Open your monster encyclopedia

[Short stature: Strength -1, Agility +1. Your height shrinks to 1.4 meters, and your body adjusts proportionally to fit the new height.]

[Spell-like Ability • Fire Arrow: You can create a beam of fire with your hand and throw it forward.]

[Multiple Reproduction Options: You are likely to produce offspring when mating with humanoid species]

As expected, it appeared; it must be this kind of spell ability.

[Spell-like ability • Fire] has been successfully selected.

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Monster Encyclopedia

1. Giant Dire Wolf [Robust], 2. Dire Wolf [Darksight], 3. Goblin [Darksight+], 4. Giant Rat [Darksight++], 5. Drowned [Zombie but not dead], 6. Slime [Growth through Devouring], 7. Large Slime [Growth through Devouring+]

8. Fire Goblin [Spell-like Ability: Fire Arrow]

Description: Threat level 1.3. A mutated goblin, seemingly created by fusion with some kind of fire-elemental creature. It can unleash several fire beam attacks in combat and holds a high position within its pack.

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After Lindsay selected the monster's ability and viewed the panel illustration, the fire on Eric's body had been extinguished.

Eric propped himself up, and Lindsay saw that the leather armor he wore was charred and curled from the flames, and he was covered in dust and dirt.

"Damn it, why am I the only one getting hit? Mira, I should have learned archery like you..."

This time, the brother and sister prepared the medicine in advance.

Camilla opened a jar of healing ointment and applied it to her brother's burned skin.

She comforted him, "Brother, don't complain. Without you holding the line, it would have been very difficult for Lindsay and me to dodge the monster's flames during the battle."

Moreover, archery practice is very tiring and strenuous. I trained under the instructor for several months, and I even injured my shoulder. It's not as easy as you think.

"Sigh, my close-combat skills are just so-so. I'll have to try practicing ranged weapons later. Maybe I need to train for a while..."

"Are you all alright?" Linssey asked.

"It's nothing... but Lindsay, you were amazing just now, you took down that mutated goblin in an instant!"

Camilla's eyes already held a hint of admiration. Over the past two days, Linsel had always given her a sense of security and reliability.

Lindsay nodded, then changed the subject: "That mutated goblin must be quite rare, right?"

"We've heard our instructors say that mutated monsters are generally very rare, but there are relatively more mutated goblins."

As Eric spoke, he picked up the charred and damaged log shield. It looked so badly damaged that it was no longer usable.

"Have you noticed that we've encountered a lot more goblins this time? Eight of them suddenly appeared. They usually form small groups of three or four."

"There's a goblin lair nearby; they probably came from there."

Lindsay shared some of the information he had gathered from their previous reconnaissance of the goblin's lair with the brother and sister.

"The nest is located west of Linchui Town, on the outskirts of the forest. It's easy to find without much searching. We're currently in the vicinity of this location."

There should be a raid quest for this lair, but the guild hasn't posted one yet. We've gathered almost all the herbs, so let's get out of the forest quickly.

Both agreed with Lindsay's assessment.

"Sigh, the number of monsters appearing on the outskirts of Twilight Forest has suddenly increased recently," Eric said, slinging his basket of herbs back over his shoulder. "Other adventurers say this area used to be quite peaceful, perfect for novice adventurers."

"I think so too. I even encountered a dire wolf last time..."

……

The three returned to Linchui Town.

"You have collected a total of twenty-two Bohemia plants, worth 6 silver and 60 copper. The direct reward for the mission is 1 silver coin and 2 points per person."

The guild's female staff member sorted all the herbs in the basket, then stamped and scanned the quest sheet.

"8 more goblins, 160 copper, catch."

"I killed 3 for 60 copper, and Camilla killed 5 for 100 copper. The quest reward will be split equally among the three of us, 250 copper each. We can use the extra copper to buy food at the tavern. Is that alright?"

Eric and his companion naturally agreed to Lindsay's distribution plan.

"Sister, how did you distinguish between those herbs and weeds? I just couldn't tell the difference."

"What's your name, sister? You seem usually quite serious and don't smile much. Are you quiet?"

"Why is your hair black? Like Lindsay, I rarely see people with black hair."

During a break in distributing the coins, Camilla sidled up to the guild's female staff member, asking her questions one after another.

Lindsay also noticed that the woman had been given the task three or four times before, but she always had a blank expression, just like an NPC.

"My name is Gina Weil. I know you're all curious. If it were you, handling so much official business in this small town every day, it would be quite remarkable that you could remain so mentally stable."

She slumped into her office chair without any regard for her image, letting out a long sigh: "This morning alone, we've received dozens of adventurers. If you don't have anything else to do, you should leave now. I'm a little tired."

Linsley stepped forward and said, "Wait a minute, Miss Gina, I now have 10 points. How do I advance?"

"Give me your adventurer's badge, I'll check it."

Guild member Gina placed Lindsay's nameplate into a slot in the machine, and then took it out a few seconds later.

"Let me see... You do have enough points. You can now directly advance to the Iron-rank adventurer. Do you want to advance?"

"Promotion." Lindsay said without hesitation.

From Porcelain level to Iron level, he had truly become a qualified adventurer in this world. He felt a bit like an intern getting a permanent contract.

"Okay, please wait a moment."

Gina, dragging her somewhat tired body, opened a large box in the corner of the cabinet, took out a black adventurer's nameplate, put it into the machine slot, and handed it to Linsel a few seconds later.

"Here you go, you're now a Black Iron-level adventurer."

"Lince, congratulations! We're both Iron-level now!"

Eric praised Lindsay, but Lindsay noticed a slight disappointment on his face.

……

It was midday, and the tavern was filled with the aroma of various foods, attracting many diners.

Lilia trotted over to the table with Lindsay and the other two, a smile on her face:

"Brother Linsel, what are you going to eat today?"

"I'll have a pork chop set meal today."

"We want the same!" Camilla replied.

The food was served shortly afterward.

The townspeople and adventurers at the surrounding tables frequently glanced at Linsel.

"Look, isn't this Lindsay? The new guy who beat up the drunkard in the tavern yesterday?"

"He's already reached Iron rank! That's fast, much faster than you!"

Camilla watched the people around her intently, and said with a hint of admiration, "Linsey, I never imagined you'd become a celebrity."

"Well, how should I put it..." Lindsay was a little embarrassed, so he changed the subject.

"Eric, why aren't you saying anything? Does this food not suit your taste?"

Eric's eyes held a complex expression.

"Brother Lindsay, I'm not planning to do missions with you anymore. I'm taking my sister away for a while."