Chapter 16: Training the Promising Youths
By midday of the following day, all the city's boys and adolescents had gathered beside the castle's high wall. Their number was around four hundred. None of them knew why they had been summoned, which made them anxious and hesitant. Many wanted to return home, but the powerful soldiers surrounding them prevented any rash actions.
They whispered among themselves in hushed tones:
" Why have they gathered us here? "
" I heard it's Lord Arvan's orders. "
" Look, they even brought all the girls too... I'd understand if it were just them, but why us as well? "
Their bodies trembled, and some felt like vomiting at a disgusting thought that crossed their minds. But they quickly pulled themselves together and dismissed the idea.
Amidst their murmurs of fear and anticipation, the one responsible for this scene appeared. Arthur exited the castle gates, accompanied by Chadwick, Octavia, and a few other soldiers who watched their surroundings cautiously.
His appearance was imposing, dressed in noble, elegant garments. His skin was clean and smooth. Instinctively, many of the ambitious youths felt a surge of jealousy. But they quickly remembered their position, and their envy turned to fear. They bowed their heads, not daring to look him in the eye again.
Arthur stood before the crowd and, with chilling indifference, began scanning them using the system.
[ Physical Potential: Low ]
[ Physical Potential: Low ]