Chapter 280 Incomplete Preparation (1/2)

For Rhode, this warm-up battle unexpectedly ended in both failure and success. It was successful in that it made other mercenary groups recognize their strength and let Anne and the others familiarize themselves with competition atmosphere. Through this battle, no one dared to judge the strength of the Starlight; they even won the battle of 1 vs. 5. What else was there to say?

But it was also a failure because they were unable to experience the feeling of a real competition. The opponents that they were going to face at the Midsummer Festival were definitely on a whole different level than these third-rate mercenaries who immediately forfeited once they couldn't beat the opponent. As one of the most glorious festivals in the Munn Kingdom, the Midsummer Festival was the highest stage for all mercenaries. Guilds showed their strength through this competition, while mercenary groups expanded their influence and popularity. Even ordinary mercenaries who had an outstanding performance or unique talent might could be spotted by nobles and top guilds. That's why this competition was the best chance for any strong mercenary to change their own destiny. They would undoubtedly do anything to achieve their goals and fight desperately. It would be completely different from these warm-up matches where everyone forfeited. Rhode wondered whether his side would be able to carry on if the other side showed a strong will. As the king of the competition in the game, and the No.1 player in the Dragon Soul Continent, Rhode knew very well that in PVP, will and spirit were keys to the outcome in addition to technology and equipment. He had seen a lot of talented players with a weak mentality; in the end, they would lost. Naturally, Rhode wanted to prevent this situation from happening.

But before that, he had something to say.

After the end of the challenge match, the people returned to the waiting room. The heavy stone wall separated them from the lively atmosphere in the colosseum. The people who were excited about their victory had also gradually calmed down.

At this moment, Rhode silently observed them. Anne, who had just finished her match, was naturally wearing an excited expression. Looking at her face, it seemed like she would gladly fight again. Marlene was relatively calm, only fiddling with the wand in her hand. She didn't seem to be happy or sad. As for Lize, she had a pleasant smile on her face, like she was very satisfied with her performance. Joey was stiff-faced, seemingly expressionless and Rhode could see that he was still a little upset. Lastly, Randolf was a little agitated, but he was more restrained than the others.

”I am satisfied with your performances, but I am also not particularly satisfied.”

When everyone heard Rhode speak, they immediately calmed down and stared at Rhode.

However, Rhode didn't immediately go on. He stopped for a moment and looked at them.

”When you guys fought on the stage, I think you guys heard the spectators voices.”

Hearing this remark, their complexions slightly changed. Marlene was still looking at the wand in her hand. She was still focusing on playing with the gem on her magic wand. Anne was curious and shook her head left and right, but she stayed silent.

”Lize.”

This time, Rhode pointed out a name.

”What do you think about the people who called you a coward?”

Upon hearing Rhode's question, Lize's complexion slightly changed. Indeed, when she was in the ring, the mercenaries were shocked by her performance and did not comment on her. However, normal people wouldn't care whether she was a Cleric or not. They only knew that Lize's fight wasn't as interesting as Marlene's and the way she fought was strange and sometimes very inexplicable. In other words, it wasn't interesting. This caused her to be ridiculed as a 'witch' and 'coward' by some people on the sidelines when she walked down the ring. Of course, these harsh words made her feel uncomfortable.

When she heard Rhode said so, she could not help it.

”I'm sorry, Mr. Rhode. I promise that next time… It won't happen again.”

Hearing her answer, Rhode shifted his gaze towards Joey who sat next to Lize.

”Joey, although you faced 5 people at once and won, it doesn't look like everyone was convinced by your victory…”

”Of course I heard them, Sir!”

Joey clenched his fists, and he seemed to feel even more depressed than Lize.

”Next time, I'll make sure that they wouldn't be able to say anything!”

”Randolf.”

Rhode didn't respond to Joey's answer and said the next name.

”Many people think you lack skills and only relied on magic props to win. What do you think?”

”But, but Leader, skills are also needed to use magic props…”

Randolf hadn't yet spoken when Lapis already defended him. It wasn't like she didn't hear what those spectators said. It was just that based on her personality, it was impossible for her to debate with them. So she could only endure…

However, Rhode did not respond to Lapis's comment. He shrugged his shoulders and then looked at Marlene.

”Marlene, it seems like a lot of people are very dissatisfied with you being a Middle Circle mage and using your power to bully those mercenaries…”

”So what?”

When she heard Rhode's remark, Marlene furrowed her brow.

”Since they are my opponents, then I am naturally going to do my best to fight. Does it have anything to do with them?”

”Mar, Marlene… you're too…”

Hearing Marlene's answer, Lize looked troubled, but without waiting for her to say anything, Rhode nodded in satisfaction.

”Yes, it has nothing to do with them.”

”Mr. Rhode?”

Lize was surprised to hear Rhode's answer, but Rhode waved his hand and interrupted her next words.

”Why do you guys care about what those people are saying?”

”Eh?”

Hearing this question, Lize and the others were surprised. For a while, they were really unable to figure out the answer… Yes, why? Why did they have to care about what those people said?