Anime: Fight Sukuna at the beginning?.

Chapter 443 I'm pioneering the wilderness alone?
Through the gap in the carriage curtain, the old man also caught a glimpse of the town's outline.

The next second, however, he deftly put away the wine jug in his hand.

He unusually picked up the cheap round shield and the heavy meteor hammer that were beside him.

His movements weren't as fast as when he first met Fang Yi, but they weren't sluggish at all.

This time it was just a bit more ceremonial than before.

After doing all this, he turned around and spoke to Fang Yi in a calm tone.

"Since you're going to the town to pan for gold, you should find out who the potential enemies are."

"It looks like we're 'lucky' tonight, having the chance to encounter a few things that are suitable as teaching subjects."

"You can have one more lesson before you officially arrive in town."

"Broaden your horizons, and I'll also teach you some things that this old man knows."

"After all, that pot of wine just now tasted really good."

Having already sensed something, Fang Yi pulled out [Prometheus].

The safety of the pistol was turned off.

He skillfully removed the magazine, which was previously interwoven with magic.

But once taken out, the magic bullets had inexplicably become somewhat 'softened' and structurally unstable.

After a long absence, I loaded in some .50AE bullets that I hadn't used up earlier, which were now imbued with some positive energy from the [Reversal Technique - Enhancement].

He then responded to the veteran with a smile.

"You're trying to tell me..."

"The advice that enemies usually ambush us when we are most tired and about to relax"?

As he spoke, Fang Yi raised the Prometheus, which was already loaded with bullets.

Without any aiming, it was simply tossed aside randomly.

He then pulled the trigger.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Three thunderous gunshots rang out in the night.

The bright yellow bullet was ejected in response.

As if possessed by consciousness, it traced three eerie arcs in the air under the influence of [mental manipulation].

Bypassing the densely foliaged trees, they headed precisely towards the monster hidden in the shadows.

"Are they those 'disabled pig-men' who are unusually short, only reaching the height of an upper body, and without legs, lurking near the town?"
"Is it still that 'pigman drummer' who wields a human skin drum and drumsticks, who brings pressure to the team and needs to be eliminated first?"

As the man spoke, the first bullet was already approaching the 'pigman drummer' he was talking about.

Even though the drumstick in the monster's hand was still raised.

The terrifying drumbeats will sound in the next second.

But this monster has forever lost the chance to beat that human-skin drum.

Because the bullet, imbued with positive energy and enhanced by the [Human Body Workshop], easily pierced the monster's forehead.

This monster, about three people tall, was hidden in the woods.

It stopped in place, as if the pause button had been pressed.

"Pfft!"

By harnessing the positive energy attached to them, they achieved the pathways opened up by their wildly imaginative accomplishments.

Brain matter and mixed debris gushed out instantly.

In an instant, the monster's entire head collapsed like a piece of withered wood.

Its massive body fell straight backward.

The human skin drum at his waist rolled off, and the bone mallet fell to the ground.

After devouring the Book of Time, the Five Emperors Coins, with their insatiable appetite, also responded.

You have killed the Pigman Drummer (Apprentice) and gained 2 years of spare life.

You can collect drumsticks, which can be used to exchange for Old Gold Coins in town.
-
Before the notification sound from the space could finish...

The remaining two bullets hit the two "disabled pigmen" hiding behind the bushes.

This is somewhat deformed, with a head and upper body resembling a human.

A monster whose legs have degenerated, crawling forward by dragging its flesh and blood through the mud with only its hands.

Before any reaction could be made, the bright yellow bullet had already pierced through the jaw with pinpoint accuracy.

Let's pave the way with positive energy.

After achieving the feat of tearing the trachea, crushing the spine, and penetrating the back.

Only then did he release himself with complete satisfaction.

It sent up a spray of debris, a mixture of entrails and broken bones, which scattered and rained down on the forest.

Only two bloody, mangled traces remain as proof that the monster once existed.

You have killed 2 [Pigman Vomiter (Apprentice)], and you have gained 4 years of spare life.

You can cut off the other person's degenerated feet as proof to exchange for [Old Gold Coins] in town.

Having done all this, Fang Yi was preparing to 'mockery' the old man again.

However, the man's expression changed drastically the next moment.

His extraordinary perception had already allowed him to detect the true, exceptionally troublesome 'ace' in this monster combination.
-
Just then, the veteran who had not yet made a move raised his head.

