The Cornflower Witch Chapter 18

Chapter 18: The Boy Chasing Otters

The wind whistled through the wheat fields and the wilderness, and the leaves fell from the mountain forests.

Mick ran strenuously through dead leaves and gravel, a sword in one hand, his eyes fixed on the constantly moving figure beside him, herding it in a certain direction.

Almost, almost, just a little more.

He chanted in his heart, then leaped again, stomping on a tree trunk, shaking down dirt, and charging towards the running figure.

His longsword cut through obstacles along the way, allowing his sight to penetrate the bushes and thick leaves to clearly see the true form of the figure.

This was an otter that had come ashore, as large as a calf, with black, sleek fur that allowed it to weave smoothly through thorns and bushes without losing speed.

Compared to ordinary wild beasts, its size was significantly larger, and its speed and strength were not to be underestimated. Its sharp claws could easily cut through small trees along the way, clearing a path.

Such a beast was only one step away from advancing to the first tier. Its strength was beyond what ordinary adventurers could handle, so Mick could only constantly harass and drive it.

“Ahhh—”

He let out a loud shout, then slashed his sword towards the otter. Before he even touched its body, he startled it, forcing it to change direction abruptly and flee to the right.

“Jero, it went that way!”

Seeing the direction the otter fled, Mick shouted and continued to pursue it.

Seconds later, the otter in front burst out of the woods, and awaiting it was a vertically erected large net.

The otter rolled into the net, tearing and struggling its way forward until the net completely enveloped its body, finally making it fall to the ground.

Seeing it start to tear and struggle with its claws, several adventurers who had been lying in wait rushed over, hitting and stabbing it with various weapons, and in a short while, the otter was dead.

“Phew, finally got this last one.” An adventurer wiped the dirt and blood from his face.

“This one was too cunning. It immediately fled when we poisoned the water.”

“We’ve been chasing it for almost a week, and we only caught it today.”

“This one is the biggest. If it were another year or two, it might have become a first-tier fanged beast.”

“If it were a fanged beast, these traps wouldn’t stop it. We’d have to hire professional hunters to deal with it.”

“Jero is coming.”

The man carrying a greatsword walked out of the forest. It was his steady presence in the rear that made the otter run wildly in desperation.

“Is it done?” he said casually, walking over to the dead otter and inspecting it.

“Not bad, this guy has pretty high-quality fur. It should sell for a good price.”

“A total of 23 otters, each with a reward of 2 silver, making 46 silver. But this one is special; its fur alone can probably sell for 20-30 silver.”

“In terms of costs, we spent 3 silver on poison from the Apothecaries’ Guild, 5 silver on ropes and nets, and 2 silver on food for a few days and accommodation for the villagers. This time we should earn about 50-60 silver.” A team member, skilled in calculation, quickly analyzed.

“Now we have money again. I haven’t even finished spending the last batch.”

“That’s not like your usual style, hahaha~” As they spoke, several people laughed, clearly in good spirits.

“Let’s go, drag this otter to the village and let the village butcher and villagers process it. We’ll have a good meal tonight.”

“Let’s go, let’s go!”

The group began to move.

While the others were busy, Jero approached Mick, patting him on the shoulder with a large hand.

“Good job today.”

“Thank you, Jero.” The boy responded excitedly.

“Hehehe, you’re a talented kid.” Jero grinned.

“Alright, we should make a good sum of money this time. Do you have any plans for how to spend it?”

“I want to buy some good equipment, like a chainmail or a better weapon.”

“No, no, with your physique, wearing chainmail would be a waste of energy and would make you lose your usual agility.” Jero, experienced, shook his head.

“As for weapons, just make do with what you have for now. Good weapons are expensive to repair.” He pulled Mick down to sit.

“Actually, the best thing for you now is to find a good teacher and learn something,” he said, resting his greatsword across his knees and wiping it with a canvas cloth he carried.

“Learn what? Amazing swordsmanship or combat techniques?” Mick asked expectantly.

“Ahahaha, those indeed, but haven’t you thought about learning to read and write? If you have some literary skills, combined with decent combat skills, it would be easy to find a job in Burntstone City.”

“Are you talking about becoming like those guards or Merchant Guild escorts?” Mick pouted with a hint of disdain.

“Those guys probably have the combat skills of stiff old ladies, and their lives are incredibly dull.”

