Chapter 33

Rod sat in his chair, quietly gazing at the old man behind the desk—the Deepstone City Guild Master of the Mercenary Association, Moby Deller. Rod was very familiar with this old man, for one, almost every player guild had to obtain an operating license from him, and secondly, this old man would also teach players a few very practical skills. Even when the players had high prestige, he would give the player guilds certain rewards—so for the players, this old man was a very popular NPC character.

However, on the other hand, Moby Deller's personality was somewhat stubborn, inflexible, and sometimes even considered rigid. Of course, in the eyes of the people in this world, that was a manifestation of his unwavering beliefs. But for the players, who had no stance, he was just an inflexible old stubborn man.

But this was of little concern to Rod.

"I deeply sympathize with your situation, Lisse."

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

"Karter was a good boy, I watched him grow up. Now that this has happened, we are also very saddened, but this is the life of a mercenary. We sell our lives for money, we live on the edge of the blade, and we face death at any moment. The money we earn is for the job we do... Now, tell me, what are your thoughts?"

"I want to persevere, Guild Master."

Sitting next to Rod, Lisse's body was tense, her hands tightly gripping the edges of her robe, her knuckles turning white from the force.

"I know it's difficult, but I have made my decision... Mr. Rod will become the new guild leader. I believe that under his leadership, the mercenary guild can continue to develop."

"......Your thoughts are commendable, Lisse."

The old man sighed.

"But do you understand? This is a gamble. You are not familiar with this person, and rashly entrusting the fate of the entire mercenary guild to him, isn't that too risky?"

"Of course, I know this is a gamble, Guild Master. But... I believe in my judgment. I hope to continue supporting the mercenary guild, but I know I don't have the ability. So, the only choice I have is to trust someone who can bring me hope."

Lisse raised her head, looking at the old man with unwavering eyes, while the old guild master narrowed his eyes, sizing up the young girl before him. After a moment, he spoke again.

"Regardless, I hope you will think it over, Lisse, after all..."

The old man's words were cut off because at that moment, Rod's voice sounded.

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

Hearing Rod's words, a glint of sharpness flashed in the old man's eyes, and he then looked at the man in the cloak sitting next to Lisse.

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

"If you put it that way, then I think deliberately ignoring someone's existence is also quite impolite."

Facing the sharp gaze of the guild master, Rod was not afraid and stood his ground. In the game, the guild master's character was extremely resolute, despising those who were weak. Now was a good time to compare the differences between the game and reality.

"Don't talk in official language, speak frankly. The number of mercenary guild slots is limited, and every mercenary organization has gone through great hardships to obtain one. The reason you are worried is here, right? A young upstart from who knows where, using sweet talk to deceive a young girl, trying to get a mercenary guild slot. If this gets out, it will not only damage the reputation of the Mercenary Association but also cause dissatisfaction and ridicule among other mercenaries... If you put it this bluntly, we wouldn't need to waste a cup of tea's time."

"Good lad."

Hearing this, the old man's originally lazy and steady demeanor suddenly changed, like a longsword unsheathed.

"Since you understand my meaning, I won't beat around the bush. As you said, every mercenary guild slot is earned by mercenaries through their blood and sweat, completing countless tasks. No matter who you are, it's impossible to easily take such a slot from me. I am deeply saddened by Lisse's situation, but I cannot break the rules of the Mercenary Association because of it."

"But you don't have the authority to dissolve the mercenary guild."

Rod leaned back in his chair, leisurely picking up the teacup by his side, the black tea inside had already cooled.

"According to the rules of the Mercenary Association, only during the winter recess, when mercenary guilds fail to meet the designated score, will they be forcibly dissolved. Apart from that, the association has no authority to interfere in the internal affairs of mercenary organizations."

"Truly, I didn't expect you to be so familiar with the rules of the Mercenary Association."

Hearing Rod's response, the old guild master frowned slightly, but then quickly relaxed.

"Indeed, we don't have that authority, but as the guild master of the Deepstone City branch, I must be responsible for every mercenary under me... And most importantly... you are just an adventurer, haven't you been evaluated by the Mercenary Association? We cannot allow someone who hasn't passed the mercenary evaluation to lead a mercenary guild."

"Guild Master!"

Hearing this, Lisse could no longer sit still. She stood up, wanting to say something, but at that moment, Rod reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder, then slowly stood up.

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

"Of course, young man."

The old guild master also stood up.

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

"Very well."

Rod nodded, feeling more relaxed. So far, the old guild master's behavior was as expected.

"Then, I now request to take the mercenary evaluation, there should be no problem, right?"

The room fell silent.

The old guild master's originally narrowed eyes slightly widened, carefully examining Rod. He could hear the confidence in the young man's tone, but he didn't know where this confidence came from. Didn't this guy know that if he dared to say this, he must have the confidence to make him back down? The mercenary evaluation wasn't easy, though not impossible.

Is this guy reckless, or does he really have the strength?

The old guild master shook his head internally. At least on the surface, he didn't see how strong this young man, wrapped in a cloak, was. But since he was willing to challenge, he wouldn't say anything more. If he could make him back down, that would be best. If not... then we'll see.

With this thought, the old guild master didn't say anything more, but smiled, then reached out and picked up a small hammer, tapping the bell on the desk. Soon, a servant pushed the door open and walked in.

"Guild Master, what can I do for you?"

"Is the training ground free now?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good, call Serek, we have someone who wants to take the mercenary evaluation."

"......Yes, sir."

Hearing this name, the servant's face showed a hint of surprise, but he quickly bowed his head and left. Lisse, on the other hand, was greatly alarmed. She hurriedly stood up and came to the old man's side.

