Chapter 619 - Strong Expansion (1/2)

Marlene’s return was a total surprise for Rhode. He never expected that Marlene would return to the Guild with him. Of course, Marlene didn’t explain the details over this stunt. However, he was sure that this had some hidden meaning. But since Marlene could return to his side, it was naturally a great thing for him and he welcomed her with open arms. However, this wasn’t the only surprise she had for him.

“Who are they?”

Rhode twitched his brows as he gazed at the over 30 young adults clad in Mage robes. Most of them were female with only two to three male among them. Judging from their appearance, they seemed to be about the same age as Marlene, all youthful and energetic. Marlene revealed a grin.

“They’re all your men, Rhode.”

“My men?”

Rhode was slightly taken aback. Then, he understood the whole sequence of events from her. They were her schoolmates in the Mage School.

As the largest magical sacred ground in the Munn Kingdom, the Mage School had always occupied a high position in the hearts of the large noble families. Not only was the school in charge of teaching Mages, it was also responsible for cultivating the elite talents of noble families. Therefore, the school was mainly filled with students from large noble families like Marlene. However, even though some of the students didn’t have as grand identities, they were still allowed to enroll. But talented students could be admitted into the school for free while ordinary students had to pay a considerable price. Due to the school’s special features, many rich merchants enrolled their children and their intentions weren’t solely to educate their children into becoming formidable Mages. Instead, they sought opportunities to widen their social network and get in contact with heirs of large noble families in order to squeeze their way into the upper class. Other groups of people hoped to enter the school to change their fates and become henchmen to nobles, who were much stronger than their parents.

As a well-known figure in the Mage School, Marlene had no lack of admirers. Before leaving Golden City, she specially returned to school and recruited over 20 trustworthy friends, including classmates and juniors. Although most nobles kept a respectful distance from Marlene after the celebratory banquet, these people didn’t mind at all. They were born into poorer families without strong backing. Although they worked hard in school, they were rarely outstanding in the eyes of the nobles. After Marlene enticed them to head into the Land of Atonement, they were eager for their new journey because, after all, Rhode’s name had been spreading in Golden City. They were glad to be able to work for a young noble with such a bright future.

Marlene had picked suitable candidates according to Rhode’s requirements. They were mostly failed Mages, but they possessed decent results in academics, political economy, and alchemy. This was the only chance for them if they wished to rise in society. Being an official Mage required natural talents and this couldn’t be forced. However, knowledge could be acquired through hard work and both nobles and civilians began from the same starting line. If civilians performed outstandingly and were favored by nobles, they could be hired as a financial affairs officer, which would be a lucrative job. As long as they worked harder, they would still have a chance to join the upper class. Even if the nobles weren’t impressed by them, they could seek employment from various feudal lords using their academic background.

This was the gift Rhode needed the most currently. Its value far exceeded the Holy Cross Medal.

After all, Rhode most lacked manpower.

Although outsiders envied the rapid development of Starlight, they didn’t know that this problem had been bugging Rhode’s mind for a long time. Frankly speaking, he had underestimated the difficulties of properly building a Guild. He thought that it would be similar to how it was in the game, where he simply had to discuss with a few guild members in laying out a set of rules and adjust accordingly. Then, he realized that it was much more complicated than he had imagined.

There was one ultimate reason—the difference in educational level.

Rhode had neglected this important point. He had attained a high level of education from Earth, where even most players were either high school or university graduates. Of course, there were also players like Mini Bubble Gum who were in the second grade of secondary school. However, the education level and information communication of the Internet age on Earth was much more advanced than in the Dragon Soul Continent. Compared to players, his mercenaries were nothing more than a bunch of semi-illiterates! Most of them were only capable of reading and Rhode would thank his lucky stars if they could even write their names. There were several times when they couldn’t understand the things that Rhode had come up with. Moreover, they only knew simple mathematics involving addition and subtraction with zero knowledge over multiplying and dividing. This didn’t pose a serious problem in the past, but as Starlight Guild expanded, Rhode had the urge to flip whatever table was before him as he watched his mercenaries fail to do a simple headcount. This was why the operations of the Fortress had been affected. Although well and healthy mercenaries could be seen all around the Fortress, it was extremely tough to find one who had received high education and was literate!

The only ones who had met his requirements could be counted with two hands. Due to various reasons, Marlene, Lize, and Lapis could be considered talents who had received a high level of education. For some unknown reasons, Christie had been able to write and calculate. Shauna was once a mercenary group leader and she was capable of simple writing. In addition, there was also Old Walker and John Grayer, who had just joined. (He naturally had to be literate as a commander). There was a total of less than 10 members and it was conceivable how painful it would be for Rhode to manage that many members in the Fortress with them.

Frankly speaking, the educational level of the Munn Kingdom wasn’t considered too low as it was unfair to compare it to where Rhode had come from. However, most civilians in cities were literate and capable of calculating. Rhode was partially to blame for choosing a bunch of uncouth mercenaries while expanding his mercenary group. There wasn’t a single city in the Land of Atonement and most of the farmers that had arrived here were illiterate. Even though the merchants were astute, Rhode wouldn’t be naive enough to allow them in managing his Fortress.

The people that Marlene brought to him could be considered critical help in a time of need. Not only were they able to resolve Lapis’ manpower issues, but they could also help out in other areas. Rhode wasn’t too concerned about their loyalty because they had clean family backgrounds which weren’t related to other forces. Furthermore, it would be simple to nurture a sense of belonging in these young people who had just stepped out of the Mage School.

Rhode stepped forth.

Although this was the first time that they met him, it was difficult for them to not hear about his name in the Golden City. They tensed up as the man in the rumors approached them.

Rhode looked meaningfully them. Some young ladies cowered and hid behind their companions while some of them gazed curiously and cautiously. However, Rhode focused his attention on the three young men on the other side.

Marlene was a cautious person and she rarely mixed around with males in the Mage School and in noble circles because she knew of her unique identity. One careless error could be used against her. This was why she had always hung out with female friends and the presence of the three young men piqued his interest. Marlene had recommended them because she trusted them, which was very rare. This could also mean that there was something worthy of his attention in them.

The three young men wore ordinary-looking robes and appeared to be typical academic nerds: skinny and seemingly weak. However, this gave Rhode an unusual sense of closeness. After all, there were several such schoolmates in his university due to the exam-oriented education system, where everyone focused only on results and neglected their health conditions. Seven out of ten university students wore spectacles while the two wore contact lenses and the luckier one had perfect eyesight. Rhode didn’t have a sturdy built to begin with, so he chose a contrasting, burly man in the game.

The three young men behaved uniquely different under his gaze.