Mercenary Harem in Murim Novel

He was impressed. The man was agile and had good reflexes. It seemed like he was a seasoned fighter.

And, even though he only used a shockwave to hit him, the man was able to withstand an attack that could even push a truck back.

"May I ask about your martial art stage?" Leo asked politely.

"... My apologies. I am a 6 Stars martial artist, a former Shaolin." Chen said, smiling fiercely.

Shaolin.

Among martial artists, Shaolin Temple was a famous sect that taught the arts of martial arts and cultivation. Among any others, the Shaolin Temple monks focused on tempering their bodies and improving their Qi to make them strong.

The number of stars indicated a martial artist’s strength. 1 star martial artist was considered weak and didn’t have enough strength to stand up against a 2 stars martial artist.

However, depending on the martial arts they trained, the 3 stars martial artist could even take down 4 stars. Compatibility also mattered in a fight.

Once again, Shaolin Temple’s monks were focused on training their body and tempered their Qi to increase their durability.

In a game, his role would be a tank that could make a good wall and defend the others. But that tank also had destructive firepower, which was dangerous.

"I see. Then, I will increase my power." Leo said, commanding his Nanites to enhance his body.

Power surged through his body, and his hair rose from the electric current.

"Then, let’s continue."

With that, Chen rushed forward, his fist ready to strike.

Leo didn’t hesitate and stepped forward as well.

Their fists met in the middle, and a loud boom could be heard as a shockwave formed around them. Blue flash of electricity ran through their body and spread out like a wave.

The villagers, including Astrid, were blown back from the shock.

When they looked up, they saw the two warriors standing still, their fists meeting each other. However, it was clear that Chen took damage as his clothes had burnt marks, and his hands were bleeding.

’He’s stronger than I thought.’

Leo thought, surprised.

Chen’s Qi was powerful, and his body was tougher than before.

His hands went slightly numb from the direct exchange.

Naturally, this wasn’t what he specialized in, but to think a bare 6 Stars martial artist body could defend against his attack was unexpected.

It wasn’t like he didn’t have an advantage.

Chen was a tank, but Leo’s power and speed were on a different level.

As his Nanites worked to focus at enhancing the damage of his punch, he threw a barrage of attacks.

He was like a hurricane, spinning around his opponent and raining punches and kicks.

The speed was too fast for Chen, and he couldn’t keep up.

Finally, Leo threw a heavy kick, and the man was thrown into the air and crashed into the ground, groaning in pain.

"Argh... T-This is my loss." Chen admitted as he struggled to get up.

Leo approached him and gave him a hand. His bodysuit had returned to its normal state, and the electric current disappeared.

"You’re strong." Chen smiled bitterly.

"You too." Leo said, "I used 50% of the power that I use to pummel Heartless Undertaker into something unrecognizable, yet you are able to tank it with only minimum injuries. I guess Monks’ resilience is truly something else."

"Hahaha, there is something we sacrifice in exchange of that toughness."

Chen scratched his ball. Or rather, his smooth head and smiled wryly.

"We’re bald because our Qi flow is interrupted."

"Oh, I see. That’s unfortunate."

With the spar finished, Leo left the area and joined the other villagers where he got praised. Many were curious about how he could create electricity, or thunder as they called it, when they couldn’t even feel Qi from his body.

"Unfortunately, that’s still a secret."

That was his answer, and the villagers didn’t continue to ask. One’s trick should be kept to oneself.

They had a few more drinks and a feast. The food was simple but delicious. The village had plenty of meat and vegetables, which the villagers prepared.

As he looked at the merry celebration, Leo noticed that some of them fought each others, having spars as if nothing else mattered. It became something like a festival.

Meanwhile, Astrid was chatting with the other villagers, exchanging stories and jokes.

She was enjoying herself and had fun. Her smile was bright, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.

The night continued, and the villagers became tipsy and sleepy.

"Goodnight."

They all said goodbye to each other and returned to their respective lodging.

As Leo and Astrid returned, the girl sighed happily.

"Leader, they are all good people. I think I can become their leader. If you assign me as such, I will definitely try my best."

"That’s good."

Leo nodded. He was pretty happy with the result.

’These villagers are without a doubt strong fighters. And, even though they look simple, their intelligence is above average. They also have a lot of experience and knowledge. Maybe, we can learn a thing or two from them.’

Of course, it was also his instinct as a gamer and a person who lived in a society where eating and selling each other was the only way to survive.

The village chief, Xing Yu, had his own agenda, and that was to protect the villagers from any outside danger.

As the mercenary group that could offer protection, they were a great opportunity.

That was why the old man was eager to accept their proposal.

’The villagers also trusted him, so they supported his decision. The show from earlier was to see whether I have the power to back up my words or not. Chen might be the most durable fighter in this village. By injuring him, I had already gotten their trust. Well, I can’t complain. These people are smart, and they don’t take risks without a good reason.’

Leo had nothing to worry about. He would be a good leader and provide the villagers with safety and benefits as long as they were part of his Mercenary Union.

As the moon looming over the village, Leo and Astrid entered their log house and rested for the night. The girl immediately plopped over on the bed and drifted into the dream realm.

Meanwhile, Leo couldn’t sleep.

It was a beautiful night, and the stars were twinkling in the sky.

But, his mind was filled with a lot of thoughts.

’Let’s finish organizing the file. We need to prepare for the future and gather more members.’

The terrace looked like a nice place to do it, so he quietly exited the house and continued his job.