Goblin Heavy Dependence

Chapter 347 Let’s go!

The job title "Association Receptionist" doesn't seem particularly special at first glance, and it's easy to associate it with a waiter in a tavern or a salesperson in a shop.

But to some extent, it is a bridge and hub connecting the association with adventurers, and is the "face" of the Adventurers' Association.

They are not simply responsible for "serving tea and water" and "building relationships" in the traditional sense. In many cases, they also need to manage information, allocate tasks, and guide newcomers...

They have a lot of responsibilities that require time and energy to learn and improve.

As a behemoth whose influence spans the entire continent, the Adventurers' Guild attaches great importance to positions established at the grassroots level that represent the guild's interaction with adventurers.

Even though most of the staff holding this position are ordinary people who have never stepped into the professional field, a comprehensive and perfect evaluation and promotion system has still been established for them.

For newcomers just starting out, memorizing the association's rules and regulations, and being able to recite and master the task posting and acceptance process, is the most fundamental thing.

In addition, the ability to maintain the cleanliness of the front desk, to ensure a neat and tidy appearance, to accurately complete simple task registration, to distribute remuneration and to file documents, and to demonstrate enthusiasm, patience and willingness to learn during the reception process are important indicators for determining whether an employee will be dismissed or have the "trainee" prefix removed after the review.

Further on, as the receptionists themselves improve their abilities in various aspects, including but not limited to: helping to review the rationality of mission reports, handling complaints from general customers and minor frictions between adventurers, accurately matching missions with suitable adventure teams, negotiating and handling crises, assessing the trends of local governments, and the impact of major natural disasters on the mission ecosystem, their titles, income, and status will gradually increase accordingly.

Some high-ranking association receptionists may not be particularly outstanding in their own abilities, but over time, their networks of connections span the entire continent, from underground organizations deep in the shadows to the highest royal family of a vast kingdom, and even legendary figures.

When Jasmine first entered the industry, she naturally had aspirations for the bright future the trainers talked about, dreaming that one day she could become the kind of important person that even professionals would respect.

But as she sat at the front desk of the association day after day, the endless trivialities and chores had worn away her enthusiasm.

For a while, Jasmine looked forward to sunset the most each day—that was when she finished work.

Every morning when I sit down at my workstation, I start calculating how many days are left until my day off.

She had thought more than once in despair that the rest of her life would be like this, passing away in an endless cycle of waiting, "work-rest-work".

He then comforted himself with the relatively high income and stable living environment, saying that this was a job that many ordinary people dreamed of, and that's why he persisted.

Until a few months ago, when that incredibly young man with short, jet-black hair, who had already achieved a professional level, walked up to the counter, Jasmine finally saw a glimmer of light in her stagnant life.

She valued this adventurer named "Xia Nan" very much.

As a full-fledged receptionist who had already shed the "trainee" title, she could sense the black-haired youth's exaggerated rate of improvement through the rapidly increasing difficulty of the mission reports submitted at an extremely high frequency, the F, E, D... levels of the missions, and the fact that his equipment changed with each meeting.

Jasmine knew perfectly well that compared to other newcomers who were still getting to know their professional identities at the same stage, even though Xia Nan had only completed his promotion mission less than a year ago, his strength had already far exceeded what he should normally possess.

She understood what this meant.

We absolutely cannot waste this opportunity.

Therefore, Jasmine practically became Xia Nan's personal receptionist.

Every reception is conducted with the most enthusiastic and passionate emotions—even when one is exhausted from a busy day of work.

He was extremely responsible, made the most of his professional skills, and even dared to take the initiative to negotiate with his superiors to fight for Xia Nanduo's benefits.

She didn't need Xia Nan to repay her in any way.

She was an association receptionist, and the other party was an adventurer under her supervision.

As long as Xia Nan can improve his strength at the current pace, it doesn't matter if he slows down a bit later, as he continues to complete the tasks issued by the Adventurers' Guild.

