Starting Unlimited Evolution from Grinding

Chapter 236: The Priest Gets Five Promotions in a Row, Attributes Explode

"Promotion conditions met. Profession Priest (lv5) promoted—Current Profession Priest (lv6)"

"Gained profession attribute bonuses: Strength+1, Constitution+1, Agility+2, Spirit+4, Mana+4!"

Just like with previous professions, the jump from level 5 to 6 represented a major breakthrough in class progression.

Then there was the upgrade to the profession skill.

"Your Priest profession skill—Priest's Heart has leveled up!"

【Priest's Heart】Lv2: Holy Light illuminates all things, bringing compassion and mercy. You have saved numerous lives, and the Holy Light takes pride in you. From this day forward, healing others is your lifelong mission and pursuit.

Skill Effect: Healing/Purification effects increased by 20%!

Next came the additional profession insignia.

"Congratulations on becoming a Veteran Level Priest. Your healing abilities have advanced further. Your profession rank has increased. Gained profession rank insignia—Veteran: Shield and buff-type skills receive an additional 10% enhancement to their original effects!"

This is really good!The effect of the Priest profession insignia made Lin Mo's eyes light up.

This 10% shield effect enhancement wasn't limited to just Priest profession skills—it also applied to skills like his 【Crystal Shield Technique】 and 【Frost Guard】.

The additional boost to buff effects was also quite useful. Although Lin Mo currently didn't have many buff-type skills, once he accumulated more similar BUFF skills and raised his own attributes and skill levels, this extra enhancement would feel very comfortable.

Not bad, not bad...

And then, just like with the previous Ranger profession, after breaking through to Veteran Level, the Priest profession continued to level up, and this time it was even more exaggerated than before.

"Promotion conditions met. Profession Priest (lv6) promoted—Current Profession Priest (lv7)"

"Gained profession attribute bonuses: Constitution+1, Agility+1, Spirit+2, Mana+2!"

"Promotion conditions met. Profession Priest (lv7) promoted—Current Profession Priest (lv8)"

"Gained profession attribute bonuses: Constitution+1, Agility+1, Spirit+3, Mana+3!"

"Promotion conditions met. Profession Priest (lv8) promoted—Current Profession Priest (lv9)"

"Gained profession attribute bonuses: Constitution+2, Agility+2, Spirit+3, Mana+3!"

"Promotion conditions met. Profession Priest (lv9) promoted—Current Profession Priest (lv10)"

"Gained profession attribute bonuses: Constitution+2, Agility+2, Spirit+4, Mana+4!"

Compared to the Mage profession, which focused primarily on Mana with Spirit as secondary, the Priest profession's attribute bonuses were basically balanced between Spirit and Mana.

But in reality, whether in terms of Mana consumption or mental load, Priest profession skills were slightly higher than spells.

Of course, this wasn't absolute. Some more special magics, like Lin Mo's 【Flash】 skill, had higher consumption than Priest skills.

After five consecutive level-ups, Lin Mo's attributes received a leap-forward improvement.

His highest attribute, Mana, including profession bonuses, had now reached an astonishing 170 points!

This had completely reached, and even exceeded, the standard of a Mage who had just entered Elite Level.

In other words, purely as a Mage, he already possessed substantial Elite Level strength, not to mention he was quite well-rounded, with other high-level professions as support.

Including his equipment, which was exceptionally luxurious, plus the variety of powerful skills with strong effects...

With combat power at this level, even against level 12 magical creatures, Lin Mo was confident he could achieve almost injury-free solo kills.

However, at least on their current journey, there weren't any magical creatures that powerful for him to fight.

They didn't encounter a single magical creature until they were seven or eight kilometers away from Fargard City.

This was actually normal. On one hand, Fargard City placed great importance on urban security, with many guards patrolling the city surroundings daily, killing any magical creatures they encountered immediately.

On the other hand, Fargard City was, after all, an adventurer city with numerous adventurers. Those magical creatures that came too close would be eliminated incidentally by adventurers heading out on missions.

Over time, no magical creatures dared approach this area anymore.

But after reaching slightly more distant locations, the merchant convoy's route began to occasionally show signs of magical creatures.

This was naturally when the adventurers needed to do their work.

Logically speaking, these low-level magical creatures should be handled by the less powerful members of the team. On one hand, it provided them with some practice and experience, and on the other hand, the stronger team members could better preserve their condition and strength to deal with more troublesome opponents.

But how could Lin Mo let these proficiency points go to waste?

So the moment he spotted a magical creature, he immediately rushed out of the carriage, arriving before the level 1 creature with lightning speed, and unleashed a 【Swift Rushing Punch】.

The magical creature flew out as if hit by a truck, soaring eight zhang away, and was dead before it even hit the ground.

For a level 1 magical creature, this could be considered a grand burial.

