Cornflower Witch

Chapter 18 The Boy Chasing the Otter
The wind howled across the wheat fields and open fields, and leaves fell from the trees in the mountains.

Mick ran with all his might through the fallen leaves and pebbles, sword in one hand, his eyes fixed on the figure that kept running and weaving to his side, then he surrounded and drove it in a certain direction.

Almost there, almost there, just a little more.

He silently recited the mantra, then leaped again, kicking off the tree trunk, shaking off the dust, and rushed toward the running figure.

The longsword cleaved through the obstacles along the way, allowing the gaze to penetrate the bushes and dense foliage, revealing the true face of the figure.

This is an otter that has come ashore. It is about the size of a calf, with black and glossy fur that allows it to move swiftly through thorns and bushes without slowing down.

Compared to ordinary wild beasts, it is significantly larger, and its speed and strength are not to be underestimated. Its sharp claws can easily cleave through small trees and cut through roads.

This beast is only one step away from advancing to the first tier, and its strength is beyond the reach of ordinary adventurers. Mick can only harass and drive it away.

"Ahhh-"

He shouted loudly, then slashed at the otter with his sword. Before he could even touch it, the otter was startled and had to change direction and flee to the right.

"Brother Jero, it's over!"

Seeing the direction the otter had fled, Mick shouted loudly and continued to chase after it.

Seconds later, the otter suddenly burst out of the woods, and what awaited it was a large net erected in front of it.

The otter rolled into the net, tearing and running forward until the net completely enveloped it, and finally it fell to the ground.

As it began to tear and struggle with its claws, several adventurers who had been lying in ambush rushed over and used hammers and spears to kill the otter in no time.

"Phew, finally got rid of the last one." An adventurer wiped the dirt and blood from his face.

"This one is too cunning. It immediately escaped when the water was poisoned."

"I chased it for almost a week, and only caught it today."

"This one is the biggest. If it's in another year or two, it might become a first-tier toothed beast."

"If it really is a toothed beast, these traps won't be enough to stop it; we'll have to call in a professional hunter to deal with it."

"Gero is here."

A man carrying a greatsword emerged from the woods; it was he who had been bringing up the rear, causing the otter to run in a panic.

"Is it done?" he said casually, walking over to the dead otter and examining it.

"Not bad, this guy's fur is of pretty high quality, it should fetch a good price."

"There are 23 otters in total, with a bounty of 2 silver for each and a reward of 46 silver. However, this one is special; its pelt can probably be sold for 20-30 silver."

"In terms of costs, the Apothecary Guild spent 3 silver on poison, 5 silver on ropes and nets, and 2 silver on food and lodging for the villagers over the next few days. We should be able to earn about 50-60 silver this time," a member of the team who was good at calculations quickly analyzed.

"Now I have money again; I haven't even finished spending the last amount."

"This isn't like you at all, hahaha~" The group laughed, and it was clear that everyone was in a good mood.

"Let's go, drag this otter to the village and let the butcher and villagers take care of it. We can have a good meal of meat tonight."

"Let's go!"

The group began to take action.

While everyone else was busy, Jero came over to Mick and patted him on the shoulder.

"You did well today."

"Thank you, Brother Jero." the boy replied excitedly.

"Hehehe, you've got talent too," Jero grinned.

"Alright, we should be able to make a fortune when we get back this time. Do you have any plans or how you intend to spend this money?"

"I want to buy some good equipment, like a set of chainmail or a better weapon."

"No, no, no, with your build, wearing chainmail would be a waste of your energy and would actually make you lose your usual agility," Jero shook his head with his experience.

"We'll just have to make do with these weapons for now. Repairing good weapons is a real pain in the neck." He pulled Mick down to sit.

“Actually, you’d better find a good mentor and learn something right now.” He placed the greatsword across his knees and wiped it with the oilcloth he carried with him.

"What should I learn? Powerful swordsmanship or combat skills?" Mick asked expectantly.

"Haha, that's true, but have you ever thought about learning to read? If you have some literacy skills, and combine that with good fighting skills, it would be easy to find a job in Jiaoshi City."

"You mean like those guards, or the merchant guild guards?" Mick curled his lip in disdain.

"These guys are probably as clumsy as old ladies, and their lives must be incredibly boring."

