Green Monster Epic

Chapter 310: Reunion and Re-cooperation

The remnants of the demon army, led by Grigori, quickly left the Nagen Hills.

The Kobold Wutikul had clearly learned his lesson and no longer turned a blind eye to the demons in the hills. The day after Allen led his team away, he led dozens of warriors from his tribe to hunt down the demons, following the traces they left behind.

Finally, Grigori led the remaining demons and encountered the kobold team in the valley where they had previously camped. The two sides engaged in a fierce battle.

No one emerged victorious. Half of the kobold team from the Korrik tribe was slaughtered by the demons, while the demons lost more than five mid-level demons and over a dozen low-level demons to the spears of the level 13 warrior Wutikul and his tribesmen.

It was Wutikul, the high-level warrior, who ordered the retreat. The small number of mid-level warriors in his tribe meant that this rash剿灭action resulted in casualties from the very first encounter with the remnants of the demons. Overwhelmed by anger, pain, and regret, Wutikul had no choice but to personally hold the rear, giving everyone a chance to retreat before more of his tribe's warriors died.

The demons didn't go completely berserk and continue chasing Wutikul's rearguard kobold team, but instead roared skyward, watching the group of kobolds leave. Having experienced the previous great battle, Grigori worried that if he led his men to chase after them, he would attract the powerful hobgoblin from last time, who would slaughter him and the remaining dozen or so demons around him like cutting melons and vegetables.

Furthermore, worried that the kobolds would tell the goblins about the hiding place of Grigori's group of demons, Grigori, after enjoying a meal of kobold meat with the remaining demons, decided to take the other demons and change locations, no longer staying in the Nagen Hills.

And Grigori, unfamiliar with the area, ended up choosing a direction that was roughly the same as Allen's return journey, except that the distance between the two sides was stretched to hundreds of miles. Unless Allen and his team stopped or Grigori and his team sped up, the possibility of encountering each other was still very small.

When Linnaeus passed by the bush where Little White had disappeared, his mood sank again. It could be said that he turned his head every few steps, even occasionally calling out, hoping that Little White would hear his calls. However, it was clear that Little White, this wolf in heat, had his heart filled with bestial desires, and at this moment, he didn't know which corner he had been lured to by that wind-type wolf.

Until Allen and his team passed through this bush, Linnaeus had not been able to see Little White's figure. In the end, he could only hide in the team with a frustrated little face, dejected and lost.

Aileen, who was beside him, couldn't stand it any longer and walked to Linnaeus's side, whispering something in his ear. No one knew what Aileen said, but soon Linnaeus's eyes had a gleam in them, and he looked straight at Aileen with expectant eyes.

Allen saw all of this. Although he didn't know exactly what Aileen said, Linnaeus's change betrayed Aileen. Allen didn't need to spend much effort to guess the content of Aileen's comfort to Linnaeus, which was nothing more than that the next time their team acted alone, they would accompany Linnaeus to find Little White.

Allen had never had much affection for Little White, this animal. Little White's previous behavior of angering him had gradually faded from his memory these days, so if Little White really came back, Allen would not interfere and really do anything to Little White. After all, it was Linnaeus's pet, and it was still somewhat useful. Otherwise, he would never tolerate a toy that only cost food and didn't contribute.

When they returned to Mansa City, only more than half a month had passed since Allen and his team had left. Most of the time was spent on the road and searching for the Korrik tribe. The battle with the demons was only a matter of half a day.

After handing in the tasks one by one with the teenagers, Allen also handed in Vitagen's head to the Oak Temple, in order to exchange for 25 points of Temple contribution, which was a big step closer to the 150 points of contribution required for a Berserker inheritance.

The harvest of Cole and the others' tasks was not much different from Allen's, and they also had nearly 20 points of contribution income. The group of demons, whose number had suddenly increased by nearly doubled, although they were not completely wiped out by Allen and the others, they also allowed Allen and the others to slaughter most of them together with the Kobolds.

