System: Build My Own Territory

Chapter 924 - 280: Offering Loyalty (10,000) (3)

They are even more aware that this is not just a choice, but a threat.

If, at this moment, they were wearing armor and holding weapons.

Facing threats, they could still resist.

But now, they are not only unarmed, their hands and feet are also bound by chains and ropes.

The glances of the captives shift, constantly looking at their comrades beside them.

In doing so.

They hope to find a way to respond from among them.

However, all the captives are like this.

Facing the choice between loyalty and death, they are at a loss.

Behind Tyrone, a few hesitant voices arose.

"Commander Tyrone... What should we do now?"

"Yes, how should we choose?"

"..."

Tyrone did not respond, still pondering in his mind.

As everyone hesitated, Tyrone took two steps forward, standing at the forefront.

He stared straight ahead at Lynn, speaking in a low voice.

"This noble Lord..."

"You also know that before becoming captives we were soldiers, soldiers who fought fiercely to protect our homeland."

"Therefore, if you wish to earn our loyalty, please show us the respect we deserve."

"We need the Lord to unlock the shackles on us."

"We can sit around a table and engage in detailed discussions."

Listening to Tyrone’s calm words, a brightness appeared in the eyes of the captives.

Gradually, one shout after another began to echo among the captives.

"Respect! Respect!"

"Respect! Respect..."

Simple yet powerful shouts echoed like waves, continuously reverberating through the Lord’s Square.

The farmers processing barley heard the shouts and their expressions slightly changed.

Nervously, they followed the source of the sound.

When they saw their noble Lord and the group of armored soldiers.

The tension in their hearts slightly eased.

With the noble Lord present, they need not worry about anything.

Listening to these waves of shouting, Lynn remained silent.

Similarly.

He did not instruct Rose to control the scene, nor did he make the captives quiet down.

Tyrone looked back, seeing the faces full of excitement, and raised his right hand.

The shouts gradually thinned out.

Until finally, complete silence prevailed.

Having done all this, Tyrone turned back to Lynn and spoke.

"Noble Lord, what do you think?"

Lynn stared at Tyrone, his words indifferent.

"I think... not much of it!"

As soon as the words were spoken.

Tyrone and even the just-quieted captives widened their eyes again.

Lynn continued, "The reason I gave you a choice was to consider your dignity as former soldiers!"

"Because, once you fought to protect Pan Yan City, holding off fifteen thousand enemy soldiers for a week!"

"Also because you were known as the Pan Rock Iron Guard!"

"But there’s one thing you might have forgotten..."

"Now, you are captives!"

Upon hearing those two words, the expressions of the captives instantly became solemn and heavy.

Lynn continued, "What is a captive?"

Without needing their answer, Lynn responded himself.

"Nicely put, it means realizing that the disparity in forces is vast, and continuing resistance would lead to meaningless deaths."

"Put harshly, it’s cowardice and fear of death!"

"If you could be like the other two thousand one hundred Pan Rock Iron Guards who died in the Pan Yan City battle."

"Then, your deeds would indeed be known and widely spread among people."

"But, you chose to lay down your arms and surrender."

"You chose to surrender when you still had eight hundred soldiers fit and healthy."

"That is cowardice and fear of death!"

"Do you truly think that with this, you have the right to bargain with a Lord?"

"Huh?"

As Lynn’s words fell, he gazed at each captive before him.

Under Lynn’s almost tangible scrutinizing gaze, like swords and blades.

The captives bowed their heads, daring not to meet Lynn’s eyes.

The entire troupe of captives was enveloped by a heavy cloak of guilt and depression.

Including Commander Tyrone at the front!

His body involuntarily trembled slightly.

Lynn did not continue speaking, but stood silently waiting.

To obtain true honor.

Either.

Achieve victory by defeating a larger force.

Or.

Fight to the end, shedding every last drop of blood, leaving no survivor!

This is the true honor!

Since these captives hold their deeds in Pan Yan City as their highest honor.

Then.

He would use their supposed greatest honor to completely humble them!

Only then can they recognize their circumstances.

Only then can he reforge a sense of honor and belonging for these physically powerful captives.

Only then can he raise the loyalty of these captives to serve him!

Standing not far from Lynn was Rose, watching the scene unfold, a complex expression filled his heart.

It was not because these captives, like he once was, were sold by slave traders to Master Lynn’s territory.

But rather because he once again felt admiration for Master Lynn’s ability.

When Grayson transported these captives to the city walls.

He already sensed that these people were vastly different from the previous slaves transported.

Soldiers who have experienced life and death naturally possess a momentum not comparable to ordinary peasants.