Chapter 33 Mercenary Assessmen (2/2)
”Do not worry, Lize. There will be no problem.”
Rhode reached out to grab a loose end of his hood and pulled it across his face, utilizing the shadow to cover his mouth. Under the hood, Rhode's lips curved into a smile.
”After all, this is a rare opportunity to duel with the 'Light Swordsman'.”
When the old president heard Sereck's nickname, he couldn't help but widen his eyes in shock. However, since things had already turned out this way, it was unnecessary for him to say anything more. Although he found this young man's attitude peculiar, as a veteran with decades of experience, his confidence wouldn't be shaken that easily.
”Good... since you have the courage, I'd like to see how you will pass this assessment!” The old president snorted coldly.
”I assure that you'll not be disappointed. But before that, I hope you can give me 10 minutes to prepare myself.”
”Of course, that's not a problem.”
The old president didn't find anything odd with Rhode's request; rather, it'll be odd if he didn't ask for preparation time as it was such an impromptu decision.
Once again, he gently swung the tiny hammer on the bell and summoned several attendants.1
”Escort the gentleman and the lady to the waiting room. Start the mercenary assessment in 10 minutes.”
The attendants glanced towards Rhode in surprise.
”Is 10 minutes enough?”
”It's enough.”
-
The Mercenary Association waiting room wasn't anything luxurious; instead, it was slightly chilly. Other than the wooden furniture, there were wall decorations made up of swords and shields. Suits of armor were lined up neatly in the corner as well.
Rhode waved his hand, gesturing the attendant to excuse himself before entering the room and locking it.
”Mr. Rhode, this is too risky!”
Lize finally voiced out her concerns to Rhode.
”Mr. Sereck is a famous warrior in Deep Stone City. The president is deliberately making it difficult for you. This...”
”You don't have to worry, Lize. I have already expected this outcome.”
Rhode shook his head. He had already guessed it from the start. After all, in the game, that old man would always make it difficult for the players when they wanted to create a mercenary group. Not only would they have to gather reputation points, they would also need to undergo many difficult quests. As for right now, since he wanted to take a shortcut, of course, that old geezer wouldn't make it easy for him.
Furthermore, Sereck wasn't a stranger to Rhode. He was a powerful warrior in Deep Stone City, and he was also a master swordsman that inherited 'Light Swordsmanship'. What made this 'Light Swordsmanship' so special was that it had light magic interweaved into sword skills. By itself, the level of swordsmanship was merely average, and it was just considered to be middle-classed to players. During this period, if Rhode's memory wasn't wrong, Sereck's level should be at 40.
With such a vast difference in level, it was practically impossible for Rhode to win.
However, this was only assessment, not a life and death battle.
Rhode decided to conclude his thoughts and took out the Soul Core he obtained from the Shadow.
Its appearance was different from the Wind Serpent Lord's Soul Core. The Shadow's Soul Core was pure white, and a layer of fog surrounded it. If one stared at it closely, it would resemble a carefully crafted artwork. Rhode glanced at his surroundings before making his way towards a brazier.
Upon reaching, he closed his eyes and stretched out his right hand.
Once again, the summoning circle appeared on his palm, followed by the system prompt which also emerged before him clearly.
[The Soul Core has been contaminated, Do you want it to be purified?]
”Purify.”
Followed by Rhode's voice, the fog surrounding the Soul Core began to thicken as it swirled rapidly around the core.
This mystical scene left Lize stupefied. But she still managed to close her mouth and not make a sound. Despite not knowing what he was doing, she knew that he wasn't to be disturbed at this moment.
As the fog around the Soul Core became increasingly thick, it created a billow of clouds which rolled in the center of his palm. This phenomenon continued as it spun faster and faster, forming a whirlpool of fog. Slowly, red streaks of light appeared within the eye of the storm, and it gradually snowballed, consuming the remaining fog, turning the entire spectacle into a bright, red cloud. The fiery cloud then started to congeal, and it finally transformed into a crimson card which levitated on top of Rhode's palm.
[The Flame Killer (Fire Attribute): Ground Unit, Available for Fusion, Attack 10% chance to trigger burning effect, Special Skill ——— Fire Breath (Born from the flame and die in flame. Bring its enemies eternal pain and destruction)
[1/10 of Red Lotus Deck collected, The Flame Killer]
But it wasn't done yet, because, at this very moment, Rhode took out the Gargoyle's Heart from his pocket.
Use the Gargoyle's Heart.
[Target? ]
The Flame Killer.
Rhode spoke in his head.
[Target - The Flame Killer - Forced Evolution]
[Level upgrade finished]
[Evolve? ]
Yes.
The bright, crimson card started rotating once again. A resplendent flame crept around the card, and then it slowly faded.
Rhode then grabbed the card and studied the information written on it.
A picture of a fiery hound was painted on the front side of the card. At the top corner, a red circle with the letters ”VI” were printed on it. As for the bottom corners of the card, two numbers, 5 and 3 represented the summoning spirit's attack and defense respectively.
When he flipped over the card, it displayed the card details.
[The Flame Killer (Fire Attribute): Ground Unit, Available for Fusion, Attack: 10% chance to trigger burning effect, Special Skill ——— Fire Breath (Born forth from flame, and perishes in flames. Inflicts a calamity by delivering catastrophic destruction to lay them in eternal rest.) LV 10
Received the flame baptism: the Flame Guardian.
Fire Breath: Hot enough to melt steel, and no one will be able to get in its way,
Born forth from flame; perishes in flames. Explosive Type.]
Pretty good.
Comparing it to the Spirit Bird's meager attack and defense power, which was at the level of ordinary creatures, the Flame Killer's attack was much better and it even reached Giant Beast level. Still, though its defense was low, Rhode believed that with the innate fire element, the card still had its uses.
After analyzing, Rhode kept the card, turned around and faced towards a dazed Lize.
”I'm ready, let's go.”Raws did not mention additional attendants in the room, so I added this line. Otherwise, it would seem as if several attendants appeared out of nowhere.