"But Sanctum Coins only drops almost guaranteed from monsters level ten or above… how could it be difficult?" she was about to ask in return, then it seemed like she realized something.
Surprised, she asked, "Could it be that you defeated an elite monster? Indeed, based on the timing of the Sanctuary Tower's appearance, even if normal monsters level up fast, they can't reach level ten. Yet you have Sanctum Coins…"
Hearing this, Bai Qiu understood most of it.
Sanctum Coins only drops from monsters level ten or higher.
It was only the second day of the catastrophe, and ordinary Dragonfang soldiers were mostly still level two, a few were level three, and very few level four.
Only elite monsters could reach the minimum level required to drop Sanctum Coins.
He had misunderstood the drop mechanism.
The rabbit-eared girl stared unblinking at Bai Qiu and said, "By the way, you seem to be the first adventurer to buy potion from me!"
Feeling a little uneasy under her intense gaze, Bai Qiu began recounting how he had found the Dragonfang General on the map and fought it on the rooftop.
"Wow! Amazing! You actually defeated an elite monster above your level! And without activating your treasures!" The girl's ears fluttered like wings, and her fair cheeks flushed, clearly excited.
"Impressive, huh? Maybe."
Bai Qiu didn't get carried away by her admiration.
Instead, he looked at the scars on his right arm.
Honestly, thinking back, he questioned whether he could truly have beaten the Dragonfang General.
If he hadn't caught it off guard at the start, coincidentally crippled one of its wings, and if it hadn't summoned minions to block his view, he would have been severely injured or even killed.
If given another chance, could he do better? Or would the result be worse?
That brutal battle didn't instill fear in him.
Instead, it made him face reality: he wasn't chosen.
He could be hurt, bleed, feel pain… and even die.
He didn't regret fighting life-and-death battles with monsters, but he believed he could prepare more, gather more intelligence and items, and exhaust all his resources.
If he did all that and still failed, he could at least face death without regret.
"Well… anyway, no one is buying anything right now. Come in and sit. I have a lot to tell you." She held Bai Qiu's wrist, and even the gesture and her gaze carried a hint of coaxing.
Bai Qiu stiffened for a moment, then nodded.
He wasn't good with overly familiar people, but more importantly, she knew a lot of information he didn't.
It was useful to ask while his arm was still healing.
Following her inside, the shop was small, containing tools and herbs for making medicine, as well as tables and chairs.
On one table was a noticeable plate of carrots, one of which had been half-eaten.
The interior was dry, cool, and overall quite clean.
She led Bai Qiu to a chair, saying, "Sit, sit!"
Once he sat down, she took a seat beside him and said, "My name is Guinelia. Well, you can tell from my appearance—and everyone running shops in the Sanctuary Tower isn't originally from this world."
Bai Qiu nodded and said, "My name is Bai Qiu. Nice to meet you, Miss Guinelia."
From Guinelia, he learned that they all came from another world.
Appearing as "Supporters," they coexist with the Sanctuary Domain and cannot leave its light barrier, nor can they directly confront monsters from other worlds.
Upon arriving in this world, they automatically acquire the local civilization and knowledge, meaning they can communicate seamlessly with the residents wherever they go.
Supporters trade with natives like Bai Qiu to obtain Sanctum Coins, which they use for daily needs, leveling up, and job advancements.
When all Supporters reach certain levels and job promotions, the Sanctuary Domain selects one native "Adventurer" to become the "Guardian."
The Guardian can choose the direction of the Sanctuary Domain's development, gradually expanding the barrier's range.
Bai Qiu also learned that these otherworldly monsters aren't limited to "Dragonfang Soldiers" and "Dragonfang Generals."
Periodically, portals to other worlds open, and powerful monsters of different types gather through them to attack the Sanctuary Domain barrier together.
As for buildings outside the Sanctuary Domain barrier, repeated monster assaults will either reduce them to ruins or turn them into monster lairs.
If the barrier fails to withstand the attacks and is destroyed, humans inside will completely lose shelter, and the Supporters will also be devoured along with the natives.
Aside from Guinelia, the "Alchemist," the Supporters include: the "Blacksmith," who can craft iron weapons and armor; the "Sage," who issues tasks and maintains the Sanctuary Domain barrier; the "Tailor," who can make leather and light equipment and apply decorative enchantments; and the "Chef," who prepares delicious meals that restore vitality.
These make up the five main Supporter roles, though the black tower houses more than just these five—there are 24 Supporters in total, including many less common roles.
After listening to Guinelia's explanation, Bai Qiu chatted with her for a while.
Once his injuries were fully healed, he followed her guidance to get acquainted with the other Supporters inside the black tower.
Bai Qiu wasn't naturally sociable, but he believed communication and gathering intelligence were necessary.
After his rooftop encounter, he decided to acquire information or equipment inside the black tower that could enhance his strength.
However, after exploring, he realized that he could barely afford anything.
Fortunately, the Supporters were not busy and didn't mind him asking questions.
After enjoying a meal prepared by the "Chef," Bai Qiu understood the importance of this Supporter.
Eating the meal granted him a temporary buff.
Bai Qiu finally opened his character panel after a long time.
Bai Qiu – Lv. 7
Strength: D
Magic: D-
Endurance: D
Agility: D+
Luck: F-
Class: Lancer
Lancer Blessing: Strength + (small), Agility + (medium)
Noble Phantasm: Locked
Weapon Cards:
Steel Spear (Quality E-)
Dragon Piercing Dagger (Quality D)
Equipment Cards:
Dragon Slayer Pauldrons (Quality D)
Item Cards:
Enhancement Card (Quality D)
Skill Cards:
Berserk (Quality D)
Status Buffs:
Full Attributes +10%
Stamina Consumption -20%
Duration: 3 hours