volume 3 - Chapter c257 (1/2)
The War Without Smoke(2)
There were ominous clouds all above Ampere Seale, the ambiance resembling that of Trentheim. It was the smell of a brewing war.
Back to his base, Brendel immediately held an emergency meeting.
The location of the meeting was chosen to be close to the new Valhalla located in the forest, a clearing with ten ancient trees, planted by the Elves, surrounding it. He was taken aback by the scenery of the place, and had temporarily used it as an a.s.sembly point. He had notified earlier for the core members of the war to gather, including those that had followed his stead since long ago.
Julian, Taron, Mano, Leto, and Batum were the founding of the Red Bronze Dragon mercenaries. While Julian was once the leader of Fortress Riedon’s patrol guards, he had become part of the mercenaries ever since then. Only Taron was slightly special compared to the others, as he was originally the captain of White-Mane. And due to special circ.u.mstances, he was invited to this group. He must be viewed as a traitor by the Kingdom now.
Brendel was standing below one of the Mayan trees as he looked at these few men and lamenting the past.
Some of the familiar faces of the group had been lost: some of the elderly had pa.s.sed due to illness as they migrated, and a big portion of those who remained died in the war with Count Radner. But it seemed like the will was pa.s.sed onto the survivors, making them even stronger and determined.
Which led to evident changes that can be seen from the group before him--
Julian was once the n.o.bles' henchman that took the role of oppressing the citizens. Brendel’s first impression of him was a weak gangster who wore the facade of being strong. But even that was long gone, and in its place was a tanned, battle-scarred man that looked vulgar yer mature and composed.
There were not many refugees who followed Brendel all the way to Trentheim due to their reluctance to leave their homes. But those who did, despite fearing Julian, would stop and pay him some respects. And the number of people who did this was steadily increasing.
However, in Brendel’s eyes, what was important was only his strength. Within a year, Julian grew from a person who was stuck in the Iron rank to someone close to breaking through. And it was not just him. Most who survived Fortress Riedon had also undergone huge changes as well: Batum, Taron, and Leto are also at the peak of Iron rank as well and are just awaiting breakthrough!
The mana wave surges are affecting the entire world, but only those who experienced the trials of life and death will truely perceive these changes.
Brendel's eyes moved onto another group. The Grey Wolves Mercenaries. Abandoned by Makarov, these bunch did not spend much time with Brendel and co. However, their strength had also increased as well, especially Sanford, who immediately stepped into the Iron rank after consuming the Dragonblood potions.
Initially, Amandina suggested reserving the potions to the people that came from Fortress Riedon and only distribute to the others once they observed their situations for a while. However, Brendel felt that the people who followed him up till now, after fighting two wars for him, are reliable and loyal subordinates. In this era, it would require ma.s.sive amounts of courage to oppose the n.o.bles. But if it was not due to Makarov and the others forcing them to their limits, why would they follow Brendel to this point?
Although there were limited quant.i.ties of the potion, the distribution method based on contribution was more widely accepted than the method based on their length in serving Brendel. After all, the older ones within the group are already loyal to him and his army, so more effort was needed to convince the younger generation. Using this point as the basis of his argument, he persuaded Amandina and won the favor of the crowd. Even so, the Red Bronze Mercenaries got the mot Dragonblood potions. But at least there is a chance for the youngsters to overtake their predecessors now that this plan is enacted.
As long as you worked hard, you will be compensated accordingly. This was the sole motivation for everyone to work harder.
Brendel’s motive was to maintain the overall motivation of the entire group. Due to his status as being a party leader within the game for a period of time, and was versatile in handling an organization with modern methods. Compared to the n.o.bles of this world, it was obvious he was more skilled in this department.
In the eyes of Amandina, her Lord’s methods have a miraculous effect never before seen by her. The mercenaries became more united and coordinated. But beyond that, she felt some subtle change in their souls. They became more motivated now: the newcomers worked efficiently; the veterans who felt their status being threatened also kept up with their work. Even Amandina was affected by the mood and was working energetically in the morning.
Firbur was undergoing a subtle change, a cycle of motivation forming amongst the organization. Amandina who had read a little about the Emperor Arts was slightly shocked. The sight she just witnessed was one that most n.o.bles and even kings wanted to achieve but could not. And yet Brendel seemed to have completed it with relative ease.
She pondered for another while and admitted, with a little self dejection, that she could not replicate the effects her Lord had just achieved. I always thought that loyalty is the main factor in governing a group, but why is it that My Lord keeps on overlooking this point? Isn’t he afraid that his comrades will betray him one day? Switching sides is a common sight, and all the n.o.bles struggled to figure out a way to prevent it.
Brendel may not have noticed it, but his organization is so loyal towards him that it was the most loyal and united body Amandina had ever seen.
At her question, Brendel only answered that if his men were happy about the entire system, why would they leave? He wanted the reason for his subjects’ loyalty to not be the rewards or benefits he offered but to the sustenance of the entire organization. He was confident that his choice was the best for the organization: He maintains it, and the other pays him loyalty for it. After all, it was exactly because of his belief in this group that led others to trust it as well.
Amandina was really confused about his explanation. But in the least, she had never witnessed such a calm and das.h.i.+ng look before--
‘If someone were to join me, I would welcome them with open arms. If they wanted to leave, I will not stop them as well.’ Maybe it was that open-mindedness that made him so charismatic.
A group that accepts anyone. Even those vulgar b.a.s.t.a.r.ds like Julian can find a place in it.
Amandina was carrying around these thoughts as she walked into the open field. She looked up at Brendel and unexpectedly locked gaze with him.
The girls around my Lord is increasing. And even that boy Morpheus is cuter than me..
Unknowingly, she came up with such a thought. She had decided to not fight with Romaine for him, but it seemed like she could not suppress her emotions for long.