Jasmine, as his exclusive receptionist, will continue to achieve good results, making it possible for her dream from when she first entered the industry to become a reality.

This is precisely why she was willing to leave her post on a busy workday, at the cost of working overtime, and come to the White Sparrow Tavern to find Xia Nan based on the address he had left behind.

Adventurers' Guild, second-floor conference room.

Xia Nan looked at the girl in front of him who had specifically come to the tavern to bring him to the association.

A sense of doubt crept into my mind.

Perhaps due to the large number of people and the clutter, the other party only mentioned that there was news about the equipment they were selling through the association, without saying anything more.

The fact that we've come to this closed room provided by the association suggests that there must be other developments in this matter that require detailed discussion.

They didn't speak, but simply stared at each other, waiting for an explanation.

In the sweltering summer heat, Jasmine, whose physical fitness was only average, was already panting heavily after running back and forth, and her bangs had all dried up into clumps.

Wiping the sweat from her cheeks with her sleeve, the blonde girl leaned on the table, finally catching her breath. She looked up at Xia Nan, who was patiently waiting ahead, her eyes filled with apology.
"I'm so sorry to disturb you while you're resting, Mr. Xia Nan."

Xia Nan waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over the girl's wet short hair, indicating that she didn't need to worry about it.

Having met him many times and knowing his style, Jasmine apologized and then cut to the chase without any pleasantries.

"That's right, Mr. Xia Nan."

"We've heard news about the enchanted equipment you consigned to the association a few months ago, the one you named 'Tidal Lure Rod'."

Xia Nan nodded slightly to indicate that she understood, but she felt somewhat surprised.

After the flail had been bought by the dwarves of the Oathkeeper Blackwood Squad, all he had left on consignment at the association was this trophy from the beastman incident.

Therefore, when Jasmine explained the consignment situation in the tavern at that time, he already had a guess.

What surprised him was...

Is there actually anyone interested in this equipment?

Even though I had jokingly thought to myself many times before that the fishermen in this world would not miss out on this baiting artifact.

But to be honest, as time went by, Xia Nan gradually lost interest in selling the [Tidal Surge Lure Rod].

Perhaps the special effect of "attracting all small plankton within a mile radius" can be very useful when fishing.

However, it has extremely demanding conditions for use: "Use the spear tip to stab a live, healthy whale at a frequency of 60 times per minute for 10 minutes without being interrupted."

This also means that this effect is extremely difficult to trigger.

It's impossible that some angler would actually torture a whale for ten minutes just to bait a spot...

"A professional registered with the Adventurers' Guild has expressed interest in purchasing the equipment you consigned and wishes to discuss the price."

Xia Nan would never complain about making too much money. The effect of the [Tidal Surge Lure Pole] was practically useless to him, so being able to monetize it was naturally the best thing. If someone was willing to buy it, even if the final price was a little lower, he could accept it as long as he could sell it.

“But here’s the problem.” Jasmine sat across the table and explained seriously, “That professional’s initial idea was to meet with you to discuss the price of the equipment in person.”

"However, considering the great distance between the two Adventurers' Guild branches, it's not worth making a special trip for this equipment. So, after learning about the actual situation, and on the advice of the staff at the other guild, they decided to use the Adventurers' Guild as a channel for communication to discuss the specific price with you."

"Mr. Xia Nan, what do you think?"

"Sure, that's possible." Xia Nan nodded, but her brows furrowed slightly. "However, I might have to go on a long trip soon and won't be back for at least three months. Will that be enough time?"

Upon hearing this, Jasmine pondered for a moment and tried to think of a solution for him.

"How about this, Mr. Xia Nan?"

"I can try to negotiate on your behalf to see if we can postpone the transaction time."

"But if the other party doesn't agree, just to be on the safe side, if you want this deal to go ahead, and believe me, perhaps..."

"Give me a bottom price first, then quote a higher price, and I'll help you negotiate."

There's nothing wrong with that. I never expected to be able to sell the [Tidal Surge Lure Rod]. It's useless to keep it on me. I'll make a profit no matter how much I sell it for.

