Having witnessed Rachel's strength, the following days saw the larger merchant caravan trailing the smaller one as they proceeded!

Through actively greeting John and the others over these days, Zakhaf finally learned the name "Ethereal Mercenary Group." However, when John casually mentioned they had only hired such an astonishing group for a mere 3,000 coins, Zakhaf remained silent for a long time.

Today, during a customary rest and meal stop, Wennar once again scurried over, eagerly initiating conversations with Zhong Shenxiu and the others, constantly posing various questions!

Yet, Zhong Shenxiu and the rest remained remarkably distant toward his enthusiasm. Only the younger members like Rhys would exchange a few words with him; everyone else essentially treated him as if he didn't exist!

But Wennar didn't seem to mind this indifference at all. Instead, he interpreted their aloofness as the unique personality of the "Ethereal Mercenary Group"! His fascination with them grew day by day! "Hey, Rhys, who is the leader of your mercenary group?" Wennar asked with genuine curiosity. "Why don't you guess?" Rhys replied slyly. Perhaps because they were of similar age, Rhys didn't harbor much aversion toward Wennar! "It must be that one named Rachel!" Wennar declared confidently. How could someone so formidable not be the leader—that would defy all logic! But Rhys's answer froze him mid-thought. "Rachel only joined our 'Ethereal Mercenary Group' not long ago. How could she be the leader!" Rhys smiled again, his expression clearly indicating he knew Wennar wouldn't possibly guess correctly. "You... you're saying Rachel only joined your group recently?" Wennar's eyes widened. "Is that so strange?" Rhys countered. "Isn't it strange? How did you manage to recruit someone so powerful?" Wennar leaned closer to Rhys. "Our leader brought her in!" Rhys announced with evident pride. Following Zhong Shenxiu always meant endless surprises! "Your leader must be incredible! Tell me quickly, which one is your leader?" As he spoke, Wennar glanced toward Charlotte and the others who were conversing nearby. "That's a secret within our group. You'll have to keep guessing!" Rhys said, already standing up. "Hey, are you guys still looking for members?" Wennar quickly grabbed Rhys just as he was about to leave.

Rhys was momentarily stunned, then advised, "Our mercenary group isn't something just anyone can join. You should probably give up that idea sooner rather than later!" "Why? I'm not useless; I have strength too!" Wennar stated, becoming somewhat agitated. "It's not an issue of strength or lack thereof!" Rhys smiled, and then walked away.

The caravan continued its journey, but Wennar did not abandon his desire to join the "Ethereal Mercenary Group" simply because of Rhys's discouragement; in fact, it intensified! (Perhaps this was the very definition of things turning out contrary to one's wishes!)

Two more days passed in this manner. During these days, Wennar constantly speculated on the identity of the "Ethereal Mercenary Group's" leader and pondered whether he should truly join them!

In his mind, he considered his own abilities quite respectable; he was a top student at the academy, certain that joining any mercenary group would earn him a warm reception. Despite Rhys's warning, he dismissed it merely as a test of his resolve, not taking it seriously!

Finally, during a break after lunch on this day, Wennar gathered his courage and approached Keni, stating with a serious expression, "I wish to join your mercenary group!" After two days of observation, he believed Keni was the most likely candidate for the "Ethereal Mercenary Group's" leader! However, Keni's response left him stunned yet again. "I can't make that decision; you should ask our leader," Keni said, flashing a knowing, meaningful smile. I guessed wrong? Once Wennar processed this, his gaze immediately snapped to Charlotte, wondering internally, Could it be her?

But Charlotte spoke up at that moment: "Don't look at me like that. I'm just a Vice-Leader; I can't make the decision either!" Damn! Wennar felt on the verge of collapse. Why had all his guesses failed consecutively? Who on earth was the leader?

Keni, showing some kindness, pointed him in the right direction, gesturing toward Zhong Shenxiu, who was sitting on a nearby rock reading a book. "Our leader is over there. Go ask him yourself!" What? Wennar's eyeballs nearly popped out; this outcome was far beyond his expectations! "Th-that is your leader?" Wennar managed to confirm in a trembling voice. "Who else would it be?" Keni giggled, her laughter ensuring the group was never short on merriment when she was around.

Wennar struggled to accept this reality for a moment. All he could do internally was repeat the mantra, "This is a test for me, just a test!" Then, under the amused gazes of everyone present, he walked toward Zhong Shenxiu. (Whether it was true or not, he had to try!)

"I wish to join the 'Ethereal Mercenary Group'!" Wennar declared to Zhong Shenxiu.