As a few rays of twilight enveloped his only eye.

The old man had already seen a shadowy figure silently slipping into the carriage, using the shadows cast by the carriage, and touching the monster-like figure that was close to the two of them.

He did not hesitate, nor did he make any preparatory movements.

"--Snapped!"

A deep, resolute whistling sound echoed through the carriage.

The old man swung his left arm suddenly, sending the shield flying almost out of thin air, tracing an almost invisible arc.

Shield Slam

"Click."

The sound of shattering glass rang out.

The monster that had just sneaked into the carriage was struck as if by lightning, its chest hit squarely by the shield.

Its invisibility effect instantly failed, and the semi-transparent outline appeared in the air like smoke.

It was a pair of inferior prosthetic legs that served as its lower limbs, with an iron hook attached to its right hand and a wooden shield held in its left hand – the "Pig-Man Hook Hand".

Fang Yi had already spotted the short, stealthy monster.

The iron hook on his right hand was stained with fresh blood from other prey.

Clearly, this very strange monster, capable of deceiving one's senses to a certain extent, had already succeeded once before.

But before it could even scream, it was struck by the old man's shield, which dented its sternum and ruptured its internal organs.

As its slender body flew out, ripples spread across the water.

Clearly, they intend to slip into the shadows again, enter a stealth-like mode, and escape from this place.

However, the experienced old man did not give the monster that opportunity.

"boom--!"

With a fierce swing of his right hand, the meteor hammer, with its extremely powerful strike almost tearing through the air, was already in place.

[Crushing Strike]

Just one hammer blow.

The monster was sent flying like a tattered rag doll, then shattered into pieces and crashed into the car wall.

The gushing blood mist spilled all over the carriage floor, leaving behind a sticky scar.

Your temporary squad member, Corey, has killed the Pig-Man Hookman (Elite).

The other party has no intention of participating in the reward sharing.

You can cut off the opponent's iron hook as proof to exchange for [Old Gold Coins] in town.

Having used two skills, the old man, whose chest was heaving violently, took a moment to catch his breath.

He then looked down at the simple shield with faint cracks and the meteor hammer in his hand, which was covered with debris.

The old man simply spun his shield and swung his meteor hammer.

He then shook off the semi-solidified debris that had splashed onto it.

The whole action was so quiet that it was as if nothing had happened.

It was as if the battle had merely brushed off a tiny bit of insignificant dirt.

After doing all this, the old man put away his shield and pulled back his meteor hammer.

He gave instructions to the crows ahead.

"parking!"
-
Hearing the slowing hoofbeats, Corey's old man turned his head to look at Fang Yi beside him.

He shrugged and began his 'teaching'.

"young people.

"This is the experience of the elderly."

The old man casually kicked the mangled corpse of the [Pig-Human Hook Hand (Elite)] at his feet. He then pointed to the nearby woods.

The explanation began.

"You have detected a monster lurking in the woods."

"I pulled the trigger at the right time, and I also sensed something and picked the right bullet."

"You did a really good job."

The old man then pointed to the bloodstain on the carriage door that was gradually drying.

They began to share their experience.

"But clearly, you don't know enough about the organization of these enemies."

"I don't know if they always appear in groups of at least four people."

Fang Yi paused, looking at the pool of blood and a twisted, deformed iron hook.

While pondering why the "Elite" level monsters originally only appeared in higher difficulty dungeons in the game.

They will mix with [Apprentice] level monsters and attack you outside the town.

He voiced his doubts.

"...I didn't even feel it at first."

"How could this monster possibly deceive my senses to some extent?"

The old man lowered his shield.

She patted the man on the shoulder to offer some explanation.

"Of course you can't feel it."

"It activated [Stealth] and came specifically for you."

"At the same time, you also lack my [trait] [that can see through [stealth] abilities] [Twilight Eye]."

The old man touched his chin again as he spoke.

They looked at Fang Yi with the same eyes they would use to examine a rare animal.

"However, I didn't expect that you were able to vaguely sense its presence before it hooked you."

"Normally, you only realize what's happening after eating a hook, losing some flesh and intestines, and nearly your life."

"Basically, you need to use special flares or certain special techniques to break through this monster's stealth."

The old man tilted his head and made a summary.

"My intervention will probably only have made it die a few seconds sooner."

I've never met someone like you before.

"You may have the potential to learn some skills that target [stealth] monsters."

