A New Era of Brotherhood

The morning sun had barely begun to rise over Baymard, and the cool air carried a quiet anticipation. Landon stood tall at the head of the inner courtyard, a figure of quiet confidence. His soldiers stood in disciplined rows, awaiting his command. He knew what he had to do. The training he would instill in them would be rigorous and unlike anything they had experienced before.

He had seen it all before on Earth—the importance of discipline, physical conditioning, and routine. When Landon was 18, he had served his country in various military capacities for two years before transitioning to work as a mechanical engineer. In that time, he had come to understand the importance of building confidence, physical prowess, and loyalty among soldiers—elements he planned to use to turn his ragtag army into something far more formidable. And once the system rewarded him with the knowledge of gunpowder and cannons, his vision would expand even further. But for now, it was all about getting his men in peak condition, honing their reflexes, and building their sense of camaraderie.

He scanned the group of knights before him. They were mostly older men, many of whom had seen little action and were more familiar with hardship than combat. But they had potential—Landon could feel it. These men could be more than they ever dreamed possible. He didn’t need soldiers who acted for personal glory or money. He needed soldiers who would be loyal to him, to each other, and to the kingdom.

His gaze turned sharp as he addressed them, his voice low but commanding.

“Tomorrow morning, before the first light of dawn, all knights will assemble in the inner courtyard for training. These sessions will include new routines alongside your usual sword practice. Arrive late, and you’ll miss your breakfast and lunch. More than three absences without a valid reason will result in a full day without food, followed by intense punishment. Do you understand?”

The knights responded immediately, their voices ringing with discipline.

“Yes, My King!”

Landon nodded, his face stern. “Excellent. Now, divide yourselves into three groups. Each group must contain 100 men. You may organize yourselves as you see fit, but ensure that each group is balanced. We have three Knight Captains, and they will each lead a group.”

The knights swiftly moved into position, forming their groups with precision. Landon watched them for a moment before turning to face his mother, Kim, and Lucy.

“Mom, we’ll need enough food to feed all the knights, the workers, and ourselves,” Landon said quietly, his tone softer as he spoke to his mother.

Kim thought for a moment, then answered, “We brought three wagons filled with wheat, one wagon of beans, one of peas, one with barley, rye, and oats. And finally, a wagon full of various seeds needed for farming.”

Landon nodded, relieved. “That’s good. Mom, Lucy… tomorrow morning, I’ll need you to make sure that the kitchen prepares enough food for everyone. I need all the food delivered to the inner courtyard at daybreak.”

Kim smiled gently at her son. “Of course, Landon. This is our home now. I’ll do whatever you need.”

Lucy, who had been standing nearby, flushed at the sound of Landon’s request. She watched him with wide eyes, a blush creeping up her cheeks. ‘When did Brother Landon start looking so... cool? So strong and commanding?’ Her thoughts were scattered as she tried to focus on the task at hand.

“Of course, Landon,” Lucy replied, her voice a little higher than usual. “I’ll make sure the kitchen prepares everything.”

Landon smiled at both women, feeling a deep sense of gratitude. He was truly blessed to have such loyal and capable people by his side. But inwardly, he couldn’t help but sigh at the situation. Why can’t they take me seriously? he thought. Sure, I may look like I’m 15, but I’m a grown man—why do they keep treating me like a little boy?

Kim, noticing her son’s slightly exasperated expression, giggled to herself. “My little boy has grown up,” she said, pinching his cheek playfully.

Landon stiffened, his face flushing with embarrassment. He managed to keep a serious expression, though, as he turned to face the soldiers once more.

“Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Lucy,” he said with a forced smile before returning to his duties.

The knights had now formed their three groups, and Landon turned his attention to them, moving toward the front of the assembly. The three Knight Captains stood at attention, ready for orders.

“Since we have three Knight Captains, all knights will be grouped under these leaders. Each Knight Captain will report directly to Commander Lucius.” Landon’s voice rang with authority. “Captain Josh!”

Josh, a seasoned warrior, stepped forward and gave a respectful salute. “My King,” he said, bowing deeply.

Landon nodded. “You will lead, train, and take care of all men in the first group.”

“As you wish, My King,” Josh responded, his face grim with determination.

Josh then moved to the first group of knights, and upon his arrival, they shouted in unison, “Captain!”

Landon then proceeded to assign Mark and Gary as the leaders of the second and third groups, repeating the same ceremony with each of them.

Once the groups were established and the knights had pledged their loyalty, Landon stood before them. His voice was strong, filled with passion.

“You will take each other as brothers,” he said. “You will eat together, work together, grow strong together, and build this kingdom together. No knight will ever be left behind.”

The knights were stunned, and for the first time, many of them felt something stir deep within them—a sense of purpose, of belonging. They had never been treated this way before. In the capital, they had been nothing but tools for the empire, disposable and forgotten. But here, under Landon’s leadership, they felt like they truly mattered.

“No knight will be left behind?” one of the soldiers whispered to his comrade. It was a foreign concept to them.

Landon gave them a moment to absorb his words, then continued, “Now, we will conduct an inspection of the land. Commander Lucius, what is your opinion?”

Lucius stepped forward, his face thoughtful. “My King, I believe it is an excellent idea. A land inspection will give us a clearer understanding of how to protect Baymard.”

“I agree,” Landon said, nodding in approval. “We need to understand the situation here fully. From what we learn, we can allocate duties and responsibilities more effectively. For now, let’s go and see Baymard.”

As they began to march towards the gates, Lucius stopped Landon with a smile.

“Little Landon, does your cheek still hurt?” Lucius asked, teasing the young king.

Landon froze, his face turning bright red. He hadn’t realized the entire group was watching when his mother pinched his cheek earlier. His soldiers were now looking at him with knowing grins.

“Lucius!” Landon growled, but despite his best efforts, he couldn’t help but laugh.

"At least it was only your cheek, My King," Lucius said with a wink.

Landon groaned inwardly. Of all the times for my mother to get emotional…

The knights burst into laughter, the tension of their training momentarily forgotten. Yet, Landon could feel the bonds of camaraderie forming already—something that would make them stronger than ever before.

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