Chapter 366: An Interesting Old Man (2/2)

Thud.

As Thaurid landed on his back, almost everyone in the queue could not help but reassess Argentum yet again, wondering how strong he was if he went all out. From what he had shown just now, they had a feeling that it wouldn't be difficult for him to defeat Irren at his current state, even thinking it was just a walk in the park.

With that in mind, a small portion of those in the queue hastily made up excuses to leave the queue and do their own things. As for those that remained, either they believed they had the ability to defend against Argentum's attack, or they were more motivated to join the Tempest Regiment in order to become as strong as Argentum.

And just like that, the entrance test to become one of the Tempest Regiment members had begun. A great portion of people at the beginning were sent flying a couple meters away by Argentum, though as time passed, he adjusted his strength to where it would only temporarily debilitate them and not send them flying. Surprisingly, a few people started to avoid his attack, being enlisted to the Tempest Regiment with wide smiles on their faces. Nevertheless, after defending against Argentum's attack, they all simultaneously thought the very instant they passed.

'Never mess with the town leader!'

With how straightforward the entrance test was, the number of people decreased quite quickly, with about half of the people at the beginning having already taken the test within a couple of hours. At this moment, a man that seemed out of place along the queue in front of Argentum.

Unlike the other men that had taken the test before, the enthusiasm and vitality felt from him was far from what Argentum felt from the others. Instead, the man gave off the feeling that he was just doing it because it seemed interesting. Not to mention that the fact the man looked like he was already beyond his prime.

Of course, Argentum did not tell the man to move out of the way as he found it quite interesting for an old man to enter his entrance test. With that, he said, ”Please introduce yourself.”

”Claude Vorendell,” the old man replied before scratching his head as he continued, ”I think I'm 62 years old? I'm not sure. It's been a while since I celebrated my birthday.”

”In any case, I'm here to join the Tempest Regiment.”

”Alright, then,” Argentum said as he nodded, preparing an attack that was slightly weaker than the ones he had sent out before. Surprisingly, the old man noticed this and told him, ”You don't need to hold back. It wouldn't sit well with me if you did.”

”In fact, I also want to apologize for what happened back then,” the old man continued, prompting Argentum to ask with a hint of confusion, ”Back then?”

”The first time you came to this town. I was the one who led the guards to where you were, so I feel like I am partly to blame,” Claude replied, to which Argentum became silent for a bit.

In the end, he decided that there was no point becoming angry at the old man as it had already been some time since then. Not only that, but he knew that the old man was just doing it for the sake of the town. Nevertheless, with the old man telling him that he was the one who led the guards to where they were, he could not help but think that the old man might have some special talents.

'Well, I'll find that out later,' Argentum thought as he said to Claude, ”Prepare yourself.”

In response, Claude nodded as he slightly bent his back, saying back to Argentum, ”Don't hold back.”

Whoosh!

Without hesitation, Argentum punched towards the old man, aiming for his stomach. Unfortunately for Argentum, the old man wouldn't give him the chance to do so, taking a step back to just barely miss the attack.

Just as Argentum was about to retract his fist and tell the old man that he had passed, the old man decided to use Argentum's extended arm as an opening as he weaved through and lightly grasped Argentum over the neck not long after.

With the help of his enhanced senses, as well as his Origin Sense, Argentum saw how the old man took advantage of the opening to retaliate back at him, leaving him at a slight loss for words.

As the old man released his grasp over Argentum's neck, the old man let out an awkward chuckle as he apologized, ”My apologies. I must have gone slightly overboard.”

In response, Argentum said back with a chuckle, ”You didn't. In fact, I'm quite surprised to see that you're still limber at your age.”

”In any case, your prowess doesn't fit the level of a Tempest Regiment member anymore,” he continued, leaving those at the queue at a loss for words. If what Claude did wasn't fit for a Tempest Regiment member, then what would their moves be worth?

Though, it did not take long for them to realize that their fears were unfounded as Argentum looked at Claude with a light smile and asked, ”With that, I would like you to become an instructor of the Tempest Regiment. How about it? Would you like to give it a try?”

Hearing the offer given to him, Claude instantly replied, ”Do I get a bigger salary?”

”But of course. It has to be worth your while,” Argentum said with a laugh.

With that, Claude extended his hand, to which Argentum received as the two shook his hands.

”Well then. I don't see any harm in giving it a try,” Claude grinned as he accepted Argentum's proposal.