The Immortal Slaying Mercenaries’ building was in poor condition. However, its interior was nowhere near as bad as the exterior. When Monty walked in a little bell rung from above the door.

It was a simple and clean place. A large counter sat at the opposite end of the room and behind it, an old man lay with his head down. Hearing the bell ring, he looked up, putting on a thin pair of glasses that only sharpened his already sharp eyes. A white beard hung pointed.

“Hello,” Monty politely greeted.

The old man looked him up and down before turning his gaze to Lillian, who had just walked in. He then indifferently pointed a thumb at a board behind him. “Job rates are all there. If you’re looking to hire a guard, the price differs depending on the guard. Quality is guaranteed regardless.”

“We’re not here to hire but to join.” Monty explained with a smile.

The old man remained expressionless. He appeared to think for a moment before saying, “Follow me. You’ll have to pass the Owner’s test before anything else.”

“No problem,” Monty replied before asking. “What can we call you?”

The old man looked at him deeply. “You can call me Old Zhang.”

After saying so, Old Zhang stood up and walked to a nearby door. He had a straight back and wore a black suit. Grabbing a lantern, he opened the door, revealing a dark stairway that descended into the earth.

“Let’s go,” he said, and entered. Monty and Lillian followed behind, the door closing softly behind them.

Three figures headed down along the stairwell. Sometime later, they were still heading downwards. Lillian was mildly surprised. “These stairs are very long,” she commented.

A gentle smiled appeared on Old Zhang’s face, though they could not see it from behind them. “They have to be. We’re heading to a very deep place.”

The lantern swung in his hold, causing their shadows to dance. Seeing that he responded, Lillian asked another question. “Then, where are we going that’s so deep?”

“Your brother hasn’t told you?” Old Zhang countered casually.

Lillian was about to say no, when she paused. “How do you know that?”

The old man chuckled. “When you get to my age, you’ll be able to tell a lot about people just from how they talk to each other. You should be more conscious of how you act going forward. You’re lucky it’s me and not someone else.”

Lillian nodded. “Thank you for your warning, senior.”

“Mmm.”

Soon after that, the group reached the bottom of the stairwell. They were far below Phoenix City. A study, wooden door blocked their vision of what lay beyond the exit. Old Zhang opened it.

A lengthy hallway stretched out before them, spanning into infinity. It was lined with stone brick all around and dim lanterns allowed for sight. Countless openings facing all directions stemmed from it.

Without hesitation, Old Zhang let them through the maze of corridors. He turned right, left, right, and more until both Monty and Lillian could no longer keep track. Eventually, he stopped before a door much like any other.

“New recruits,” the old man said. A voice that could only be described as lazy drifted from behind the door. “Come in.”

Old Zhang opened it and they entered a room that appeared to be a well-furnished study. Shelves of scrolls lined the walls and a fireplace that vented to who knows where cast an orange glow over wood. On the side with the fireplace, a wooden desk piled with papers lay and behind it, a teenage boy around Lillian’s age sat.

On the opposite side was a couch with a man laying on it. It was that man who had called them in. As they walked into the room, the teenager gave them a cursory glance before turning back to the paperwork.

“What are your names?” the couch man asked, still lying down without the slightest intention to look at them.

“Isaac.” “Lily.” They had already pre-arranged different names and histories.

“Good names.” Though the man said so, nothing in his tone showed that he believed that. “So, you both want to join the Immortal Slaying Mercenaries? Where did you heard about us?”

It was Monty who replied. Cupping his fists together, he took a step forward. “I saw your sign outside and felt that anyone who calls themselves the ‘Immortal Slaying Mercenaries’ couldn’t be a weak place.”

Hearing this, the man lifted his head to look at Monty. He then burst into laughter. “Oh man, that’s a good one. To think there would be the day where we get recruits like this.”

It was a full minute before his fit ended. Noticing everyone in the room staring at him, he coughed into his hand. “Well, that’s good. It’s always nice to see new talents joining us. Now, how about you?”

Lillian looked surprised. “Me?”

The man nodded. “Isaac told me why he’s joining. Now, why are you doing the same?”

She did not know how to respond. “I’m just following Isaac.”

“Is that so? Well then, I suppose we’ll get started with the test.”

The man stood up from the couch. He was rather tall, with wide shoulders but an otherwise thin build. Unlike Old Zhang, he wore casual clothes.

“I’m Amon, by the way. It’s a pleasure to meet you both.” He looked at the teenager, “James, you’re coming with us.”

