C18 I Can't Bear to See a Handsome Guy Being Troubled.

Mission 1: Expel the Ghost Dragonfly.

Mission 2: Slay the Fierce Eagle soaring above Route 302.

Mission 3: Eliminate the Undersea Devil Fish that has taken over Deer Mourn Lake.

Mission 4: Exterminate the Metallic Rat in Area 2 of Lakeshell's underwater sewerage system.

Xie Yang meticulously reviewed each mission.

After nearly thirty minutes of deliberation, he finally selected the mission he wished to undertake.

Mission Details: Exterminate the Death Bell Beetles in Knell Valley.

Mission Level: Apprentice

Mission Type: Punitive Expedition (Individual)

Mission Reward: 1,000 Credit Points per Death Bell Beetle

Time Limit: None

Background: Over the past month, the Death Bell Beetle population in Knell Valley has surged, showing signs of spreading. They pose a significant threat to nearby villages and towns. Eliminate as many Death Bell Beetles as possible. The kill count will be verified by the battle recorder's data.

Caution: Death Bell Beetles are pack-hunting ferocious beasts, ranging from the fifth to the seventh layer of the first rank. Their numbers never fall below ten. Exercise caution.

Of all the missions available, this one uniquely offers unlimited rewards tied directly to the number of Death Bell Beetles killed.

In essence, by killing a sufficient number of Death Bell Beetles, he could amass a substantial reward in a short time frame.

This mission aligned perfectly with Xie Yang's objectives.

"There's only half a month left until the college entrance exam. Factoring in the time to travel to Nightbay City and acclimate, I have roughly thirteen days to make money."

"During this time, I must earn enough to evolve my Ice Crystal Soul and bond with a second pet beast!"

Xie Yang made his decision swiftly and took on the mission.

He then proceeded to the counter to post his deposit and collect a battle recorder.

This device, a specialized accessory crafted by the Beastmaster Association, was capable of agile flight and real-time video recording.

It documented the entire battle and transmitted the data directly to the Beastmaster Association.

Many missions, particularly those with kill count-based rewards, relied on this device for final compensation calculations.

After finishing up, Xie Yang left the building without a backward glance.

Camp 12 was nestled on the southern edge of Lakeshell, serving as a hub for adventurers venturing into the wilderness. It was a bustling spot where many stopped to restock and trade their treasures from the wilds. Enclosed by a towering circular wall, the camp was a jumble of makeshift dwellings and market stalls, alive with the raucous blend of laughter and curses from the adventurers.

"So many people," Xie Yang murmured to himself.

The camp was teeming with beastmasters, their numbers easily in the hundreds—a gathering of this scale was a rare sight. He took in his surroundings with keen interest before the purpose of his visit snapped back into focus.

"I need to rent a car first."

Knell Valley was a good thirty kilometers from Camp 12, too far for walking. He needed to find transportation. But to his dismay, after visiting three rental shops, he found that every vehicle was already taken.

"Does this happen often?" Xie Yang asked.

"No," the shop owner replied, spreading his hands helplessly. "It's been unusual these past few days. A surge of adventurers are heading to Knell Valley, and we just don't have enough vehicles. You would've had a chance if you'd arrived a few hours earlier."

Xie Yang's brow creased in frustration. He was facing a real dilemma.

Was he supposed to trek all the way to Knell Valley on foot? By the time he'd get there, night would have fallen.

"If only I had a rideable pet," he sighed.

Just then, a cheerful female voice caught his attention. "Hey handsome, are you headed to Knell Valley?"

He turned to find a striking young woman in her twenties, a fellow adventurer.

"Yes, I am. And you are?" he inquired.

With a warm smile, she introduced herself, "I'm Tung Yaying. Our team has a car rented for Knell Valley. We could give you a lift."

Xie Yang was taken aback. In the midst of his travel woes, he hadn't anticipated such a generous offer from a stranger.

But why would she offer to help someone she'd just met?

Sensing Xie Yang's confusion, Tung Yaying cheerfully clarified:

"I just couldn't stand to see a young, handsome guy like you struggling, so I thought I'd lend a hand. I really don't have any hidden agendas, although I realize my earlier comment may have come across like I was up to something."

Xie Yang was at a loss for words.

He found Tung Yaying somewhat unreliable.

Yet, he didn't believe Tung Yaying had any intention of harming him.

After all, he was on his own and clearly lacked any valuable possessions. There was no reason for anyone to target him.

And if anyone did try to set him up, Xie Yang was sure he could make them regret it.

A flurry of thoughts raced through his mind in a moment.

He nodded and said, "Thanks for the assistance. By the way, what's the rental fee for the car? I'd like to contribute to the cost."

Tung Yaying smiled and dismissed the offer with a wave of her hand. But Xie Yang was persistent about paying, and eventually, she accepted.

With the transportation issue resolved, Xie Yang breathed a sigh of relief.

Together, they left the shop and made their way towards Tung Yaying's teammates.

As they walked, Xie Yang gave a brief introduction of himself.

Tung Yaying mused aloud, puzzled:

"Your name rings a bell. I'm sure I've heard it somewhere before."

But her attention was quickly diverted.

"Wait, you're still in high school?"

Her eyes widened in astonishment.

She had pegged Xie Yang as young, but the revelation that he was still a student caught her off guard.

A realization struck her the next instant.

"You're headed to Knell Valley, so you're probably on a mission to clear out those insects, right?"

Xie Yang confirmed with a nod.

Upon seeing his nod, Tung Yaying smacked her forehead.

"Uh-oh, that mission is way too risky for you!"

If Xie Yang was still in high school, he'd be about eighteen.

An apprentice Beastmaster of his age would typically have a pet at the seventh or eighth rank.

He was far too vulnerable; the dangers of Knell Valley could be fatal.

Regret washed over Tung Yaying.

Despite her easygoing nature, she understood the gravity of the situation.

Had she known he was a student, she wouldn't have offered him a ride. Now she had inadvertently put him in harm's way.

With this thought in mind, Tung Yaying hesitated briefly before speaking up, "Xie Yang, I believe the mission to clear out the Death Bell Beetles is too perilous for you..."

Her concern was abruptly cut off by a booming voice.

"Tung Yaying, what's taking you so long? Come on, we're about to depart!"

Xie Yang lifted his gaze to the speaker.

Approaching them were three individuals garbed in the attire of adventurers.