Ed’s gaze swept over the young adventurer.
Compared to their first meeting, Kelta was now wearing a brand-new, form-fitting leather armor.
Several short blades and daggers were fastened at his waist, along with a few small bottles that emitted a mysterious glow — clearly some kind of potions with unknown effects.
A Potion Master? In a small place like this?
He furrowed his brow.
Potion Masters were quite profitable, but the initial investment required to learn the craft was terrifying.
Whether it was the rare materials needed to refine potions or the near-monopoly pricing of potion-related knowledge, it was far beyond what ordinary people could afford.
“Mr. Ed?”
The young adventurer noticed Ed’s slightly strange expression and asked cautiously, “Is something wrong?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
Ed pulled his thoughts back.
Perhaps a Potion Master had simply gotten stranded in this town.
“I remember your name is Kelta,” he continued. “What brings you to us?”
He could roughly guess the reason.
It was most likely that they wanted to join the team.
He asked anyway to see if Kelta’s attitude had become calmer and steadier compared to last time.
People who were too impatient could easily drag the entire team into the abyss.
Kelta immediately straightened his posture, looking quite nervous.
However, the girl with light purple hair gently held his hand, and the young adventurer relaxed as if he had received some form of comfort.
“Same as last time, Mr. Ed,” he said in a steady voice. “Sylvia and I would like to join your team.”
Ed remained silent, simply watching him quietly.
Kelta understood that this meant he should continue speaking.
After taking a deep breath, he went on:
“Mr. Ed, I believe no adventurer dislikes the smell of gold coins. As far as I know, the pelts of certain second-tier and above beasts can fetch quite a good price on the market.”
“And I…”
He patted his own chest with a hand wearing fingerless leather gloves, producing loud thump thump sounds.
“Although I’m only a level-two adventurer, I am familiar with the location of every third-tier beast’s nest around here, as well as the nests of most second-tier beasts that travel in groups. I also know their general activity ranges.”
Ed pondered for a moment.
“If that’s the case, why don’t you go hunt them yourself?” he asked.
“Because with my strength, it’s very difficult to quickly take down powerful third-tier beasts, and I’m certainly no match for groups of second-tier beasts.”
The young adventurer smiled bitterly.
“Even sneak attacks wouldn’t work. Once they react, I’d only be left with the option to run.”
His combat ability was uncertain, but he would make an excellent guide — if he wasn’t lying.
Ed made his judgment.
“I understand. However, I need to remind you of one thing: Town Mayor Silean has issued us a quest to hunt beasts. That means we will also actively hunt even those beasts whose pelts aren’t worth much. Additionally, if you join our team, you will receive a share of the final bounty.”
Kelta was stunned for a moment, then quickly nodded once he understood.
Seeing that he had no objections, Ed shifted his gaze to the light purple-haired girl beside the young adventurer.
The girl noticed Ed’s eyes on her and the corners of her mouth curved into a faint smile.
“Sylvia,” she introduced herself. “I specialize in archery and refining some potions.”
“You’re the Potion Master in town?” Ed was surprised.
“That’s right.” She nodded. After rummaging through the cloth bag she carried, she pulled out a small, exquisite badge and held it open in her palm.
Ed stared at the finely crafted copper badge, his eyes freezing.
He recognized this item.
Potion Masters had their own system for distinguishing levels of skill.
They were usually divided into low-tier, mid-tier, and high-tier based on the grade of potions they could refine, and were awarded copper, silver, and gold badges respectively to display their proficiency.
In other words, this young girl with the ponytail was a low-tier Potion Master recognized by the Potion Masters Association?
Ed crossed his arms and pondered.
Becoming a low-tier Potion Master at this age meant her family background must be quite wealthy.
She was likely either the daughter of a rich merchant or a noble.
However, this touched on personal privacy.
Ed considered himself someone with good sense and wouldn’t pry too deeply into it.
“What kinds of potions can you refine?”
Ed asked with some interest.
“Quite a few.”
As she answered, the girl took out various potion bottles of different colors from her bag and displayed them.
“This is a low-tier healing potion, this is a low-tier poison potion, and this is a radiance potion, low-tier frost potion, low-tier agility potion…”
Listening to the long list of potion names that sounded like she was reciting dishes, Bailis, who was following behind Ed, widened her eyes.
Her previously somewhat gloomy mood lightened considerably.
Ed nodded inwardly as well.
Judging from the variety of potions alone, she was indeed a qualified low-tier Potion Master.
Having her in the team would save them a lot of trouble.
With that thought, he nodded to both Kelta and Sylvia.
“Please wait a moment. I need to discuss this with my… sister.”
This response was already much better than during their first meeting.
“Of course! That’s only right! We’ll wait over here for Mr. Ed and your sister!”
The young adventurer looked noticeably happier and quickly replied. He then pulled the light purple-haired girl a short distance away and watched Ed and Bailis with eager eyes.
“What do you think?”
Ed bent down slightly and whispered to the silver-haired girl.
“He seems much steadier now. Having him as a guide to find beasts shouldn’t be a problem. Plus, there’s a Potion Master with him. With the two of them, our chances of leaving this place as soon as possible will be much higher.”
The warm breath brushed against Bailis’s nose, making her feel a little ticklish.
The girl touched her nose a bit awkwardly.
“If Ed thinks it’s fine, then it’s fine. You don’t need to ask me,” she replied in a muffled voice.
“That won’t do.”
Ed shook his index finger.
“We’re companions. If you don’t like them, it could easily cause coordination problems when we reach a life-or-death situation. We need to eliminate that kind of hidden risk before agreeing.”
The girl blinked. The dim crimson gems beneath her hood seemed to brighten a little.
“Does Ed mean that if I disagree, you would refuse to let them join our team?”
“Of course.” The boy nodded.
“I would rather trust you, Bailis, than two strangers. If you’re unwilling, we still have plenty of other options.”
His voice paused for a moment as he carefully chose his words.
“However, it would be even better if Bailis could accept them.” He said softly.
“After all, a Potion Master and a good guide would save us a lot of time.”
“Hehe… Ed said he trusts me more… hehe…”
“Bailis?” The boy looked at the silver-haired girl who had suddenly started giggling foolishly, confused.
“Mm—”
The girl hurriedly covered her mouth in surprise, then opened a small gap between her fingers.
“I didn’t say anything! No, I mean, I agree! I agree to let the two of them join!”