The morning air was sharp and biting as Leonidas rode along the outskirts of the newly secured territory. The village he had defended and expanded was quiet, but he knew peace was temporary. Word of his campaigns had begun to spread; other transmigrated leaders, each commanding their own faction, would soon notice Spartan influence.
His system interface projected stats for the key members of his squad:
Marcus: Strength 12 / Agility 6 / Intelligence 10 / Luck 4 / Potential: S / Loyalty 85%
Lena: Strength 5 / Agility 12 / Intelligence 11 / Luck 5 / Potential: A / Loyalty 90%
Demetrius: Strength 10 / Agility 6 / Intelligence 9 / Luck 4 / Potential: S / Loyalty 67%
Leonidas: Strength 8 / Agility 9 / Intelligence 16 / Luck 5 / Potential: B / Loyalty 95%
Theron: Strength 5 / Agility 8 / Intelligence 11 / Luck 10 / Potential: SSS / Loyalty 80%
Theron's Luck flickered faintly, a reminder of the unpredictable forces that could aid—or complicate—their plans. Leonidas's mind raced, mapping the terrain and the logistical needs of his growing command. He would not only defend his gains but expand his influence strategically.
He began by organizing multiple squads drawn from the village and nearby settlements. Each squad had a designated leader, carefully selected based on potential and loyalty. The system allowed him to see hidden stats, revealing diamond-in-the-rough candidates who might have otherwise gone unnoticed.
Squad Alpha: Marcus (vanguard), 7 trainees
Squad Beta: Lena (flank), 6 trainees
Squad Gamma: Theron (scout & disruptor), 5 trainees
Leonidas assigned patrol routes, defensive positions, and contingency plans. Every squad was instructed in coordination, communication, and contingency response, training them not just to fight but to anticipate moves from other factions.
He focused on fortifying the frontier: trenches, simple palisades, and choke points near bridges and narrow passes. Even basic wooden structures, when combined with tactical positioning, magnified the effectiveness of his smaller force.
Theron, small but perceptive, identified weak points in the terrain, suggesting natural ambush sites and traps. His Luck aided in predicting where enemy scouts might appear. Leonidas silently acknowledged that the boy's potential made him an indispensable advisor despite his size.
"Marcus, oversee defensive placements along the main road. Lena, scout the eastern ridge and map choke points. Theron, continue your reconnaissance and prepare traps for any unforeseen incursion," Leonidas commanded. His voice was calm, but every word carried authority.
As afternoon approached, scouts reported unusual activity along the northern border. Leonidas analyzed the intelligence: small contingents, likely scouts from another transmigrated leader's faction. This was the first sign that external forces would challenge Spartan expansion, and he needed to prepare carefully.
"Hold positions. We are not seeking battle yet," Leonidas instructed. "Let them make the first mistake. Observe, adapt, and strike where advantageous." The system updated his tactical overlay, highlighting potential outcomes and contingencies.
The squads executed flawlessly. Marcus held the main road with steadfast strength. Lena moved with agility and precision along the ridge, relaying movements to Leonidas. Theron, using clever maneuvers and his natural Luck, delayed enemy scouts with misdirection and traps, buying valuable time.
Notifications blinked briefly in Leonidas's vision:
[Strength +1, Agility +1, Intelligence +2]
[Squad Loyalty +5 for discipline under threat]
[Hidden Potential Activation – Theron flicker]
[Leadership Bonus – Leonidas]
By nightfall, the scouts had withdrawn, leaving Leonidas confident that the frontier was secure—for now. Yet, he knew this was only the beginning. Other factions, each led by transmigrated adults, would soon test his command and the loyalty of his squads.
Leonidas gazed at the distant horizon, plotting his next moves. Every village secured, every squad trained, every loyalty strengthened—it all prepares us for the waves ahead. The first external challenge had come and passed, but the true tests—against other transmigrated leaders and factions—were approaching.
Theron, walking beside him in the twilight, flickered a faint, satisfied grin. "We're really becoming something, aren't we?"
"Yes," Leonidas replied, eyes fixed on the horizon. "Something that will not just survive—but dominate."