The morning sun glinted off the Spartan shields as Leonidas surveyed the valley below. Mist clung to the low hills, giving the terrain an almost ethereal quality. Today was not a full-scale battle, but a test—a measured engagement designed to probe the skills and resolve of the new recruits and the villagers he had begun to influence.
Kael and Selene rode at the front, ready to coordinate the troops. Behind them, Altheus—the archer of SS potential—adjusted his bowstring nervously, clearly weighing the risk of action. Dorias, the blacksmith, stood off to the side, observing the movements of the army, hands clenched around a hammer. The villagers who had not yet pledged loyalty lingered, curious but hesitant.
Marcus leaned close to Leonidas, voice low. "Are you certain this is wise? We risk exposing them to danger without full commitment."
Leonidas shook his head slowly. "This is precisely why we must proceed. Potential is meaningless without real application. If we never test them, we cannot know their true capacity. Observation and guidance are safer than coercion—but only if we remain vigilant."
Theron glanced at the ridges across the valley. "Enemy scouts have been spotted. Small force, maybe a hundred men. Likely testing our perimeter, perhaps hoping to lure us out."
Leonidas smiled faintly. "Then they shall see Spartan discipline in action—and they will underestimate us."
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The engagement began subtly. Scouts reported enemy movement along the eastern pass, attempting a flanking maneuver. Kael led the reconnaissance squad, moving in tandem with Selene's cavalry to intercept. Altheus, positioned on a slight rise, fired precise volleys of arrows, each shot calculated to slow and misdirect the enemy without unnecessary risk.
Leonidas observed closely. Potential revealed under pressure. His system overlay confirmed that Altheus was performing beyond visible expectations, his agility and accuracy sharply exceeding initial estimates. Dorias, inspired by the activity, reinforced weapons at the forward posts, subtly improving shields and sword edges in preparation.
A few villagers had been placed at strategic points to provide support. They remained tense, loyalty untested, but the carefully guided exercises demonstrated the value of cooperation. Leonidas noted their reactions: hesitation, curiosity, and tentative trust—all important indicators for future influence.
Marcus whispered, "He's performing well… but they could panic. If the villagers flee, the whole line could collapse."
Leonidas's gaze was steady. "Watch closely. Loyalty is situational. The Spartans' average begins at 80%, but these influenced villagers are not yet fully committed. Their decisions in this engagement will reveal where reinforcement and guidance are needed."
---
The skirmish intensified as the enemy moved closer. One of the uncommitted villagers froze, unable to act under the pressure of arrows and shouting. Leonidas noted the hesitation and quickly directed Kael to cover the weak point.
"Move here, shield to the left!" Leonidas commanded. "Use cover, control your breathing—observe and react."
The villagers followed instructions, their movements tentative but improving under structured guidance. The enemy faltered at the coordinated display, assuming they had encountered only standard, unrefined forces. Selene's cavalry emerged from cover at the perfect moment, cutting off retreat and forcing a partial surrender.
By the end of the engagement, losses were minimal. The newly influenced villagers had performed under pressure, displaying skill and initiative beyond what they had shown in previous exercises. Some pledged to continue assisting, while others remained cautious—still watching, still calculating. Leonidas made mental notes.
Altheus, Archer: Loyalty 60% (improved from 50%)
Dorias, Blacksmith: Loyalty 65% (improved by participation and guidance)
Villagers: Average trust 45% (latent potential identified for future influence)
Marcus exhaled sharply. "I admit… they did better than expected. Even those who didn't fully commit."
Leonidas nodded. "Potential is only realized through experience. Influence today has laid the foundation for future loyalty. Some will never join voluntarily, but even their skills can benefit us indirectly until the moment is right."
Theron added, "We're seeing the beginnings of an expanded Spartan force—not just trained soldiers, but skilled auxiliaries. The army grows stronger every day."
Leonidas's mind already moved ahead. Patience, observation, and careful guidance. Each small step today compounds into decisive advantage tomorrow. The seeds we plant now will become pillars of the Spartan army in the battles to come.
As the sun dipped toward the western ridges, Leonidas surveyed his men and the newly influenced villagers. The test had been successful, but this was only the beginning. Every encounter, every exercise, every carefully guided influence would shape the future of the Spartan army—its strength, cohesion, and unshakable loyalty.
One day, he thought, these seeds of influence will bloom into an unstoppable force. And when that day comes, every potential hidden in these valleys will serve Spartan strategy—and me.