On the Lion Adventuring Company's side, Luke, who had just prepared to take action, watched as the magical creature flew away, completely dumbfounded.

Wasn't this supposed to be his job?

Or at the very least, that half-orc over there should be handling it. Why did this guy take action directly?

And...

What incredible speed!

Could he be an agility-type Warrior?

Dirk wasn't surprised by Lin Mo's performance. In terms of pure strength, their company leader was certainly stronger, but it was precisely Lin Mo's tremendous speed advantage that had left their leader momentarily helpless and unable to deal with him effectively.

Such speed, combined with considerable strength and close combat ability, was already enough for this young adventurer to hold his own against Elite Level experts. More importantly, he was wearing robes.

So far, Dirk hadn't seen Lin Mo use any spells.

However, while he had no doubts about Lin Mo's strength, his sudden action did surprise Dirk.

Similarly surprised was the merchant convoy leader, Glenn.

One could only say that this was perhaps the impulsiveness of youth—seeing magical creatures made his hands itch.

As for the strength Dirk had bragged about regarding Lin Mo, Glenn had previously been skeptical, but witnessing it firsthand made him somewhat believe it now.

Although the opponent wasn't impressive by any means, that single move just now was indeed at the level only a Veteran Level Warrior could achieve.

That's good...

As long as everything goes smoothly on the journey ahead and we don't encounter any Middle-tier Lord Level magical creatures, my mission should be completed successfully.

The carriage continued onward, and along the subsequent route, they only occasionally encountered magical creatures.

Each time, Lin Mo would always notice the magical creatures before anyone else, then immediately rush over to eliminate them. Over time, everyone grew accustomed to it. Luke no longer nervously observed their surroundings constantly, and when he spotted magical creatures, he didn't need to stand up and draw his sword anymore.

After all, even if he stood up, often by the time his sword was drawn, the magical creature would already be lying on the ground.

This mission is really comfortable...

Not only do we have a powerhouse carrying us, but this powerhouse is even particularly proactive. We don't even have to do the dirty or heavy work.

Even if the final rewards we receive are slightly less, this vacation-like mission is truly something that's hard to come by.

【Swift Rushing Punch】proficiency +8

【Jumping Slash】proficiency +3

【Grab】proficiency +5

...

Although the number of magical creatures encountered along the way wasn't high, and their strength wasn't particularly strong, fortunately, those Warrior skills of Lin Mo's weren't high-grade either. Swift Rushing Punch was a green excellent-grade skill, while Jumping Slash and Grab were even white common-grade skills with not very high level caps. The proficiency these magical creatures provided had already significantly increased their progress.

Among them, Grab, being a newly purchased skill from the market, was naturally the easiest to level up. Lin Mo subsequently invested some extra effort into it, using this skill to kill most of the magical creatures encountered later, quickly raising it to level 3.

"Skill 【Grab】Lv1 (10/10) leveled up!"

"Current skill 【Grab】Lv2 (0/20)"

...

"Skill 【Grab】Lv2 (20/20) leveled up!"

"Current skill 【Grab】Lv3 (2/40)"

"Gained attribute point Strength+1!"

Although the gain wasn't much, at least there was improvement, and improvement motivates people to keep going.

Time passed bit by bit, and before they knew it, the sky gradually darkened.

After traveling for a full day, both people and horses were somewhat tired. Moreover, continuing forward would take them into the Blackwater Swamp area, so it was time to stop and rest.

There were many people in the merchant convoy, roughly thirty to forty in total. These people were accustomed to spending nights in the wilderness. After securing the vehicles and horses, they quickly began dividing tasks efficiently—some responsible for feeding the horses, others for setting up tents, lighting campfires, and placing traps.

As for adventurers like Lin Mo and his group, they actually had nothing to do.

"Thank you for your hard work. The tents will be set up shortly. If needed, the merchant convoy can provide meals."

The merchant convoy leader Glenn came over immediately to communicate briefly with them.

"No need..."

Lin Mo had already discussed these matters with Ellie and the others.

"You can sleep in the carriage tonight. We brought our own food, including meat from the magical creatures we killed along the way."

Some magical creatures with better-textured meat naturally wouldn't be wasted. Besides keeping some for themselves, Lin Mo also shared some with Luke and the merchant convoy.

"Alright, then I won't disturb everyone's rest."

With that, Glenn quickly turned and left, apparently to arrange matters for the merchant convoy.

Lin Mo's group lit their own campfire separately, taking out the magical beast meat stored in the Spatial Ring to make roasted meat.

They also took out a small pot to cook a steaming hot meat soup.

Previously, when going on adventures, they were mostly in forests where carriages couldn't enter, so they could only set up camps and sleep in tents.

