northernbook Chapter 76 Fred Nelson
Chapter 76 Fred Nelson
“Uh, I’m Fred Nelson.” He introduced himself in a slightly trembling voice, seemingly trying to hide his nervousness. “I… uh, I’m the healer for this expedition. This is… uh, my first assignment, so please bear with me.”
His stuttering made him seem completely inexperienced. Although I knew him from the game, my "Insight" allowed me to detect subtle movements that hinted he was lying.
Of course, some people might think that I noticed these details because I was wary of him, but that's not true.
I always observe people's body language when they speak. Unless they have enough experience to completely control themselves, this always gives me enough information.
“No problem, Mr. Fred. Everyone has a first time. By the way, may I call you Fred?”
"Uh... okay, you can call me Fred, that's fine."
“Very good. Fred will be our healer on this expedition,” Anya said, taking the lead as team leader. “Now, I will begin the mission briefing.”
Anya projected a map of the "rainforest" onto the holographic screen and continued her briefing.
"The dungeon we're entering is a forest-type dungeon—'Rainforest.' Based on the power fluctuation analysis, this dungeon is a mid-level tier 4 dungeon, which you should already know. The boss monster is 'Ember Spirit,' a top-tier tier 4 monster. It's a powerful enemy, so we must be careful."
She marked some areas on the map. "Our route will take us through various terrains, including dense forests, rivers, and caves. We'll encounter different monsters along the way, so please stay alert."
Anya pointed to the team's formation and continued, "Now, regarding our team formation: I will act as the tank in front, clearing the way. Faye and Harry, you two are the main damage dealers. Ethan and Emily, you will be the supporting damage dealers, while also being responsible for the rear defense. Morse, you will be the archer, responsible for scouting and protecting our healer Fred, who will be positioned in the center of the team."
As she spoke, she scrutinized each member of the team. She appeared to be assessing each person's abilities one by one. This was a routine procedure for the team leader, as tactical examples from textbooks often didn't work perfectly in real dungeons.
"Of course, this is just a formation on paper. We will adjust and adapt it to the actual situation. Any questions?"
Seeing her ask that question, no one else raised any further questions. In the game, this is where players can choose dialogue options, but I had no doubts. After all, I was quite familiar with most of the dungeon's content.
"Well then, here's one last reminder." Anya swept her penetrating gaze over everyone, releasing her aura and putting pressure on us from the very beginning.
"I am the leader of the team, and I expect your complete obedience. You must listen to whatever I say and never act alone. Do you understand?"
This is one of her initial personality traits. Anya is one of the reasons why Emily's Guild was able to rise to prominence. She is a very talented leader with excellent situational judgment. Therefore, I have no problem following her orders.
At the same time, this will also be a good example for me to refer to when I explore more downtowns in the future.
"understood."
Everyone accepted her words without hesitation. After all, this was the charisma of a future leader.
I saw Ethan looking at Anya with admiration in his eyes; he was clearly impressed by her. Unlike his other arrogant geniuses, his intentions were simple.
This is why he's suitable as the game's protagonist. A kind person who knows how to be grateful to others, not an arrogant brat.
Although he is not fully mature yet, his ability to appreciate the strengths of others is enough.
"Then, let's go."
After saying this, she stood up and walked outside.
We then arrived at the guild entrance and saw a van waiting there, its engine emitting a low hum.
Anya sat in the front row, while the others sat in the back.
boom!
With the engine started, the vehicle began to move.
......
“Hey,” Ethan said, his tone indicating he wanted to start a conversation. Morse, however, ignored him, gazing out the window at the passing scenery.
“Morse, I’m talking to you,” Ethan insisted, unwilling to give up easily.
Morse turned his head slightly and glanced at Ethan. "What?"
Ethan moved closer, clearly unfazed by Morse's curt response. "I didn't expect to see you here," he said, a hint of surprise in his voice.
'Tsk...this guy's probably going to say he didn't expect me to participate in the dungeon exploration.'
Morse muttered under his breath, unable to hide his impatience any longer. "So what? The last-place student in the academy can't participate in the dungeon expedition?"
Ethan frowned, but still wasn't going to give up. "What I mean is... it's just a bit of a surprise. You gave me the impression of being someone who prefers training. To be honest, I thought you would hone your skills at the academy first."
