In the previous chapter
He kept them all mum with words so heavy. He spoke on, sharp-edged, "For one week you will be visiting here for training and lessons. Practice is not to take place in the grounds or areas where the lord's men would hear. It is our secret now.".
And then Street lets it hang there for a while before finishing the sentence "The five recruits who make the most progress will receive a superior training method, one that I will teach. Prove yourselves worthy." For a week he worked them single-mindedly. Then he saw clearly at the end of it that Adam and Lysa and a few others far outran the pack. As promised, these were elected to move to the next phase under his immediate leadership.
______
Sreet then called the names selected for the advanced training.
"Adam, Lysa, Zyphr, Max, Elsa, You guys are the worthiest of all of these recruits and will receive advanced training with Better Knight manuals you all will be promoted to 'Ward Captains' and will have people under you soon so also train yourselves in leadership and decision making, you will need It in future, You five are to meet me after the regular training for further training, if you have any objection now you can say it now"
"No Sir" They all said in almost sync.
________
Sreet stood in front of the selected individuals.
"The method I'm going to teach you is better than most techniques in this world, and you'll make tremendous progress using it. However, you'll need to learn to hide and control your aura to prevent suspicion."
"I will also assign you tasks and help you improve your fighting style," Sreet said.
'Analyse the system'
[NAME]: Adam
[FACTION]: The Iron Revenants
[RANK]: Ward Captain
[ROLE]: Captain
[ATTRIBUTES]
- Strength: 9/10
- Agility: 6/10
- Endurance: 7/10
- Intelligence: 6/10
- Charisma: 6/10
[SKILLS]
- Weapon Proficiency: Sword (Intermediate)
[MISSIONS ASSIGNED]
- Current Mission: None
[LOYALTY LEVEL]
- Trust with Leader: 9/10 (Almost Unbreakable Loyalty to the Faction)
[ALIGNMENT]- Good Natured
[TALENT]- Good with Sword
______
[NAME]: Max
[FACTION]: The Iron Revenants
[RANK]: Militia Member
[ROLE]: Vanguard Scout
[ATTRIBUTES]
- Strength: 6/10
- Agility: 9/10
- Endurance: 6/10
- Intelligence: 9/10
- Charisma: 6/10
[SKILLS]
Weapon Proficiency: Sword (Intermediate)
[MISSIONS ASSIGNED]
Current Mission: None
[LOYALTY LEVEL]
Trust with Leader: 8/10
[ALIGNMENT]
Pragmatic Neutral
[TALENT]
Expert in Evasive Maneuvers and daggers
_____
[NAME]: Lysa
[FACTION]: The Iron Revenants
[RANK]: Ward Captain
[ROLE]: Captain
[ATTRIBUTES]
- Strength: 8/10
- Agility: 7/10
- Endurance: 7/10
- Intelligence: 9/10
- Charisma: 9/10
[SKILLS]
Weapon Proficiency: Sword (Intermediate)
[MISSIONS ASSIGNED]
Current Mission: None
[LOYALTY LEVEL]
Trust with Leader: 7/10
[ALIGNMENT]
Benevolent
[TALENT]
Anticipates Opponent's Moves and good with Sword
_____
[NAME]: Elsa
[FACTION]: The Iron Revenants
[RANK]: Ward Captain
[ROLE]: Captain
[ATTRIBUTES]
- Strength: 7/10
- Agility: 9/10
- Endurance: 7/10
- Intelligence: 6/10
- Charisma: 8/10
[SKILLS]
Weapon Proficiency: Sword (Basic)
[MISSIONS ASSIGNED]
Current Mission: None
[LOYALTY LEVEL]
Trust with Leader: 8/10
[ALIGNMENT]
Good Natured
[TALENT]
Exceptional Reflexes and bow
[NAME]: Zyphr
[FACTION]: The Iron Revenants
[RANK]: Ward Captain
[ROLE]: Captain
___________
[ATTRIBUTES]
- Strength: 9/10
- Agility: 6/10
- Endurance: 7/10
- Intelligence: 6/10
- Charisma: 6/10
[SKILLS]
Weapon Proficiency: Sword (Intermediate)
[MISSIONS ASSIGNED]
Current Mission: None
[LOYALTY LEVEL]
Trust with Leader: 9/10
[ALIGNMENT]
Chaotic Good
[TALENT]
Unpredictable Fighting Style and dual-wielding
_________
"Adam, your strength put together with your balance and harmonious nature are truly fantastic qualities to wield a longsword with. Make each hit with accuracy and strength, and you'll go through whatever war they'll throw your way just by having the strength of will to endure."
