Joseph had just finished reading the latest chapter of "I Am the Overlord" serialized by Heroic Press. He was buzzing with excitement. Then, Dela’s startled cry made him shudder violently. Suddenly, he felt utterly bored. The author of "I Am the Overlord" kept her usual style—extremely explicit and violent. In this chapter, the Overlord slaughtered and screwed nonstop. It thrilled while reading, but afterward, something always felt missing.

"Dela, are you still following 'Young Genius Mage' in Magic Weekly? If that author wrote less magic theory and more plot, it’d be a great book."

Joseph finished speaking. After waiting a while with no reply, he turned curiously toward Dela. In his mind, she was always polite—never ignoring customers. What was wrong today? Had she gotten too absorbed in her novel?

Wow. Magic Weekly’s cover, unchanged for half a year, had actually changed today. How rare! "Mercenary World"? What the heck was that? A new serial from Magic Weekly? No way. Weren’t their protagonists always mages? Since when did they care about mercenaries?

"Shameless Chi Hanfeng! How could he do this? Poor little Amy—stuck with such a noble! Phantom Beast Knight? Sounds powerful. Huh? That’s it? Why’d it end here?"

Dazed, Dela set down Magic Weekly. The ten-thousand-word debut of "Mercenary World" had already captured her heart. This novel outshone "Young Genius Mage." Amy was just a mercenary, yet the writing was brilliant!

"Dela, what shameless Chi Hanfeng? What Amy? Are you reading Magic Weekly’s new serial?" Joseph’s voice cut through her thoughts again.

This time, Dela replied fast. "Yes, Uncle Joseph! This new serial in Magic Weekly is amazing—way better than Heroic Press’s 'I Am the Overlord,' a hundred times better! You must read it. Magic Weekly took a bold turn this time, making a mercenary the lead. I swear, if the author doesn’t abandon it, this’ll be legendary!"

Thrilled by her discovery, Dela couldn’t wait to recommend the budding "Mercenary World" to Joseph. Every reader did this—finding a gem meant sharing it immediately.

"Really? That exaggerated? Dela, you’re not tricking Uncle Joseph to support Magic Weekly, are you?" Joseph grumbled but handed her a silver coin. "Here, here—just supporting your business. Give me a Magic Weekly copy."

Dela cheerfully passed him her own copy. Joseph sighed silently. Couldn’t she offer a fresh one?

"Uncle Joseph, start right here." Dela flipped straight to "Mercenary World" and pointed. "Wait—let me check the author’s name first."

She saw the byline: Alan Renas.

Her eyes widened in shock. No way. Could it be that "legendary" junior?

Ignoring Dela’s stunned expression, Joseph began reading "Mercenary World."

······

Meanwhile, across Newdali City, readers flocked to newsstands and shops for their favorite serials.

Fans of Heroic Press’s magazine finished "I Am the Overlord," savored it, then gathered to debate fiercely. Magic Weekly buyers, after reading "Young Genius Mage," were stunned to find a seamless bonus: a new serial titled "Mercenary World."

The title shocked regulars. "Whoa, Magic Weekly—you actually dared to feature a mercenary lead? Hmph. You serialize it, we’ll read it. No fear."

One glance hooked them. This fresh, unconventional story pulled readers deep. Once hooked, they pushed it on friends and family. Such a gem demanded sharing.

Word spread fast. "Mercenary World" boosted Magic Weekly’s sales by several points. That day, "shameless Chi Hanfeng" became a reader catchphrase.

"What a shameless creep! Targeting kids, calling little Amy ‘son’ nonstop. Disgusting! I’m officially Chi Hanfeng’s hater from today."

"Shameless Chi Hanfeng, you wait. Pull that stunt next issue, and I’ll eat your little white wolf phantom beast."

"Mercenary World’s" debut made Chi Hanfeng infamous—and new author Alan Renas famous overnight.

Inside Newdali City’s Adventurers’ Guild hall:

"Brothers! Big news! Magic Weekly’s new serial stars us mercenaries! Such a fresh story—how can we not support it?"

"Holy crap! Brother Dali, serious or joking?"

"Lie, and I’m your grandson!"

"Let’s go! Group buy!"

Mercenaries rallied friends and rushed to newsstands.

"A mercenary lead in Magic Weekly? Too wild—I’m buying. Lilith, join me?"

"Hehe. You pay, I’ll read."

"Deal."

The guild housed berserkers, mages, and swordmasters too. They suddenly craved the serial. Money was no issue—a silver coin per mag was pocket change.

Newdali’s Mercenary Guild heard the buzz. Its branch president waved grandly, treating every mercenary to "Mercenary World."

That day, Magic Weekly sold out.

That day, Alan Renas’s name flashed before every guild mercenary’s eyes.

That day, terrifying incidents struck Arcane Academy outside Newdali City. Rumors blamed its venerable elders.

The culprit, Alan Renas, hunched in the guild, racing to meet his deadline. He had no clue what storm his transplanted "Mercenary World" had unleashed.