However, it did not last long, because they were quickly replaced by new monsters.

As planned.

This was because some Runners—the newly coined term they used for members in charge of attracting monsters— literally bled themselves to attract as many monsters as possible.

And for some reason, there were also more toughened monsters coming. It wasn't that the awakened level monsters reduced in numbers—because they were, if not increased—but now there were stronger monsters coming on top of that.

Were the Runners so good at attracting beasts that even those that usually just frequented the borders of Level 2 were attracted as well?

Finn rubbed his nose, sitting on one of the rocking chairs. "I honestly thought we'd run out of monsters," he mumbled. The previous teams literally killed at least several hundred every day, if not thousands.

"Though I do worry. I see more toughened monsters around, so they might attract more dangerous mobs than they could handle."

Pang, also lounging about, looked at him. "Don't worry la, when you upgrade the inn, the energy attracts more monsters. So it is only natural you'll see more toughened level beasts."

"Excuse me?I" was that supposed to be a good thing?

"You were wondering…" the panda said, lounging as if he were getting a sun tan.

"Yeah, but safety is better than convenience!" he said. This also meant that, when the hunters left…he'd deal with more monsters on his own!

"If it makes you feel better, it only works for a few kilometers. I'm not sure if the makeup of the mob we see now is normal."

Finn sighed, rubbing his hair. He had heard that the greater majority of toughened monsters were at the borders of level 2, which was beyond a few kilometers. So there might be more to this than meets the eye, but he had no idea where to start the investigation.

"Well, we'll cross that bridge when we get there."

For now, he just had to make great impressions so that he'd never run out of customers in the future. Let them help him out in clearing these damned beasts!

Besides, having more toughened-level monsters around wasn't exactly a bad thing. A good ratio of his guests were at that level. Like this, at least they could also maximize the effects of the barrier like their awakened peers.

Days later, the week-long excursion ended up without losing anyone, which was quite the miracle to many people considering the sheer intensity of the hunting sessions they went through.

There were a lot of injuries, of course, but they simply had to be brought back to the inn to recover. They'd also help out with the team there, within the safety of the barrier.

Of course, to prevent this system from getting abused (i.e. someone getting injured on purpose so they could relax within the barrier), the team leads decided to add penalty points to those who got injured because of carelessness or other inexplicable circumstances.

Now, the final night has arrived, with most of the adventurers scheduled to leave the next day. Many were quite sad. Although it was a bit dangerous to be fighting for so long, they loved the atmosphere, the food, and the strength they gained during the past week!

However, beyond the schedule of the mission would be taken out of the adventurer's wallets. Not to mention, almost everyone had families back in the Towns, so they really would have to go eventually.

There were a few people who'd be staying for a bit longer, though, and at their own costs.

People could only envy. The place was too good and too worth it!

Here, they could literally earn the night's rest—which would've been very expensive in the safe zone—within a few hours!

Two of those staying were about to upgrade, and they heard of the 'rumor' that upgrading in the inn had speed bonuses or something.

The ones who were about to upgrade were Miya, Victor's Sister, who was at the peak of Charged state, and she would be accompanied by Leiah.

The other was Hudson, the Tank also of the Lian mercenary Team, who was at the peak of Toughened stage, running for the fortified level at the young age of 43. He was accompanied by his brother, Herbie.

Finn's lips twitched. One had to know that even if one was at the peak of the rank, it could take months to actually get to the other side.

Hopefully, they really were at the true peak of their rank, so they'd only take a few days; they'd have to pay a huge amount of money to afford their stay. Then again, it must be why they had companions who could continuously grind and pay for their rooms.

Anyway, last night, the team leader asked for a massive feast to reward everyone (at the cost of the guild, of course).

Everyone was in the inn now, and he felt so relieved he actually expanded otherwise, all these people would have limited area to move in, especially since he was keeping the majority of the forests enclosed by the barrier.

The brothers Hudson and Herbie wrapped their arms around him, poking him teasingly, wondering if he could take out a vat of alcohol again.

Finn's eyes twitched, and then he looked at the team leads, who were also looking at him wistfully.

"..."

"I am…indeed developing a few vats," he said, remembering the dozens of small vats he had in the cellar. "But…they're not much and would not be enough for your group…"

"How many will you be willing to sell?"

"I have one vat for the mild-sweet ones, and one vat for the stronger kind," he said, lying with a straight face again. He naturally had to leave a few for himself, okay!?

Gulp

Most of the women were drooling for the former, while some of the manly men wanted the latter.

That said, when Finn described how big the vats were, they knew they really wouldn't be enough for their large group. However, if only a score or two would share them, then it could be fine!

At this, everyone started looking at each other as if they were rivals. No, enemies, and Finn was worried an actual fight would happen.

Did he unlock people's hidden alcoholic attributes?

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