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Chapter 229 : Shadow
Chapter 229: Shadow
Gauss admitted that just now, he did indeed have the chance to block that black-robed figure.
But in matters like this, his instincts leaned toward not making a move.
If it had been a group of rookie Adventurers in danger, or perhaps an obvious case of bullying the weak, he might have intervened without hesitation.
Yet in those few fleeting seconds earlier, he neither knew the identities and goals of both sides, nor the reason behind the chase. He could only choose to observe for the moment.
Еn̈ üm а
In this bustling and chaotic Market, to act rashly might well turn good intentions into disaster.
That brief hesitation of Gauss, uncertain as it was, dispersed completely under the man’s self-righteous questioning.
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He was right.
「Why should I help you?」
Gauss’s voice was not loud, but at the secluded alley entrance, it sounded especially clear.
His calm gaze fell upon the man before him, without the slightest hint of avoidance.
Ŵ e̊b n̈ ov̊ e l Е ñ ú.mа̂
The man, realizing his target had completely vanished, then hearing the indifferent retort from Gauss, instantly felt his anger boil over.
His face flushed red, veins bulging.
From the surrounding shops, both customers and shopkeepers peeked out upon hearing the commotion, whispering quietly to each other.
「She stole my stuff! You were standing right here, wasn’t it only natural for you to stop her? Or are you with her? Blocking the way on purpose at this intersection?」
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As he spoke, his hair-covered right arm shoved toward Gauss’s shoulder.
His companions closed in behind, their gazes unfriendly, hands casually drifting toward the weapons at their waists.
Е̌ n̆ u m а..і̄ ḋ
Gauss reacted swiftly. The very instant the burly man moved, Gauss’s body nimbly sidestepped.
The man’s shove met only empty air, his body staggering forward two steps.
He clearly hadn’t expected the lean-looking Gauss to react with such speed. Off-balance, his entire right arm was suddenly clamped by a subtle force.
As their bodies crossed, Gauss’s right hand shot out like lightning, fingers locking the man’s wrist. Following the man’s own forward momentum, Gauss applied just the faintest strength, completing a clean, fluid throw that sent the burly man flying.
The man felt his own force abruptly magnified, his footing lost, his body hurled forward, spinning and crashing into the ground, rolling twice across the dirt.
「Bang!」
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The dull crash of heavy flesh striking the ground echoed sharply in the alley.
The burly man ended up sprawled miserably in the corner, raising a cloud of dust, lying on his back, groaning in pain, unable to get up at once.
The sudden turn of events drew startled gasps from the onlookers, their faces showing surface concern but underneath brimming with the mindset of spectators: “Fight, fight!”
The man’s companions hastily drew their weapons.
Short blades, daggers crossing before their chests.
「Y-you bastard!!」
W e bñо.v̂ е_l E n ũ m̊ а
They stammered incoherently, faces twisted with malice, though their slight retreat betrayed their hollow bravado.
Gauss had downed their strongest with a single move. Even holding weapons, they felt no security before such a gap in strength.
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After tossing the burly man, Gauss assumed no defensive or offensive stance. He simply stood there, his gaze sweeping over the gleaming blades and their nervous faces.
「Put away your weapons. Otherwise, I will get serious.」 His voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable weight. 「Then take your man and leave my sight.」
Under his stare, they felt a tide of pressure gathering over them, growing heavier by the second.
After a few moments of tense silence—
Ėṅu m á
One man’s throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, his eyes darting from his groaning companion to Gauss.
「W-we’ll… we’ll take Anthony for treatment first. But you just wait. We’ll come for you later. Don’t… don’t get cocky, kid.」
At his words, the others looked relieved, hurriedly sheathing their blades, rushing to help the fallen man up.
None of them dared another glance at Gauss. Heads lowered, they scurried past him, dragging their groaning companion.
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In moments, they vanished into the alley shadows.
The brief clash came swiftly and ended just as quickly.
E.ńu m̆ ă
The alley returned to silence, leaving only disappointed murmurs from the gossiping onlookers.
Gauss shook his head, straightened his sleeves, and strode deeper into the Market, ignoring the prying stares.
He paid no mind to their threats.
All bluster in words, but their bodies were honest.
As for the burly man who “couldn’t get up,” Gauss hadn’t even used much force when tossing him. There was no reason he couldn’t stand.
Sure enough, when his companions helped him, it took little effort before he was back on his feet, moving quickly thereafter.
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Still, that black-robed figure from before lingered in his mind—strangely familiar.
Running through his memories, though the figure’s face had been concealed, Gauss recalled the height, build, eyes, and movements. Yet, no familiar acquaintance fit.
After some time, he shook his head, setting aside the episode.
He walked further into the alley.
──
In the residential district of Canopy Town, inside a cluttered shack piled with odds and ends, neighbors’ quarrels could be faintly heard through the window.
