บท 3: Job Interview
When Ron arrived at the recruitment point at 66 Sycamore Street, it was well past lunchtime.
Ron hadn't eaten all day, and his stomach was growling with hunger.
However, since he hadn't yet found a place to settle down, he was anxious and had no appetite, so he decided to skip the meal altogether.
Determined to secure his future first, he strode towards the large mansion in front of him.
The mansion covered an area of several dozen acres, with whitewashed walls nearly four meters high and topped with iron spikes, giving it the appearance of a prison.
Ron knocked on the door, and before long, it was opened by a burly man over two meters tall, his body bulging with muscles.
The man frowned slightly when he saw the young man standing outside and asked, "What do you want, kid?"
"My name is Ron. I'm here to apply for the position of swordsmanship instructor," Ron said seriously.
"Hahahahahahahahaha…" The burly man burst into laughter at Ron's earnest expression, clutching his stomach as he laughed.
After finally composing himself, with tears in his eyes, he replied, "Kid, stop joking around. Being a gladiator instructor is no laughing matter. Go home and find your mother."
With that, he started to close the door.
Ron desperately needed this job, so there was no way he was going to give up. He quickly stuck his sword's hilt in the door to keep it from closing.
Maintaining his serious expression, he said, "I'm not joking. Let me see the person in charge. Whether I can be the swordsmanship instructor or not, you'll know after a test."
Seeing Ron block the door, the man's face turned angry, and he shouted, "Move your sword, or don't blame me for what happens next!"
As he said this, he opened the door fully, preparing to teach Ron a lesson with his bare hands.
With a sharp "clang," before the man could make a move, Ron drew his long sword like lightning, the tip of the blade resting against the man's throat.
"I said, I'm here to apply for the position of swordsmanship instructor. I don't want to cause trouble, but don't push me!"
The burly man broke out in a cold sweat, shocked to find the sword at his throat.
"This kid is fast. I didn't even see him move, and he's already got me by the throat. Seems like he's got some real skills."
Thinking this, the man smiled, gently pinched the blade between his fingers, and slowly moved it away as he said:
"My name is Cross, I'm the guard here. I've seen your swordsmanship, and it's impressive. Since you're here to apply, follow me."
Ron nodded, sheathed his sword slowly, and followed the man inside.
"What was your name again?" Cross asked as they walked.
"Ron."
"Alright, Ron. I'm impressed by your speed, but at your age, I doubt you can handle the job. The gladiators here fight to the death. If you don't have real combat experience, it'll be hard for these battle-hardened fighters to listen to you."
Cross, noticing Ron's youth, assumed he lacked combat experience and offered some friendly advice.
"Thank you for the warning, but don't worry, I've got my ways."
...
The two walked and talked, and before long, they arrived at the gladiator training grounds.
Inside, more than a dozen towering gladiators with defined muscles, wearing nothing but tight shorts, were engaged in group training.
When they saw Cross leading a young man inside, they called out:
"Hey, Cross, who's this kid? The new cook?"
"Wow, a new cook! That's great news. The slop Old Baker makes is barely edible; it tastes like pig food. I hope this kid can cook something better."
...
Cross shook his head. "Sorry to disappoint you guys, but he's here to apply for the swordsmanship instructor position. Where's Lord Bell? I need to introduce him."
The gladiators' expressions changed immediately.
"Are you kidding? A kid teaching swordsmanship? Is he trying to get us killed?"
"Kid, go back to where you came from. This isn't a playground."
"Get lost!"
The group began to surround Ron, glaring at him with unfriendly eyes.
Ron wasn't startled by their approach; in fact, he understood how they felt.
After all, for them, every match was a life-and-death struggle. They needed someone who could teach them how to kill, not a child to toy with.
But understanding didn't mean he was going to give up. However, for a moment, he wasn't sure what to say to convince them of his abilities.
At that moment, Cross stepped forward to hold the men back. "He's just here for an interview. We don't know if he'll get the job yet, so don't get worked up! Just tell me where Lord Bell is, and let him make the decision."
"Lord Bell left early this morning and hasn't returned yet," said a burly man, nearly 2.3 meters tall, as he stepped forward.
Then, turning to Ron, he asked, "Kid, are you really here to apply for the swordsmanship instructor position?"
Ron noticed a sudden shadow as the sun was blocked, so he looked up.
He saw a towering man with a full beard, a muscular build, and scars all over his body.
Just standing there, the man exuded an overwhelming sense of pressure.
But Ron had seen many such people before; the instructors at the academy were far scarier, so he was used to it and didn't feel intimidated.
He nodded and smiled slightly, saying, "Yes, I'm here to apply for the swordsmanship instructor position."
The burly man chuckled darkly and said, "Do you know why we're hiring a new swordsmanship instructor?"
"No, and I don't care. As long as you're hiring, that's all that matters to me," Ron replied calmly.
The man was surprised by Ron's nonchalance.
Most people would be nervous around him, stammering when they spoke.
But this young man was not only calm, but there was also a hint of arrogance in his tone. The man couldn't tell if Ron was exceptionally bold or genuinely skilled.
Regardless, he wasn't planning to be polite.
"Let me tell you why we're hiring. The last instructor was terrible, and I accidentally killed him. I've actually killed two swordsmanship instructors so far. So, are you sure you want to apply for this job?"
Ron chuckled at the man's words. Others might fear him, but Ron didn't.
These gladiators might have learned many killing techniques and survived countless life-or-death battles, but in the end, they were just ordinary people.
Anyone who hadn't cultivated Qi Force was nothing more than someone with a bit more strength.
In this world, as long as someone wasn't extraordinary, no one could defeat him in a sword fight.
"I'm certain!" Ron replied coolly.
"Kid, you've got guts. Let me be clear—if your swordsmanship can beat mine, you won't even need Lord Bell's approval; you can be our swordsmanship instructor. Are you willing to try?"
"But remember, the loser will die!" the man sneered.
Hearing the man's challenge to a life-and-death duel, Ron's heart skipped a beat, but he didn't let it show on his face.
After a moment's hesitation, he agreed.
Although it was risky, if what the man said was true—defeat him, and the job was his—then the risk was worth it.
So, he nodded. "I'm happy to oblige!"
Cross, standing nearby, was shocked and tried to dissuade him:
"Ron, do you know who you're up against? This man is our top fighter, known as 'The Grinder' Lice."
"He's decapitated his opponents in ten consecutive matches. You don't stand a chance against him. I advise you to give up while you still can. If you quit now, I'll escort you out, and he won't do anything to you."
Ron shook his head. "Thanks for the advice, but I need this job, and I'm confident I can handle it."
Cross wanted to say more, but Lice interrupted him: "Shut up, Cross. If he accepts the challenge, he's already made up his mind. Don't interfere with a man's fight!"
With that, Lice picked up a wide-bladed short sword and stepped into the center of the arena, waiting for Ron.
Everyone else turned their eyes to Ron, waiting for him to make his final decision.
"Kid, you'd better give up. I don't know how good your swordsmanship is, but compared to Lice, you're just a skinny little chicken."
"In the face of absolute strength, no matter how skilled your swordsmanship is, it's pointless."
"Give up now, and we'll plead with Lice on your behalf. Maybe he'll let this slide."
Although the crowd had no faith in Ron, he paid them no mind. Without hesitation, he stepped into the arena and activated the [Power Loan] skill.
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