"Well, perhaps you're accumulating some [Old Gold Coins]. After completing the first mission, you'll be able to purchase the corresponding [Skills] from the [Guild]."

"Of course, to master its use in combat, you'll need guidance from others and corresponding training—"
-
The character Corey has revealed to you how to obtain the skill scroll reward.

The character Corey reveals to you the path to improving your skills.

You have come across a previously undisclosed [module]. Please continue exploring to unlock its specific effects.

Fang Yi listened to the old man's deliberately drawn-out sentences.

He responded appropriately and picked up the conversation.

"I remember there seems to be only one instructor here who teaches skills and crafts in the town?"
"Perhaps I can."

Fang Yi's response was very sensible.

The veteran laughed heartily.

"Although I am not young, I will not participate in low-level, trivial tasks."

"But it can obviously still contribute some 'residual value'."

"To pass on some of the old people's experience."

The character Corey has revealed some information to you.

You can invite a mercenary to participate in high-difficulty missions after they have reached a certain level in the [Mercenary Level] and agreed on a profit-sharing arrangement.

Corey sat back down in his seat.

He opened the wine jug as if nothing had happened, but didn't drink any more.

He only gently swirled the wine in the pot.

He made a promise to Fang Yi.

"Once you've completed the first mission and accumulated enough [Old Gold Coins], you can talk to me about the professor when I have time."

"Of course, for you."

"I should always be available."

"A young man who fought alongside me and gave me a bottle of precious wine, but who doesn't really 'respect' the elderly."

After speaking, Corey pointed to the forest and gave guidance.

"Well then, young man."

"Now, you should go and cut off the monster's limbs to collect vouchers for exchanging [Old Gold Coins] and accumulate [Old Gold Coins]."

"We'd better get into town sooner rather than later to avoid wasting too much time."

"The drummer needs to be cut."

Although the spatial hints have already provided information on which monster limbs can be used as evidence.

But Fang Yi still listened patiently.

He still has that much patience for people who show him kindness.

It wasn't until the old man uttered the question, "Did you remember?"

He stepped out of the carriage without looking back and gave his response.

"Of course, I never waste too much time."

"Whether it's fighting or studying."

The old man waved his hand and replied irritably.

"Then hurry up and I'll handle this iron hook."

"Something seems off today. This monster shouldn't be here."

"Just to be on the safe side, we'd better not linger too long in areas outside of town where there are no fires."

It's clearly not just Fang Yi.

The old man also sensed that something was amiss with this mission.
-
Minutes later, outside the town, late at night.

As the notification sound, "You are the first reincarnator to arrive in the town," rang out, signifying "I'm pioneering alone,"...

Fang Yi had already glimpsed the entirety of [Hamlet Town].

This is a somewhat dilapidated building, but it is quite large in scale and has a considerable population.

The town has already built some earthen walls as partitions.

After taking a look around, Fang Yi had a vague understanding of the town's level of development.

Although it's based on that game that makes people's blood pressure soar.

But clearly, this town isn't a case of 'our family has fallen on hard times' where we start with nothing and are dirt poor.

Instead, it is a town that has developed rapidly in all aspects, relying on the word "exploration," and has countless gold prospectors.

The carriage gradually slowed down as it approached the town.

The guards standing at the entrance, their armor gleaming and of excellent quality, and holding gleaming longswords, also raised their heads.

He issued the order with great vigilance.

"get off!
"Get a check-up from the doctor!"

Before the words were finished, a man dressed in a black robe and wearing a bird-beak mask walked out of the outpost.

A woman whose entire body was wrapped up tightly, with not a single inch of skin exposed.

The woman held a tray with a strange leech on it, its skin glistening with moisture, as if it were sniffing out something in the air.

Upon noticing these features, Fang Yi's expression shifted.

Is this outfit for a "Plague Doctor"?

Is she using leeches for leech therapy?

Fang Yi suddenly realized that he hadn't seen Shinobu Kocho for a long time. (Four Battles, Four Days)

Recalling the information Corey had previously revealed to him regarding the effectiveness of the Main God Space system.

And the keyword "follower ability enhancement" that you have access to.

Fang Yi felt that this mission might be able to improve the abilities of this female physician and alchemist's [follower].

He cleared his throat, preparing to answer.

Unable to understand the guard's request, Corey leaned out impatiently.

He retorted to the guard.

"You're investigating me? And the people I brought?"

(End of this chapter)