Chapter 1299: Chapter 121: Seeing Moon Scar Again_4
Ah Dai asked, "How will the challenge be conducted? Is it by rounds, or does it start with a mass brawl? What if there are casualties?"
Lin Da gave a bitter smile and replied, "Casualties are left to fate; no one will intervene in such disputes between Mercenary Corps. Because the consequences are severe, the Mercenary World is quite strict with the challengers. They must achieve victory in group battles and duels, proving that they are much stronger than the current defending Mercenary Corps to win. If they fail, they must dissolve their own Mercenary Corps. For this reason, direct challenges to the city’s defending Mercenary Corps are very rare. As the challenger, if you are not absolutely confident, you won’t take the risk lightly. This direct challenge law in place for the defending city’s Mercenary Corps is called the Decisive Victory Rule, meaning the challengers must win every single round. The judge for this type of challenge is the City Lord of the city where the challenged group resides. Originally, our biggest goal as a Mercenary Corps was to replace the Red Charming Mercenary Group’s position through such a challenge when we were strong enough. However, unexpectedly, before we could make a move, someone else is already attempting to take over our territory."
Ah Dai smiled slightly and said, "Let’s go, you lead us to meet Brother Moon Scar. We will not stand idly by. By the way, during the challenge, can the defending side in the city invite other Mercenary Corps for help?" Although the Evil Sky Mercenary Group had been established for nearly four years, Ah Dai knew very little about the rules of Mercenary Corps.
A glint of happiness flashed in Lin Da’s eyes as he replied, "Yes, the challenging party cannot ask for help, but the challenged party can invite friends and family within three days. However, the other side clearly has already figured out our situation. In order to take on more tasks, our Mercenary Corps set the price very low for low-level tasks, and thus we have offended many Mercenary Corps. Except for your Evil Sky Mercenary Group, I’m afraid no one else would be willing to help us. But with your presence, we will surely overcome this crisis and send those daring challengers back where they came from." The members of the Moon Scar Mercenary Corps receive excellent benefits and don’t have to undertake risky tasks, so he naturally hoped that Ah Dai and his companions would help Moon Scar Mercenary Corps overcome this difficult situation.
Ah Dai nodded and said, "As long as help is permitted, that makes things easier. Let’s go. Let’s enter the city." Led by the Lin brothers, the six of them entered Varo City. Although it was not a large city, it had a high population. The bustling shops on both sides of the streets highlighted its prosperity. After walking through several broad streets, they arrived in the southern part of the city. Lin Da pointed to a large compound ahead and said, "Here is our headquarters. Originally, this was a mansion owned by a wealthy merchant, who sold it when he decided to relocate his family. At that time, our leader spent nearly two hundred thousand Gold Coins to buy this place, then remodeled it by removing the decorative parts. Other than the area reserved for the Practice Arena, the rest was converted into residential buildings. Now, our headquarters can accommodate five thousand people."
Ah Dai exclaimed in admiration, "This compound is really huge, it must cover tens of thousands of square meters. Brother Moon Scar must manage the Mercenary Corps exceptionally well."
Lin Da responded, "The headquarters covers an area of nearly one hundred thousand square meters. On the mainland, besides the Red Hurricane Mercenary Group, probably no other Mercenary Corps has such a well-equipped headquarters."
During their conversation, the group arrived at the main gate of Moon Scar Mercenary Group Headquarters. Two guards were stationed outside the gate. As soon as they saw Lin brothers, they immediately smiled. The guard on the left said, "So, have you completed the mission? Huh? Why have you brought so many people back with you? What are they here for?" With Moon Scar Mercenary Corps being in a crisis, seeing Ah Dai and the others dressed as Magicians made the gatekeeper somewhat nervous.
Lin Da quickly explained, "They are friends of our leader, here to visit him. I heard someone dares to challenge us with a Decisive Victory, right?"
The gatekeeper, who obviously had a good relationship with Lin Da, did not suspect his words. He relaxed his tense posture, his expression serious as he replied, "Yes, the leader is stressed about it. It’s all over town, rumors are flying about a change in the city’s defending Mercenary Corps. Everyone is showing a cold attitude towards our Mercenary Corps. Many merchants from Varo City who used to give us tasks are now adopting a wait-and-see approach. We are suffering heavy losses indeed!"
Lin Da laughed heartily and said, "No need to worry now. With the help of the leader’s Magician friends, those daring challengers will certainly end up dissolving their corps. Alright, no more chatting, let’s go inside."
Hearing Lin Da’s words, the gatekeeper looked at Ah Dai and the others with newfound respect, respectfully opened the large gate, and bowed as he let them inside.
Moon Scar Mercenary Group Headquarters only has a small courtyard, flanked by closely packed houses. Lin Da said, "At this time, the brothers should all be training in the Practice Arena, so there aren’t many people in the front yard."
Ah Dai and his three companions followed Brother Lin Da through two courtyards to reach the center of the Moon Scar Mercenary Group Headquarters. Pointing at a large building not far in front, Lin Da said, "The leader should be there; that’s our Mercenary Group’s Conference Hall. Please wait for a moment; I’ll go and report first." Then he walked quickly to the building. Two mercenaries were assigned as guards outside the Conference Hall. After exchanging a few whispers with them, Lin Da entered. Ah Dai turned his head towards Xuan Yue and said, "It’s been four years, I wonder if Brother Moon Scar still recognizes me."
Xuan Yue smiled slightly and said, "Even though it’s been four years, you’ve just grown taller, and that silly look hasn’t changed a bit. How could he not recognize you?"
Ah Dai was startled and asked, "How do you know my appearance hasn’t changed? You’ve never seen me four years ago." He looked doubtfully at Xuan Yue, seemingly catching onto something.
Realizing her slip, Xuan Yue hurriedly covered it up, "Haven’t I guessed it? Besides, your sister has described you to me! Her words can’t be wrong, right?"
"Ah Dai, is it really you?" An excited shout rang out, and the doors of the Conference Hall burst open. Wearing silver-colored light armor, Moon Scar walked out. His outfit hadn’t changed, but he looked a bit more weathered than four years ago, somewhat appearing middle-aged with a more robust physique. His face was alight with excitement, and he stared at Ah Dai, his body trembling slightly, obviously extremely emotional.
Feeling a surge of warmth rushing to his heart and a trembling sensation throughout his body, upon seeing Moon Scar again, Ah Dai’s heart continuously stirred. Finding it hard to speak, he finally managed to call out, "Brother Moon Scar."
Moon Scar rushed to Ah Dai, grabbed his shoulders, and said emotionally, "Brother, how many years has it been since we last met? Have, have you been well?"
Ah Dai nodded vigorously, grabbed Moon Scar’s shoulders in return, and said, "Brother, it’s been nearly four years. Your Moon Scar Mercenary Group has grown so much. Impressive!"
Moon Scar’s emotions settled a bit, but his face was still filled with joy. He had been worrying about the upcoming decisive battle for the past two days, but seeing Ah Dai seemed to make him forget all his troubles. He laughed and said, "Isn’t that thanks to your help? Without those two Top-grade Crystals, even risking my life wouldn’t have brought me to this stage. Oh! Right, where’s Yue Yue?"
At the sight of Moon Scar, Xuan Yue was very excited but also felt uneasy. Knowing Moon Scar’s wisdom, she feared he might recognize her true identity. Upon hearing him mention her, she quickly said, "Hello, Brother Moon Scar, I am Xuan Yue’s biological brother, Xuan Re. My sister has stayed in the church to practice Magic under the Pope. She mentioned you before; you are much more handsome than she described. It’s an honor to meet you."
