Chapter 195 Training Begins (1/2)

[Mission completed. Stronghold successfully upgraded. Available room types increased. Probe in intelligence increased.]

Rhode nodded his head while reading the system prompt. He lifted his head and glanced across the cold and gloomy basement. This place used to be a cellar for the nobles to store fine wines, and now it was just another ordinary empty room. Rhode summoned his system prompt and reviewed the construction menu.

[Build --- Training Ground (LV1). Confirm to build?]

Yes.

[Building the Training Ground requires 300 gold coin and Sphere of Mystery. Continue?]

Continue.

Rhode answered while looking at the Sphere of Mystery floating by his side.

A golden light shone once again.

It was similar to the time when Rhode repaired this building; the golden light radiated from his hand as it formed a web across the entire room. It quickly analyzed the whole basement and transformed into an intangible material. Along with it, the damp, cold and narrow basement suddenly changed drastically.

Rumble.

The basement started to expand and rise rapidly. Solid, blue slabs coated the moist surface. The shabby rocks on the walls quickly transformed into a fireplace. With that, the flames from the fireplace drove the chilly cold away from the basement and brought warmth. In the corner, wooden and realistic human-shaped targets erected. And in the center, an exquisite sculpture emerged from the ground. The figure resembled a swordsman with a sword in one hand, and the other on its chest. The Sphere of Mystery beside Rhode quietly floated to the palm of the sculpture. From where Rhode stood, he could discern some intricacies from within the complicated and mysterious patterns on the sculpture. The whole statue was a small scale formation that could utilize the Sphere of Mystery's mysterious energy.

It seems like everything is going well.

Rhode nodded to himself with satisfaction. And at that moment, someone knocked on the door behind him.

”Come in.”

Rhode replied without turning back. The wooden door opened and everyone entered. When they noticed the change, all of them suddenly became speechless.

”What happened here?”

Marlene was the first to recover. She stared suspiciously at this large training ground. Her memory of this place was vastly different from what it was right now. Previously, when Marlene was appointed to manage the mercenary group, she made a thorough check on every corner of this stronghold. Based on her memories, this should be an empty cellar. But now, what was this?

An illusion spell?

The maiden shook her head. As a Mage, she knew casting such illusions wasn't easy. Moreover, Rhode had never showcased this side of him. And furthermore, the objects that she observed didn't seem to have the slight blurriness that an illusion spell would surely have. Marlene extended her hand and placed it on the wall. The sensation from the dry wood correctly informed her that everything was real.

”Just a little trick.”

Rhode didn't want to reveal anything at the moment. In fact, even if he did reveal his methods, where would he start to explain it? He shook his head inwardly and turned towards the group. There were five members present. Anne, Marlene, Lize, Joey and Randolf. These were the main candidates that Rhode had chosen for the mid-summer festival. According to the festival rules, regardless of group battles or individual battles, every guild was allowed to send only five members and one substitute. After all, this festival only lasted for a few days, and the guilds wouldn't be too happy if it dragged on for too long.

”I think all of you know that we are going to represent Paphield Region to participate in the mid-summer festival.”

Everyone nodded in unison.

”All of you here will participate in this competition with me.”

Although they were already mentally prepared, to hear it directly from Rhode, Anne and Lize couldn't help but feel excited. The mid-summer festival competition can be considered a grand stage that only mercenaries of Munn Kingdom could step on. A small mercenary group's biggest dream was to be accepted and cheered on by others. Marlene had an indifferent reaction as compared to the others. As an heir of the Senia family, she had once participated the mid-summer festival with her family. But at that time, she went as one of the audience.

”But…”

Just when everyone was getting pumped, Rhode changed his tone.

”To be honest, based on your current strength, none of you are qualified for this competition. I can guarantee that if all of you entered right now, it will be a guaranteed loss.”

Rhode's straightforward analysis of their current status was like a wet blanket, completely dousing the flames in their hearts. However, they quickly recollected themselves and stole glances at one another. The joy and anticipation of entering the competition turned into embarrassment and insecurity. After all, deep within, all of them understood the strength of the mercenaries taking part in the mid-summer festival competition. If it easy to be champion, how could it be a fleeting dream for most mercenaries?

But the sad truth was that their strengths were indeed insufficient to step up onto that stage. Otherwise, they wouldn't still be in this small little mercenary group.

”Has anyone seen the mid-summer festival competition?”

Other than Marlene, everyone else shook their head. Rhode shot Marlene a look and asked.

”How far do you think you will go if you're up there?”

”Me?”

Marlene frowned and grabbed her staff while considering her answer. After hesitating a while, she spoke with a bit of uncertainty, ”I'm not too sure… The semifinals… maybe?”

Hearing Marlene's answer, the other four took in deep breaths. Regarding individual strength, Marlene was unmistakably one of the strongest amongst them. But even she didn't have the confidence to reach the semifinals. This would most likely mean danger for the rest of them.

Rhode tapped on the sculpture next to him and casually said, ”So you heard her. I need all of you to strengthen up.”