20:Recruitment 2

The once quiet Apux Village had transformed into a bustling hub.

A steady stream of people flowed through the village's narrow streets, drawn by the Baron's call for recruits.

The inns, recently erected with a mix of rustic charm and practical design, were now filled to capacity. Pubs and taverns, bustling with activity, echoed with laughter and conversation, the clinking of mugs, and the hum of animated discussions.

Roland observed the lively scene from a vantage point in the town square. His eyes followed the hustle and bustle with a mix of satisfaction and strategic focus.

Disguised as a common merchant, he pocketed the profits from the inns and pubs he had set up under various aliases.

His mother-in-law, Jany, managed the operations with efficiency and a keen eye, ensuring that every guest was well taken care of.

The next phase of Roland's plan was already in motion. In the days following the influx, a large training field had been established on the outskirts of the village. It was an open area, meticulously prepared for rigorous testing of the new recruits.

The villagers and people around gathered with a great hint of excitement wanting to watch the show.

It was a great hint of excitement for them to see how recruits were picked. At the same time, this also sowed the seeds of belief in kids to grow up and become warriors to defend the place.

It was a long-term investment.

However, Roland was taken aback by seeing the crowd.According to the sources, a large number of people from other baronies were also here.

Roland, who read the report, decided to expose his fangs.

"Roan, are you thinking what I am thinking?"

"What…What are you thinking, My Lord?"Roan asked, feeling a bad premonition.

Seeing the eerie smile on Roland's face gave him Deja Vu.

"Create a ticket fee. It should be small , allowing people to watch closely. Also bet some people to start gambling. I am sure a great number of gamblers would be around.."

"Tell them that as long as they can submit 10% of betting profit, they can do as they please.."

Roan swallowed his saliva and shook his head.

'It seems he is hell bent on earning everything he spends on recruitment.'

…

Next day…

Roan, standing in the middle of the training ground with a commanding presence, announced the first stage of the test. He surveyed the assembled recruits, their faces a mix of determination and anxiety.

"Welcome to the first stage of our selection process," Roan's voice carried over the crowd. "You will begin with a series of physical exercises. Each of you must complete 100 push-ups, 100 pull-ups, 100 squats, and run 10 kilometres. Only those who complete these tasks will proceed to the next stage."

As the recruits dispersed to begin the test, Roland in disguise of a soldier watched the show closely. The exercises were designed to be physically demanding yet straightforward. To his surprise, about one in ten of the participants dropped out during the routine. Some feel exhausted, others struggle with the basic exercises, revealing their limits.

Once the first stage concluded, Roan and his team prepared for the second phase: sparring.

This stage was less about immediate elimination and more about observation.

Roland had set up several sparring rings where recruits would face off against each other.

As the sparring matches began, Roland secretly in disguise moved from ring to ring, his keen eyes noting every detail. He observed not just the physical prowess of the fighters but also their fighting style, intent, and behavior. His focus was on identifying traits that went beyond raw strength,strategy, adaptability, and mental fortitude.

He scribbled notes furiously, jotting down names and characteristics of those who displayed potential. The sparring matches revealed a range of skills and styles, and Roland meticulously recorded who stood out and who fell short.

The sun blazed down on the training field, as the venue was drowned by roars and shouts of intense sparring matches.

The recruits, having spent two days recovering, faced each other in their final evaluations. Among them were notable figures from previous conversations.

Oren's approach was methodical, his powerful build evident as he threw a series of solid, practiced punches. Lucas, though less experienced, used his agility to his advantage. He ducked under Oren's heavy blows with surprising speed and countered with swift jabs, aiming for weak spots. Lucas's movements were somewhat erratic, reflecting his lack of formal training, but his determination was clear.

In another corner, Kara the Awakener faced off against Derek the Former Soldier. Kara's fighting style was fluid and precise, her movements a blend of elegance and efficiency. She executed a series of spins and quick strikes, her footwork reminiscent of a trained martial artist. Derek, with his battle-hardened experience, matched her speed but relied on brute force and tactical defense. His counterattacks were powerful but less refined, as he struggled to adapt to Kara's unpredictable style.

Few fought wildly not giving up. It turned so serious that guards had to intervene and ask them to stop lest someone might die for real.

...…..

After a two-day break, the recruits gathered once more. The training field was set up differently this time, with large objects draped in cloth casting long shadows. Curiosity buzzed among the recruits as they wondered about the mysterious covered shapes.

Roan, standing before the assembled group, raised his hand for silence. "Lord Roland will oversee the next stage of your training. Prepare yourselves."

The crowd parted as Roland appeared. His long white hair flowed with an almost ethereal quality, and his tall, chivalrous figure cut an imposing silhouette.

His cold, commanding presence made many recruits take deep breaths, some girls even looked on with infatuated eyes. Roland's sharp gaze swept across the field as he approached.

As Roland took the stage, he began his speech, his voice steady and authoritative. "Welcome to the final stage. You have proven your worth thus far, but now you will face a more daunting task."

Few girls, who managed to survive still here, gave Roland an infatuated look. All of them thought of him as a middle-aged man but reality gave them a tight slap.

He was young and in his prime, and that killer look was enough to make their heart skip the best.

Roland who was trying to act serious suddenly felt beads of sweat seeing the woman look.

'Girls please behave or else my wife is gonna kill me for real.'