## Chapter 336: Oh, Heartbroken Sorceress, Hurry and Create a Miracle
Early the next morning, I continued to bring everyone along to the Central Area. Yesterday, because of that poor Sorceress, my plan to gather Information fell through. Today, I must gain something; I'm still rushing to go out for Trials. You know, the Level of Adventurers in Kurast is generally between 30-40, and my current Level... how embarrassing would that be to say?
However, early in the morning, Adventurers who had just returned from the Death Front naturally wouldn't be up so early. When I arrived at the Green Forest Bar, I found there were hardly any people inside, only a few Waiters leisurely cleaning to prepare for the coming tide of Adventurers.
Feeling helpless, I simply picked up a copy of the Adventurer's Weekly and read through it carefully.
"'XXX Team joyfully obtained a Golden Double Axe in the Flayer Dungeon of the Flayer Jungle...'"
A Double Axe, just a so-so item, is it necessary to report it? Looking at the picture printed in the Weekly, depicting a joyful scene of an Adventurer Team carefully holding an Axe and grinning foolishly, I smacked my lips, thinking like someone well-fed who doesn't understand the hunger of the starving.
"'XXX Team failed in luring the enemy in Travincal and were brutally defeated by Ismail Vilehand and Geleb Flamefinger, fleeing back in disarray.' Ismail Vilehand? Geleb Flamefinger? Brutally defeated? Haha, the person who wrote this News is truly talented. I didn't expect the People of the Dark Continent to be so creative."
The Council Members of Kurast are Monsters that make all Adventurers pale at the mention of them. They were once the highest Leaders of the Zakarum, deeply loved by the people, but were later manipulated by Mephisto, becoming beings that everyone Feared. Countless Adventurers have died tragically at their hands. And in Travincal alone, there are eight Council Members, the most speechless thing is that three of them are Mini-Boss Level: Ismail Vilehand, Geleb Flamefinger, and Toorc Icefist. The other ordinary Council Members also possess Strength no less than Elite Monsters. Even I wouldn't dare to rush in recklessly. The only way for ordinary Adventurers to deal with them is to use the Luring Tactic to separate them and Annihilate them one by one. Therefore, being pursued by Council Members is absolutely not something shameful. On the contrary, if you can escape in such a situation, you will be sought after by Adventurers. Thus, although the wording used in this News is a bit malicious, the content is still inclined towards praise...
By the way, in Mephisto's Lair—the third level of the Durance of Hate—there are also three Minor Boss Level Council Members: Brem Sparkfist, Wyand Voidfinger, and Maffer Dragonhand. However, they are not gathered together, so they are relatively easier to deal with compared to the Council Members in Travincal. But you still need to be careful and absolutely not be careless because of this. Perhaps hidden next to them is a Blood King (Final Form of the Exiled) that can deliver a Fatal Blow to your Team at any moment, or even just an ordinary Council Member.
The next piece of News is...
"'XXX Team unfortunately failed in the Battle challenging Mephisto. Only two Members remain out of the six in the Team. Let us mourn for these fallen Brothers. They are respectable Warriors, and we hope the survivors can suppress their grief, pull themselves together, avenge their dead Comrades, and defeat the insane Hell Forces...'"
"..."
Looking at the solemn and grave Aura filling every word, I couldn't help but fall silent. Yes, this is Sanctuary, a world where human lives are like grass. How many Powerful Adventurers can survive until the Third World? Even if they reach the Third World, what then? What awaits them is an even more brutal, never-ending Battle...
Life will always fade into Death. This is unavoidable for anyone. It's just the difference between a good death and a bad death, just the difference in what you leave behind for yourself and others during the time you are alive. And we Adventurers seem destined to be unable to choose the option of a good death. Battle, constant Battle, and then dying in Battle—this is our Destiny. There is no Method to escape, no time for regret. We can only constantly swing our Weapons, using the lives of our Enemies to delay our own Death...
Hmm, I seem to have fallen into a heavy topic. Here's a little tip: when chatting with other Adventurers, absolutely do not mention sensitive words like "Destiny". Otherwise, you will experience the pleasure of an awkward silence. If you encounter an Adventurer with a bad temper, perhaps the fate of that young Sorceress yesterday will be your "Destiny".
