Chapter 33 Mercenary Assessmen (1/2)
Rhode sat on a chair, observing the old man behind the desk. He knew who he was. Moby Daimler, Deep Stone City's Mercenary Association president. Back in the game, almost every player would somehow be acquainted with this man if they wanted mercenary licenses from him. Furthermore, he would be responsible for teaching the players' practical skills.
If a player had high reputation points, he would hand out certain rewards to them. So, to the players, this old man was quite a popular NPC.
However, Moby Daimler's character was obstinate, and also sometimes quite a blockhead. Of course, in this world, the people view him as someone who adhered to his belief, but to the player, he was just a stubborn old man.
But whether he was stubborn or not, it did not matter to Rhode.
”Lize, you have my deepest condolence about the matter...”
The old man then looked down at his desk, and said with his unique calm and slow tone, ”Carter is a good kid. I watched him grow up, and I'm very sad about his loss,” the old man shook his head and paused for a moment to sigh, ”but this is a mercenary's life; we work for money, and we all know that we might die. From the moment we accepted this way of life, we had acknowledged the risks involved... Now, tell me, what have you truly come to me for?”
”I... I want the mercenary group to carry on, Sir.”
Lize shivered in nervousness. Both her hands slowly turned pale as she clutched the hem of her dress tightly.
”I know it will be difficult, but I have made the decision... Mr. Rhode will be appointed as the new leader, and I believe that under his leadership, this mercenary group can continue to prosper.”
”... a wonderful idea, Lize.”
The old man sighed.
”But you do understand that this will be a gamble. Will you hang the fate of the entire mercenary group on an unfamiliar person? Can you afford to shoulder the consequences of that venture?”
”I certainly understand the risks involved, Mr. President, sir. But... I choose to believe in my judgment. My only wish is to watch my mercenary group prosper, but I know that I do not have the ability to do so. Therefore, I can only choose to believe in someone who can bring me hope.”
Lize gracefully lifted up her head and gazed firmly into the old man's eyes. The old man slightly narrowed his eyes and returned Lize's gaze. After a while, he said, ”In any case, I hope that you can consider the risks involved. After all...”
The old man was unable to finish his sentence before being suddenly interrupted by Rhode.
”Perhaps, you should ask my opinion, Sir.”
Upon hearing Rhode's bold words, the old man's eyes revealed a trace of uncertainty. His eyes started to scan this man carefully whose body was fully wrapped in a cloak.
”Kid, when an elder speaks, you should be polite.”
”If you put it that way, then I think it is quite rude to ignore the existence of others deliberately.”
Rhode retaliated without hesitation nor fear. In the game, the president NPC was an extremely resolute and steadfast character. He despised spineless cowards. That was why Rhode spoke so straightforwardly as he wanted to compare the difference between the old man from the game and this old man in front of him.
”Let's not dwell on unrelated matters. Moving on to the main point, I understand that the mercenary group quota is limited, and every mercenary group that can hit the quota is required to experience some kind of hardship.”
”Am I right, Mr. President?” Rhode said coolly.
”Moreover... I also understand that if this information spreads out to the people, not only will the Mercenary Association's reputation be damaged, but you'll also trigger the combined dissatisfaction and ridicule from other mercenaries. You needn't waste your time beating around the bush about these matters, Mr. President.”
”Good lad!” The old man couldn't help but express his shock.
Almost immediately, the lazy demeanor expressed by the old man vanished without a trace.
”Since you understand what I meant, I'll just be frank with you. As you've said earlier, every mercenary group has their own quota, and it is through their own perseverance and effort that they manage to clear the tasks required of them. No matter who you are, it is impossible for you to change the way of how the Mercenary Association operates. I'm incredibly saddened by the loss of Carter and the rest of his team, but I cannot break the Mercenary Association's regulation.”
Rhode leisurely leaned back against the chair as he slowly picked up the teacup.
”But you also do not hold the power to disband the mercenary group either,” said Rhode casually as he stirred the black tea in the teacup, which was already cold.
Without waiting for a reply, Rhode continued, ”According to the Mercenary Association's regulation: Only within the winter recess period, those mercenary groups who did not reach the specified level would be forced to disband. Also, the Association has no right to intervene in the internal affairs of the group.”
Upon hearing Rhode's well-thought rebuttal, the old president frowned in silence.
”I did not expect that you were that familiar with our regulations...” the old president voice trailed off, but the next moment, his taut expression suddenly relaxed.
”Indeed, we do not have this power. But, as the president of the Mercenary Association of the Deep Stone City branch, I am responsible for every mercenary. And the most crucial aspect here... is your identity as an adventurer. We cannot possibly allow a person who has yet to be assessed by mercenaries to lead a mercenary group. ”
”Mr. President!”
Lize couldn't sit still any longer when she heard this. She immediately shot up and opened her mouth to say something. But to her surprise, Rhode shook his head, stretched out his arm and held her shoulder. Then he slowly stood up with a calm expression.
”This means that if I pass the assessment, you'll agree?
”That goes without saying, lad.”
The old president also stood up.
”Do not forget, this is the Mercenary Association's territory. People who are qualified to stand on these grounds are only mercenaries.”
”Very well.” Rhode nodded. His heart relaxed a lot. Until now, the old president's reactions were not beyond his expectations.
”So, if I asked to be assessed right now, there shouldn't be any issues, right?”
The room turned silent.
Both of the old president's eyes widened as he studied this young man in front of him carefully. Even he could sense the self-confidence from the young man's tone, but he did not know where that confidence came from.
This kid... does he even know what is he getting himself into? Since he understood the regulations well, I'm certain that he knows the standard of the test. While it isn't particularly difficult, it isn't a cakewalk either.
Is this kid being reckless? Or does he truly have the strength?
In his heart, the president shook his head. From his appearance, the young lad who was fully wrapped in a cloak didn't appear to emit any signs of power. However, since the lad was willing to take on the assessment, he couldn't say no. It would be the best if he could pressure him to quit, but if that didn't work... then he'll think about it later.
Once he made up his decision in his mind, the old president didn't speak any further, and he gave a smile to Rhode. He reached out and picked up a small hammer which he gently swung it against a bell on the desk. Soon, an attendant entered the room.
”What's the matter, Mr. President?”
”Is the training field empty right now?” he questioned the attendant while maintaining the smile on his face.
”Yes, Sir.”
”Very well. Inform Sereck that someone is here to take on the mercenary assessment.”
”... Yessir.”
When Sereck's name was mentioned, a trace of surprise flashed in the attendant's eyes. However, the expression in his eyes didn't linger, and he quickly lowered his head before leaving the room in a hurry.
Lize, on the other hand, openly expressed her shock and she quickly made her way towards the president.
”Mr. President! You can't...! Mr. Sereck is...”
”Kid, this isn't something you should worry yourself with.” The old president waved his hand and interrupted Lize. Then he turned his head slightly, glanced towards Rhode and said, ”Since this young gentleman volunteered to take on the mercenary assessment, naturally, I will grant him the opportunity.”
”But…”
Lize wanted to say something, but this time, it was Rhode who interrupted her.