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For the next half-day, everyone remained in Cragstone Rise. Since there were nine people in total, the experience was split so much that it became minimal. To improve leveling efficiency, Zane and Starry each led a separate team.

The golems in this area had extremely high magic defense, but because of their bulky bodies, they took full damage from fire-based attacks.

Nangong assured him that the two Priest girls were trustworthy. So Zane felt safe enough to transform.

Just as expected, they were startled at first. Zane calmly explained, with practiced ease, that it was a hidden skill. Then, while in his Elna form, he was suddenly scooped up by Zaria.

“Up you go!”
“Ugh, so dizzy! Put me down already!”

Reluctantly, Zaria set down the little doll in her arms.

As such, the teams were: Zane, Snowy, Dukeette, Nangong, and Stupid Orange in one group. And on the other side: Starry, Wanderer, Seraphine, and Zaria.

Snowy’s gear surprised Zane a little. She was fully equipped with Rare items, ranging from levels 11 to 15. Compared to the equipment shortage a few days ago, the market now had a good number of Rare items available. Of course, most had basic stats. If a piece had even one Feature, it was already considered lucky.

Good gear was usually kept for personal use, or long gone, snatched up by whales. The Auction House allowed buyers to hide their ID, but bidding times weren’t always convenient. As a result, buyers often contacted sellers via mail, asking them to take down the item and trade directly.

He had always suspected this back in previous online games, but now it was confirmed: Snowy was a rich loli. Of course, he didn’t think too much of it. It just made him sigh with envy. ‘Being rich must be nice. Rich loli, please sponsor me.’

Still, no matter how good the relationship was online, it was better not to drag real-life issues into it.

It was no wonder their party had leveled so fast. It turns out, Snowy had been carrying them.

***

They continued grinding until noon. Everyone had gained quite a bit of experience, and Snowy was already halfway to Level 19. They decided to take a break for lunch before continuing.

Zane called over Shiu. As they walked toward the stairs, Shiu suddenly said, “Zane, I kicked that Priest.”

“Huh?”

Shiu shook his head. “That guy was too petty. He doesn’t belong in our party. You’re not mad, are you? We did offend a high-level Priest.”

“Of course not. You did the right thing. Someone who nitpicks everything is a drag on everyone else. If he’s gone, he’s gone.” Zane replied casually.

“As for Priests, don’t worry…those two high-level Priest girls are with us from now on!”

“What?” This time, it was Shiu’s turn to be confused.

“My friends invited them. We spent the morning leveling together, and they gave me a good impression; two lively, friendly girls,” Zane explained. “Plus, I’ve learned a healing skill myself. I might just qualify as a third support!”

“…”

***

By midday, they had gathered over 400 Mindstones. Zane handed the materials over to DumbCitrus, who was now the only Level 3 Alchemist in the group. With new potions ready, they were more confident heading into new dungeons.

Bloodflow Tonic gave 5% HP regen over time, while Heartsteady Pill healed 7% HP instantly. The two had a big difference in function.¹　

Just like that, time flew by. After dinner, they kept grinding until after 10 PM. Almost everyone had reached Level 20, and even Stupid Orange was just a sliver of EXP away from leveling up. Shiu and his group also hit Level 20 after a full day of grinding.

Starting at Level 20, the experience required for each level increased dramatically. That was why Zane had remained stuck between Levels 20 and 21 for so long.

On the leaderboards, most players were sitting at Level 21, and Windblossom held the top spot at Level 22.

‘All we did was carry a party for two days… how is their leveling pace that insane?’

They agreed to meet up again tomorrow at 8:30 AM. For now, everyone went off to learn their new skills. As for Stupid Orange, she would be changing class to Bard first, just like they had discussed before.

Zane finally remembered something. ‘I still haven’t gone to learn new skills from Elna, have I?’

Starry had changed class at Level 20, so she should have already learned all her skills. But even if he wanted to find her mentor, there was no way, he was always vanishing like a ghost.

‘I wonder if Saintspring Ale could lure him out again.’

Speaking of Saintspring Ale, the first time it was consumed, it increased the user’s max HP by 1000. And Starry still had one cup of it in her bag. ‘Should I use it on myself?’

But drinking Saintspring Ale caused a major spike in confusion level, which was dangerous. So Zane decided to stash it in his inventory for now and save it for just before logging out.

‘First things first, find Elna!’

***

“Nana! Do you still not understand how dangerous it is to sneak out on your own?! Your recklessness is only making things harder for everyone!”
“A young girl like you, wearing that ominous bone armor, what kind of image are you putting out?! You’re changing the moment we get inside!”
“If I hadn’t happened to run into you today, I wouldn’t have even known this was your third time sneaking out!”

At the gates of the General’s Manor, Aegis stood at the door, scolding Zane nonstop.

‘How did things end up like this?’

Walk along the shore too often, and you’re bound to get your shoes wet. The first two times Zane had snuck into the estate had gone too smoothly, and he had completely forgotten who this mansion really belonged to.

‘Please, I’m begging you, stop talking already…just let me in!’

“General, maybe we should continue this inside… Everyone’s watching,” a guard said in a low voice.

‘Well said! Being a gatekeeper really didn’t do this man justice.’

But Aegis wasn’t buying it. “So what if everyone’s watching? If she’d just give me fewer headaches and actually learn from her mistakes, I wouldn’t care if the whole city showed up to watch!”

“…”

Before they knew it, thirty minutes had passed, and Aegis still had no intention of stopping. Plenty of curious onlookers had already started recording the scene.

By tomorrow, the forums were sure to be flooded with posts like:
“Wynwater City Secret Plotline! Ultra S-Rank Hidden Quest!”
“General’s Little Sister Sneaks Out Late at Night. What Was Her Real Goal?!”

‘Let me go already, big bro…’ Zane screamed internally. Now he was stuck. He couldn’t transform back, it was right in front of the estate gate, and the crowd just kept growing.

Zane glanced at the Saintspring Ale in his inventory and sighed. ‘Looks like I won’t be drinking it tonight.’

Finally, Aegis started to tire. He looked parched, his throat dry from the long lecture. Then suddenly, something caught his attention. A rich, intoxicating aroma of alcohol filled the air.

‘A fragrance brimming with life energy… That scent, it’s Saintspring Ale!’

Aegis’ expression changed instantly. “Nana… I misjudged you. I’m sorry.”

“?” Zane tilted his head in confusion.

“You’ve been gathering ingredients to brew this for me, haven’t you? And here I was, scolding you so heartlessly… I’ve failed you as a brother!” His face was full of remorse.

“…” Zane didn’t really get what was happening, but he understood one thing, this was his chance. He immediately pulled out the Saintspring Ale from his bag.

Tears welled up uncontrollably in the corners of Aegis’ eyes. He snatched it from Zane’s hands without hesitation. “Nana… you’ve grown up. I won’t restrict your freedom anymore.” Aegis declared solemnly.

Zane wanted so badly to flip him off, but figured that would probably damage the “sibling bond,” so he held back.