Walking along the country road, Raine could already vaguely see the outline of Mill Town.
The northern side of Mill Town was a stretch of mountains, with the northwest housing the famous Lankote Snow Mountain. The snow mountain soared into the clouds, retaining its snow even from halfway up during the hottest summer days.
It's said that the Lankote Snowfield has many rare herbs and is also a gathering place for snowmen and winter wolves.
Moreover, the southwest side of Mill Town has abundant copper mines, among which the Azure Mine is the largest copper production site in the Soladin Kingdom. However, after a hundred years of mining, the overly intricate tunnels still cause miners to go missing each year.
It's said there's more than one Kobold Tribe rooted deep within the Azure Mine.
This is also why, despite being inland, Mill Town has a large number of adventurers.
The richness of demons, herbs, and minerals naturally attracts adventurers seeking to earn gold coins and complete missions.
Oak Village is not far from Mill Town, requiring only about two hours of walking to reach. Hence, Raine didn't opt to take a bull-cart.
The adventurer's association station located in Mill Town is the closest outpost to Raine.
Being a small town located in the kingdom's heartland, it naturally lacks defensive structures like city walls.
According to his former self's memories, Raine stepped onto the street intending to head directly to the adventurer's association. However, looking at the fork in his hand, he felt it was inappropriate.
So, Raine decided to head to the Oak Inn first.
Soon, a large three-story building appeared before Raine, with the prominent words 'Oak Inn' plastered above the entrance.
Upon entering, Raine noticed a counter directly ahead, and to the right, a hall that seems to be a dining area where many travelers were having breakfast.
Guarding the counter was an amiable-looking lady, around forty years old, wearing a white apron.
"Hello, I'm looking for Lady Lorna," Raine stated directly.
"Hello, young man, that's me, Lorna."
"Hello, I'm Raine from Oak Village, sent by Village Chief Kael."
"Are you from Oak Village? Raine... I remember you; you're Old Henry's..." Lady Lorna's eyes flashed with surprise as she spoke.
After all, she too was from Oak Village.
After some pleasantries, Raine secured long-term residency in a big room at Oak Inn at an extremely favorable price, only needing to pay 60 copper coins per month.
On the surface, this price didn't differ much from the regular room's 2 copper coins per night, but Raine's price included three meals a day.
So, the discount was still quite substantial.
Having settled his accommodations, Raine headed to the blacksmith's shop on his way to the adventurer's association.
Although the weapon shop had a broader selection of weapons, some even higher-grade brought in from elsewhere, Raine's budget was limited.
So, after glancing at the rather upscale weapon shop, Raine opted for the slightly cheaper yet lower quality blacksmith's shop.
This was his best option at the moment.
In half an hour.
Raine emerged from the blacksmith's shop looking brand new.
The fork he had was now replaced with a long spear, the iron tip of which appeared quite sharp.
He had a one-handed sword strapped to his waist, and he held a ringed round shield in his left hand.
He now looked somewhat like an adventurer.
However, this had cost Raine most of his money.
The ringed round shield was the cheapest, with only an iron ring around the edge and essentially made of oak, costing just 70 copper. As for the long spear, it was pricier at 2 silver and 70 copper.
The most expensive was the one-handed sword, for which Old White charged 7 silver and 40 copper, and Raine spent considerable effort to eliminate the fraction.
Otherwise, he could have left the blacksmith's shop fifteen minutes earlier.
Currently, he had 7 silver and 12 copper left.
Although Raine had mastered a Zero Level Spell and could somewhat claim himself to be a Mage Apprentice outside,
the problem was, from last night's attempt, Raine knew well his magic could only be cast twice before his temples started to ache.
He didn't know if other Mage Apprentices experienced this.
Additionally, he had to deliver the last blow to monsters to obtain their bloodline.
If he joined an adventurer team as a Mage Apprentice, standing at the rear, he likely wouldn't be able to deal the final strike, meaning he couldn't acquire the monster's bloodline.
Of course, Raine also needed some other items, like bandages and hemostatic powder, which required visits to a general store or herbalist's shop.
But those weren't urgent for now.
The adventurer's guild was just a few hundred meters ahead, and Raine planned to first register as an adventurer and then gather some information.
For instance, where he should go or whom he should learn sword skills, combat skills, or even magic from.
Soon, a tall building with a three-story white stone facade appeared in Raine's view, with large calligraphic lettering stating 'Adventurer's Association' above the entrance.
Supposedly penned by some prominent figure and then smudged over.
Below it, small letters declared: Mill Town Branch.
As soon as he stepped inside, a cacophony of noise reached Raine's ears:
"Need an archer for a small goblin troop cleanup task. Anyone interested?"
"Seeking a team member experienced in setting traps for the task of slaying the clubtail crocodile turtle upstream of Mill River..."
"Sigh, it's a headache; finding a Mage Apprentice proficient in Flaming Arrow is almost impossible."
.....
The hall was bustling, resembling a marketplace from Raine's previous life, with loud calls mostly recruiting members.
The whispered conversations were mostly small groups discussing something among themselves.
The most crowded area was around the message boards flanked by both sides of the hall, clearly indicating they were selecting suitable tasks.
The counter inside the hall, however, was not crowded.
Raine approached and lined up in the queue with the fewest people, simultaneously curiously observing his surroundings.
On the right side of the hall, a spiral staircase guarded by two light armor soldiers possibly allows only adventurers of a certain level to ascend.
It could also be a special office, Raine speculated.
On the left side of the hall inside, a corridor seemed to lead to the inner courtyard.
He had no idea what the inner yard was for.
"Hello there, anything I can assist you with?" At this point, Raine's turn in the queue came, and a young, attractive maiden stood up to greet him.
Her light green silk long-sleeve attire appeared to be a standard uniform for staff at the adventurer's association.
"Hello, I'd like to become an adventurer."
"New adventurer? Okay, the registration fee is one silver coin, and an annual membership fee of twenty copper coins. Can you accept this?"
"I can."
"Alright, your name please? Your adventurer badge will be inscribed with your name."
"Raine Farrell."
"Okay. Mr. Raine, may I ask who to write as your contact person and beneficiary? Oh, it's for special circumstances if you're unreachable..."
The young attendant spoke discreetly, but Raine understood the implication.
It's akin to insurance, having a beneficiary.
Being an adventurer with high task risk naturally encompasses this provision.
However, this question made Raine slightly pause and respond, "Village Chief Kael from Oak Village."
"Alright, Mr. Raine."
"By the way, can I ask where I can learn to use various weapons?"
"Did you notice the corridor on the left side? If you pay the fee, you can find the Warrior Trainer, Mr. Humbert Burnbeard, for basic warrior training."
"Of course, Mr. Humbert is solely responsible for teaching, and whether you master it depends on your talent."
"Oh, a warrior trainer?" Raine keenly noted the attendant's words.
"Yes, a warrior trainer. If you wish to train in other skills, like ranger or wanderer combat skills, you'd have to go to Dorne City."
"However, our Mill Town Branch is quite good, as Mr. Humbert is willing to reside long-term to teach newcomers. Many town-level branches don't have dedicated classes trainers," the attendant explained.
Ah, I see...
Raine pondered aloud.