Later in evening, Arthur, Roderick, Elysia, and Amelia immediately departed to the Bandit Camp.
30 minutes later.
They arrived at the outskirts of the camp, their senses heightened, anticipating the encounter with the bandits.
"Remember not to engage in fight." said Arthur.
"Yes, my Lord" Roderick and the others nodded their heads.
Soon, just as they were about to infiltrate the camp, a figure emerged from the shadows, followed by a group of patrolling bandits.
That figure sneered, sizing up Arthur and his companions. "Well, well, what do we have here? Some brave souls attempting to infiltrate my camp, I presume?"
Arthur's eyes met Garret's, and an information panel about the figure appeared.
[Name: Garret Blackthorn]
[Class: Bandit]
[Strength: White-High Tier]
"Stand on my back, my lord!" Shouted Roderick.
Arthur who was still controlling his composure, then said. "Are you the leader of this camp?"
"Hmph! So, what if I am?" snorted Garret.
Arthur recognized that the Bandit Leader was at the White-High Tier level. A doubt crossed in Arthur's face as he activated his [Individual Persuasion] Talent, aiming to sway Garret's allegiance.
`Two tier above me...`
`F*ck it, it's now or never!`
[Prompt: Individual Persuasion has been activated]
"Garret Blackthorn," Arthur's voice carried a persuasive tone, cutting through the tense atmosphere. "Join me. Pledge your loyalty to me, and together, we shall forge a new path. Abandon the life of a bandit, and embrace the opportunity to become part of something greater."
[Prompt: Individual Persuasion has successfully taken effect]
[Target: Garret Blackthorn(Whithe-High Tier), Two upper tier difference, 60% Base Chance to instigate]
Garret's eyes widened, his expression momentarily faltering. a strange conscious seeped into his thoughts, challenging his beliefs and desires. A conflicted expression crossed Garret's face as his loyalty wavered.
Finally, Garret's resistance crumbled, and a newfound determination filled his eyes. "You... You've shown me a path I never considered. I swear my loyalty to you, Arthur... No, My Lord! From this moment on, I am your devoted subject."
~ding
[Garret Blackthorn has become your subject.]
`Oh thank God!!`
As the Bandit Leader submitted, Arthur seized the opportunity to exert his influence over the bandits who had been under Garret's command. Even though he couldn't use [Persuasion] anymore because of the cooldown, but with a commanding voice, Arthur spoke directly to the bandits within the camp.
"Listen to me, bandits of this camp! Your leader, Garret Blackthorn, has pledged his loyalty to me. In doing so, he has shown the path to redemption. Lay down your weapons, abandon your life of thievery, and join us in building a new future. Become my loyal subjects, and together we shall create a realm where strength and honor prevail."
A wave of hesitation washed over the bandits, their eyes darting between Arthur and their former leader. Soon, some of them started to run away. However, there are also some of the bandits that dropped their weapons and knelt before Arthur, acknowledging him as their new lord.
Garret, now standing beside Arthur, looked upon his former comrades with a mix of relief and determination. "You heard our lord. Lay down your old ways and embrace this chance for redemption. We shall build a new life, free from the shadows."
~ding
[14 people have become your subjects.]
`It actually works...`
Arthur nodded in satisfaction with what he had just accomplished.
Arthur turned to Garret. "Garret, do you have any idea where those who escaped might be headed? We need to ensure that they don't regroup and pose a threat to us."
Garret pondered for a moment before responding, "They may seek refuge in other bandit camps. It's possible that they'll join forces with other groups."
`There are more bandit camps?`
Curiosity piqued, Arthur delved further, "Tell me, Garret, about the other bandit camps. How strong are they? How many bandits are we dealing with?"
Garret's eyes flickered with a mix of reflection and calculation. "In this region alone, there are five bandit camps, including mine. Each camp possesses a similar number of bandits to ours, and their strength is comparable."
Arthur's mind churned with the information he had just received. After a moment of contemplation, he made up his mind.
"We shall raid the other bandit camps tomorrow," Arthur said reluctantly. "We cannot allow these scattered remnants to regroup and threaten our people. But for now, let's release the captives first."
With the decision made, Arthur turned his attention to the captives who had been imprisoned within the Bandit Camp. He approached them with a smile, but inside he harbored evil intentions.
This was one of the ways for Lords to get their subjects aside from their summoning gate. So, Arthur would not hesitate to gather as much subjects as he could on day one.
For some of the lords, they might think that bringing so many people into their territory at such an early stage was a risky idea, as it would do more harm than good within their territory. However, Arthur knew very well about the urgency of needing as many manpower as possible in this early stage, so he would try his best to gather as many subjects and talents as possible to his territory.
"These bandits captured you and brought harm to your village," Arthur addressed the captives. "But I offer you a different path. Join me, and become my subjects. We will provide you with shelter, food, and the opportunity to start anew."
The captives exchanged uncertain glances, their expressions a mix of gratitude and desperation. One by one, they voiced their acceptance of Arthur's offer, their voices laced with hope.
"We have nowhere else to go," one captive spoke, tears glistening in their eyes. "We will follow you, my lord."
"Thank you, my lord..." Each captives expressed their gratitude.
~ding
[5 people have become your subjects.]
Arthur nodded in satisfaction at their obedience, he even thought of teaching them a lesson if they refused his offer.
"Good."
With the bandit camps subdued and their captives released, Arthur turned his attention to the spoils left behind.