James looked up from the paperwork. He sighed and said, “Do we have to do this?”

“Of course!” Amon laughed. “The sooner we finish, the better. Then you can go back to working on all those papers. I’m sure you’d love for that.”

The teenager frowned and looked at Lillian. “Alright.”

Thus, the group of three became one of five. They left the room, Amon and James leading the way. Soon, Monty and Lillian once again lost track as they made their way through corridors, the two in front walking with ease.

Nearly ten minutes had passed when Lillian asked. “Just how many miles are there? We’re so deep as well, is it all passages above us too?”

“Looks like you’re new to Phoenix City,” Amon said, making another turn. He raised five fingers. “There’s a saying that Phoenix is not one, but five cities because of how much excavation has been going on since ancient times. It’s still unknown just how far down it goes.”

More time went by before Amon stopped at a door. This one was metal, with a immovable appearance to it. “Here we are.”

He entered and the rest followed. The room was dark but, with a snap of Amon’s fingers, the lights came on.

“Woah.” Lillian’s eyes widened at what she saw. Even Monty was impressed. Seeing in person was a different experience than reading, after all.

Before them expanded an enormous arena. Spiraling flames atop of monoliths shone brightly and circled the dark tiled floor. From the small, flickering lights in the distance, its immense scale apparent at a glance and the ceiling was impossible to be seen.

Amon jogged closer to the center and when he stopped, he shouted at Lillian and James. “We’ll now be starting the Immortal Slaying Mercenaries initiation test. For those who don’t know the procedures, I will explain.”

He grinned. Raising an arm, he motioned to James. “Here we have James Eldor: Eighteen years old and a late Foundation Establishment cultivator.”

He raised his other arm. “And here we have Lily. Certainly not older than James but also a Foundation Establishment cultivator. Quite the talent indeed.”

James’ eyes widened. “Are you serious?” he asked. Amon nodded, his grin showing white teeth.

Lillian was also shocked, but for a different reason. “Amon had to be a Core Formation cultivator. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to see through my cultivation level!”

“Now,” Amon continued. “The Immortal Slay- the ISM only accepts the best of the best. Thus, we must naturally see what our new recruits have to offer! Prepare to spar. I’ll act as the referee and remember, no intentional causing of injury.”

James was no longer standing casually, instead eyeing Lillian warily. He knew just how rare his talent was and for another one like his or even better to show up at their doorstep was highly suspicious at best. It was none of his business though. If he noticed this, there was no doubt that the Owner and Old Zhang did as well.

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

More than anything else, he had to defeat Lillian right now. The two of them walked to Amon and soon stood twenty feet apart, facing each other. Amon backed up and they began their fight. Or, rather, they backed up and circled around.

“Who do you think will win?”

Old Zhang, who was standing next to Monty, suddenly asked. Monty took a second to think, watching the two try to get a lead on the other’s moves.

“It should be James,” he answered.

Old Zhang looked at him with interest. “Oh, why do you think that? You don’t have confidence in Lily?”

Monty shook his head. “It’s not that. She doesn’t have much experience fighting opponents on her own level or greater, at least compared to a mercenary.”

During their travels Monty had naturally learned a bit about Lillian. Even though they did not talk much, they ate, slept, and lived together for nearly ten months at this point. A regular child could have learned a lot about her, never mind someone like Monty.

“I see,” Old Zhang said, nodding in a way that made no indication as to whether he agreed or disagreed. He commented, “They’re about to start.”

As the old man said, James and Lillian had stopped moving around and their Qi began to stir. Neither was able to get a lead on their opponent. In the next moment, Lillian lifted her arm and pointed it at James. An icy blue light glowed from her palm and an icicle shot out.

It flew through the air faster than the eye could track, reaching James in less than a second despite the distance between them. He was unbothered. In a fluid movement akin to the flow of water, he spun with his arm out stretched and directly swatted the icicle, shattering it into shards.

Lillian grimaced. Qi started to gather in her hand again but it was too late. James took a heavy step forward and directly boosted himself in her direction, leaving her unable to dodge.

She quickly produced a barrier of ice that James collided with no sooner than when it materialized. The impact was heavy and it shattered like the icicle before it. However, this gave her just enough of a break to glide back, a cold mist flowing from her feet.

Once again, the two were standing twenty feet apart. However, this time the difference was obvious. Lillian was breathing heavily, a line of sweat glistening on her forehead in the firelight. James, on the other hand, was calm, his lips closed tightly.

He didn’t give her a chance to recover. Taking another step forward, he once again appeared before Lillian as if teleporting. This time she was ready.

