Chapter 117: Codename Boar

"Since there are no objections, everyone go and prepare. Once you're done, just place your egg fried rice over there."

Monkey had spoken, so all the applicants, including Lin Xiao, headed into the back kitchen.

There were still a few workers from the small diner in the kitchen. It seemed the War Wolf Mercenary Group had temporarily requisitioned the place.

There weren't many stoves. A few who were confident in their culinary skills immediately got to work. Egg fried rice was a simple dish, and it didn't take long for the first person to finish. The others quickly took their spots.

Lin Xiao was in no hurry. He had confidence in his skills; there was no way he would lose. He was definitely going to join the War Wolf Mercenary Group.

***

Inside the diner, Monkey found a seat and sat down.

"I feel like we might actually find a decent cook this time. We should be able to eat a bit better in the future."

As soon as Monkey said this, a woman glared at him fiercely. Her looks were average, but her figure was incredibly voluptuous, especially her waist, which was so slender it looked like a water snake.

"Monkey, what do you mean by that? Are you saying my cooking was bad? I worked myself to the bone cooking for you guys, and you're still not satisfied?"

Monkey seemed to recall some traumatic past event. "Don't you have any self-awareness about your own cooking skills? We're lucky to still be alive. We have to thank you for showing mercy on our stomachs!"

The others nodded in agreement.

Seeing their reactions, the woman snorted. "Ungrateful bastards!"

While they were chatting, the diner staff brought out the finished plates of egg fried rice. Lin Xiao and the other applicants walked out as well.

Next, it was time to decide who would stay and who would go.

The members of the War Wolf Mercenary Group looked at the dozen or so plates of egg fried rice, nodded, and each picked up a spoon to begin tasting.

First was the first plate. They each took a spoonful and tasted it. After eating, no one spoke, and they simply moved on to the next.

Lin Xiao had cooked last, so his dish was placed at the very end.

As the War Wolf Mercenary Group tasted the earlier dishes, they offered no opinions. For each plate, they took only a single bite and stopped, their faces completely expressionless. The applicants couldn't read their thoughts, and their hearts began to race with anxiety.

Finally, they reached Lin Xiao's dish. To Lin Xiao's surprise, when the members of the War Wolf Mercenary Group saw his egg fried rice, they didn't dig in immediately.

Lin Xiao's egg fried rice had the best presentation by far. The golden grains of rice were piled loosely together, releasing an enticing aroma. Each grain of rice was evenly coated in egg, and chopped green onions were scattered throughout, adding a fresh, clean scent.

"For some reason, looking at this egg fried rice, I almost feel reluctant to eat it."

"What a coincidence, me too."

"I hope it's not just all show. Let's hope the taste doesn't disappoint."

Despite saying they were reluctant, they showed no hesitation when it came to actually eating. Each of them scooped up a large spoonful.

The moment the egg fried rice entered their mouths, expressions of pure bliss washed over their faces.

The other applicants saw this and knew they were in trouble. This was the first time they had seen any expression on the faces of the War Wolf Mercenary Group members.

However, before the results were announced, they still held onto a sliver of hope.

Unfortunately, that sliver of hope vanished completely with the group's next action.

After tasting Lin Xiao's egg fried rice, Monkey was the first to snap out of it. While the others were still savoring the flavor, he quickly scooped up another spoonful.

Seeing Monkey's move, the others reacted instantly. If Lin Xiao and the others hadn't been watching, they might have started a fistfight over this single plate of egg fried rice.

Lin Xiao couldn't help but roll his eyes. *It's just a plate of egg fried rice. Is this really necessary?*

Lin Xiao's egg fried rice was quickly devoured, leaving not a single grain of rice on the plate. In the end, Monkey grabbed the plate outright and, ignoring the stares of everyone around him, began to lick it clean.

If that weren't enough, Lin Xiao even saw looks of regret in the eyes of the others.

*Are they seriously regretting that they weren't fast enough?*

*No way! It's really not that deep!*

Once Monkey had licked the plate so clean it didn't even need washing, he finally looked up.

"I believe everyone already knows the result. The rest of you can leave. Xiao Lin, stay."

Though the others were reluctant, they didn't dare say anything. They all slunk away dejectedly.

Only Lin Xiao remained standing there.

Monkey immediately extended his hand to Lin Xiao. "Welcome to the War Wolf Mercenary Group!"

Lin Xiao shook his hand, his expression calm and unruffled. Everything was under control!

The others took note of Lin Xiao's composure and nodded in approval. Although Lin Xiao's level was a bit low, his mental fortitude was definitely up to standard.

"Since you are now a member of our mercenary group, we should reintroduce ourselves. Guys, state your names and ranks."

"Rat, A-rank mercenary, Level 5 SS-rank Wind element."

"Ox, A-rank mercenary, Level 5 SS-rank Earth element."

"Tiger, A-rank mercenary, Level 5 SS-rank Fire element."

"Rabbit, A-rank mercenary, Level 5 SS-rank Healing element."

"Dragon, A-rank mercenary, Level 5 SS-rank Lightning element."

"Snake, A-rank mercenary, Level 5 SS-rank Poison element."

"Horse, A-rank mercenary, Level 5 SS-rank Strength element."

"Goat, A-rank mercenary, Level 5 SS-rank Water element."

"Monkey, A-rank mercenary, Level 5 SS-rank Beastification element, Beast type: Monkey."

"Rooster, A-rank mercenary, Level 5 SS-rank Sound element."

"Dog, A-rank mercenary, Level 5 SS-rank Plant element."

After everyone introduced themselves, Lin Xiao was stunned.

What was going on? Every single one of them was an A-rank mercenary, a Level 5 powerhouse, and possessed an SS-rank ability. Isn't this lineup a bit too luxurious?

And it turned out "Monkey" wasn't a name, but a code name. They were named after the twelve Chinese zodiac signs.

But there were only eleven of them. They were missing Pig.

Wait, with him, wouldn't there be twelve? Why did he suddenly have a bad feeling about this?

"Xiao Lin, right? Welcome aboard. You've seen our lineup. We can't have the formation be incomplete. From now on, we'll call you Pig. I think it suits you well, and it fits your role as a cook perfectly."

"I refuse!"

"Objection overruled! Either way, from now on, you are Pig."

Lin Xiao: o(′^｀)o

*Gee, thanks a lot!*

Even though Lin Xiao was extremely unwilling, in order to earn more points, he had to endure it for now.

Everything for the points!