The sun barely cleared the eastern ridge when Leonidas convened his generals. The growing Spartan army stretched below him, banners fluttering and soldiers drilling with precision. Yet he knew raw numbers alone would not secure victory—the key lay in potential, loyalty, and careful guidance.
"Today we test our new recruits," Leonidas said, turning to Marcus and Theron. "Kael, Brontes, Selene, and Dorian each have roles that suit their skills. But remember—some may not join us fully yet. We guide, we influence, but we do not force."
Marcus frowned. "Some may resist. How do we ensure they act in our interest?"
Leonidas smiled faintly. "We earn it. Loyalty isn't commanded—it's cultivated. Some will follow willingly, others may wait for the right moment. Either way, their potential remains an asset."
Theron tilted his head. "So, we watch and assist rather than command?"
"Precisely," Leonidas replied. "Every soldier, every artisan, every skillful mind we influence today could be decisive tomorrow. Patience is a weapon."
By mid-morning, Kael led a squad along the northern ridge. His movements were precise and confident, yet he remained cautious. Leonidas observed from above, the overlay revealing Kael's SSS potential in sharp detail. Marcus glanced down at the squad.
"He's good," Marcus said. "Faster than most of our recruits, but is he… reliable?"
Leonidas shook his head. "Only I know his true potential. Others may notice skill, but not the full measure. Watch carefully—he reacts instinctively to subtle changes in terrain and enemy behavior. That's what sets him apart."
Nearby, Selene guided a cavalry squad, adjusting formations mid-run. "Left flank! Widen your spacing!" she barked, voice firm. Some of the defectors hesitated, unsure, but Selene's precision inspired confidence. Marcus nudged Lena.
"She's talented," Marcus said. "But her loyalty… it's not solid yet."
Lena nodded. "True. She's testing them and us. How we respond will determine whether she stays or drifts away."
Across the village, Brontes examined weapons, nodding to himself as he inspected each blade. Dorian oversaw food distribution, keeping the army supplied and ensuring villagers felt protected. Scouts reported seeing other high-potential individuals in nearby territories—artisans, trainers, even warriors whose skills could tip the scales in future battles.
Leonidas spoke quietly, almost to himself. "Not all can be recruited now. Some we guide, some we protect, and some will choose to join us later. Timing is as important as strength."
Theron tilted his head. "So we invest in people even if they don't commit immediately?"
"Yes," Leonidas said. "We create circumstances where their best choice aligns with ours. Every soldier we help, every artisan we empower, every high-potential individual we influence becomes a latent weapon for the Spartan army."
By evening, minor skirmishes began. Kael led a reconnaissance party that intercepted a small knight patrol. He moved swiftly, anticipating enemy positions and using terrain for cover. Marcus watched, impressed.
"He's remarkable," Marcus said. "I can see why you trust him so much."
Leonidas's eyes remained fixed on the overlay. "Skill alone isn't enough—potential realized is power. Kael's reflexes, Brontes's craftsmanship, Selene's cavalry expertise, Dorian's logistical acumen… they're more than capable. Only I see their full potential, but you will see the results."
The skirmish ended with minimal Spartan losses and several captured prisoners. Defectors observed the battle, some whispering to each other about the efficiency and discipline of the Spartans. Others lingered nearby, curious but cautious. Leonidas made careful notes, marking several as potential recruits for future opportunities.
As night settled over the ridges, Leonidas stood on the keep, looking across the valleys. Fires burned in garrisons, the army resting and training simultaneously. Soldiers drilled with defectors, while the new recruits quietly demonstrated their skills.
"Every life we influence, every skill we integrate," Leonidas said softly to himself, "strengthens us beyond numbers alone. Loyalty, potential, and discipline—these are our real weapons. And each opportunity we create today may turn the tide in battles yet to come."