It was a pity that although there were flaws in the task when it was received, when the staff of the Temple and the City Guard's government affairs hall checked the demon corpses, they only recognized the heads and did not care about the rest. This completely thwarted Allen's plan to collect the corpse of an entire Frenzied War Demon, thinking of handing in a head to the Temple and a headless corpse to the government affairs hall.

Having just completed a task, Allen didn't intend to ask the teenagers to take on another task immediately, but instead took them to the monastery of the Oak Temple and found a larger courtyard to live in, so that everyone could adjust.

Allen himself also wanted to slow down. Facing various task objectives, he had no way to distinguish which task object was more challenging. After all, apart from bringing the teenagers to see Mansa City and accompany them on their experience, he also wanted to continue to hone his strength, which had stagnated, through actual combat and find a direction to continue moving forward.

At the same time, Allen also hoped to take this opportunity to exchange for a few more inheritance crystals for the tribe. The specializations on the tribe's Berserker crystal that were suitable for Allen had already been learned and absorbed by him, such as Improved Critical, Deflect Arrows, Combat Reflexes, and so on.

Of course, idle is also idle, Allen did not forget to pick up his previous craft again, spent some gold coins and bought a cart, ready to continue the small business that he had put down more than ten years ago.

Allen had already inquired that Sharga, this hyena legend, had been recalled by the leader of the Quilla tribe before the chaos of the evil god appeared, and had not returned to this day.

Without this powerful legend in the city, Allen's hands and feet were much wider, and he was even prepared to take this opportunity to find a few suitable stores in the city and rent them. Next time, when he goes back to the tribe and brings a few more outstanding chefs and waiters, he will set up a branch of Allen's Noodle Restaurant here.

So, for this long-term and important economic foundation of the tribe, Allen didn't mind laying some groundwork in his spare time for the upcoming opening of the noodle restaurant.

Of course, Allen is definitely not because setting up a noodle stall can allow him to earn a few more gold coins during his stay in the city, absolutely not!!

Anyway, there are ready-made labor forces, and Cole and the others, under the influence of their relatives, can completely make some simple pasta such as dumplings and ramen.

While running the noodle stall, Allen was also inquiring about all kinds of news about the demons, such as which tasks were more challenging, which demons were more skilled, and so on.

In an unfamiliar situation, Allen always couldn't get in the door when he wanted to inquire about information. Although he learned something by giving the tavern waiter a tip, it was still far from what Allen really wanted to know. This was also one of the reasons why he wanted to find a few acquaintances at the beginning, to see if he could learn some more important information through them.

Before he could inquire about much information, Allen's noodle stall opened first, but what Allen didn't expect was that just before his noodle stall was set up for a day, before business came to the door, an acquaintance came to him.

"Hey, I said, this hobgoblin warrior, occupying the road to set up a stall is not a good habit, ah?"

A natural fragrance came, and a capable and crisp female voice sounded behind Allen.

When Allen turned his head, he saw a familiar face with a blossoming smile, faintly bearing the air of maturity. Kaya, the human female archer, stood behind him, clad in worn python scale armor.

"So it's you, Kaya."

Allen rarely showed a smile, as if he had never smiled much in front of Kaya.

"How did you know I was here?"

"Ever since I heard from Albian about half a month ago that you had come to Mansa City, I've been wandering around here from time to time, wondering if you would continue your great undertaking from back then. I didn't expect you really hadn't given up this business?"

Kaya was also very happy. Meeting a friend again after more than ten years was indeed a joyous occasion.

Although the relationship between Kaya and Allen might not be very close, adventurers would encounter all kinds of companions on each mission. It would be false to say that she placed great importance on a connection from more than a decade ago. However, Kaya hadn't seen many non-pious believers who were personally arranged by团长 Noding to live in the back hall of the temple and live with other temple members.

Allen's treatment must have been due to some talent he possessed that caught the eye of Noding, the legend, otherwise he wouldn't have made such a gesture of enticement.

