The fisherman seemed to be stunned, not speaking for a long time, and only regained their senses as if waking from a dream after Gauss had left their side.

"Was that Lord Gauss just now?"

"I think it was?"

"..."

"I feel as if I saw the Lake God in him."

"Me too."

Compared to a few days ago, Gauss had developed an indescribable sacred aura, coupled with his entrance by walking on water, making people instinctively hold their breath, not daring to disturb him.

Gauss naturally noticed the fishermen staring at him from afar.

Seeing the astonishment on their faces, he couldn’t help but wonder if the changes in himself were really that significant.

...

"Lord Gauss! Why do you look even more handsome!"

Albena ran into Gauss upon his return, her heart racing uncontrollably.

Upon hearing her voice, the others also came out of their rooms.

The entire inn was booked for them, with no one else present besides themselves and the staff.

"Really?"

Gauss examined himself in the mirror; he didn’t actually feel much of a noticeable change.

Albena and the others circled around him several times.

Indeed, his features and body hadn’t changed; his eyes were still eyes, and his nose was still a nose. They just appeared more harmonious.

Yet, these were small matters; Gauss was more concerned about whether he had become stronger.

He inquired with the others about what had happened during the past few days of his absence.

It had been five days since he sank to the bottom of the lake.

Aaliyah and the others had been checking the lake daily to see if he had emerged, while engaging in activities around the town and taking some minor commissions with Mira and others.

The town had been bustling for several days, with many people offering food to the lake to honor the deity.

By the fifth day, the fervor had significantly diminished.

After all, although the appearance of the Lake God was awe-inspiring, it did not fundamentally affect the daily lives of ordinary people. Meals and daily necessities still required money.

"Captain, we ought to hurry up."

Serdur had been keeping track of the time.

Winter had officially arrived.

The original plan was to visit the village of Gauss’s first apprentice, Rhine, and then return to Gray Rock Town for the winter, while also relocating family members from Stone Creek Village to the town for a better life.

Previously, Gauss thought it best to let his family continue living in their hometown since that’s what they preferred.

However, many events along the way changed his mind, especially incidents like the Mind Shifter witch event at the Herb Village and the disaster prediction from the Snow Mountain Spirit Aisweir, all indicating the world was gradually descending into chaos, a trend set to intensify in the future.

Hence, whether for his family or himself, relocating them to town was necessary, allowing him to adventure without concern for their welfare.

The plan was packed, and things were becoming tight time-wise.

"Let’s pack up and prepare to set out then."

Gauss nodded, understanding he had delayed long enough.

"But we should still manage; at worst, it might be tough for Hephaestus."

Despite Red Dragon Dragon Beast Hephaestus’s dislike for winter and flying in such weather, growth is overcoming personal weaknesses, is it not?

...

The snowlightened slightly by noon.

Gauss summoned Red Dragon Dragon Beast Hephaestus outside the city.

Behind him were townsfolk coming out wrapped in coats to bid farewell (or to watch).

Mira and her team members also came out to see them off.

Aaliyah and her group had become quite familiar with them, mainly due to Aaliyah and Ying, who took Mira and others on tasks around the town, teaching them various skills and knowledge.

A Professional’s "passing down of knowledge" is undoubtedly a rare opportunity for these ordinary young lads and lasses from the small town.

Mira and the others were truly grateful.

"Mr. Gauss, Sister Aaliyah, Miss Ying..." Mira ran over.

"I heard you’re leaving?"

As she spoke, a trace of reluctance passed over her face.

Gauss and the others were genuinely good people.

Despite their significant disparity in status, they remained exceedingly gentle during their interactions.

It was hard not to develop a fondness for this strong adventure team.

"Yes, we have plans for the next step and are on a tight schedule."

"We... will make sure to keep working hard to become outstanding adventurers like you!" Mira clenched her fists, her tone determined.

Behind her, Rohde, Pello, and others nodded vigorously.

"Good luck, little Mira. I’m rooting for you." Aaliyah lifted her hand, ruffling her hair.

Yet, she wasn’t much older than Mira.

If not for her recent Elf Transformation leading to slight growth in stature, she might have been slightly shorter than Mira.

"The archery I taught you, be sure to practice often."

Compared to the gentle Aaliyah, Ying merely advised calmly.

For bottom adventurers, mastering any form of archery or crossbow is significantly beneficial.

The entry-level training for basic archery, especially crossbows, is relatively low.

And, compared to melee combat, bows and crossbows offer the advantage of a safe distance, avoiding contact with enemies’ claws, fangs, weapons, or other special attack methods, and providing tactical flexibility with both ranged and close combat.

Bottom adventurers should prioritize not merely efficiently harming enemies but ensuring survival while injuring or defeating opponents is the best defense.