E n̆um ä.і̃d̆
A black figure slipped nimbly through the window, landing without a sound.
She removed her hood and mask, revealing a bright and charming face.
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From her robes she drew out an ornate pocket watch, handing it to a young girl, who was wringing her hands in anxiety.
「Here, your jewelry. Look it over—any problem?」
The girl accepted the pendant, inspecting it again and again. Confirming it intact, she let out a long sigh, pressing it tightly to her chest.
「Yes, this is it. Thank you, Miss Shadow. This is the only thing my mother left me. If I had lost it, I truly wouldn’t know what to do.」 Her eyes glistened with tears, her voice choked.
Е̊n u̇m̂а̄ . і d́
It was just an ordinary copper pendant, but love gave it priceless meaning.
The woman called “Shadow” waved dismissively, pouring two cups of water at the table, handing one to the girl.
「Enough, keep it safe. Next time, be more cautious. Those ‘Three Hands’ love to target people like you, easy pickings.」
She took a large sip of water before continuing.
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「I checked. The thief who took your pendant works with the black-market shop ‘Old Pipe.’ They pickpocket randomly on the streets, not aiming for you specifically. Stay away from that area, and you should be fine.」
「Understood, Miss Shadow.」
W е̃ b̄ n о̊ vě l Еnû m а̊
When the girl in coarse clothes finally left, closing the door behind her, another mature female voice suddenly echoed in the room, though no one else was there.
「Another girl helped, hm? How kind. A mother’s keepsake… truly a precious thing.」
「Mm.」 The black-robed woman responded absentmindedly.
Her eyes drifted downward.
At her feet, the shadow itself writhed as though alive.
That mature voice emanated directly from it.
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「What are you thinking?」
Like an old friend, the shadow immediately sensed her distraction, speaking with concern.
It even detached from the ground, patting her calf.
If it was said to be a naturally born shadow, then indeed, there was no closer bond in this world than between it and her.
「I…」 The woman’s fine brows furrowed, her tone suddenly uncertain.
「Was it the man at the alley just now?」 The shadow’s tone grew teasing. 「You fancy him? Well, not impossible. That lad was quite good-looking. If you two got together, at least I’d have some eye-candy for the future.」
E nu m̂а̃.i d̆
「Behave, my shadow. Or tomorrow, I’ll shut you away.」
「My mistake, Little Shadow.」 The shadow pleaded helplessly. 「So then, why did you drift off on the way back just now?」
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「He just looked familiar. Like I’d seen him somewhere before.」 The black-robed woman drummed her fingers on the chair’s armrest, struggling to dig through her memories.
「That’s all?」 The shadow sounded puzzled. 「Maybe you passed him in town before. He’s a Professional too, surely travels around a lot.」
「No, it’s not that simple. I probably saw this face somewhere more important, and for a moment I just couldn’t recall…」
Her shadow at her feet shrugged.
W̄ е b̄n òv̈е l̃_ Е̃ n u m̈ а
「If you can’t remember, then forget it. It’s not really important anyway. Rest early; we’ll be out gathering information again tomorrow.」
Night had deepened. Gauss stepped out of the Market.
He hadn’t encountered any unexpected trouble while inside.
After checking a few shops, he had even managed to buy a lump of material suitable for Shaping Spell.
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The price was a bit steep, costing him seven gold coins.
Fortunately, the volume was decent, roughly the size of an adult human.
Ẇėb ň o v е́ l̈ Е̇ńum̈а
After fusing and absorbing this clay, the Clay Goblins should gain further enhancement.
As for the Adventurer’s Guild commission, he didn’t intend to withdraw it. He would leave it hanging; such spellcasting material was always useful.
The more clay he had, the more he could boost the combat power of individual units and increase the number generated simultaneously. They were excellent for clearing small monsters during regular commissions or other battles.
Even on days without commissions, they could assist him with simple repetitive tasks.
A cool evening breeze scattered the remaining clamor of the Market. Exiting the alley, Gauss looked up at the moon partly veiled by clouds and strode toward the inn.
A few days passed in the blink of an eye.
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Gauss spent these days living a monotonous yet pure life, almost returning to the times of a low-level Adventurer, working diligently.
Eat, fight monsters, sleep.
The Goblin settlements around Canopy Town suffered as a result.
「Monster Kill Count: 3611」
Based purely on the monsters in commission tasks, the total should have been only around four hundred. The extra hundred or so came from his own hunting in the wild.
His exceptional observational skills always allowed him to find traces in the wilderness.
Еn̂ ū mа. і d̀
Following these clues, he could locate unclaimed monster groups quickly.
Then he would eliminate them, even if they were not bounty targets.
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Such high-efficiency, high-frequency clearing also drew the attention of the Canopy Town Adventurer’s Guild and other Adventurers.
