Rhodes sat on the chair and quietly looked at the old man behind the desk in front of him——— President of the Mercenary Association Deep Rock City, Mobi. Daylor. This old man Rhodes is very familiar, firstly, almost every player guild has to obtain a license from him, and secondly, this old man will also be responsible for teaching players a few very practical skills, and even when his reputation is high, he will give certain rewards to the player guild——— so for players, this old man is quite a popular NPC character.

But on the other hand, Moby. Dayler's personality is a little stubborn, inflexible, and sometimes even brainless. Of course, from the perspective of people in this world, it is a manifestation of sticking to their beliefs. But for players who have no position to speak of, it's just an old stubborn who doesn't know how to change.

But that didn't matter to Rhodes.

"I deeply sympathize with what happened to you, Lijie."

The old man took off his eyes and put them on the desk, and said word by word in his characteristic calm and slow tone.

"Carter is a good boy, I watched him grow up, and now that this is happening, we are sad in our hearts, but this is the life of a mercenary. We take money to sell our lives, lick blood from the knife, and we may face death at any time. With the money we take, we do this thing......... Now, tell me what you think. ”

"I want to keep going, I'll grow up."

Sitting next to Rod, Lijie's tense body stiffened, her hands clutching the edges of her robe, her joints even turning a little white from overexertion.

"I know it's going to be difficult, but I've made a decision............ This Mr. Rhodes will become the new leader, and I believe that under his leadership, the mercenary group can continue to develop. ”

“………… You've got a good idea, Lizzie. ”

The old man sighed.

"But, do you understand? It's a gamble, you don't know this person well, wouldn't it be too risky to risk the fate of the entire mercenary group in his hands? ”

"Of course I know it's a gamble, grow up. But......... I trust my judgment, and I hope to be able to continue to support the mercenary group, but I know that I don't have the ability. So, I only choose people who I believe can give me hope. ”

Lijie raised her head and looked at the old man steadfastly, while the elder squinted his eyes slightly, looking at the girl in front of him, and after a moment, he spoke again.

"Anyway, I hope you'll think about it a little more, Lijie, after all, ............"

The old man's words were not finished, because at this moment, Rod's voice rang out.

"Perhaps, you should ask my opinion, old man."

Hearing Rod's words, a trace of confusion flashed in the old man's eyes, and then he looked at the man who was sitting next to Lijie, wrapped in a cloak.

"Young people, when the old man speaks, you should know how to be polite."

"If that's the case, then I think it's quite rude to deliberately ignore the existence of others."

Facing the sharp gaze of the president of the association, Rod pushed back without fear, in the game, the president of the association has an extremely resolute personality, and looks down on those soft bones the most. And now is the time to compare how far the game is from reality.

"Don't speak these official languages, let's be honest and talk about the real content, the number of places in the mercenary group is limited, and every mercenary organization can get this place after a lot of hard work. The reason why you're worried is here.,I don't know where the hairy boy came from.,Deceive the girl with rhetoric.,Vainly trying to get a place in the mercenary group.。 Once this kind of thing spreads, it will not only be a blow to the credibility of the mercenary association, but also cause dissatisfaction and ridicule from other mercenaries......... If you put it that way, we wouldn't need to waste a cup of tea. ”

"Good boy."

Hearing this, the old man's originally lazy and steady momentum suddenly changed, like a long sword out of the sheath.

"Since you understand what I mean, then I won't go around the bush anymore, as you said, the quota of every mercenary group is earned by the mercenaries who have worked hard with their blood and sweat to complete countless tasks. No matter who you are, it's impossible to easily take such a spot from me. I'm saddened by what happened to Lijie, but I can't let that break the rules of the Mercenary Guild. ”…,

"But you don't have the power to disband the mercenary group."

Rod leaned back in his chair and leisurely picked up the teacup at hand, the black tea in it was already cold.

"According to the rules of the Mercenary Association, only when the winter recess is settled, those mercenary groups that have not reached the specified score level will be forcibly disbanded, and other than that, the association has no right to meddle in the internal affairs of the mercenary organizations."

"I can't see that you are so clear about the rules of the Mercenary Association."

Hearing Rod's answer, the elder frowned quietly, and then immediately relaxed.

