Chapter 37: The Golden Wheat Withers

Despite having a druid, Paul’s party was only considered elite within the circles of low-level adventurers; the moment Paul lost his spellcasting abilities, the team would instantly become indistinguishable from any ordinary group of adventurers, fading into mediocrity.

But with Li Rui, a warlock, joining their ranks, the party’s future was secured!

With a spellcaster like Li Rui on board, the "Claws of the Earth" party would gain a gold-standard reputation, immediately qualifying them to accept higher-tier commissions! This meant not only greater wealth but, more importantly, as long as he remained a steady fixture in the group, every member would have the opportunity to aim for those awe-inspiring realms of mid-tier, or even high-tier, professional status.

"It’s not about the money!"

As the captain, Paul stepped forward with a sense of inescapable duty. He leaned over and gripped Li Rui’s hand across the desk as if he were clutching a lifeline.

"Brother Li Rui! To be honest, during those few days we spent together in the Low-Level Monster Forest, I felt a special connection with you! Remember how I used 'Wind Dance' and 'Guidance' to help you attune to the natural mana? I truly hope we can continue like this, fighting side by side and getting along well in the future!"

"It’s all good, it’s all good." Li Rui was somewhat flustered by this sudden burst of enthusiasm and had to endure the awkward hand-shaking for a moment.

"Alright," Guild Master Nova spoke up at just the right moment once their stiff interaction had tapered off. Her voice carried a tone of undeniable decisiveness. "Captain Paul, the three of you go with Millie to prepare the supplies needed for your long journey. Don't waste time drinking or resting at the 'Left Ear of the Goblin' tavern; depart right after lunch."

As she spoke, she handed Paul a map marked with their route.

"Guild Master? Isn't that against protocol?" Paul took the map, his brow furrowing slightly. "We’ve only just met Millie; we haven’t even shared a drink together, let alone performed any necessary coordination training. We have no understanding of each other's combat styles or depth of strength. Isn't the risk too great to form a party and execute a mission so hastily? What if something goes wrong with our coordination..."

"Sigh..." Guild Master Nova suddenly sighed, cutting him off. "Golden Wheat Town... can no longer be defended."

"What?!"

Guild Master Nova’s words exploded in the office like a thunderclap.

Paul and the others were struck by sudden terror as they immediately thought of the potential threat of the Mind Flayer in the Low-Level Monster Forest. Meanwhile, Millie stood there in shock and bewilderment—it was clear she hadn't heard this terrifying news.

"Recently, serious events have occurred in succession: in the southern Rock City and the Emerald Valley, the druidic holy land to the northeast. Currently, Rock City and its surrounding forces are focused on defending against a potential Drow Kingdom from the underground. The high-tier and most mid-tier druids of Emerald Valley have left for the Mid-Level Monster Forest to resolve an ecological catastrophe. The remaining druids have decided to enact the 'Thorn Ritual' to fully seal the valley and prevent the holy site from being invaded."

Guild Master Nova’s voice was low and somber, each word striking at the nerves of those present.

"This means that our defensive line—Golden Wheat Town, Sentinel Town, and Black Rock Town—is left without support. Once the Mind Flayer from the monster forest emerges, along with it or the thrall armies controlled by its psionic powers, all three of our towns will fall."

Paul, Galen, Brook, and Millie were frozen, stunned into silence by the cruel reality. It felt as though their throats were obstructed by something, leaving them unable to utter a single word. Only heavy breathing remained in the office.

"So, hurry and prepare," Guild Master Nova waved her hand, her tone ironclad. "Leave immediately after lunch! I will formally announce this news to the entire town after midday."

"Of course, if you don't want to experience chaos before you leave, it would be best to keep this quiet."

Clouds of gloom hung over the four of them. They silently bowed to Guild Master Nova and, with heavy hearts and heavy steps, left the office one by one.

Once they were gone, Li Rui turned his head, looking at Nova with a puzzled expression. Just moments ago, while telling Paul and the others to prepare, she had reached under the table, gently patted the back of his hand, and pressed down with slight force. Given their intimate interactions over the past two days, Li Rui easily guessed she wanted him to stay behind to discuss something.

"Li Rui," Guild Master Nova broke the brief silence. Her voice was soft but carried the gravity of revealing a secret. "Actually, I orchestrated the departure of Kate, the archer who was originally in Paul’s party... If you happen to encounter him in the future, never let him return to the 'Claws of the Earth' party."

Li Rui: "???"

"Although his alignment is classified as Lawful, it is, unfortunately, Lawful Evil rather than Lawful Neutral or Lawful Good."

She sighed softly, closed her beautiful ice-blue eyes, and shook her head slightly, her golden ponytail swaying behind her.

"After all, you have only recently arrived in this world; your understanding of the many underlying rules and the complexities of human nature is not yet profound. Through my interactions with you over these past two days, I can sense that in some respects... you are still too naive and easily trust others."

Seeing Li Rui frown, she didn't wait for him to speak before continuing, her tone filled with undeniable concern. "Paul and his group are of the Neutral Good alignment, just like you. Your natures are similar, allowing you to get along harmoniously and build deep trust. However, if a person with a Lawful Evil alignment were to remain among you for a long time, the situation would be entirely different. Kate is not clean; he has had unclear ties with gangs in the past, and there are certainly hidden dangers buried in his history. A person like that is like a bomb that could go off at any time. He might one day, for the sake of his own interests, drag your entire party into danger or even lead you to your deaths... Therefore, for your safety and the stability of Paul’s party, he had to go."

Li Rui listened quietly. The confusion in his heart gradually turned to understanding, followed by a surge of warmth.

He said nothing more, instead reaching out to pull Nova gently into his arms. Resting his chin on the top of her head, he whispered, "Thank you, Nova. I understand."

The two embraced in silence for a moment, feeling the warmth and trust passing between them.

A moment later, Nova tapped Li Rui’s back gently and pulled away, her face returning to its usual capable expression. She urged, "You should go and prepare with Paul and the others. Learn from them what an adventurer needs on the road... Prepare as much as you can. I will cover the costs. Don't worry about how much you can carry; the horse and carriage at my home are yours."

"Alright," Li Rui replied. Instead of leaving immediately, he asked seriously, "Where will you go after Golden Wheat Town is evacuated? How can I find you?"