Archer's Adventure Manual

Lin Wen explained earnestly, "Finita, you hold a very important position in our team! Of course you should be allocated a share of the mission rewards!"

"But...but I..."

"Don't be so insecure! Your magic tricks were a big help this time. Although you think it wasn't much, it was enough. Besides, you have an advantage that others don't have. Do you know what it is?"

Lin Wen stared intently into Finita's eyes.

"An advantage that others don't have?" Finita looked bewildered.

Lin Wen chuckled, grasped Finita's hand, and said, "So that's a mage! You have the potential to become a mage! Do you know how many teams dream of having a mage?!"

"Like the elven ranger Elfin who disappeared some time ago, his powerful ranger skills allowed him to establish himself in the Blade of Excellence, but his return with the added identity of a mage completely changes things. He can create his own squad! That's what a mage is!"

"Obviously, our small team can't afford a mage, but we have you as a prospective mage! Our current allocation is an investment in your future; we believe in you, and one day you will become a mage!"

Finita listened to Lin Wen's words, her expression slightly moved. "Am I... am I really that important?"

"Of course." Noah smiled kindly. "Finita, you are the bravest person I have ever met on our first adventure. You are calm in the face of danger and good at thinking. These are very important qualities in the team. These are all your contributions."

"That's right, Finita, believe in yourself!" Loran encouraged her.

Brian stuck out his tongue. "Woof! Finita!"

Looking at the enthusiastic crowd, Finita smiled happily and bowed deeply, saying, "Thank you, thank you everyone!"

"Everyone, take a moment to adjust. Let's take on a new mission in two days!"

After the event, everyone had a two-day holiday to rest.

This is also an advantage for adventurers; they have more freedom in their time, which is usually determined by the entire team.

If the team is generally laid-back, they can just take on missions occasionally to make ends meet. However, if they want to gain fame and reputation like those in Granado Espada, they'll have to work harder.

Loran's team is somewhere between diligent and laid-back.

Loran walked down the main street of Rockfall Town, looking at the silver coins in his purse. He felt a little emotional. After a day and night of hard work, risking his life, he had only managed to earn 32 silver coins.

After deducting expenses for food, lodging, and entertainment, the remaining 32 silver coins are the only money left to keep. This money will be used to upgrade equipment and such...

Loran then realized just how significant the gold coins compensated by the Adventurers' Guild were; for lower-level adventurers, it was an enormous sum.

"Take your time." Loran put the money away. As the saying goes, you won't realize the value of money until you've experienced the hardship of earning it. He decided to skip the barbecue for a while and save money!

He needs at least some money for a rainy day; this is something ingrained in the bones of Loran, a college student from Earth... Even if he wanted to change, it would probably be difficult to do so.

...

The first thing Lorraine did upon returning to town was to head to Thompson's antique shop.

This old guy knows a lot about ghosts and spirits; he wants to see if he can learn anything about dreams from him.

"Hey, it's Loran. What's up? Back from your adventure? How did it go?" Thompson was wearing a monocle and carefully examining a stone with some kind of symbol carved on it.

"Everything's going well. Hey, Thompson, are you studying runes again?"

Thompson nodded, looking rather dejected, and took off his monocle. He shrugged helplessly. "Yeah, but how could an old man like me possibly understand the mysteries of runes... Sometimes I wonder if I should just let go."

Loran agreed wholeheartedly, saying, "I think you really should let go. It's best not to force yourself."

"Perhaps. So, what brings you here, kid?" Thompson looked at Loran with a knowing expression.

Loran retorted unhappily, "Can't I come to see you to check on your health?"

"Tch, I know your habits like any other brat very well!" Thompson said with a knowing look. "But if Brian uses this reason, I'm still willing to believe him. Brian, come here and let me hug you."

Thompson smiled and opened his arms, and then Brian pounced on him.

As a result, the old man was tackled by Brian and then subjected to a series of affectionate licks.

"Oh my god, old man, I've missed you so much! You smell a little stinky, but I love it!" Brian said happily to Thompson.

"Ouch, ouch, alright, alright." Thompson stood up awkwardly, his height disadvantage making it difficult for him to subdue the large dog...

Lorraine couldn't help but chuckle, but eventually got back to the point, "To be honest, Thompson, I'm very interested in history. Ever since you told me the story of the Sequence Church, I've been completely engrossed."

"I'm just curious this time. I want to ask about dreams. We all dream, but the world in dreams is so real. I don't think this is a coincidence. Is someone behind it all?"

Thompson was taken aback, not expecting Loran's thinking to be so unconventional, going directly from an adventurer to discussing knowledge about dreams with him.

He stroked his chin, pondered for a moment, and chuckled, "You know what, I do know some things about dreams, but they're all from random books and not necessarily true. I can tell you about them though."

Lorraine quickly stopped Thompson, confirming, "Uh, is this story something you'll be charged for?"

"Hey, what do you take me for? Do you think I'm that kind of person? Of course I won't take your money, you brat!" Thompson said with a serious expression.

He then muttered a few more words under his breath: "Of course, it's only because you gave me the skull, after this skull is sold..."

Loran's face darkened, and he said helplessly, "Alright, alright, since you're not charging me, then go ahead and tell me. I'm very interested."

After saying that, Loran looked like he was listening attentively.

Thompson was quite pleased to see Lorraine like this. Sometimes, he felt uncomfortable if he didn't share the strange and wonderful knowledge in Lorraine's head.

"My first encounter with information about dreams was through a pastor I met when I was young. It was a book of his random thoughts, which is quite strange, considering that a pastor had a penchant for writing imaginary stories."

"This pastor, using a possible ancient god of dreams as a starting point, recounts how his followers gradually draw the world's people into an eternal dream..."