Whatever was inside the forest, Rayven and the others weren’t willing to know.
They swiftly left the area as they followed Efren’s instructions.
Since they didn’t have any carriages or wagons to carry them, they all just walked quickly.
As soon as they left the Greenwood forest and got onto a common road, they finally relaxed.
"Ahem... How are we going to divide that 17 silver and 35 copper that we have?" Dennis asked as he glanced at the group.
"Well... According to that pretty woman from the guild, I think mages get a huge portion, followed by those in the frontlines, and then the support should be the last." Luke said as he recalled the receptionist who assisted him with the registration.
They could probably ask Efren, who was walking in front of them, for any suggestion, but they decided to just keep it among themselves.
"How about we just divide it equally into four... We’re not even an official squad or party yet." Rayven replied.
"That’s possible... If there’s any change left, let’s make it as our group funds, so if we dine together or do any activity with the four of us, we have money to spend." Luke suggested.
Rayven and the others exchanged glances. That was actually a good idea.
Just like that, everyone got 4 silver and 8 copper each. Then, the group funds were the 1 silver and 3 copper coins left.
Although small, the number was enough to bring grins to their faces.
Even Efren smiled at their decision.
It wasn’t wealth, but Efren also believed that it was more than any of them had earned in a single day.
Then, it was only at this time that Luke recalled other loot he had on him...
He reached for a small cloth bundle in his pocket containing the beast cores.
"What about these?" He asked the group.
This time, before Rayven and the others could answer, Efren swiftly joined the conversation and asked Luke... "What would a hunter like you want with low-grade beast cores?"
Luke hesitated before glancing at Rayven.
"I want to use them... Because they’re not just trinkets for jewelers... or fuel for alchemists. Beast cores carry energy. The older hunters in my village taught me how even adventurers with no talent could still grow stronger if they learned how to absorb the energy inside."
Rayven had no idea what they were talking about...
"Absorb? You mean... directly use the cores?" Rayven asked as he imagined swallowing those Beast Cores. Content originally comes from NoveI[F]ire.net
However, Luke seemed to have read his thoughts...
"Not eat them," Luke corrected quickly.
"That’d kill you. But with training, you can draw out the energy little by little. Strengthen your body, sharpen your senses. It’s common knowledge among adventurers."
Rayven gently nodded, though he was still a bit unsure about it...
Thankfully, they knew that he was a mage, so it seemed normal that Rayven wasn’t aware of the method they used to get stronger.
"Since we can’t use mana like Mages do to get stronger, we can only use the beast cores. Just think about it... Ranking up from the Copper Rank wasn’t all about the mission you accepted from the guild, or from the experience you gained throughout the years... It’s also about your strength or power."
Tristan and Dennis nodded, clearly aware of this matter.
With this topic, Rayven couldn’t hide his curiosity.
"So... how exactly do you absorb the energy from these beast cores? If it’s not something as simple as swallowing it, there must be a process, right?"
Luke nodded. "There are different methods. The most common one—the one most adventurers trust—is through potions. You hand the cores to an alchemist, and they brew a special mixture that extracts the energy. Drinking it allows your body to absorb it safely."
Dennis laughed dryly at this suggestion. "But that costs money. Alchemists don’t work for free, and the process isn’t cheap. Sometimes it costs more than the cores themselves. Furthermore, you have to do it with plenty of beast cores instead of just one or two at once."
Tristan agreed. "Still, it’s the safest way. If the brew is made correctly, your body will absorb the energy gradually, strengthening your muscles and bones. Some even say it can sharpen the senses and give you more stamina. The effect is small with low-grade cores, but over time, it adds up."
Rayven listened carefully, as he felt that it was important knowledge for everyone. "And what about other methods?"
Luke hesitated at this question.
"The second method is... cruder. It’s meditation. You press the beast core to your body, usually against the skin, and focus on drawing in the energy directly. Hunters and some old veterans use this method when they can’t afford alchemists. But..."
"But it’s dangerous," Tristan continued. "Draw too much too fast, and it tears through your veins instead of merging with you. I’ve heard of people coughing blood, or worse—crippling themselves for life."
Rayven frowned. "So that’s why most people go with potions."
Luke nodded. "Exactly. Still, meditation is cheaper, and some claim it leaves fewer impurities in the body compared to potion absorption. You just need the patience... and maybe the willpower to endure the pain."
"Are you interested in learning how to absorb one right now? Rayven?" Dennis suddenly asked, and everyone, including Efren, looked at Rayven, waiting for his answer.