Yang Yu had anticipated the other party’s needs perfectly, which is why he and Bai Jin had disguised themselves as two down-and-out adventurers looking for black-market work.
With Yang Yu’s extensive gaming experience, it went without saying that he was well-prepared. Bai Jin also played her part excellently. Yang Yu had taught her many acting techniques, including the art of undercover work.
Thanks to their flawless performance, Slarrat was thoroughly convinced that Yang Yu and Bai Jin were just two desperate adventurers. The first step of their plan was to pass Slarrat’s test.
Testing couldn’t be done at the underground introduction agency. The shopkeeper opened a hidden passage and led them to an underground facility.
Some clients were skeptical of the black-market workers’ capabilities. To boost transactions, the shopkeeper had built this basement for such tests.
With the basement’s magical lights turned on, the dim illumination revealed a long stretch of gray floor, ending at a wall made of haphazardly piled stones. The room was empty except for the marks of previous battles.
Standing in the center of the room, Slarrat drew his sword. “You two, come at me together.”
[Slarrat Faces, LV26, Deputy Head of HR, Silver Orchid Trading Company
HP: 512/512 MP: 360/360
Attributes: Strength 141, Defense 75, Intelligence 101, Magic Defense 104, Agility 85, Endurance 62]
His attributes were mediocre, slightly inferior to Sekamens’. Once Yang Yu completed his current mission and distributed the earned attribute points, he estimated he would have similar stats.
Smiling confidently, Yang Yu waved his hand. “My sister isn’t feeling well lately, and both of us attacking you would be disrespectful. I’ll fight alone. If I pass the test, please let my sister off. If you doubt her skills, you can see her magic later.”
Slarrat wasn’t sure if Yang Yu was favoring his possibly less capable sister, but it didn’t matter. He only needed someone with decent combat skills.
“Since you’re so confident, I’ll agree. If you pass the test, your sister doesn’t have to.”
“Very generous of you. Once wealthy, people become magnanimous. No offense meant. Having money is a good thing.” Yang Yu picked up his staff and crouched. “I’ll start the attack.”
“Bring it on.”
Slarrat was extremely confident. As a member of the Faces family, he had earned his position through skill.
Those who came for interviews usually found themselves at a disadvantage after a few exchanges, and this time would be no different.
Facing Yang Yu’s staff attack, Slarrat blocked with his sword, and Yang Yu continued his assault with constant strikes.
The force was weak, even lighter than expected, and his staff swings were uncoordinated, unlike a seasoned adventurer.
Slarrat’s opinion of Yang Yu declined.
Just then, Yang Yu sighed, “I knew it. Not having lunch really saps my strength. I talked too big. You should attack; dodging is easier than attacking. You said that if I withstand your attacks for ten minutes, I pass.”
“Let me test your skills then.” Slarrat didn’t say more, swinging his sword at Yang Yu.
He used no skills, just a simple probing attack. If Yang Yu couldn’t dodge or block, they’d have to find someone else.
Yang Yu didn’t disappoint, easily dodging the swing.
“Master, I know you weren’t using your full strength. No need to hold back. Life and death are at stake; show me if I’m fit for this job.”
He can tell I was holding back. Alright, he’s competent.
“Be careful then.”
Slarrat increased his attack speed. Initially, Yang Yu managed effortlessly, but as Slarrat’s strikes grew faster, Yang Yu seemed to struggle.
Not really.
Yang Yu was acting. During their strategy discussion, Terra had advised him that Slarrat was meticulous and cautious. To pass unnoticed later, Yang Yu had to appear mediocre.
*Clang—*
The sound of weapons clashing echoed in the basement, marking the end of the fight. Yang Yu had blocked many of Slarrat’s attacks with his staff, intentionally leaving openings that led to minor injuries.
“Time’s up.” Slarrat sheathed his sword, satisfaction evident. “You have the skills we need. I believe you’ll do well in safeguarding our factory.”
“Thank you. I was weak today because we’ve been starving. That woman wasted our food money, and we’ve only had scraps.” Wiping his forehead, Yang Yu looked subservient, even glaring at Bai Jin to enhance the act. “My sister loves making potions. Could someone from your factory teach her? We’re from a small town; together, we could prosper.”
Hmph, such a money-grubber.
But I like that.
Slarrat’s demeanor turned haughty. “That’s not my department. If you get along with others, I won’t interfere. But remember, do your job well, follow orders, and the money is yours.”
Yang Yu continued his flattery, “Of course, Master. When do we start?”
“You seem eager. When can you leave?” Slarrat countered.
“Anytime. We travel light.”
“Let me check your gear. If everything’s fine, we’ll leave.”
“Absolutely.”
The probing concluded, and they returned to the introduction agency. Yang Yu and Bai Jin opened their stored luggage for inspection. Slarrat found only worn clothes in Yang Yu’s belongings.
As for Bai Jin, Slarrat barely checked hers.
Partly because Bai Jin had no charm whatsoever, like how gentlemen would only be interested in attractive girls in a class. He had no interest in Bai Jin’s personal items.
Additionally, Slarrat saw a large jar of blue liquid in Bai Jin’s bag. She claimed it was her potion, breathing heavily and asking if he wanted to try it.
Opening the jar revealed a slime-like, sticky substance with a strange smell. To avoid Bai Jin pulling out more bizarre potions for him to test, Slarrat only gave her bag a cursory glance.
After confirming they had no recording devices or weapons, Slarrat paid the intermediary fee at the front desk and led them out of the introduction agency.