My monster cards can evolve infinitely.

Xiuqi walked towards that table of people.

His footsteps weren't loud in the hall, but the surrounding noise instantly subsided.

Many people recognized him and the cannibal behind him.

The scarred captain was about to explode when he suddenly sensed something was wrong. He looked up, paused when he saw Xiuqi, and his expression changed when he saw Ado.

"Gentlemen," Xiu Qi spoke, his voice soft but clear, "I heard you're dividing up the bounty?"

The scarred captain swallowed hard, forcing himself to remain calm: "Yes. Our team's internal affairs are none of your concern."

"Really?" Xiuqi walked to the table, pulled out a chair and sat down. "But I heard that the distribution was somewhat unfair."

Ado stood behind Xiuqi, his body as imposing as a mountain. The ogre's bright yellow eyes were fixed on the scarred captain, a low growl emanating from his throat.

The pressure spread.

The scarred captain broke out in a cold sweat.

He sensed the danger emanating from the ogre; its armor, spiked club, and massive shield were clearly not for show.

"Who are you?" the tall, thin archer asked.

"Shuki Light," Shuki announced his name, then looked at Link. "This is my friend. He was my guide when I went to the Gray Forest last time."

Link froze, staring intently at Xiu Qi, surprise in his eyes: "It's you... Mr. Xiu Qi?"

Xiuqi nodded to him, then turned to the scarred captain: "Now, let's renegotiate the bounty distribution."

The scarred captain's expression changed several times. He could feel the gazes around him—curious, mocking, gloating.

In the Adventurers' Guild, face is important. If you back down today, you can forget about ever staying here again.

"This is our internal affair!" he said through gritted teeth. "Even if you're a mage, you can't..."

He didn't finish his sentence.

Because Ador moved.

The cannibal took only one step forward.

Thump! The ground shook.

It stretched out its giant paw and gently pressed it onto the wooden table.

Click.

Cracks have appeared on the surface of the thick oak table.

The hall was completely silent.

Scarface's face turned deathly pale instantly.

He could feel the power in that hand—if it gripped him, his bones would shatter like the table.

"I...I..." His voice trembled.

"According to the Adventurers' Guild's regulations," Xiuqi's voice remained calm, "the mission bounty is distributed based on contribution. Link discovered the goblin's trail and set the trap, making the greatest contribution and deserving 40%. The three of you were responsible for the direct combat, each receiving 20%. Any questions?"

The scarred captain looked at the other two team members.

The tall, thin archer had taken a half step back, and the short, stocky shield warrior had also looked away.

They're not stupid.

This ogre was far stronger than them, not to mention the gray-robed mage.

It's not worth risking your life for a few silver coins.

"...No problem." The scarred captain squeezed out the three words through gritted teeth.

"Very good." Xiuqi looked at Link. "Go to the association counter to confirm the mission is complete and collect your share."

Link paused for a few seconds, then nodded vigorously: "Thank you, Mr. Xiuqi!"

He strode quickly toward the counter, his back view conveying a sense of ease.

The scarred captain and his two teammates left without daring to look back.

Discussions resumed in the hall, the topic shifting to Xiuqi.

"That kid's really lucky..."

"That monk is no ordinary person..."

"That ogre...it's terrifying..."

Xiuqi ignored the discussion. He sat there, waiting for Link to return.

Soon, Link returned with the money bag. The boy smiled, his eyes filled with gratitude.

"Mr. Xiuqi, thank you!" He bowed. "Without you, I might..."

"No need to be so polite," Xiu Qi interrupted him. "I have my own reasons for helping you."

Link looked up, a puzzled expression on his face.

"I'm forming an adventure team," Xiuqi said directly. "We need a guide familiar with the Gray Forest. Would you like to join?"

Link was stunned.

His gaze swept over Xiuqi, then over Ado, and returned to Xiuqi's face.

"I... am only a first-level White Porcelain..." he said in a low voice.

"Rank doesn't matter," Xiuqi shook his head. "What matters is experience and character. You're familiar with the forest, you have basic adventure skills, and—" he paused, "you're an upright person."

Link's eyes lit up.

For a low-level adventurer, joining a strong team is a rare opportunity. Moreover, Xiuqi respects him and recognizes his value.

"Let's find a place to talk," Xiuqi said.

……

The three left the association and went into the "Traveler's Rest" tavern across the street.

The tavern was quiet in the afternoon, with only a few customers. The proprietress, Adeline, smiled when she saw Xiuqi: "Mr. Xiuqi, you're back! And this is... Link?"

"Mrs. Adeline," Link greeted.

"The usual, two ale, one juice, and five orders of toast and smoked meat," Hugh said.

"immediately."

The three sat down by the window. Ado's body made the chair creak slightly as it carefully adjusted its position.

The food and drinks were served quickly.

Xiuqi took a sip of his ale and got straight to the point: "Link, I need a guide. But this mission might be more dangerous; we'll be going deep into the Gray Forest and might encounter powerful enemies."

Link didn't back down; instead, excitement flashed in his eyes: "I'm not afraid! Mr. Hugh, please let me be your guide! I know the forest very well, and... I want to become an adventurer like you!"

"Does your grandfather agree?" Xiu Qi asked.

"Grandpa said I'm all grown up now and it's time for me to decide my own future," Link said earnestly. "He said you're trustworthy and he feels at ease following you."

Xiuqi remained silent for a moment.

He definitely needs a mentor, and Link fits the bill. Moreover, Link is down-to-earth, principled, and has potential.

But more importantly, Xiuqi has a longer-term vision.

As his strength increases and the dangers grow, he needs a team.

Ado and the "princess" are powerful fighters, but they lack human intelligence.

Although Link is young, he has potential. With proper training, he could become a reliable teammate.

"I'm hiring you as my guide," Xiuqi finally said. "Your daily wage is one silver coin, and in case of battle, you will receive spoils according to your contribution. But you must obey orders and not act on your own."

"Thank you, Mr. Xiuqi!" Link said excitedly. "Also, I don't want daily wages, just a share of the mission reward. I believe you won't..."

"Don't rush," Xiu Qi said seriously. "In the forest, disobeying orders could kill everyone. If you can't do it, you can leave now."

Link straightened his back, his eyes resolute: "I can do it! I'll follow your orders!"

Xiuqi nodded, took out a parchment from his pocket, and wrote down the employment contract.

The contract is established upon both parties signing it.

"We'll depart tomorrow morning." Xiu Qi put away the contract. "Go back and prepare today. Bring enough dry food and water for three days, as well as any necessary tools. Meet at the association entrance at six o'clock tomorrow morning."

"Yes!" Link nodded vigorously.

"Also," Xiuqi added, "tell your grandfather about our plan, and tell him not to worry."

"I will."

After Link left, Xiuqi sat alone in the tavern and finished his beer.

Outside the window, the streets of Summer Town were gradually enveloped in twilight. The magical streetlights lit up, casting halos of light on the cobblestone streets.

Xiuqi stroked the "Crimson Oath" ring on his right index finger, feeling the stable magical fluctuations within it.

Tomorrow, he will enter the gray forest again.

But this time, he was no longer alone.

There are ogre warriors, goblin assassins, a guide familiar with the terrain, and an unsummoned two-star card.

More importantly, he had a clear goal.

Hunt monsters, craft cards, strengthen the "Princess," complete quests, and accumulate experience...

All of this is to stand out in the college's year-end evaluation, and to have enough strength to protect oneself and those around one before the storm arrives.

Xiuqi looked out the window at the night sky, a determined light flashing in his eyes.