Chapter 34

At the moment, the training ground behind the Mercenary Association was already packed with people. Many mercenaries had heard that someone was going to undergo a mercenary evaluation. Although a regular mercenary evaluation wouldn't attract much attention, this time was different. The person undergoing the evaluation was "Shining Swordsman" Serek.

As one of the legendary figures in Deepstone City, Serek held a high status among mercenaries. He rarely participated in evaluations, so his appearance this time immediately sparked the curiosity of many mercenaries. They gathered at the edge of the training ground, discussing the unusual evaluation.

All those present were mercenaries and had undergone evaluations themselves. The process was simple: the association would designate a mercenary to test the candidate. As long as the candidate gained the tester's approval, they would receive the qualification. However, no one had ever seen a strong figure like Serek personally conduct an evaluation, which made many mercenaries quite curious, wanting to see who had such qualifications.

The first to enter the training ground was Serek, known as the "Shining Swordsman." This powerful figure in Deepstone City now looked more like a courteous nobleman. His golden hair was neatly combed back, and his white leather armor bore the mark of a golden lion. A slender sword hung from his waist, and he wore a gentle smile, looking confident and composed. His appearance quickly drew enthusiastic cheers from the mercenaries, as admiration for the strong is a human nature, especially in Deepstone City, where Serek enjoyed a high reputation.

"Let's leave it to you, old friend."

The association leader walked up to Serek and patted his shoulder with a smile.

"Don't worry, Moby."

In response to the old leader's words, Serek smiled gracefully but soon asked,

"I rarely see you so angry. Who has such power?"

"Just a brat who doesn't know his place."

The old leader snorted coldly.

"Show him that we mercenaries aren't to be trifled with!"

While the old leader and Serek were talking in low voices, Rod and Liss were led to the training ground by attendants. Unlike the enthusiastic applause for Serek, the mercenaries were more curious and puzzled about the person wrapped in a cloak.

"Big sister! Isn't that Liss?"

At that moment, Barney, who was also in the crowd, shouted. Shana, standing beside him, saw Rod and Liss and frowned but said nothing. However, the other mercenaries around her began to discuss.

"Isn't that the guy who came with the little girl earlier? Is he the one going through the mercenary evaluation?"

"Who is this guy? How could he get the president to bring out Serek?"

"Secretive and strange, hiding his face. He doesn't seem like a good person."

"What does this guy do? He looks like a mage."

"How could he be? He doesn't have a staff. Look at what he's holding... Hey? Isn't that one of our spare swords?"

Seeing Rod arrive, even the old leader and Serek were somewhat surprised. Rod was holding a standard longsword provided by the Mercenary Association. This was quite unusual, as most mercenaries used their own weapons, even if it was a standard sword, they would modify it to their liking. But Rod's sword was from the association, with no modifications.

Does he plan to fight Serek with just this sword?

As everyone was discussing, Rod approached the old leader and Serek. He first saluted them as a swordsman, then pulled back his hood.

"I am ready, sirs. We can start whenever you are."

"Do you plan to challenge me with just this sword?"

Serek frowned, not as hostile as the old leader. After all, it was rare for him to participate in an evaluation, and if the opponent used such a common weapon, even if he won, it wouldn't be much to brag about.

"Young man, I hope you don't feel pressured. This is just an evaluation. We want to see your true strength and skill. The outcome is not important."

"I agree, Mr. Serek."

Rod, holding his sword, replied calmly.

"So please don't worry about my weapon... and I also hope to see the power of the Shining Sword."

"Very well."

Hearing Rod's words, Serek's expression turned serious. He had been wondering if using a magical weapon against a common one would be unfair, but since Rod wanted to see his Shining Sword, Serek decided not to hold back. He nodded slightly and glanced at the association leader, understanding why his old friend was so angry.

But who is this kid?

Serek didn't dwell on it. He shook his head, drew his sword, and said,

"Come on!"

Facing Serek's challenge, Rod said nothing more. He slowly drew his sword, carefully observing the Shining Sword in Serek's hand. Then, he held the sword with one hand and made a starting stance. In the next moment, Rod turned into a shadow and charged forward.

Sword technique?

Seeing Rod's attack, Serek's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly regained his composure. He shouted and his sword burst into a shower of light, sweeping forward in a torrent.

Since this was just an evaluation, Serek didn't use his full strength. He believed that Rod, charging straight at him, wouldn't be able to withstand this attack. The key to the Shining Sword technique was speed. Facing such a barrage, it was very difficult to break through.

But Serek didn't expect that just as Rod was about to enter his attack range, he suddenly twisted his body, as if seeing through the deceptive sword light and slipping past it.

How is this possible!?

