Chapter 32: Mercenary Appraisal

  Rod sat in the chair, quietly gazing at the old man behind the desk - Mobie Dailor, the president of the Mercenary Association's Deep Stone City branch. This old man was very familiar to Rod; firstly, almost every player guild had to obtain an operating license from him, and secondly, he was also responsible for teaching players several extremely practical skills. Even when their reputation was high, he would give rewards to the player guilds - so for players, this old man was a very welcome NPC character.

  However, on the other hand, Moby Dick's personality is also somewhat stubborn and inflexible, even to the point of being obstinate at times. Of course, in the eyes of people in this world, that is a manifestation of adhering to one's own beliefs. But for players who have no stance to speak of, it's just an inflexible old conservative.

  But this seemed unimportant to Rode.

  "My heart goes out to you in your ordeal, Lige."

  The old man took off his glasses and put them on the desk, speaking in his characteristic calm and slow tone, one word at a time.

  "Kater is a good kid, I've watched him grow up. Now that something like this has happened, we're all feeling down about it too. But this is just the life of a mercenary. We get paid to risk our lives, to lick the blade and face death at any moment. The money we earn is for doing just that... Now, tell me, what's on your mind."

  "I want to keep going and become an adult."

  Sitting beside Rode, Lijie's tense body stiffened, her hands tightly grasping the edges of her cloak, her joints even turning white from excessive force.

  "I know it's difficult, but I've made up my mind... Mr. Rhode will be the new captain, and I believe that under his leadership, the mercenary corps can continue to grow."

  "That's a great idea, Lijie."

  The old man sighed.

  "But do you understand? This is a gamble, and you're not familiar with this person. To entrust the fate of the entire mercenary group to him so recklessly, isn't that too risky?"

  "I'm well aware that this is a gamble, and it's going to be tough. But... I believe in my own judgment, and I hope to continue supporting the mercenary corps, but I know I don't have the ability to do so. So, all I can choose is to believe in someone who can bring me hope."

  Lijie lifted her head, gazing steadily at the old man. The old president narrowed his eyes slightly, sizing up the girl in front of him, and only spoke again after a moment.

  "Anyway, I hope you can think twice, Lijie, after all..."

  The old man's words were cut off as Rod's voice rose up at this moment.

  "Perhaps you should ask for my opinion, old man."

  Upon hearing Rode's words, a hint of sharpness flashed in the old man's eyes, and then he looked towards the man sitting beside Lijie, wrapped in a hood.

  "When older people are speaking, young people should be polite."

  "If that's what you're saying, then I think it's equally rude to deliberately ignore someone's existence."

  Facing the sharp eyes of the association president, Luo De didn't flinch and countered back. In the game, this association president was extremely stubborn and looked down on those who were weak-willed. Now it's a good time to compare the differences between the game and reality.

  "Let's not speak in official language, let's get to the real point. The quota for mercenaries is limited, and every mercenary organization has gone through countless hardships to obtain this quota. Your concern lies here, some young whippersnapper from who-knows-where, using flowery words to deceive a young girl, trying to get the mercenary quota. If this gets out, it will not only be a blow to the Mercenary Association's reputation, but also provoke dissatisfaction and ridicule from other mercenaries... If you're going to speak so openly, then we don't need to waste any more time over a cup of tea."

  "Good kid."

  Upon hearing this, the old man's originally dull and steady demeanor suddenly changed, like a long sword being drawn out of its scabbard.

  "Now that you understand my intention, I won't beat around the bush either. As you said, every mercenary group's quota is earned with the blood and sweat of mercenaries who have completed countless tasks. No matter who you are, it's impossible to easily take away a quota from me. I'm deeply saddened by Lijie's experience, but I can't compromise the Mercenary Association's rules because of that."

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

  Roder leaned back in his chair and casually picked up the teacup beside him, the red tea inside had gone cold.

  According to the regulations of the Mercenary Association, only during the winter recess settlement, those mercenary groups that have not reached the specified score level will be forcibly disbanded. Apart from this, the association has no right to interfere with the internal affairs of each mercenary organization.

  "It's really hard to tell, but you're surprisingly familiar with the Mercenary Association's rules."

  Upon hearing Rod's response, the old chairman furrowed his brow slightly without making a sound, but then immediately relaxed again.