"It's true that we don't have this power, but as the president of the Deepstone Society, I have to be responsible for every mercenary under my command......... And the main thing is...... You're just an adventurer, and you haven't been judged by the Mercenary Guild. It's impossible for us to let someone who hasn't passed the mercenary rating lead a mercenary group. ”

"Grow up!"

Hearing this, Lijie finally couldn't sit still anymore, she stood up, wanting to say something, but at this moment, Rod reached out and pressed her shoulder, and then, he slowly stood up.

"In other words, if I pass the mercenary assessment, do you agree with my qualifications?"

"Of course, young man."

The elders also stood up.

"Don't forget, this is the Mercenary Association, it is the territory of mercenaries, and only mercenaries are qualified to stand here."

"Good."

Rod nodded, and at the same time relaxed a lot in his heart, so far, the old president's performance has not surprised him.

"Then, I now ask to pass the mercenary assessment, there should be no problem."

There was silence in the room.

The elder's originally squinted eyes widened slightly, and he scrutinized Rhodes carefully. He could hear the confidence in the young man's tone, but he didn't know where it came from. Could it be that this kid doesn't know what to say, since he dares to say this, he is naturally sure that he will retreat in the face of difficulties, although the mercenary assessment is not difficult, but it is not simple.

Is this kid reckless? Or do you really have the strength?

The elder shook his head inwardly, at least on the surface, he didn't see how strong this eccentric young man who wrapped himself in a cloak could be. However, since he was willing to challenge, he didn't say anything more. It would be best if he could get him to retreat, if not......... Then we'll talk about it then.

Thinking of this, the elder did not say anything more, but smiled, and then he reached out and picked up the small hammer, knocked the bell on the desk, and soon a squire pushed the door and walked in.

"Lord, what are you looking for me?"

"Is the martial arts training ground empty now?"

"Yes, sir."

"Very well, call Serek to me, we have someone here to pass the mercenary assessment."

“………… Be. ”

A hint of surprise flashed across the waiter's face at the name, but he quickly lowered his head and left immediately. Lijie, on the other hand, was shocked, and she hurriedly stood up and came to the old man's side.

"Elder, you can't do this, Lord Serek is ............"

"Alright, kid, that's not something you should worry about."

The elder waved his hand, interrupting Lijie's speech.

"Since this gentleman has taken the initiative to ask to be evaluated by mercenaries, then I will naturally give him this opportunity."

"But ........."

Lijie wanted to say something more, but this time, it was Rod who interrupted her.

"Don't worry, Lijie, there won't be any problems."

With that, Rhodes reached out and pulled his hood, using the shadow to hide a hint of a smile from the corner of his mouth.

"It's very rare to be able to fight Mr. Serek, who is known as the 'Shining Swordsman'."

Hearing this, the elder's eyes widened in surprise, and he looked at the man in front of him wrapped in a cloak all over his body, and felt a little surprised for the first time. However, at this point, he could not say anything more. Although this young man behaved very strangely, as a mercenary who had experienced decades of ups and downs, the old president would not be shaken by this point of pretending to be a ghost. So he didn't say anything, just snorted coldly and nodded.

"Okay, have the courage, I want to see how you can pass this mercenary assessment!" …,

"I think you'll see soon, old sir. But until then, I'd like you to give me ten minutes to get a little ready. ”

"Of course not."

The elder didn't think there was anything wrong with Rod's request, after all, he suddenly asked for a mercenary assessment, and it was not surprising that the other party needed to be prepared. Although he didn't want to see outsiders break the rules, he would never do those boring things. So he nodded in agreement, and then gave orders to his attendants.

"Take this gentleman to the break room, and the mercenary assessment will begin in ten minutes."

After saying this, the old mercenary looked at Rod.

"Is ten minutes enough?"

"That's enough."

The Mercenary Guild's lounge was not luxurious, and even looked a little cold, except for the wooden chairs and tables, except for the swords and shields that were used to decorate the walls, and the armor placed in the corners. Rod waved off the attendant who had led him here, walked into the room, and closed the door.

"Mr. Rhodes, this is too risky!"

It wasn't until there were only two people left that Lijie finally had time to speak her mind.

"Lord Serek is a well-known powerhouse in Deep Rock City, Lord Grow, this is simply embarrassing you, this ........."

