Goblin Dependency

The little episode that occurred in the "Glass Oar" Tavern didn’t affect the continuation of the event.

In the span of a few hours, Xia Nan and the group of four sat by the dining table, drinking beverages and iced tea, ordering a few plates of snacks, and chatting away the time.

It is worth mentioning that, after all, they were all professional-level adventurers, with outstanding physical qualities.

Just a few bottles of weak wine diluted with water had no effect on their bodies, there was no possibility of getting drunk.

To some extent, these so-called wines were basically just water with a hint of alcohol taste to them, not delaying any of their subsequent actions.

When Xia Nan and the others arrived at the central square, it was already crowded with adventurers, including participants who had passed the first event, just like them, and also bystanders who were merely there to watch the excitement.

The crowd was bustling and teeming, with the air filled with a roar that was a composite of countless discussions.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please be quiet—"

The middle-aged man named "Flynn", who sported a goatee, was still wearing the exquisite suit from the morning.

At this moment, he was standing on a temporarily built wooden platform in the center of the square, speaking loudly.

Evidently a professional, even without much yelling, his voice still overpowered the buzz in the field.

It was as if he was using some kind of invisible amplifier, his slightly serious male voice reverberating in the air over the square.

Strangely, whether due to the prestige of the event organizer or some special power or skill in his voice, the adventurers, who typically equated to "chaos" and "disorder," surprisingly quieted down, although many were still whispering privately.

Seeing this, a genuine smile without any trace of performance spread across Flynn’s face, as he reached out to stroke the goatee on his chin.

After a pause, he slowly began to speak again:

"Brave adventurers, esteemed friends from afar, on behalf of the residents of Stodd Island, and on behalf of the organizer of the Moon Tide Banquet, Mr. Dodd from Algae Scale, I extend the sincerest greetings to all of you, and thank you all for supporting the festival activities."

These were a few decent, necessary, yet somewhat empty formalities.

Nevertheless, they gathered the attention of all adventurers on the field.

Flynn slightly bowed, performed an elegant noble salute, and then went straight to the point:

"I believe that each of you has braved the afternoon heat to come here, not to listen to me ramble, so I won’t waste your time."

"The rules for the second project of the event are actually very simple."

Flynn stood upright on the wooden platform, expression calm, without a hint of stage fright.

His right hand slightly fumbled around his waist.

The next second, a semi-transparent dark blue stone about the size of a fist, seemingly familiar to Xia Nan, was taken out by Flynn.

Tightly held in his palm, he raised it high to signal to the crowd.

"In the past few days, we have hidden a total of one hundred specially processed ’Deep Sea Resonating Stones’ across the entire Stodd Island."

"They might be hidden in the cracks of a Water Iron Stake, possibly safely kept by some tavern cook, or even simply lying openly right under your noses."

"And your task is to find them."

"Limited to ten hours, each person is to find one Deep Sea Resonating Stone."

"The deadline is at the stroke of midnight, and those adventurers who collect the Deep Sea Resonating Stones will qualify for the next round of events."

"By then, I will be here punctually, to toast and celebrate with every qualifying participant."

No sooner had the words fallen, a commotion arose among the people in the field.

Evidently, adventurers found themselves surprised by the rules for the second round of the event.

Completely indifferent to others perceiving their thoughts, or perhaps intending to escalate the situation, a barbarian adventurer with a scarred face suddenly shouted loudly from below the stage:

"Hey, if I snatch a Resonating Stone found by someone else, does it count?"

His doubt echoed the thoughts of many adventurers present as they heard the rules.

You could see many participants who were already in a planning state refocus their attention on Flynn on the stage after hearing the scarred barbarian’s question.

At the same time, Flynn’s expression didn’t show surprise regarding such a question, clearly having anticipated it.

Still, he did not answer directly, instead opting for a kind of implicit consent, smiling as he spoke:

"Hehe, this friend asked a very crucial question."

"To this, my answer is..."

He simply raised the Deep Sea Resonating Stone in his hand towards everyone.

"All the rules and restrictions, I’ve already mentioned."

"As long as you can submit the Resonating Stone to me within the designated time, you will qualify to participate in the third round of activities."

It goes without saying, this was almost a clear hint.

The atmosphere on the field suddenly became lively.

"Well then, time is precious, so I won’t delay any further."

"Lastly, I wish you all a pleasant time."

"Now, I announce... the official start of the second round of activities!"

The timing was precise.

Almost simultaneously as Flynn’s last word finished, the clock chime from a small clock tower at the edge of the square sounded the time.

In an instant, the adventurers gathered in the square dispersed towards the surrounding streets like a receding tide, their heated quarrels and shoves creating an uproarious scene, as if the air itself was charged with excitement.