At this moment, just thinking about my Little Angel Sarah, my thoughtful Velas, and my two Beloved Daughters is enough to immediately cheer me up. This is based on Experience, hmph hmph, aren't I amazing?
Adjusting my Mood, I continued to focus my Gaze on the next piece of News.
"'Unusual movements of the Little People... gathering in large numbers...'" Sweat. Could it be another Monster Attack Event like the one at the Rogue Encampment? I broke out in Cold Sweat and continued reading.
"'Seems related to the Elf Race...'"
"'Damn, there really is an Elf Race...'"
I couldn't help but Shout out. Of course, I knew the Elf Race existed. My point was, the Elf Race, which I had always considered Mysterious, was being brought into the open so simply?
"'Nonsense, of course they exist. Looking at how you're making a fuss, you must be an Adventurer who just arrived in Kurast, hmph hmph. Cheer for this! Soon you'll be able to catch a glimpse of the 'Legendary' Elf Race.'"
A smug voice, sounding like someone acting superior due to age, came from beside me. Hmm, it sounded a bit familiar. I lowered the Weekly from my face and turned to look...
"'It's you!!'"
Both of us couldn't help but exclaim in unison. The person who had just spoken was the young Sorceress whom the Three-No Princess and I had bullied terribly yesterday. Her name seemed to be something like Fak You...
"'It's Phoenix, Sliv Phoenix! Didn't you say yesterday that I looked like your cousin? How could you forget in the blink of an eye!!'" As if guessing my thoughts from the confused expression on my face, this tragic Sorceress almost roared at me.
"'Oh, right, it's Little Sliv! Long time no see, how have you been?'" I had a Realization.
"'Long time no see my ass! And don't call me Sliv, call me Phoenix, got it?'" Phoenix found that he seemed completely unable to maintain his usual Calmness and Grace in front of this black-clothed devil. He paused, then looked at me and asked.
"'Hey. I don't seem to know your Name yet.'" That Gaze couldn't be clearer: Kid, take it easy. I already told you my Name yesterday, you should know some basic manners.
"'Oh, my apologies. I am Wu Fan, Level Druid Wu Fan, 26 years old. Married, currently have three young and beautiful Wives, and two intelligent and lovely Twin Daughters...'"
"'Shut up about your Wives and Daughters! You want to provoke me, don't you? Right?! Huh? Wait, you said you're only Level and 26 years old? You're lying!! Haha, you must be lying, how is that possible...'"
"'Do I look like I'm lying to you?'"
I Leisurely took a sip of Fruit Juice. I folded the Weekly and put it down. Although this guy named Phoenix is easy to Deceive, I truly had no intention of lying about this.
"'How could there be a 26-year-old Level Adventurer? Did you Class Change at 16? And how could a Level Adventurer possibly come to Kurast? Who are you trying to fool, you idiot! Don't think I'll believe you just because you're drinking Fruit Juice in the Tavern.'"
Seeing my expression, which didn't seem like I was faking it, Phoenix stood up, slamming the Table. He roared Incredulously. Fortunately, there was no one else in the Tavern except for a few Waiters, otherwise, he would have instantly become the center of Attention.
An ordinary Adventurer who can Class Change before the age of 30 can already be considered a Genius—except for Sorceresses. Because besides Aptitude/Talent, they largely rely on Bloodline. For example, among the Horadrim, Class Changing at fourteen or fifteen is not uncommon. Historically, it has never been heard of any other Class besides Sorceresses being able to Class Change before the age of [missing number]. (Note: Class Change here refers to Class Changers, not Mercenaries. Mercenaries are much easier than Class Changers. Just like the Three-No Princess, she could become a Level 15 Sorceress at 15, which is of course also related to her Talent and Intelligence and Monster Grinding Leveling).
"'Of course not, I was a Class Changer at 23...'"
I finished the Fruit Juice in one gulp and glared at Phoenix. Bastard, do you have a problem with me drinking Fruit Juice? Nobody said Fruit Juice represents an age group, right?
"'23 years old, that's still acceptable... Wait. You're lying to me again. From 23 to 26, you went from Level 1 to Level in just 3 years. My God, I'd rather believe you Class Changed at 16.'"
Phoenix gesticulated wildly, spitting saliva, almost going mad. He was certain the other party was trying to Deceive him, but what was with that Gaze that completely showed disdain for lying?
