Chapter 899: Chapter 449: Temporary Member and Buyer

Xia Nan considered everything quite comprehensively.

He speculated on the compensation Lorin wanted, considering the levels of Gold Coin, Equipment, and Battle Skill.

Of course, he was not wrong, and it could even be called meticulous.

But, perhaps due to limitations from his own perspective, he overlooked the most crucial point.

For Lorin, where does Xia Nan’s value lie?

Was it the Gold Coin reward he initially proposed?

Honestly speaking, adventure fleets like "Sword of Vengeance," comprised entirely of veteran experts, could amass a fortune in a short period in countless ways, maybe not ten thousand, but surely a hundred or so.

Four-digit Gold Coins is indeed a huge sum, but compared to the alternatives, it’s far from tempting enough for the captain of such a high-level adventurer group.

As for Enchanted Equipment and Battle Skill...

Enchanted Equipment is quite taboo among adventurers; many won’t reveal everything even to teammates they’ve been with for years, as it’s a trump card for survival in missions.

After only half a day of interaction, the battle wasn’t intense enough to risk lives; even Hai Yin and the twin warriors didn’t know what Enchanted Equipment Xia Nan had, let alone Lorin.

There wouldn’t be any demands on him in that aspect.

And the Battle Skill level is quite limiting.

As Professional Level gradually increases and individuals delve deeper into their career paths, seniors often create their unique combat style that combines their professional category and battle habits.

The choice of Battle Skill requires considerable compatibility.

A warrior can’t learn a Wanderer’s Shadow Energy usage, nor will a Ranger swing a barbarian’s Two-handed Heavy Axe among a crowd.

The Battle Skills Xia Nan possesses are undoubtedly good, but they may not suit other adventurers on their paths.

Even if they obtained the training method for Vortex Slash from him, the final solution would just be further exchange of benefits, trading it for Gold Coins or other resources.

Right now, for Lorin, the greatest value Xia Nan holds—

is himself.

What is Xia Nan?

An adventurer under the age of twenty at Level 3;

A figure who uses his Professional Level as Challenge Level, with actual Combat Ability stronger than many at Level 5;

A professional who has cooperated with some teammates from the "Sword of Vengeance" fleet, backed by Hera, the boss of the "Three-legged Sea Dog."

Under these circumstances, for the "Sword of Vengeance" fleet where there is low team member fluidity and it requires long assessments to have a chance at becoming a formal member, and is currently lacking personnel, what could be of more value than Xia Nan himself?

Of course, at least for now, Lorin hasn’t thought about making a formal invitation.

Given that the black-haired young man in front has decent strength, is much more trustworthy than the drunken adventurers at the Tavern, her team urgently needs a combat power boost, and the other party seeks something.

Then perhaps...

He can come aboard their ship as a temporary crew member?

After enduring the dual trials of time and danger, considering further decisions wouldn’t be too late.

"There are still three months until the ’Moon Tide Banquet.’

Lorin crossed her legs, her reddish-brown eyes gazing at Xia Nan before her.

"Come aboard my ship, help out with some tasks. When the time arrives, I’ll take you to the banquet, how does that sound?"

Upon hearing this, Xia Nan’s heart paused, as his thoughts flickered, he realized.

The implication was to work aboard for three months.

Well... it’s not impossible.

Compared to Gold Coins, Equipment, and Battle Skills, this offer was unexpectedly more acceptable to him.

Although he usually ventures alone as a "Lone Wolf," due to commission requirements or other factors, he has had many cooperative experiences with other adventurers.

Except for a few decent companions, most temporary teammates met unfortunate fates.

Xia Nan doesn’t repel cooperation with others, especially when there is a clear purpose involved.

The reason he lacks fixed adventurer teammates is partly because his high-mobility combat style centered around Teeth Hunting excels in solo missions, maximizing speed advantages for Beheading if possible or retreating when necessary. The enemy likely can’t catch up and there’s no concern about others.

The other reason is Xia Nan has too many secrets to hide, his rapid improvement far surpasses this world’s average, and prolonged exposure might lead others to notice anomalies.

Thus, even with friends like Alton, whom he trusts deeply, he doesn’t consider forming regular teams.

But for the Dream Weaving Corridor key, three months... is within his acceptable range.

Contemplating, Xia Nan’s mind was already decided.

However, he didn’t reply directly; instead, he turned to his half-orc who hadn’t said much since entering the room and had left the initiative completely to Xia Nan.

"Alton, any thoughts?"

"Anything’s fine, up to you." The half-orc sat on the sofa, boredly swinging his legs, his mind drawn to the fleeting birds through the window at times, and then to the tablecloth’s patterns, reflecting no opinion whatsoever.

The little guy’s goal was also to attend the "Moon Tide Banquet," but unlike Xia Nan who’s seeking the key, he was just traveling here, wanting to catch the festivities, and happened to meet his familiar Xia Nan, thus they teamed up temporarily.