"Max, you're a natural scout. Daggers are your best choice—they complement your agility and evasive manoeuvres perfectly. Quick strikes, precision, and speed will be your key to overwhelming your enemies. Remember, your sharp mind is as deadly as your blade."
"Lysa, dengan kecerdasan analisa dan prediktif insight tentang gerakan musuh, you are more than mere tactical powerhouse. That length sword suits your style very well, but that will not be the end-all and be-all for a person of your strategic capacity. Use that".
"Elsa, reflexes and speed with the bow you do possess. Try range; you'll see your agility blossom. Work on those swords; you have great ability with them, but remember your place on that field of battle is standing a ways back, with an aim of precision."
"Zyphr, your chaotic nature and unpredictable style make dual-wielding the perfect choice for you. Two swords, two daggers, or a combination of each will enhance your versatility while keeping your enemies off-kilter. Use your creativity and chaos to dominate the fight."
Sreet then confronted them sternly and said"This is the best technique in this world. I expect all of you to learn it completely and do it with all your might. When you break through as Knight Apprentices, we will take over this city."
Max hesitated before speaking.
"But, sir, won't it take ages to penetrate with being Knight Apprentices? Five years is what it will take even for a man possessing technique and the quickest talent for penetration. How are we going to do it in such little time?"
Lysa answered, her voice measured.".
"Max is right. Five years is the minimum for most—rushing this could lead to failure. If we're going to succeed, we need a more strategic approach."
Elsa leaned forward and whispered.
"I'm relying on your judgment, Sir. But it feels…overwhelming. Can we do this in such a short time?"
Adam said"I think we can do it, but must be focused and disciplined. If anyone can teach us this, it is you, Sir."
Zyphr smiled. His voice held a spark of challenge."I'm ready to test whether this method is as mighty as you said."
Sreet, not intimidated by their fears, chatted on politely.
"This technique is nothing you will ever see. Even a bad talent can make it through in the slowest five months. I expect each of you to make it through in one month."
He paused for a moment, ensuring that they grasped the seriousness of his words.
"Now, I'll demonstrate the technique."
Sreet demonstrated the right posture, moving smoothly and accurately. He then enlightened them about the meditation technique that would enhance their concentration ability and taught them the daily routine practice needed to internalize the technique.
Six hours passed.
By sunset, the five of them were having their practice of the technique with a tenacity and unyielding spirit.
Sreet stood before them, looking upon their work. "You've learned the technique. Now return to your training. Do not train with this technique in front of any other person. Soon I will be giving you personal missions for the Iron Revenants."
Sreet thought to himself, walking away from the grounds of training. 'Now I need to visit the lord and militia of town and not wake suspicion from them as well as the council.'
________
Sreet approaches the worn gates of the town lord's mansion, iron rusty and squeaking with time. The guards seem to have lost confidence; they open the gates for him. Worn uniforms are evident, tired eyes.
Guard: "Sir Sreet, the lord awaits you. Go inside, please.
Inside the Study
The study is a modest, dimly lit room, with a cluttered desk and cracked windows. The town lord, a man of average intelligence and obvious laziness, is lounging in a chair behind his desk, his appearance untidy. He looks up with mild surprise as Sreet enters, then waves a hand dismissively as if expecting nothing but good news.
Town Lord: With a lazy wave "Ah, Sreet, you're here. How's everything going? The militia, I assume?"
Sreet: Bow slightly, his voice smooth and deferential "My lord, the militia is flourishing under your wise leadership. Your decisions have given them a renewed sense of purpose, and they're already more disciplined and eager to prove their worth. They speak highly of your vision and strength."
The lord, pleased with the praise, smiles faintly and leans back in his chair, clearly pleased with himself.
Town Lord says with pride "Well, of course. It's all about leadership, isn't it? I've been telling everyone how to run things. They just need to listen to me."
