Awakened: SSS Ranked Soul king

A Quick Look around the pub Guilliman could see several men in a variety of attire, from crude fur based clothes to shiny metallic Lamps that increased their weight several folds.

As much as this place looked and smelled like a place where drunkards go to die. It very presence could suffocate a none slayer.

This was simply because every single person here was in fact a slayer- including the bar keep.

"Come on old man, if you don't even let me try how would you know it was half hearted?" The young man whom Guilliman had just identified as Eric said with a look of defeat in his eyes.

This old man wouldn't give him a break, he had been here to renew his license severally. And each time whenever he was about to pass he would immediately step in and stop the attempt citing that he wasn't giving it his all.

It was beyond frustrating.

"You…." The bar keep pointed at him strainouly a bit lost for words. The kid was right. He had to let him try at least, but at the same time, he didn't want him wasting his time. He was frustrated enough with the kids half hearted attempts.

"Heheh, plus I'm not the only one here. Look at my friend he needs to pass the test fast or he'll miss a once in a life time opportunity. We implore you to let us pass" Eric bowed his head freigning desperation.

If the old man could start the test, he would just tag along and finish it. With Guilliman around the old man might be more incentivized to not interfere in the final scores.

"Hm?" Noticing Guilliman the bar keep frowned.

Yes, there seemed to be a young slayer right next to Eric. And he looked quite strong surprisingly.

"You need to renew your license?" The bar keep asked flatly.

"Yes" Guilliman nodded.

Guillman right now still had his nightmare desert clearing uniform on, which was the first thing the bar keep noticed. He was one much more exposed than the likes of Eric, so he could join two and two together.

Most saw the people pouring in from the desert clearing army as refugees and weak men running from a fight. But the true administration knew otherwise.

These people had been through hell, the worst kind, the type that shelters would never get involved in. That Gate was the responsibility of a stronghold.

Yet they held on, for three years.

Anyone from that army whom had survived was to be classified as a battle hardened iron born slayer.

"This might work," the bar keep mused as a smile appeared on his face.

"Bladelash, bring my staff. We're doing a test" he said

And in the next moment the crowd erupted in a cheer as a digital screen seemed to light up and reveal a grimy dungeon image.

Guilliman noticed it from the corners of his eyes and frowned, but ultimately he couldn't resist a slight chuckle.

It seemed like this would be more of a spectacle than he thought.

Moments later, Guilliman and Eric were led down a flight of stairs into the underground hallow beneath the pub. Apparently this rowdy looking pub was an extension of the the strongholds offical activities.

The way of the kong stronghold was definitely different from anything Guilliman had seen since entering the santuaries. It was loose and rowdy but also had so much control over its denizens. These did not typically go well together.

"Ready yourself boy" the bar keep said as the arrived infront of an open hall right below the pub.

In the open floor, there were around nine pillars holding the roof, the ground was reinforced with several layers of concrete mashed together in an uneven mess. It have off a grimy feel, as dark mush and stains of what seemed to be blood could be observed.

"Hm!!" Guilliman didn't feel overwhelmed at this sight though. It seemed rather dangerous, but he had been through much worse.

Of course this didn't mean he would start underestimating the test, or the bar keep who seemed to be at least an A Ranked Slayer at the peak stage.

The bar keep soon reached to the side and collected a staff from his attendant.

"Activate" he tapped the base of the staff on the ground causing a hallow sound to emit from the ground.

Immediately after, the room seemed to churn like a fluid filled hall, as several structures rose from the ground and formed.

Chains, constricting track hoops, a fire floor and several stone golems. The room was filled with a plathora of things that could easily maim a slayer.

"Hehe, you look disappointed kid. Is it too simple?"

As Guilliman examined the obstacle in front of him with a lackluster loook on his face, the bar keep glanced at him with the sides of his eyes.

"Hmm, a bit" Guilliman responded instinctively causing Eric who seemed excited to gloom in frustration.

"Don't say that kid, this thing….its hard enough let's just get through it and get it over with" Eric said a look of annoyance on his face.

Ther bare minimum, that was what he wanted, but sinde Guilliman was the primary test taker, he had the decision to do whatever he wanted.

"Ignore that lazy fucker, how many notches would you like me to turn it up to? Level 14? 15? Or…..something higher?" The man asked with knowing eyes.

Most slayers in the strong hold would reach red at the mid 30s to 40s. It wasn't as astounding as in the shelters where they were considered elites.

For Guilliman to call a test that was clearly already set as red disappointing, it not only meant that he was already capped at red at such a young age. It also meant that he was exceptionally talented.

' I need to pass with a exceptional level of strength if I ever hope of rubbing shoulders with the powerful here. I can't really hold back'

Guilliman had a lot to do here in kong shi, a place which strength determines everything. He had to show off a bit.

"Give me something around level 17 (purple)"' he said causing those above in the bar to raise their eyebrows in surprise.