Chapter 31: Crystal Saint Bell

Hagi muttered under her breath.

“Is this thing worth that much?”

Meng Linna nodded in agreement.

“Right? Costs less than five coppers to make.”

To their surprise, the crowd was hyped.

Maybe craving quick healing.

The Marigold Potion’s price shot to fifty gold coins.

Beyond that, it wasn’t worth it.

Blood therapy healed just as fast.

Fifty gold was purely for a collector’s whim.

As the gavel fell, sighs echoed around Meng Linna.

‘If I sold Marigold Potions here, I’d make a killing.’

The next items were flashy but useless to her.

A +22 Dark Sword.

A longsword that auto-ignited when raised.

Cool, but unusable for a D-rank like her.

And the prices were obscene.

Hagi bought a bunch, though.

Said it was her dragon collecting instinct.

Speechless.

Thinking the trip was a bust, Meng Linna finally saw her prize.

“A bell covered in crystals. Originally a priest’s spell catalyst.mOne day, crystals grew on it. Perhaps due to the crystals, it doubles as a catalyst for both spells and divine magic.”

The host’s pitch didn’t spark much interest.

Its only perk was dual-casting.

In church-averse Yanan, few used divine spells.

Meng Linna snagged the bell for fifty silver coins.

“I’m done here.”

With her prize in hand, she turned to Hagi.

“Got stuff to do, so I’ll head out.”

“Alright.”

Hagi nodded, still eyeing the stage.

“Catch up later?”

“If I’ve got time.”

***

The next day, guild hall.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting.”

After selling her potions, Meng Linna finally joined her teammates.

Stone Fang gave a warm smile.

“No worries. We picked a job while waiting. You don’t mind, right?”

“No, no. I’ve got choice paralysis. You’re doing me a favor.”

They didn’t mind her, so she couldn’t complain.

“As captain, I’ll explain the job. The ruin’s boss was defeated, but the guild thinks the victor didn’t fully explore it. They want us to map the southwest corner. It’s a long-term job, paid daily based on map progress.

Monster materials we collect get bought at 1.5 times market price. Any objections?”

Stone Fang glanced at them.

“…”

Kelly stayed silent, agreeing.

“I’m fine.”

Meng Linna nodded.

Mapping wasn’t hard.

Just note monster types per area.

It meant first dibs on exploration.

Maybe find treasure chests.

If a monster was too tough, retreat.

“Alright, let’s go.”

They took the guild’s new shuttle to the ruin’s edge. Heading for the southwest corner, they had to walk.

Stone Fang assigned roles.

“Teacher Big Dream, tell me about your skills. Not doubting you, just need to plan positions.”

Fair, given their rushed team-up.

Meng Linna nodded, answering seriously.

“I’m a faith warrior, but really a standard priest. I know attack and healing spells. Weak in melee, best at range.”

She could do buff spells too.

But those were C-rank priest skills.

To avoid suspicion, she kept quiet.

Stone Fang nodded.

“As expected. I’ll tank upfront. You cast from the rear and direct the fight. Kelly will protect you or cover me as needed.”

“Me, direct the fight?”

Meng Linna was flattered.

“I’m just D-rank. You trust me that much?”

Stone Fang patted her shoulder.

“We’re teammates. Basic trust is a must. You’re in the back, seeing the whole battlefield. You’re the best choice. Be confident. Combat strength doesn’t equal command skill. You might be great at it.”

“Alright, I’ll do my best.”

Stone Fang’s trust made her feel lucky.

Her teammates were kind.

***

“C-rank monster, Seaweed Wraith. Weak physical attacks but loves entangling. Dodge its attacks, don’t block with a shield.”

“Got it!”

Hearing Meng Linna, Stone Fang ditched her shield, dodging instead.

“Kelly, fall back. It resists physical attacks. Don’t go head-on.”

“Tch.”

Grumbling, Kelly retreated, guarding Meng Linna with her greatsword.

Meanwhile, Meng Linna readied her spell.

“Judgment Aura!”

She shook the Crystal Saint Bell.

A golden aura shot out, slicing the Seaweed Wraith in half.

“Shaa!”

Even split, it roared, merely enraged.

But the aura boomeranged back, cutting it again.

This time, it died.

The monster entwined in the seaweed was hit, fully purified.