New Subordinates (2)

"As I scanned each of you, I sensed the aura of a person being in the army of soldiers. I pertain to all men here while the ladies have a mix of soldiers and adventurers."

While he was hearing this speech, the man named Bastian tried to extend his spiritual sense to measure the man's level of power. But as he did so, he was met with a gaze that seemed to penetrate his soul.

"I don't mind you checking my level of power as a mage. But this is to inform you that I will never harm you as you don't have the capability to harm me."

Sigmund shifted his eyes to the rest of the group. "You are capable of doing something for me. But I won't force you if you wish not to work for me. But as a precaution, I will wipe a part of your memory so you won't know that I once helped you. If you go out of this facility and wish to regain your freedom, then I guarantee you that you will be on your own. The slave traders are in this village, looking for you."

"What?"

As if by a chorus, some exclaimed their reaction similarly, while others remained perplexed and undecided.

"If you work for me, then I guarantee you that your level will be raised and you will gain more opportunities to elevate your level and power in the coming years."

As they caught on to the guarantee of raising their level of power, all of them were stunned and awestruck.

There was a momentary silence. Sigmund used this opportunity to remove the partition as he swung his arm.

When the group of re-awakened individuals witnessed a large batch of individuals arranged in rows whose bodies were raised from the ground magically, remaining in slumber, their level of surprise was raised to a point where their mouths remained open. Most of the ladies were stupefied that they could not help but feel pity and anger.

"I didn't awaken them yet as I wanted people to guide them. I believe that many of you already know who these people are. But I am unsure of the dwarves and elves that were in the same group as the children if they were also in your village."

Sigmund turned to the individuals who were still astonished from seeing the thousands of beings remaining in their sleep state. He paid attention to the man who was brazen enough to measure his level.

"You! What is your name?" Sigmund called.

"Bastian."

"Good. Would you like to work for me?"

Sensing no other option left for him to survive in the new village, he put his right fist on his chest as he replied, "Yes, My Lord!"

"Great. I will put you in charge of the men. Come and stand beside me."

Bastian approached the area before Sigmund and took a bow.

"You may rise."

Sigmund watched as the man arrived and pivoted to his right. He was not used to this kind of gesture of giving respect. But if this is a custom of this world to earn respect from people who would be serving him, then he wanted to retain it and incorporated it into the tradition.

He would be most comfortable dealing with people who would sincerely serve him. But this world's rules of law retained the ancient law of his previous world, which was the law of the strong should prevail.

And as a person of great strength, he should expect this kind of gesture from individuals that would become his subordinates. This kind of custom still existed in his previous world, particularly in the Orient where the young respected their superiors and fans would get starstruck as they saw their idols and became coy and submissive.

Anyway, the moment the individual named Bastian submitted to him, his sense of generosity to help more people working under him became more pronounced as he gazed at the others in the group with sympathy.

These people were captured for slavery. They could have been sold to masters and employers that might impose harsh orders and impossible commands to their detriment. And for these people under him would be a kind of privilege. But these people did not have an inkling yet of what power he held in this village or even on the continent.

He called on another, this time a female. "What's your name?" Sigmund's gaze focused on a young-looking lady with black hair and silver eyes. Her feminine allure was noticeable and so was the pleasing features of her face. But the lady put a stern look on her face as if saying 'not to mess up with her or otherwise'. But her aura changed to one with a gentle facade when she heard, "Do you wish to work under me?"

The way Sigmund intoned his query lured the lady into submission. This was also observed among other ladies as they sensed the voice to be pleasant and captivating.

The lady, without conveying any response, instantly proceeded before Sigmund and knelt on two knees with a gesture of acquiescence.

"My life is in your hands now, My Lord!"

Even with his God-rank level, Sigmund was not prepared to receive this kind of compliance, especially from a lady whose personality seemed vigorous and inviolable.

Sensing the lady to be still as he measured her sincerity, Sigmund gently ordered, "You may rise."

Without any subsequent command, the lady held her right fist on her breast as she uttered, "My name is Nancy, My Lord."

"Okay, Nancy, stand my son, Perry, on his right side."

Nancy was stunned as she was momentarily lost on who her lord was referring to. But she immediately caught on the command as she saw the other man whose height was taller, blankly nod.

Without any word of protest, she immediately complied.

The rest of the group observed the recent event with mixed reactions. Regardless of what transpired, they awaited any order, sending an implication that they all acquiesced to the offer. Any indecisions were dispelled particularly when all the men in the group watched their former captain of their village to have readily submitted to the proposition.

"Bastian!"

"Yes, My Lord!"

"Ask the rest of your men if they are willing to submit and work for me?"

All the males, upon hearing it, were dazed as their former captain accepted the request.

"As your former Captain Bastian, are you willing to serve under a new master?"

The men looked at each other and then suddenly stooped their heads as they knelt on one knee and bowed in fealty.