Having accepted the new task, Eust knew he needed to complete it as soon as possible, as the rewards of increased strength and funds were urgently needed.
Eust had already asked Sunny about the nature of the strength-increasing rewards. Sunny explained that the most common type was improving physical attributes. If they encountered other types of strength enhancements, they should consider themselves lucky, as these rewards usually had effects superior to direct physical improvements.
For example, the reward that increased recovery abilities didn’t directly boost combat power but significantly helped with stamina recovery, directly affecting training intensity and combat endurance.
In mathematical or physical terms, one reward increased distance (s), while the other increased speed (v). Directly enhancing physical attributes belonged to the former, while improving recovery abilities belonged to the latter.
They might encounter various strength-enhancing types in the future, but the task rewards would always be closely related to Eust and Sunny’s specific circumstances, not appearing out of nowhere.
Eust put down his luggage, changed into suitable training clothes, and, along with Sunny, left the room, locking the door behind them. Before heading out, they greeted the innkeeper and little Rika on the first floor. Eust didn’t forget Koby either, glancing at him a few times before leaving. He wasn’t sure if Koby noticed his gaze.
Since the “Combo 1” training included a 10-kilometer run, it required a suitable location and took time, making it somewhat troublesome. Eust needed to find a proper place for training, preferably outside the town.
Eust had in mind a place near where he had previously gone fishing. It was secluded, had a long enough coastline for running, and he could also take care of his food needs there.
However, upon arriving there, Eust and Sunny encountered someone they didn’t want to see: Jack, the extortionist head guard who had “rescued” them and his expressionless subordinate, Karl. Eust recognized their figures from a distance.
Eust did not want to greet them and quickly turned away, knowing there were other suitable places to train. He didn’t want any more dealings with them.
Fortunately, the new spot Eust found was free of interruptions, allowing him to start his physical training while Sunny continued his special training as a strategist cat.
Time flew by as Eust pushed through his training. He managed to complete three sets of the “Combo 1” before nightfall. He had to hurry, but this was his current limit. He decided to check the traps he had set earlier; if they had caught anything, it would save him the trouble of fishing.
Luck was on his side. The traps had indeed caught some fish, which saved him the effort of catching them himself. These “dummy fish” were easy to catch once he found the right spot.
He quickly prepared the food with his knife, using the ample salt he had brought. The preparation was much faster this way.
The items Eust had brought had cost him a fair amount of Beli. That morning, although he hadn’t caught any rare fish, he had managed to catch several valuable ones, earning him quite a bit of Beli.
He had decided not to sell the lower-value fish, as they weren’t worth much. Most of those ended up in their bellies instead.
Sunny, full from the meal, lay motionless, too tired to move. His special strategist cat training was also quite draining. Now, Sunny was content to lie back and encourage Eust with cheers, urging him to continue his physical training.
Eust rested for a while before resuming his training. The task goal was still looming, and he knew that putting in extra time tonight would make tomorrow much easier.
…
When Eust returned to the inn that night, he greeted the innkeeper before heading upstairs to rest. He had no energy to think about anything else, be it Rika, Koby, or the innkeeper. The four sets of training he had done in such a short time had exhausted him, even with his enhanced recovery abilities. Resting well and continuing his efforts the next day was the right approach.
The next morning, Eust didn’t eat at the inn, not because he disliked the food. Foodfoo had good business, so the food must be tasty, but Eust was short on Beli and needed to complete his task quickly.
According to Sunny’s estimate, the jewels they were trying to recover were worth at least 1 million Beli, enough for Eust and Sunny to live comfortably for a while. This thought excited Eust a bit.
This time, passing by the shore, Eust didn’t run into Jack. As a squad leader of the trading company’s guards, Jack being there yesterday was strange enough. Seeing him again today would be even stranger.
However, Eust still headed to the training spot he used the day before, hoping the simple fish traps he set would have some catches. Fresh fish, along with the milk he bought on the way, would make a good breakfast.
Eust planned to stay out of town for the day and return only after completing the task, freshening up, and finding a suitable shop to visit.
…
When Eust returned to Foodfoo that evening, he had already sold the jewels and earned 880,000 Beli. He paid for another month’s accommodation and requested a few bottles of milk from the innkeeper before heading back to his room.
Security was already good at the naval base in Shields Town, and it improved even more after Captain Morgan’s capture. While selling the jewels, Eust had hidden his appearance and voice, ensuring no issues arose.
Thus, Eust achieved his second goal: securing funds for the short term. His first goal had been to leave the deserted island and return to human society safely.
Watching Sunny drink milk, Eust asked, “Based on this task’s outcome, it seems our initial plan was flawed. The increase in physical attributes was minimal. I thought we could exploit a loophole in the Task Fruit to save a task opportunity. What do you think, Sunny?”
“Meow, I felt something was off after the task was issued but didn’t mention it to keep your spirits up. It’s clear there was an issue. I think we should separate the tasks in the future to avoid today’s situation. Meow!”
“Sigh, I knew that was an option, but I was unwilling to give up. My first brainstorming attempt only succeeded halfway. Am I really an idiot, or did my golden finger not load properly?”
“Meow, you’re saying strange things again. I’m not paying attention to you. Meow, this milk is pretty good. I like it. Meow!”
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