It wasn't just about having the power and the confidence to lead. It wasn't simply about issuing commands or making decisions from the front lines.
No, in this world, the things that mattered most for a Lord were Wealth and Power. The two pillars that held up everything else.
Cronos had confidence, there was no doubt about that. He knew how to speak to people, how to inspire them, how to make them follow his lead.
But in combat? That was a different story. He wasn't the strongest fighter in the group, nor the most skilled. That much was clear. But that didn't stop him from trying.
As he knelt down in front of the massive Black Boar, the boar's dark, bristled body sprawled before him, he reflected on this.
The creature was large — massive, really — and its tusks had the kind of deadly curve that could carve through even the thickest of armor.
They had taken it down, yes, but Cronos knew that they would need at least one more of this beast to make the feast he'd inwardly promised to the townsfolk worthwhile.
It wasn't just about showing power; it was about delivering. And he had promised a celebration for the people — one that would boost morale, make them feel that their Lord had power, had control, had wealth.
The sound of the surrounding forest echoed with silence as the Hunters settled down to rest for a bit/
Cronos didn't hesitate. His own blade was out, and he worked by himself, efficiently slicing into the flesh of the boar, searching for the one thing they all hoped would be inside — the core.
The core was always the most valuable part of any monster. While the meat could be sold or used for sustenance, the core held more than just monetary value; it held potential.
It could be crafted, used for items, traded for Evolution Coins — points that Cronos desired. He focused on the task at hand, slicing through layers of thick, bristled skin, until he found it.
A glimmer of green caught his eye. There it was, nestled deep within the boar's forehead. Cronos pulled it free with practiced precision.
The System prompt appeared in front of him, and without hesitation, he accepted.
'Yes.'
He could feel the usual sense of satisfaction as the Evolution Coins were credited to his account, a soft "ching" ringing in his ears. Cronos smiled, the core disappeared.
It wasn't much, but it was a step toward building the power he needed. As a Lord, gaining wealth, whether through coins or through power, was a never-ending pursuit.
Standing up, Cronos wiped his hands on his pants, a small sigh escaping his lips as he surveyed the rest of the scene.
The boar's blood stained the forest floor, a stark contrast to the lush greenery around them.
Turning back to the rest of the group, Cronos cleared his throat and addressed the issue that had been on his mind.
"What are we going to do about the corpse? We can't exactly drag it around with us." His voice was calm but firm. It was a valid question, one that hadn't been considered earlier.
Moving a boar this size wasn't an easy task, and it wasn't like they had a cart with them to carry it back.
The Hunters around him began to explain their solution. It wasn't perfect, but it was workable.
Two of the more capable Hunters, those who were stronger and more experienced, would take the corpse back to town while the others continued hunting.
It was a plan that made sense from a tactical perspective, but Cronos didn't like it.
It felt dangerous. What if another monster attacked while only two Hunters were carrying the boar's body back? What if a bigger threat appeared?
But he kept his reservations to himself. These Hunters had been doing this longer than he had. They knew what they were doing.
"Alright," Cronos said, nodding slowly. "If that's the plan, then let's go with it."
His words were measured, but inwardly, his mind was racing. As the Lord, he had to take risks — calculated ones.
This wasn't the time to question the decisions of his experienced team, but he would make sure to keep an eye on the situation. His men's safety was his responsibility.
The two Hunters who volunteered hefted the massive boar's body onto their shoulders.
They didn't seem fazed by the weight of the beast. Their muscles rippled with the effort, but their determination was clear.
With a grunt, they began walking back down the forest path toward the town, the other Hunters keeping a watchful eye on them.
"Let's continue," Cronos said, turning back to the rest of the group. "If we can get one more kill like this, we'll be set."
His voice had a sharpness to it now, more confident. The plan to bring food to the people was more than just a simple gesture — it was part of a bigger picture. This feast, the spectacle of power and wealth, would bolster his image.
It would show the townsfolk that their Lord was capable of more than just ordering them around; he was capable of providing for them, of protecting them.
In a world ruled by monsters and chaos, that was everything.
The Hunters nodded, their expressions serious. They had been through battles, bloodshed, and losses before.
This was just another day for them, another monster to take down, another step toward securing their place in this harsh world.
Cronos, on the other hand, felt the weight of it all. Leading wasn't just about giving orders. It was about making decisions that impacted not just him, but everyone under his command. Every action, every choice, had a ripple effect.
And that was the price of power.
With a final glance at the two Hunters carrying the boar's corpse, Cronos turned back to the forest ahead. He wasn't just leading this hunt — he was beginning to understand what it truly meant to lead.
It wasn't just about command. It was about sacrifice. It was about putting yourself on the line, facing danger with your people, and doing what it took to ensure their survival.