booktalesy Chapter 114 Settlement Rewards and Card Enhancement
Chapter 114 Settlement Rewards and Card Enhancement
Chapter 114 Settlement Rewards and Card Enhancement
Before night completely fell, the last rays of sunlight stained the demon's corpse in the forest clearing a dark red.
The members of the three squads silently tallied their spoils, their movements mechanical and swift.
This is an instinct that adventurers develop in dangerous environments; no matter how intense the battle, a post-battle inventory is always necessary.
However, the result was embarrassing.
"Six iron forks, heavily rusted." Lynn picked up a weapon left behind by a little imp. The fork, forged from pig iron, was covered in rust spots, and the handle was stained with dark red blood.
He tossed it casually, and the iron fork arced through the air before embedding itself in the soil some distance away.
"Even a blacksmith wouldn't take this thing."
Someone nearby was rummaging through the corpse of the original demon. Its muddy body spread out, revealing only black slime and rotting flesh.
The demon's body was also empty; the foul-smelling liquid left behind after the pustules burst was worthless.
The only things worth collecting were the odds and ends found on the little demon—a few dark red ores that emitted a faint sulfurous smell.
"Abyssal slag." Captain Cade picked up a piece of ore, weighed it in his palm, and said, "It can be used to refine low-level fire enchanting materials, but it requires alchemy processing. One piece is worth about 1 silver coin."
Six pieces of slag, totaling 6 silver coins.
In other words, the total value of the loot from the fifty-two demons that can be directly converted into cash is 6 silver coins.
"It seems the bounty is still more practical," Captain Allen said with a wry smile.
He took out the parchment detailing the mission rules issued by the association and began to calculate: "Primal Demon: 1 silver coin each, Fearful Demon: 2 silver coins each, Lesser Demon: 4 silver coins each."
Everyone's eyes turned to Xiu Qi's side.
There, Ado was clumsily trying to pinch the left ear of a Primal Demon with his enormous fingers—it was the mission credentials the Association required to submit.
The ogre's movements were hardly precise. After several attempts, it simply used the barbs of its spiked club to hook and tear off the original demon's left ear along with a small piece of its skull.
"Alright, Ado." Xiuqi walked over and took the bloody mess off the spiked club. "I'll take care of it."
""
Captain Cade cleared his throat as he watched the scene unfold and began the official count: "According to the count just now, there are a total of 52 demons, including 25 original demons, 15 cowardly demons, and 12 lesser demons."
"Squad 33's kill count: 20 Primal Demons, 10 Fearful Demons, and 12 Lesser Demons."
"Teams 31 and 32 together killed: 5 Primal Demons and 5 Fearful Demons."
He paused, then began calculating the bounty: "Each Primal Demon costs 1 silver coin, 25 of them total 25 silver coins; each Fearful Demon costs 2 silver coins, 15 of them total 30 silver coins; each Lesser Demon costs 4 silver coins, 12 of them total 48 silver coins."
"A total of 103 silver coins, which is 5 gold and 3 silver."
The number stood out starkly in the silent camp.
Five gold and three silver coins—this is a fairly generous reward for an ordinary adventure team.
If divided equally among the twelve people present, each person would receive nearly 40 silver coins.
The problem is that equal distribution is impossible.
Captain Cade looked at Xiuqi: "Captain Xiuqi, based on your team's kill count, you should receive 20 silver coins for the Primal Demon, 20 silver coins for the Fearful Demon, and 48 silver coins for the Lesser Demon, for a total of 88 silver coins. Our two teams will split the remaining 15 silver coins."
As soon as he finished speaking, a suppressed gasp filled the camp.
88 silver coins compared to 15 silver coins.
Moreover, the Xiuqi team only has four people. If we follow the distribution rules that Xiuqi mentioned before, it will be divided into four parts: Xiuqi will take two parts, Link will take one part, and Ado will take one part.
So Link will get 22 silver coins, Ado will also get 22 silver coins, and Shuki will get 44 silver coins all to himself.
Teams 31 and 32, consisting of eight people, were divided into two groups of 15 silver coins each, averaging less than 2 silver coins per person.
This gap left all the young players with mixed feelings.
Blake and Tom exchanged a glance, both seeing resentment in each other's eyes.
They fought desperately, but their gains were still less than those of the young hunter who followed the ogre and scavenged for scraps.
Link seemed to sense the gazes around him. The young hunter lowered his head and silently wiped his longbow. His movements were focused, as if the surrounding chatter had nothing to do with him.
"This isn't fair!" Finally, someone couldn't help but mutter under their breath.
He was a young soldier in Squad 32. He was nineteen years old and had only been an adventurer for six months; this was his first time participating in a large-scale mission.
"We risked our lives too, why should we..." He was stopped by Captain Allen's stern gaze before he could finish speaking.
"What are you questioning?" Allen's voice was calm, but carried an undeniable authority. "Are you questioning Captain Xiuqi's allocation plan? Or are you questioning the number of demons they killed?"
The young soldier opened his mouth, as if to say something, but ultimately lowered his head: "No, it's not..."
