10: Gift before battle 2

Alton pressed a heavy booklet into my hand, densely filled with his accumulated hunting insights and survival skills over the years.

The booklet not only elaborated on the basic knowledge he had taught me these past days but also included many advanced hunter combat techniques and wisdom, as well as Alton's unique insights and notes on the advancement and progression of the hunter profession.

"The last few pages are notes from Gary, McLock, and Jones."

Alton's voice was so hoarse it was barely audible, "Everyone hopes these can help you."

He paused, a flicker of moisture in his eyes, "In the future... when you reach Creek Valley Village, please copy the parts of the notes from me and Gary and give them to High Priest Evenhide, so he can pass them on to our families."

I nodded heavily, my throat tight.

Alton, the others, and I had known each other for only a little over ten days, but they had not only saved my life twice but also, for the past nearly ten days, taught me everything they knew, day and night.

After Alton finished his instructions, he turned and stepped aside.

I bowed deeply to him, my vision blurred by tears.

Pastor Gary stepped forward, taking Alton's place.

He took out a small leather box and silently fastened it to my belt.

His hand was hot, yet he steadily demonstrated how to quickly retrieve a Healing Potion.

"Lesser Healing Potion: When the user consumes the entire bottle of potion, he can quickly restore 4 health points."

The box contained 9 Healing Potions and 1 empty slot.

"Most of our supplies were lost. This is all the Healing Potion we have left, and it's all for you."

Pastor Gary said, "You won't need higher-level Healing Potions for now. After you get the Holy Relic today, if there are any left, you can take them all."

"Also, the short sword and shield, I've placed them next to you. Remember to take them with you later."

"I firmly believe you can survive and complete the mission of escorting the Holy Relic."

"Ryan, may Youdala bless you."

"When I stand in my Lord's Kingdom of Heaven, I will continue to pray for you."

Pastor Gary had also saved my life once, not hesitating to expend his few remaining divine spells.

As he was about to turn, I bowed again in gratitude.

"Short Sword +1: The short sword can be said to be the precursor to all sword-type weapons. In short, a short sword can be seen as a dagger whose blade is too long to be called a dagger anymore. Data: Zero-level hit chance: +1 Damage: 1d6 (piercing) Weapon speed: 2 Weapon proficiency category: Short Sword Usage category: One-handed Requirements: Strength 4 Weight: 1"

"Small Round Shield: This small round shield is a common shield often used by Halflings. A hard, small wooden shield, very suitable for Halflings to use. Data: Equipment ability: - Defense rating: +1 - No protection against ranged and piercing attacks Requirements: Strength 4 Weight: 2"

McLock and Jones walked up to me side by side.

"Hey! Little guy, don't look so down."

The warrior McLock's voice was hoarse, but a smile hung on his face, red like Guan Yu's, "We've escaped death so many times; don't worry, we'll definitely get everyone out today!"

"We have money now; once we're out, we'll head straight to the temple. A small curse can't kill us."

"When you grow up, come join our mercenary group. You have a long life ahead of you."

Jones's hot forehead was covered in large beads of sweat, and he forced himself to give me a reassuring gesture.

They could still smile, and I also felt my mood lighten a bit.

After they left, Lavinia, who had been translating beside me, touched the necklace on my neck and softly said:

"Ryan, I'm giving you my necklace too. It will allow you to understand any language."

"Diplomat's Assistant: Lavinia's Gift: This necklace is a gift from Lavinia to Ryan. It once played a significant role in their communication. Data: Equipment ability: The wearer can cast the Comprehend Languages spell with one action and one incantation. The spell lasts for 1 hour. The wearer knows the literal meaning of all languages he hears during the spell's duration. He can also read the literal meaning of written text by touching it. Reading a page of text in a regular book in this way takes 1 minute. Certain coded texts or symbols (such as an arcane rune) cannot be deciphered by this spell as they are not considered written language. - Comprehend Languages: Three times per day"

Then she took off her cloak and draped it over me, fastening it while softly saying:

"This cloak was a graduation gift from Old Mage Weidel, and now I'm passing it on to you."

"Lesser Arcane Cloak: This shimmering blue cloak has silver stars embroidered into its fabric. Mages, especially those just beginning their adventurous careers, wear such garments to aid their travels. As wizards grow in power and begin to craft their own equipment, they often gift these cloaks to apprentices. Data: Equipment ability: - Spellcasting Level: +1 (Limited to Mages, Sorcerers, and Bards) Charged ability: - Can randomly generate one arcane scroll of level 3 or below every ten days."

After putting on the cloak, I bowed to Lavinia as well.

Finally, Old Mage Weidel stepped forward and looked at me silently.

Just as I was about to fidget, he lightly touched my forehead with his withered finger:

"Ryan, these past few days, you have grasped everything the six of us taught you extremely quickly."

"You are one of the most diligent and intelligent children I have ever seen."

"I found that your mastery of archery improved the fastest, even to the point of forming a certain combat effectiveness."

"And your comprehension in magic is also extremely high, but becoming a mage is not something that can be achieved overnight."

"You still need time to learn a large amount of related knowledge."

"May the God of Magic bless you."

"Lavinia and I have some books and notes, all placed in your satchel."

"If you have the opportunity in the future, you can spend more time reading them."

"All the knowledge and skills we have taught you, you can continue to learn for several years."

"But when you reach a certain height, I suggest you choose only one discipline that you are best at as a long-term goal."

"Specializing in one discipline allows you to go further."

Old Mage Weidel did not make any extra movements after speaking, taking a step back.

I bowed to him.

Although the Old Mage looked fierce, I felt that he had truly been like a loving teacher these past few days, eager to impart all his knowledge to me.

When I stood up again, I was unknowingly in tears.

At this moment, inside the cave, besides the sound of dripping water and the footsteps of the Golem Guard patrolling deep within the cave, no one spoke.

Everyone stood silently for a while.

The Old Mage, leaning on his staff, looked at the faint sunlight outside the cave entrance for a moment, then suddenly turned to face the depths of the cave, "Ryan, stick close to me later. Everyone, move out!"