"'Alright, alright, actually I was lying to you. I'm 46 years old, is that acceptable now?'"
I waved my hand, not wanting to get entangled in this boring issue with him. The fact that he couldn't figure it out only meant his Brain wasn't working properly. Just because something didn't exist before, does that mean it can't exist now? How else would Humans progress, how else would civilization advance? No wonder he's so easy to Deceive...
"'That's more like it.'"
Phoenix sat down glumly. Although he seemed to have won this argument by exposing the other party's lie, for some reason, he felt no Joy. He felt as if this victory was just the other party humoring him, and continuing the argument would have made him happier.
I have to say, Phoenix has a Personality that pays great attention to minor details and loves to dwell on things.
"'Oh, right, and this person beside me, my Maid Melissa Hein, 17 years old, Level 22 Mage Mercenary...'"
Looking at the Three-No Princess who was sitting silently beside me drinking Tea, I introduced her. Getting Marissa to introduce herself would be harder than ascending to heaven. I had already bullied the Sorceress terribly yesterday, so I'll let him off the hook.
Speaking of which, Little Molly, can you really bring your own Tea into a Tavern?
"'Oh, so it's Miss Hain. Hello, my Name is Sliv Phoenix. If you don't mind, I...'"
The Three-No Princess glanced lightly at the chattering Phoenix, immediately making him swallow the words he was halfway through. He gave an awkward laugh. I guessed it was highly likely that the Three-No Princess's hidden dark side had left an indelible shadow in his Inner Heart. Poor kid.
"'Cough cough, alright, since you've explained yourselves in such detail, I can't keep my background hidden anymore...'" To avoid the awkwardness brought by the Three-No Princess, Phoenix gave a few Coughs and said loudly.
No, we're not interested in your background. I picked up the Weekly again, and the Three-No Princess picked up her Teacup again.
"'No need to introduce my Name, my Class. Level 35 Wandering Wizard, 51 years old, an Unmarried Melancholy Poet who suddenly realized the importance of Home at the age of 50, filled with Rationality and Sensibility...'"
51 years old? Hearing that number, I almost choked. I couldn't imagine this Pretty Boy Wizard was actually a 51-year-old Uncle. However, given the Lifespan of Adventurers, it's not impossible if they take good care of themselves. It was just too surprising. No matter how you looked at it, his appearance and Personality seemed only in his twenties or thirties.
Also, what was with that disgusting introduction at the end? Do you really want to emphasize that you're in heat?
Besides that, the "Wanderer" he added before his Class also caught my Attention. It sounded a bit familiar. I scratched my Head and thought about it, finally recalling the description of them from Cain's Book: Wanderer. An Adventurer who is unwilling to undertake the Obligations of the Alliance Adventurers, but is different from the reckless Fallen Ones. They are always alone, traveling the Continent with a self-sufficient and content attitude, knowing how to Bind their Strength. They will occasionally feel that they should do something for the entire Sanctuary, but unfortunately, such thoughts often don't last for more than a few days, so they are always hesitant and indecisive. Their characteristics are optimism and cheerfulness, Rich Experience, and being relatively easy to Deceive...
Bingo, absolutely correct. Cain is indeed worthy of being called a Great Scholar. This description seems to have been written entirely based on the gentleman in front of me.
After Phoenix finished introducing himself, he kept staring at me. Seeing that I still looked bored, he couldn't help but feel a little happy.
"'Little Brother Wu Fan, you are one of the few Adventurers who didn't show disdain after hearing my Status. Although your mouth is a bit sharp, I'll make you my Friend.'" After saying this, he drank the Ale in his cup in one gulp, looking quite pleased.
No. I think it's more likely that my disdain for you has reached its limit and can't increase any further. And whose mouth is sharp? Who said I wanted to be your Friend? Don't get ahead of yourself, Bastard. Go on, go cool off somewhere.
Because Wanderers are unwilling to take on the Responsibility of ordinary Adventurers, they are always looked down upon by some Adventurers to varying degrees. It's like diligent top students disdaining those who play all day but still maintain above-average Results, believing that they have the Ability but are unwilling to study hard and only know how to play all day. Actually, I think there must be some element of Jealousy in this. Who wouldn't want to live a carefree life?
