Anime: Fight Sukuna at the beginning?.

Chapter 458 Swaying with the Wind is an Excellent Ability

Unlike after the announcement, there was an immediate uproar and shouting.

"Withdraw the money and sell the equipment."

"How could a town of our size just disappear without a trace?"

The mercenaries instantly turned the square into a vegetable market.

All the reincarnators were scrutinizing what was displayed before them.

It's a bit strange that the task provides so much explanation.
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[Branch Choice Task: Forward or Return]

Mission description:

The town's strongest, Woyin, announced the expansion of four towns: [Ruins], [Bay], [Beast Cave], and [Wilderness].

Used to explore the news that the town of [Wilderness] has been destroyed.

Having more information, he issued you a moderate warning.

Clearly, as time went on, this small town that pioneered the "Beast Cave" was no longer safe enough.

This 'autumn hunt,' which resembles the harvest season, was already shrouded in an inescapable shadow even before it began.
-
The silver-white mission description was then displayed.

Before the eyes of all the reincarnators appeared blood-red characters with an ominous meaning.

Branch 1: The Determination to Move Forward

Many people, including Woyin and the town itself, have no intention of giving up on the town.

And be prepared to make corresponding efforts, perhaps you can obtain some items and knowledge that are not normally available.

Staying in the town will trigger the quest "The Long-Awaited Day".

The threshold required to trigger quests, accept commissions, and upgrade [Mercenary Level] has been lowered.

Complete commissions and tasks, and conquer dungeons to reap greater rewards.

And receive additional points as a bonus.

[Grand Prize] Information access has become easier.

Four weeks later, they were still in the town of Hamlet.

The quest "Approaching Darkness" will be triggered automatically.

Earn substantial points and merit rewards based on performance over four weeks and subsequent retention period.

prompt:

Determination and perseverance can make people stronger at an unimaginable speed.

This applies to everyone.
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Branch Two: The Journey Home After Assessing the Situation

Recognizing one's own limitations and choosing to leave is also a good option.

Contact with the crows will trigger the quest "The Return of the Carriage".

Paying a certain amount of [Old Gold Coins] allows you to leave the town, cross the forest, and return to your original space.

However, the departure location was limited for the limited number of carriages and the many mercenaries who wanted to leave.

It is obviously limited and requires advance booking at a considerable price.

At the same time, the forest is not safe either.

prompt:

Due to special circumstances, this branch was chosen for regression.

When settling this task, you can choose not to include the evaluation in the [Periodic Assessment].

And part of the [merit points] will be returned.
-
After demonstrating the two branches.

The space then provided another prompt for entering the mission.

However, please remain calm and vigilant at all times.
-
Looking at the branch, Fang Yi shook his head helplessly, knowing the nature of space.

Why do I always encounter strange things that increase the difficulty of my missions?

But he didn't even glance at the second branch option, which was similar to "go back to your hometown and retire to the countryside".

Instead, he turned his head to look at Luo Yi, who was walking towards Li Zhi.

An invitation was extended to the businessman.

"Shall we discuss cooperation later?"

"I don't plan to leave here; there are some things that need to be settled here."

"However, I need to take care of some things right now."

Fang Yi had already seen the veteran Ke Li walking towards him in the distance.

He planned to talk to the veteran first.

Li Zhi nodded slightly.

But the businessman hadn't even had a chance to speak.

Luo Yi, who was standing to the side, then turned to Fang Yi and gave a reply with great interest.

"It's quite a coincidence."

"I don't plan to leave here either."

"Because I also have some things that I need to settle here."

Upon hearing this, Fang Yi stopped and looked at Luo Yi.

Luo Yi returned the gaze.

After staring at the other person for two seconds...

The two of them laughed at the same time.

Although the two are completely different in height, appearance, and physique.

But strangely, when I saw the other person smiling...

The two of them always had a very subtle, mirror-like illusion.

Fang Yi didn't continue to look at the other person, but turned his head and pulled Vaughn away, casually tossing out a sentence.

That's really interesting.

[Besides hostility, my body tells me that I seem to have another reason to kill him.]

Luo Yi watched Fang Yi walk away and gave a soft reply.

"No, that's not very interesting."

Aside from the things he did to me, my instincts and the memory chip inherited from the 'God of War' are telling me one thing.

If I am to continue to be the "God of War," he is someone I must kill, defeat, and negate.

After watching the man walk away, he turned to look at Li Zhi.

He gave a pointed remark.

"Well then, shouldn't we discuss the plan?"

“My 'companion'.”

Li Zhi also responded.

"Of course, 'God of War'."

"This way, please. My campsite permit has been approved."