“I’m going to be a very distinguished person in the future, like a powerful adventurer, a legend or something.”

“Those…” Jero seemed to recall something, then shook his head slightly.

“It’s good to have such ambition, but you also need the strength,” he said, holding his sword upright, then stood up.

“You’re still far from it. Come, let’s practice.” He put his greatsword aside and picked up a wooden stick.

“Alright~” Mick jumped off the stone he was squatting on, gripped the hilt of his sword, and charged forward to challenge him.

Soon, the crisp sound of clashing echoed through the forest as the two exchanged blows.

It was clear that Jero was intentionally holding back his strength; otherwise, a forceful strike from him, even with a wooden stick, could have sent Mick flying and seriously injured him.

Minutes later, Mick was exhausted, his body steaming and covered in sweat, his face flushed red.

“Stop.” Jero swept Mick’s attack aside, then plunged the wooden stick into the ground.

“Don’t use your breathing technique today.”

“Yes, big brother.”

“Let’s go, we’ll head back to the village together and enjoy tonight’s celebration feast.”

“Okay, hehe.”

Mick said, grabbing his sword with his sore arms and quickly following.

…

After a night of revelry, the next day they returned to Burntstone City with proof of their successful hunt.

“Verification complete. Congratulations to the Mountain Beast Adventure Team for successfully completing another bounty mission.” Marilyn finished filling out the form, then had someone bring out a bag of silver coins.

After distributing the silver coins to each team member, Jero took out one, flicked it with his finger, caught it in the air, and placed it on the table.

“Lovely lady, I’d like to inquire about some information.” He pushed the silver coin forward.

“Tell me what you want to know first.” Marilyn did not immediately accept it.

“I have a talented young team member, and I want him to learn something. Do you know of any teachers who could mentor him?” He pulled Mick over, allowing Marilyn to observe him.

“How old is he now, and what’s his situation?”

“He’s almost seventeen, but not quite yet. He knows the breathing technique, and his swordsmanship is very good,” Mick proudly introduced.

“Seventeen and already knows the breathing technique, that’s certainly some talent.” Marilyn mused.

“Do you want to learn combat skills or something else?”

“I want to learn combat…” Before Mick could finish, Jero interrupted him.

“No, he wants to learn academic subjects.”

Jero corrected him, then pressed his thick finger on Mick’s shoulder to stop him from interjecting.

“Academic subjects, that’s a bit unexpected.” Marilyn looked at the two.

“For simple enlightenment, I know a good teacher. She was a student of Scholar Hyde.”

“Just enlightenment?” Jero was a bit unsatisfied.

“So what do you want him to learn then?” Marilyn asked again.

“I hope it’s something more profound, something that will give him better prospects in the future.”

“In that case…” Marilyn thought of something, but then shook her head.

“That esteemed figure is also recruiting new students, but she may not accept him.”

“Who?” Jero was curious now.

“It’s Scholar Hyde, whom I just mentioned. That esteemed lady is starting to teach again.”

Scholar Hyde’s reputation was very well-known in Burntstone City. After all, out of the three scholars, two were her students, making her a symbol of learning and wisdom in Burntstone City.

“That esteemed lady, that’s wonderful!” Jero clapped Mick on the shoulder repeatedly, causing him pain.

“Don’t celebrate too early; there’s an entry barrier for her students.” Marilyn massaged her forehead.

“No problem, I believe that esteemed lady will surely recognize Mick’s talent. It’s decided then.”

Afterward, Jero dragged the reluctant Mick away from the front desk, and another wave of cheers erupted from the team.

“That’s Scholar Hyde!” someone exclaimed excitedly and expectantly.

“Mick, you rascal, if you become Scholar Hyde’s student, you’ll be made!”

“Maybe he could even become Viscount Xuefeng’s knight.”

“That’s a bit far-fetched. If he could just become a constable, I’d cling to him.”

“Hahaha~”

Mick, who had been somewhat reluctant, now changed his mind and became excited after hearing so much praise from his teammates.

Can I really impress that esteemed lady? The boy’s heart was both nervous and expectant.

Thanks to Amnesiac Swordsman,

uYexi u, Dark Universe, Don’t Leave Easily, Salted Fish Cuisine, Flowers Bloom Clouds Stretch, and other readers for your support~

(End of Chapter)