Translator:AtlasStudiosEditor:AtlasStudios

Mercenary Joint Conference.

Many mercenary group leaders were tense because they knew the Mercenary Joint Conference was only be held when there were important matters to address. Everyone knew the reason for the previous meeting, but what was it going to be this time? Could it be that something had happened? Or someone among them had broken the rules?

Most of the mercenary group leaders didnt immediately respond to the invitation. Instead, they swiftly checked on their mercenaries to make sure that they didnt commit any punishable acts before returning to Deep Stone City for this second Mercenary Joint Conference.

Although they werent sure what exactly was going on, the mercenary group leaders let out inward sighs of relief after seeing the smile on Serecks and the elderly presidents faces. Fortunately, the situation wasnt as bad as they had imagined. If not, both of them wouldnt be able to force out a smile.

However, even though they were relieved, the mercenary group leaders were getting more curious. Since there was nothing wrong, could it be that it was regarding some good news? But, what was worth celebrating over that required everyone to be here?

It seems that everyone is here.

The elderly president sensed the curiosity in everyone, but even so, he didnt get right into the main topic. Instead, he glanced at everyone with a smile. Recently, your mercenary groups have been growing strong and we, the Mercenary Association, are glad. After suffering through the tough times, all of you didnt give up This should be the spirit of mercenary groups. We can fail, but we cannot give up. Of course, the Mercenary Association is also aware that many mercenary groups are in the recovery phase so if there is anything we can help with, please feel free to look for us. As long as its within our capabilities, we will definitely try our best.

After hearing the elderly presidents declaration, all of the leaders were grateful. However, they felt that this conference wasnt all about this. Could it be that the Mercenary Association required their support for some matters?

Then, the elderly president answered their doubts.

I know, regarding this Mercenary Joint Conference, everyone must have your doubts. Since thats the case, I wont beat about the bush anymore Im sure everyone knows that the Midsummer Festival is going to start soon. We, Paphield, couldnt find a guild to participate due to various reasons. In fact, the 4 largest guilds had suggested to us to strip Paphield from the guild nomination list.

What?!

The leaders jumped from their seats. It was a bolt from the blue for them. Indeed, everyone knew the current situation of the mercenary groups in Paphield. With the regions name in the guild list, at least they had a goal to look forward to. But now, there were plans to remove Paphield from the guild nomination list? If that was the case, what was the purpose for the mercenary groups to work hard?

Guilds werent merely a representation of the mercenary forces of the region, but also the pride of all mercenaries. If they removed Paphield from the guild nomination list, that would mean no mercenaries in Paphield could lift their heads up high forever! Who could tolerate this? No one! Nobody!

The leaders were all agitated after hearing the elderly presidents words. Instantly, most of them stood up and rebelled. Even though the previous compliments from the elderly president were to bait them into agreeing with this matter, how was this possible?! This concerned all the mercenaries pride in this region! How can they do as they deemed fit?!

Everyone, please calm down! Calm down!

The elderly president had expected such reactions. He calmly tapped the table with his hammer. Then, he let out a cough.

Of course, the Mercenary Association didnt agree to this suggestion, but undeniably, the current conditions of Paphield are indeed troublesome

Many of the leaders turned to Hiller as they knew what this experienced mercenary group leader meant.

In fact, Hillers Burning Blade mercenary group was partly responsible for the current terrible state of the mercenary groups in Paphield. From the start, the Burning Blade was the most respected mercenary group, about to be promoted to guild status. When the Burning Blade failed, not many mercenaries were too mindful as they felt that the Burning Blade was only down on their luck. If strong individuals joined them, they would perhaps be strong enough to turn into a guild in future.

Harboring such thoughts, many powerful mercenaries joined the Burning Blade and hoped for instant success after becoming members of a guild.

But, as a matter of events, the ups and downs of Burning Blade werent mainly due to the mercenaries. Instead, it was due to their leader.

Hiller wasnt experienced enough to lead a guild, and that was why the Burning Blade had been suffering. Until now, the mercenary groups in Paphield lost their weight as Burning Blade recruited the strongest mercenaries, which directly impacted the smaller mercenary groups. The Burning Blade rose in strength, but even so, they were still unable to be promoted to guild status.

This also directly affected other mercenary groups as they didnt have enough members to aim for the number one spot. Yet at the same time, the Burning Blade who had always been on top wasnt performing well enough, which caused the mercenary forces within Paphield Region to be weaker than other regions. Other regions had guilds overseeing situations, and mercenary groups had virtuous cycles in battling each other. On the contrary, the mercenaries were more dead than alive here. Due to this reason, it wasnt actually a justifiable excuse for the 4 largest guilds to remove Paphield from the guild nomination list.