However, Zhong Shenxiu replied without turning his head, "Request denied. I do not agree!"

Screech...!

Wennar stood there completely dumbfounded. He hadn't expected Zhong Shenxiu to reject him so decisively, leaving him no chance to even demonstrate anything! Could this youth truly be the leader of the "Ethereal Mercenary Group"?

Rhys, watching Wennar's vacant expression from a short distance, thought to himself, I told you to drop the idea; then you wouldn't be in this awkward situation now!

Those who can join the "Ethereal Mercenary Group" are judged not by their strength, but by whether they pique Zhong Shenxiu's interest or gain his recognition! Someone like Wennar, whom Zhong Shenxiu hadn't even glanced at from the start, stood absolutely no chance of joining the "Ethereal Mercenary Group"! The bar for entry was exceptionally high; it wasn't something just anyone could manage!

Wennar was indeed deeply stung now. He hadn't anticipated that his first proactive request to join a mercenary group would be met with such a blunt refusal, slightly wounding his pride!

"Please reconsider!" Wennar said again after a moment of silence, his voice slightly louder, less directed at Zhong Shenxiu than intended for Keni and the others to hear! "You are not suited for our mercenary group!" Zhong Shenxiu finally looked up, addressing the slightly agitated Wennar.

"Please assess my strength before making a decision!" Wennar refused to give up. As he spoke, a small flame suddenly erupted from his hand and swiftly coalesced into the shape of a fire snake, which he hurled toward a nearby rock! With a loud BOOM!, the rock shattered into pieces!

Subsequently, Wennar began chanting a magic incantation: "Chains of restraint, gossamer threads, the ceaseless winds that blow across the earth eternally, transform into fetters! Bind the burgeoning wickedness!" "Wind Boundary Lock!"

As he continued his performance, Zakhaf and Yehut, resting further away, noticed the commotion and exclaimed in surprise: What was the Third Young Master doing?

After concluding his display, Wennar finally stopped. Judging by his composed demeanor and steady breathing, his mastery of magic was quite impressive, proving his academic knowledge of magic was solid!

Now, Wennar had shed his earlier gloom. Especially seeing Zhong Shenxiu silent for so long, a hint of smugness rose in his heart. How about that? Aren't you shocked by my strength! I am an outstanding magician; my inclusion will definitely enhance the overall power of the mercenary group. You'll change your minds now, won't you?

He glanced back at Charlotte and the others, whose expressions seemed momentarily stunned. Wennar assumed they were all awestruck by his power, unaware that Charlotte and the others were actually taken aback by his display! (To showcase so much effort and only reveal that little bit of strength—it was truly difficult for him to perform so earnestly!)

Rhys, not far off, slapped his forehead. He couldn't bear to watch anymore! He had already said it wasn't an issue of "strength or lack thereof," and yet...

Wennar finally sensed something amiss from everyone's expressions. When he looked back at Zhong Shenxiu, he was dismayed to find the youth had already returned to reading his book, completely unfazed by the demonstration just performed! "Can I join your mercenary group now?" The confidence Wennar had just built wavered. "No!" Zhong Shenxiu replied again without lifting his head. "Why do you reject me so immediately?"

Wennar moved to snatch the book from Zhong Shenxiu's hand; he needed this youth to explain his reasoning. Perhaps someone had instructed him beforehand, leading to such a swift refusal! However, just as his hand moved, a dark shadow blocked him—it was none other than Rhys!

Rhys truly hadn't expected Wennar to attempt to strike Zhong Shenxiu; this was a classic case of "asking for a beating"! Although Zhong Shenxiu's temperament was much better now, it didn't mean outsiders could touch him casually. Rhys didn't want Wennar to suffer serious harm in a moment of impulse; after all, they had spent several days together, and he couldn't just stand by!

As Wennar looked at Rhys in confusion, Zhong Shenxiu's voice drifted over once more: "Are you overly confident in your strength? I can tell you with full responsibility that the strength you possess is far too weak!" What?

Wennar's eyes widened slightly further, but before he could speak, Zhong Shenxiu's voice rang out again, though this time it wasn't directed at him, but at Niuniu, who was playing with Tiya nearby! "Niuniu, show him a little demonstration of how magic should actually be used!"

Seeing Niuniu approach, Wennar felt close to exploding with anger. Did he intend to let this little girl demonstrate magic for him? Did he think Wennar was inferior even to this little girl?? What a joke—this was underestimating him too much!

Just as Wennar was about to turn and leave in a huff, Niuniu's sweet voice chimed in: "Big Brother, watch carefully!"