The dawn was pale and sharp over the northern ridges. Mist lingered in the valleys, curling around outcroppings of stone as if the land itself were holding its breath. Leonidas stood atop a hill, surveying the small army gathered below. His newly integrated recruits—Kael, Brontes, Selene, and Dorian—were positioned at key points, ready to prove their value.
Marcus approached, frowning as he scanned the terrain. "The knights from the neighboring faction have been spotted near the eastern pass. They outnumber us slightly. How do you propose we engage?"
Leonidas's gaze was steady. "Numbers alone don't decide outcomes. Position, timing, and the proper use of talent will. Kael will lead the reconnaissance squad along the ridge to bait their patrols. Selene's cavalry will flank when they commit. Brontes ensures weapons are optimal, and Dorian will manage supplies and fallback points. Precision over power."
Marcus muttered under his breath, "And if Kael hesitates or underperforms?"
Leonidas's eyes flicked toward him, calm but piercing. "He will not. But even if he does, the pattern of reinforcement and support we've set ensures minimal loss. That's why we train, observe, and integrate each recruit carefully."
Theron, standing nearby, added cautiously, "Some villagers have mentioned a few skilled archers and a minor strategist among the enemy. Could complicate things if they act quickly."
Leonidas nodded subtly. Not all potential allies are ours yet, he thought. Some I can only influence for later. But for now, they are variables to manage, not immediate threats.
By mid-morning, Kael led his squad along the ridge. The young soldier moved with a confidence born from both skill and guidance. His SSS potential was evident in every calculated movement. Marcus and Lena watched the squad carefully.
"He's fast," Marcus said. "Agile too. But can he hold under pressure?"
"Watch," Leonidas replied quietly. "Potential realized is different from raw skill. Only I know the full measure; you will see results, and they will impress."
The enemy patrol took the bait, charging forward to engage Kael's squad. In a fluid series of maneuvers, Kael anticipated each attack, using terrain for cover and positioning his men to trap the knights. Selene's cavalry emerged from the flank with perfect timing, cutting off retreat routes. The enemy's cohesion faltered.
Some knights hesitated, sensing the coordination but not understanding its source. Marcus leaned over, murmuring to Lena, "I didn't expect them to react so efficiently… Kael must be exceptional."
Leonidas's system overlay confirmed it: Kael's combat efficiency had reached peak for a level-1 common soldier, and his potential indicated he could surpass even veteran commanders if guided correctly.
Meanwhile, Brontes worked behind the lines, supervising weapon quality. Every sword was sharpened, every shield reinforced. Dorian managed rations and supplies, ensuring the army could sustain a prolonged engagement without strain. Even the villagers who had hesitated earlier watched from cover, their loyalty and trust in the Spartans quietly increasing.
As the skirmish progressed, a few enemy units began to waver. Leonidas noted subtle signs: fatigue, confusion, hesitation. Subordinates inferred skill from visible performance, but they did not see the internal potential calculations guiding the battle.
"Some of their soldiers are starting to flee," Marcus said. "They can't maintain formation."
Leonidas nodded slightly. "Observe carefully—this is where influence and morale matter. Encourage without exposing weaknesses. Every action reinforces loyalty and confidence. Every hesitation exploited is an opportunity."
The engagement ended decisively. Spartan losses were minimal; enemy units were scattered. Kael returned, sweat glistening on his brow but with a steady gaze. Selene's cavalry dismounted, her posture proud. Brontes inspected his weapons one last time, nodding. Dorian accounted for supplies and prisoners, already thinking ahead.
Leonidas studied the battlefield. His army had performed as he anticipated, his recruits proving both capable and invaluable. But he also saw potential allies in nearby settlements—archers, smiths, and scouts whose loyalty had yet to be secured.
This is only the first field test, he thought. Some join immediately, others I must influence. Timing, guidance, and patience will turn these latent talents into assets that can shift entire campaigns. Every person touched is a force multiplier, every choice we make now will shape battles yet to come.
Marcus approached cautiously. "Leonidas… you seem calm even as the enemy falters. Do you really know the full measure of what's in play?"
Leonidas turned, eyes sharp. "I do. That is why I lead. Potential, loyalty, skill—these are the true weapons. Numbers matter, but only when guided. And today, we've proven that guidance turns raw talent into power."
As night fell, fires burned across the ridges and valleys. Soldiers rested, but minds remained alert. Leonidas reviewed the overlay quietly, noting those who could be future allies, the potential recruits who had yet to commit, and the talents within his army that could be refined further.
Tomorrow, the next phase would begin. The first field test had succeeded, but the true challenge—building an army capable of surviving and thriving across waves of conflict—was only starting. And with every latent talent influenced, every skill nurtured, Spartan power grew steadily, inexorably, under his guidance.
We are stronger than numbers suggest, Leonidas thought. Stronger than any enemy assumes. And this is just the beginning.