If Jasmine could help sell them, it would save me a lot of trouble.

However, they did not agree immediately, but instead inquired about the handling plan after the sale.

"So, after the transaction is completed, is your association responsible for the transportation?"

“Of course!” Jasmine nodded with a smile.

But as soon as he finished speaking, he suddenly glanced nervously towards the back door, and seeing that it was closed, he leaned forward and lowered his voice, saying:
"Normally, if the goods sold through the association are far apart, the association will help both parties with the transportation."

"But in addition to the original transaction fee, an additional labor fee will be charged based on the distance of transportation, which will be deducted from the transaction amount."

"...There are quite a lot."

After a pause, the blonde girl covered her lips with one hand and whispered.

"Therefore, in many cases, if the value of the items being traded is not that high, some experienced adventurers will refuse the association's channels and hire adventurers or merchants who are going the same way to transport them."

"Compared to the two, the association's fee is higher, but it is safer. Even if there is any accident during transportation that results in loss or damage to the goods, full compensation will be provided."

“Handling it privately might not be as secure as through the association, but it can save a lot on transportation costs.”

"My personal suggestion is..."

"If your equipment is relatively expensive, it will be safer to have it transported through the association's channels; similarly, if you want to save some money and are willing to take the risks, you can find someone to transport it yourself."

Xia Nan tapped her fingertips lightly on the table, understanding what Jasmine meant, and pondered in her heart.

Although the [Tidal Lure Rod] is an enchanted item, it is still just a white item and probably won't sell for much money.

200 gold? 300 gold?
If shipping costs one-fifth or even more of the selling price, it would be a huge loss.

So, it seems I'll have to find someone else to help with the delivery after all...

As she pondered this, she suddenly remembered something, her gaze shifted from the table, and she refocused her eyes on the jasmine in front of her.

"You haven't mentioned to me where that professional buyer is from yet."

"Oh, I'm so sorry!"

"It's Suoyu Bay, Mr. Xia Nan."

……

Is it really such a coincidence?
Amidst Jasmine's farewell, Xia Nan emerged from the Adventurers' Guild with a strange expression, holding a long, thin object wrapped in layers of burlap.

Naturally, it was the [Tidal Surge Lure Rod] that he consigned to the association.

Just now, after Jasmine revealed the location of the professional, all her previous thoughts and considerations were rendered useless.

No matter how reliable or secure the distribution channels are, is there anything more reassuring than having it by his side?
Even if it's cheapest and saves you money, if you can bring the items over yourself, you won't have to pay a single extra penny.

Anyway, my destination for this long journey is the southern islands of the continent of Aifara.

Furthermore, the only branch of the Adventurers' Guild in the archipelago, "Shuttlefish Bay," is located there, and I will definitely go there no matter what.

In this way, Xia Nan can simply carry the [Tidal Surge Lure Rod] with him, and he can even meet the buyer's request for a face-to-face negotiation, and maybe he can sell it for a higher price.

Upon closer reflection, the southern islands are close to the sea, so there must be plenty of whales. The people living there must have a greater need for fishing than adventurers in the inland areas.

It's not surprising that people are interested in the [Tidal Surge Lure].

But it just so happened that this very moment coincided with the time when I was about to embark on a long journey.

If it had been a little earlier, or even a few days later, it might not have been possible to find a match for him.

Xia Nan couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.

……

……

Time slipped by unnoticed, and two more days passed in the blink of an eye.

After saying goodbye to familiar friends and making ample preparations for her long journey, Xia Nan was fully armed, carrying a heavy backpack filled with all kinds of travel supplies.

Leaving the White Sparrow Tavern, we crossed the street and arrived at the inn in River Valley Town.

There, amidst the rolling wheels and the neighing of packhorses.

Two familiar figures, whom I hadn't seen for almost a month, were already standing beside the carriage, waiting for the last member of the procession.

(End of this chapter)