Chapter 154: Pumpkin Steamed Cake
After a simple conversation, Xilutiya had a general understanding of the other team’s situation.
Just like her, this squad had also come from another outpost to the Fir Black Forest for adventure. They had already undergone two explorations and gained some rewards, but still felt slightly insufficient.
“The data table shows that you are a gardener by background, but looking at your attire, you also resemble a ranger somewhat.” The short captain at the lead inquired.
“That’s right. I am indeed mainly a gardener, but before coming to the woodland, I also learned some bow and arrow skills, which can be used for combat.”
“I see.” The other party nodded.
“Our current team composition is one frontline tank warrior, a wizard to handle complex situations, a rogue for ambushes and reconnaissance decisions, and a chef responsible for logistics.” He briefly introduced the team’s situation.
“Although bringing a chef is a bit strange, the benefits Bona brings to the entire team are not small. She is a trustworthy member.”
“If you are willing to join us for the next adventure, come outside the bar and simply demonstrate your ability.” The other party did not waste words and got straight to the point.
“No problem.”
Anyway, she hadn’t ordered food yet, so she walked out of the bar with the few people and came to the adjacent grassland.
“I currently know Vine Growth and Grass and Tree Growth. I can also demonstrate with bow and arrow.” The maiden briefly introduced.
“Very good. Do you see that big tree in the woods? There is a broken scar on it. You just need to hit there.” He simply pointed out the location. The target was about 120 meters away from them, not low difficulty.（A standard soccer field is 105 meters long）
For a casually trained archer, it would be very difficult to hit such a position, but for a transcendent specialized in bow and arrow skills, 120 meters is basic.
Taking off the compound bow from her back, Xilutiya effortlessly drew the compound bow, nocked the arrow, and inserted a grass seed into the groove of the arrowhead. Then, with a slight twang of the bowstring, the arrow instantly shuttled through the woods, striking the scar on the big tree. Afterward, the verdant grass seed sprouted, wrapping around the entire trunk.
“Impressive~”
The other party whistled. An expert could tell with one move.
Seeing that Xilutiya’s entire process was smooth and relaxed, he knew this was far from the limit of her strength, and the part she had shown was enough to meet the squad’s needs.
“Welcome, Xilutiya. Now you are a member of our squad. If you don’t mind, let’s have dinner together tonight. I’ll give you a detailed introduction to the situation.”
“Okay.” The maiden put away her bow and arrow, her black hair lightly swaying with the movement, and she nodded slightly.
Returning to the bar, Bona, as the chef, went to the front counter to order food and also helped in the back kitchen. Then the remaining four sat at the table and talked.
“First, let me introduce myself. I’m Rodriguez, nickname Bad Apple. My name is quite long, so just call me Bad Apple usually.” He played with the dagger in his hand, the silver sharp short blade flipping nimbly between his fingers.
This captain should have halfling bloodline, his build smaller than a normal person, but exceptionally agile, main nature Mist Shadow.
“This big guy—I mean reliable warrior—is the strongest fortress in our team, named Yarn.” He turned around and patted the heavy armor of the companion beside him.
The blond tall young man nodded. He had ordered a beer and was drinking heartily.
“Hello, I’m Yarn. Nice to meet you.” Compared to the other team members, this blond young man seemed completely normal, without strange quirks or personality flaws, nor the arrogance typical of nobles.
The set of armor on him weighed about 100 pounds, with thick shoulder armor as high as his neck. Even simple movements produced slight sounds of armor plates rubbing, and just looking at it felt like a humanoid rhinoceros.
“Hello.” The maiden nodded slightly.
“This handsome guy here is the wizard in the team, named Carlsen, or you can call him black-haired hunk. He should like that~”
“Rodriguez.” The wizard with a colder expression finally spoke, interrupting the captain’s joke, then turned to this black-haired maiden.
“I’m Carlsen. You can just call me Karl usually.” After speaking, he opened his palm, and a twisting pale mist appeared.
“I’m a wizard of Death Ash nature, skilled in commanding ghosts.”
The pale mist rotated rapidly, finally condensing into a ghostly cat form. It lightly sat on the table, its gaze sizing up the maiden before it, occasionally licking its paw like a living creature.
After the introductions, they chatted a bit about each other’s situations.
Unlike Xilutiya, these few had been in the woodland for over six years and were quite proficient in various matters and tasks.
“So that means I’m actually the oldest. How about you try calling me ‘Brother Apple’~ Haha.” Although he looked short, this captain was indeed experienced, humorous and witty, and he had built the entire team.
“Actually, I used to operate solo all the time, which was quite free.” He poured himself some low-alcohol wine and sipped it slowly.
“But later I met this guy Yarn and cooperated with him a few times.”
“At the time I thought, such a useful teammate, it would be too wasteful to leave him to others, so I pulled him out to form a squad.”
“After that, we successively recruited other members, but most felt average, and gradually parted ways.”
“Until we later met this little girl Bona.”
“Actually at first, I didn’t want her to join the team, because bringing someone with little combat ability is really troublesome, but her cooking is just too delicious.”
“Yarn and I were both very satisfied. Moreover, having her as a companion on the road always made the team atmosphere great, and she could occasionally help with other chores to increase some income, so we accepted and got used to her.”
“Karl joined us last. The reason is simple: as the places we went to became more numerous, many monsters were really hard to deal with, so we had to find a helper who could handle various strange situations. Although he seems quiet, his knowledge and ability are solid, bringing us many surprises.” Bad Apple introduced their backgrounds one by one.
“This time coming to Fir Black Forest is mainly to find a few resources. Karl needs Ash Evil Fruit to enhance his contracted ghost’s strength. Some fruits in the forest and monsters of Blood Law nature, the rewards from defeating them, can also strengthen Yarn’s physique.”
“As for me, I want to get Stone Mist Spring Water after Distant Mountain Gate. With that, I can commission a skilled apothecary to refine a special spiritual medicine ‘Mist Breath’ to help me break through to Third Order Mist Shadow.”
“However, Distant Mountain Gate is very hard to find. We plan to try more in the surroundings first and see the situation. Only if there is a possibility of finding it will we set out.”
As they talked, time passed unknowingly, and by now the sumptuous dinner was ready. Bona came over alone carrying a large wooden plate, on which were crispy roasted meat, potato pancakes, mushroom vegetable soup, and butter fried fish.
“Make some room, the food is here.”
The aroma of the delicacies on the plate wafted to her nose, and even Xilutiya felt a temptation of appetite.
No wonder they let Bona become a teammate. Having such a companion, traveling and adventuring would indeed be much more comfortable and enjoyable.
After setting down the things, Bona specially took out a small portion of cake and handed it to Xilutiya.
“This is handmade pumpkin steamed cake. Welcome to the team, Xilutiya~”
The small cake steaming with heat and fragrance was placed in the maiden’s palm, sending waves of warmth that filled Xilutiya’s heart with comfort and warmth.
“Thank you.”