Back then, Kaya had subtly inquired when interacting with Allen and confirmed that he and Noding had only met by chance during an adventure, and that he had no close relationship with Noding, the dwarven legend. She even found out that Allen had a friendly relationship with Oscar, another legend.

For Allen, a goblin, to be valued by two legends at a high level, he must have had extraordinary qualities. Therefore, Kaya wanted to maintain a good relationship with Allen.

In addition, Allen's own strength was outstanding. Even before advancing to level 15, he could already fight a level 15 peak fallen paladin to a standstill, without losing ground in a short time. In Kaya's view, this was already very valuable, making him a good partner.

As for getting to know Allen's personality as a wild native after spending more time with him, Kaya felt that he was even more worthy of deep friendship.

Adventurers were a mixed bunch. Many acquaintances and strangers would join each large and medium-sized mission. Kaya, as a lone wolf, often needed to cooperate with others to complete tasks. However, truly trustworthy adventurers to whom Kaya could entrust her back were rare in her adventuring experience over the years.

"I just finished an adventure mission and wanted to take a break, but I was bored, so I just found something to do."

Allen raised his hand and handed Kaya a freshly baked meat bun.

"... Mmm, so delicious. Over the years, I've been dreaming of having another bite of this bun."

Kaya took a bite, and the aroma of meat filled her mouth, her face overflowing with enjoyment.

"How are you doing? Are you alright?"

"What about Albian? Is he still in the city lord's mansion?"

Allen didn't pay much attention to Kaya's expression, but lowered his head and continued to busy himself with his own affairs, while casually inquiring about Kaya and the friends he knew.

Kaya's arrival allowed Allen to gain a lot while chatting with her, and he also learned a lot about Albian and Richard's news.

"Allen, are you really planning to continue this noodle business when you come back to Mansa City?"

After the two exchanged pleasantries for a while, Kaya stretched comfortably. The feeling of fullness from her stomach finally made her restrain her desire to eat, and then she looked at Allen and asked about his intentions.

"No, this time I'm planning to find some challenging tasks to hone my strength."

Allen shook his head. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Kehl and Irene coming out of the monastery and gently waved them over.

"These are my clansmen, a group of little ones who came out with me this time to train. Come, Kehl, Irene, call Aunt Kaya."

"Hello, Aunt Kaya!"

The two little girls were quite experienced in being well-behaved in front of elders. After all, they had practiced in front of the old man Philo for so many years. Now, facing Kaya, this kind and gentle human female elder, the sound of 'Aunt' warmed Kaya's heart.

"Oh, what lovely little girls."

Although humans and goblins have different aesthetics, Kaya had been in Mansa City for nearly twenty years and had long been integrated into the cultural layer of the Mansa wilderness. At a glance, she could see that the appearances of the two little goblins, Kehl and Irene, were outstanding among the goblin race, especially Irene. Those dark, ink-like pupils, shining with pure light in the big eye sockets, were like two flawless black pearls, making people love them at first sight.

"This is a gift from Auntie, I hope you like it."

According to human custom, Kaya, facing the two cute goblin female teenagers, took out two things from her arms: a dagger with exquisite and intricate carvings, and a small and delicate hand crossbow, no bigger than a palm.

The items on adventurers were basically related to combat. This time, Kaya didn't prepare any gifts, so she could only give some small tools she usually used as gifts to the two female goblins, and then she didn't forget to glare at Allen when she looked up.

Kehl and Irene were not polite. While repeatedly thanking Kaya, Kehl took the dagger, and Irene took the hand crossbow. After stroking them affectionately, they put them away.

Then, the two of them took over Allen's work and began to greet the occasional customers who came to try something new.

"Have you thought about the next task you want to take?"

Kaya came to Allen this time, firstly to reminisce and connect, and secondly because Kaya had taken a fancy to a task and needed several collaborators, so she came to see if Allen was interested. At this time, Kaya seemed casual, but actually, out of the corner of her eye, she secretly peeked at Allen's face and asked softly.