Serek was greatly surprised. He didn't know that Rod was already very familiar with his sword technique. Even with his current limited strength, Rod could see through the hidden threats. He knew the attack range of the Shining Sword, and Serek's straightforward attack, which might work on newbies, was not enough against Rod.

As Serek was surprised, Rod immediately thrust forward, avoiding the attack range. The Moon Shadow Sword technique was the opposite of the Shining Sword. The latter was like the sun's brilliance, forcing the opponent to submit. The Moon Shadow Sword, however, was like the shadow under the light, silent and stealthy, like a venomous snake lurking in the grass, striking unexpectedly. Now, the snake in the darkness struck, extending its fangs at the prey.

What incredible speed!

Seeing the shadow suddenly appear beside him, Serek was startled. He quickly changed direction, and his Shining Sword once again burst into a torrent of light, like a flood overwhelming the snake's head.

Rod, who missed his first strike, didn't choose to charge forward. The thirty-level difference was significant. If he faced Serek head-on, he would be knocked away. So, he quickly retreated, narrowly avoiding the torrent of sword light.

If Rod's first dodge had surprised the sword master, this time he was truly impressed. While the Shining Sword technique might look flashy, ordinary mercenaries couldn't possibly dodge such an attack. One dodge could be luck, but two in a row... Serek even began to wonder if this cloaked young man was an old acquaintance, otherwise, how could he be so familiar with his sword technique?

As an experienced sword master, Serek soon noticed that Rod was trying to avoid direct contact. So, he changed his tactics. The Shining Sword, which had been bursting with light, was reined in, and he pressed forward, forcing Rod to engage. Rod didn't want to clash head-on, so Serek forced him to. The sword master believed that with his experience, this wouldn't be difficult.

But Serek miscalculated again. Even though he thought his speed was fast enough, Rod still managed to retreat at the moment of engagement, maintaining his distance.

The clash only lasted a few times, but the surrounding mercenaries were already amazed.

"Big sister, how can Serek's sword be so fast and still miss this guy?"

Barney, peeking through a gap, widened his eyes in surprise. He knew that if he were in Rod's position, he wouldn't be able to dodge Serek's attacks and would have surrendered after the first strike. But this strange guy not only dodged Serek's attacks three times but also remained unharmed. This was too bizarre. Could this guy also be a sword master?

Not just Barney, but the other mercenaries also had similar thoughts. They couldn't understand why Serek's fast sword couldn't touch this guy.

The old leader, however, frowned, seeing through the situation.

Indeed, Serek's Shining Sword technique was very fast, as its name suggested. But the speed was of the sword, not the person. Anyone seeing the fast sword would assume the user was also fast, but in reality, these were separate things.

The old leader realized that the young man was dodging the attacks because of his own speed and seemed very familiar with the Shining Sword's characteristics. This made the old leader frown, wondering about the young man's background. Serek hadn't left Deepstone City for over thirty years, and few had fought him. Who was this strange young man?

While the old leader was pondering, the two continued their exchange. Rod still avoided direct confrontation, while Serek remained calm, but his expression was more serious.

"Your speed is impressive. If you were a thief, you'd have a bright future."

When Rod dodged another attack, the sword master finally smiled, though with a hint of frustration.

"Thank you, but I am a swordsman."

Rod's voice was flat, his face still hidden under the hood, so no one could see his expression.

"Then show me your swordsman's skills, young man."

Serek raised his sword, deciding to take it more seriously, not just because of Rod's evasion but also out of curiosity. He wanted to see what other tricks this cloaked young man had.

"As you wish."

At that moment, Rod moved.

A faint light appeared on the dull sword, and with Rod's swing, a crescent-shaped sword aura shot out in an instant.

Sword aura condensation?

Seeing the silver crescent, Serek's expression turned serious. He shouted, "Good!" and stepped forward, gripping his sword.

A torrent of light burst forth again, like a wave crashing against the silver crescent. Serek's power as a sword master was evident, the force from the sword light pushing back the surrounding mercenaries. Rod's silver crescent disappeared upon contact with Serek's barrier.

Not bad.

Although in direct confrontation, Rod seemed like a child against a strong adult, Serek nodded in satisfaction. To learn sword aura condensation at such a young age showed great talent. From the previous battle, Rod also showed wisdom in combat. Serek even thought it was a waste for such a promising young man to be a mercenary. He glanced at his old friend, considering whether to take this young man as a disciple, as finding such a talented swordsman was rare.

"———!!"

At that moment, a clear, low sound rang out, followed by gasps from the mercenaries.

What happened?!

Serek refocused and was surprised to see a green shadow piercing through the sword net, rapidly approaching him!