50 Gold.
A whole bottle, unopened, emitting a faint glow when shaken—
Healing Potion.
Xia Nan finally couldn't resist.
After having completed all the necessary preparations for the outing, he used what little savings he had left to add another trump card for his adventure.
But he did not regret it.
Because he knew clearly the kind of effect this bottle of Healing Potion could have.
The unique sheen of metal flashed before his eyes, the iron-gray surface of the sword reflecting an image of Xia Nan.
His gaze concentrated, and semi-transparent words floated before his eyes:
...
[Name]: Xia Nan
[Attributes]:
Strength: 6
Agility: 6
Constitution: 5
Intelligence: 5
Perception: 5
Charm: 5
[Specialty]: Chopping Master
[Skills]: Vortex Slash lv5 (Max)
[Equipment/Tools]: Dead Line, sturdy Beheading Longsword, Healing Potion*1...
...
This is Xia Nan's second adventure.
But without a doubt, compared to himself who had just crossed into this world, he had undergone considerable changes both mentally and physically.
Returning to that dark and bloody goblin cave now.
Though not gaining a complete victory, at least when he dealt with those four goblin minions, Gag shouldn't have completely lost his combat ability.
With a calm expression, Xia Nan tossed the still-twitching snake corpse on the ground and pulled out a compass and map from his coat.
"Hmm... this direction."
As he neared his destination, the memories that seemed shrouded in mist like the air in the forest gradually became clear.
His steps grew quicker.
After about two more hours, as Xia Nan used his hands to push through the dense shrubs, an open clearing appeared before him.
Honestly, this clearing wasn't that large, even with the gradually lush vegetation on the edges, it was about the size of a quarter of a basketball court.
Yet it stood out oddly in the Mist Forest filled with towering trees.
In the center of the clearing stood a dark oak tree with a thickness that would require two people to encircle.
Not particularly tall, nor mighty or thick.
Judging by its appearance alone, the only feature distinguishing it from the surrounding trees in the clearing.
Were the clusters of pale white vines hanging from its branches.
Xia Nan's eyes lit up.
His memory of passing by a few days ago told him that these strangely colored vines would emit a glow like fireflies at night.
"Firefly Garlic Vine!"
He thought with glee.
Yet he did not rush forward.
The sudden appearance of a clearing in the dense forest, the eerie glow of plants, and even the potential for great rewards...
Such scenes, any adventurer with any sense would not rush forward.
Still in the state of a Newbie Adventurer, perpetually wary of his surroundings, Xia Nan was especially cautious.
With both hands tightly gripping the Beheading Longsword, his half-crouched body leaned slightly forward, maintaining a position most convenient for exertion.
With minimal noise, he spent a full ten minutes circling the edge of the clearing.
Thickets, canopies...
Only after thoroughly checking and confirming no ambushes did he once again set his sights on the oak tree in the clearing.
His expression showed some hesitation.
The abundance of trees in the forest, although often obstructing vision and preventing timely capture of potential dangers, could also serve as cover when necessary.
If there were potential enemies, coming to the open ground would mean exposing his entire body to the opponent.
After pondering for a moment, Xia Nan finally made a decision.
Staying in a stalemate serves no purpose, he must take the initiative!
Clenching his teeth, he stepped forward with his right foot, charging ahead.
Until he neared the vines, stopping abruptly.
The longsword horizontally aligned, the iron-gray cold light flickering across the blade.
One second, two seconds, three seconds...
A gentle breeze blew through, the branches swaying with a "Sasha" sound.
Confirming he was only engaging in a battle of wits with the air earlier, Xia Nan swiftly sheathed his sword—since no one else had seen, there was nothing to be embarrassed about.
Then he drew out his dagger with the quickest speed, cutting down clusters of Firefly Garlic Vine.
After all, only he knew this location, and though he did not understand how this type of vine plant grew, he nonetheless adhered to the idea of sustainable resource use, leaving some as yet immature branches and leaves.
In just five minutes, 32 clumps of Firefly Garlic Vine were carefully and swiftly tucked into the specially prepared backpack by Xia Nan.
"Perfect!"
Tightening the rather hefty pack on his back, he was about to leave.
When suddenly, he heard the sound of two hurried footsteps from the right-side forest.
"Huh!?"