Miss Witch Doesn't Want to be a Diva
Chapter 968 - 90: The Epiphany of Another Adventurer Team

The next day, by the river.

"Now, Ores!" Shui Yanqing gripped her sword with both hands, fiercely slashing the hippo in front of her before quickly dodging another hippo's charge.

"I know, you don't have to shout."

Ores glanced at the double-bladed axe in her hand, took a deep breath, sprinted three quick steps, and leaped into the air. As the magical patterns on the axe blade activated, a gleaming chill flashed, and she swung down, creating a massive gash in the hippo's tough, tenacious hide.

The injured hippo let out a terrified shriek, spurting blood as it ran, knocking Ores down in its path before charging straight into the water. The other two hippos, seeing what had happened, grew fearful and, chased by the other girls, escaped back into the river and raced toward the opposite bank.

The remaining few couldn't catch up and could only watch as the three hippos crossed over the hill on the other side of the river and disappeared from sight.

"Although we didn't kill them, we did drive them away. I wonder if it counts as completing the mission." Blanchi said uncertainly.

"We'll find out when we ask back in town." Prin brushed off the dirt and grass from her clothes.

Meanwhile, Tilan stared at Ores sitting by the riverbank, covered in mud and blood, feeling amused but also pitying her. She stifled a laugh and helped her up.

"Ugh, I'm so dirty, Tilan." Ores whimpered with a sob as she complained to Tilan.

"It's okay, you can wash up when we get back." Tilan gently wiped her face clean and held her close in comfort.

"The rules of engagement restricted many abilities, otherwise this wouldn't have been so troublesome." Shui Yanqing approached, shaking her Shui Lan-colored hair that was also speckled with mud.

"Still, if not for the restrictions, we wouldn't have experienced the struggles and liveliness of combat like this. I actually found it pretty fun. I'm suddenly looking forward to what's coming next." Audrey said as she walked over clutching her seven-stringed zither.

"Let's go. I'll carry the axe for you." Shui Yanqing slung her sword over her back and picked up the axe half-buried in the riverbank mud.

"It's kind of heavy." She tested its weight with a few swings.

"Yanqing swinging an axe looks pretty cool too." Blanchi pointed out with a grin.

Afterward, the six regrouped and returned to the town. After cleaning up, they gathered on the tavern's ground floor to eat.

"Ores is still bathing and will come down later. You can order first." Tilan came downstairs to inform everyone.

"Then Tilan, go ahead and order for Ores."

After waiting for a while, Tilan went back upstairs to check if Ores had finished bathing.

"I asked the townsfolk earlier, and they said driving away the hippos was sufficient to complete the mission."

"We received the reward of 200 gold coins. Additionally, a hunter mentioned that because we drove away the hippos, he couldn't complete the task and claim the reward himself."

"He asked us if we could spare him 100 gold coins, promising to assist us in battling the bandits at the thief's lair."

"It seems these two missions are connected. I knew it—if the number of players in town was insufficient to handle the bandits, there had to be some kind of solution. Turns out, the clue was here."

"Thinking further, if we had even fewer people, say just three of us, then perhaps the ones helping us wouldn't just be this hunter but maybe another NPC squad."

"Let's agree to it. Following the hints always makes things easier."

"I think so too."

...

Just as the four were discussing the afternoon task, Tilan walked downstairs with Ores.

This time, she was dressed in a simple, medieval cotton dress. Her silver hair was tied up simply, still damp with traces of moisture. As she sat down, the others couldn't help but glance at her a few extra times.

"What's the matter? Why are you all staring at me?" She checked herself to ensure there were no stains left.

"Nothing, just suddenly noticing that Ores seems a bit different." Prin answered straightforwardly.

"Perhaps more plain, but it makes you feel more approachable." Blanchi mused.

"Simply put, you look like a normal person now." Shui Yanqing remarked with her usual sharp tongue.

"Was I that aloof before?" Ores surprisingly didn't react angrily.

"Well, maybe just a little bit."

"It's not that Ores was bad or anything, it's just that some unintended habits of yours gave people a certain impression—not intentional, of course, you weren't aware of it. Not everyone comes from such favorable circumstances like you do." Audrey explained after some thought.

"See? Everyone actually likes you better this way." Tilan said as she gently pressed Ores's shoulder from behind.

'Exuding pure elegance, power, and grace all the time doesn't always convince others of your authenticity. It may even make you seem distant and arrogant.'

'Showing a softer, more delicate side occasionally makes you come across as more genuine and beautiful.' That was what she had told Ores upstairs.

"I understand." Though still a bit awkward, warmth and happiness flowed through her.

"Now that everyone's here, let's start lunch!~"

The table was laden with a sumptuous feast, much of it freshly cooked and still steaming.

"Yay \\(^o^)/~"

Thanks to completing the mission, the team was flush with funds, making lunch particularly lavish. Compared to last night, there was a large plate of roast beef added, enough for every member to have two portions.

After lunch, the six took a two-hour nap before heading out together.

"Today we'll settle that mission, no more delays."

"Let's go!"

The six set out with great energy, bringing along the hunter as their guide. With his help, Tilan and her party followed concealed paths to approach the thief's lair and initiated their assault.

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