Goblin Dependency

"How much did you spend on this hat?"

"Two silver coins. They said it was handcrafted by some famous craftsmen on the island, and with normal use, it could last for decades!"

The little guy answered absentmindedly, as if the two silver coins were picked up from the ground.

Based on Xia Nan’s observations of the prices on Stodd Island along the way, and the expression of the merchant when he saw him, there was no doubt that Alton encountered a swindler.

This sun hat, if bought normally, would cost at most a few copper coins, far from needing to use silver coins as a unit of measurement.

It was probably because they thought Alton was new to the place, looking like a rookie, and being short in stature, which didn’t seem like the typical adventurer, they just blatantly charged a high price.

Unexpectedly, the little guy didn’t even bargain and directly took out the money to buy it, letting the vendor make a big profit.

Speaking of which, with Alton’s personality, when it comes to things he is interested in, unless the price is truly outrageous, he generally just buys it without caring how much others make off of him.

However, to some extent, given his identity as one blessed by the Goddess of fortune, the vendor taking advantage like this... may not necessarily be a good thing.

It’s quite possible that just after earning two silver coins, they might have to give it all back with interest.

Upon hearing Alton’s response, Sasha, the Spotted Cat race beside him, also realized he had been deceived.

The furry long tail that was swaying gently behind suddenly stopped and slightly raised, looking ready to confront the swindler for an explanation.

Alton, seeing this, grinned and stopped him:

"It’s fine, it’s fine. I’m giving it to the goddess anyway, so a couple of silver coins don’t matter."

Not to mention two silver coins, even just a copper coin wouldn’t affect Alton’s ability to win stacks of chips at the casino and then lose them all back.

While he has a normal money mindset, his continuous rituals of gambling have shown that he doesn’t pursue wealth much in this regard.

Seeing Alton say this, Sasha, who seems aloof on the surface but actually cares deeply about his companions, stopped in his tracks, though he still shot a fierce glare at the distant merchant with his cat-like eyes, emitting a dissatisfied "growl" from his throat.

For the ordinary residents living on Stodd Island, because of the Water Iron Wood native to the island, adventurers coming and going are not uncommon, so the roadside vendors have a bit of an eye for things.

Because of this, when the vendor, having just done something shady, saw Xia Nan and Sasha with Alton, he appeared so anxious and embarrassed.

Regretting his actions, he was already prepared to bankrupt himself to save his skin.

Now, although Xia Nan and Sasha did not step forward due to Alton’s intervention, the vendor still didn’t dare to do business there anymore.

After receiving a glare from Sasha, he hurriedly stood up and packed up his stall.

In his panic, his movements became large, and the cloth filled with bottles and jars accidentally bumped into a passing adventurer with a face full of scars.

"Hmm!?"

Then, he was grabbed by the neck and dragged into a nearby alleyway.

Faint sounds of crying and pleading could be heard from the depths of the alley.

Xia Nan retracted his gaze.

It’s no wonder the little guy can always maintain such a personality, doing things solely based on his mood. Even if he sometimes seems to suffer a bit, he quickly gets compensated in other ways.

The blessing of the Goddess of fortune is not just empty words...

The little episode on the road quickly passed.

Alton’s mood was not affected at all, as if he was just a tourist on the island, cheerfully weaving through the crowd.

Strolling and stopping, after walking on the platforms for about twenty minutes, the group of three arrived at the core of "Thousand Pile Island."

This is a small square near the beach of Stodd Island.

The area isn’t large, not even half the size of Suo Yu Bay’s central square, but set against the dense wooden buildings around it, it feels particularly spacious.

The platform of Water Iron Wood on the ground here is significantly thicker, clearly having been reinforced several times, and the buildings around the square are no longer as casual and simple as those seen on the way, all carefully designed.

The official council hall, established shops, churches...

Eyes turning, their gaze swept over the surrounding buildings, searching for a tavern to gather intelligence.

Xia Nan’s gaze suddenly paused.

In the center of the square, adventurers were obviously gathered, making it particularly lively.

Just as he was wondering, the little guy Alton, who had stepped ahead, squeezed through the crowd, waving enthusiastically at Xia Nan and the others:

"Come quick! There’s an event to participate in here!"

...

The Sea Rhythm Festival has a long history, occurring once every three years, and is worth celebrating for residents throughout the Southern Islands.

With the festival approaching, the Moon Tide Banquet is also about to take place.

To entertain adventurers coming from various places, Stodd Island held a large number of festivities.

The discounts and promotions at various taverns and shops need no further mention.

The event’s sponsor, "Algae Scale" Dodd, also collaborated with the local "Piledwellers" of Stodd Island to host a rarely-seen, generously rewarded large-scale event.

"Everyone can participate!"

Behind the registration desk in the center of the square, a middle-aged man with a goatee, dressed in a form-fitting suit, introduced to the adventurers, including Xia Nan, in front of him.

"There are five programs in total. If you complete them all, you can enter the lottery on the day of the festival."

"Prizes include, but are not limited to, Battle Skills, Enchanted Equipment, Alchemy Potions... Those who perform exceptionally might even have dinner with Mr. ’Dodd’!"

Is it true? Such a grand prize?

Standing in the crowd, Xia Nan felt secretly amazed.

As adventurers, the value of established Battle Skills speaks for itself.

Even if they’re unsuitable, selling them to others or exchanging them for points at the Association could yield decent returns.

And Enchanted Equipment and high-quality Alchemy Potions start at three-digit Gold Coins.

Xia Nan had never heard of any Moon Tide Banquet hosting such welfare activities before.

As the man with the goatee finished speaking, the entire square suddenly became lively.

Clearly, the adventurers were all tempted by the rewards he mentioned.

Although Xia Nan isn’t currently short of money, with Enchanted Equipment on him and needing to carefully consider which Battle Skills to select... but since it’s a lottery, and he’s on-site, there’s no reason not to participate.

To put it realistically, during the lottery, he could have the little fellow help, and perhaps earn a big prize.

On the other hand, while it might not attract other adventurers, the opportunity to have dinner with "Dodd" mentioned by the host intrigued Xia Nan.

After all, he traveled from the mainland to the Southern Islands precisely for the potential Dream Weaving Corridor key on Dodd.

If he could approach and converse with Dodd through formal means, it would be easier for him to gather information.

"Anyone wishing to participate, please register here!"

The goatee-dressed man called out.

"I’m in!"

"Count me in!"

"Is there a time limit? I’m going back to gather my teammates!"

The crowd surged, and in the blink of an eye, adventurers had surrounded the registration desk multiple times.

"So, should we participate, Xia Nan?"

Alton stood on his tiptoes, looking toward the crowded front.

Though Sasha didn’t say anything, his wagging tail suggested he was eager.

Hmm... there are still three days until the banquet, and there’s plenty of time now. With so many adventurers participating, there’ll be plenty of interactions, which is a form of gathering information in itself.

After thinking for a moment, Xia Nan made a decision.

Nodding to the two of them, they squeezed toward the registration desk together.