Chapter 262: Intelligence

Chapter 262: Chapter 262: Intelligence

But of course, 001 wouldn’t say any of that out loud.

Knowingly violating the rules and a simple work oversight were two vastly different offenses. As a Traveling Merchant, she knew this all too well.

Since the client had brought it up, 001 had no choice but to face the issue.

She forced the corners of her mouth upward into a generous smile and said, though it pained her, "We made a deal, so of course I can’t go back on it. So... what information are you interested in?"

Seraphina Sinclair didn’t answer right away. She propped her chin on her hand, studying 001’s expression for a moment as if enjoying the sight.

She had previously wanted information on the materials for the Water Dragon Roar, but now, with her attribute points about to meet the Skill Book’s requirements, that had naturally become the top priority.

So she asked, "I want to know, besides dungeon rewards and eating special food, what other ways are there to quickly raise attribute points? Especially... the Speed attribute."

Hearing this question, Traveling Merchant 001 first wrinkled her small nose before saying, "There are no easy ways to raise attribute points. The simplest method is consuming attribute fruits. But due to the usage limit, it’s useless for someone like you who has already taken one."

"As for other methods..."

glanced at Seraphina Sinclair, briefly analyzing her physique before saying with certainty, "You’ve been training your body, haven’t you? Training can also slowly raise your attribute points. As for which specific attribute increases, that all depends on the type of exercise you do."

"Shall I give you some examples?"

It was a question, but she didn’t wait for Seraphina Sinclair’s answer.

"Strength, as the name implies, is about physical power. Strength training, like lifting dumbbells or barbells, can slowly increase your Strength. Speed is even more obvious—running is the most basic method! Constitution is generally improved through diet. The better you eat, the better your physical condition. It’s a simple concept."

"As for Intelligence..."

paused for dramatic effect. Seeing Seraphina Sinclair’s brow furrow, she felt a sliver of satisfaction and continued, "The simplest way is to do a few math problems! But not childish stuff like ’what does one plus one equal,’ of course. Doing math problems or memorizing things can both raise your Intelligence."

"Anyway, no matter what it is, the more you use it, the better it gets. It seems you don’t have any support items right now, so even if you’re consistent every day, your attribute points will grow very slowly. And if food becomes scarce, your gains won’t even cover your losses."

This was said as a reminder, but it was tinged with a bit of schadenfreude.

Seraphina Sinclair automatically filtered out the unfriendliness in her tone and focused on the key information: training did indeed increase Attributes, it was just inefficient.

This matched her previous suspicions, and it was even more detailed.

’Looks like the hope of maxing out my Speed with just running in the short term is slim.’

Seraphina Sinclair pressed, "Besides this slow-and-steady method, is there a more efficient one?"

"Yes, of course there is," 001 replied quickly, but she didn’t elaborate.

Seraphina Sinclair looked up in confusion, only to see the little merchant counting on her fingers as if calculating something. But she stopped after holding up just two fingers. "We’ve only traded twice in total. That means you only get two pieces of free info."

A cunning expression, completely at odds with her childishly tender face, appeared. 001 reminded her, as if she’d just won a great victory, "Is what you’re asking now the second question?"

Seraphina Sinclair’s gaze darkened slightly.

She understood.

’This cunning little Traveling Merchant was waiting to spring this trap on me.’

The previous information about basic training methods counted as the first question. Now, asking for a more efficient method would be the second.

’But wasn’t the only reason I had to press for more details because 001’s first answer wasn’t thorough enough?’

"It doesn’t count."

Seraphina Sinclair’s tone was calm, betraying no emotion as she raised her lips slightly and uttered those three words.

"Huh?" 001’s triumphant expression froze. "Why doesn’t it count?"

"Your last answer," Seraphina Sinclair said, sitting up straight and tapping her fingertips lightly on the stone tabletop, "only explained the vague concept that training can raise Attributes and listed the most basic exercises for each one. This is common-sense information with limited value."

She lifted her gaze, her eyes sharp as she stared at 001. "What I asked for were ways to *quickly* raise attribute points. You didn’t provide a truly efficient method that would be of any real help to me in my current situation. Therefore, your last answer can only be considered a supplement to the first question, not a new, separate piece of information."

"You... You’re just twisting words!" 001 stomped her foot in anger, her little face flushing red. "What’s wrong with common sense? Common sense is still information! And it’s very practical information!"

"Practical, but not exclusive, and not efficient enough."

Seraphina Sinclair didn’t give an inch. "Our agreement was for valuable information. If it’s just common sense of this level, it could be figured out in the regional channel. I wouldn’t need to rely on you, my supposed ’exclusive source of intel’."

Her words hit 001 right where it hurt.

She had indeed been trying to bluff her way through, but looking at Seraphina Sinclair’s impervious expression, 001 knew it wasn’t going to work. Still, she couldn’t help but feel indignant.

’If it weren’t for the bodyguard systems following her, I wouldn’t have to follow the rules so strictly.’

’But if I didn’t have the bodyguard systems, I would’ve been robbed by this wretched human again!’

’It was a difficult situation either way. It would be best to avoid this human altogether.’

glared at Seraphina Sinclair, her cheeks puffed out in anger. After a long moment, she let out an unwilling huff.

"Fine. That last one doesn’t count as the second question." She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself and reassume a professional demeanor. "Now, regarding an efficient way to increase the Speed attribute, I will now formally provide the following information—"

"I know of a place nearby called the Wind-carved Fissure, where free-roaming Wind Elements are exceptionally active. If you can consistently train your speed there, the effects will be several times greater than in a normal environment. However, the conditions are harsh, with swarms of small Wind Blades, so only those with sufficient strength can use the environment for training."

After she finished speaking, she lifted her chin and looked at Seraphina Sinclair. "This information is efficient enough and exclusive enough, right? Now, does *this* count as the second question?"

Seraphina Sinclair’s interest was piqued.

’The Wind-carved Fissure... It really does sound like a viable method.’

She nodded, acknowledging the value of this information. "Location?"

The crafty smile of a merchant finally reappeared on 001’s face. "The specific location... well, that’s the third question. A bargain at 5,000 Black Fog Coins. You definitely have it. I can smell Black Fog Coins, and the fifty thousand you used to pay your debt didn’t include the six thousand five hundred I gave you, did it?"

’Does this girl have a dog’s nose or something?’