Mercenary Group Construction System Activated

For the mercenaries, this was an evaluation they would remember.

Although the gap in strength between the two sides was too large, and Rhode's methods were not exactly honorable, mercenaries were not knights. For them, as long as they could win, nothing else mattered. And for those who could win with unconventional tactics, they were even more admired. For a time, Rhode and Sereck immediately became the hot topic of discussion among the mercenaries. Sereck had been famous for many years, but few had seen him fight, which led many mercenaries to privately believe that this sword master might be overrated. But after this battle, they no longer held that thought. Although the fight was quick and short, if anyone else had stepped in, they would have likely been defeated within these few minutes.

What the mercenaries were most curious about was how Rhode, as a swordsman, managed to summon two strange Elemental Spirits. If it were a mage's summoning technique, it was too unscientific that he didn't even chant any incantations. Many speculated how he did it; some said it was a unique summoning technique, while others suggested it might be the effect of some magical artifact. Seeing that the young man could produce a powerful magic weapon at the end, it was clear that his background was extraordinary, and it was not surprising for someone of his caliber to possess multiple magical items.

But what excited them even more was that such a powerful young man would actually participate in the mercenary evaluation, which meant he would become a mercenary from today onwards. For a time, many mercenary groups were eager to recruit this powerful young man. Although Rhode did not win against Sereck in their fight, the fact that he could force the usually calm sword master to use his full strength was enough to show Rhode's capabilities. Coupled with his age, it was hard for anyone to doubt his future prospects.

And while the mercenaries were discussing animatedly, excited about the good show they had witnessed, Rhode and Lize had already returned to the study of the Mercenary Association's president. However, unlike before, this time, standing beside the old president was a sword master with a smile.

"Since you have passed the mercenary evaluation, you are now a mercenary. Congratulations."

Despite offering congratulations, the old president's face remained stern. Clearly, his previous encounter with Rhode still made him somewhat reluctant to let go of his pride.

"As for the mercenary code of conduct and regulations, I don't think I need to explain them to you in detail. You should understand them well."

Rhode didn't say much in response to the old president's subtle jab. He knew the old man's personality well. Since he had achieved his goal, it didn't matter what the old man said. It was fine to let him vent his frustration.

And just as Rhode had predicted, after venting some of his anger, the old president's tone quickly softened. He reached out, took a scroll from the drawer, unrolled it, and placed it on the table. Before that, however, the old president glanced at the young girl sitting beside Rhode. Unlike her previous nervousness, Lize was much calmer now, but a hint of clear complaint and regret was visible on her face. It wasn't because of the fight between Rhode and Sereck, but because her carefully chosen cloak had been ruined after only one wear, which truly pained Lize.

It had to be said, women's minds were indeed difficult to fathom.

"Lize, while I admit this kid's strength is considerable, I must say this was a gamble. There's a difference between individual strength and the overall power of a mercenary group. Look at Sereck, look at Mar. These guys, though famous in their own right, are still just members of mercenary groups. This is because the power of a group far outweighs that of an individual. I believe this kid's strength is not an issue, but a mercenary group cannot be built by just one or two people. Although there is still a long time until the winter recess, frankly, I don't see you having enough time to escape the predicament of disbandment."

"I understand completely, President."

Lize nodded slightly. As a member of the mercenary group, she understood the severity of the upcoming situation better than anyone. In fact, even Lize herself had no good solutions. The reason was that the current number of people in the mercenary group was too small, only Rhode and Lize. If they wanted to continue to survive, they would have to recruit more members. But with more new members than old ones, the command structure could easily be shaken. Mercenaries were pragmatic; those with strength didn't want to be subordinate, and those without strength wanted to take advantage of the situation. In such a state, peaceful and stable development was very difficult. Not to mention that although Lize was a "veteran" of this mercenary group, she was too young and a non-combatant, making it impossible for her to command anyone. And although many mercenaries had witnessed Rhode's strength today, he was a newcomer, which would only motivate others more rather than bring stability.

Lize naturally had her own ideals for her mercenary group. Many mercenary groups started well, but later, for money, they would resort to murder, arson, fraud, and deception. Some mercenary groups even stopped taking missions and directly became subordinates of lords and nobles, responsible for collecting various taxes from their subjects. These could no longer be called mercenaries, but thugs.