The grass in the wilderness was very lush. Even with the Spatial Ring, where Lin Mo could bring several sets of bedding to lay underneath, the comfort level still wasn't particularly high.

But this luxurious carriage from the Oxivis Family was completely different.

The interior space was quite spacious. With some minor rearrangements, moving the furniture to the corners, the central area could comfortably sleep all four of them.

The carriage already had high-quality blankets—just spread out bed sheets, and it became a comfortable large bed.

Under the intense heat of the fire, sizzling sounds of oil emerged, and the aroma of magical creature meat spread. Lin Mo had specifically chosen magical creatures with excellent texture and taste, and this particular creature's level wasn't low—it had reached level two.

For a wild magical creature, this level was quite high.

"Almost ready..."

Lin Mo took out seasonings, evenly sprinkling them on the roasted meat, adding more flavor to the already tempting roast.

Ellie sat casually to the side, eagerly rubbing her hands, occasionally licking her lips, her cute little fangs faintly visible.

Finnie still sat properly, appearing somewhat reserved.

Sherfilia was helping with the meat soup while Lin Mo turned the roasting meat. This brief moment of leisure was quite pleasant.

"Alright, it's ready to eat."

After speaking, Lin Mo grabbed Ellie's collar: "Don't be so hasty, it's still hot."

"Oh~"

Ellie didn't resist either, her ears and tail drooping along with her head. That dejected appearance made Finnie's lips curl up slightly despite herself.

Lin Mo cut the roasted meat into not-too-large pieces for easier handling.

Taking out plates and forks from the Spatial Ring, aside from sitting on the ground, this meal was quite formal.

Even in wilderness living, quality of life is important. When conditions allow, naturally one should improve it as much as possible.

"Mmm~ Tasty!"

However, Ellie clearly didn't much like using forks. She extended her merciless iron hands, grabbing meat to stuff into her mouth.

Watching her wolf it down, her throat constantly moving, Lin Mo subtly coughed lightly, pushing aside the inappropriate sense of déjà vu.

He forked several pieces of meat onto a plate, cut the already small pieces into even smaller portions, and handed it to Finnie.

The young girl took the plate with both hands, saying in her still soft, somewhat shy voice: "Thank you, Mr. Lin Mo."

"You're welcome."

Lin Mo smiled, forking a piece of meat and bringing it to Finnie's mouth.

"M... Mr. Lin Mo?"

Finnie's face instantly reddened. She glanced at Ellie, then at Sherfilia, before shifting her gaze to Dirk and the others not far away.

The young priest's skin was still somewhat thin, but she ultimately couldn't resist the temptation and opened her mouth, gently biting into the tender, juicy roasted meat.

Abundant juices burst open in her mouth, the delicate texture mixing with rich aroma, no worse than what high-end restaurants served.

Having cooked for himself many times, Lin Mo had gradually mastered the techniques and heat control.

"Is it delicious?"

Finnie nodded vigorously, her light purple eyes like mirrors reflecting only Lin Mo's figure.

"Lin Mo, I want some too!"

Ellie, sitting to the side, wasn't having it and directly came over, wrapping her arms around Lin Mo's neck while acting spoiled.

Lin Mo mercilessly pushed her away, his face full of "disdain": "Look at you, eating until your mouth is all oily..."

While saying this, he took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped her mouth.

Ellie giggled foolishly, cooperating obediently by sitting properly.

After wiping her glossy, moist lips clean, Lin Mo forked a piece of meat and brought it to her mouth.

Ellie took a big "chomp" bite, her eyes lighting up: "It feels... like the meat you feed me tastes better."

Lin Mo rubbed the wolf-girl's head: "How could there be any difference?"

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Finnie staring at him with longing eyes, looking pitiful like an abandoned kitten by the roadside.

So he quickly forked another piece of meat and delivered it to her.

"Lin Mo, I want more..."

After over ten minutes, he finally managed to feed both of them until they were full. Lin Mo breathed a sigh of relief, leaning against a tree, his eyes carrying some doubt about life.

Sherfilia very timely walked over and squatted beside him, expressionlessly bringing roasted meat to his mouth.

"Please open your mouth, Master."

Lin Mo glanced at her. Although she looked like a block of wood, the moment her eyes met his, she instinctively avoided his gaze, clearly still somewhat shy.

Lin Mo enjoyed the young maid's feeding service for a while, then suddenly took out a fork from his Spatial Ring, forked a piece of meat, and brought it to Sherfilia's mouth.

"You haven't eaten a single bite yet, right? Here, open your mouth..."

Sherfilia froze for a long time, her entire body stiffening.

She opened her mouth several times, wanting to say this wasn't proper, but ultimately swallowed her words back down.

A person can deceive anyone, but they can never deceive their own feelings.

Sherfilia ultimately, as usual, obediently opened her mouth.

"Things seem quite lively over there."

