Shi Xing'an and his teammates exchanged wide-eyed looks of disbelief as they took in the revelation before them. The atmosphere brimmed with a mixture of astonishment and curiosity, each of them pondering the implications of what they had just learned about Lin. The fact that all of them were seniors from Xia Jing Academy, witnessing a freshman with such extraordinary prowess, shattered their preconceptions about the capabilities of new students.
"Junior, your profession... a necromancer? That's a first for me," Shi Xing'an remarked, trying to mask his surprise with a casual tone.
Lin simply nodded, "Yes, it's a newer discipline."
The revelation only added to the intrigue, prompting Liang Yue to step closer. "Your abilities are fascinating. And this encounter... it's been nothing short of astonishing," she admitted, offering a smile that mixed admiration with a hint of envy.
Lin's contribution had dramatically shifted the tide of their battle, making the arduous task of breaking through the demonic dog siege seem effortless. His modest response, highlighting the duty they all shared in combating the abyssal monsters, further cemented his standing among the group. "It is our responsibility, after all," Lin stated plainly.
Shi Xing'an, inspired by Lin's attitude, loudly concurred, "Exactly! It's our duty as guardians against the abyss." His declaration, echoed by nods of agreement from the team, underscored a shared sentiment of purpose and resolve.
However, the discussion soon veered towards the harsh realities of their quest, with Liang Yue pointing out the daunting challenges of reaching level 40 and undergoing the second job transfer, especially for those aiming to infiltrate the abyss.
Shi Xing'an, undeterred, outlined his ambitious plan to amass military merit, upgrade his equipment to platinum level, and gather a formidable team to conquer the hell dungeon. His determination was palpable, even as they touched on the subject of the notorious dungeon located near the border of the Shenxia Empire—a place of frequent conflict with professionals from the Bangzi Kingdom.
As the conversation unfolded, Lin remained mostly an observer, absorbing the tales of strife and ambition shared by his seniors. The group's camaraderie, now extended to include Lin, was evident as they discussed future endeavors and shared a light-hearted moment over Shi Xing'an's spirited retort to a nosy onlooker, presumed to be from the Bangzi Kingdom.
The evening progressed with the group sharing stories and plans by the fireside. Shi Xing'an's offer of medicinal wine to Lin, which was politely declined, led to a brief exchange about its benefits and the unique role of gourmets in crafting such beneficial concoctions.
As they prepared for their next dungeon attempt, Shi Xing'an extended an invitation to Lin to join them. Lin, however, chose to proceed alone, hinting at his self-sufficiency and the power of his necromantic abilities that had impressed everyone just hours before.
The discussion veered into the challenges of the hell difficulty level dungeons, with Shi Xing'an and Liang Yue sharing their experiences and the formidable control skills of the monsters within. Despite the difficulties, there was a light-hearted banter about past failures and hopes for future success, underscored by their determination to secure better equipment and rise to the challenges that lay ahead.
As the conversation drew to a close, Lin, seemingly uninvolved, revealed a shocking piece of information that rendered the group speechless.
In an instant, the casual atmosphere turned electric. Lin produced the [Hell Outpost Shield], a legendary item whose very existence was a myth to most. The sudden appearance of such an artifact in the hands of a freshman left Shi Xing'an and the rest in a state of stunned silence, their earlier conversation forgotten in the face of this unbelievable revelation.