On the training ground of Castle Black, the cold wind carried snowflakes, stinging people's cheeks.
One hundred and fifty Night's Watch Rangers stood in a loose square formation in the center of the training ground.
Their faces held a curious expression.
Recently, Lynn had been making quite a name for himself.
Even those Night's Watch members who had been reassigned from other places had heard rumors.
They were the most elite force of the Night's Watch, the sharp sword of the Wall.
Every single one of them was a veteran who had survived life-and-death struggles with the wildlings.
They were proud, they were arrogant, and they only respected true strength.
And now, such a young man had become their commander?
And they were to be chosen by him like merchandise?
Did he have some extraordinary quality?
Lynn stood before them.
He wore no heavy armor, only a black leather jerkin that allowed for easy movement.
longclaw, its hilt replaced with a weirwood wolf's head, hung quietly at his waist.
Behind him were his hundred battle-hardened Guards from the North.
They were like a pack of silent wolves, their gazes fixed on the black-clad Night's Watch members in the field.
Jeor Mormont stood on the high platform at the edge of the training ground.
No expression could be seen on his aged face.
But his sharp eyes were fixed intently on Lynn in the field.
This was Lynn's first day as commander.
It was also his first step to truly taking control of this expeditionary force.
"I see it."
"Many of you look down on me."
Lynn spoke.
"You think I'm just a greenhorn who climbed into this position through luck and the Lord Commander's favoritism."
"You think I'm not fit to command you."
A dead silence fell over the training ground.
No one refuted him, but the silence itself was an acknowledgment.
Alliser Thorne stood at the very back of the crowd, a barely perceptible sneer on his face.
He didn't believe that this group, who had spent years clearing out wildlings, would obediently listen!
He was eager to see Lynn make a fool of himself.
Let this ignorant fellow be taught a harsh lesson by these unruly Rangers.
"Very good."
Lynn nodded, seemingly unsurprised by their reaction.
"I don't like to talk nonsense."
Lynn slowly drew longclaw from his waist.
The valyrian steel blade, under the grayish-white sky, shimmered with a strange red ripple.
An invisible aura of sharpness instantly spread out.
The Rangers' pupils involuntarily contracted.
As veterans, they understood better than anyone the oppressive feeling a good sword could bring.
"I understand the rules of the Night's Watch."
Lynn pointed the tip of his sword diagonally towards the ground.
"Whoever is not convinced, step forward."
"Defeat me, and this commander's position is yours."
"If no one can defeat me."
Lynn's gaze swept over everyone like a hawk.
"Then put away all your ridiculous pride and prejudice!"
"From today onwards, my word is command!"
Mormont nodded; not every Ranger was as kind as Benjen.
To get along with this group of Rangers, one could only conquer them with strength.
Arrogant!
Too arrogant!
A suppressed commotion broke out among the Rangers.
They had seen arrogance before, but never this much.
They were all elite Rangers!
"My Lord, with all due respect, you think too highly of yourself!"
A tall Ranger, with a ferocious scar on his face, was the first to step out.
His name was Carter, one of the best among the Rangers, known for his strength and ferocity.
From the weapon rack, he picked up a two-handed great axe that perfectly matched his build.
"I'll show you what true strength is!"
Carter roared, giving Lynn no time to prepare.
Like an enraged bull, he charged at Lynn.
The battle-axe in his hand whipped up a fierce wind as he brought it down!
Lord Commander Mormont on the high platform unconsciously gripped the railing.
Jon and Arya also held their breath nervously.
Lynn did not move.
He just stood there quietly, watching the battle-axe getting closer and closer.
Just as the axe blade was about to touch his scalp.
Lynn moved.
His body shifted a small step to the left.
It was just this small step.
The battle-axe grazed his nose and heavily smashed into the spot where he had just been standing.
Heavy weapons had only one drawback.
If the enemy was not in full armor, it was almost impossible to hit them effectively.
"Boom!"
Frozen dirt splattered.
Carter, due to overexertion, experienced a brief moment of stiffness.
But for Lynn, with his expert swordsmanship, this opening was enough.
longclaw moved.
A white flash of lightning streaked across the air.
Fast!
Extremely fast!
Carter only felt a blur before his eyes, and longclaw was already pressed against his throat.
If Lynn took another step, he would die on the spot.
Carter let out a bitter laugh and dropped his weapon.
"My Lord, I yield. Please forgive my offense earlier."
Lynn sheathed his sword and nodded at Carter.
Then his gaze swept over the completely stunned Rangers.
"Next."
Just two calm words, but they made them feel an invisible pressure.
Instant kill.
A clean and decisive instant kill.
Carter, the strongest among them, couldn't even withstand one move from the opponent before his vital spot was threatened!
What terrifying strength this was!
Why was his sword so fast?
Who could possibly beat him in a one-on-one fight?
The sneer on Alliser Thorne's face had long since frozen.
This guy... was he even human?
He felt that Lynn's swordsmanship had grown significantly stronger!
If he were to cross swords with Lynn again, he feared it wouldn't be long before he was completely suppressed by Lynn!
Who could tell him?
What the hell was going on!
The remaining Rangers looked at each other.
The defiance and contempt on their faces had long since vanished.
They weren't fools; Lynn's sword was clearly a cut above theirs, and going up against him would only be self-humiliation.
No one else stepped forward.
"Since there's no one else."
Lynn slowly returned longclaw to its sheath.
"Then from now on, I am your commander."
"Any questions?"
A dead silence.
"Very good."
Lynn nodded.
"Now, I announce the first order of the expeditionary force."
"Everyone, go back and pack your gear immediately."
"In one hour, we will gather at the North Gate."
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