"Guild Master, you can't do this, Lord Serek is......"

"Enough, child, this is not your concern."

The old guild master waved his hand, interrupting Lisse's words.

"Since this gentleman has requested to take the mercenary evaluation, I will naturally give him the opportunity."

"But......"

Lisse wanted to say more, but this time, Rod interrupted her.

"Don't worry, Lisse, there won't be any problems."

Saying this, Rod reached out and pulled his hood, using the shadow to hide the smile on his lips.

"Getting to fight someone known as the 'Shining Swordsman' Serek is a rare opportunity."

Hearing this, the old guild master's eyes widened in surprise, looking at the man in the cloak with a hint of astonishment for the first time. However, things had come to this, and he couldn't say anything more. Although the young man's behavior was very strange, as a mercenary who had weathered decades of storms, the old guild master wasn't shaken by such tricks. So he didn't say anything more, just coldly snorted and nodded.

"Good, you have courage. I want to see how you will pass this mercenary evaluation!"

"I think you will see soon, old man. But before that, I hope you can give me ten minutes to prepare."

"Of course, no problem."

The old guild master didn't think Rod's request was unreasonable. After all, he had suddenly asked for the mercenary evaluation, and it was natural for the other party to need some preparation. Although he didn't want to see outsiders breaking the rules, he wouldn't do anything trivial. So he nodded in agreement and gave orders to his servant.

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

After saying this, the old mercenary looked at Rod.

"Ten minutes enough?"

"More than enough."

The rest room of the Mercenary Association was not luxurious, even looking a bit cold. Apart from wooden chairs and a table, there were only swords and shields on the walls for decoration, and a suit of armor in the corner. Rod casually waved away the servant who had led him here, then walked into the room and closed the door.

"Mr. Rod, this is too risky!"

Only when they were alone did Lisse finally have the chance to express her concerns.

"Lord Serek is a famous strongman in Deepstone City, the guild master is just making things difficult for you, this......"

"Don't worry, Lisse, this is within my expectations."

Rod shook his head. He had long guessed this would happen. After all, in the game, it was quite difficult for players to obtain a mercenary guild slot from this stubborn old man. They had to build up prestige and complete several difficult tasks given by him. Now, he wanted to achieve everything at once, it wouldn't be easy.

As for Serek, Rod was not unfamiliar with him. He was a famous strongman in Deepstone City and a master of the "Shining Sword" technique. The main characteristic of this sword technique was its speed, agility, and lightness, but its practical value was not high, and it was only of medium level among players. If Rod remembered correctly, Serek should be around level 40 at this time.

A full thirty-level gap, winning was almost impossible.

Almost, but not absolutely.

After all, this was just an evaluation, not a life-or-death battle.

With this thought, Rod calmed his mind and then took out another soul core from his pocket, the loot from the previous Shadow.

Unlike the soul core obtained from the Wind Serpent Lord, this one was milky white, with a layer of faint mist surrounding it, looking like a beautifully crafted work of art. Rod looked around for a moment, then walked to the burning brazier.

Then, he closed his eyes and extended his right hand.

As the summoning array reappeared on Rod's hand, a system prompt clearly appeared before his eyes.

[Detected a corrupted soul core, do you want to purify it?]

"Purify."

With Rod's low voice, the mist surrounding the soul core became thicker, swirling and spiraling around it.

This miraculous scene made Lisse open her eyes in surprise, but she wisely closed her mouth and didn't make a sound. Although she didn't know what Rod was doing, she knew this wasn't the time to disturb him.

The mist around the soul core became even denser, like a cloud floating in the center of Rod's palm, forming a vortex. Then, streaks of fire appeared through the gaps in the cloud, quickly turning the dark cloud into bright fire clouds. They spiraled upward, slowly condensing together, and finally transformed into a bright red card, spinning and floating in Rod's hand.

[Blazing Killer (Fire Elemental Attribute): Ground-type fusion spirit, has a chance to trigger burning effect when attacking, skill—Blazing Breath (Born in flames, dies in flames, bringing eternal pain and destruction to its enemies)]

[Obtained Red Lotus Battle Card 1/10, Blazing Killer]

But this wasn't the end. Rod had already taken out another Gargoyle Heart from his pocket.

"Use, Gargoyle Heart."

[Target?]

Blazing Killer.

[Target—Blazing Killer—Force Evolution]

[Level-up complete]

[Do you want to evolve?]

Yes.

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

Rod reached out and held the card, quietly looking at the information on it.

The front of the card depicted a hound galloping through raging flames, with a red circle and the number VI clearly displayed in the corner. Below the card, the numbers representing the summon spirit's attack and defense levels were 5 and 3, respectively.

Flipping the card, the detailed information immediately appeared.

[Blazing Killer (Fire Elemental Attribute): Ground-type fusion spirit, has a chance to trigger burning effect when attacking, skill—Blazing Breath (Born in flames, dies in flames, bringing eternal pain and destruction to its enemies) Level 10,

Born in flames, baptized in red, Flame Guardian.

Melting steel, nothing can stop its path, Blazing Breath.

Born in destruction, dies in destruction, Self-Destruct Trait.]

Not bad.

Looking at the card, Rod raised an eyebrow. The Soul Bird's attack and defense were too weak, only at the level of ordinary creatures. This Blazing Killer, in terms of attack, had already reached the level of a giant beast. Although its defense was still at the level of ordinary beasts, Rod believed that with the fire elemental attribute, it shouldn't be too bad.

With this, he had more confidence.

Thinking of this, Rod put away the card and turned to look at the stunned girl standing beside him.

"I'm ready, let's go."