Chapter 3

It is a unique metal forged from a celestial stone [meteorite], and it is unlikely to find another piece that is the same.

The team members beside the leader listened to the instructions and prepared to leave to fetch the wooden sticks

"Hahaha... This guy is too interesting. Captain, you must let him join," Doniel said with a hearty laugh as he turned back to the captain.

By the way! Could you lend me your sword, or rather your spear, to take a look at it?

He approached Mu, speaking not very loudly, yet those around could hear him clearly

This is just a test; there is no need to resort to real weapons! Even without a real sword, one can still discern the strength.

No winner or loser was declared; he merely said, "Good! Truly exquisite marksmanship"

Instead of losing composure due to the previous rude question, they cleverly responded with a question, gracefully diffusing the awkward situation and turning the tables on the other party

"Is the morning star being used? Isn't that too light?" Someone nearby raised such a question

Shebur cast a glance at Mu, his eyes conveying the meaning of "This is what you brought upon yourself"

I completed it yesterday; it was just a personal matter that delayed me, which is why I returned today. As soon as I got back, I heard about your plans to select people for the competition.

The leader separated the sword handle and the scabbard according to his words, and swung the sword a few times

Upon hearing this, the people nearby stirred, engaging in a flurry of discussions.

Mu's clothing was also torn several inches at the upper abdomen, making this round appear to be evenly matched

It was only after listening to the explanation that I finally understood the significance of Gallant

Enough! Whether he has the ability or not will be revealed in a competition.

Shebur drew his great sword and with a swift motion, it cut through the air, producing a sound reminiscent of the wind, exuding an imposing presence that seemed to seize the initiative.

The term "morning star" not only refers to its literal meaning but also denotes a type of flail.

"Stop!" The leader spoke up to put an end to the commotion

What changes are there

Although somewhat puzzled, Noxiu felt it inappropriate to continue pressing for answers after confirming that this could not enhance the combat effectiveness of the team members

"Commander!" Shaft shouted at his superior

You have noticed it too!

Such matters cannot be discerned merely by appearances; a contest is more valuable than mere verbal sparring. The captain's meaning is quite clear.

Mu then lifted the sword sheath on his left side, unfastened the belt, and drew the sword horizontally across his chest.

Of course! Welcome aboard. As for your position, I will discuss it with you after I have given it some thought

I ask you, what are the marks left by a gunshot? What were the marks on Shebur's body just now

I have heard that Eastern women have a horizontal anatomy in that area, is it true

After clearing a space, some of the onlookers began to place bets.

Why make jokes with the opponent like this before the competition! Such provocation affects the opponent and hinders the purpose of the contest. Both individuals share this sentiment

However, Xie Bu Er is also a seasoned veteran with extensive experience facing spear-wielding soldiers. Additionally, the unexpected change surprised the commander, causing him to delay throwing the copper coin in his hand, which further provided Xie Bu Er with time to readjust and gather his thoughts.

Well! What is your name

This type of variable weapon has a weakness, namely that its structure is more fragile than that of similar weapons made from the same materials. If ordinary materials are used, it becomes very durable and is not suitable for use in battle.

Although his appearance and voice are like that, he is an Oriental person, so his accent and physique should be somewhat different

However, before that, I have a question I would like to ask him

Then please take a rest for a while! If there is anything, I will send someone to call for you

Some people around were smirking knowingly, and in the face of this shameless colleague, Galante could only manage a wry smile

The deputy leader glanced back at the leader, who showed no reaction, indicating his lack of opposition

"Isn't that quite interesting?" Doniel said with a mischievous expression, laughing.

"Being able to tell jokes is not a criterion for joining the group! We are not a circus"

What should I do?

But who should be his opponent? The other party is a swordsman, and currently, the only warrior with swordsman-level strength left in the regiment, who is not on a mission, is you, the commander. Are you really going to personally take the field?

"Alright! It's nothing! Everyone, go back to your own tasks!" Galante began to disperse the onlookers.

"It was merely taking advantage of the weapon. So I suppose I qualify now"

Doniel's face once again bore that original frivolous expression

How is it? Are there any good talents?

