The morning mist clung to the northern ridges as Leonidas surveyed the valleys below. His army had proven its discipline and efficiency in recent skirmishes, but he knew true strength came from more than numbers—it came from talent, from those hidden individuals whose potential could tip the scales in future conflicts.
Theron approached, hesitating slightly. "Leonidas… I scouted the neighboring valleys. Most settlements are small. Many lack skilled fighters or artisans entirely. A few might have a blacksmith, an archer, or a farmer who stands out, but nothing remarkable… or at least nothing we can see with the naked eye."
Leonidas nodded, eyes narrowing. This is exactly why my system is invaluable. Most leaders would pass these towns by, seeing only mediocrity. He, however, could detect even a faint glimmer of potential—a soldier, a craftsman, or a trainer who could eventually become extraordinary under the right guidance.
"Prepare a small party," he said. "We move carefully. Kael and Selene will oversee exercises, but the goal is influence, not immediate recruitment. Show discipline, protect the weak, offer guidance. Some will join, others will observe. Each interaction is a step toward loyalty."
Marcus frowned. "So… most won't even join? Is it worth the effort?"
Leonidas's gaze was steady. "It is. Every skill nurtured, every life influenced, adds value—even if they never take an oath today. Some we help now will save us later. Some may become the strongest weapons we've yet seen."
The small Spartan party moved cautiously into the first valley. The settlement was modest—stone cottages, a few fields, a handful of villagers. Most inhabitants were wary, unused to strangers arriving in uniform with weapons gleaming in the morning sun.
Theron whispered, "I don't see anyone remarkable here… maybe a couple of youths practicing archery, but nothing exceptional."
Leonidas closed his eyes briefly, opening the system overlay in his mind. Among the villagers, one boy caught his attention: a wiry young man handling a bow with precise focus, calculating angles and distances instinctively.
Altheus, Archer: Strength 5, Agility 7, Intelligence 6, Luck 48, Potential SS, Loyalty 50%
Leonidas smiled faintly. SS potential. Rare, but manageable. He will need guidance—and a reason to trust us—but he could become a cornerstone of our archery corps.
"Have Kael train with him," Leonidas instructed. "Demonstrate technique, efficiency, and Spartan discipline. Observe reactions. Influence is our tool, not coercion."
Kael approached the boy, bow in hand, demonstrating proper stance and release. Altheus mimicked the movements but resisted instruction, his pride evident.
"You're wasting your time," the boy said sharply. "I don't take orders from strangers."
Leonidas stepped forward, voice calm. "You are not being ordered. You are being shown a way to improve. Discipline, skill, and precision are not constraints—they are tools. Every arrow you release with control is one more advantage for yourself and those you choose to protect."
Altheus narrowed his eyes, unconvinced, but did not walk away. Kael continued the exercises, subtly demonstrating the value of structured practice. Selene rode along nearby, guiding mounted drills and subtly showing how precision could protect the village from larger threats.
Brontes examined the local blacksmith, an older man named Dorias. His craftsmanship was good, but lacked refinement. Leonidas noted potential:
Dorias, Blacksmith: Strength 4, Agility 4, Intelligence 7, Luck 40, Potential A, Loyalty 60%
"He's talented, but stubborn," Leonidas murmured. "He will not join immediately. Influence him through opportunity and respect, not force."
By evening, some villagers had warmed slightly to the Spartans. Altheus had improved noticeably in accuracy under Kael's careful guidance, though loyalty remained low. Dorias agreed to let Brontes inspect his forge, not to serve Leonidas yet, but to learn techniques that would be useful later.
Theron observed quietly. "We didn't recruit much, but… we made an impression."
"Exactly," Leonidas replied. "Not every talent can be taken today. Some we merely plant the seeds of influence. Loyalty grows with time, guidance, and circumstance. The moment they join voluntarily, their potential is multiplied a hundredfold because it is chosen, not forced."
As night fell, Leonidas reviewed the overlay:
Army cohesion: +2%
Archery efficiency: +4%
Cavalry readiness: +5%
Craftsmanship potential: +3%
One person of high potential here, one craftsman there… each discovery is a small step. Small steps, taken wisely, build an unstoppable force.
He stood atop the ridge, looking across the valleys, imagining how these seeds of influence would bloom over months and years. The army was growing—not just in size, but in skill, potential, and carefully guided loyalty. Every village, every town, every hesitant individual was a thread woven into a tapestry that would one day cover the battlefield.
Patience, observation, and influence, Leonidas thought. These are the real weapons. And the first step in turning raw potential into Spartan dominance.