Chapter 35

What is this thing?!

Serek was greatly alarmed. He was confident that there was nothing wrong with his sword barrier, but the greenish-blue light had penetrated through the tiniest gap. With no other choice, Serek had to draw his sword to block the attack, taking the hit head-on. As he retracted his sword, the Soul Bird had already spread its wings and charged at him.

"Boom!!!"

A fierce gust of wind rose from the ground, forcing the surrounding mercenaries to step back, unable to withstand the storm. Even Serek staggered, though the Soul Bird's attack wasn't particularly powerful, the storm it brought was still formidable. Serek squinted his eyes and swung his sword, a brilliant light tearing through the wind that almost blinded everyone. However, what he saw was not Rod's figure, but the bright red lotus fire.

Rod's left hand flipped, and a crimson card appeared in his hand. He gripped the card and threw it forward with force.

"—!"

With a crisp sound, the crimson card shattered instantly, and a blazing fire swept across the ground, like a wave under the wind. A deep growl echoed, and a black hound emerged from the flames, baring its fangs and claws, pouncing at Serek. At the same time, Rod's figure flickered, and he launched another Shadow Flash, his sword following closely, attacking Serek's side.

"What is this thing!!"

Seeing this scene, the surrounding mercenaries were in an uproar. They widened their eyes in surprise, whispering to each other. Everything they saw was completely beyond their comprehension. Even the most battle-hardened warriors would be shaken by such a scene.

Serek was no different.

Unlike the mercenaries, Serek had no time to ponder where these things came from. The immediate danger was more important. Although these things were unlikely to kill him, as a master swordsman and a powerful warrior, it would be very embarrassing to be forced into such a situation. So, facing Rod's aggressive attack, Serek only sneered and immediately charged forward with his sword.

A vast sword barrier appeared again, blocking the black hound's attack. However, this did not make the killer born from the flames any less fearless. In response to Serek's attack, it slowed down, crouched, and leaped to the side, then opened its mouth wide.

"Boom!!!!"

Red lotus fire spewed from the hound's mouth, burning everything around it. Serek did not hesitate; for a strong warrior, pride was more important than life. If he were to be humiliated by a faceless brat here, his decades of reputation would be ruined. At this moment, Serek finally put aside his pride and treated the enemy as a true opponent.

A brilliant light flashed.

Just a flicker.

For the raging flames, this flicker was like a lightning bolt in a storm, dazzling but not lasting. It vanished in the flames in an instant.

But that was enough.

The blazing flames suddenly extinguished.

Without any warning, no one saw what happened. Many only saw a bright light flash through the flames, and then the flames disappeared. Except for the scorched floor and the sparks flying in the air, it seemed as if the terrifying breath had never existed.

Here it comes!

Rod raised an eyebrow. He knew that the opponent was no longer just playing around. Serek had finally put aside his pride and was ready to truly engage in battle.

This was also Rod's intention.

Although Serek had stopped the Flame Killer's attack, he had not managed to stop Rod or the Soul Bird, which had circled back and attacked again. Sensing the change, Rod had no intention of retreating. Instead, he gritted his teeth, retracted his sword, and thrust forward again.

The Broken Blade activated.

The swirling light blades shot out again, attacking Serek. The Soul Bird also received Rod's command, flapping its wings and gliding low to the right side of Serek. The black hound, having missed its attack, retreated and crossed paths with the Soul Bird, pouncing at Serek's left side. The scent of flames spread in the air, and four bright sparks followed the hunter's trail.

It was like a fantasy.

At this moment, the mercenaries were silent. All they could do was stand at a distance, watching the battle in awe. This was an unprecedented scene for them. No one had ever seen such a battle, and no one had ever seen the brilliant swordsman Serek unleash his full power. Now, they finally saw it.

If it were an ordinary person, they would be at a loss or choose to attack Rod first in a three-sided attack. But Serek's choice was different.

His first target was not Rod.

When Serek raised his sword, almost everyone felt time slow to a crawl. They saw Serek raise his sword and swing it diagonally backward, hitting the Flame Killer trying to attack from the side. The brave hound howled as if struck by a heavy hammer, falling downward. Serek's sword, using the recoil, swung through the air, blocking the Soul Bird's attack. As the Soul Bird, hit by the sword wind, lost balance and fell, Serek's sword finally struck the light blade that was flying toward him.

This moment was both short and long. Everyone saw it clearly, yet it seemed unclear, as if the previous scene was just a figment of their imagination, not reality.

But Rod did not stop.

He could feel the intense, powerful impact traveling up the sword, pulling his body. In an instant, it felt as if his organs and body were about to switch places. Even his health bar, which had been a light green, turned orange. The long sword, unable to withstand the impact, shattered into pieces and scattered. The cloak on his body also tore into fragments.

At this moment, Serek launched a counterattack. His sword flashed again, thrusting directly at Rod's chest.

However, Rod was not nervous. He raised his right hand, making a gesture as if to grab something in the air, and then focused his mind.

"Awooo—!!"

The black hound howled and charged forward, its entire body enveloped in blazing flames, straight toward Serek. This time, Serek did not hold back. He sneered, and with a slight movement of his wrist, a light flashed. The black hound, enveloped in flames, was split into two halves.

But this was not the end.

Born in destruction, dying in destruction.

Sensing the massive energy surge from the tip of the sword, Serek's eyes widened, but it was too late.

The flames, split in two, lost control and roared, engulfing Serek. But even so, the flames could not stop the howling wind.

At this moment, a red card appeared in Rod's hand, and it instantly flipped.

In the next moment, Rod caught the card in his hand.

"Clang!!!"

A pair of white wings appeared in the air, closing in front of Rod like a shield, blocking the dazzling light.

The flames dissipated.

Serek stopped his movement. The tip of his Illusion Sword was just inches from Rod's chest, but the thin yet sturdy wing shield had blocked his attack. Rod's sword, glowing with light, was now stopped at Serek's neck.

"Elemental spirits, magical weapons, and master-level swordsmanship."

After a long pause, Serek finally spoke.

"Nice job, kid. You did great."

"Thank you for the guidance."

Rod nodded slightly and lowered his sword. He made a gesture, and soon, the Soul Bird, which had been circling in the air, landed on his shoulder, silent.

"Don't be too formal. I haven't had such an exciting fight in a long time."

Serek's face softened into a gentle smile. He sheathed his sword and asked.

"What's your name?"

"Rod, Rod Elant."

"Good, Rod, a good name. I like you, kid. You're the first one in Deepstone City to make me suffer!"

Hearing Rod's answer, Serek patted his shoulder and laughed.

As for Serek's praise, Rod only nodded slightly in acknowledgment, then turned to look at the old man standing nearby, who looked somewhat displeased.

"So, sir, have I passed the mercenary evaluation?"

"This………"

Hearing Rod's question, Moby's face turned grim. He had already known the result when he saw Rod's skills. But now, being asked directly, he found it hard to let go of his pride and turned to Serek for help. The sword master smiled slyly and winked.

"To be honest, kid, it's a waste for someone with your talent to be a mercenary……… But since this is your choice, I can't say anything more. I believe you have passed the mercenary evaluation!"