Such a peculiar weapon is likely not easy to handle for many people

The bloodstains oozing from Shaft's mouth and nose indicate that he has suffered a loss

The weapons of both sides had not even made contact. Most people only clearly saw Mu charging forward with his gun, Xie Buer brandishing his sword to confront the enemy, and Mu retreating to evade these three changes

Although this sword was designed by me and I also participated in its production, there were other craftsmen who assisted at that time, and it was made using special materials, taking several months to forge.

"Unraveling the mysteries of such an enigmatic person is akin to peeling away the layers of clothing that envelop a woman, each piece removed igniting a thrilling sensation that is truly exhilarating"

Everyone present was astonished, as a sword originally measuring over three feet had unexpectedly transformed into a spear exceeding eight feet in length

Mu turned the gun barrel and handed the long gun to him

With the sound of the copper coin hitting the ground, the contest began

Schaefft likely assessed the other party's appearance and concluded that they were merely there to take advantage of the situation and eat for free. He tore up the letter of introduction on the spot, and under such circumstances, the other party not drawing their sword was already quite courteous

I will take charge of this competition! After all, they have hosted our Second Squad, and as the captain, I should return the favor

"Shebur, you have returned as well!" Noxiu spoke.

Is it not possible to use other materials

"No need to say more! I can probably guess. You see, those foreigners are not to your liking, you pick on them, and in the end, you get dealt with instead. Right?" After a pause, the leader continued, "You also know the rules of mercenaries; we only look at ability, not background. As long as one has strength and is willing to fight alongside us, we welcome anyone."

No! I just couldn't help but want to tease him when I saw that type.

I have also seen some Eastern men, and they have some similarities with us. However, Mu's neck does not have any.

Upon hearing the names Noxiu and Galante, their eyes lit up. "Do you have the certifications for Swordmaster and Apothecary?"

"Then why does he do this? Not only does he conceal his strength, but he also hides his gender," the vice captain expressed his doubts.

Buck, go fetch a few wooden sticks that are about the same length as their swords

Upon arriving at the scene, I observed two individuals in a standoff, yet their facial expressions exhibited a significant contrast

"Personal matters? Is it the kind that can be handled while lying down?" Galante said mockingly in an ambiguous tone.

That Mu could possibly be a woman

While many people on the sidelines were contemplating this issue, the subsequent changes took them by surprise

Although Gallant is the deputy commander, his position is due to his management, coordination, and negotiation skills. In terms of martial arts, he might rank outside the top fifty in the regiment, and he did not fully understand the contest just now

Upon seeing the leader and his group arrive, the Easterners retracted their smiles, and their expressions turned neutral and calm

The two people beside exchanged a glance and said, "Was that really just a metaphor?"

"Excellent sword! Excellent spear! Which renowned craftsman designed these?"

"So you just provoked him with your words because you recognized his strength?" Galante asked Doniel

"Then it can be hidden just by wrapping it in cloth. Did you notice his voice?" Donier also said

The Easterners wore smiles, while Shaft glared at his opponent with gritted teeth in anger

Mercenary groups have always held the strong in high regard, and personal grievances unrelated to the group are often resolved through one-on-one duels between the two parties involved

The match ended in an instant, disproportionate to the time spent on preparation.

I have heard that Western men only have one testicle, is that true

"Ahem! Very well! Both of you, please remember, this is a competition, not a duel. It is sufficient to determine a winner; please try to avoid any bloodshed." Both parties agreed, and Galante had no further objections.

The sword on the right has an unusually long hilt, making the blade appear quite short in comparison, resembling more of a short spear. However, the blade is merely covered by a regular soft sheath

When are you coming back, Donier? Has the task been resolved? I didn't see you just now

If my opponent wishes, I do not oppose using a real sword Mu spoke

The certification for warriors is challenging, and swordsmen are already among the elite, selected from a thousand. Shaft is merely a skilled practitioner among swordsmen.

Just as the two were conversing, a cacophony of noise came from outside

That is because he struck first; I was careless for a moment and suffered a loss. If I get another chance, I will definitely take him down.

The two-handed greatsword used by Shebur measures five feet in length

What special materials are you referring to?" Noxiu asked persistently

But that is because the long spear has a greater advantage

"You ...? ... I’m afraid that might not be very appropriate. ? You are at the level of a Great Swordsman, which is one rank higher than a Swordsman," Galant said hesitantly.