  "Indeed, we don't have the authority, but as the president of the Deep Stone City Association branch, I must take responsibility for every mercenary under me... and most importantly... you're just an adventurer who hasn't undergone the Mercenary Association's evaluation, right? We can't possibly let someone who hasn't passed the mercenary evaluation lead a mercenary corps."

  "President!"

  Hearing this, Lijie finally couldn't sit still anymore. She stood up and wanted to say something, but at this moment, Luo De stretched out his hand and pressed her shoulder, then slowly got up.

  "In other words, if I pass the mercenary evaluation, you'll acknowledge my qualifications?"

  "Of course, young man."

  The old chairman also stood up.

  "Don't forget, this is the Mercenary Association, it's the mercenaries' turf. The only ones who have the qualifications to stand here are mercenaries."

  "Alright."

  Rod nodded and relaxed a lot in his heart. So far, the old chairman's performance has not been beyond his expectations.

  "So, I'm asking for a mercenary evaluation now, shouldn't be a problem, right?"

  The room fell silent.

  The old chairman's originally narrowed eyes slightly widened, carefully scrutinizing Rode. He could hear the self-confidence flowing out of this young man's tone, but he didn't know where this confidence came from. Didn't this kid know that if he dared to speak like this, he naturally had the confidence to make him retreat? Mercenary evaluation wasn't easy, although it wasn't simple either.

  Is this kid reckless? Or does he really have this ability?

  The old chairman shook his head inwardly, at least on the surface, he didn't see how strong this young man wrapped in a weird cloak could be. However, since he was willing to challenge him, he wouldn't say anything more. If he could make him retreat with a warning, that would be best; if not... then they'd cross that bridge when they came to it.

  Thinking of this, the old chairman didn't say anything else, but smiled and then stretched out his hand to take up a small hammer, striking the bell on the desk. Soon, an attendant pushed open the door and walked in.

  "Director, what can I do for you?"

  "Is the training ground empty now?"

  "Yes, sir."

  "Alright, get Serrek over here, we've got someone who wants to go through mercenary evaluation."

  "That is."

  Upon hearing the name, a look of surprise flashed across the attendant's face, but he quickly lowered his head and immediately left. Lijie, on the other hand, was shocked and pale, she hastily stood up and came to the old man's side.

  "President, you can't do this, Seric is..."

  "Alright, kid, this isn't something you should be worrying about."

  The old chairman waved his hand and interrupted Lijie's speech.

  "Since this gentleman has requested to undergo a mercenary evaluation of his own accord, I will naturally give him the opportunity."

  "But..."

  Lijie still wanted to say something, but this time it was Luo De who interrupted her.

  "Don't worry, Lijie, there won't be any problem."

  Saying that, Rode stretched out his hand and pulled the hood over his head, using the shadow to cover up a faint smile at the corner of his mouth.

  "It's a rare opportunity to be able to cross swords with Mr. Seric, known as the 'Flashing Swordsman'."

  When he heard this sentence, the old guild leader was shocked and stared at the man in front of him who was wrapped from head to toe in a hood. He felt a little surprised for the first time. However, things had come to this, and he couldn't say anything else. Although this young man behaved very strangely, as a mercenary who had experienced decades of storms, the old guild leader was not shaken by this show-off. So he didn't say much, just hummed coldly and nodded his head.

  "Alright, you're quite bold! I'd like to see how you'll pass this mercenary assessment!"

  "I think you'll see it soon enough, old man. But before that, I hope you can give me ten minutes to prepare a bit."

  "Not a problem at all."

  The old chairman didn't think there was anything wrong with Rode's request, after all, it was his own sudden request to propose a mercenary evaluation, and the other party needed to be prepared. Although he didn't want to see outsiders disrupting the rules, he himself would absolutely not do such boring things. So he nodded in agreement and then gave orders to his attendants.

  "Take this gentleman to the rest room, and start mercenary assessment in ten minutes."

  After saying this sentence, the old mercenary looked at Rode.

  "Is ten minutes enough?"

  "That's enough."

  The mercenary guild's rest room was not luxurious, and even looked a bit cold. Apart from the wooden chairs and tables, there were only swords and shields on the walls for decoration, as well as armor placed in the corner. Rode waved his hand to dismiss the servant who had led him here, then walked into the room and closed the door behind him.

  "Mr. Rhodes, this is really too reckless!"

  It wasn't until there were only two people left that Lijie finally had time to express her own views.