“Frozen Claymore!” With a shout, a deep blue blade appeared in her hand. It was close to her in height in length and its width as long as Monty forearms. Straining her muscles, she heavily swung it towards the incoming James.

It was at this moment that James spoke, his voice a whisper. “Thousand Pounds”

The air trembled under the momentum of his movement. In an instant, fist and sword collided. Then, Lillian’s claymore was sent flying out of her hands, the blade landing on the stone some fifty feet away. The air went still and just as more moves were about to be made, Amon raised a hand.

“Alright, that’s enough.” Both of them stopped in place. All parties knew that the outcome was decided and Lillian had lost. She placed her hands on her knees, breathing shaky breaths. It appeared that using Frozen Claymore had drawn a lot out of her.

James walked up and held a hand out. “It was a good fight,” he said.

Lillian did not immediately respond, but she grabbed his hand and let him set her on her feet.

She exhaled a breath. “Yeah, it was.”

“Great, great.” Clapping his hands, Amon was all smiles as he walked to them. “Lillian, although James beat you there is no reason to be down about it. His Qi is pretty special and fighting against it with ice is a losing battle. Plus, his cultivation is higher than yours by a few levels.”

Lillian nodded. “I know. Thank you.”

At this time, Old Zhang and Monty also walked up.

“It looks like you were right,” Old Zhang commented.

Monty thinly smiled. “It was just a guess. Besides, her attribute is at a disadvantage.”

The old man returned the expression. “If you say so.”

Amon spoke at this time. “Now, Isaac. It’s your turn.”

Monty nodded nonchalantly. If Lillian was tested, it made sense for him to be too. “Will I be facing James as well?”

“No, you’ll be sparring with me.”

“I see,” Monty said.

“You don’t have to worry,” Amon chuckled. “I have very good control over my strength. Let’s get started. Now, attack me with all you got. There’s no need to hold back.”

Lillian, James, and Old Zhang all watched intently. Compared to Lillian’s fight, they seemed more focused on his. Monty could only smile awkwardly at this. He had never fought anyone in his life, how could he be holding back? If anything, he hoped that Amon would not overestimate and end up injuring him.

Even so, Monty circulated his Qi and felt his strength rise. With a burst of speed, he ran at Amon, fist raised and air curling around him. He punched forward, aiming at Amon’s chest and was then blocked with a palm.

“It that it?”

Monty nodded. “Yeah.”

“Are you serious?”

He nodded again.

Amon turned to Lillian, who was watching with her mouth agape, and frowned. He glanced at Old Zhang who only shook his head.

“Have you never fought before?” he finally asked, a bit of humor in his voice.

Monty answered seriously. “That’s right. This is the first time I’ve ever fought.”

Amon did not have anything to say to that. He looked at Monty, who looked back blankly. Finally, he raised both hands in resignation. “Alright, alright. No problem. You can always learn. It’s not like you’re untalented. No big deal.”

Monty clasped his hand before him. “Thank you.”

Seeing this, Amon felt a bit better. He raised a hand, theatrically shouting, “Now, for the results of the test. Needless to say, both of you passed! And now, I will be leaving. James, I appreciate you taking care of all their paperwork.”

Saying so, he nodded to Old Zhang and flickered, disappearing with a gust of wind. Monty watched and clasped his hands once again, a smile gracing his face.

He had overcome another step. In just a few months – as long as everything went according to plan - he would be meeting the protagonist and canon would officially start.

Under the guidance of James, Monty and Lillian were led to a different room. There, they were handed contracts, rules, a map, and other necessities. With their new name’s signatures written down, as well as information regarding their background and characteristics, the two of them officially became a part of the Immortal Slaying Mercenaries.

Next, Monty and Lillian headed to their own rooms. The winding labyrinth of tunnels underground contained an extreme variety and number of rooms. Most of those rooms were completely empty and they could pick any to use as their own.

They then chose their own places and settled down. After unpacking, the two of them met back up and headed to the surface. Luckily, they did not have to make the long journey a second time. A mechanical elevator existed specifically for taking them. As for why they did not take it heading down, it led to an entirety different building than the one they first entered from.

It was getting late into the day and the streets of Phoenix City were no longer as crowded as before. A multi-colored sunset dimmed in the distance as street lamps gradually became aflame. Monty and Lillian wandered for a bit before settling on a restaurant. With this, Lillian finally had a chance to ask the countless questions she had.

Of all the things that happened, there was one that stood out to her the most.

