Under the influence of the Corrupting Ripple, Anya lost half of her health, which indeed counted as a severe injury.

  "Are you alright?" The others inquired with concern.

  "Healing!" This was the moment for the Priest and the Cleric to take action.

  The two of them cast the healing spell simultaneously, and before long, Anya was restored to full health. She gave her arms a shake and then giggled once more. "I'm fine! Thank you all for your concern!"

  "Come to think of it, Sir Kenley, how did you know that we should jump earlier?" The group directed their gazes towards Kenley.

  "Didn't any of you notice the Goblin Shaman on the back of the Champion Goblin?" Kenley asked, wearing a look of mild confusion.

  The group exchanged glances, and each of them shook their heads.

  Upon hearing this, Kenley slapped his forehead, truly at a loss for words with these individuals.

  "Mr. Kenley, are you referring to that piece of tattered cloth on the back of the Champion Goblin?" Guinevere seemed to have grasped something.

  Finally, there was someone who understood. Kenley, with a measure of patience, explained, "That wasn't a piece of tattered cloth on the leader's back. It was the Goblin Shaman, the guide of the Champion Goblin. It is capable of casting a third-tier dark magic known as the Corrupting Ripple. Once struck by that magic, you would lose more than half of your vitality. To evade that move, you must either jump into the air or dodge in the manner that Her Highness Princess Guinevere did."

  "So that's how it is. You are truly erudite!" Anya, who had previously held a dismissive attitude towards Kenley, now placed even greater trust in him.

  "No wonder you told us to jump earlier. I've only ever read about the Corrupting Ripple in books. This is the first time I've witnessed it in actual combat." Fess said, deep in contemplation.

  The group, upon hearing Kenley's explanation, suddenly understood. It seemed that they were not lacking in knowledge but rather in practical combat experience.

  "Actually, Master has an in-depth understanding of many monsters. He is like a treasure trove that can never be fully explored." Just then, Tia suddenly interjected.

  Guinevere's eyes flickered, and she asked, "Tia, how long have you been accompanying Mr. Kenley?"

  "For a little over a month..."

  "A month... Judging by Tia's extensive combat experience, was it also Mr. Kenley who instructed you?" Guinevere was meticulous. She had observed Tia's efficient and decisive finishing move earlier, which clearly indicated that it was not her first time performing such an action.

  Tia nodded. "Yes! In the past month, we have completed 45 third-tier tasks. The two of us have accomplished nearly half of all the third-tier tasks issued by the Imperial City Adventurer's Guild."

  "What?!" Anya exclaimed in a shrill voice.

  "Are you saying that the two of you completed 45 third-tier tasks within a single month?" Anya opened her mouth wide in astonishment.

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  "Yes. What's the problem?" Tia looked puzzled.

  "Fess, how many third-tier tasks have we completed in total over the past three months?" Anya turned around and asked.

  Fess, with beads of sweat on his forehead, scratched his head. "I think it's two..."

  Kenley opened his mouth, unsure of how to comment. Although they possessed combat abilities, their performance was rather lackadaisical. Even the novices in the Adventurer's Guild could complete at least five or six tasks of the same tier within a month. These pampered noble youths truly lacked any sense of urgency.

  Practical combat experience is of utmost importance. Kenley couldn't help but cast a glance at Guinevere. How on earth had she come up with the idea of forming a team with such a group of people? Was it merely because they were all nobles and she could trust them?

  However, it was difficult to say. After all, when teaming up with Guinevere, trust was indeed a crucial factor. If they had a teammate with malicious intentions, it could potentially pose a life-threatening danger to Guinevere.

  Presumably, Christophon wouldn't approve either, as it would be too risky. Hiring the guild master with a substantial sum of money to select suitable warriors made sense. After all, in the heat of battle, trust was equivalent to life. One simply couldn't afford to turn their back on someone they didn't trust...

  Presumably, it was because Guinevere had recognized that Tia was of royal lineage and that both Tia and Kenley possessed the Mark of Devotion that she felt so at ease teaming up with Kenley... This was the only speculation Kenley could make.

  Kenley then said, "Everyone, I have a proposal."

  "Please go ahead, Mr. Kenley." Guinevere was the first to respond.

  "I would like to volunteer. If you have no objections, I would like to assume the role of team leader. Everyone, please ensure that you follow my commands without fail. The trial labyrinth is no trivial matter. In the event of an accident here, you will truly lose your life, and this is not a jest." Kenley said with a solemn expression.

  Upon hearing Kenley's words, the group fell into a momentary silence.

  However, involuntarily, all of their eyes turned towards Guinevere. It seemed that the true decision-maker was still Guinevere, for she was, after all, the leader of the group.

  "I agree."

  Her words were soft, yet they clearly conveyed Guinevere's stance.

  Following the first expression of agreement, several more voices of consent ensued.

  "I have no objections." Fess raised his hand.

  "Mr. Kenley's experience and strength are clearly evident to all. I also have no objections." The Priest raised his hand as well.

  "Ditto." The Cleric raised his hand.

  Only Anya was the slowest to react. She looked around, giggled, and said, "I agree! But Captain Kenley, could you teach me a couple of moves later? I'm willing to pay! Please be my teacher!"

  Kenley was somewhat taken aback. What on earth was Anya up to?

  "Anya, I am still far too young to be a teacher. If you insist on making me your teacher now, others will surely brand my name on the pillar of shame." Kenley replied irritably.

  "I don't care! The teachers in the academy always wear a stern expression and their classes are dreadfully dull. Going on adventures with you would not only enhance my experience but also broaden my horizons. It's a multi-faceted benefit! Isn't it much better than sitting idly in the academy attending classes?"

  Kenley looked her up and down. At only 16 years of age, she had already reached the introductory level of the third tier, which was a clear indication of her exceptional talent. Moreover, she had come to participate in the Bronze Trial while still in school. No wonder she was so haughty.

  "That's all I can offer. No, I don't want to be a teacher, even if you pay me. You'll benefit from it, but I'll be at a disadvantage." Having said that, Kenley waved his hand and turned around, preparing to push open the door to the second floor.

  "Hey! Why are you being so obstinate? You're turning down money? I'm really set on this." Anya was clearly unyielding and was about to walk towards Kenley.

  Just then, Tia smiled faintly and stepped in front of Anya. "Ms. Anya, Master has said that he doesn't want to be a teacher. Please don't put him in a difficult position."

  For some inexplicable reason, upon seeing Tia's strange smile, Anya felt an unprovoked chill run down her spine.

  Just then, Fess patted Anya's arm. "Don't be in a daze. The others have already gone to the next floor." With that, he also walked forward.

  In that moment of distraction, everyone had left, leaving Anya alone to face the cold air.

  "Ah! So frustrating!" Anya roared in frustration.