"Then remember this." Allen scanned all the young team members. "In the world of adventurers, contribution determines reward. Squad 33 killed more than 80% of the demons, so it's only natural that they took more than 80% of the bounty."
He paused, his tone softening: "And you must understand, if it weren't for Squad 33 leading the charge, if it weren't for them drawing most of the firepower, we might still be fighting a bitter battle, and there might even be casualties."
"To be alive and to receive a share of the bounty is already luckier than many others."
These words silenced the young players.
They recalled the battle they had witnessed the day before: the four members of the Xiuqi squad pierced the demon horde like sharp knives, the ogres were like mobile fortresses, the goblin warriors were like harvesting machines, and Captain Xiuqi was like the core that controlled everything.
That overwhelming combat power is something they simply cannot match.
"And," Captain Cade added, pointing to the demon corpses in the distance, "we'll split the slag. That's worth a few silver coins too."
Ultimately, the allocation plan was determined as follows:
The Xiuqi Squad received 88 silver coins, plus half of the loot (worth about 3 silver coins).
Teams 31 and 32 split 15 silver coins, plus the other half of the physical loot (worth about 3 silver coins).
Based on this calculation, the average gains per person in the Xiuqi Squad far exceeded those of the other two squads, but no one raised any further objections.
The difference in strength is right in front of us.
Late at night, around the campfire at the campsite.
Link sat on a rock a little distance from the fire, intently maintaining his longbow.
He used a soft cloth dampened with a special grease to carefully wipe every inch of the wooden surface of the bow arm.
The bowstring had been checked three times to ensure there was no wear. The remaining silver-plated arrows in the quiver were neatly arranged, their silvery sheen gleaming coldly in the firelight.
The young hunter's movements were focused and skillful, a habit he had cultivated since childhood.
"It's very well maintained."
A gentle voice sounded from behind.
Link turned his head and saw Captain Allen walk over and sit down next to him.
The ranger captain had changed out of his battle armor today, wearing a simple linen shirt, making him look more like a gentle scholar.
"Captain Allen." Link put down his bow and gave a slight bow.
"Don't be shy." Allen waved his hand, his gaze falling on the longbow in Link's hand. "This bow... it's been used for quite a few years, hasn't it?"
"Yes, it was passed down to me by my grandfather," Link said softly. "He said it was the bow he used when he was young. Although it's not a particularly expensive magic bow, it's made of solid materials and can last for many more years if properly maintained."
Allen took the longbow, weighed it in his hand, and then pulled the bowstring.
"Fir wood bow limbs, bison sinew bowstring—standard hunting bow configuration," he commented. "The curvature of the bow limbs is perfect; the person who made it must have been an expert."
Link's eyes lit up: "Grandpa used to be one of the best hunters in Summertown. He taught me how to choose wood, how to sharpen the bow shank, how to adjust the bowstring tension..."
"I can see that," Allen smiled. "Your performance in the battle today was nothing like that of a novice. Calm, focused, and every arrow chose the most suitable target."
He paused, looking at Link: "Have you thought about your future path? Will you continue as a hunter, or become a true adventurer? Or... go further and become a professional?"
This question left Link speechless.
The young hunter was silent for a moment before slowly speaking, "I... didn't think that much about it. Grandpa said that as long as I can hone my hunting skills and support myself, that's enough."
"Is that enough?" Allen countered, his tone not harsh, but calmly inquiring. "Today you witnessed Captain Xiuqi's strength, and you also saw the gap between us professionals and ordinary adventurers. Haven't you ever thought about becoming that kind of person yourself?"
Link lowered his head, his fingers unconsciously stroking the bowstring.
"I...I don't know if I can do it." The boy's voice was low. "I'm just a country hunter's child. I've never been to an academy and haven't learned any advanced combat techniques."
My grandfather taught me archery, and I learned tracking from him in the forest...
""
"That's enough," Allen interrupted him. "Truly powerful warriors aren't made in academies, they're forged in real combat."
He pointed to Link's longbow: "Your archery fundamentals are very solid, that's the most important thing. As for other skills, tactics, professional abilities... you can learn those gradually."
The ranger captain took a thin parchment notebook from his pocket and handed it to Link.
"What's this?" Link asked curiously as he took it.
"Some insights I gained when I was young," Allen said. "About how to advance from hunter to ranger, how to choose your first career path, how to train your senses and tracking abilities... It's not anything particularly valuable, but it might be helpful to you."
Link opened his notebook.
The pages were yellowed and the edges worn, but the handwriting was neat and clear. Each page recorded detailed training methods, practical insights, and even hand-drawn illustrations—
How to use the terrain for cover, how to judge the effect of wind direction on arrows, how to maintain sharp vision at night... "Captain Allen, this is too precious..." Link's voice trembled slightly.
"Take it." Allen patted him on the shoulder. "I can see you have potential. Calmness, focus, and a good overall perspective are valuable qualities for archers. If you'd like, I can recommend you to the professional training camp in town after this mission."
"Training camp?"
"Yes." Allen nodded. "There are dedicated instructors there who will systematically teach rangers combat skills, wilderness survival, and..."
Even basic magical knowledge.
While it can't compare to the Royal Academy of Solmar, it's the best choice for the border region.