Lize certainly didn't want her mercenary group to become like that, but now she was alone and powerless, so her words wouldn't count. Rhode's support would also be useless. If everyone opposed it, it would only remain a fantasy.

For these reasons and more, almost no one believed that Lize's mercenary group could be re-established.

"But there's no point in saying this now."

Seeing that he couldn't persuade Lize, the old president said no more. He picked up his quill pen and then looked at Rhode.

"Alright, young man, your wish has been granted. According to the Mercenary Association's regulations, when a mercenary group changes leaders, its leader has the right to change the name of the mercenary group. Do you have any new ideas now?"

"Starlight."

Rhode answered without any hesitation. Upon hearing this, the old president nodded, then bent down and wrote the name on the paper. He then picked up the seal ring on the side and pressed it down deeply. Afterward, he pushed the paper over.

"Next, you just need to press your fingerprint or sign your name on this paper."

"Of course, no problem."

Looking at the familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar paper before him, Rhode took a deep breath. In the game, applying for a group was done in a form, which was relatively easy for players. But now, this somewhat old paper had a more historical feel. He glanced at the young girl beside him, and Lize met his gaze and nodded slightly. Then, Rhode took a deep breath and signed his name on the paper.

"Ding!"

At that moment, a voice sounded in Rhode's mind, and soon, a system prompt appeared before his eyes.

[Leader position obtained, Mercenary Group Construction System activated]

Rhode glanced at it and quickly dismissed the message. He had come to terms with it now. No matter how unscientific or unreasonable these strange things were, since they had appeared, there was no point in dwelling on how they came or went. Since they were here, he would just treat them like in the game. So, his expression didn't change much. After signing, he pushed the paper back.

Putting away the scroll, a smile appeared on the old man's face, but it quickly vanished.

"Then, I'll see just how far you two can go, kids."

"I believe we won't disappoint you."

Rhode nodded slightly in response.

"I hope so."

The old president said no more, but finally, he showed a hint of hesitation.

"However... there's something I need to remind you of. Some spies from the Kingdom of Light have recently arrived in the city. Although I don't know what they're up to, I suggest you try to avoid any conflict with them. It's not a good thing."

"I understand."

Hearing the old president's reminder, Rhode's eyebrows twitched.

What was coming, had come.

Only after seeing the two figures disappear did the old president smile wryly and sit down. He then looked at his comrade beside him.

"Old fellow, what do you think of this kid? I really suspect he was sent from above."

"You mean the Golden City?"

Hearing the old president's question, Sereck also let out a helpless smile.

"I don't think so. If our little Lize is telling the truth, then she and this kid really met by chance."

"But it's not by chance that this kid wants a mercenary group."

"I'm well aware of that."

This time, Sereck did not deny the old president's judgment.

"Magic weapon, good strength, and he's quite... well, handsome? Frankly, he fits our young lady's aesthetic perfectly. I can understand your thoughts, old friend. But if such a person really existed, there would have been news from the Golden City long ago. After all, you and I both know the personality of that lady. If this young man were her subordinate, she would never have kept him hidden until now. And... that bizarre fighting style, never seen before."

"Not summoning?"

Hearing Sereck's exclamation, the old president's expression immediately turned serious.

"Of course not, old friend. You've spent enough time dealing with mages; you've seen their summoning arts before, haven't you?"

"Sure, but that mysterious, nonsensical garbage mages pull? I've never been able to make heads or tails of it..."

"That's why you're just a mercenary, old friend. You should've spent more years hitting the books."

"Alright, let's drop the subject."

Hearing Sereck's mockery, the old Guild Master flushed.

"This kid is in your hands now, Sereck. Keep a close eye on him. A few days ago, those bastards from the Kingdom of Light snuck into Deepstone City, and I've been suspicious that they're plotting something. Now, this little guy shows up out of nowhere, and I really have to wonder if he's here for the same reason... Deepstone City doesn't want any trouble. At least, the Mercenary Association doesn't."

"Rest assured."

Sereck's expression turned grave as he gave a slight nod.

"I won't let those people run wild here."