Noticed what? I was just annoyed by others stealing my kills.
For the sake of the group, Yang Yu couldn’t voice his true feelings. Instead, he said seriously:
“The road ahead is long, and I fear that holding off the goblin horde here is exactly what the mastermind behind this planned for. Perhaps now, that mastermind deep in the forest is watching our every move. To escape this predicament, we must avoid their surveillance and make unexpected decisions to catch them off guard.”
Andeno nodded in agreement. “Given the circumstances, we must prepare for the worst. It’s likely they have something watching our every move. It’s probably not a simple detection spell; otherwise, I would have noticed by now. What do you think, Yang Yu?”
How should I know?
Yang Yu looked up at the canopy.
I don’t understand magic. During the fight, I looked around and didn’t find anything unusual. I’m not a thief who can climb trees and check for spy tools. This question is just too much for me.
Just as Yang Yu was about to suggest sending scouts to climb the trees, Andeno had an epiphany.
“Of course, the canopy is the most likely place. Impressive, you noticed such a detail.”
What? What did you realize?
I just glanced at the canopy, and you’ve decided it’s the best hiding spot?
Yang Yu was amused but couldn’t contradict Andeno’s serious demeanor, so he played along.
“I didn’t expect you to notice as well, Andeno. I thought I was the only one. The best place to hide surveillance is indeed high up. Unfortunately, I don’t understand magic well enough to know for sure. The goblins don’t seem to be attacking anytime soon, so we have time to regroup. Should we send some tree-climbing mages to check? Even if we’re wrong, it won’t hurt.”
“Good idea! I’ll arrange it.”
Showing off his muscles, Andeno headed to the mages, relaying the plan. Soon, a few frail mages were selected and assisted up the trees by thieves to inspect the canopy.
Suddenly, the system chimed, and a new quest appeared on Yang Yu’s panel. Opening it, he saw a legendary quest he’d never encountered before.
[Eliminate the Source: In the forest, a pair of eyes have been watching you, causing many adventurers to disappear. Its intentions are unclear, but you sense danger. You must eliminate it before it grows stronger and poses a greater threat.]
Quest Requirements: Defeat or completely subdue the target.
Rewards: Experience ????; Three draws (100% skill once, 100% rare item once, 100% equipment once); Random resistance; 100 free attribute points; 50 skill points.]
Seeing the quest, Yang Yu was stunned. His frustration over stolen kills vanished, replaced by the desire to defeat the mastermind and claim the rewards.
However, he quickly calmed down. Such rich rewards implied a high difficulty level.
“Report! We found strange magical traces and this,” a mage handed Andeno a tiny gel-like object. Other mages found similar objects, and they counted over twenty in the area, each with strange magical traces.
“It’s just as we thought,” Andeno crushed the gel objects, dispersing the magical essence within.
Andeno turned to Yang Yu, who looked thoughtful. Impressed, Andeno admired him silently.
You’re quite remarkable, young man.
After Yang Yu finished his thoughts, Andeno approached and showed him the objects.
“The mastermind used these to monitor us. The goblins’ careful movements were to avoid blocking these. Don’t worry, I destroyed them. Some mages memorized the magical trace, so they’ll help us avoid further surveillance.”
“That’s good,” Yang Yu replied. “So, what’s the plan?”
Andeno eagerly looked at Yang Yu. “What do you suggest?”
Why are you asking me? You’re the leader of this adventuring party. Aren’t you supposed to make decisions?
Or is it part of the quest to help you decide?
But making a decision with so little information is tough. We don’t know the enemy’s location, forces, attributes, or skills. It’s hard to make the right call.
Yang Yu rarely frowned but decided to convince Andeno to proceed cautiously.
“I think we should send scouts while the rest wait for reinforcements. Once they arrive, we’ll decide whether to attack or retreat based on the scouts’ information.”
“A cautious approach. I agree. Do you have anyone in mind for the scouting?” Andeno asked.
Glad his suggestion was accepted, Yang Yu quickly thought and replied:
“The scouts need to be brave and perceptive, able to make quick decisions in tough situations and not get caught up in fights. Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with the team, so I can’t suggest anyone. You’re the guild’s mentor and know the members well. Who do you think is suitable?”
Andeno immediately pointed at Yang Yu. “I think you’re the most suitable.”
Huh? What?
So, after all my suggestions, I’m the one to go? This feels like a setup.
Yang Yu scratched his head, wishing he had included “handsome and suave” in his requirements.