Training Grounds

Marius's brows furrowed as he followed Aiden through the bustling grounds. The fortress was alive with new faces, but he couldn't shake the unease gnawing at him. They stopped near the gate, and he finally voiced his concern.

Marius: "Lord Aiden, if I may... are you sure about these recruitment conditions?"

Aiden turned to Marius with a slight smile.

Aiden: "Do you doubt my intentions, Commander Marius?"

Marius looked away briefly, as if weighing his words. There was a tension in his gaze as he met Aiden's eyes.

Marius: "I'm only concerned about the fortress and its people, my Lord. I just want to confirm we're on the same page." In his mind, Marius wrestled with the thought that Aiden might be recklessly asserting his authority without truly understanding the gravity of recruiting reliable soldiers.

Aiden's smile widened, sensing Marius's hidden doubts. He let the silence linger before replying.

Aiden: "Which part of the recruitment conditions do you find unreasonable?"

Marius cleared his throat, finally speaking his mind. "Working in the fields, being able to catch fish or chickens barehanded, climbing a tree in under a minute... My Lord, these aren't skills you'd expect from soldiers. Where is the honour, the discipline, the strength required to defend the fortress?"

Aiden listened patiently, and when Marius finished, he raised a brow.

Aiden: "Commander, what would you say are the essential qualities of a good soldier?"

Marius: "Honour, strength, sound footwork, speed, accuracy, and the patience to stay calm in battle."

Aiden's smile grew faintly, his eyes carrying a glint of insight. "And yet, you still haven't perceived my intentions."

Marius looked puzzled, his eyes searching Aiden's for a hint of the logic behind these unconventional conditions.

Aiden continued, his voice low but unyielding.

Aiden: "I'll show you once the recruitment process is complete."

With that, he turned and strode toward the fortress gates, leaving Marius staring after him, still unconvinced but curious.

Fortress Gates

Aiden found Garret and Lina sorting through a stack of applications from refugees hoping to settle in the fortress. Garret's hands were lined with age, but his eyes were sharp, flicking through the parchment with practiced ease, while Lina helped by sorting the applicants' backgrounds and families.

Aiden paused beside them, assessing the situation.

Aiden: "Garret, Lina, how are things progressing with the new refugees?"

Lina looked up, smiling, though her brow furrowed with concern.

Lina: "My Lord, there has been an overwhelming number of applicants. People have heard of your deeds, and they seek refuge here."

Aiden nodded thoughtfully. "Add one more condition," he said. "Those who decide to settle here will receive two meals a day, regardless of their ability to work. However, if they choose to work, they'll be given a piece of land to cultivate in their own name."

Garret's eyes widened, and Lina looked startled, glancing nervously at Garret.

Garret: "My Lord… are you certain? Our own stores are thin, and feeding such a large number could drain our resources.If we open our gates like this, how will we feed everyone?"

Aiden placed a reassuring hand on Garret's shoulder. "Have faith. I have a plan. Gather everyone in the Command Room tonight. I'll explain everything." 

Reluctantly, Garret nodded, though his eyes held a glint of hope. Lina gave Aiden a curious look, her trust in him evident yet tinged with concern.

Conan's Quarters

Inside his quarters, Conan nursed his wounded pride as much as his injuries, the memory of his humiliation gnawing at him. His fists clenched as he replayed the scene, Aiden's strikes bruising not just his body but his pride. As he brooded, he overheard two soldiers outside, their voices drifting through the thin walls.

Soldier 1: "… Can you believe Conan lost to him? And Lord Aiden's not even an aura wielder."

Soldier 2: "He talks big but couldn't hold his own. I thought he'd be stronger than that… Guess Aiden's more capable than we realised."

Conan's fists clenched, his face twisting with fury. He punched the wall beside him, a crack splitting through the wood..

Conan: "That… arrogant brat. He thinks he can humiliate me? He'll regret this soon enough. I'll make you regret it…Aiden!"

With narrowed eyes, he vowed to teach Aiden a lesson, resentment festering with each passing second.

End of Episode 15