Sreet Nods enthusiastically "Absolutely, my lord. It's rare to find someone with such an understanding of military strategy. Your wisdom far surpasses anyone else in the town. Under your command, the militia will undoubtedly be a force to reckon with."
Town Lord chuckles, proud of the praise "A force, huh? That sounds good. I knew I had a good instinct for this kind of thing."
Sreet steps closer, ensuring that the lord feels even more self-assured.
Sreet says "Your instinct is unmatched, my lord. Truly, your leadership is the foundation of our success. The men and women of the militia have been inspired by you, and their progress is a testament to your vision."
The lord nods slowly, basking in the flattery, while Sreet stands there, maintaining a respectful posture.
_____
After the meeting with the lord, Sreet excuses himself and walks down a narrow hallway, he stops before a small side room where the butler is waiting. The butler stands at attention as Sreet enters, his hands clasped nervously in front of him.
Butler: Bowing respectfully, with a slight tremble in his voice "Ah, Sir Sreet, I— I hope everything is going well with the lord. Is there anything I can assist you with?"
Sreet: Smiling gently but with a calculated edge "It's going well, for the most part. The lord, as always, believes he's in control of everything. But we both know the truth, don't we?"
The butler looks uneasy, his eyes darting about the room, clearly anxious about the conversation.
Butler: Nervously "I— I do, Sir. It's just. I don't know if I'm cut out for all of this. The lord, he's so. so certain, but I— I worry. What if something goes wrong?"
Sreet approaches the butler, placing a hand on his shoulder in a reassuring yet commanding manner.
Sreet says calmly but firmly "Listen to me, my good fellow. You have been there with the lord for far too long, and surely you have seen all wrongdoings of the place. Well, that isn't enough on its own: to stand about and let things sort out. The lord. he is all so egotistical. He hasn't a thought in his mind to see past his ego. That's where we step in
The butler looks at Sreet, his anxiety still evident, but there's a flicker of comprehension in his eyes.
Butler says softly "You mean. you and I, we can— we can guide things, make sure the right things happen?"
Sreet smiles again, this time a bit warmer.
Street: "Exactly. The lord trusts you, which means you have the opportunity to make a real difference. I know you've done your best, but now I want you to listen carefully. I am going to teach you to handle things. with just a little more finesse."
The butler does not feel entirely calm at this point, but there is a note of rising hope in his voice.
Butler: Reluctant yet compliant "I'll do whatever you say, Sir Sreet. I'm just. I don't know exactly what to do."
Sreet laughs softly, feeling the butler's true intent to assist, although he doesn't know what to do.
Street: Sitting down across from him, with a tone that is both authoritative and nurturing "I know you're scared. But that's why I'm here. You have a good heart, and that's why you will be essential to what is coming next. I'm not going to force you into anything dangerous"
The butler nods slowly, assimilating Sreet's words as a lifeline. His nervousness remains, but he can be clearly seen to start trusting in the guidance provided by Sreet.
Butler more confidently, still a bit uncertain said "I'll do my best, Sir. Just. tell me what I need to do."
Sreet smirks reassuringly, then leans forward a bit, his voice going low to a more conspiratorial level.
Sreet firmly, with authority "First thing's first: we need to keep the lord believing that everything is as it should be. He's too caught up in his own importance to notice the cracks. What we'll do is subtly reinforce that belief, while we prepare the militia to be ready for anything. You'll handle the little details — the supplies, the requests, making sure everything looks smooth. Can I count on you for that?"
The butler nods, his hands trembling slightly less than before.
With a newfound resolve "You can count on me, Sir Sreet. I'll make sure the lord stays focused on what matters, and I'll keep everything in order."
Sreet places a hand on the butler's shoulder once more, this time a bit firmer, like a mentor guiding a student.
Street says softly but in a commanding manner, "I want you to spread rumors in the mansion about the council and how they've been exploiting the lord, and vice versa to the lord, and make sure too keep the guards and staff loyal to you, make sure, You have a month, regardless you succeed or not the lord will fall, and this town will be bought to peace"
___________
Sreet exits the mansion. As he walks back to the training grounds, his mind is already racing with the next steps of his plan.
Sreet mutters to himself, a faint smile on his lips.
"The pieces are falling into place. Soon, this town will be mine."