The trio exited the alley, Yu Jin leading with blood still cooling on his arms. Bao clung tightly to his hand, his tiny legs keeping pace. Yue Jin followed, whistling softly.
Ahead, a ruckus stirred.
Yue Jin squinted and chuckled. "Guess they're still dealing with the runaway."
Yu Jin sighed. "Let's go."
They approached to find a knife-wielding thug snarling, slashing furiously at the four recruits who had formed a blockade. The makeshift squad held strong despite their ragged breath and clear exhaustion. Each time the man lunged, they braced behind their wooden shields, taking the blow and then pushing him back in unison.
The recruits kept him boxed in, doing their duty—but none dared to strike. The glint of the blade made them cautious. A single mistimed attack could collapse the formation.
Yu Jin watched for a moment, arms crossed. "Well... their mission was to stop anyone from leaving or entering... and they succeeded splendidly."
He turned slightly. "Yue Jin. Correct your mistake."
Yue Jin flinched. "You saw that, huh... fine."
With a sigh, he stepped forward.
The recruits caught sight of him and their tension broke slightly. Relief rippled through the line—but the thug noticed the distraction.
He roared and charged.
The four recruits tightened their line, shields raised high, feet set like anchors. They advanced slowly, steadily, offering no gaps. The blade had no room to swing.
"CRACK."
Yue Jin brought his practice sword down like a hammer. The thug collapsed in a heap.
"Good job, guys!" Yue Jin grinned.
The recruits blinked, surprised, then cracked small smiles. Praise wasn't something they were used to—definitely not from someone who'd once beaten them half to death.
Yu Jin strode over, spear in hand.
Smiles vanished. Like a signal had passed through them, the four immediately formed ranks, backs straight, eyes forward.
Yu Jin's gaze scanned them. Then, for once, he smiled.
"Well done. You've used what I taught you. You followed formation. You completed the mission without injury."
He paused.
"Now—left to right. State your names."
The recruits froze.
Yu Jin frowned.
Then he slammed the butt of his spear into the ground.
"Are you mute?"
The crack of wood on stone jolted them like lightning.
They snapped to attention.
"Zhou Fan!"
"Liu Min!"
"Han Bei!"
"Qin De!"
Yu Jin nodded, committing them to memory.
Four thugs no longer. Recruits now. And maybe, someday, soldiers.
Yu Jin gave his next orders without delay.
"Zhou Fan, Liu Min, Han Bei — drag the captured thugs back to the training ground. If any of them wake up on the way, put them back down."
The three nodded and moved quickly.
Yu Jin turned. "Yue Jin, Qin De — take Meng Shun to the authorities. Make sure you get a reward for his capture."
Yue Jin raised an eyebrow. "You think they'll pay for this scum?"
Yu Jin nodded. "He may just be a local bully, but right now the government is scrambling to stamp out rebellion. Even minor criminals carry a price."
He glanced down at his bloodied spear.
"And we need every coin we can get."
With tasks delegated, Yu Jin took Bao with him back home. The cleanup would take time, and the boy needed more than just words.
Back at the small dwelling, Yu Jin heated water and helped Bao clean himself. Dirt and dried blood peeled away. Yu Jin handed over a fresh tunic and trousers — oversized, but clean.
"They might be a bit big for you right now," Yu Jin said, tying the sash around Bao's waist. "But you'll grow into them."
Once the grime was gone, Bao looked almost like a different child. Beneath the filth was a tall boy for his age, with long, wiry limbs. His face, though still sunken from malnourishment, held a sharpness. Bones well-set, eyes bright — perfect for a future archer, or maybe a spearman.
Yu Jin knelt down, looking him dead in the eye.
"Listen well. I'm not a babysitter. I don't take on burdens."
Bao blinked, startled. Fear flickered in his gaze. Was he about to be cast out?
Yu Jin continued.
"But I am building soldiers. And while I've no plans to send a child to war, it's my duty to raise them. Train them. Would you like to follow me? Learn the ways of war?"
A second passed.
Then Bao's face lit up. The fear vanished, replaced with determination.
"I will do it!" he blurted.
Then, catching himself, he stood straighter. His arms snapped to his sides. He tried to mimic what he'd seen the older recruits do.
"Yes, Commander!"
Yu Jin allowed himself a small smile.
He reached out and ruffled Bao's scruffy hair.
"Good. Then follow me, recruit."
Together, the two stepped out — commander and child — headed for the training grounds to collect their spoils of war.
As they walked, Bao did his best to imitate the recruits. His arms stiff at his sides, chest puffed out, steps measured. There was more discipline in the boy's stride than Yu Jin had seen in grown men. The sight brought a quiet grin to his face.
While Bao marched ahead proudly, Yu Jin pulled up his system overlay.
Three new notifications awaited him.
[Achievement Unlocked: First Blood] – "You've shed blood in battle for the first time." +100 Merit Points
[Achievement Unlocked: Outnumbered But Unbroken] – "You have triumphed against three or more enemies in a single combat encounter." +250 Merit Points
[Achievement Unlocked: First Command] – "You led your warband into battle for the first time."
Reward: +500 EXP to LEA (Leadership)
Yu Jin raised an eyebrow at the last one. "That counts? I didn't exactly bark orders left and right..."
Still, the result spoke for itself. The recruits had acted under his mission, followed his orders, and completed their role without collapse. The system counted it.
A soft chime followed.
[LEA Stat Increased: 34 → 39]
Yu Jin rubbed his chin, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. "Not bad for a street brawl."
He looked forward at Bao, still marching like a miniature soldier. A spark of pride flickered.
The warband was still small. But it was forming.