"I haven't thought about it yet. I haven't been in Mansa City for long, and I don't know much about the situation. The previous task was mainly to accompany the younger generation of the clan and take them to train."

With Kehl and the others looking after the stall, Allen could also take a break and walk with Kaya on the quiet road.

Allen shook his head. He himself was actually worried about this. There were many tasks in the temple and the political hall. Some of the task objectives seemed good, but they provided very little information. Allen, who lacked sources of information, couldn't possibly try his luck one by one and wander aimlessly in the vast wilderness.

It was impossible for Allen to really stay in Mansa City for training all the time. Green Lake Village was too far from Mansa City. Although it was a little too peaceful now, Allen still couldn't leave the tribe for a long time.

"I have a task at hand. I don't know if you're interested?"

Hearing this, Kaya was overjoyed, and then looked at Allen with an inviting tone.

"What task?"

Allen looked up, with a little more enthusiasm in his eyes.

Kaya's strength was not bad. Presumably, over the years, she had also stood on the threshold of level 15 like himself. For Kaya to find a task that was tricky and needed to ask herself for help, it meant that the task was indeed somewhat challenging.

"Chasing and killing an assassination squad of evil god believers."

Kaya did not hesitate. Seeing that Allen was very interested, she immediately stated the task objective and, at the same time, did not forget to tell Allen some of the task information.

"According to current information, this assassination squad has a high-level evil god priest, two shadow demons, two fallen paladins, and two high-level rangers."

"They have been wandering around the wilderness these days, attacking and assassinating the leaders of several medium-sized tribes in the wilderness."

"The city lord's mansion has offered a generous reward: two ordinary inheritance crystals, or two high-level magic equipment."

"How about it, are you interested?"

With anticipation in her eyes, Kaiya looked at Allen.

“……”

Allen frowned, somewhat tempted, but also filled with worries.

A generously rewarded task surely had many competitors, and judging by the configuration of the target's team, they wouldn't be easy to deal with. He and Kaiya alone might not be a match for them.

“Is it just the two of us?”

Allen asked, looking up.

“Didn’t I think of you first when I heard you came to Mansa City? If you're willing to act together, I'll pull in two more partners, and then we can go.”

“……Okay.”

Allen nodded, agreeing so readily. He still had some trust in Kaiya, an acquaintance he'd dealt with before.

Kaiya had been in Mansa City longer than Allen and had better information. Since even she was tempted, it meant this task was indeed worth doing, and Allen didn't mind cooperating with Kaiya again.

“Come find me when you've contacted the other teammates.”

“No problem, it's settled then!”

Kaiya's round face was full of smiles. After freeloading a bowl of zha jiang mian at Allen's stall, she contentedly headed home.

Because of Kaiya's invitation, Allen temporarily lost interest in continuing to run the noodle stall. After setting up the stall, he let Kohl and the other youngsters manage it, while he prepared to browse the city's merchants to see if there was anything worth buying.

Besides wanting to set up a noodle restaurant for the village as a preliminary step, Allen was also thinking of letting Kohl and the other youngsters interact with all sorts of people through the small noodle stall business, so they could grow up as soon as possible.

When Allen first opened his noodle stall, he made a lot of jokes in the early stages and didn't know how to shout or communicate, but after he became familiar with these things, Allen actually learned a lot. For example, his skin became thicker, and he could better understand the emotional changes of customers, and so on.

Allen hadn't even prepared yet when Kaiya brought the companions she had chosen to meet with Allen. This meeting immediately cost Allen's noodle stall a lot, because the partners Kaiya brought were basically people he knew.

Alba, originally the commander of the City Guard, returned to his clan after his term ended. After living in the clan for a while, he really couldn't get used to the life in the wilderness anymore, so he simply set out alone and ran to Mansa City to become an adventurer.

