Goblin Heavy Dependence

Chapter 156 Newme
"Thump."

The rapidly spinning wheels squeezed over the gravel on the road, causing the carriage to sway and bounce.

Under normal circumstances, if a passenger sitting in the car fails to maintain their center of gravity, this single jolt will cause them to stumble.

If you're unlucky and bump into something sharp or angular, you might end up with a bloody head.

But Xia Nan remained seated firmly.

He leaned back against the cushioned chair, his hands clasped together and resting on his lower abdomen, his eyelids slightly closed, as if he were taking a nap.

It is clear that he did not anticipate the jolting of the carriage, nor was he fully focused on controlling his body muscles and bones to maintain his center of gravity.

Just like "breathing" and "blinking," it doesn't require any extra mental effort. It's just that under the influence of instinct, the body is subconsciously in a balanced state unaffected by external changes.

As for the reasons...

On one hand, it comes from professional expertise in "tidal shaping".

One of its effects is that it allows Xia Nan to gain a stronger ability to maintain balance when he is on an unstable plane.

Previously, his understanding of this specialty was simply that it was not easy to fall down in battle and that he could control his center of gravity.

Through these days of testing, we have gradually gained a better understanding of their abilities.

Here are a few simple examples.

If he could return to his past life with this skill, regardless of other factors, Xia Nan should be able to achieve some success in "skiing" and "surfing".

I'm not talking about how many championships I'll win, but at least a professional level should be a breeze for me.

Standing on the skateboard, it's so strong that even a strong push wouldn't knock it over; it's practically a bug.

On the other hand, it is naturally due to its current agility attribute, which is also as high as eight points.

The physical enhancements provided by [Whirlwind Slash], Dewdrop, [Fang Hunt], and [Meteor Blade Hunt] are all beneficial.

On the properties panel, it might simply be a matter of increasing the number from the initial "5" to "7" or "8".

Around two or three o'clock.

But the actual impact on the body is far greater than what appears to be 40% or 60%.

To some extent, Xia Nan's current body has gradually deviated from the previous generation's understanding of "human beings".

Those so-called human limits and world records are no longer applicable to him.

In terms of combat, if we combine his own combat experience, equipment, and combat skills, the gap between Xia Nan and ordinary people is so vast that it can be described as heaven and earth.

Just like the bandits who attacked the convoy at night a dozen days ago.

They seemed to have a large number of people, and even included several well-equipped cavalrymen, making them look quite impressive.

But they only bully the ordinary guards in the caravan who haven't yet obtained their professional ranks.

After Xia Nan made his move, the situation on the entire battlefield became almost one-sided.

With a couple of casual swings of the decapitation sword, a large number of internal organs and limbs would be severed.

Trying to escape, how could one outrun the howling wolves chasing from behind?

As for the two or three cavalrymen, Xia Nan didn't bother with them. He simply shifted their center of gravity slightly, and they fell off their horses.

Not a single one was spared, and the battle ended cleanly and decisively in less than ten minutes.

He barely sweated.

It is worth mentioning that although all the bandits were killed, their horses were all left behind, and most of them were intact and unharmed. Only one horse had its leg cut by a knife during the battle and looked a little lame.

It should be able to sell for some gold coins.

As for Xia Nan, who temporarily took on the role of "guard" under the guise of a "passenger," he would naturally also receive a share of the profits.

The caravan leader had already discussed the specific amount with him, and the spoils, including horses and bandit equipment, would be delivered to the White Sparrow Tavern after they were disposed of.

Based on the experience I've gained from so many missions, this amount of money shouldn't be too much.

But it's more than enough to cover the transportation costs.

This made Xia Nan, whose savings had just shrunk considerably due to forging equipment, feel much more at ease.

"Snapped!"

Suddenly, a knocking sound on the door interrupted his thoughts.

You can vaguely see a messy, dirty little boy jumping around outside the carriage.

He held a stack of gray-white newspapers high in his hand.

"Wycliffe is seriously ill, and the position of Lord of Newme is shrouded in uncertainty!"

"The Lunar Feast is approaching, here are five things you must pay attention to!"

