Mercenary Evaluation

Rhode sat in his chair, quietly observing the old man behind the desk – Mobie.Daler, the president of the Mercenary Association's Deepstone City branch. Rhode was very familiar with this old man. Firstly, almost every player guild had to obtain an operating license from him, and secondly, this old man was responsible for teaching players several very practical skills. At high reputation levels, he would even grant player guilds certain rewards – thus, for players, this old man was quite a popular NPC.

However, on the other hand, Mobie.Daler's personality was somewhat stubborn and inflexible, even bordering on pigheadedness at times. Of course, to the people of this world, it was a display of adhering to one's beliefs. But to players who had no stance, he was just an unyielding old fuddy-duddy.

But this was irrelevant to Rhode.

"I deeply sympathize with your predicament, Lize."

The old man took off his glasses and placed them on the desk, speaking word by word in his characteristic calm and slow tone.

"Carter was a good kid; I watched him grow up. Now that this has happened, we are all very saddened. However, this is the life of a mercenary. We risk our lives for money, living by the blade, and facing death at any moment. This money we take is for this kind of work... Now, tell me, what are your thoughts?"

"I want to persevere, President."

Sitting beside Rhode, Lize's body stiffened with nervousness. Her hands tightly gripped the edges of her robe, her knuckles turning white from the excessive force.

"I know it's difficult, but I've made my decision... This Mr. Rhode will become the new leader. I believe that under his guidance, the mercenary group can continue to develop."

"...That's a fine idea, Lize."

The old man sighed.

"But do you understand? This is a gamble. You don't know this person well. Isn't it too risky to entrust the fate of the entire mercenary group to him so rashly?"

"I certainly understand that this is a gamble, President. But... I believe in my judgment. I want to continue supporting the mercenary group, but I know I don't have the ability. Therefore, the only person I can choose is someone who can bring me hope."

Lize looked up, gazing at the old man with unwavering determination. The old president narrowed his eyes slightly, appraising the young girl before him. After a moment, he spoke again.

"Regardless, I hope you will reconsider, Lize, after all..."

The old man's words were cut short as Rhode's voice rang out.

"Perhaps you should consult my opinion, old sir."

Hearing Rhode speak, a glint flashed in the old man's eyes. He then looked at the man shrouded in a cloak, sitting beside Lize.

"Young man, you should show some manners when an elder is speaking."

"If that's the case, then I believe deliberately ignoring someone's presence is also quite rude."

Facing the association president's sharp gaze, Rhode retorted fearlessly. In the game, this association president's personality was extremely resolute, and he despised spineless individuals. Now was the perfect time to compare how much difference there was between the game and reality.

"Don't speak in platitudes. Frankly, get to the real issue. Mercenary group slots are limited. Every mercenary organization obtains such a slot after immense hardship. The reason you're worried is right here, isn't it? Some unknown brat, using sweet talk to deceive a young girl, attempting to seize a mercenary group slot. If this kind of thing gets out, it will not only damage the reputation of the Mercenary Association but also incur the dissatisfaction and ridicule of other mercenaries... If you're going to be so blunt, we won't need to waste a cup of tea's time."

"Good lad."

Hearing this, the old man's previously lazy and steady demeanor suddenly changed, like a drawn sword.

"Since you understand my meaning, I won't beat around the bush anymore. As you said, every mercenary group slot is earned by mercenaries through countless tasks, paid for with their blood and sweat. No matter who you are, it's impossible to take such a slot from me easily. I am pained by Lize's misfortune, but I cannot break the rules of the Mercenary Association because of it."

"But you don't have the authority to disband the mercenary group."

Rhode leaned back in his chair, leisurely picking up his teacup. The black tea inside had gone cold.

"According to the Mercenary Association's regulations, only mercenary groups that fail to reach the designated score level during the winter recess settlement will be forcibly disbanded. Other than that, the association has no right to interfere in the internal affairs of various mercenary organizations."

"I never would have guessed you were so familiar with the Mercenary Association's regulations."

Upon hearing Rhode's reply, the old president frowned imperceptibly, only to relax it immediately.