"Don't worry, Lijie, that's what I'm expecting."

Rod shook his head, he had already guessed this situation, after all, in the game, it was quite difficult for players to obtain the formation quota of the mercenary group from this old-fashioned old man, not only to gain prestige, but also to complete several difficult tasks given by this old man. Now that I want to climb to the sky in one step, it will naturally not be easy to go anywhere.

Rhodes is no stranger to Serek, he is a well-known powerhouse in Deep Rock City, and he is also a master of swordsmanship who teaches "Shining Swordsmanship". The biggest feature of this swordsmanship is that it is mainly fast and light illusion, but the actual value of this swordsmanship is not high, and it is only a mid-stream level among players. If Rod is not mistaken, then Serek should be at level forty at this time.

With a gap of thirty levels, there is basically no hope of winning.

Basic, but not absolute.

After all, this is just a judgment, not a battle of life and death.

Thinking of this, Rhodes reined in his thoughts, and then, he took out another soul core from his arms, which was the same loot he had obtained when he destroyed the Phantom.

Unlike the soul core that he had obtained from the Wind Serpent Lord before, the one lying in the palm of his hand was milky white, and layers of faint mist shrouded it all around, looking like a beautiful work of art that had been carefully carved. Rod looked around for a moment, then walked over to the blazing brazier.

Then, he closed his eyes and stretched out his right hand.

As the summoning circle once again appeared from the back of Rod's hand, a system prompt also appeared clearly in front of his eyes.

[Is the discovery of a tainted soul nucleus purified?] ]

"Purification."

With Rod's muffled voice, the fog around the Soul Core began to thicken, and it tumbled, swirling, and surrounded the Soul Core.

This magical scene made Lijie's eyes widen in surprise, but she closed her mouth sensibly and didn't make a sound. Although she didn't know what she was doing, she knew now that this was not the time to disturb him.

The mist surrounding the core of the soul became more and more intense, like a dark cloud suspended in the center of Rod's palm, forming a vortex rotation, and then, a series of firelight emerged from the gap in the clouds, and soon, the dark clouds changed into bright fire clouds, they spiraled upward, slowly condensed together, and finally turned into a bright red card, constantly rotating and floating in Rod's hands.

[Flame Slayer (Fire Elemental Attribute): Ground-based can fuse elves, has a certain chance to trigger the scorching effect when attacking, and holds the skill - Scorching Spit (it is born in flames, it dies in flames, bringing eternal pain and destruction to its enemies)]

[Earn 1/10 of the Red Lotus Battle Card, Flame Slayer]

However, this does not end there. Because at this moment, Rhodes had already taken out another gargoyle heart from his pocket.

"Use, Gargoyle Heart."

[Goal?] ]

Flame Slayer.

[Target - Flame Slayer - Forced Evolution]

[Level Upgrade Completed]...,

[Is it evolutionary?] ]

Be.

Once again, the bright red card spun wildly, and bright flames spread from the perimeter of the card, and then slowly disappeared.

Rod reached for the card and quietly stared at the message on it.

Straight in front of it is a hound, galloping through a raging fire, and in the upper corner, a red aperture and the number VI are clearly visible. Below the card, the numbers representing the Summoned Elves' attack and defense levels are displayed as 5 and 3, respectively.

Flipping through the card, the details of the card immediately appear on it.

[Flame Slayer (Fire Elemental Attribute): The ground system can be fused with spirits, and there is a certain chance to trigger the burning effect when attacking, and it holds the skill - Scorching Spit (it is born in flames, it dies in flames, bringing eternal pain and destruction to its enemies) LV10,

Born in the flames, baptized in bright red, guarded by flames.

Melt steel, no one can stop it, and the flames spew.

Born in destruction, dying in destruction, self-detonating traits. ]

Not bad.

Looking at the card in front of him, Rod raised his eyebrows. The attack and defense of the soul bird is so poor that it is only at the level of ordinary creatures. And this Flame Slayer has reached the level of a giant beast in terms of attack alone, although its defense is still only at the level of an ordinary beast, but Rod believes that with the addition of the fire elemental attribute, it should not be much worse.

In this way, it is more certain.

Thinking of this, Rhodes withdrew the card, and then he turned to look at the stunned girl standing next to him.

"I'm ready, let's go."