“Have you seriously never fought before?”

Monty paused his eating. “I haven’t. I never like to resort to violence.”

Lillian snorted. “Yet the first thing you do when coming to this city is join a mercenary company.”

Monty laughed lightly. “That’s true. However, I have my reasons. Besides, there is something I could ask you too.”

Lillian cocked an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“Why are you following me?”

Her expression stiffened. Monty guessed she did not even have the answer to that herself, not yet at least. He continued. “I already promised to return your brother’s body. There’s no reason for you to spend your time with someone who possessed your last close relative.”

Lillian was silent for a long time. It was only when Monty finished eating that she spoke, her voice heavy. “The fact that you are possessing my brother is exactly why I need to make sure you’re safe. Right now, I am stronger than you. Not only that, but you apparently have zero fighting experience. In fact, you should be hoping that I stay with you, rather than pushing me away.”

Monty smiled. “Is that so? I guess you’re right. Thank you.”

“You- whatever.” Noticing that her food was growing cold, Lillian quickly finished it and did not speak the rest of their trip.

After his return, Monty closed the door to his room. He exhaled a deep breath. The day was finally over, however, he could not be sure if all was safe from any prying eyes. Thus, he simply sat down on a mat he brought over and started his first cultivation session in Phoenix.

During his and Lillian’s travels, Monty had reached the third level of Qi Condensation. For his age, this speed was average despite him not using any cultivation techniques. His combat power could be said to be at the bottom of those his level.

Monty sighed. “There is still time left before I can go out to go get that. Before then, I should avoid any fights I can and focus on cultivating. With my talent I have to make the most of every minute.”

With those thoughts, Monty cultivated for a couple hours before lying down, wrapping himself in his blanket and drifting off into a deep sleep.

* * *

“What do you think?” Looking at Amon, who was once again lying down on the couch, Old Zhang asked curiously. The night was late and it was no longer James behind the desk but himself. In his hands were the applications that Monty and Lillian filled.

“About what?” was what he received as a response. Old Zhang frowned and Amon chuckled dryly. “Obviously, there are many issues with Isaac and Lily. We can only send someone to investigate them and take our time with everything else. There is no rush. I did not sense any ill intentions from either of them, though I did not sense much of anything from Isaac. For a child his age, he certainly is an unusual one.”

Old Zhang hummed in agreement. “Indeed. Their cultivation and martial talents are as far apart as heaven and earth, yet it is Isaac who gave me the deeper impression.”

“That’s exactly it,” Amon exclaimed, coming to a realization. “Dealing with him is like dealing with you. It’s a complete pain in the ass and his actions never reveal his thoughts, always saying this but meaning that.”

Old Zhang shot Amon a glare. He was used to it though and did not pursue. “Perhaps we could find out more through Lily. The relationship between the two of them is quite strange, especially considering they’re likely to be brother and sister.”

Amon nodded. “Let’s wait for the background check to get back. Everything else can be done afterwards. There are more pressing issues than two kids. The world is entering the Great Era and with Moonfall being successfully completed, those who’ve invested in it will improve their strength a great deal.”

Old Zhang’s expression darkened. He snorted. “There’s no reason to think deeply about it. If one comes, we’ll kill one. If two, we’ll kill two. If they all come… we’ll go into hiding for a few more decades and wait for them to pass by.”

Amon nodded rapidly and gave a thumbs up. “Great plan. Also, we can bring Isaac and Lily along as well. When they learn we’ve saved them from certain death they will be indebted to us whether they like it or not.”

Old Zhang ran a hand through his beard and even said “good” three times at that. The night continued on and so did the plans of Amon and Old Zhang, their chatter seeming to never end.

* * *

The next morning, Monty woke up to the darkness of the underground room. He searched around the floor for a bit before finding an item James had given him.

Holding it in his hand and circulating his Qi through it, a pale flame appeared atop what looked like a white candlestick. With it, Monty could see his surroundings and the flame itself did not produce heat nor smoke, making for safe usage. Knowing what was in store for him this morning, he rubbed his temples and stepped out of the room.

An hour later he was standing in yesterday’s arena. Before him was Amon, grinning as he stretched limberly.

“Today, we’ll be starting your training,” he said. Monty felt the man looked quite devious at this moment. He soon realized why.

“Now,” Amon said with a laugh. “Run!”

With that, a gate swung open from behind him and a group of giant rats – the tallest of which reached Monty’s knees – beelined towards boy. Thus, under the amused gaze of Amon, he began his first day of training sprinting for his life.