"Indeed, we do not have that authority. However, as the president of the Deepstone City branch, I must be responsible for every mercenary under my command... And most importantly... you are merely an adventurer and have not undergone the Mercenary Association's assessment. We cannot allow someone who hasn't passed the mercenary assessment to lead a mercenary group."

"President!"

Hearing this, Lize could no longer sit still. She stood up, wanting to say something, but at that moment, Rhode reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. Then, he slowly stood up.

"In other words, if I pass the mercenary assessment, you will recognize my qualifications?"

"That is of course, young man."

The old president also rose to his full height.

"Don't forget, this is the Mercenary Association, the territory of mercenaries. Only mercenaries are qualified to stand here."

"Very well."

Rhode nodded, feeling a sense of relief internally. So far, the old president's performance had not exceeded his expectations.

"Then, I request to undergo the mercenary assessment now. There should be no problem with that, right?"

Silence filled the room.

The old president's narrowed eyes widened slightly as he scrutinized Rhode. He could detect the confidence in the young man's tone, but he had no idea where that confidence came from. Did this kid not know that since he dared to say this, he naturally had the means to make him retreat? While the mercenary assessment wasn't difficult, it certainly wasn't easy either.

Was this kid reckless? Or did he truly possess the strength?

The old president shook his head internally. On the surface, at least, he couldn't see how strong this peculiar young man, wrapped in a cloak, could be. However, since he was willing to challenge, he wouldn't say anything more. If he could make him retreat, that would be best. If not... then they would deal with it then.

With that thought, the old president said no more. Instead, he smiled, then picked up a small hammer and rang the bell on his desk. Soon, a servant pushed the door open and entered.

"President, what can I do for you?"

"Is the training grounds empty right now?"

"Yes, sir."

"Excellent. Summon Sereck for me. We have someone here who is going to undergo the mercenary assessment."

"...Yes."

Hearing this name, a flash of surprise crossed the attendant's face, but he quickly lowered his head and departed immediately. Lize, however, was struck with alarm; she hurriedly stood up and went to the old man's side.

"Guild Master, you cannot do this. Lord Sereck is..."

"Enough, child. This is not a matter for you to worry about."

The old Guild Master waved his hand, cutting Lize off.

"Since this gentleman has voluntarily requested to undergo the mercenary assessment, I will naturally grant him this opportunity."

"But..."

Lize wanted to say more, but this time, it was Rhode who interrupted her.

"Don't worry, Lize. There won't be any problems."

As he said this, Rhode reached out to adjust his hood, using the shadows to conceal the faint smile emerging at the corner of his mouth.

"It is a rare opportunity indeed to be able to cross blades with the man known as the 'Shining Swordsman', Sereck."

Hearing this, the old Guild Master widened his eyes in astonishment, gazing at the man wrapped entirely in a cloak before him, feeling a sense of surprise for the first time. However, things had reached this point, and there was little else he could say. Although this young man was acting quite strangely, as a mercenary who had weathered decades of storms, the old Guild Master was not about to be shaken by such posturing. Thus, he said nothing more, merely let out a cold snort and nodded.

"Fine, you have guts. I shall see how you intend to pass this mercenary assessment!"

"I believe you will see soon enough, old sir. But before that, I hope you can grant me ten minutes to prepare."

"That is certainly no problem."

The old Guild Master did not find Rhode's request problematic; after all, it was he who had suddenly demanded a mercenary assessment, so it was not strange for the other party to need some preparation. Although he disliked the idea of an outsider disrupting the rules, he would never stoop to such petty tactics. Therefore, he nodded in agreement and issued an order to his attendant.

"Take this gentleman to the lounge. The mercenary assessment will begin in ten minutes."

Having said this, the old mercenary looked toward Rhode.

"Is ten minutes enough?"

"It is sufficient."

The Mercenary Association's lounge was not luxurious; it even appeared somewhat cold. Aside from wooden chairs and a table, there were only swords and shields used as decorations on the walls, and a suit of armor placed in the corner. Rhode casually waved away the attendant who had led him there, walked into the room, and closed the door behind him.

"Mr. Rhode, this is far too risky!"

Only when they were left alone did Lize finally have the chance to voice her thoughts.

"Lord Sereck is a famous powerhouse in Deepstone City. The Guild Master is simply making things difficult for you, this..."

