Chapter 111: Trouble

Elena’s face paled as she realized the nature of their discussion, her grip tightening on her bow.

The other subjects shifted protectively around her, but everyone understood the brutal truth—their combined strength was irrelevant against Gold-rank opposition.

’Animals. All of them.’

The leader raised his hand, silencing his subordinates’ crude argument with casual authority. His gaze fixed on Ethan with the calculating intensity of a merchant evaluating merchandise.

“Your barrier is up,” he stated, his voice carrying the confidence of absolute power. “You’re a new Lord. That makes this simple.”

’He knows the system. He is Experienced.’

The man’s smile was all teeth and malice. “Surrender to our Lord’s will, and we’ll spare your pathetic lives. Join our territory as subjects, and you might even keep some dignity.”

Ethan’s subjects tensed at the ultimatum, hands tightening on weapons that would prove useless against such overwhelming force. The barrier hummed between them—temporary protection that highlighted their vulnerability.

“Otherwise,” the leader continued, his tone conversational despite the threat, “we’ll hunt you down and stop you from expanding this place. Camp outside your little bubble until the barrier drops in a few days.”

His eyes swept across Ethan’s subjects like a farmer counting livestock. “You have so many subjects… must be at least four days of protection remaining. Plenty of time for us to gather reinforcements.”

’He’s done this before. Knows the tricks.’

Derek snickered, his gaze returning to Elena. “Four days to decide who gets first pick of the women. I vote we settle it with combat trials.”

“Shut up, Derek,” Marcus snapped. “The boss decides distribution. You know the rules.”

The second subordinate, who’d remained silent until now, stepped forward with predatory interest. “Actually, I think we should examine the merchandise more closely first. That archer’s got good body—probably trained professionally.”

’They’re talking about my people like slaves.’

Derek’s eyes narrowed at his companion. “Back off, Torres. I called dibs on the archer first.”

“Your ’dibs’ don’t mean shit,” Torres shot back, his hand moving to his weapon hilt. “I’ve got seniority in this outfit.”

The leader’s smile widened at his subordinates’ casual discussion of human trafficking. “My companions raise valid points about resource allocation. Fresh subjects are always in demand.”

’They’ve done this enough times to have an argument about ut.’

Elena took a step backward, her enhanced arrow still nocked but trembling. “You’re monsters,” she whispered.

“Monsters?” Derek laughed harshly. “We’re survivors, sweetheart. The strong take what they want from the weak. That’s how the Sanctuary works.”

Torres nodded in agreement. “Your previous Lord should have taught you that. Oh wait—” He gestured mockingly toward Ethan. “This little boy is your first Lord, isn’t he?”

The leader studied Ethan more intently. “A virgin Lord with virgin subjects. How delightfully naive.”

His gaze swept over the residential construction beginning to take shape.

“Look at this cute little settlement. Actually trying to build something permanent.”

“Boss,” Derek interjected, “maybe we should just take the whole territory intact. Save us the trouble of rebuilding everything.”

“Tempting,” the leader mused. “Though breaking them first ensures better compliance. Broken subjects don’t rebel.”

Marcus’s jaw clenched as he fought to control his rage. “My Lord,” he said quietly, “what are your orders?”

’They’re waiting for me to decide their fate.’

Ethan felt rage building in his chest, but forced his expression to remain neutral. Showing anger would only encourage these predators. They fed on fear and helplessness.

’Stay calm. Think strategically.’

“What makes you think I’ll surrender?” Ethan asked, his voice level despite the fury burning inside him.

The leader’s laugh was genuinely amused. “Look around you, boy. Count the ranks. Do the mathematics.”

’He’s right about the power disparity.’

“One Gold-rank, two Peak-Silver versus… what? A collection of Bronze-rank cannon fodder?” The man’s gesture encompassed Ethan’s entire force dismissively. “Even if you’re gold-rank yourself, the outcome is predetermined.”

Derek stepped closer to the barrier, pressing his hand against its surface. Energy crackled around his fingers as he tested its strength. “This barrier won’t hold us for long once it dros…you are dead.”

“Four days,” Torres added with predatory satisfaction. “We’ll make camp right here. Watch you squirm while you count down to your doom.”

’Psychological warfare. They want me panicked.’

The leader continued his psychological assault with practiced ease. “Your subjects understand reality even if you don’t. They know what happens when barriers fall. They know what we’re capable of.”

He pointed directly at Jack. “You there, warrior. You’ve seen combat. Tell your precious Lord what happens when Gold-rank meets Bronze-rank.”

Jack’s face was stone, but sweat beaded on his forehead. “It’s… it’s not a fight. It’s an execution.”

“Exactly.” The leader’s smile was triumphant. “No heroic last stands. No miraculous victories. Just efficient slaughter followed by collection of assets.”

’He’s trying to break their morale before the barrier falls.’

Derek leered at Elena again. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. We’ll take good care of you. Might even let you keep your bow if you’re obedient.”

Torres laughed crudely. “Assuming she survives the breaking-in period. Some of them are more fragile than they look.”

’That’s enough.’

Elena’s bow creaked as she drew back an enhanced arrow, her hands trembling with suppressed rage. “I’d rather die than—”

“Easy, girl,” the leader cut her off, his tone mock-soothing. “No need for dramatic declarations. You’ll change your mind when you see what defiance costs.”

The man gestured toward his subordinates. “My boys here have broken plenty of proud archers. It’s almost an art form at this point.”

’He’s enjoying this. The psychological torture.’

Derek rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Remember that redhead from the mountain territory? Took three days to break her spirit completely.”

“This one might last longer,” Torres observed, studying Elena like a predator evaluating prey. “She’s got fire in her eyes. Those ones fight harder.”

“Which makes victory more satisfying,” the leader added with casual cruelty. “Breaking the strong ones validates our power more than crushing the weak.”

’They’re experts at this kind of psychological warfare.’

The man’s attention returned to Ethan, studying him with renewed interest. “You’re not cowering like the others. Interesting. Perhaps you have more spine than most new Lords.”

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