Chapter 05 Friendship Has No Boundaries

The short and poor leader was momentarily taken aback. At this moment, how could he remain calm? "Damn it, Wang Qi! How can I stay calm at a time like this? Anyway, I can only trust you now; we've already fallen behind for so long!" After saying this, he plopped down on the ground, gasping for breath for a moment, still feeling regretful as he shouted, "Wang Qi, if you're wrong, I will hold you accountable unless you treat me to a wild night of drinking!"

... ... Truly ruthless

Wang Qi understood that he needed to express himself more clearly, otherwise he would have to continue being verbose. "The former dean has always encouraged me to follow the path of my heart, yet he also made arrangements for me. This is certainly well-intentioned, and indeed the style of the Free Mercenary Guild seems quite suitable for me, but this is not what I desire. Whether missing out is regrettable has not crossed my mind; what matters now is that I am willing to pursue the direction I envision."

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What? The commander of the Tiger Courage Regiment, who had already turned around, suddenly looked back, staring at Wang Qi in astonishment

Everyone, don't go! This is a trial! It's a trap!" As he saw that everyone was getting overly excited, Wang Qi quickly shouted to dissuade them

But he certainly cannot do this

This trial has always been based on the principle of avoiding casualties. If the so-called trial method of the three-eyed female warriors is true, how could there not be infighting and conflict among so many people competing to descend the mountain?

Thank you for your consideration, but I do not intend to join your group

"How could this happen! I knew it! I knew I shouldn't have regarded you, Wang Qi, as a god! No matter how impressive you are in the academy, you are still just a naive youth when you come out! How could I stake such a significant matter on you—oh heavens! Am I destined to be short, poor, and unattractive for the rest of my life? Is this my fate?" The short, poor, and unattractive president exaggeratedly wailed and cried, his fists relentlessly pounding the ground, his expression one of utter despair, completely shattering his past image. Is this my fate?" The short, poor, and unattractive president exaggeratedly wailed and cried, his fists relentlessly pounding the ground, his expression one of utter despair, completely shattering his past image.

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"Oh! I spoke nonsense!" The short, poor man laughed happily, feeling that his words were too petty.

"My decision is final," Wang Qi replied without a moment's hesitation, causing the commander of the Tiger Courage Regiment to furrow his brow even tighter. The three-eyed female warrior, displaying a look of impatience, said, "Why bother saying so much to this little brat, Commander! Hmph, we have taken a liking to him, yet he does not know what is good for him, so let him go!"

In a moment, beside the left hand raised by the female warrior, a flickering green light appeared. The scene within the green light began in chaos, but soon became clear, revealing a view of the forest. It was evident to anyone that this was the exit of the illusionary array

The so-called major guilds in the neutral star systems of the distant travel trials are not even worthy of being compared to the Free Mercenary Guild; they are simply not on the same level of existence

The commander of the Tiger Courage Corps furrowed his brow slightly, and a hint of reproach was evident in his gaze as he said: "Your friend has already made his position clear"

You know, I do not make predictions or assumptions when I work; it is entirely based on my own judgment. However, there is a clear flaw in her words, which I believe is intentional. If you reflect on it calmly, you will be able to find it

Wang Qi! We can still make it if we leave now; they still have trials on the way, and we might be able to get ahead of them. Think it over—how confident are you in your earlier judgment?

Even the originally indignant and discontented short and poor student was taken aback, remaining stunned for a while before stammering, "Wang, Wang Qi—I, I know you value loyalty, but you can't think that just because you have taken advantage of me, you should give up! With your ability, you should have been selected in the first place. I am unwilling, but I also concede defeat to you! Please, do not miss this God-given opportunity because of me!"

Very good! Let's go. The commander of the Tiger Courage Corps smiled and nodded, glancing at Wang Qi's departing figure, his smile growing even more pronounced. "Old Dean, he is a rare good lad..."

This is unfair! The short, ugly, and poor man trembled with excitement, having just thought he had a chance, only to receive such a result! Although he knew that protesting would be futile, he still mustered the courage to voice his inner dissatisfaction! He did not care that his protest was weak, for he understood that if he missed this opportunity today, he likely would not have a second chance in this lifetime

The leader of the Tiger Courage Mercenary Corps, the man who had been watching Wang Qi, leaped down in front of him and said with little expression: "We do not have time to continue delaying; the outcome is already quite clear. In comparison, you are the best candidate. Starting today, you are a member of the Tiger Courage Mercenary Corps, affiliated with the Free Mercenary Guild."

Just after passing through the exit of the illusion, I saw those who had rushed out earlier all gathered in the woods, looking dejected. Some were banging their heads against the tree trunks; others were pulling their hair in frustration, seemingly on the verge of madness; ... and some lay motionless on the ground, staring blankly upwards in a dazed, feigned death posture

Not only was he surprised, but so were all the members of the Tiger Courage team who heard these words. Their actions came to a complete halt, and puzzled gazes focused on Wang Qi. Those who had graduated from the academy were almost all dumbfounded; no one expected Wang Qi to give such a response

Wang Qi wore his usual calm smile, a smile that allowed the short, poor, and unattractive man to resist the temptation of that door and pause without moving forward

Except for them, everyone else has already rushed out of the illusionary formation. This is indeed an immense pressure. Such a fortunate opportunity to join the Free Mercenary Guild will never come again in this lifetime. Yet, at this moment, he hesitates to move forward because he believes in Wang Qi. Is this right or wrong

The commander of the Tiger Courage Corps raised his hand to signal the three-eyed female warrior not to interrupt, and then turned to Wang Qiyu with a serious tone, saying: "It is normal for young people to be proud, but one must not overestimate oneself. In the universe, there are many experts and talents abound. Joining us, you will never be underappreciated. Valuing loyalty is certainly good, but becoming trapped in illusions is not wise. Friends should help and understand each other, and naturally wish for each other's well-being. Worrying about a friend's feelings to the extent of missing out on present opportunities is a foolish kind of loyalty, and it is not wise."