  "Sir Serek is a renowned strongman in Deepstone Castle, and Elder Willlong is simply making things difficult for you, this..."

  "Don't worry, Lijie, this is also within my expectation."

  Rod shook his head, he had long guessed this situation, after all, in the game, players wanted to get the mercenary group's construction quota from this stubborn old man were quite difficult things, not only brushing reputation but also completing several difficult tasks given by this old man. Now that he himself wants to take a step to heaven, it will naturally not be easy to go anywhere.

  For Serrek, Rod was not unfamiliar either. He was a well-known strongman in Deepstone City and also the swordsmanship master who taught "Shining Sword Technique". The biggest feature of this sword technique is that it mainly uses speed, agility, lightness, and illusion, but the actual value of this sword technique is not high, and among players, it's only at a mid-level. If Rod didn't remember wrong, then Serrek should be around level 40 by now.

  A full thirty levels of difference, wanting to win is basically hopeless.

  Generally, but not absolutely.

  After all, this is just an assessment, not a matter of life and death.

  Rod thought of this and collected his thoughts, then he reached into his pocket and pulled out another Soul Core, which was the spoils of war from when he had eliminated the Shadow.

  Unlike the soul core obtained from the Wind Snake Lord, this one lying in his palm was entirely milky white, with a layer of faint mist surrounding it, making it look like an exquisitely crafted work of art. Rod walked around for a moment and then went to the blazing fire pit.

  Then he closed his eyes and stretched out his right hand.

  As the summoning spell array reappeared on Luo De's back once again, the system prompt also clearly appeared in front of his eyes.

  [Found the polluted soul core, is it purified?]

  "Purification."

  Accompanied by Lode's low voice, the mist surrounding the soul core began to thicken, rolling and swirling around it.

  This astonishing scene made Lijie involuntarily widen her eyes, but she sensibly closed her mouth and didn't make a sound. Although she had no idea what Rod was doing, it was now clear to her that this wasn't the time to disturb him.

  The mist surrounding the core of the soul grew thicker, like a dark cloud hovering in the center of Rod's palm, forming a swirling vortex. Then, flames emerged from the gaps in the clouds, and soon the dark clouds transformed into vibrant fire clouds that swirled upwards, slowly condensing together to form a bright red card that floated and spun in Rod's hand.

  Inferno Assassin (Fire Element): Ground-type, can merge with spirits. When attacking, there is a certain probability of triggering the scorching effect. Possesses skill - Blazing Eruption (It was born in flames, it will perish in flames, bringing eternal pain and destruction to its enemies).

  To obtain Red Lotus War Badge 1/10, Flame Slayer

  But it didn't end there. Because at this moment, Luo De had already taken out another Stone Statue Ghost Heart from his pocket.

  "Use, Heart of Gargoyle."

  Goal?

  Inferno Assassin

  Target - Flame Reaper - Forced Evolution

  Level up complete

  Will it evolve?

  Yes.

  The bright red card spun wildly again, with bright flames spreading from the edges of the card before slowly disappearing.

  Luo De reached out and grasped the card, quietly gazing at the information on it.

  In the foreground is a hound running out of a large fire, and in its upper corner, a red glow and the number VI are clearly visible. Below the card, the numbers representing the summoning spirit's attack and defense levels are displayed as 5 and 3.

  The card flipped over, and the detailed information of the card immediately appeared on it.

  Inferno Assassin (Fire Element): Ground-type, can merge with spirits. When attacking, there is a certain chance to trigger the scorching effect. Possesses skill - Blazing Eruption (It was born in flames, it will perish in flames, bringing eternal pain and destruction to its enemies) LV10

  Born in fierce fire, received scarlet baptism, flame guardian.

  Melting steel, no one can stop its pace, fierce flames spewing out.

  Born in destruction, perished in destruction, self-destructive property.

  Not bad.

  Looking at the card in front of him, Rode raised an eyebrow. The Soul Bird's attack and defense were really too poor, only at the level of ordinary creatures. And this Flame Killer had already reached the level of a giant beast in terms of attack power alone, although its defensive power was still only at the level of an ordinary wild beast. However, Rode believed that with the bonus from the fire element attribute, it shouldn't be too far off either.

  This way, it's even more reassuring.

  Rod pulled back his card and turned around, looking at the girl standing beside him with a stunned expression.

  "I'm all set, let's go."