The young man released the old man's hand, raised the megaphone again, and shouted at the crowd gathered in the square.
"My friends, I'll be blunt: this village is no longer livable."
"If you're willing, you can come with us."
"We won't force anyone, but if you choose to follow, you must obey orders!"
The refugees knew that staying in the village meant certain death.
Now a chance to survive was right before them, probably the only one they'd get, and they refused to let it slip.
At once the square erupted in a rising tide of voices.
"If we go with you and do as you say, will there be food?"
"Of course!"
"With so many of us, can the baron really feed us all?"
"Yes, he can!"
The youth smiled faintly. "Let me be frank: although Baron Quilt ranks low in the kingdom, his domain contains an active mine."
"If you help the baron mine the ore, he'll earn money and be able to aid more refugees like you, leading everyone toward a better life."
"During this process, your food and lodging will be fully covered."
"As for wages, well, I'm afraid we can't offer any."
So that's it!
They're recruiting free labor!
Only now did Weston finally understand what these people were up to.
Hand out relief food to win hearts, then have this youth trained in Hypnosis Magic lure them away with the promise of mining work, so the refugees will toil for the baron for free.
"A bit black-hearted and exploitative, but if it truly gives them a lifeline, then—"
'Sigh…'
He couldn't finish the sentence.
Weston simply couldn't bring himself to say, 'Room and board without pay is fine.'
Even thinking such a thing felt monstrous, condemned by gods and men alike!
"We're willing!!"
"We are!!"
Thanks to the earlier free food, the refugees already trusted the relief team and they surged forward, eager to join the baron's mining crew.
To them, earning nothing was fine, so long as they were fed and housed, they could survive.
Survival was everything.
Besides, with so many going together, how could they be sold off?
"Very good—"
"Since you're willing, pack up! We'll leave shortly!"
"No need, we're vagrants! We've nothing to pack!"
"I'll go look, see if anything important is left in my hovel—"
"I'll tell the rest of the village to leave this wretched place with us!"
Within three minutes the refugees scattered.
The youth nodded in satisfaction, then turned and walked straight toward Weston's trio.
"Are you three from this village as well?"
Seeing the fox-like smile, Weston remained cautious.
"No, we're just passing through."
"I see. You look unusual. Are you Wizards?'
"What if we are?"
"Nothing, it's just that our baron craves talent. Would you consider joining and serving him?"
Weston raised an eyebrow. "You want us to work for free too?"
"Of course not."
The youth shook his head with a smile. "Wizards receive very different treatment from ordinary refugees."
"If the three of you join, you'll enjoy generous benefits."
"Especially this Giant gentleman!"
He looked up at the six-meter-tall Joey. "With your build, you'll surely become the baron's top warrior, enjoying endless wealth and glory!"
Invisible magic rippled with his voice, quietly nudging the trio's thoughts.
Unfortunately, the youth had no idea his efforts were futile.
The flaw of Hypnosis Magic is 'awareness.'
Once the target realizes the truth, the spell is useless.
Trying such tricks in front of us?
Unacceptable!
Absolutely not!
Weston and Mavis exchanged glances, reaching the same silent decision.
"We can tag along and take a look."
"Right, right, see how things are before deciding whether to stay."
The youth's eyes lit up. "Does that include the Giant gentleman?"
"Wil—uh—Big Bro's choice is my choice!"
"Wonderful!"
Clearly the youth didn't recognize Weston or Mavis, nor sense their power, so he focused all his attention on Joey the giant.
Which made sense.
If you're luring laborers, a Giant looks far stronger than a teenage boy and a delicate girl.
Soon the village refugees were assembled.
Led by the youth, the column set off mightily toward the north.
They veered east, then north, through forests and into mountains, causing the villagers quickly lost all sense of direction.
As the surroundings grew stranger and more remote, many villagers showed fear.
A day later, once the Hypnosis Magic wore off, some villagers finally sensed something amiss.
With reason restored, they doubted the truth of the 'mining recruitment' and confronted the youth.
"Sir, didn't you say we're going to work for the baron?"
"Why has our path become more remote since we left the village?"
The youth blinked, realizing the spell had faded, and hastily recast it on the approaching villagers.
"Have you forgotten? You volunteered to join us for mining work! I'm taking you straight to the mine."
The spell took effect and the villagers looked dazed again.
"Oh right, we joined of our own accord..."
Um, don't we need to meet the baron first and thank him properly?
The youth shook his head. "The baron must prepare funds and supplies to aid more refugees in towns and villages. He's far too busy to see you."
"So that's how it is..."
The villagers scratched their heads, chiding themselves for being overly suspicious, and dispersed.
Weston and company watched the scene, clicking their tongues in astonishment.
'Damn, that sent chills down my spine.'
'If we hadn't followed, these folks would've been sold and still counted the money for their captors!'