"Don't worry, Lize. This was within my expectations."

Rhode shook his head. He had long since anticipated this situation. After all, in the game, it was quite difficult for players to obtain a mercenary group charter from this stubborn old man; one not only had to grind reputation but also complete several difficult quests assigned by him. Now that he wanted to reach the top in a single bound, it naturally wouldn't be easy.

Rhode was no stranger to Sereck; he was a renowned powerhouse in Deepstone City and a sword master who taught "Shining Swordsmanship". The greatest characteristic of this swordsmanship was its focus on speed, agility, and illusion, though its actual value was not particularly high, ranking only as mid-tier among players. If Rhode remembered correctly, Sereck should be at level forty at this time.

A full thirty-level gap; there was basically no hope of winning.

Basically, but not absolutely.

After all, this was merely an assessment, not a life-or-death struggle.

Thinking of this, Rhode composed his mind, and then he fished another Soul Core from his pocket—the spoils of war obtained from eliminating the Shadow Phantom.

Unlike the Soul Core previously obtained from the Wind Serpent Lord, this one resting in his palm was milky white throughout, with layers of faint mist shrouding it, looking like a beautifully carved piece of art. Rhode glanced around for a moment, then walked over to the roaring brazier.

He closed his eyes and extended his right hand.

As a summoning magic circle emerged once more from the back of Rhode's hand, a system prompt appeared clearly before his eyes.

[Detected a corrupted Soul Core. Purify?]

"Purify."

Following Rhode's low voice, the mist surrounding the Soul Core began to grow thicker, churning and swirling around it.

This miraculous scene caused Lize to open her eyes in surprise, but she sensibly kept her mouth shut and made no sound. Although she didn't know exactly what Rhode was doing, she knew clearly that this was not the time to disturb him.

The mist around the Soul Core became increasingly dense, like a dark cloud suspended in the center of Rhode's palm, forming a vortex. Then, streaks of firelight emerged from the gaps in the clouds. Soon, the dark clouds transformed into vibrant, fiery clouds that swirled upward, slowly coalescing until they finally turned into a bright red card, floating and spinning continuously in Rhode's hand.

[Flame Slayer (Fire Element attribute): Ground-type fusion-capable spirit. Attacks have a certain chance to trigger a burning effect. Possesses the skill--Scorching Breath (It is born in flames, it perishes in flames, bringing eternal pain and destruction to its enemies)]

[Obtained 1/10 Crimson Lotus Battle Card, Flame Slayer]

However, this was not the end. For at this moment, Rhode had already taken another Gargoyle Heart from his pocket.

"Use, Gargoyle Heart."

[Target?]

Flame Slayer.

[Target-Flame Slayer-Forced Evolution]

[Leveling complete]

[Evolve?]

Yes.

The bright red card spun frantically once more, and brilliant flames spread from the edges of the card before slowly fading away.

Rhode reached out to grasp the card, quietly observing the information upon it.

Depicted directly in front was a hound sprinting out of a raging inferno, and in its upper corner, a red halo and the Roman numeral VI were clearly displayed. Below the card, the numbers representing the summon's attack and defense levels were shown as 5 and 3, respectively.

Flipping the card over, its detailed information immediately materialized.

[Flame Slayer (Fire Elemental Attribute): Ground-type fusion spirit. Attacks have a certain chance to trigger a burning effect. Possesses skill—Scorching Breath (Born in flames, it perishes in flames, bringing eternal pain and destruction to its enemies) lv10, Born in raging fire, baptized by bright red, Flame Guard.

Melting steel, none can halt its stride, Flame Breath.

Born in destruction, perishes in destruction, Self-Destruct trait.]

Not bad at all.

Staring at the card before him, Rhode raised an eyebrow. The Soul Bird's attack and defense were truly abysmal, barely reaching the level of an ordinary creature. As for this Flame Slayer, its attack power alone had already reached the level of a behemoth; although its defense remained that of an ordinary beast, Rhode believed that with the bonus from the Fire Elemental attribute, it shouldn't be too shabby.

With this, he felt much more confident.

Thinking of this, Rhode put the card away, then turned around to look at the young girl standing nearby, who was staring in stunned silence.

"I'm ready. Let's go."