Try It and Die

"Tch, who knows whether he exploited a bug or used some despicable trick? It was just an unharmed kill of an Elite Monster. Once I'm higher level, I can do it too."

Zhao Min was rather disdainful of her brother's persuasion.

If this man was really that strong, why hadn't he become the highest-level player?

It was only because Qingyi was impressive!

[This is a female player whose heart isn't bad but whose personality is terrible. Without interference and correction, she won't make it to Level 15...]

"All right, all right, it's fine. Time is pressing, so let's start the mission first."

Seeing such a note floating above the girl's head, Xuan Sheng's dissatisfaction immediately faded. He smiled indifferently.

"Okay. Let's focus on the mission first. Before cooperating, let's form a party, then introduce our abilities to one another."

Since he needed their help, Zhao Jun formed a party. Then, under his sister's confused and resentful gaze, he handed the party leader position to Xuan Sheng.

This Big Boss Golden Shovel was not only powerful, but also on good terms with Qingyi. He even had a way to produce recovery items... Zhao Jun wasn't like Zhao Min, an idiot who couldn't read the situation. This Brother Li's strength was absolutely terrifying, and he didn't dare arrogantly insist on being party leader.

"My development path is a dual-wielding warrior. I mainly increase Strength, with Constitution and Agility as secondary attributes. I have a certain degree of toughness, but since I'm only Lv. 5, it may not be enough."

Feeling that he might be the weakest fighter among the four, Zhao Jun shamelessly introduced himself first.

"Hmph. I'm a Skyflame Mage, Lv. 6. Although I haven't changed classes yet, I've already obtained a class-exclusive growth-type staff. I mainly increase Intelligence and Spirit, so my damage is very high."

Although she was dissatisfied with her brother's actions, Zhao Min didn't say much. She merely stared provocatively at Li Xunsheng, seemingly eager to compete with him.

"Qingyi, Lv. 7, Assassin."

Yi Qing still spoke as little as necessary, sparing every word. Her expression was aloof and cold.

If he hadn't just seen this girl's shy side, Xuan Sheng would never have understood how this older sister could suffer from mental...

Well, forget it. Yi Qing was just aloof and cold. That was all.

"I mainly increase Strength and Agility. I'm a Shield Warrior, Lv. 5, and I focus on counterattacking weaknesses."

"Eh?"

Zhao Jun was slightly stunned, rather surprised.

He had originally thought that Brother Li, who had killed an Elite Monster without taking damage... Oh, right. To kill one without taking damage, increasing damage output was indeed more important than toughness.

But... why was Big Shot Li only Level 5 too?

After hesitating for a moment, Zhao Jun still asked, "As a Shield Warrior, won't your toughness be insufficient?"

If he mainly increased Strength and Agility without improving Constitution...

Zhao Jun looked puzzled, while Zhao Min's face was already full of That's it? She couldn't even be bothered to ask more.

"It's fine. I'm confident in my toughness. Physical melee attacks won't be a problem."

Li Xunsheng shrugged and revealed a reassuring smile.

"Heh."

A mere Level 5 warrior who mainly increased Strength and Agility—where did he get the confidence to withstand all kinds of physical melee damage?

Zhao Min had already labeled the man in her mind as a "braggart" and "unreliable," and had completely lost interest in him.

Why had Big Sister Qingyi befriended someone like this? She must have been deceived by this smooth-talking man!

"Leave the mages to me."

Unlike Zhao Min, Yi Qing trusted Xuan Sheng quite a bit. Since he could block the kobold warriors for the party, she would handle the spellcasters.

"Hmm... all right. Let's give it a try first."

Qingyi could clear the back line, Big Shot Li could hold the front line, and Zhao Min could serve as the main magical artillery... Sure enough, he was the most useless one.

Unable to find his role, Zhao Jun looked ashamed. He took out the map and pointed to several locations where there might be clues about the kobolds.

"These locations might contain kobold troops. Where should we go?"

Since he had handed the party leader position to Li Xunsheng, Zhao Jun took the initiative to ask Big Shot Li.

"Let me see..."

[This highland contains a kobold boss, as well as clues needed to complete the mission. But I'm afraid you won't be able to defeat it.]

[If you go to this cave, you'll only find several furious brown bears. Incidentally, they're Level 20 monsters and can easily tear apart any intruders... Wait, you have Counterattack with Block. You might actually be able to farm them. But it has nothing to do with the mission.]

[There's nothing around this stream. Absolutely nothing.]

[This is a kobold scout squad. It has only one Elite Monster and also contains clues, so you can easily complete the mission. However, the War Merit is very low, and I'm afraid there won't be any additional rewards.]

[This valley is where the main kobold force is stationed. They've already built a rudimentary battle fort. The terrain is complex, but the kobolds are exhausted from their labor and currently in poor condition. There are more than ten Elite Monsters here. If you have the strength and aren't worried about fighting, this place might be a good choice. (If you kill them all, there'll be additional rewards too~)]

"Hmm... are you interested in War Merit?"

After looking over the map, Xuan Sheng raised his head and asked a strange question.

"What?"

Zhao Jun was stunned again. Once more, he couldn't understand what this Big Shot was thinking.

"War Merit? Hey, we're talking about the map! What are you talking about?!"

Unlike Zhao Jun, who was impressed without understanding, Zhao Min gritted her teeth, a trace of anger appearing on her face.

"That sounds like a good thing. I'm interested."

Yi Qing nodded slightly. As usual, her thoughts were unusual, but she understood what Xuan Sheng meant.

If completing the mission only granted a Conscription Order, then this Legion Mission really would be a waste.

Spending so much effort to complete a mission with mediocre rewards in the early game would waste a great deal of time.

Since War Merit could potentially be exchanged for a Divine Artifact, how could they not give it a proper try?

They couldn't let this good opportunity go to waste.

"Fine. Then let's go here."

Pointing at a valley on the map, Xuan Sheng marked the party's destination as its leader.

"Why here?"

Zhao Jun was puzzled.

"Because I think there should be quite a few kobolds hiding here."

"Hey, how are we supposed to get there? It's so far away."

Seeing the distant location, Zhao Min immediately began complaining.

As a mage, her legs were short. Getting there would probably waste a long time.

If it were up to her, they should go to the nearest cave first and try the locations one by one!

"Money~ We can just hire a carriage."

After extorting quite a bit of money from the players with recovery items, Li Xunsheng curved his lips and tossed up several Silver Coins.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, Brother Li."

With no money and only able to hitch a ride, Zhao Jun stopped Zhao Min, who had been about to say more. A grateful smile appeared on his face.

"It's fine. We're doing the mission together."