed even the slightest sign of annoyance or impatience, ready to apologize with his apprentice to this young adventurer with unknown strength.
Of course, he noticed Hunter’s cautious behavior.
However, Hunter was overthinking it.
With a soul from an Exotic Realm, Xia Nan did not hold such a strong sense of humility. No matter how much Colin spoke, to him it was just an ordinary conversation between people.
He did not feel offended in the slightest.
In fact, he followed the topic initiated by Colin.
"This isn’t a matter of importance."
Xia Nan raised his right hand, extended his silver-ringed index finger, and pointed to the dents on the armor of the [Pulse of Purgatory] left by the battle with the Crystal People.
"Colin, can you afford the price of using life as currency?"
The boy was stunned for a mont, his eyes fixed on the dented surface of the silver-gray Iron Armor, feeling his throat dry.
After a pause, he responded again:
"I... I can learn, I’m not afraid of the cost! My uncle used to tell , the outside world..."
"Uncle?"
"Yes!" Colin nodded heavily, his face showing a look of longing, "His na is Paddy, he works in the Southern Islands!"
"He said there are huge sailing ships, rchants and sailors from all over the world, and every tavern is filled with adventurers of different races."
"He said if I ever get the chance to go there, he could help find work on a ship or learn sothing with a rchant team!"
Southern Islands...
Hearing the sudden keyword from Colin, Xia Nan’s gaze flashed briefly.
"I heard from your parents and brother yesterday that you seem to be ready to head south for quite so ti?"
"Hehe." Colin scratched the back of his head, laughing foolishly, "I planned to set off in the next couple of days, but as you know, because of these goblins suddenly appearing near the village... I’m not too assured."
Upon hearing this, Xia Nan was intrigued.
The reason he left River Valley Town for Suo Yu Bay was partly because soone there was looking to buy a [Tide Rod], and he intended to bring the Equipnt physically to negotiate prices; more importantly, it was to search for news regarding the [Dream Weaving Corridor] key.
However, after all, unfamiliar with the area, even though he was quite strong himself, adapting to such a new environnt required a lot of ti to establish channels.
To make a na for himself like the "Gray Sword" in River Valley, it’s not going to be easy.
Operating under this premise, having a local person help him integrate, even just to introduce him to necessary customs or prohibitions, would be quite beneficial.
He was slightly organizing his thoughts, initially planning to ask Colin more about his uncle working in the Southern Islands.
Before Xia Nan could open his mouth, he swallowed the words already at his throat.
He stood up with his sword.
His voice reached the ears of the other two present.
"The enemy is here, prepare for battle."
His perception ability of 12 was vividly displayed at this mont.
Specifically reflected on Xia Nan himself, first ca the inner intuition, the slight threat akin to a sharp object lightly grazing the skin, and as attention honed in, sensing deeper, ca the real-world reflections: the distant stench barely perceivable due to distance, blended in with the whispering footsteps among the "Sasha" of swaying branches and leaves.
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