Morse retorted impatiently. "Listen, Ethan, not everyone has the luxury of staying at the academy forever. Some people need money, and they need it right now."
He crossed his arms, leaned back in his chair, and wore a displeased expression. Morse was well aware of his status in the academy and usually didn't care. However, considering Emily was also there, she might have some unnecessary thoughts about it.
"So, you mean you participated in the dungeon exploration purely for the money, right?" Ethan asked, seemingly very interested in Morse's motives. A slight smile played on his lips, as if he were enjoying Morse's answer.
Morse answered simply and directly: "Yes."
Ethan pressed on, his tone tinged with genuine concern. "Then why do you need money? Maybe I can help you."
Morse snapped impatiently again, retorting, "What's it to you?"
Ethan sighed, looking somewhat helpless, and said, "You know, you're so stubborn. If you keep going like this, you won't make any friends."
Morse quickly retorted, his tone firm. "Who said I need friends? I'm perfectly fine on my own."
"..."
After a moment of silence, Ethan pondered Morse's words and finally reluctantly compromised, though still with a hint of resentment.
“Alright. Now shut up and focus. We’re not here to chat.” Morse interrupted him with the last sentence, while turning his gaze to the map of the dungeon.
Emily finally lost her patience and decided to interrupt, her tone revealing a hint of coldness.
“Morse, do you have to be so rude?” Her words were direct, clearly tinged with frustration, and she stared at him sternly.
She then turned her attention to Ethan and found that his slightly helpless smile was still on his face.
Morse responded to her stern gaze with a defiant look. "I wasn't being rude. It's the people who meddle in other people's private affairs who are rude."
Emily sighed helplessly, but said firmly, "Morse, we are a team now, and teamwork requires cooperation and respect. Being rude to your teammates will not help us succeed in the dungeon."
"..." Morse looked up, reflecting on his actions, and realized that he had indeed gone too far.
'etc?'
Bang
Just then, his heart suddenly started beating faster, just like before.
'That bastard.'
He immediately realized the reason and quickly glanced at Fred, who was smirking.
'He's already started using his skills.'
After observing the others, he found that they did not seem to be affected yet.
'Probably because other people have higher attributes.'
He understood why his emotions had become more agitated than usual, but in order not to reveal this, he still chose to pretend to be angry.
"I don't need you to lecture me on teamwork. I have my reasons for this, and I don't expect anyone to understand them."
This is so embarrassing.
I silently complained to myself, but still acted as if I was angry.
Emily's patience had completely run out. She took a step back, her expression hardening further, and finally said to Morse, "Suit yourself." Her voice held a resolute tone. "If you insist on acting like a child and pushing everyone away, then so be it. I won't waste any more time trying to reason with you."
She turned away from Morse and focused her attention back on Ethan, who was awkwardly caught in the middle of the conflict, shaking his head. She muttered under her breath, "Some people are just hopeless."
Ethan's face twitched slightly; he found himself extremely awkward caught in the tense atmosphere between the two. He had absolutely no idea how to mediate the situation, especially given Morse's stubbornness and Emily's obvious frustration.
However, amidst the tense atmosphere within the group, one person seemed secretly pleased with the situation—Fred. His sharp mind quickly grasped the development of the situation and saw an opportunity.
'Earlier than I expected,' Fred thought to himself, observing the conflict inside the carriage. He carefully analyzed everyone involved and quickly realized the root of the conflict.
'This guy is the weak link,' he concluded, referring to Morse. Based on his skill, the purple-eyed young man was the first to show signs of agitation.
Despite sensing a chill in Morse's gaze, Fred confidently dismissed it.
'An ordinary college student can't possibly threaten me,' Fred thought, dismissing any possible concerns.
He overheard the conversation about Morse's low ranking and need for money, which gave him even more confidence in his plan.
'Perhaps I can still persuade him to join us.' Fred thought to himself, using his emotional amplification skill [Volatility] to devise a clear strategy.
Fred's mind raced, filled with excitement. 'Today is my lucky day. I never imagined I'd have the chance to bring the Hartley heir to our side. If I can seize this opportunity, I can even obtain a rare "Seed of Wrath" for this achievement.'
As the van continued its journey into the unknown, Fred's mind raced, eager to exploit the divisions within the group for his own benefit.
However, the expression on Fred's face did not escape Morse's notice.
The rift forming within the group was merely bait he had thrown to Fred.