Max felt hurt by Branna's comment. He couldn't retort at all, so he stayed silent until Branna ordered Eva to prepare while she left after saying she had to continue teaching the aspiring swordsman.
In the end, Max sighed in defeat. The fact he was single in his whole life, even in his past life hurt him.
He could only convince himself. A man's downfall begins when he falls in love.
Of course, such a notion barely holds meaning for someone who stayed single as he based his perception on other men's downfall.
He shook his head to dismiss the unnecessary thoughts in his head as he walked towards the Support Sanctum.
…
When he arrived, the guards, which were swordsmen, politely entertained him.
He asked the whereabouts of Sister Elira and if it would be possible to meet her, and they allowed him to enter while asking a sister nearby to guide him to where Sister Elira was.
Unlike before, Max was led to the instruction hall, where aspiring healers were learning about spells, especially "Healing."
Sister Elira was in the middle of teaching, when the door was knocked and opened as her assistant, a sister, bowed and said, "The young savior is here to meet you, Sister."
The players, most female, couldn't help but turn their heads and stretched their neck to know if it was a player the sister was referring to.
However, they didn't even need to see who it was as Sister Elira said, "So, Max is here."
She turned towards them and was quite surprised by their dumbfounded reactions while staring at her.
She chuckled and said, "I'll be back. Self-study for now."
She proceeded to the door and chatted with Max outside.
…
"So, the Lieutenant has indeed tasked you in clearing the dungeon, huh?
The best healer that I had, someone who's been with me for years as you asked, is Lina.
Her passive skills, healing affinity and vital sense, are at the intermediate level.
However, it'll be her first time going outside the village. She just turned 18 a month ago, so it might take some time for her to adjust.
Don't worry, potential aside, her character is admirable. She won't falter against demons. On the contrary, she also learned the Purify skill just to defeat any negative effects induced by them.
Her heal is also at the intermediate level, so half of your health can be restored immediately.
She also has a group heal skill, but it's less effective than the heal.
Nevertheless, she'll be efficient to your party, especially when conquering the dungeon."
Max's eyes widened. Who would have thought that NPCs are more talented than players. As expected, it's the right decision to choose NPCs over players.
The reason it was difficult to form a party made up of NPCs was simply because they had to establish a relationship status level first.
At best, it should be at the Trusted Level. However, it was difficult to raise it one by one.
Thankfully, Max earned a reward that instantly raised his relationship status to every NPCs in the Greyfen Village.
Hence, Max didn't need to spend so much effort in recruiting them.
Furthermore, his relationship status for the NPCs was already set, unless he betrayed them.
Compared to players whose relationship status could instantly turn a hundred and eighty degrees when rewards were involved.
Max was delighted by his decision as he replied, "She'll be our healer, then. I hope she'll accept my invitation to clear the dungeon. I'll be back here tomorrow, so I hope she's ready by then."
Sister Elira radiated a sparkling smile as she nodded. "Consider it done, young savior."
Afterwards, Max didn't take her time and told her he would need to recruit others, too.
Sister Elira also didn't want to take the young savior's time, knowing he was about to do great things that would surprise her, for the benefit of the Greyfen Village.
Once Max turned around and left, Sister Elira returned to the class as the players asked if Max was the mage and inquired more about him.
Sister Elira simply gave them an ambiguous smile as she proceeded to continue their lessons, leaving the players to be completely distracted.
…
Max proceeded to the Ranger Post. Like before, he easily entered and met Sylwen Thorn, who was also in the middle of teaching.
However, Max was worthy for Sylwen to place his attention wholly, even abandoning his teaching duties just to entertain the young savior's inquiries.
At this point, after Max had become the center of the NPCs attention, all the players' attention were on him now.
Most of them were filled with envy and curiosity of his current reputation in the Greyfen Village.
Max was aware of the effects that he had caused, but he was quite careless.
At the moment, the previous solemn Sylwen was no more, replaced by a mild disposition.
Max said, "Do you have an archer and scout? I need them to clear the dungeon."
Sylwen was quite surprised. He scrutinized Max and nodded.
"As expected, you have completed Archmage Arlen's quest and have been rewarded by the Lieutenant. He sure rewards you handsomely.
Well, it's not only to reward you but to invest in you in clearing the dungeon.
Since you are looking for an archer and a scout, what's your criteria?"
Max nodded. "The one you believe is strong for the past years of learning from you."
"Past years, huh? So, you don't like the new ones, who also showed potential?"
Max didn't reply.
Sylwen took it as a yes and said, "I won't delve into your conflict with them. Since you are also not preferring gender, then I recommend two boys I have. They are my assistants, actually.
I can lend you them."
Max asked politely, "Are you sure? The dungeon might be dangerous. I can't guarantee their safety."
"They can take care of themselves. I also groomed them specifically to clear the dungeon. They're more than ready, so you don't have to worry.
Just do your own things as they are helping you."
Max nodded. "Alright. I'll start clearing the dungeon tomorrow, so I hope they'll be ready by then."
Sylwen nodded. "That's more than enough time."