Mercenary Harem in Murim Novel

With the conversation finished and the deal was made, Leo had nothing to do in this village anymore.

However, the villagers asked him to stay as they prepared for a party. It had been a long time since they had guests, so they were eager to make their night enjoyable.

At first, Leo wanted to refuse their goodwill. He had plenty of things to finish back in Chengdu. But unexpectedly, they kind of forced them to stay with an excuse that they wanted to know Astrid, their new leader of the group, better.

In the end, Leo agreed and stayed for another day. He was worried about the villagers’ intention, but their smiles and warm welcome made him less suspicious.

They didn’t have any bad intentions. He didn’t just believe it because he was naive. He could see the sincerity in their eyes.

Astrid was also happy.

She enjoyed the company of these old men and the stories they shared with her. It was a new experience for her.

They might have something that Astrid needed desperately in her life. Her parents’ or grandparents’ love.

Being her leader, Leo wouldn’t try to take that away from him. Caring for his subordinates was one of his duties as the leader.

As he drank alone while sitting on a wooden log, watching the villagers dance around a large bonfire, a man with a wild appearance approached him. The man was holding a bottle of alcohol, and he offered it to him.

"Drink? We’re going to be comrades soon. Might as well share a drink." He smiled, offering the bottle. "My name is Chen. What about you?"

"Thank you."

Leo took the bottle and poured the liquid down his throat. It was a bit sour but sweet at the same time.

"My name is Leo, the master of a mercenary band Hallowed Insect. Well, with the Mercenary Union created, I might sit behind the table more often now. Maybe, you’ll have to take orders from me."

"Don’t worry. That doesn’t bother me. The one I respect is the strongest. So, it doesn’t matter who is in charge." Chen answered.

"Then, you don’t mind working under me and my group, I assume?"

"Yes, not a problem. Assuming that you’re strong."

Chen’s words had a double meaning, and Leo realized that.

’He implied that I need to prove that I am strong for him and the other villagers to follow. As expected, they only want Astrid as a leader in name only and want a real leader that they can follow. Not that I mind. Astrid is indeed still inexperienced. Leading a mock group like them would prove to be useful for her future.’

Anyway, the implication didn’t offend him.

"I can give you a spar if you want. We can settle it in the village."

"Hahahaha, then, you should have said so earlier." Chen laughed loudly and turned around, "Men, open up some space! Me and the new Master will have a spar. Can someone be the referee?"

"I can do it."

Another villager came out and stood between the two of them. He was a bit thin and looked weak, but his eyes were sharp and his smile was mischievous. If Leo had to compare him with an animal, then he would be a rat, cunning, smart-looking, and looked like an idiot.

"Alright, get ready everyone!"

The villagers shouted and began to form a circle around the two fighters. Amidst the moving villagers was Astrid, looking a bit excited and confused.

She was a bit tipsy, but she could still hold it.

In a short time, the villagers created a large ring where Chen and Leo could fight. The old men and women cheered and clapped their hands while some were placing bets.

Leo stood at one end, near the bonfire. The fire lit up his body and made him look even more intimidating.

As he waited for his opponent, he started warming up and cracked his arms.

Chen, on the other hand, was stretching and cracking his knuckles.

The rat-looking villager stood between them, looking bored and impatient.

"You ready, Chen?"

"Yes." Chen answered and cupped his hands, "I, Chen from Outcast Village, asked Leo from Hallowed Insect for an honorable duel."

"Let’s have a nice fight." Leo answered, cupping his hands.

In the past month, he had learned about rules and etiquette in Murim world. He didn’t have a problem with it and even enjoyed the ritual.

As he bowed slightly to honor his opponent, his body suit extended to cover his hands like gloves. An electric static ran through them, creating small sparks.

First of all, he didn’t know his opponent’s capability yet. He still couldn’t feel Qi as the research hadn’t finished yet. He didn’t want to risk anything, so he decided to use his nanites.

’Well, let’s find out how capable he is. From what it looks like, he’s a close-range fighter. Then, I’ll try not to disappoint him. Let’s start with 50% of my strength.’

"Begin!"

With the referee’s shout, Chen moved first. His fist was covered in a white Qi as he rushed forward like a bullet.

He was fast and agile. He didn’t waste any movements and only focused on getting his target.

Leo dodged it without much effort and moved around him, trying to predict his next move. He sent a kick toward the man’s back, but Chen spun and grabbed his leg.

"Not now."

Saying that, the man threw him up into the air.

"Hmph!"

Leo didn’t panic. He used his nanites to control his body midair and extended his hand down.

Electricity cracked around his hands and a shockwave spread.

Chen didn’t have the time to dodge, and the attack hit him, throwing him backward and sending him into the ground.

"Gah!"

The villager who was acting as a referee watched them in awe.

"Oof, that’s a direct hit. Chen is not someone to mess with. Yet, he just got hit so easily."

"Hahaha, you’re getting rusty, Chen!"

Other villagers laughed and cheered, and Chen got up from the ground, his eyes burning with passion. His Qi was burning fiercely as it became visible around his body.

At the same time, Leo landed and looked forward.

’Not bad.’