I do not have as much experience as you; it was only after the competition that I thought of it

He also discerned the attack range of Shebur, deliberately stopping at a position where the great sword could cut through his clothing without harming him. These subtle actions were all aimed at creating an illusion for onlookers; in reality, his strength far surpassed that of Shebur. Donier continued.

Oh! I see! The leader's tone could not hide the disappointment as he returned the staff transformed from the sword and sheath to Mu

Mu nodded gently

After Mu's sword transformed into a spear, Noxiu kept gazing at the spear in contemplation, until Galante discreetly nudged him, bringing him back to his senses

Although the other party was adorned with two swords, like Shaft, both were engaged in unarmed combat

"No way! Although he has braids like a woman, his chest is flat." Hearing them say this, Galante still felt a bit skeptical

"Very well! Then it will be up to you to compete with him, but please be mindful of the limits." The deputy leader responded.

I would like to discuss these few days

The speaker is Captain Xie Buer of the Second Squad, and this statement acted like a bucket of cold water, cooling down the atmosphere on site and causing the previously laughing crowd to turn their gazes away.

Let us go out and take a look!" They exchanged glances, and both reacted in the same way

However, Mu's dual swords are only three feet long. In terms of both attack range and power, the great sword has the advantage

"Then let both sides draw their swords! The contest will begin as soon as the copper coin in my hand falls to the ground." The leader signaled both sides to prepare.

This time, Doniel did not speak, but merely pointed to his throat

"You can be considered quite skilled in our group; if he can make you look this disheveled, doesn't that prove he qualifies to join the group?" The vice captain chimed in to support, but also took the opportunity to compliment Shaft, providing him with a way to save face

"This effeminate little brat is a swordsman? He doesn't look like one at all," said Sha Fute, though his momentum clearly weakened.

It was only then that Gallant realized the marks were not caused by stabbing.

Is your other sword also capable of transformation

Shebur is also a swordsman-level warrior, and compared to others, he should be more suitable for the test. Since Donier has stated that he will give up the opportunity, it is only natural for him to take part in the competition.

"Those on the ground are it," the Eastern person said, pointing at the scraps of paper on the ground

Although we do not know why he chooses to conceal his strength, having a warrior who is stronger than he appears to be joining us is not a bad thing, the captain said

It is designed by me

Let us not mention this anymore; how about the matter we discussed earlier? Allow me to be his opponent

Shebur looked at his opponent, subtly implying that the other party was an inexperienced novice lacking practical combat experience

Including the deputy leader of Zhenghe Publishing, everyone looked puzzled. Shouldn't these two be meeting for the first time? What questions might this wayward son have for a foreigner he encounters for the first time?

Well! This swordsman also possesses the qualifications of an apothecary, which makes him a very valuable talent

Although the opponent is also at the swordsman level, Xie Buer has rich practical experience and is well-known for having defeated two other swordsman-level warriors in a one against two situation

"After all, it's just a competition! As long as we know whether he has that level of ability, it doesn't necessarily mean we have to win to gauge his strength," Donier said casually.

After the crowd had mostly dispersed, the leader asked Donier, "What do you think of the swordsman named Mu?"

The people around fell silent for a few seconds, and then burst into loud laughter, with some laughing so hard that they doubled over in pain.

"Oh! This mage specializes in wind and fire magic, which is very useful in combat," the vice captain said while flipping through the pages.

Only the hilt can be separated, connected merely by a chain

At this moment, both Noxiu and Galante could not help but laugh, but they also sensed that the person before them was not ordinary

I do not know. Perhaps these two questions have the same answer, but I can be certain that he possesses many secrets; such skills and such unique weapons are not something an ordinary person would have.

How can this be transformed back into a longsword

Most of them are adventurers who have never fought in a real war, and apart from a swordsman and a mage, the qualifications and experiences of the others are not very ideal. The captain handed the documents in his hand to Galant.