At this moment, the short, poor man suddenly realized the change in circumstances and also understood Wang Qi's reasoning behind his judgment

As if receiving encouragement, the short and poor no longer have any last concerns, and with the loudest voice, they shout: "I am willing to join the Tiger Courage Mercenary Corps!" and vow to do their utmost not to hold back, contributing all their strength to the mercenary corps! Willing to do anything!

The figure, short and poor, left the graduation academy with tears in his eyes, shouting: "Wang Qi! Remember this—I'm still owing you a drink! When we meet again in the future, I will definitely treat you!"

"Goodness! You are impressive!" The short and poor Wang Qiqiao sincerely gave a thumbs up, then said seriously: "To be honest, everyone knows I am definitely not as good as you. However, with this opportunity, there is only one spot left for you and me to compete for. I cannot simply concede. If I lose to you, that is only natural, but if by chance I manage to win, don't blame me!"

Wang Qi raised his right hand in farewell without looking back: "I will wait for you—definitely to drink up the last penny in your wallet"

The leader of the Tiger Courage group smiled and asked the short, poor president: "What about you? Are you willing to join the Tiger Courage? If you are willing, let's go together."

I, I—" the short and poor president stared intently at Wang Qi, who smiled and patted his shoulder, casually saying, "Keep it up!" and then turned away, walking towards the group of graduating students from the same academy.

"I don't know about your sister!" The short and poor man jumped up in anger and began to curse, but he saw that Wang Qi had already dashed out, so he hurriedly chased after him

Chapter Introduction: A brilliant future firmly captures your attention. But I am grateful that you still remember me by your side, smiling as you share the promises of friendship. That is enough, and I just want to gently tell you that it is not the bond of friendship. Go ahead, I will send you off with my blessings, waving goodbye, saying to you, we will meet again.

Wang Qi actually refused

When leaving the academy, it was exactly midnight. After reaching the Departure Star and completing the trials of the Free Mercenary Guild, Wang Qi and his companions walked towards the First Departure City. As dawn broke, they finally caught sight of the emerald green city gates in the distance.

Some people's pace slowed down, while others came to a halt. They glanced at the motionless Wang Qi, but then noticed that some individuals, ignoring everything, had already dashed out of the illusionary array. Thus, they turned around and sprinted with all their might, fearing they would fall behind, leaving no time to ponder Wang Qi's words of caution

The commander of the Tiger Courage Corps was momentarily taken aback, but soon broke into a smile. He stroked the coarse stubble on his chin and shook his head with a light sigh, saying: "The old director indeed has an eye for talent; you are even better than he expected. Indeed—this trial to select new blood is for you, but it was not specifically arranged for that purpose; it is merely a coincidence. Since we have spoken openly, I will not press the matter further"

... ...

Our requirements are very simple, and the trial is also very straightforward. Regardless of the method used, the first person to reach the foot of the mountain after overcoming all the challenges on the descent will become a new member of our courageous team. Only one, and just one!

"Understood." Wang Qi readily agreed. He had been observing that three-eyed female warrior, but her expression revealed nothing. The warriors of the Free Mercenary Guild were naturally battle-hardened; concealing their true thoughts in front of them was hardly a challenge.

In particular, he found the performance of this three-eyed female warrior to be quite unusual. After making this statement, she paused for such a long time, as if intentionally allowing them enough time to digest it. If she was indifferent, why would she deliberately engage their enthusiasm? Given the attitude of this female warrior towards them, it was naturally very unreasonable

Just a moment ago, he was crying out in despair; at this moment, he truly wished to kneel and bow his head to Wang Qi.

Wang Qi smiled and patted him on the shoulder, saying, "It's too early to cry; we don't even know the outcome yet"

Wang Qi laughed upon hearing this, as his suspicions were confirmed. He observed that the few members of the Tiger Courage group completely ignored the protests of the short and impoverished president. Those in the trees came down and began to pack up the belongings in the forest camp, extinguishing the fire pit, clearly preparing to leave

A moment ago, the crowd was tightly and orderly arranged in a circular formation, but in the blink of an eye, only Wang Qi and the short, unattractive, and impoverished president, who was fifty steps ahead of him, remained

Before she finished speaking, the underdog leaped up, soaring over the heads of the crowd, and dashed toward the exit of the illusionary array as if flying. Immediately, the crowd erupted into a frenzy, all of them sprinting away as if they were racing to pick up money.

In the atmosphere of eager anticipation, only Wang Qi furrowed his brows, for he did not believe! When he was in the Solitary Mercenary Village, he had heard about the style of the Free Mercenary Guild. The reasons presented before him sounded reasonable, yet in his view, they were simply insufficient.

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Wang Qi laughed as he leaned on the short and poor president's shoulder, saying: "Nonsense! Can the friendship between men change because of such matters?"

"Since you have chosen to forfeit the trial, you may leave now," the female warrior said expressionlessly, then turned and walked out of the illusionary array