If I hadn't met Lars, or Velas and the others, perhaps I would have become a Wanderer too. As for great Quests like Saving the World, let the magical girls do it. Then I'll just go back and marry them. Giving the Maidens who Save the World a happy life, I guess that counts as indirectly Saving the World, right? Mhm mhm...
Because Wandering Adventurers are always alone, their Level Up Speed is generally much slower. Of course, in exchange, they gain Richer Experience than ordinary Adventurers and a keener insight into Danger. To be a ranger in the crisis-ridden Darkness, you definitely need a few Unique Skills.
"'Oh, right, the Innkeeper said she'd break your Third Leg if you came back. Aren't you afraid?'"
I asked while looking down at the Weekly. There was quite a bit of News about the Elf Race. Perhaps in the near future, I'll also have the chance to witness the elegance of the Elf Race. Legend says they are all handsome men and Beauties, I wonder if it's true. Of course, the Elf Princess who appears with a 95% Chance in typical trashy Novels also makes me fantasize endlessly.
"'Tsk tsk, I told you you're still green. What's most important for us Adventurers? Information, understand? I already found out that the Boss Lady usually doesn't get up until the Sun is high in the sky. You don't even know this? I really don't know how your Team managed to get to Kurast.'"
Phoenix told me a very cowardly answer with a very brave Expression.
Team? His words did touch me a little. Do I really have a so-called Team right now? Perhaps. For example, the Little Ghost who adds Health, the Three-No Princess who ignores my Status as Master, the Dead Dog who only gets angry with me, the Little Mermaid who sings songs that make people sleepy. Thinking about it this way, my Team is indeed a bit magical.
"'But that Maid named Oona doesn't seem to be here, right?'"
I looked around but didn't find the Maid's Figure. Although it was just a fleeting glance yesterday, it was enough for me to remember her appearance, because she was a Beauty...
"'Yeah, it must be that damned Boss Lady who told her not to come for now, damn it. That executioner who kills relationships, the punishment of the Goddess of Love will fall upon her sooner or later!'" Phoenix slammed his Fist heavily on the Table, his Expression extremely agitated, as if he were truly the Cowherd and Weaver Girl whose good fortune was broken up by the Queen Mother of the West.
However, I think he's more like Ximen Qing...
"'Forget it, since Oona isn't here, let's go find the next Target.'" Phoenix stood up, clenching his Fists, with the Presence of a third-rate coach saying, "We lost the Champion's Cup, but we still have the League Match."
I responded boredly, listening to Phoenix push open the Tavern Door and leave without lifting my Head.
"'Waiter, the bill.'"
About 10 seconds later, I snapped my fingers, paid the Money for the Fruit Juice and the Weekly, and hurried after Phoenix with the Three-No Princess.
What? Why follow him? Don't you think Phoenix was born with the face of a tragic character? Aren't you curious how he'll get dumped this time?
However, Phoenix is indeed worthy of being a Wandering Adventurer. His vigilance is even higher than an Amazon's. I hadn't even followed him for a few minutes before he discovered me.
"'What are you following me for? You clearly looked indifferent just now.'" Phoenix looked at me with a vigilant expression.
"'Hmm, nothing much. I just think that as a Friend, shouldn't I cheer for you the moment you succeed?'" I flattered him against my will.
"'Is that so? If that's the case, you can follow me. But let me Declare beforehand. Don't cause trouble for me later.'" Hearing me say this, Phoenix seemed very happy.
I nodded indifferently, feeling that even if I didn't cause trouble, he was destined to end in Tragedy.
"'Listen to me, this time the Target is a sure thing. I started to Approach and cultivate mutual Favorability since last month.'"
"..."
Last month, huh? I think I know why that Maid named Oona rejected Phoenix. A Man who sweet-talks and confesses to you on one hand, while making moves on other girls on the other—as long as a decent woman has any sense of awareness, she probably wouldn't like him. As for why Oona would know, it's not strange. Don't forget she's a Maid working in a Tavern. What kind of place is a Tavern? It's where idle talk and Gossip are most concentrated.
"'I think I know why Oona dumped you.'" I said this bluntly, hoping this guy would Realize. Maybe it wasn't too late to win back the heart of that Maid named Oona.
"'Are you saying I'm two-timing? Is that it? Oh—perhaps that's true. But how could you understand the Sorrow of a Man who has been rejected by 53 girls in a single year? People always prepare a backup plan for themselves, what's wrong with that?'" My words seemed to hit Phoenix's sore spot. He immediately jumped up like a grasshopper and roared.
