After returning to his private quarters, Aiden savoured a quiet, icy satisfaction, a thin smile tracing his lips as he remembered the damage he'd inflicted on Conan's face—the bruises, the swelling, the mark of his victory etched into his opponent's skin.
"So, this is what real authority feels like," he mused, his laugh low and dark, flickering with a strange satisfaction. "Not bad for a game."
"Did that NPC bastard really think he could challenge me?" he muttered, his voice filled with a biting disdain. "He may have thought he was stronger, but he has no idea who he's dealing with. I know every angle, every trick—one of the most seasoned players in this whole damned world."
Aiden leaned back in his chair, fingers drumming lightly on the armrest as he stared into the distance, lost in thought.
"Did he really think I'd let someone like him walk away unchallenged?" he muttered to himself, his voice barely above a whisper. It wasn't enough just to defeat him; he needed them all to understand that he wasn't someone to be dismissed. If he wanted to survive here, he needed his authority over the fortress recognized by everyone.
Aiden cast a sharp glance around the room, a reminder of the strange duality of this world. "It might be just a game to them, these so-called NPCs," he said quietly, his tone edged with determination. "But for me, failure here means there's no second chance."
He took a steadying breath, feeling the weight of the task ahead. It wasn't about power for power's sake—it was survival. If everyone here continued to push back, to question every decision, he'd be fighting them as much as his real enemies. He had to make his authority clear, so that next time, there would be no one like Conan doubting his place in the fortress.
Command Room — Midnight
The dimly lit room held a tense air as the leaders of the fortress gathered around the large, weathered table. Aiden stood at the head, calm and unreadable. He gestured for Kellan to begin.
Kellan: "The weapons stockpile is low, my Lord. Blades are dull, and armor is nearly worn through. We'll need a substantial resupply soon."
Aiden nodded, then turned to Marius.
Marius: "The recruitment is complete, my Lord. Many were untrained, but we accepted those who met the standards."
Garret and Lina were next, their faces reflecting worry.
Garret: "Since adding the new condition of two meals a day, there's been a surge in applicants. People are desperate, and they see our fortress as a beacon of safety."
Aiden nodded as he listened to each report. When they finished, he straightened, drawing in a breath before addressing the room.
Aiden: "The recent influx of people is a temporary strain, but also an opportunity. I have plans for the fortress that require a foundation of people—both as soldiers and as workers."
He glanced at Marius. "With the recruits trained, we'll venture out with a small party to search for supplies in the forest. Garret, I'll leave fortress management to you in our absence."
Garret nodded, though his face betrayed his apprehension. The idea of venturing into the dangerous forest didn't sit well with the others, but Aiden's confidence was infectious.
Then Aiden's gaze shifted back to Marius, his tone probing yet restrained. "By the way, Commander, you're from the capital. Why was there no priest stationed at the fortress?"
Marius seemed to tense, the unease in his gaze flickering as he gathered his words.
Marius: "My Lord… the church… they won't come here willingly. They prefer places that bring… financial benefit. Here, they'd find little wealth, and they believe this fortress is cursed."
Aiden raised an eyebrow, his distaste evident. "So, even faith is for sale?"
Marius's silence confirmed it. Aiden leaned back, crossing his arms.
Aiden: "We'll set this matter aside for now. I'll come up with an alternative soon."
With the church issue temporarily shelved, Aiden concluded the meeting, and the others filed out of the room. Lina lingered a moment longer, casting Aiden a warm, encouraging gaze.
Her admiration and support were reassuring, a reminder of the loyalty he'd built despite the challenges.
Training Grounds — The Next Morning
The recruits, a mix of wary faces and idle stances, lined up in the training grounds, shifting nervously as they waited for instructions. Marius stood with them, feeling a familiar doubt creeping in. He watched Aiden approach, his eyes steady, and took a breath, deciding to voice his concerns one more time.
Marius: "My Lord… these recruitment standards. They still seem… unconventional. I must ask—"
Aiden held up a hand, silencing him with a calm but assured smile.
Aiden: "Commander, you'll understand soon enough. Watch and see."
Marius held back, curiosity and doubt mingling in his expression. Aiden stepped forward, addressing the recruits.
Aiden: "You all stand here today because each of you has something valuable to offer. While your paths have varied, you're here for a reason. From now on, you'll be soldiers of this fortress, and your role will be essential for its protection and survival."
Some recruits exchanged skeptical glances, others looked indifferent. The lure of free meals and a steady income had been the main appeal for most of them. Aiden noted the lack of focus with a quick glance, but he didn't seem discouraged.
Aiden: "I know what you're thinking," he continued, his voice steady. "The pay is good, and you'll be fed. But I expect dedication in return. If you meet my standards, your lives here will be comfortable. Now, let's see some of that talent I've selected you for."
Aiden paused, scanning the crowd. "Those of you who have worked in the fields, step forward."
After a brief pause, a man in his late thirties came forward. His hands were rough, his shoulders broad, the lines of hard work evident in his build. Aiden nodded approvingly and gestured to a wooden training sword.
Aiden: "Take this, and perform a simple slash. Watch Commander Marius as he demonstrates."
Marius moved to the front, performing a precise and fluid slashing motion with a wooden sword. The recruit watched closely, then took up his own sword and mimicked the motion. His form was unpolished, his stance unsteady, but he followed through with surprising strength and instinct.
Aiden studied him carefully. "Not bad," he said with a small nod. "Now, let's try something heavier."
He handed the man a steel sword, slightly worn but still substantial. The recruit's brows furrowed, but he lifted it with determination, replicating the slash as best as he could. His posture wavered, yet the raw power behind the motion was unmistakable.
Aiden seemed satisfied. "Return to your place."
The man nodded, looking both relieved and slightly bewildered as he stepped back into line. Aiden turned to the recruits once more.
Aiden: "All of you will follow Lina to collect your training gear. Wooden swords, for now. These will serve you well as you train."
Lina stepped forward, gesturing for the recruits to follow her, and the group moved off with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
As the last of the recruits filed away, Aiden turned to Marius, who stood watching with a pensive expression.
Aiden: "Now, Commander, do you see my intentions?"
Marius's gaze lingered on the retreating recruits, the beginnings of understanding dawning on him.
Marius: "…You saw his potential, didn't you? Even with his rough skills…"
Aiden: "Precisely. Fieldwork builds strength and resilience. These men aren't polished soldiers, but they have the foundation. In time, they'll become more adaptable, resourceful… exactly what we need here."
Marius nodded slowly, impressed by Aiden's sharp eye and unexpected insight. As Aiden turned and walked away, Marius remained standing, watching after him in silent amazement.