On Dirk's side, the Ranger Hahn commented teasingly.

"Young people..."

Dirk shrugged: "Weren't you like this when you were young?"

"Uh—"

Hahn somewhat awkwardly scratched his head: "When I was his age, I liked spending nights at Flower Street."

Dirk rolled his eyes, too lazy to bother with him.

They were all experienced adventurers here. Their cooking skills weren't exceptional, but definitely not bad either. Combined with the inherently good quality of magical beast meat, they ate quite well.

He leaned against a tree, looking into the distance. About one or two hours' journey ahead, they would enter the Blackwater Swamp area.

Tomorrow marked the true beginning of this journey.

If they successfully crossed the Blackwater Swamp within a day, this mission would be considered accomplished.

Conversely, if they encountered too many magical creatures and got delayed, it would become quite troublesome.

If they couldn't traverse the entire Blackwater Swamp before sunset tomorrow, they would have no choice but to travel through the night.

Although doing so was very dangerous, by nighttime they would likely already be in the final stage of the route, which was also the most dangerous area. Under no circumstances could they stop to camp in such a situation.

Moreover, although according to past data the probability was quite low, less than 5%, they still had to consider the possibility of encountering Elite Level magical creatures...

What a headache!

Dirk stood up, intending to take a walk to relax.

While moving through the camp, he suddenly saw the merchant convoy leader Glenn, holding a package in one hand, heading toward the central carriage of the convoy.

What was he going to do?

Dirk felt somewhat curious, but still withdrew his gaze.

As adventurers, generally speaking, it was better not to pry into the employer's affairs.

"Dirk?"

Lin Mo's voice suddenly sounded in his ear. Dirk turned his head, saw Lin Mo's somewhat disheveled appearance, smiled understandingly, and patted his shoulder: "You've had quite a tough time too."

Lin Mo smiled wryly: "You came out to relax too?"

"Yeah, sitting in the carriage all day without moving around feels a bit uncomfortable."

"By the way, speaking of which, what is this merchant convoy transporting that's so urgent?"

Lin Mo had been quite curious about this.

Normally, even if crowded, most merchant groups would still choose the safer Route 1 or Route 5.

Specifically taking Route 11 for transport likely meant it was something with strong timeliness.

"This... Mr. Glenn mentioned it to me before. Besides basic goods, there's also an alchemical material with a relatively short preservation period called Bloodvine."

"I see..."

Lin Mo had read about this plant before. It was a material used to make "Rage Potions." Because it was difficult to cultivate and could only survive under specific conditions, yet this plant's activity could only be maintained for less than ten days after harvesting, the transportation process was often very urgent.

As expected, going through all this trouble, hiring adventurers, could only be because of such precious and time-sensitive items.

"I asked around with our company members. The Emerald Merchant Group often transports this material to the Royal Capital, selling it to the Morin Family."

"Morin? Duke Sted Morin?"

Lin Mo suddenly froze.

"Yeah, although this duke doesn't have a great reputation, his family's alchemy industry is indeed impressive, holding a pivotal position in the Doria Kingdom."

Lin Mo's brow gradually furrowed. They didn't have good relations with this Duke Sted.

However, this was just a merchant group cooperating with the Morin Family, not necessarily directly connected to Duke Sted himself. Moreover, Dirk had actively accepted this mission and negotiated with the other party.

Later on, it was only by chance that they met and discussed cooperating to complete the mission together.

Lin Mo still trusted Dirk quite a bit.

It was unlikely that all of this was deliberately designed, so this mission probably had nothing to do with that duke.

Just a pure coincidence.

Wait, that's not right!

Lin Mo suddenly thought of something...

If it was Bloodvine, given this material's characteristic of medicinal potency leakage, it should require storage in mana containers.

These mana containers were made from mana-storing materials, using pre-stored mana for continuous mana circulation to form a mana barrier.

This would, on one hand, somewhat alleviate the loss of Bloodvine's medicinal efficacy, and on the other hand, prevent the Bloodvine's medicinal potency from leaking out, affecting the carriage-pulling horses or even the people responsible for transport.

But in the merchant convoy's carriage, Lin Mo hadn't sensed any mana fluctuations!

So, although this matter probably wasn't Duke Sted's scheme for revenge against him, the merchant convoy leader Glenn must have lied!

Why would he lie...

What exactly was this merchant convoy truly escorting?!

Lin Mo frowned tightly, asking: "Did you see Glenn just now?"

"I saw him... He seemed to be carrying two cloth bags toward the central carriage area. Why?"

Dirk looked completely puzzled, not feigning ignorance.

"No, nothing."

Lin Mo shook his head, half-squinting his eyes: "It's getting late, I should go back and rest."

"Oh, alright..."

Dirk watched his retreating back, feeling somewhat confused for a moment.