The bard fantasized again.

Chapter 170 Harvest and Breakfast (5k1w)

Anger, pain, fear, laughter—you habitually capture the thoughts of others, making the manipulation of emotions a daily routine for you.

This is reflected in negotiations, and even more so in battles—turning the weaknesses in others' minds into your own advantages.

Clearly, your ability to do this stems from your rich emotional perception and experiences.

You have obtained the 'Mind Blade':
Consuming one 'Poet's Inspiration' allows you to recall experiences and evoke specific emotions, such as satisfaction, fear, sorrow, anger, and peace, which are then infused into your weapon like a mental toxin for one minute.

When you strike someone with this weapon, the toxins of that emotion will travel along the wound and directly affect their mind, causing their emotions to change according to the type of toxin, regardless of whether they have had similar experiences before.

Only one emotion is allowed to have an effect at any given time, and that emotion will become more severe as the damage caused by the weapon increases.

Emotions will gradually change over time and with self-adjustment.

Remarks:

Why is violence considered the best way to resolve conflict? Because the more you're attacked, the happier you feel. Eventually, covered in wounds, you'll be more than willing to sit down and have a heart-to-heart talk with me.

Note that it's a chop with a knife, not a whip... Of course, if you want to do it that way, that's wonderful too.

"An unheard-of method of using 'incentives'. Infusing emotions into weapons to create mental poison... does that mean indirectly affecting someone's mood while harming them?"

Tang Qi found it difficult to say what specific effects it could bring.

After all, the description is rather abstract, making it impossible to determine in what specific aspects the 'psychological influence' can manifest itself.

However, judging from the description alone, it seems somewhat complicated:

"The good thing is that it's not limited to just one emotion. But if I've already stabbed you so many times, is there any need for me to sit down and have a proper chat?"
But it actually gets happier the more it's chopped... I feel like if you poured it into a whip, it would unlock some incredible gameplay and attributes.

"Merard's Ecstasy Technique?"

This is like a kind of 'motivation method' that is useful in specific situations but not commonly used in everyday life.

After all, most of the time, it's safer and more reasonable for him to stay behind Chenxi, playing the piano and singing, to provide his teammates with some adrenaline.

Perhaps it was the 'some fame' and the frequent explorations while deep in the well that made this experience so rewarding, and only halfway through—

The most cunning creature in the world is the devil, but now there's a poet among them. Your greatest similarity to the devil lies in your adeptness at exploiting loopholes in the rules.

You have obtained an 'unfair contract':
It appears to be a 'fair contract' on the surface, and even if it is verified by 'appraisal techniques', it will still be perceived as such.

It has the same effect as a 'fair contract'. Anything written in a contract will be subject to the power of the rules and cannot be violated.

However, the first person to write their real name on the contract will have the right to break the contract.

Anyone can easily break a contract, and the contract will automatically burn itself when the other party realizes that the contract is unfair.

Remarks:

I am committed to creating a fair world. But fairness is a relative concept, so in this world where there is no absolute fairness, my fairness is simply "I feel I am fair"—Asmodeus, Lord of the Nine Hells.

"This feels more like a 'slave contract' than a 'contract.' Only, you need to be a good actor to ensure the other party doesn't notice anything amiss..."

"This should be very effective against spellcasters who can decipher psychedelic manuscripts or possess true vision?"

The only problem is that it is very fragile; it is really just a parchment scroll, unlike the Fair Contract which can only be burned by fire.

Tang Qi placed it in a small box and put it in his dimensional bag for safekeeping.

From the Red Scarf Bunker to the Crystal Maze, and finally to the Underwater World, you'll eventually return to the surface. As an escape master, you know very well that to escape alive, you need to meet the following three conditions—

The ability to break through encirclements, the speed to catch up, and most importantly, you can't be someone with no sense of direction who points south but walks north.

You have acquired the 'Combat Skill: Chaotic Sword Dance':
You can use 'Poet's Inspiration' to inspire yourself, instantly wielding your blade to slash at up to four targets within your reach, or unleash a barrage of minor damage on the same target four times in quick succession.

Remarks:

You can wield your blade like a dancer, but could you please not cut your teammates?

You have earned the 'Powered Short Trip':
Second Ring, Transmutation. You leap and dance, magically enhancing your mobility.

Focus on casting spells. For one minute, your movement speed increases, you can more easily dodge attacks, and you can pass through the space of another creature that is not considered difficult terrain for you.

Remarks:

Finding an opening is a skill; you have to discern which is easier for you: the groin, the elbow, or even the shoulder. If you want to find a narrow opening, be careful, be gentle, and don't hurt her, okay?

You have acquired the 'Expertise Guide':
When you identify a destination you've been to before, your intuition will prevent you from getting lost in any environment.

When you have a destination you've never been to before, but whose direction you know, you can always move in that direction no matter what.

Remarks:

Be careful not to choose a destination that's too broad, lest your intuition lead you astray.

"It's definitely because there were too many battles while exploring the dungeon. It feels like the rewards this time are all geared towards combat..."