"Commander! An Eastern individual is coming to apply with a letter of introduction, but he has gotten into a dispute with Captain Shaft of the Second Squad, and they have already started fighting" said a somewhat flustered member of the regiment to the commander approaching from the front

However, Noxiu raised his hand to signal the end of the competition

He used a long spear merely to give the impression that he had an advantage in weaponry; on the surface, he wielded the spear, but in reality, he employed swordsmanship. Just now, leaving a sword mark on Shebur, given his speed, it would have been more convenient to use only the sword.

No wonder it escalated into a fight, the leader sighed

Shebur displayed a solemn expression, silently sheathed his great sword, and turned to leave

The leader waved his hand to signal him to stop speaking, and then turned to the Eastern person

All the members are aware that he is skilled in wielding a greatsword, and his swordsmanship is among the most distinguished in the group

Oh! Are you going to take action? Then I will let you have it. Working so hard, be careful not to embarrass yourself due to poor conditions.

"I am not like others; I do not have so much time for leisure," said Shebur, glancing at Doniel from the corner of his eye

"You are here to apply, right? Please give me your letter of introduction"

Mu connected the scabbard to the hilt, and then the armor plates on the scabbard transformed from horizontal to vertical, not only becoming narrower but also extending by more than two feet.

"Shafte, come on! Be serious and take down that effeminate little bastard." Several mercenaries who were close to Shafte shouted encouragement from the sidelines. However, that Eastern person, with long braided hair, indeed appeared somewhat androgynous

Buck, please help the new partner find a temporary place to rest, assist him with some chores, and report back to me once everything is settled

Mu nodded slightly

The leader, amidst the surprise, said with a hint of excitement: "Oh! ... So, can we ..."

However, most are betting on how many moves it will take Shebur to win

At this moment, the deputy commander recalled the earlier situation, and it seemed that, as the two had said, Mu did not have a prominent Adam's apple on his neck

Some people couldn't help but laugh out loud, while the leader and deputy leader frowned

"What do you mean? Just now, in the match between him and Shebur, weren't their strengths quite similar?" Galante inquired

When will they come?

Before he could finish speaking, he saw Mu shaking his head

Mu. Light

However, the other party's reaction surprised them; a smile unexpectedly appeared on their face. They did not answer the question but instead posed another question.

Simply hold the lock at the handle and the sheath of the sword, and then turn it to the left in a full circle. As for the sheath, when the armor plate is turned straight, it can transform into a staff; when the armor plate is turned at an angle, it can be used as a steel whip

"Hmm?" Galante couldn't understand what it meant, "Which model?"

When the two individuals became still once more, there was a sword mark over half a foot long on the front of Xie Bu's clothing.

The differences in the quality of weapons and practical experience lead most spectators to believe that this match is merely a matter of whether Mu can withstand a few strikes

There is no need for that; now we are all armed, and a real sword duel can better reveal one's true strength. Some individuals may appear strong during practice, but when faced with life-and-death situations, they tremble in fear.

In response to his colleagues' mockery, Doniel shrugged and said, "That's not the case!"

However, those two swords appear quite special. The peculiar feature of the one on the left lies in its scabbard, which is composed of layers, resembling armor that has been donned by the sword

"Single sword? Does he not carry two swords? Why is he only using a single sword"

Hey, are you a swordsman? From his performance, he at least possesses the strength of a great swordsman level.

In the camp, the leader of the Morning Star, Noxu, focused his attention on the dozen or so documents in his hands, while his deputy, Galante, observed the changes in his expression.

The two turned their gaze towards the source of the voice, which belonged to a tall man with brown hair. He had a handsome yet somewhat rugged appearance, making him quite an attractive man; however, his frivolous smile gave off an impression of unseemliness.

The most shocking was Shebur, whose original plan for dealing with the opponent's dual swords was completely disrupted, and the advantage of a wide attack range was unexpectedly reversed

Then I added another sentence: "Yesterday I was both standing and sitting." (Do you think I only have those few tricks?)

This long spear is somewhat heavier than expected. The captain swung it a few times and made several feints.

"Hmph!" Shebur expressed his dissatisfaction with the mockery.

"It is far from enough. Do you think Shebur left without saying anything for no reason? Shebur is very clear; that guy deliberately wants people to think that their strengths are comparable. If it were a real battle and he were shot through the heart, Shebur wouldn't have any chance to counterattack" Donier explained to him