Summoning the Holy Sword

It was just as Rhode had guessed; these three people were brought by Sereck to join his mercenary group. Their situation actually wasn’t considered rare in the Paphield area. When the prohibition was announced, some mercenary groups received very heavy casualties and couldn’t help but disband. Shauna’s Red Hawk was also one of them, but it didn’t mean that all mercenary group suffering had ended. They were trying to persevere, but in the end they couldn’t help but to give in. These three people weren’t an exception.

“I don’t think you recognize them, but it’s no wonder considering that they usually aren’t here. This time, were it not because of the emergency, they also wouldn’t come here… Let me introduce you to them.”

While saying this, Sereck reached out his hand and made a gesture toward the tall man who was talking with him. “This is the Coyote mercenary group leader, Obertan.”

“Yo, hello, Mr. Rhode.” Hearing that Sereck has introduced him, the huge man stood up and waved his hand toward Rhode. His voice was loud and earth-wrecking, and even Rhode’s heart almost jumped out. However, his emotionless face brought a good advantage. Although he almost got heart attack after hearing that earth-wrecking voice, Rhode’s face was still calm as usual. He only nodded and greeted him.

At this moment, the plump fatty also gave him a friendly smile, taking off his hat and putting it in front of his chest. After that, he bowed toward Rhode.

“Hello, Mr. Rhode. I’m the Lynx mercenary group leader, Kavos. I’ve heard of you; it’s my pleasure meeting you in person. Honestly, you and your mercenary group is very famous in our Paphield region. Especially when you brought your mercenary group to Silent Highland to save our fellow mercenaries from undead creatures. I’m really impressed by it…”

“Enough enough, Kavos. Shut up.” Hearing that this fatty had begun to chatter, Sereck quickly shut his mouth up and coughed. Then he look at the last person.

“This is the Condor mercenary group’s leader, Derick.

After Sereck introduced him, this man who was surrounded by sharp air suddenly stood up and nodded to Rhode.

That’s why they thought by joining Starlight, they at least wouldn’t be treated as badly as they would in Burning Blade since they didn’t really care about numbers, but…

“But, are you guys qualified to do so?” Rhode’s words made the three of them surprised, but he didn’t stop there and continued to speak. “Indeed, we’re still lacking in numbers, but we haven’t reached the limit… Since Mr. Sereck recommended you guys, I believe that you must have reached a certain standard, but whether it reaches my standard…”

Having said that, Rhode spread his hands and coldly looked at the three of them. “It’s still uncertain.”

Rhode understood what Kavos was trying to achieve. Mercenaries were just as sly as merchants. From the first time, his enthusiastic and blunt speeches were all directed to himself. This made people think that they were sincere, or at the very least, not nonsense. It was smarter than people who said meaningless nonsense like “I admire Starlight” or “I think you’re the greatest mercenary commander here.”

However, he naturally couldn’t follow along smoothly. If they wanted to join his mercenary group, then they must have the strength to do so. He needed to let them know who the real master was here. Only he could decide whether they could join or not; it wouldn’t happen just because they were lobbying.

If Rhode just agreed after hearing their words, it would leave an impression of him being too soft and easily be moved. A weak leader wasn’t suited to be a leader. Even though what they said was right, he still had to interrupt it and gave them a new direction.

“This…” Hearing until here, Kavos’s expression changed. He glanced toward his two brothers, and the huge man stopped smiling just now, clearly dissatisfied with Rhode while the other man stayed silent. Rhode didn’t know what he was thinking about.

“Since the three of you are very familiar with my mercenary group, then you must know about a rule here.” Seeing that he had the upper hand right now, Rhode didn’t plan to give it up, wanting to control the situation, and started to put pressure on them.

Hearing until here, Kavos expression turned serious and nodded.

Starlight’s weird contract had spread among mercenaries. Rhode didn’t plan to hide it since the beginning. For insurance, another copy of the contract was kept by the Mercenary Association. Since this matter was known to the Mercenary Association, of course mercenaries knew about it too and everyone was shocked by it.

Rhode’s approach had led to two different opinions in the mercenary groups in the Paphield region. One said that it was considered traditional desecration and lacked respect for mercenaries, treating them as goods and slaves, not human beings. It was just too inhumane for their existence to be symbolized by a contract, and if their performance wasn’t good, they would be expelled. Once a mercenary joined a mercenary group, the mercenary group would be their home, so how could they not guard their home properly? What Rhode did was too inhumane and wouldn’t be welcomed by anyone.

On the other hand, the other side was very supportive of Rhode’s behavior. They thought this method would help stimulate a mercenary’s passion, and the content of the contract could easily solve many troubles that often happened in a mercenary group, such as loot distribution and what happened if a mercenary was injured. Before, everyone had their own idea, and the result of this trivial matter could make the entire mercenary group feel uncomfortable. With a contract, written in black and white, more contribution would be awarded with more reward. The contract itself was known by everyone, so they didn’t have to worry about who out of the force took more. They didn’t have to worry about someone going back on their words. This was a lot better than bickering on their own. After all, they still valued the contract and this form of agreement because they could rely on the mercenary group to make money. Going back on their own words could be said the biggest taboo in the mercenary circle.

When Rhode reminded them about this matter, the three of them knew that the important part was coming.

“Mr. Sereck trusts you guys, but I don’t trust you guys. I trust Sereck, but my trust isn’t unconditional.” Having said that, Rhode reached out two fingers on his right hand.

“I hope you guys can sign a contract. The contract valid for two years and I can renew your contract when it expires if your performance satisfies me. Like everyone else, if you can successfully renew the contract three times, you can stay in this mercenary group forever. I will give you a copy of the specific terms in the contract. I hope you can give me a reply after you discuss it.”

Having said that, Rhode stood up and looked at the three of them. Now, he finally had full control of the situation.

“I hope we can have a satisfying beginning.”