Chapter 206 Ten Days Be (1/2)

It is him?

Rhode's brows went up, and he stared at the young man who interrupted him. Marlene was clearly unhappy. While she wasn't present when Rhode and the Jade Tears Mercenary Group had their conflicts, she still wasn't too pleased with someone blatantly snatching their mission right in front of their noses. This was akin to an uncivilized person jumping the queue at other peoples' expense. She already held some prejudice against mercenaries, and now Barney's actions reinforced her belief.

”We've not left the counter yet, and you want to snatch our mission? That's just plain rude. Do you not comprehend basic social etiquette?”

The half-elf maiden's face began to darken when she heard Marlene's apparent displeasure. She tugged at Barney's arm, trying to stop him from doing any more harm. However, Barney learned from his previous mistakes. This time, he didn't reply and locked his eyes with Old Hank with a solemn expression.

”Uncle Hank, you should know the rules. In the Mercenary Association, any unaccepted missions will be available for everyone. Now, I act on behalf of the leader of the Jade Tears Mercenary Group to accept this mission. That shouldn't be any problem? Right?”

”This…”

Old Hank revealed a troubled expression when faced with Barney's inquiry. He looked at Barney, then at Rhode, and then back at Barney. Unlike Marlene, Hank had witnessed the battle by the entrance of the Mercenary Association. Now that the two of them had once again clashed heads, Hank immediately tensed up. He glanced over to Rhode, hoping that this young man wouldn't act impulsively again. If history repeated itself, it wouldn't be good news for the Mercenary Association. Fortunately, Rhode seemed to be pretty calm with no signs of irritation on his face. However, even so, who could understand Rhode's true intentions behind that expressionless face?

”Uncle Hank.”

Barney reminded Old Hank as he hadn't responded for a while.

”This mission is legally ours, am I right?”

”You…!”

Marlene was infuriated at this moment. But Rhode suddenly restrained her from blowing up with a hand gesture. He turned around and sized the two of them.

When Rhode's gaze landed on her, the half-elf maiden shivered slightly. She bit her lips and lowered her head downwards, avoiding his frightening eyes. As for Barney, he boldly lifted his head and welcomed Rhode's stare fearlessly. However, Rhode wasn't interested in a staring contest. He went silent for a moment and let out a soft hum.

”Judging by what I see… aren't you being a little too overly confident?”

”It's not up to you to decide whether we can complete the mission or not.”

Barney responded firmly. As for Rhode, he merely shrugged.

”Seems like you do not agree with my opinion and you've already decided to take this mission?”

”Of course, Mr. Rhode.”

Barney replied instantly without any hesitation.

”But I don't have any intentions of giving up this mission.”

Old Hank and the half-elf maiden immediately tensed up when they heard this sentence from Rhode. Barney gritted his teeth, and his right hand slowly traced his sword hilt. But luckily, it seemed that Rhode had no intention to fight. Instead, it appeared as though his mood was rather good.

”It's pointless for both of us to debate over this. So why don't we make a bet?”

”… What bet?”

”I don't trust that your mercenary group can complete this mission. So I suggest that we both accept this mission at the same time.”

Rhode spoke as though he was addressing the filth of humanity. This angered them, but they knew if they were to lose their temper, the consequences were dire. They swallowed their ego and waited for Rhode to continue.

”With my sympathy for the weak, I will give you ten days. After these ten days, if you do not return by then, I would assume that all of you had died and failed the mission. From that point on, my mercenary group and I will then enter the Blackrock Depths to complete the mission. What do you think of my proposal?”

Everybody had differing opinions on Rhode's proposal. Marlene remained quiet, but she felt like this was an unnecessary bet. The half-elf maiden appeared to had given up as she didn't know what was waiting within the Blackrock Depths. As for Old Hank, he trembled in fear as he watched the invisible sparks clashing between the both of them, fearing that a fight may break out anytime.

”That's fine.”

After a moment of consideration, Barney nodded.

”But, I have one condition,” Barney added.