Path to Becoming the Greatest Space Mercenary-Chapter 72 Challenge

Avery’s expression shifted into one of recognition the moment that Ezra said "uncle."

He had felt that the fellow four star mercenary was familiar in some way, and now it all made sense.

It was not a striking resemblance, but he certainly possessed some features that were similar to Urs.

’That explains the way he pilots his ship and the imposing aura. He’s certainly a lot like his uncle in those regards.’ Avery thought, swiftly appraising Ezra.

Of course, there was one thing that had him curious. While Urs was half human half bahnen, his nephew was entirely of bahnen decent.

Bahnens were a race of large humanoids that typically had shades of skin ranging from light orange to dark red.

They also had straight horns that protruded out of their foreheads, which were quite prominent on Ezra.

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What they were most known for as a species was their strength, and a great deal of them went on to join professions where they could utilize their natural gifts.

"I see, then you must be Urs’ nephew. It is a pleasure to meet you. Your uncle is the one that taught me how to be a mercenary, and I’m truly grateful for his teachings."

Avery extended his hand for a handshake, and while his hands looked like those of a child’s compared to Ezra’s, the two of them showed recognition for each other and shook hands amicably.

"Yes, it was almost uncanny to witness my uncles’ style in your flying. I too was trained by him a few years ago, so I understand what you must have gone through better than anyone else." Ezra replied with a wry smile.

It would seem that Avery was not the first to be put through the hellish trials that Urs considered to be teaching. Though for anyone that could stick with it, the results were more than worth it.

However, while Ezra had initially come off as friendly, his expression turned intense once again. Even more so than when he had scared away the mercenary harassing Avery.

"Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, it is time that I do what I came here for." Ezra said, a fierce glint in his eyes. "I’d originally meant to recruit you as a junior that also studied under my uncle, but it’s clear that you won’t join me so easily. Your more capable than I was expecting, so instead, I propose a competition."

For just a moment, Avery wore a dumbfounded expression on his face as Ezra explained why he was really here.

At first, he figured that they were simply going to talk about their shared experiences and perhaps go out for a drink together.

But he was wrong. Ezra had not come here to make friends. He was looking for a capable subordinate to join him.

Of course, Avery was pretty much the same. Both Kasandra and Kaiden had joined him, and he planned on growing his small group into a formidable force in the future. Something that appeared to be Ezra’s ambition as well.

"I respect your skills, and appreciate that we learned from the same master, but I have no intention of following anyone else." Avery said, flat out refusing Ezra before he could finish speaking

"Yes, I am well aware. Hence why I was proposing a competition. We’ll decide which one of us is more capable of being a leader. Should you win, I’ll happily follow you instead. Though, I’m sure you understand what will happen if I prove victorious."

At this, Avery froze up for a moment. He had only seen Ezra in battle once, but that was enough to tell how competent of a mercenary he was.

Getting him as a subordinate would be a major boon. At that point, Avery would have a four star and two three star mercenaries following him. With three vessels between them, they would be a small but elite squadron.

’Still, I don’t know if I could beat him.’ Avery thought, keeping his mind rational. He had a lot to gain, but everything to lose.

Nevertheless, before he could reject Ezra again, the cunning veteran mercenary made the deal richer for Avery, and far more costly to refuse.

"Now that I consider it further, we may be the same rank, but you just received a Silver Cross of Heroism. Despite my experience and Ruby Star, I believe that you are in a more commanding position. As such, should you win, I will not only become your subordinate, but also give you half of my current wealth. Adding the money that came along with the award I just received, my total assets are around seventeen million Krenin. While if I win, you still only need to join me." Ezra said, his voice loud enough that the curious onlookers that had been watching their interaction could hear him.

At once, Avery realized what Ezra was trying to do. By making his challenge public, several mercenaries and Alliance Police Officers now knew about it.

With the overwhelmingly favorable victory conditions presented to Avery, he would seem like a coward if he refused now.

A mercenary’s reputation was important, and while likely would not be too debilitating to him if he declined to compete, Avery did not want to be looked down upon now that he had earned a great deal of renown.

’All I have to do is win.’ Avery thought, glaring at Ezra with determination.

From appearances alone, he looked small and insignificant. Ezra had about seventy centimeters on him, and the bulky muscles he possessed made it look like he could easily squash Avery like a grape.

Still, being a successful mercenary was not about one’s size. If it was, Avery never would have achieved the feats that had seen him earning a Silver Cross.

"Fine. I’ll take you on. I’m assuming ship to ship combat?"

Having received Avery’s positive response, Ezra grinned widely before responding.

"Yes, that is one part of the competition I wish to propose, but not all of it. While we might be able to fight a majority of the time from within our vessels, there are some instances when that is not possible. There are other aspects of being a mercenary, and we will see which of us is truly the more capable."