"Sir, sir! For just two copper coins, you can..."

The boy had barely finished speaking when the noise he made attracted the attention of the convoy's guards.

"Are you out of your mind?! Daring to sell newspapers here?!"

"Go! Go! Go!"

It's as if we've done it countless times before.

The guard had just gotten out of the car when the little boy waving the newspaper in front of the window tucked it under his arm, turned around and ran away without looking back.

Like a little mouse suddenly illuminated by a light, it vanished in the blink of an eye into the dimly lit depths of the alley.

He waved to the apologetic guards outside the window, indicating that they didn't need to worry about him.

Xia Nan put the two copper coins, which he had just taken out of his purse, back into his hand, feeling a sense of regret.

He actually intended to buy a newspaper.

Having just arrived, he was eager to learn more about "Newme City".

Even gossip doesn't matter, as it will at least allow him to meet more people.

Unfortunately, the carriage windows were sealed and could not be opened or closed. To interact with the outside world, one had to open the carriage door, making it impossible to make a deal with the newsboy inside the carriage.

But that's all.

It's just a newspaper. I can buy it anywhere on the street after I get off the bus. There's no rush.

Xia Nan sat alone in the carriage, gazing out the window.

What came into view was no longer the fields and wastelands that one had grown tired of seeing along the long road, but rows of neat and orderly houses and wide and bustling streets.

In addition to the creaking noise of the wheels rolling and the annoying howling of the wind surging across the plain, there was also the sound of the wheels rolling.

And there's a bit more noise from the pedestrians and vendors coming and going on the road.

After a long and arduous journey of more than half a month, with frequent stops along the way, the convoy finally arrived at their destination:

—Newm.

In retrospect, the entire journey was relatively smooth, even though we didn't encounter any difficulties after that night.

We didn't encounter any monsters or bandits.

But for Xia Nan, the experience was nothing short of torture.

There were no soft, comfortable beds in hotel rooms, no steaming hot mushroom soup with a milky aroma, and even training combat skills became difficult, only able to practice a few moves during parking and maintenance.

The only advantage of being on the carriage compared to life in River Valley Town is that it's a little quieter at night, and you don't have to endure the noise from the tavern downstairs.

To some extent, because you need to maintain a high level of concentration at all times to be alert to monsters that may appear at any time, time seems to pass very quickly.

Even when adventuring in the Misty Forest, I was not as miserable as I am now.

This is especially true for Xia Nan, who comes from modern society and has enjoyed the convenience of transportation brought about by technology.

He had never missed his old, beat-up car in the garage so much in his entire life, nor had he ever missed the crowded subway cars filled with all sorts of smells during rush hour. However, based on his observations over this period, the magical power in this world was highly advanced, and the technology of "teleportation" most likely existed.

Who knows, technological creations like trains and aircraft may have already appeared and become practical through the development of magic.

However, I live in a remote rural area, so I haven't had access to relevant information.
As they pondered, the carriage, which had been moving slower and slower since entering the city, finally came to a stop. Even a child could run alongside it.

"Mr. Xia Nan, we have arrived."

The convoy leader's respectful voice could be heard from outside the window.

Xia Nan packed her luggage and stepped off the carriage.

"Sir, your spoils, as we discussed before, will be sold for gold coins at market price and then stored with Mr. Chapton at the White Tit Tavern."

“Okay, just tell me your name when the time comes.” Xia Nan nodded in reply. “I mentioned it to him before I came out, so it’s perfect timing.”

After exchanging a few pleasantries, just as they were about to leave, the convoy leader hesitated for a moment before tentatively and cautiously asking:
"No offense intended. May I ask when you plan to return, sir? If the timing is convenient, perhaps..."

He understood what the other person meant: they wanted to give him a ride back to River Valley Town.

That's perfectly understandable.

Among the passengers is a professional like Xia Nan, who can earn fare, act as a "protector" in dangerous situations, and doesn't have to pay extra. He even keeps a portion of the spoils as extra income.

It is almost entirely beneficial with no harm.

Xia Nan didn't mind the timing of the mission, but the timing was uncertain.

