Chapter 36

For the mercenaries, this was an evaluation that left a deep impression on them. Although the gap in strength between the two sides was significant, and although Rod's methods were not exactly orthodox, mercenaries were not knights. For them, as long as they could win, anything went. They especially admired those who could win with unconventional tactics. For a time, Rod and Serek became the hot topics of discussion among the mercenaries. Serek had been famous for many years, but few had seen him in action, leading many mercenaries to privately doubt whether the swordmaster lived up to his reputation. However, after this battle, they no longer had such doubts. Although the fight was quick and brief, in those few minutes, anyone else would have been on their knees.

What the mercenaries were most curious about was how Rod, as a swordsman, managed to summon such peculiar elemental spirits. If it were a mage's summoning spell, he wouldn't have chanted any incantations, which seemed unscientific. Many people speculated about how he did it, with some saying it was a unique summoning technique, and others suggesting it might be the effect of some magical artifact. Given that this young man could produce a powerful magical weapon, it was clear he was no ordinary person. For someone of his caliber, having a few magical items was not surprising.

What excited them even more was that such a powerful young man had actually participated in the mercenary evaluation, which meant he would become a mercenary from today onward. Many mercenary groups were eager to recruit him, even though Rod had not won against Serek. The fact that he could force the usually calm swordmaster to use his true skills was enough to show Rod's strength. Considering his age, few doubted his future potential.

While the mercenaries were buzzing with excitement over the spectacle they had just witnessed, Rod and Lisse had already returned to the president of the Mercenary Association's study. This time, however, the old president was accompanied by a smiling swordmaster.

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

Although he was offering congratulations, the old president's face remained stern, clearly still somewhat put off by his earlier encounter with Rod.

"As for the rules and regulations of the mercenaries, I don't think I need to go into detail. You should already be well aware of them."

Hearing the old president's veiled criticism, Rod did not say much. He understood the old man's character. Now that he had achieved his goal, it didn't matter how the old man spoke. Letting him vent a bit was fine.

As Rod had anticipated, after letting out a few complaints, the old president's tone quickly softened. He reached out, took a scroll from the drawer, and placed it on the table. Before doing so, he glanced at the girl sitting next to Rod. Unlike her earlier nervousness, Lisse was now much calmer, but her face showed a clear hint of complaint and regret. This was not because of the battle between Rod and Serek, but because the cloak she had carefully chosen was now in tatters after just one use, which pained her deeply.

Women's thoughts were indeed hard to fathom.

"Lisse, although I do acknowledge this young man's strength, I must say that this is a risky move. There is a difference between individual strength and the power of a mercenary group. Look at Serek and Mal. Despite their fame, they are still just members of mercenary groups. This is because the power of a group far outweighs that of an individual. I have no doubt about this young man's strength, but a mercenary group cannot be sustained by just one or two people. Although there is still a long time before the winter recess, to be honest, I don't think you will have the time to escape the current predicament."

"I understand, President."

Lisse nodded slightly. As a member of the mercenary group, she understood the severity of the situation better than anyone. Even Lisse herself had no good solutions. The main issue was that the group was too small, with only Rod and Lisse. If they wanted to survive, they needed to recruit more members. However, in a situation where new members outnumbered the old, the command structure could easily be shaken. Mercenaries were very practical; the strong did not want to be subordinate, and the weak wanted to take advantage of the chaos. In such a state, peaceful and stable development was very difficult. Moreover, although Lisse was a "senior" member of the group, her young age and non-combat role made it impossible for her to command respect. While many mercenaries had seen Rod's strength today, he was still a newcomer, which would only give others more motivation rather than stability.

Lisse naturally had her own ideals for her mercenary group. Many mercenary groups started well but later resorted to murder, arson, and all sorts of underhanded tactics for money. Some even stopped taking missions and became the henchmen of lords and nobles, responsible for collecting various taxes from the people. This was no longer the work of mercenaries but of enforcers.

Lisse certainly did not want her mercenary group to become like that, but with her current limited influence, her words carried little weight. Even with Rod's support, it would be useless if everyone else opposed her. This would only remain a dream.

For these and other reasons, almost no one believed that Lisse's mercenary group could be rebuilt.

"But there's no point in talking about it now."

Seeing that he couldn't persuade Lisse, the old president said no more. He picked up a quill pen and glanced at Rod.

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

"Starlight."

Without hesitation, Rod quickly responded. The old president nodded, bent down, and wrote the name on the paper. He then picked up a seal ring and pressed it down firmly. After that, he pushed the paper over.

"Next, just put your fingerprint or sign your name on this paper."

"Of course, no problem."

Looking at the familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar paper, Rod took a deep breath. In the game, forming a group was a simple form-filling process, which was relatively easy for players. But now, this somewhat old and worn paper gave it a sense of history. He glanced at the girl next to him, and Lisse met his gaze, nodding slightly. Then, Rod took a deep breath and signed his name on the paper.

" Ding!"

At that moment, a voice suddenly sounded in Rod's mind, and a system notification appeared before his eyes.

[Leader position obtained, mercenary group construction system activated]

Rod glanced at the message and quickly dismissed it. He had come to terms with it. No matter how strange and unscientific these things were, they were now a part of him. There was no point in wondering where they came from or how they would go away. Since they were here, he might as well treat it like a game. His expression did not change much, and after signing, he pushed the paper back.

The old man put away the scroll, a smile appearing on his face, but it quickly faded.

"Well, I look forward to seeing what you can achieve, young man."

"I believe we won't disappoint you."

Rod nodded slightly in response.

"I hope so."

The old president said no more, but he hesitated for a moment.

"However... there is one thing I need to warn you about. Some spies from the Kingdom of Light have recently arrived in the city. Although I don't know what they are up to, I advise you to avoid any conflict with them. It's not a good idea."

"I understand."

Hearing the old president's warning, Rod's eyebrows raised slightly.

What was coming, had come.

Only after seeing the two figures disappear did the old president let out a bitter laugh, sit down, and look at his companion.

"Old man, what do you think of this young man? I really suspect he might be sent by them."

"You mean the Golden City?"

Hearing the old president's question, Serek also smiled helplessly.

"I don't think so. If what our little Lisse said is true, then she and this young man did meet by chance."

"But his proposal to form a mercenary group wasn't a coincidence."

"I understand that, of course."

This time, Serek did not contradict the old president's judgment.

"Magical weapon, good strength, and... well, handsome? To be honest, he does fit our lady's taste. I understand your thoughts, old friend. But if such a person really existed, the Golden City would have known about it long ago. After all, you and I know that if this young man were her subordinate, she would never have kept him hidden. And... that peculiar fighting style, unprecedented."

"Not a summoning spell?"

Hearing Serek's exclamation, the old president's expression became serious.

"Of course not, old friend. You've dealt with mages for a long time; you've seen their summoning spells, haven't you?"

"Of course, but those mysterious and incomprehensible things of mages... I've never understood them..."

"That's why you're a mercenary, old friend. You should read more books."

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore."

Hearing Serek's teasing, the old president's face turned red.

"I'll leave this young man to you, Serek. Keep an eye on him. Those bastards from the Kingdom of Light sneaked into Deepstone City a few days ago, and I suspect they have some ulterior motives. Now, this young man appears out of nowhere, and I really wonder if he's here for the same reason... We don't want trouble in Deepstone City. At least, the Mercenary Association doesn't."

"Don't worry."

Serek's expression was serious as he nodded slightly.

"I won't let those guys cause trouble here."