Link gripped the notebook tightly, a complex light flickering in his eyes.
There is gratitude, longing, and confusion.
"I...I need time to think about it," the boy finally said.
"Of course." Allen stood up. "No need to rush into a decision. Completing the task at hand and getting back alive is more important than anything else."
Before he left, he took one last look at Link: "Remember, talent is important, but hard work and choices are equally important."
Your grandfather gave you a solid foundation, and Captain Xiuqi gave you a platform to showcase your talents, but ultimately, you must walk your own path in the future.
Link sat on the rock, not moving for a long time.
The firelight danced on his face, reflecting the growing determination in the boy's eyes.
At the same time, on the other side of the camp.
Xiu Qi sat cross-legged in the tent, his eyes closed, his consciousness already immersed in the [Monster Card Maker System].
In the virtual space, countless cards float.
He first tallied up his gains:
[Statistics on this raid]
Total kills: 42
[Original Demon: 25 → 25 One-Star Inferior (Gray) Cards]
【Fearless Demons: 15 → 15 One-Star Common (White) Cards】
[Little Demon: 12 → 12 One-Star Premium (Green) Cards]
Total cards obtained: 42
Including the 112 cards he had previously stored, he now has a total of 154 support cards.
Three main cards:
【Bird Poet - Sylph】(Two-star Pink Epic)
【Fearless Goblin Warrior Max】(Two-star Blue Rare)
Princess Alice (Two-star Green Premium)
Support Cards:
Two-star premium (green): 2 cards (Thorn Demon)
One-Star Rare (Dark Purple): 1 card (Little Imp Azkaros)
One-star quality (green): 31 cards (31 cards of Little Demon)
One-star Common (White): 40 cards (3 Goblin cards + 37 Fearless cards)
One-star inferior (gray): 80 cards (original 80 cards)
"154 images..." Xiu Qi murmured to himself.
This quantity is sufficient for large-scale enhancement experiments.
He had already verified the rules:
Five 1-star inferior (gray) cards can be upgraded to create one 5-star superior (green) card.
Five one-star common (white) cards can be upgraded to create one one-star rare (blue) card.
So here's the question: what will you get if you use 5 one-star premium (green) cards to enhance your character?
Xiu Qi no longer hesitated, his consciousness locking onto five Lesser Demon premium cards.
These cards have similar attributes, all being standard Lesser Demon builds: dark red skin, small fireball spell, and resistance to non-magical attacks.
[Enhancement request detected...]
【Main Card: One-Star Premium (Green) [Little Demon]】
[Sub-card: 1-Star Premium (Green) [Little Demon] x4]
[Do you confirm the enhancement?]
【confirm!】
In the virtual space, five green cards simultaneously shone brightly.
The four secondary cards transformed into four streams of emerald light, rotating and converging into the main card in the center.
The master card began to vibrate violently.
The image of the lesser demon on the card began to change; its dark red skin gradually turned deep purple, and lava-like cracks appeared on its surface. Its size increased slightly, and the red light in its eyes became even deeper.
The border color gradually deepens from a premium green, eventually settling on a deep purple.
Rare quality!
[Enhancement successful!]
[Monster Card "Little Inferior Demon" Quality Upgraded!]
[Current Quality: Rare (Purple)]
[Attribute Boosts: Strength +1, Agility +1, Constitution +1, Intelligence +2, Perception +1]
[Unawakened New Traits/Talents]
[The Lesser Demon Burner]
[Type: Summoning Card]
[Rank: One Star]
[Quality: Rare (Purple)]
[Attributes: Strength 5, Agility 10, Constitution 7, Intelligence 10, Perception 8, Charisma 4]
[Skills: Fire Control +4, Stealth +3]
[Senses: Dark vision 120 feet, passive perception 11]
[Note: "Its flames are hotter than those of its kind, but that's all."]
Xiuqi looked at the new card and frowned slightly.
The attributes have indeed improved, and the skills have been enhanced, but... there is no awakened talent.
He immediately summoned the rare and precious card he had acquired earlier, [Little Imp Azcarus].
Two cards float side by side:
On the left is the newly enhanced [Little Demon Burner], with a purple border and balanced attributes.
On the right is [The Lesser Demon Azkaros], also with a purple border, but the color is deeper, and the card art is more unique—
His skin was almost black, a deep purple, with lava-like cracks, and his pupils seemed to burn with flames.
More importantly, Azkaros possesses the talent [Lava Blood].
"As expected," Xiu Qi thought to himself, "there is a fundamental difference between rare cards obtained through enhancement and naturally generated rare cards."
Strengthening cards only increases their attributes and enhances their skills.
Naturally rare cards often possess special talents or characteristics, and have greater growth potential.
"Furthermore," Xiu Qi noticed another key point, "each card only has one chance to be enhanced at the same star level."
This means that this [Lesser Demon Burner] can no longer be enhanced.
However, as a naturally rare card, [Lesser Demon Azcaros] still retains one chance to be upgraded.
An even bolder idea took shape in Xiuqi's mind:
What would happen if you used four 4-star rare (purple) cards to enhance [Little Imp Azcaros]?