Although he secretly hoped to acquire more magic, Tang Qi wouldn't be picky.

After all, these rewards greatly compensated for his shortcomings.

He felt that if he were back three months ago, he could take down mercenaries of Jackal's level with just one strike.

A qualified leader can always inspire the right people at the right time and achieve the right motivation. You are good at motivation and passionate about it.

But is this really because you think you can achieve your goals just by talking, and therefore you're thinking of slacking off?

You have been awarded the title of 'Expertise & Motivation Expert':
You gain an additional 'Poet's Inspiration'. You can also use a full 'Resting Song' to restore one consumed 'Poet's Inspiration'.

"finally come!"

Tang Qi clenched his fist and let out a long sigh. This should be the biggest takeaway from this log.
"Aside from their original incentive effects, both Sword Dance and Mind Blade require incentives. It's easy to exhaust all your resources in a single encounter, much like exploring a dungeon."

Although the "Relaxation Song" is quite energy-consuming and you can't keep singing and recovering all the time, you might as well just set up a tent and get a good night's sleep.

But it does provide another means of restoring motivation.

For a bard, the effect of 'inspiration' is far more important than the spell itself.

With a heart full of joy, Tang Qi looked at the last reward—

Happiness is bliss, a satisfaction that many people seek their entire lives but cannot attain. But when you appeared, this rule was abruptly broken.

The publication of the guide brought smiles of satisfaction to everyone's face, except for our dearest dwarves.

You have acquired the 'Laughter Technique':
One ring, bewitching, dwarf-friendly version.

Designate a creature you can see within 15 meters. If the creature is susceptible to magic, everything will appear ridiculous to it, causing it to burst into laughter.

The target must fall face down and become incapacitated within one minute, unable to stand up.

This effect is harder to counter than the standard 'Laughter' spell, but it is ineffective against low-intelligence creatures and dwarves.

Remarks:

I've always thought dwarves are the hardest race in the world to fake. Because to tell if someone is a dwarf, all you need to do is tell a joke—*Donkey's Guide to the Duskwood*.

"Although it's labeled as dwarf-friendly, does that really mean friendly to them?"

Tang Qi forcibly suppressed the trembling upward curve of his lips, and it took him a long time to calm down before he sighed.

"The rewards are quite generous, but unfortunately the dungeon is closed, so we can only experience the changes when it reopens."

After putting the log back into his dimensional bag, Tang Qi felt his eyelids grow heavier.

[Superb Energy] While it accelerated the recovery of the Sage Time, it failed to enhance one's physical strength.

"Go back to sleep, there's a lot to do tomorrow—"

Sell ​​my loot, buy some restoration glue, and then go to the mage academy to get some answers.

……

Tang Qi felt that Catherine was somewhat inhuman.

Her physique is unlike that of a human.

He was, after all, a 'veteran adventurer' who had walked all the way from the Tyran Empire to Dragongold City.

After a long night of work, he would sleep until noon.

But Catherine would get up early in the morning and immediately get involved in a series of tasks such as purchasing and preparing goods.

But looking at her increasingly dark circles, Tang Qi felt that this could not be considered a healthy lifestyle.

The weather was nice today; the midday sun shone through the tavern's doors and windows, even reaching Tang Qi, who was sitting at the bar.

The tavern only opened in the evening, which allowed Tang Qi to enjoy some rare moments of leisure.

The mushrooms seem to prefer rainy days, so the songs humming in my ears today are rather quiet and slightly melancholic.

Sipping the creamy mushroom soup that Catherine had prepared in advance, and chewing on the sausages she had just fried and were still a little hot, large chunks of meat burst in your mouth as the rich, buttery and porky broth flowed into your stomach.

This must be the most delicious brunch he's had in a month.

This is how life should be lived.

But after looking around, he still couldn't see the little girl.

"Where is Ambition?"

“That child ran out to play early this morning.” Catherine tasted the fried egg without changing her expression. Finding the flavor a bit bland, she sprinkled some salt and pepper on it, took a piece with her fork, and put it on Tang Qi’s plate.

"With Hogg and George again? When did they become so close?"

"Ever since Ambly became the leader of the kids?"

"Could it be that she's now in charge of the entire Dragon Tail Pass?"

"I won't allow her to bully others just because of her body."

Catherine changed the subject.
Are you going out later?

"Yes, go buy and sell some things, and then go to the mage academy in the upper city."

"Who are you going to see?" She looked at Tang Qi warily, like a kitten that had sensed something amiss.

Tang Qi inexplicably felt his legs go weak, and quickly explained:

“Someone who might know Iu… well, you guessed it, it was a woman. But I’m really not that familiar with her.”

Moreover, she might know the true identity of the drow elf who assassinated me that night.

"Hmph, you'd better not be familiar with it."

Catherine raised an eyebrow and quickly chewed on her fried egg.

That way, Tang Qi wouldn't be able to see the corners of her mouth turning up—

After all, it's a bit embarrassing to feel happy just because he offered one more explanation.

He's nobody to me!