If all goes well, I might be able to get back to the city tomorrow;

If you encounter some trouble or difficulties, it's not impossible to stay in Newme for ten days or half a month.

He shook his head and politely declined:
"You guys just take care of your own business, don't wait for me. I'll find another convoy to go back later."

Having said that, the team leader had no reason to insist further. He added a few more kind words and then took his leave.

Carrying her luggage, Xia Nan stood on the street, trying to figure out where to go.

It was already evening when the convoy entered the city.

Although we know the mission's destination, it would be somewhat inappropriate to go there to investigate now.

He planned to find a hotel to rest for the night and recharge while also gathering some information.

Wait until dawn tomorrow, then go to the note...

"Clap."

Suddenly, a series of light footsteps came from behind.

I instinctively turned my body to the side to make room.

The next second, a youthful figure swayed past him.

He must also be an adventurer, but he's clearly a newbie, as his equipment looks rather rudimentary.

He was clutching a package tightly in his arms.

Xia Nan frowned slightly, vaguely remembering him.

This young man with a youthful face also seemed to be a passenger in the convoy.

I remember there was a slightly older man with us, but he had already died at the hands of the bandits.

Unfortunately, in that battle, many people in the convoy were injured, but very few actually died, including that man.

This is precisely why he had an impression of the person traveling with him.

Watching the other person's back disappear into the crowd.

Xia Nan looked away, shook his head, and stopped paying attention.

Walk to the other side of the street.

……

Newme,

As the core city of Panyun Province in the Kingdom of Servia.

All I can say is that it does resemble a big city.

Xia Nan had only ever been to River Valley Town and its satellite town, Caranfor, so he didn't have any specific impressions of the major cities in this world.

Right now, walking on the street.

Even though it is still very far from the city center.

Just by looking at the rows of shops on both sides, and the colorful lights reflecting off the various goods in the glass windows, one can feel the prosperity of the place.

Often, the level of development of a city can be discerned from the clothing, appearance, and demeanor of ordinary people on the streets.

There are certainly homeless people with disheveled appearances, but they are only a minority.

At least most of the pedestrians Xia Nan saw were dressed fairly decently, with few of the patches commonly found on rural clothes.

And because it was evening, it was right when people were finishing work.

People who had finished a hard day's work walked with particularly light steps, and the food stalls were packed with customers.

Every now and then you can see a family of three walking hand in hand down the street.

Xia Nan had a very good first impression of the city.

Of course, based on his understanding of the world, he guessed that he was currently in a relatively affluent neighborhood in the city.

Places like slums certainly exist, no doubt about it.

Maybe it's just two streets away.

On the other hand, it is significantly different from River Valley and Caranford.

Adventurers fully armed like him are not common on the streets.

Only occasionally could one see one or two burly men clad in armor and with iron swords at their waists, hurrying through the crowd.

Instead, squads of guards dressed in official uniforms, looking quite valiant, marched in the middle of the road.

No rush either.

Xia Nan strolled along the main street, immersing himself in the local customs and culture of the big city. His eyes scanned the shop signs on both sides, searching for a possible hotel.

[Stone Oven Bakery] - "I still want to eat some meat tonight. I wonder if the taverns here sell mushroom soup, and how it tastes."

【Old Badger Oil Lamp】—"It should be a shop that sells candles and lamps, but there doesn't seem to be anyone outside."

[Nightingale's Nest] — "Hmm..."

【Three Copper Coin Offal】--"The name on the signboard looks simple and clear, a cheap butcher shop, but aren't there a lot of flies?"

【Pigeon Feather Tailor Shop】—"The shop is very new, it must have only been open for a short time, but there are quite a few customers..."

"Ok?"

Their gazes faltered, and they unconsciously stopped walking.

A rather subtle expression suddenly appeared on Xia Nan's face.

Inside the tailor shop, a familiar figure was seen limping around, bustling about.

I was just wondering whether I should go up and say hello.

On the other side of the street, several men with their sleeves rolled up and clothes half-open, deliberately showing off their flashy tattoos, appeared menacing.

He walked straight into the tailor shop.

Is it really that classic?

(End of this chapter)