Well, congratulations then. You've perfectly surpassed Sakuragi Hanamichi.
Led by Phoenix, after about an hour, we arrived at the North District of Kurast, also known as the Civilian District. After wandering around for a while, we stopped in front of a dilapidated Small Wooden Cabin Door.
"'Lina, are you there? It's Phoenix.'"
"'Oh, Lord Phoenix, I'm coming right away.'"
A girl's voice came from inside the House, with happiness in her Tone. Could it be that the tragic Phoenix was finally going to see results after 53 heartbreaks?
Soon, the Door opened, and a simple-dressed, fair-skinned and thin girl, somewhat pale from long-term malnutrition, walked out. What drew the most Attention was the two sweet dimples on her face; she looked very simple and lovely when she smiled.
Phoenix glanced at me smugly, as if saying, "See, my taste isn't bad, right?"
"'Lina, how have you been lately?'" After glancing at me, Phoenix turned back and said to the girl in a gentle Voice that gave me goosebumps.
"'Yes, thanks to your Help, Lord, Mother's illness is much better. You are truly the Savior of our family.'" Lina said gratefully from her Inner Heart, her Eyes somewhat Moist/Teary, and bowed deeply to Phoenix.
So that's how it is. This guy actually used the Target's Relatives to achieve his goal of conquering the Target. But I have to say, this is indeed a Method with a considerable Success Rate.
Just as Phoenix couldn't hide his smugness, and I was marveling that this guy was finally going to succeed, the Tragedy had just begun.
"'Lina, who's here?'" A rough Man's voice came from inside the House.
"'Dear, it's the kind Lord Sorceress I told you about.'"
Hearing the Voice, Lina immediately smiled sweetly. Then, from inside the House, walked out a burly man who was a full Head taller than me, thick-limbed and hairy, with an exposed chest. Lina, with a look of slight happiness, linked her arm, which was thicker than her own leg, with his.
Dear?
Phoenix's Expression was a bit confused. Clearly, he hadn't reacted yet, or perhaps he didn't want to react.
"'Lord Phoenix, this is my Husband Audi. We just got married a few days ago.'" Lina introduced him, her face flushed.
"'Hello, respected Lord Sorceress. My Name is Audi. Because I sell pork, everyone also calls me Butcher Audi.'" The burly man scratched his Head sheepishly and respectfully bowed to Phoenix.
"'Dear, Lord Phoenix is our Savior. If it weren't for him, my Home would have collapsed long ago, and I wouldn't have met you.'" Lina looked at her Husband affectionately.
"'Dear, then we really should thank Lord Sorceress properly.'"
Butcher Audi looked gently at his Wife, then his Expression turned serious. He and Lina both bowed deeply to Phoenix.
"'Lord Phoenix, thank you so much. You are truly a great person.'"
Finally, it was me carrying the stiff Body of Phoenix away.
"'It's okay, he's just too happy to see that you, Lina, have found a sense of Belonging.'" I said this to the sweet newlywed Couple.
"'Why, why did this happen?'"
Facing the rustling Lake water, Phoenix, after sobering up, muttered to himself, falling into a state of madness.
"'Don't be discouraged. Maybe Lina just felt the Gap/Difference between you two was too big, so she didn't dare to think in that direction at all.'" Am I a good Friend? I came up with such a perfect lie.
"'Right, it must be like that.'"
Oh, Phoenix immediately cheered up. As expected of a Man who has been heartbroken 53... no, 54 times.
Saying this, he suddenly stood up, his Gaze sweeping the surroundings. He seemed to be planning to heal himself with a new round of romance. Isn't there a saying that the best Method to forget a broken heart is to fall in love with someone else?
Soon, he found his Target. He walked up confidently, waved his hands like a Magic Trick performer, then flicked them. A rose appeared in his left hand, and Candy in his right. Then he knelt on one knee in front of a little girl who looked about five or six years old.
"'Little sister, are you interested in making a ten-year pact with Uncle?'"
Hey hey!! What are you trying to do, you pervert?
The little girl sucked her finger, her Gaze falling on the Candy, showing an Expression that she wanted to eat it.
"'Xiao Lin, what are you doing? Come here quickly.'"