"I'm going to become a very remarkable person in the future, like a powerful adventurer or a legend."

“Those things…” Jero seemed to remember something, then lowered his head and shook it slightly.

“It’s good to have the ambition, but you also need the ability.” He raised his sword and stood up.

“You’re still a long way off. Come on, let’s practice.” He put the greatsword aside and then picked up a wooden stick.

"Alright~" Mick jumped off the rock he was crouching on, gripped the hilt of his sword, and charged forward to challenge.

Soon, crisp sounds of striking echoed through the forest as the two exchanged blows.

It's clear that Jero intentionally held back his strength; otherwise, a powerful slap from him, even with a wooden stick, could have sent Mick flying and seriously injured him.

Minutes later, Mike was exhausted, his whole body was steaming and sweating, and his face was flushed.

"Stop." Jero swept away Mick's attack and then plunged the wooden stick into the ground.

"Don't use breathing techniques today."

"yes, Sir."

"Let's go back to the village together and enjoy the victory celebration tonight."

"Okay, hehe."

With that, Mick picked up the sword with his aching arm and quickly followed.

……

After a night of revelry, they returned to Scorched Stone City the next day with proof of their successful hunt.

"Verification complete. Congratulations to the Mountain Beast Adventure Team for successfully completing another bounty mission." Mylin finished filling out the form and then had someone bring out a bag of silver coins.

After distributing the silver coins to each team member, Jero took out one, flicked it with his finger, caught it in mid-air, and placed it on the table.

“Beautiful lady, I would like to inquire about some information.” He pushed the silver coin over.

"Tell me what you want to know first." Mai Lin didn't accept it immediately.

“I have a promising young player here, and I’d like him to learn something. Do you know any teachers who can teach him?” He grabbed Mick and showed him to Mai Lin.

How old are you now, and how are you doing?

"He's almost seventeen, but not quite seventeen yet. He knows breathing techniques and is also very skilled in swordsmanship," Mick proudly introduced.

"To know breathing techniques at seventeen, that certainly shows some talent," Mylene thought to herself.

"Do you want to learn combat skills and techniques, or something else?"

“I want to learn how to fight…” Before Mick could finish speaking, Jero interrupted him.

"No, he wants to learn about knowledge."

Jero helped him correct himself, then pressed his large fingers on Mick's shoulder to stop him from interrupting.

"In terms of knowledge, that's somewhat unexpected." Mylene looked at the two of them.

“For a simple introduction, I know of a good teacher who was a student of Hyde.”

"Just an introduction?" Gerald said, somewhat dissatisfied.

"So what do you want him to learn?" Mylene asked again.

"I hope it's something more advanced, so that I can have better career prospects in the future."

“In that case…” Mylene thought of something, but then shook her head.

"That person is also recruiting new students, but he may not accept them."

"Who is it?" Jero asked curiously.

"It is the Maester Hyde I just mentioned, and this gentleman is about to begin his lectures again."

Hyde's reputation was very high in Jiaoshicheng. After all, there were three mathematicians in total, two of whom were his students. He could be said to be a symbol of Jiaoshicheng's erudition and wisdom.

"My lord, this is wonderful!" Jero patted Mick's shoulder repeatedly, causing him considerable pain.

"Don't get too excited yet. There are requirements for that person to accept students," Mylene said, rubbing her forehead.

"No problem. I think that person will definitely be able to see Mick's talent. It's decided then."

Afterwards, Jero pulled the reluctant Mick away from the front desk, and another cheer erupted from the line.

“That’s Maester Hyde,” someone said excitedly and expectantly.

"Mick, you're going to be rich if you become a student of Hyde."

"Perhaps I can become a knight of Viscount Schefeng in the future."

"That's a bit too far off. If I could become a sheriff, I'd be begging for his favor."

"Hahaha~"

Mick, who was initially somewhat reluctant, changed his mind and became excited after hearing so much praise from his teammates.

Will I really be chosen by that person? The boy felt both nervous and expectant.

　Thanks to the amnesiac Doctor
　　u夜汐u, Dark Universe, Never Part Easily, Salty Fish Cuisine, Flowers Bloom and Clouds Smoke Disperse, Awaiting Rewards from Readers~
　　
　
(End of this chapter)