This was a common headache for wilderness tribes. When the tribe's cohesion was not enough to make a clansman willingly fight for it after living in the tribe, how should the leader control this group of clansmen who wanted to leave?

Most tribes would use tough and ruthless methods to intimidate ordinary clansmen. If they really couldn't intimidate them, they would either fabricate a reason to demote the other party from a clansman to the lowest level, or even treat them as slaves, or they would simply strip the other party of all their wealth, beat them half to death, and drive them out of the tribe.

As for those with ability and talent, they would mostly sign magic contracts with them, agreeing on each other's rights and obligations, and so on, using various benefits and contracts to restrain them so that they could be used by the tribe.

Like Alba, now at the peak of level 15, slowly polishing and tempering his strength in the tribal town was no longer of much use. In order to have more chances to advance to Legend, his tribal leader gladly agreed when Alba proposed to travel in the wilderness and provided Alba with a considerable amount of funding.

Of course, before going out to travel, Alba had signed a contract with the tribal leader and elders, promising to return to the tribe after ten years. If Alba had not advanced to Legend by then, he would basically have no further possibility of advancement and could just return to the tribe and contribute his last strength.

Richard, a human mage from the Ice Country, still had long flowing hair after more than ten years. Besides the faint silver threads forming complex patterns on his snow-white robe, there were no other decorations.

Albian, a high-level assassin from the Elf Kingdom, would make people feel cold even with a smile on his face. His handsome face could not hide his sinister temperament under the scorching sun of the wilderness.

“……”

Allen never expected that the partners Kaiya had brought this time were all people he knew, and it was such a coincidence that everyone was staying in Mansa City at the same time.

What Allen didn't know was that this task hanging in the Political Affairs Hall had long become a piece of fat in the eyes of many adventure groups and lone wolves. However, limited by their respective strengths, as well as finding partners and other relationships, only a small number of people had already set off to track the other party's whereabouts.

Albian, Alba, Richard, and these guys all had one thing in common, that is, they were all lone wolves. And most lone wolves had one thing in common, that is, they had extremely high requirements for cooperation partners. Without some strength, guys walking on the path of lone adventurers would either die under the target's weapons or starve to death in the wilderness.

It was not so easy for people like Albian to find a cooperative team that they recognized, so they were still staying in Mansa City.

During this period, Kaiya had actually been cooperating with Alba, the ogre. As a ranger who mainly used a longbow as her weapon, Kaiya needed a tank warrior who could stand in front, and Alba happened to be such an excellent partner.

As for Richard, as a mage, he naturally did not lack teams taking the initiative to come to him for cooperation, but for him, if he wanted to find a team to cooperate with, at least it had to be an object with a great certainty of completing the task. Among the existing cooperators who came to him, either the other party had too many adventurers, and even if the task was completed, Richard would not get much benefit; or, the other party's strength was not strong enough, and although there was a chance to complete the task, there was also a considerable possibility of failure.

“I didn’t expect that we would all gather together because of a task.”

Richard looked at Allen's appearance, which had not changed much, and smiled warmly. Allen's appearance had not changed much, but his own temperament and eyes had changed a lot, making him impossible to ignore when he stood there.

“Yes.”

Albian was very quiet, hiding behind the tall Alba, avoiding the gazes of the people around him.

On the other side, the ogre Alba, who had gained a circle of weight, smiled honestly at Allen, and then did not forget to scoop out a few hot buns from the steamer of Allen's stall, stuffed them into his mouth and chewed carefully, even squinting his eyes.

“So, can we consider this to be a consensus, and everyone is cooperating to take on this task?”

Kaiya looked up and swept around a few people, asking a superfluous question.

“Is there any need to say that?”

“Okay.”

Several people nodded.

Most of the time, reaching a consensus is a very simple matter, but, it is also possible that behind this simple choice, there are not simple things hidden.

I'm having writer's block, damn it!!!

I wanted to introduce a magnificent world event, but this introduction has been blocking me for a long time, and I'm still not very satisfied!!!