Tang Qi knew there must be a reason why she suddenly asked about his whereabouts, so he asked:
"Is there anything I need to bring?"

"I heard that a new spice has recently appeared in the shopping street. It seems to be made from some kind of mushroom. Could you buy me a bottle when you get there? I want to try it and see if I can add it to the menu."

Her words seemed to make the mushrooms' singing even sadder.

Tang Qi understood that the only new product related to 'mushrooms' could be the mushrooms from the dungeon:
"Why don't we take a day off today and go together?"

"What is this? A date?" Catherine blinked.

"It depends on how you think about it."

He could tell that Catherine wanted to accept the invitation.

But the girl ultimately shook her head:
"Dating is fine, but taking a day off is not."

It was already noon, and there was definitely no time to go into the city, come back, and open the shop again.

This statement became an ambiguous rejection.

"You must have made a lot of money recently, but there's no end to making money. One more day won't make a difference."

"You're a 'hands-off boss' who doesn't know how hard it is to make money."

Catherine reached out and tapped Tang Qi's forehead with her finger.

"And it's precisely because you can never earn enough money that you need to keep earning lots of money!"

"What are you going to do with the money?"

"Open a bigger store and make more money."

"Wow, what a grand wish." Tang Qi clapped stiffly.

"Don't you dare mock me!"

Catherine snatched the plate from in front of Don Qi with a "whoosh," wrinkled her nose, and glared at him as if to intimidate him.
"Apologize!"

"Waaaah, I'm so sorry."

Tang Qi wasn't very sincere, but Catherine didn't seem to care much either, humming a little tune as she put the plate back.

Because the melody was so familiar, the original composer recognized it immediately:
“This song is not suitable to sing in Longjin City. The law clearly stipulates that insulting nobles is punishable by a fine.”

"I don't have any lyrics to sing."

Catherine was fearless, which made the minor key seem like her victory anthem.

"It's okay if you don't want to close down, I just hope you don't overwork yourself. I've never seen you so listless when we were in Xingmei Town."

As Tang Qi spoke, he took out a bottle of [Stress Potion] from his dimensional bag:
"It will make you feel better."

“I’ve seen this before, it’s very expensive,” Catherine said, trying to refuse.

"I'm very rich now," Tang Qi snorted twice, as if showing off.

"Did you get paid for your writing?"

"I found something good in the dungeon; the shell alone is worth at least five thousand gold."

"so much!?"

Catherine's eyes lit up, providing ample emotional value.
"It must have taken a lot of time to get it, right?"

"On the contrary!"

Tang Qi recounted his journey to Catherine.

"so smart!"

Regardless of whether it was acting or not, the girl always managed to give Tang Qi plenty of positive feedback at the right time, making him almost believe that he and Chen Xi had really wiped out the entire Red Scarf Gang.

After the limp Tang Qi 'landed,' Catherine asked while clearing away the plates:

"So, would the brave, quick-witted, and wealthy poet Tang Qi be willing to bring me a bottle of mushroom spice that costs nothing?"

She has no shortage of money to buy spices.

But saying that might get Tang Qi to give something in return.

Once you've made an investment, you'll have something to hold onto, which is equivalent to a sunk cost.

She believed that even if Tang Qi found out, he would be willing to forgive her little 'scheme'.

Tang Qi waved his hand dismissively, saying it was no big deal at all:

"One bottle? One bottle per person! Otherwise, if others see this, they'll think I can't afford it."

The main reason was that he realized that although the two were quite familiar with each other, he didn't seem to have given any decent gifts.

As each person harbors their own thoughts, the mealtime quietly slips away.

Catherine took the plates back to the kitchen and handed them to George's mother, whom she had hired, to wash. As she returned to the bar after lifting the curtain, two tall, muscular men happened to walk up to the tavern door.

"What do you two need?"

Although it wasn't officially opening time yet, Catherine had no reason to turn away customers.

Since I don't plan to date Tang Qi, it doesn't matter if we open the business a little earlier.

"Hmm... I'd like a glass of plum wine?"

Because she was wearing a heavy cloak, Catherine didn't recognize that the person walking at the front was actually a woman.

Her voice wasn't unpleasant, but it was deeper and more like a man's.

Tang Qi's ears twitched slightly, feeling that the voice was somewhat familiar.

The footsteps behind him were extremely heavy, and the broad shadow blocked out the sunlight, making Tang Qi's vision somewhat dim.

The two sat down at the bar, allowing the woman to temporarily set aside the giant axe on her back.
"how much is it?"

"One gold coin per cup, limited to one cup per person."

Having received a reply, the woman took out two gold coins from her purse.

Tang Qi caught a glimpse of her arm—

Rough, powerful, and athletic.

But more importantly.

Her skin was light green.

He coughed twice and gave Catherine a wink.

Catherine acknowledged it, but still gave the two outsiders her standard business smile:

"Hold on."

Then he hurriedly went into the kitchen.

Tang Qi could hear the sound of the back door opening.

So he suddenly drew his curved sword and swung it at the woman not far away!

(End of this chapter)