Goblin Dependency-Chapter 790 - 396: "Golden Cod Fish", Unexpected Situation

Chapter 790: Chapter 396: "Golden Cod Fish", Unexpected Situation

Xia Nan was extremely satisfied with the skills of the kitchen staff at the "Three-legged Sea Dog" Tavern.

Never having tasted it before, the seafood-flavored creamy mushroom soup perfectly combined mushrooms with seafood, preserving the original sweet and delicious taste of mushroom soup while adding a marvelous flavor from the depths of the ocean without overshadowing its main components.

The lemon juice grilled oysters and cold-cut salted meat platter as side dishes were above the standard, allowing Xia Nan to thoroughly enjoy the unique cuisine of this world once again.

Having indulged heartily, even the honey mandarins served as a post-meal dessert seemed a bit sweeter.

Peeling the fruit, he casually took two segments and popped them into his mouth. With a gentle press, the plump flesh turned into slightly sour, refreshing juice that erased the last bit of lingering taste from his tongue.

After filling his belly and resolving the lodging issues.

Xia Nan decided to seize the moment, having spent a fair bit here, to delve into the main topic and inquire with the tavern owner about information on Algae Scale Dodd.

His gaze instinctively swept across the wall to the side behind the counter.

A task board similar to those in the adventurer association was embedded on the wall’s surface with rusty nails, with a massive pale wooden board layered over with various bounty orders. Some seemed to have been posted for a long time, edges curling and yellowing, and the central images of the bounties became blurred by the smell of alcohol, making the long strings of reward numbers underneath even more conspicuous.

The adventurer association, as a super-large organization whose territory spans the entire Aifala Continent, frequently collaborates with various forces, resulting in numerous bounty and wanted orders.

However, this does not mean that bounty hunting can only be conducted through the association. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

In many cases, especially for those heinous and extremely disruptive to the organization’s hostile forces, various major powers aside from the adventurer association commission bounties on their own.

For places like the "Three-legged Sea Dog" where people frequently come and go and the mix of fish and dragons is prevalent, such publicity is particularly important.

Almost every few months, the bounties on the tavern walls change frequently, and there are often adventurers who lack money but think they have decent prowess searching for prey there.

Xia Nan devised a plan.

Not that he was in a rush to make money; he merely wanted the chance to remember the images and names of these wanted posters on the wall.

At least to recognize them somewhat.

This way, if he encounters enemies wanted by other forces in the future, he won’t miss out.

Chop off their heads, bring them back, and claim their bounty for some extra cash.

With such thoughts in mind, after surveying the bounty board twice, Xia Nan still didn’t see any mentions of "Algae Scale."

This frustrated his carefully arranged script in his mind, unable to find an opening to start.

He glanced again at the tavern owner, Hera, behind the counter, who was wiping the cabinet.

Thinking that given his lack of conversational skills, trying to make small talk with Hera, an expert who has run the tavern for years in Suo Yu Bay, might have the opposite effect.

Instead, being straightforward and presenting his request might be better, asking her for a price.

If the price is acceptable, he’d take it; if it exceeds expectations, he could negotiate further.

In this way, he could play to his strengths and make the most of his 6 Charm points.

Thinking these thoughts, he ordered a cold ale.

Taking advantage of Hera handing the drink, Xia Nan spoke directly:

"Hello, I’d like to inquire about some information."

Upon hearing this, Hera’s steps paused, her green eyes instinctively sweeping over Xia Nan twice.

Externally calm, internally her heart suddenly tightened.

So, it was bound to happen.

Previously, upon seeing Xia Nan’s very satisfied demeanor while dining, she thought she had misjudged this likely professional-level black-haired youth, believing him to be just an ordinary passer-by.

Little did she know, he had quite the patience, only now revealing his true intent.

However, the "Three-legged Sea Dog" is a local hub for various kinds of information, so coming here to gather intel is not unusual.

Though Xia Nan’s approach was more direct compared to other first-time visitors to the tavern, to some extent, it saved some time and Mental Energy for both parties.

A business-like smile unconsciously appeared at the corner of Hera’s mouth, as she rested her hands on the counter, leaning forward slightly. This unconsciously demonstrated a body posture suggesting control over the situation, preparing for the price quoting later.

"Oh?"

"What type of information? Speak and let me know,"

Xia Nan’s sharp Perception Ability immediately detected the subtle shift in the atmosphere between them. It was no longer the original "merchant" and "customer."

He also noticed the tavern owner’s unconsciously altered stance.

Firm mental resolve, high-intensity self-discipline training, and self-confidence in his strength allowed him to maintain his composure despite the suggestive influences from the other’s body language.

His expression unchanged, his tone calm:

"I need detailed information about Algae Scale Dodd, including but not limited to his actual combat abilities, professional information, battle skills, force distribution, and whereabouts."

What are you planning to do!?

Given Xia Nan’s straightforward request for information, failing to guess his motive would mean Hera hadn’t really learned anything from her years in the tavern.

Recalling Xia Nan’s prolonged gaze at the bounty board earlier, it was clear that this particularly young black-haired adventurer already regarded Algae Scale as his target.

However...

Hera’s face rarely showed a hesitant expression.

To be honest, she did have intel on Algae Scale Dodd.