How come this arcanist is invincible?

Chapter 24 New Identity

Kane walked through the streets of Nilfgaard, his boots sinking into the mud.

This small town, adjacent to a dark forest, is filled with dilapidated wooden houses, making the few new white-walled houses stand out conspicuously.

The air was filled with damp earth and a foul odor.

This is the norm in adventurer gathering places.

Dressed in hunting attire, he scanned the adventurers he encountered along the way.

Most of them were incompetent apprentices, and true professionals were few and far between.

"Besides making money, I also need to create a new identity."

Just then, Kane saw an adventure team returning from the direction of the forest.

Several men, covered in mud and blood, carried a dead wild boar into the market.

The leading warrior bargained with the butcher for a few minutes, got five silver coins, and left satisfied.

Kane watched the transaction silently, then turned and walked into the forest.

He came out in no time, almost without getting muddy, carrying two wild rabbits in his hands.

Each one was killed with a precise, single strike.

He walked to the butcher shop he had just been to.

"3 copper coins."

The shop owner quoted a price without even looking up.

Kane frowned.

"That's the price."

The shop owner scoffed.

"Want to make more money? Go take jobs at the Broken Axe Tavern, but..."

He gave Kane's attire a meaningful look.

"Can you beat a goblin?"

Kane silently accepted the three copper coins.

This is exactly the effect he wanted.

A hunter dissatisfied with his income and wanting to try his hand at adventure.

"Another one sent to their death."

The shop owner watched his retreating figure and sneered.

When the wooden door of the Broken Axe Tavern was pushed open, a wave of noise mixed with the smell of tobacco and alcohol rushed out.

A burly man with bare chest shouts and plays drinking games, while maids carry wine barrels back and forth, and vendors in the corner sell cheap weapons.

Kane's hunting attire was too ordinary, so only a few pairs of eyes glanced at him casually before moving back to their own.

He walked up to the counter and said to the bartender who was mixing drinks:

"I want a task."

The bartender, without looking up, said, "Order your drinks first."

Kane took out the three copper coins and placed them on the counter.

The bartender frowned, poured a glass of ale, then poured half of it back, leaving only a shallow half-glass.

"Haha! A desperate newbie dares to try and cause trouble?"

The burly man next to him spat out a mouthful of wine.

"Adventure is about risking your life for money; it's not something a coward like you can get involved in!"

The tavern erupted in laughter and jeers.

Kane picked up his half-empty glass of ale, took a sip, and spoke calmly:

"Task."

Just as the bartender was about to reply, the burly man, who had been ignoring him, grabbed Kane's shoulder:

"Kid, you seem a bit arrogant?"

Kane's voice was icy:

"Let go."

The tavern fell silent.

"court death!"

The burly man roared and threw a punch.

Swish!

Before anyone could see the movement, Kane had already dodged to the side, and the dagger was instantly drawn and pressed against the big man's throat, drawing blood immediately.

The big man's teammates instantly reached for their weapons, while the bartender skillfully crouched under the bar counter.

The tavern fell silent instantly.

Kane glanced around, his tone calm:

There won't be a next time.

He sheathed his dagger, sat back down, and continued to savor the half-cup of ale.

The burly man touched the bloodstain on his neck, stared at Kane's back, wanted to say something harsh but ultimately didn't, and returned to his seat dejectedly.

The atmosphere in the tavern subtly changed, with many people secretly eyeing Kane with wary looks in their eyes.

Kane picked up a quest parchment from the bartender and left.

Where he walked, people subconsciously stepped back.

After he left, the big man's teammates asked the bartender:

"What job did he take?"

"Clear a small goblin nest on the outskirts of the city, reward: five gold coins."

"That would require a whole squad! He's all alone..."

The tavern became lively again, with most people waiting to see Kane make a fool of himself.

time flies.

In the evening, the tavern door was suddenly pushed open with a "bang".

Kane tossed a cloth bag onto the counter; inside were eight bloody goblin right ears.

The noise in the tavern immediately subsided, and everyone looked at Kane.

His clothes only had a few tears, and his expression was no different from usual.

There was surprise, doubt, and awe in everyone's eyes.

The strong will be respected everywhere.

"Your payment."

The bartender respectfully handed over 5 gold coins.

Kane accepted the gold coins, and two popped out:

"Get a room, prepare an outfit, and send me dinner."

His gaze swept over those who dared not meet his eyes, and he said calmly:

"Give everyone here another glass of ale."

Spending money and saving money seem to be in conflict.

But he knew in his heart that being willing to spend a little money would be beneficial to his later plans.

Sure enough, when they heard that they were going to be treated to beer, everyone's expressions immediately softened.

Including the burly man with whom the conflict occurred.

With just two drinks, he has transformed in everyone's eyes from a "dangerous loner" into a "capable and generous professional."

"Your room is ready, please follow me."

The bartender led Kane upstairs.

In the room, Kane finished his simple roast meat and bread, and then sent away the maid who wanted to earn some extra money.

I crawled into the hot water tub and relaxed to think things through.

"A professional who came for money and whose identity is unknown... This news should have already reached those people's ears."

"However, we need to be more proactive."

He made a plan and began practicing every day without fail.

He concentrated, and the water in the bucket swayed slightly, rising a centimeter before falling back down.

A prompt appears before your eyes:

[Verification: You attempted to practice water manipulation (0-ring trick)]

[Note: Current learning progress is 13%]

"Without skill points, you can only improve your skills through repeated practice."

Kane continued trying until late at night, when he finally lay down to sleep fully clothed, but the dagger remained by his side the whole time.

Over the next few days, Kane became a regular at the tavern, constantly taking on quests.

Cleaning up rats and finding lost items are easy tasks, but cleaning up goblin nests is the hardest.

He deliberately kept the mission success rate to around 70%.

He also practiced water manipulation techniques during breaks in missions to avoid revealing his true strength.

Taking this opportunity, he gradually became acquainted with the tavern's regulars.

Including Victor, the big guy who was causing him trouble.

Although this person likes to ridicule newcomers, he has also dissuaded many people who lack ability but insist on taking risks, so he can't be considered a bad person.

The two were playing poker that day. Kane won twenty copper coins, while Victor lost so badly he slammed his fist on the table.

"You're even more cunning than the spellcaster!"

Kane smiled:

"Want to go back? Just answer a few questions."

"What's the problem?"

"In Nilfgaard, who is the most powerful person?"

Victor glanced at the others, then leaned closer and whispered:

"Besides the lords living in the city, there were also the sheriffs..."

But many people say that Mr. Ethan of the "Flying Squirrel Company" is the real boss.

But he's ruthless and reportedly has connections in the military. Why are you asking that?

"I want to go to the city, but I have some issues with my identity."

Kane said casually.

Victor suddenly realized:

"Oh! It's really not easy to deal with someone like you who has lived in the southern part of the Dark Forest for years."

Kane smiled but didn't say anything.

The "background story" he deliberately orchestrated had already spread:

I grew up on the edge of the dark forest, my village was burned down by the descendants of the drow, I learned a few skills from my ranger father, and ventured out into the world after his death.

It's common and reasonable; no one would think much of it.

The name was so common that it wasn't hidden.

Kane handed all the chips to Victor and went back to his room.

……

That night.

bang, bang...

Soft footsteps could be heard outside the door.

"The fish has taken the bait."

Kane lay on the bed, opened his eyes, and smiled slightly.