Wood sat alone in the corner of the tavern hall.
On the table in front of him, there was only a half-drunk glass of water and two or three simple, easy-to-eat dishes.
Not what you would call lavish.
Of course, it wasn’t because he was short on cash and needed to economize on meals.
In fact, as the loyal guard of the Wakefield family for many years, he had practically watched the young master grow up, and both the lord and the lady had never been stingy with him financially.
The savings he accumulated over the years would be enough for him to live out his days in comfort, even if he were to frequent the upscale restaurants of Neum City daily, spending freely.
However, the hard years spent in the slums in his youth had long since instilled in him the habit of frugality.
Three meals a day, enough to fill his stomach.
He was already satisfied.
Beyond that, Wood’s greatest wish was to stay by the young master’s side, protecting him until he himself grew old.
The lady had been gone for many years, and he could not repay the kindness of being pulled out of the mire of the slums and given a second life.
He could only transform all his gratitude into the responsibilities of a guard, watching over and protecting the lady’s only offspring left in this world.
Unfortunately, being born lowly, with naturally dull talents, even with the resources of the Wakefield family, he managed to barely attain a professional level, becoming what was called a professional.
However, when faced with high-level changes involving the position of the city lord, he was just a little fish in a swirling vortex, barely able to protect himself, let alone always guard the young master.
Forced to "take a vacation," he was expelled from the Wakefield family’s castle.
Wood had no other hobbies.
Besides honing his wandering skills, which had stagnated for years, he mostly spent his time hidden in the shadows, constantly vigilant for any potential danger to the young master.
This unexpected holiday had left him feeling somewhat out of place for the time being.
Just like the adventurers he used to encounter, passing time sitting in a tavern.
Fortunately, the vacation was about to end, and in two more days, he would finally be able to return to his post.
Footsteps sounded in his ears, gradually approaching.
Wood paid no heed, not even bothering to lift his head.
His eyes were fixed on the shimmering liquid gently swirling in the glass before him.
Having embarked on the path of an adventurer for the convenience of his guard duties, he underwent targeted training from then on.
After becoming a Wanderer, he naturally acquired passive specialties in concealment.
Unless someone was also a professional or had a specialty in perception, it was hard for them to notice his presence.
For ordinary people, even if they saw him, their attention would just slide off him like soap in water.
They knew someone was sitting at the table, but instinctively ignored who it was.
And for those who truly realized his presence, his "colleagues," seeing his demeanor, often chose not to disturb or cause trouble.
Surprisingly, however.
The footsteps that should have changed direction under the effect of his Wanderer’s concealment specialty seemed unaffected.
Drew closer, straight on.
A glass wine bottle, refracting the tavern’s gentle light, gently landed on the tabletop.
Looking up along the fair hand with distinct knuckles, there was an exquisite chain armor, a somewhat familiar dual sword hilt, and...
A strikingly featured face with sharp features.
"Where’s Hai’an, why are you out eating alone?"
Holding a wine glass and filling it for himself, Xia Nan sat across from Wood, smiling as he asked.
Originally, he only intended to see if he could gather some information about Buck from the "Iron Bucket Toad," but was unexpectedly rewarded.
Wood, a Wanderer, was the first professional he formally engaged with after crossing into this world.
Having just arrived in this world, he recalled not having a clear understanding of the adventurer profession.
During a transitional collection task, he met the half-elf "Hai’an" and his guard "Wood" and, attracted by an Eastern-style token from his past life, accepted their invitation to join the team temporarily.
It was during this mission that he learned about "Battle Skills" and "Professions" from them and eventually entered the Secret Realm Snake Cave.
There, he absorbed Drip Dew, acquiring a high Constitution attribute of 8 points and the "Snake Scale Arm Shield" on his left forearm.
Even his most commonly used battle skill "Teeth Hunting" in combat today was introduced by the high level professional "Frogon" they had mentioned.
One could only say their assistance was invaluable in helping him gain a foothold in this world.
After learning his mission’s destination was Neum, Xia Nan had thought to visit.
Even if it wasn’t to provide help, just chatting and catching up, maintaining connections would be good.
Unfortunately, he didn’t have their detailed addresses, only knowing that the half-elf lived in Neum and seemed well-off.
He had planned to stay and inquire about them after the mission, hoping to find someone who knew them.
Unexpectedly, he met them here in such a place.
Wood also appeared particularly surprised by Xia Nan’s presence.
He opened his mouth to say something.
But his expression suddenly paused.