Luo Yi's smile became even more perfect.
-
A small alleyway next to the square.

After seeing Fang Yi and Vaughn arrive together.

Corey, with his graying hair, took off his hat.

He handed Vaughn a money bag.

He gave it to you.

"The carriage for crossing the forest is ready. Go back and pack your things."

"Let me know if you're leaving, and I'll protect you as you cross the forest."

Looking at the money bag in the veteran's hand.

Vaughn's eyes widened.

He pointed his finger at himself.

"Uncle? You want me to leave?"

"But I've only been here for less than a day!"

The veteran sighed.

"Go home, child, the town has become dangerous."

"This place is no longer suitable for you."

As he spoke, Corey tossed the money bag to Vaughn.

"Your uncle is a generous person."

"Just like funding Fang Yi, who is next to you, with 1500 [old gold coins] and a [reconnaissance manual] worth 6000 [old gold coins].

"Over the years, he has selflessly funded many such people out of his own pocket without asking for anything in return."

He seemed to have great respect for Woyin.

Therefore, the veteran explained with some indignation why the money bag was not heavy.

"But unfortunately, very few people reciprocate."

"Therefore, apart from the rewards given to him by the kingdom and the lord, he did not save much money."

"He can't give you any more, but I think this money is enough for you to go on an adventure somewhere else."

The veteran, who was speaking, turned his head and looked at Fang Yi.

He handed me a manual written in crooked handwriting.

"Whether you stay or leave, you should go to the dungeon to accumulate some capital."

Fang Yi glanced at it and immediately saw the cover of the manual.

Dungeon Guide

Fang Yi turned a page and saw these few sentences.
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For small 'dungeons', it is recommended to bring twelve [torches].

Medium size
【Beast Cave】 'Dungeons' are mostly interconnected areas, so you can carry fewer 【shovels】 to clear obstacles and take detours as needed.

The bone mound containing gems requires holy water to remove the curse.

The pig people would hang smoked deer legs in certain areas and store alcohol in wooden barrels.

Some of the ham is edible, while a small portion requires the addition of medication to neutralize the toxins.

Ham, cleansed by magic, possesses the ability to [enhance physical strength and heal hidden injuries]. The beverage requires [medicine crafting] skills and must be temporarily prepared with [herbs] to neutralize the ailment before consumption.

Depending on the specific circumstances, the neutralized beverage can have various effects such as increasing magical perception and increasing physical strength.

[Tavern] Buys it at a high price.

The price is 700~1700 [Old Gold Coins] per bottle.
-
Clearly, this handbook, which can save people a lot of trouble, is based on the experience of veterans.

Fang Yi looked up at Corey.

Before he could speak, the old man gave his statement.

"These are just some of my experiences, and they don't mean they're always right."

"The first 'dungeon' will open tonight. After you clear it, come find me and I'll teach you the 'Tracking' skill to break through monster stealth."

"I live in the [Training Skills] camp on the west side of town."

It seemed that they had spotted the [Prometheus] symbol on Fang Yi's waist.

The veteran added another sentence.

"Judging from the bullets, you've come into contact with Love."

"But compared to the [Flame] which can only be used with firearms, this skill is a more reliable one."

"You should soon be able to participate in the [Elite] dungeon, and Heidi ([Plague Doctor]) also has a commission for you."

"You'll need some teammates too. I'll introduce you to some reliable mercenaries."

The old man hadn't finished his rambling.

He was then interrupted by Vaughn's stubborn response.

"I won't go back."

The old man turned his head away, his brows furrowed.

"Although your physical training is quite good and you have drunk a lot of precious potions, your swordsmanship is so-so and cannot compare to Woyin's [Master].

"But it can also be considered a very rigid 'mastery', and he has also mastered battle qi."

"But this is not a drill you do in the academy, but a real battle where you could die if you are not careful!"
"Many mercenaries want to leave, and getting an empty seat on the carriage isn't cheap!"

"In order to ensure you are the first to leave, your uncle promised to pay 12000 [old gold coins]."

However, the young swordsman stubbornly held onto the medal on his chest.

"No, if my uncle isn't leaving, and Lord Fangyi isn't leaving, then I won't leave either."

"Besides, I promised to do it the first time in the 'dungeon'."

Clearly, the young swordsman still remembered his promise to Fang Yi not to split up when they first entered the 'dungeon'.

The veteran looked directly at Fang Yi, seemingly wanting Fang Yi to persuade the other party.

But Fang Yi just shook his head.

"Let him stay; some birdcages can't hold birds."

"Even if we let him ride in the carriage, he might come back in the carriage tomorrow."