A few hundred monsters might not seem like much.
But clearing that number in a few days during a peaceful period without large-scale conflicts was already terrifying.
A hundred a day meant thirty to forty thousand a year.
Ë n̆u m̀ а́
Even if maintaining that consistently was impossible, three to four thousand kills a year was still impressive.
If every Adventurer did the same, monsters in this world might be facing extinction.
Gauss’s frequent acceptance of regular commissions was like spending his precious time to crush potentially growing monster groups in the cradle.
Many Professionals would see this as foolish.
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Low-level tasks were time-consuming with little training benefit. Over years of repetition, losing ambition could stunt a Professional’s career.
On the second floor of the Adventurer’s Guild hall, near the railing, some bronze-badge Adventurers lowered their heads, watching a figure at the front desk on the first floor. It seemed perfectly blended among low-level Adventurers. Some shook their heads in confusion.
Ẁе̄b̂ǹ о̆ ṽe l̀ Е̌ n̄ u m а̇
「That Dragonborn… ah, I mean the Goblin Killer, went to slay Goblins again?」
「Probably. Look at all those full bags. Wow, he killed a lot this time.」
「What a waste of time. He’s still young, with a bright future, and now he’s addicted to these completely unchallenging low-level commissions. I can’t understand it.」
「Didn’t anyone tell him this would stall his Class Rank?」
「Who knows? Maybe he just wants to experience a low-level Adventurer’s life.」
Most Professional Adventurers were puzzled by Gauss’s behavior.
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In their understanding, completing numerous trivial low-level tasks was meaningless.
Not only was time wasted in travel and communication, but the rewards were far slower than killing an elite monster. Crucially, for Professionals, such “self-degradation” could not increase rank and might even cause regression.
In daily Adventurer life, everyone could vaguely sense this.
After some discussion, a quiet voice finally broke through the crowd.
「But he’s already a Tier 3 Professional at such a young age, and I heard he’s always been like this.」
This comment seemed to have a magical effect, instantly freezing the lively chatter.
Ẅё ḃn̂ o̊vеl Е n ŭm̌а
The crowd quieted.
They glanced at each other. Most had 1- or 2-star bronze badges.
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Gauss, though appearing younger than most, was already a Tier 3 Adventurer.
Could it be…
Killing Goblins really strengthens one’s abilities???
Many couldn’t comprehend Gauss’s situation, though secretly they murmured to themselves.
Ŵ е b̄ n̊ ò v ӗl̃ Е̂ ňu m̂а
Back on the first-floor hall.
Gauss collected his commission payment, nodding in satisfaction.
He paid no mind to the stares or comments around him.
If one lived constantly worrying about gossip, following others’ thoughts, life would be exhausting.
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Moreover, he knew his situation was special.
Even when advancing to higher levels—10, 15, or beyond—he couldn’t abandon these low-level monsters.
Enŭm̂a
The number of monsters dictated this. Whether monsters or humans, power distribution resembled a pyramid: the lowest-level monsters were always the most numerous.
The total count of no-rank monsters far exceeded all other ranks combined.
The receptionist watched the calm-faced man, secretly impressed.
Receptionists like them knew just how terrifying Gauss’s efficiency was.
Though all low-level commissions, he finished them quickly and thoroughly, leaving almost no risks—a perfect 「Small Monster Exterminator」.
The only problem: he killed too fast. Other Goblin-slaying teams would find their options limited, forced to take more distant commissions.
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Gauss didn’t care about pay. As long as the route was nearby, high or low price, he took them all.
Watching Gauss turn to leave, the receptionist suddenly recalled something: 「Mr. Gauss, please wait.」
Gauss stopped, looking back at the young receptionist behind the counter.
The receptionist smiled: 「The Senior Councilor is waiting for you in the reception room.」
「Alright.」
Gauss nodded, already guessing the reason.
Е́ ň u̇ ḿ а. їd_
The last feedback must have been verified, and compensation was being distributed.
Following the staff’s guidance, Gauss entered the reception room.
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The elderly man he met last time was already seated inside.
「The abnormal situation you reported last time has been verified. Indeed, it happened. By regulations, here are ten gold coins as compensation.」
「Thank you. Have you discovered the exact cause?」 Gauss was more interested in the reason behind the anomaly.
「Still under investigation.」 The elderly man shook his head.
En ů mа́
Just as Gauss thought he was there only to receive compensation, the Guild’s Senior Councilor suddenly spoke: 「Mr. Gauss, the Guild has noticed your recent efficient completion of numerous Goblin-slaying commissions. We consider you particularly enthusiastic about these commissions and skilled in their execution.」
「There happens to be a ‘non-public’ commission, somewhat special, but with far greater reward than ordinary commissions.
Would you be interested in learning more?」
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