"It’s a Crystal Cluster!"

Seeing the crystalline bodies give off a faint blue glow, Avril and Galvis identified them in unison before Roland could even speak.

Roland wasn’t surprised that they recognized the Crystal Cluster.

After all, they both had the blood of the Elf Race, granting them long lives.

Combined with the Elf Race’s vast collection of ancient texts, their knowledge was naturally far greater than that of a human like Bronson.

So, after briefly explaining the Crystal Cluster’s Traits to Teresa, Roland continued with a furrowed brow. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"I’ve been attacked by the Truth Church before. The assailants were humans infected by the Crystal Cluster, and their forms..."

His voice grew somber as he recalled the attack on the manor.

"Some looked no different from ordinary people, but could keep moving even after suffering fatal wounds. Others became as strong as giants, but their power... at most, they barely touched the threshold of the Extraordinary Realm."

"I had the same experience as Roland."

Avril raised her hand, her bright smile undimmed by the appearance of the Crystal Cluster.

"When I was on a mission with the Shadow Veil Squad, we were also attacked by humans infected with the Crystal Cluster."

Galvis, however, pondered for a moment before speaking.

"I’ve only read about them in ancient texts. This is the first time I’m seeing one in person, but..."

After leaning in for a closer look, the Minstrel added.

"The ’Crystal Devouring’ disease can even appear in Demons?"

"It’s very likely the Truth Church has been conducting some kind of forbidden experiment on Demons."

Putting the available information together, Roland quickly reached a conclusion.

’In other words... the strange phenomena in the Land of Mist are likely the work of the Truth Church. And the powerful Demons that have suddenly appeared recently are probably connected to them as well.’

At this thought, Roland took a deep breath.

"Avril, please report this situation to Mr. Derek."

"Understood!"

After a quick sweep of the battlefield confirmed no other findings, the group took the carriage back to the town where they had started.

However, in less than a day, the town’s defenses had undergone a complete transformation.

The once sparsely-manned walls were now lined with fully armed Guards, and a strict checkpoint had been established at the town gate, which had previously been open to all.

"What happened?"

Roland asked a Guard at the gate, but the man was busy checking people coming in and out. He merely verified their identities in a hurry and urged them into town, having no time to answer.

Once inside the town, the group split up.

Teresa headed straight to the tavern for a meal as usual, while Avril used the Shadow Veil Organization’s special channels to relay the information about the Land of Mist and the Crystal Cluster.

That left just Roland and Galvis, who headed straight for the Adventurer’s Guild.

He pushed open the heavy wooden doors. The guild hall was surprisingly quiet, with only a few Mercenaries and Adventurers scattered in the corners. The atmosphere seemed peaceful, but the faint scent of blood in the air hinted that things were not as they seemed.

"You’re back?"

The refined-looking receptionist saw them and waved in surprise. His eyes swept over their bodies, and a flicker of astonishment crossed his face when he confirmed they had no fatal injuries.

"You... you actually escaped from that Bear Goblin alive?"

"Hey, pal! Watch what you’re saying."

Galvis grinned and, with some effort, heaved a bulging cloth sack onto the counter with a dull thud.

He slowly untied the strap, revealing the ferocious head of the Bear Goblin.

"This... This is..."

The receptionist’s eyes widened. He leaned in for a closer look and, after a moment, let out a long sigh of relief. He gave Galvis a hearty pat on the shoulder, his tone instantly becoming respectful.

"I can’t believe you actually... This is... unbelievable! Please wait a moment!"

He hurried to the back room, and a moment later, the CLINK-CLANK of metal could be heard.

When he returned, the once-empty money pouch was now heavy with coins.

"A total of one gold and eighteen silver. Do you... need to count it?"

"Of course!"

Galvis unceremoniously took the money pouch and began to count the coins one by one.

Roland scanned the room, then asked.

"Excuse me..."

"Just call me Laurie, Mr. Roland."

The receptionist gave a slight bow, his eyes filled with clear respect.

"Alright, Laurie."

Roland gave a noncommittal nod and continued to ask.

"What’s happened in town since we’ve been gone?"

"Three more Bear Goblins have appeared nearby..."

Hearing Roland’s question, Laurie sighed, then lifted the curtain behind him.

Behind the curtain was a relatively open area, piled high with burlap sacks.

The human hair sticking out of the sacks and the faint smell of blood in the air was enough to determine that these sacks were filled with corpses.

"In less than a day, five Mercenary Corps and three Adventurer squads have been completely wiped out."

A bitter smile crossed Laurie’s refined face.

"And that’s not all. Even passing travelers and merchant caravans have been hit. The gravediggers are swamped; I still have a few bodies piled up here. They said they can’t come to collect them until evening."

Roland’s expression remained calm as he listened, merely raising an eyebrow slightly.

"Do you have any intel on these Bear Goblins?"

"Of course!"

Sensing his intention, Laurie quickly pulled several new sheets of parchment from under the counter and handed them over.

"Mr. Roland, the situation is urgent. The Guild has not only increased the bounty for the Bear Goblins, but is also offering a Combat Skill as an additional reward!"

"A Combat Skill?"

Roland’s interest was piqued.

The only Combat Skills he had mastered so far were Flowing Slash and Crescent Moon Guide. While few in number, their effectiveness in real combat was not to be underestimated, proving just how valuable Combat Skills were.

This new condition, therefore, strengthened his resolve to hunt down the Bear Goblins.

After all, to complete the requirements to become an Apprentice Knight, he only needed to fulfill one more condition: "organize a squad to defeat two powerful enemies."

He had already tested the strength of a Bear Goblin, and it was no match for their four-person squad.

He could complete his advancement requirement, earn a hefty bounty, and get a Combat Skill for free. What was there not to like?

However, Roland didn’t let the generous reward go to his head. He scrutinized the information on the parchment, his brow furrowed slightly.

’It seems no different from the Bear Goblin we just killed...’

Seeing Roland remain silent, Laurie licked his lips and asked cautiously.

"Mr. Roland, so..."

"I need to think it over."

Roland put down the parchment, not accepting the quest immediately.

After the battle he’d just fought, he was keenly aware that the information provided by the Adventurer’s Guild was incomplete.

The Crystal Cluster on that Bear Goblin and the Magical Artifact it wielded hadn’t been mentioned in the quest details.

Besides, his body still needed a few days to recover. Acting rashly would be too risky.

With that in mind, Roland asked,

"Haven’t the powers-that-be in the River Domain nations taken any action?"

"Hah..."

Laurie gave a bitter laugh and shook his head helplessly.

"The Royal Capital is a long way from here. The news only went out today. By the time they do anything, it’ll be at least half a month..."

"I understand."

After asking a few more simple questions, Roland and Galvis got back on the carriage.

"Roland, what are you hesitating for?"

The Minstrel tossed the money pouch to Roland, gripping the reins and speaking with urgency.

"As a future hero, how can you tolerate these filthy Demons harming the innocent?"

Roland tucked the money pouch into his belt as he replied with a hint of exasperation.

"There’s no problem with hunting the Bear Goblins, but we have to gather enough intel and draw up a detailed plan before we move."

"Now that’s more like it!"

Seeing that Roland wasn’t backing down, Galvis beamed.

He steered the carriage with one hand and took out a pen and paper with the other.

"Oh, right, Roland! While we have a moment, tell me the details again of how you slayed that Bear Goblin. Trust me, with my embellishments, your heroic tale will surely..."

The carriage rolled slowly toward the inn, to the sound of the Minstrel’s incessant chattering.