"With a foundation, he'll become stronger very quickly!"
-
Fang Yi, who possesses the [Zero-Time Calculation], has already accurately perceived it at this moment.

This is the 'panel' of someone who is friendly to themselves and does not resist their own spiritual power.

Although it is somewhat inferior to the experienced old man's 'stats' of [34 Constitution, 32 Strength, 31 Agility].

However, the swordsman beside him also had an outstanding 'stats' of 29 points in Constitution, 27 points in Strength, and 28 points in Agility.

Their hard power is still considerable.

They belong to the type that have potential for development.

Becoming a qualified combatant simply requires adding some 'experience' and 'operation software'.

Fang Yi naturally prepared to put into practice the 'cramming' ability granted to him by the [Diligent Study and Improvement] branch.

Corey glanced at Fang Yi, clearly not agreeing with his point of view.

But the old man's tone softened after the man stepped in.

"Throwing a baby into the water in an attempt to teach him to swim is a bit cruel."

Fang Yi tilted his head.

"Although he is young, he is still an adult."

The old man stared at Fang Yi for a moment, then looked at Vaughn beside him and sighed.

"Two weeks, the deadline."

“I’ll go talk to Woyin.”

"Does not meet Woyin's standards."

Vaughn responded immediately.

"I'll go by myself."

The old man sighed, turned around, and left.

Fang Yi stopped the old man.

Corey turned his head, a hint of impatience already showing on his face.

"For your sake, it's only two weeks! That's over."

You've forgotten something.

He looked at the money bag that Vaughn handed him.

Hearing the other party say, "Give it back to my uncle, and I will give him more in two weeks as a response,"

For the first time, the old man looked at the young swordsman properly.

An evaluation was given.

"Although he's a bit reckless, he does have some redeeming qualities."

Then he turned and left.

Fang Yi looked at the [Challenge Mission: Recognition of Silver Light Blade] that appeared on the panel.

And a notification following the reward of "One Line Slash" and "Skill Scroll": "More battle qi-related rewards may be obtained depending on performance."

He showed a satisfied smile.

This swordsman will be his 'shortcut' to obtaining some of the rewards that can only be obtained within the [Guards] organization.

He patted the other person's shoulder.

"Go and rest. We'll meet at the guild tonight to collect our 'dungeon' entry tokens."

Vaughn scratched his head.

"Where are the other two?"

Fang Yi waved his hand.

"After I finish talking to that businessman, I will go find my two teammates."
-
An open space on the east side of the town.

In what seemed like only a moment, parts from the personal spaces of several reincarnators were pieced together to form an extremely large vehicle standing on the open ground.

The vehicle then deformed several times.

It instantly unfolds into a building of approximately 90 square meters.

After the smart house is equipped with multiple areas such as a dining room and a reception room.

Upon entering the house, Luo Yi, who was already seated, unusually sighed.

"You merchants really make a big show of things when you do business."

Li Zhi waved his hand.

"'God of War', you've brought me here when you shouldn't have, surely it's not to talk about this?"

"I already cooperated with you once!"

Luo Yi put on a smile.

He took out the card with 5000 points and pushed it towards Li Zhi.

Then she pulled out a small mechanical hand.

"Compensation and subsequent deposit."

“I need a little more help, Ronghui.”

"I hope you can keep an eye on Fang Yi's movements, and..."

Li Zhi examined the [Second-Tier Epic] [Secret Ritual Silver Gloves].

It gave the other party an unexpected response.

“You’ve gone off-topic, ‘God of War’.”

"This has nothing to do with cooperating with 'the other side' to strangle [Gu Qi]."

Luo Yi cursed inwardly, "What a thankless bastard!"

The smile on his face softened a bit.

"As the price for letting you 'sway with the wind,' I can add more."

“Let’s get on with what we need to do, ‘Martial God.’ The only information we have so far is that we can rule out the possibility that Gu Qi is not in this town.”

Luo Yi stopped talking.

He simply handed the [Secret Ritual Silver Hand] to the other party.

"Consider this as payment for what you received earlier. You can reconsider. If you agree, contact me using the notebook, and I can give you more."

He then stood up and left.

This ended the unpleasant conversation.

And after Luo Yi left.

Li Zhi then took out his notebook and wrote down the following passage.

[Ms. Gu Qi, I have delivered part of the goods purchased by Ms. Chen Shu to the recipient you described.]

The town he lives in is associated with the "Beast Cave".

After doing all this, the man muttered to himself.

"To go with the flow and become the ultimate winner, you have to bet on multiple fronts without breaking the rules."

The next second, a new notification sound came from the smart house.