Hiller let out an awkward cough and remained quiet. He knew that this matter was related to him, but he chose to not comment.

and, because of this, the Mercenary Association suggested a condition.

At this moment, the elderly president spoke.

According to the associations decision, we have chosen a mercenary group to represent Paphieldin the Midsummer Festival battles! Besides, if they perform well in this festival, they will be promoted as a guild! Our association has decided to appoint Mr. Rhodes Starlight to represent Paphield in participating in this Midsummer Festival!

Everyone was shell-shocked.

This isnt fair!

Soon enough, some immediately stood up and shouted.

Theres a total of 32 mercenary groups in Paphield, so why would a mercenary group that was only formed less than half a year represent us? If this news gets out, we would be laughing stocks!

Thats right, theres so many other mercenary groups available. Besides, why not appoint Burning Blade instead?

Silence!!

The elderly president once again smashed his hammer and continued to speak after everyone calmed down.

Before announcing this, we had once inquired with Mr. Hiller, but he rejected our proposal because he felt his mercenary group wasnt powerful enough. As for appointing Starlight, it was due to their powerful forces. As all of you have seen, Starlight is currently ranked 1st and wasnt affected by the calamities. They are considered the most fully equipped mercenary group in our region and besides, Mr. Rhode had no objections to this. So in the end, we decided to send Starlight to represent Paphield in the Midsummer Festival.

The leaders exchanged astonished looks with one another. Although they were unhappy with this decision, they had to admit that the elderly presidents reasoning made sense. Currently, only Starlight was developing in the entire Paphield region.

But

Its not that we doubt the associations decision. Although we admit that Mr. Rhode is indeed formidable

At this moment, another leader stood up.

I think everyone is also clear that the Midsummer Festival isnt about individual battles. Its no doubt that Mr. Rhode is formidable and there wont be any problem. But, we have logical reasons to doubt the members of Starlight and where they are capable of fulfilling the requirements.

Thats right. Thats right.

Yes, Mr. Rhode is great, but I dont think the members of his mercenary group are strong enough for the Midsummer Festival.

It was indeed so.

Rhode twitched his brows. Then, he noticed the elderly presidents gaze.

Its time for my entrance.

Rhode stood to his feet.

In an instant, the rowdy crowd turned to Rhode.

I understand all your concerns and it is true that the Midsummer Festival is strict and an extremely challenging. Just solely on my abilities, it would be impossible I think all of you wouldnt believe it even if I say I believe in my mens abilities. So, I have a suggestion to solve this problem using the mercenary method.

Using the mercenary method?

The leaders questioned.

Since no one believes that my men are capable enough, why not have every group send out its strongest member to have a competition? Treat it as a trial run for the Midsummer Festival. Each leader will send out a member and form teams to compete against me and Starlight. If Starlight wins, I hope everyone will recognise us in representing the Paphield region in the Midsummer Festival Any objections?

Competition?

The mercenary group leaders calmed down and thought through the suggestion. They realised that there werent any loopholes in his proposal. Indeed, if they sent out their strongest member to compete against Starlight, there would be no doubts that Starlight was the strongest in Paphield if Starlight was victorious. Moreover, if Starlight was this strong, it wouldnt be an issue for them to represent Paphield.

I agree.

Hiller was the first to respond, followed by Shawn.

Since both popular mercenary group leaders had already agreed to Rhodes suggestion, then the other mercenary group leaders had no reason to object. Besides, just as Rhode had mentioned, all the mercenaries wanted to be convinced of their real abilities.

But, what surprised them was that Rhode hadnt finish speaking yet.

But since we will settle this dispute using the mercenary method, there must be a benefit in this So, I have a suggestion. I will put up equipment as the bet for Starlights victory. I hope the mercenary groups that are participating in this competition will put up an equally leveled equipment as a bet. If we lose, we will hand our equipment over. But, if we win

Rhode paused for a moment.

Everyone knew what he meant.

Shortly after, all the leaders agreed to the conditions. Finally, they sent out their respective representatives and formed teams of five. Thirty mercenary groups (there were originally 32, but with the Jade Tears destroyed and Starlight as a challenger, they werent included) formed a total of six teams to participate in the competition. According to the rules, as long as Rhode was able to win the majority of the matches, the mercenary group leaders would recognise Starlights qualifications.

The mercenary group leaders didnt object to Rhodes suggestion too.

It had to be said that the mercenaries indeed had adventurous blood flowing in their bones. Besides, every mercenary group only had to put up a single equipment, which wasnt a difficult task. This was why they werent disputing over it and quickly nodded in agreement.

However, they didnt know that their equipment was the most important factor to Rhode.