Goblin Dependency

"Lorin never mentioned you’d be coming."

Holding the fishing rod, Xia Nan sat down beside Ellison.

Though surprised by the other’s appearance, his face showed no particular expression, as if greeting a friend, his tone casual.

"Of course she wouldn’t know." Ellison was sorting his fishing line alone, only glancing at Xia Nan before looking away, "You’ve been part of the Sword of Vengeance for quite a while now, isn’t her personality clear to you?"

"If she’d known I was also coming to the island, you all wouldn’t have had peace the whole way here."

Xia Nan had previously provided Lorin with information regarding her brother, Ellison, several times, and the other’s attitude...

At that time, she appeared not particularly different, even exceptionally calm and rational.

But upon later reflection, one could vaguely detect that there was some hidden annoyance in her demeanor.

Xia Nan could understand this.

When Lailo Moerton was attacked by Algae Scale Dodd, Lorin was very young, and she set her sights on revenge early on, striving for it.

After many years of effort, she not only elevated her professional level to a relatively high degree but also established her own power, gaining a reputation throughout the Southern Islands.

In contrast, her brother seemed to have accomplished little.

Even though it was known he hadn’t completely given up and was working elsewhere, seeking the possibility that their father might still be alive.

Yet over the years, it’s quite normal for Lorin to harbor some resentment.

"Mind if I mention you to her when I get back later?"

Xia Nan observed the other’s expression carefully, his words carrying a slightly teasing tone.

Yet clearly, for Ellison to appear on Stodd Island, he was prepared for Lorin to find out.

Though he didn’t directly respond to Xia Nan’s question, his silence was tantamount to a tacit acknowledgment.

"Not going on board to say hello?"

To be honest, Xia Nan was quite looking forward to the scene of the two meeting.

However, considering their personalities and age, he reckoned the meeting wouldn’t be very emotional.

Upon hearing this, Ellison’s expression clearly paused.

After hesitating for a moment, he finally replied:

"In a couple of days, when the banquet is about to take place."

After all, he is Lorin’s biological brother.

Despite recent years when they’ve grown apart due to differences in ideology, the two haven’t fostered any true hatred nor engaged in hostile acts, merely striving in their own ways.

With the imminent Moon Tide Banquet, as it seemed Lorin was about to face her final showdown, Ellison, as the brother, certainly couldn’t turn a blind eye.

On the other hand, regarding "Algae Scale" Dodd, although Ellison hadn’t previously focused his energy on him, it doesn’t mean he held no grudge against the pirate who attacked their father.

With this opportunity at hand, it was indeed time to bring everything to a close.

"Cast the line, this spot is pretty much baited out."

Seemingly hoping to avoid discussing too much at this moment, Ellison grasped his fishing rod with both hands, throwing it forcefully toward the distant rippling sea.

"Splash."

The sound of the hook hitting the water interrupted Xia Nan’s thoughts of further inquisition.

Contemplating in his heart, this was fundamentally a family matter between Ellison and Lorin.

Since Ellison didn’t wish to talk about it, he saw no reason to persist.

Gathering his focus, he also cast his rod towards the previously chosen spot.

...

...

Truth proved that the accumulation of fishing skills and related knowledge often bore no relation to the resulting catch.

Xia Nan considered his casting posture, choice of fishing spot, and bait selection to be at least above average among all the adventurers participating in the fishing field, if not the best.

Yet, in contrast, the bucket beside him was empty, only a few strands of seaweed wrapped around the hook, mistakenly thought to be fish due to the disturbed water flow earlier.

"Something’s off, very off."

After almost an hour since the competition began, it’s evident from what could be known that Ellison, sitting beside him, had already caught three medium-sized fish at arm’s length and a large one about half a person long.

By employing the control variable method.

Both had chosen the same fishing spot, with no substantial difference in their fishing techniques, and even used the Tide Rod to bait.

Thus, the difference in catch could be attributed to...

The fishing gear!

The bone-white fishing rod in Ellison’s hand wasn’t enchanted equipment, but its elaborate design suggested it was a customized piece for professional fishing; something Xia Nan had never seen before.

While his own Albatross III Type, albeit pricey, was just an item off the shelf in a fishing gear store.

Nevertheless, the activity had been ongoing for quite some time now, surely it couldn’t be that not even a single fish would bite?

Xia Nan felt a ripple of unrest in his heart, but he quickly calmed down again.

His mindset was always steady, brimming with patience.

A few fish, nothing much. If worse came to worst, he had backup plans...

Among the adventurers facing setbacks in fishing, Xia Nan was certainly not alone.

Perhaps due to bad luck, perhaps due to inadequate skills, or maybe due to other factors, as about a third of the time had passed, more adventurers realized that without a stroke of luck, it might be challenging to succeed.