20 Becoming the new boss 

The bandits shed tears of joy. Hunter pushed aside Thrud, who was still in shock. He gestured at the next one to step forward. Just like before, Hunter picked up a handful of valuables and handed them over to the bandit. Kolvar looked at Hunter, being so generous, with wary eyes. Something told Kolvar that Hunter wasn't a benevolent boss. It was obvious Hunter had some ulterior motive. But for now, he seemed very generous. One by one, the bandits received the biggest paycheck of their lives. Maxwell's dead body was a protective shield as no one dared to mess with Hunter.

Finally, Hunter cleaned out the chest. Some of the bandits sobbed like children.

"Now, I know it's sudden for all of you to change your leader, but this is just a glimpse of what you can get if you decide to work for me. But I am not going to force anyone. Raise your hands if you want to retire or just don't like to follow a new boss. Know that I won't hold it against you if you choose to leave,"

Hunter knew there would always be cowards and weaklings wanting to get out when there was a sudden change. If not, they might leave the camp, rat him out to the authorities and get a reward. He couldn't afford to take any risks of people leaving this camp without agreeing to follow him.

Silence fell over the camp. Many bandits didn't dare to raise their arms up. Whenever the thought of leaving the life of thievery appeared in their hearts, the sparkling gems, astral coins, and gold wiped the thought clean off their hearts. As expected, some of the bandits slowly raised their arms after a while.

Several gasps sounded from the crowd. Most of the bandits remained still, looking at the bandits who raised their arms with shock.

"So you guys decided to leave?" asked Hunter.

The bandits slowly nodded their heads.

"Well, I am saddened that we have to depart ways, but I am happy for you guys. Let us all drink and say goodbyes. Give me a minute. I bet Maxwell here has some good shit in his tent," Hunter turned around and went into Maxwell's tent, leaving Kolvar behind.

No one uttered a word while he was gone. After a minute, Hunter came out carrying a crate of empty silver chalices and a bottle of wine. Hunter poured wine into every single chalice until he filled the twentieth chalice.

"Come on guys," Hunter gestured at the bandits to step forward. The bandits loosened up a bit after seeing the sweet smile on Hunter's face. In their minds, Hunter seemed terrifyingly powerful yet kind and understanding. At Least kinder than Maxwell. It was a little hard for the bandits to wrap their heads around Hunter was their new boss all of a sudden, but his generosity kept them in line.

Hunter handed over the chalice to everyone. The bandits waited for Hunter to take the first sip. Some of them, like Thrud, suspected there might be poison in the wine. These were some cautious bandits. Under their curious gazes, Hunter took a sip of the wine.

The bandits sighed in relief. Hunter himself drank the wine. So they all emptied the wine down their throats without a worry. Thrud couldn't believe his pockets were filled with valuables, and he was drinking Maxwell's wine. Everything seemed like a dream to him. Unlike those who wanted out, Thrud wanted more. That was why he chose to leap of faith and follow this stranger. Something told Thrud following this young man might turn his life good. Besides, he had nothing to lose by actually following a guy who gave him his first biggest pay.

The bandits happily drank the wine and expected Hunter to give them a speech. Contrary to their expectation, Hunter just raised his chalice to the air.

"I wish you all the best on your journey. Just don't spend all your coins in one place," The bandits let out nervous laughter before slowly walking away from the tent. Hunter watched six bandits leave the group and disappear into the woods. After their figures disappeared from his sight, he turned his gaze toward Thrud.

"Come on, take off your hoods. Let me see the faces of my men," said Hunter.

Thrud removed his dark hood, revealing his fiery red hair and dashing face. For a bandit, Thrud was exceptionally good-looking. In terms of good looking, Kolvar beat Hunter because he was an elf, and the elves were naturally more beautiful than the other races. Because Parker had never worked out in his life, he had no muscles whatsoever. Plus, his dance form gave him feminine features and gait. If that wasn't enough, after getting his leg broken and being sold as a slave, Parker's look hit an all-time low. The once charming Parker now looked nothing more than a street urchin.

