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Chapter 63: Danger Comes Knocking
Chapter 63: Danger Comes Knocking
The Shield Maiden's pale white-brown skin appeared healthy, with deep blue eyes, a small pearl nose, and cherry lips, creating an unexpectedly exquisite face.
Contrasting with her rugged attire, she exuded a unique beauty. A light gray linen headband intertwined on her forehead secured her naturally flowing light yellow hair, preventing it from obstructing her vision during combat.
The headband was likely a practical choice to keep her hair in place during battles, ensuring clear vision.
The maiden's attire differed from the other warriors in her squad; she wore a short-sleeved chainmail shirt beneath a leather armor vest, showcasing her fair and voluptuous figure, especially her ample bust.
Even the combination of chainmail and leather armor couldn't conceal her impressive curves, creating a captivating silhouette.
Near Rain, two patrolling Patrol Officers noticed the group and whispered to each other:
"They seem to be barbarians from the Empire's north!"
"What brings them all the way to Master County?"
"Can't you tell? Look at the bounty hunter emblem on their chests. They're a team, and that tall barbarian leading them is known as 'Giant Warrior,' or Harald, with his distinctive height and crescent axes as his signature."
As if sensing their conversation, the leading barbarian, Harald, turned to glance at the officers.
Rain couldn't help but admire the officer's insight.
Barbarians?
Rain realized why their appearance and style were so rugged.
The term 'barbarian' suited them well, reminiscent of the Vikings, the barbarians of Europe in Rain's past life.
But why would a barbarian bounty hunter team come to Glintstone Town?
They should be in the county city, where more bounties were available to earn gold coins.
Wait!
A thought suddenly flashed through Rain's mind.
"Could it be for the ogres in Night Song Forest?"
Rain rubbed his chin, feeling more convinced of this possibility.
He had heard that the Empire sometimes offered high bounties for dangerous tasks, preventing the official forces from being tied up and reducing unnecessary casualties.
This strategy also motivated hundreds of mercenaries and bounty hunters, channeling their overflowing testosterone into productive pursuits and maintaining local peace.
A win-win situation!
If it was indeed an ogre-slaying mission, it fell into the category of dangerous tasks.
Rain shook his head, realizing he was just speculating.
"I'm just guessing here. Let's see where they're headed, and the purpose of their visit will be clear."
"For now, let's hurry home!"
"I'll continue working at the blacksmith shop this afternoon, hoping to level up my blacksmithing skill today or at the latest, tomorrow."
Without spare attribute points, Rain felt a sense of urgency.
Upon returning home, Rain devoured the food in front of his family and Anna's astonished eyes, finishing at a whirlwind pace.
"Slow down, Rain!"
"You're eating too fast!"
"I'm full. Father, Mother, Anna, take your time. I'm off to the blacksmith shop!"
Rain rubbed Mint's head affectionately and left with a smile.
Gazing at their son, who was brimming with energy, the family members exchanged glances, all looking bewildered.
This... But being diligent is a good thing, isn't it?!
As soon as Rain left, he quickened his pace towards the Administration Hall.
Upon reaching the hall, he inquired with a familiar guard about the group of barbarians he had seen earlier.
"Rain, you're talking about them! Indeed, they just visited Sir Hamilton's office for a while, seemingly seeking assistance."
"I heard they accepted a bounty from Lord Viscount Harmandy, the sheriff of the county city, to eliminate ogres in the Night Song Forest."
"However, due to the unclear situation, they're also concerned about encountering multiple ogres, so they requested Sir Hamilton to provide more detailed intelligence."
"Sir Hamilton promised to contact the Habsburg Manor promptly to dispatch falcons for reconnaissance."
"Now, these barbarians seem to have headed to the Beechwood Inn, probably waiting for the falcon's reconnaissance results."
"I estimate they'll stay for a few more days before taking action."
Rain nodded, "I see, thank you."
It was a smart move; having falcons for reconnaissance was far better than tracking ogre footprints on their own near the Dim Light Lake.
The latter was not only tiring but also extremely dangerous!
Moreover, the barbarians were experienced; they knew that most patrol officers would not tolerate the presence of ogres in their jurisdiction, so they were likely to agree to assist.
"Looks like this is indeed an exceptionally capable bounty hunter squad!"
Blacksmith Shop.
In the afternoon, Rain remained dedicated to weapon polishing, seeming welded to the whetstone, only taking breaks for food and the bathroom.
The sound of "Honk Honk" echoed in the blacksmith shop's courtyard for the entire afternoon.
The blacksmith apprentices had become accustomed to Rain's tireless work ethic, having seen the same dedication when he operated the bellows.
However, they couldn't escape Boris's stingy comparisons between Rain and themselves.
After several hours, Rain finally received the system notifications:
[You have polished weapons, enhancing your understanding!]
[Your weapon polishing skill has improved. Experience gained: +1]
[You focused on weapon polishing for 10 minutes. Blacksmith Profession Experience gained: +1]
[Congratulations! Your Blacksmith Profession Level has increased!]
Rain wiped his sweat, relieved to see his Blacksmith Profession Level rise from Lv1 to Lv2 (0/300).
Scrolling further, he noticed the remaining Attribute Points: 1, and Skill Points: 1.
This spare Attribute Point significantly eased Rain's mind.
A backup plan was in place!
Regarding the Skill Point, Rain decided to set it aside for now, intending to ponder its use after returning home.
With his level-up, Rain planned to head home early, and it was already dusk, half an hour earlier than expected.
Feeling elated, Rain detoured to the meat pie shop, buying Mint's favorite meat pie.
As Rain carried the pie home, a group of fierce-looking tattooed strongmen, armed with clubs and leading glossy-furred spotted mutts, swiftly approached along the street.
Passersby quickly avoided them, not daring to provoke.
The leader, a bald strongman, produced a piece of clothing, prompting the dogs to sniff it. They immediately began walking and sniffing, gradually heading in the direction of Rain's home.
(End of Chapter)
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