So Parker was glad to get a good-looking bandit in his group. After all, looking like thieving bandits would be bad for Hunter's future plans. With a perfect jaw, stubble beard, and hazel eyes, Thrud could make many young girls' heartbeat rise. The other bandits, however, looked rather filthy and hideous. Children would avoid them at all costs if they were to walk in the street. They only didn't have a sticker on their heads saying criminals. Other than that, they had all the vibes to get recognized as thieves or bandits.

"I can fix them. It's not that bad," Hunter convinced himself.

"Before I formally introduce myself, I'd like you to give me a list of men who chose to stay and leave. Do you know how to read and write?" Hunter asked Thrud.

Hunter didn't expect Thrud to have basic education, but he surprised Hunter by nodding.

"Wonderful. Why don't you write that list and meet me in my tent?"

"What about this body?" Kolvar asked Hunter.

"Bury him deep enough, so the animals don't dig him up," Hunter said before heading back inside the tent.

Kolvar followed Hunter behind, leaving Thrud behind to deal with the rest. Kolvar saw Hunter jumping onto Maxwell's bed. Hunter bounced on the bed. He never thought a crude bed with cotton as a mattress and furs as blankets would be so comfortable. Although Hunter's soul experienced ultimate comfort until a few days ago, his body had never rested properly. Hence, when Hunter laid back on the bed, it felt heavenly.

"Throw that to me," Hunter pointed at the red fruit that looked like an apple to Kolvar. Hunter used his one arm as a pillow and caught the fruit in the air. He took a big bite and realized the fruit tasted just like an apple. It looked like an apple and tasted like an apple.

"So there are many similarities between earth and this world," Hunter said to himself. Other than the usage of magic, this world had five moons. That was the biggest difference Hunter noticed. According to Parker's memories, each moon symbolized an element. The blue, red, murky brown, golden, and silver moons symbolized water, fire, earth, light, and wind, respectively.

"Okay. I am going to spill it out. This is crazy, Hunter. Are you really planning to form a band of bandits and rob people in the middle of nowhere?" Kolvar threw his hands in the air. He lowered his voice so the bandits outside wouldn't hear them.

"They are not bandits anymore. They are our employees. They work for us now. And no, we are not going to rob people, at least not what you're thinking. People will give us money, and in fact, they will beg us to take their money soon,"

Kolvar sighed, rubbing his temples.

"You are one crazy son of a bitch. Do you know that?"

Hunter didn't respond but kept eating the fruit.

"Something tells me you're not going to share your genius plan with me," said Kolvar.

"You're right. Patience is a virtue. Why don't you take a short nap before we depart for Bellburn city tomorrow?"

"Nah. Not in the mood for sleep. I get nightmares. So I better stay awake,"

"That works for me. I want to learn more about how cultivation works," Hunter threw the fruit aside and asked.

A few minutes later, Thrud finished up with the list. He stood outside the tent, wondering how to address this new youngster. Thrud was used to call Maxwell Boss, and it felt awkward to call the young man my lord or young master.

"What are you waiting for? He is waiting,"

"I don't think pissing him off is a good move, Thrud,"

A couple of bandits said in husky voices.

"Why don't you idiots go in there? How the fuck do I call him?" Thrud cussed.

"Nobles prefer my lord. They will lose their minds if someone doesn't call them that,"

"Nah. Go with young master. That suits him the most,"

Thrud never thought he would be ever confused about how to address someone.

"Stop gawking and come inside," suddenly, Thrud heard the young man's voice. His body tensed up. Without his control, his legs walked into the tent with a parchment in his hand.

"Here's your list, Boss,"

Finally, Thrud settled with Boss. Not that Thrud wanted to call him that, but it was the word that came out of his mouth at that time.

"Boss huh? I like the sound of that," Hunter grinned. This was how Hunter Sterling Blade started his journey as the biggest and baddest criminal lord this world has ever seen.