The air in Sanala carried a mixture of scents—spice, sand, and a faint hint of sweat that clung to the city’s bustling streets. Even though the sun was dipping below the horizon, the warmth of the day still lingered, radiating from the sandstone buildings that formed a labyrinth of narrow alleys and vibrant market squares. Merchants called out to passersby, their voices blending into a symphony of languages that filled the evening air. The smell of freshly baked flatbread mingled with the aroma of roasted lamb and cumin, creating a tapestry of sensory impressions that could only belong to Aserai lands.

As I wandered through the streets, the weight of our situation settled heavily on my shoulders. The aftermath of Sultan Unquid’s retreat left more than just a void in our coffers—it left a question mark over our future. We had no employer, no long-term plan, and no guarantee of stability. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, Nova was thriving in its own way. The members of our group showed resilience, a determination that mirrored my own. But determination alone wasn’t enough to keep us afloat. We needed funds, and more importantly, we needed direction.

Although our group was technically still under contract with Sultan Unquid, his retreat during the last battle left that agreement meaningless. Contracts depended on trust and mutual benefit, and the Sultan had failed to uphold his side of the bargain. Not only had he fled, leaving his troops and mercenaries to fend for themselves, but we hadn’t even received an advance payment. A mistake on my part, I admitted bitterly. I should have insisted on some upfront denars to ensure we weren’t left high and dry.

Thankfully, the equipment we looted from the battlefield proved invaluable. The surplus armor and weapons fetched a good price when sold to the governor in Sanala, leaving us with enough funds to sustain the group for some time. However, the experience highlighted a glaring issue: our need for a steady employer. Mercenary work without a contract was nothing but organized drifting.

As I paced in the rented quarters, thinking of our next move, I couldn’t help but reflect on my growing skillset. The abilities I’d acquired after leveling up certain attributes felt crucial for our survival. It became clear to me that carefully planning my development would be vital. Leadership, charm, and tactics stood out as attributes that could shape not just my personal growth but the future of Nova. Specializing in these areas would allow me to command more effectively, secure better contracts, and outmaneuver opponents on the battlefield.

With all that in mind, our primary objective was clear: finding a new employer.

The next morning, the streets of Sanala were alive with activity. The sun cast its golden light over the city, highlighting the intricate carvings that adorned the walls of ancient buildings. Merchants lined the roads, their colorful tents and carts creating a chaotic mosaic of sights and sounds. The aroma of spices—cinnamon, saffron, and cardamom—filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of dried herbs hanging in bunches.

As I moved through the crowd, I overheard snippets of conversation from caravan owners. They spoke of danger on the roads, of the Empire’s patrols growing more aggressive, and of the ever-present threat of bandits. Their voices carried a mix of frustration and desperation, and I couldn’t help but linger, listening for any potential opportunities.

One man, his face lined with worry, gestured emphatically as he spoke to a fellow trader. “The road to the Western Empire is too dangerous,” he said. “The patrols won’t hesitate to confiscate goods—or worse.”

His companion nodded grimly. “They’re desperate. But if I don’t sell this cargo, my family will starve. I just need a group strong enough to get me through.”

Their plight was a reminder of the harsh realities of this world. Escorting caravans was a potential avenue for income, but the risks were high, and their requirements were steep: at least thirty well-equipped men, capable of handling anything the road might throw at them. Nova wasn’t there yet, but the idea planted a seed in my mind. With the right recruits, we could grow stronger, and more capable.

Over a meal that afternoon, I discussed the idea with Silvana and Leon. That we needed some scouts in our party if we wanted to take some caravan contracts.

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“I need both of you to look for capable riders in the city,” I told them. “They need to be skilled, reliable, and preferably not the type to run at the first sign of trouble. Whether they’re temporary hires or permanent additions, that’s up to you.”

Leon smirked, leaning back in his chair. “You make it sound easy. Good riders don’t come cheap, boss.”

Silvana raised an eyebrow, her tone light but teasing. “Don’t worry, Augustus. I’ll ensure we don’t end up with another Leon on the team.”

The group chuckled, Leon included. “Hey, I might not be the best, but I’ve lasted this long, haven’t I?” he shot back with a grin.

I couldn’t resist a quip. “True, but the bar’s low. Just make sure anyone you find isn’t worse than you.”

The laughter eased the tension in the room, and I sent them off with the task.

The days that followed were a blur of activity. Silvana and Leon scoured the city for recruits, their efforts yielding a handful of promising riders. Nathanos continued to train the newer members, his disciplined approach earning him the respect of the group. And Abda, ever diligent, was deep into her research, her makeshift workstation in the courtyard a hub of activity.

When Nathanos first joined, he had been cautious and reserved, always keeping his siblings close. He had reason to be wary, given the hardships he’d faced. But now, seeing how we treated Alea and Phasos, he had grown more comfortable. Watching him teach his brother how to handle a wooden practice sword while his sister laughed was a small but rewarding reminder of why I led this group.

Timothy, on the other hand, was still adjusting to his new role. After losing his arm, he’d struggled to find purpose within Nova. I had assigned him to work with Abda, our new medic, hoping it would give him direction. To my relief, it seemed to be helping.

That evening, Timothy approached me, looking hesitant.

“Augustus,” he began, fidgeting with his tunic. “Abda’s been working on some research. She wants to develop a new medicine, but she needs around three hundred denars for supplies.” He hesitated, then added, “I know I have no right to ask, but… this could be useful for the group. She’s shy and wouldn’t bring it up herself, so I thought—”

I interrupted him with a smile. “Timothy, it’s fine. If her research could benefit us, I’ll consider it. Just have her tell me what she’s working on. If our budget allows, I’ll happily allocate the funds.”

Relief washed over his face, but I wasn’t done. “Also, you should be the one to give her the news. I’m sure she’ll appreciate hearing it from you.”

A small smile broke through his nervous demeanor. “Thank you, Commander.”

Timothy blushed, muttered something about needing to check on supplies, and hurried off. I couldn’t help but chuckle. He was growing closer to Abda, and seeing him happier than he had been in weeks warmed my heart.

The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. The faint chirping of crickets filled the air, mingling with the distant hum of the city.

That night, I sat with Sora, updating her on the day’s events. We talked about Timothy’s progress, Nathanos’s growing comfort with the group, and Silvana and Leon’s recruitment efforts.

Sora listened intently, her sharp mind picking up on details I hadn’t considered. “You’re building something strong here, Augustus,” she said softly. “Even in the chaos of this world, you’re creating a family. That’s rare.”

Sora nodded, her gaze distant. “He’s been through a lot. They all have. But you’ve given them something to believe in, Augustus. That’s not something many leaders can do.”

Her words carried a weight that I wasn’t sure I was ready to bear. Nova was more than just a mercenary group now—it was a family. And families looked out for each other, no matter what.

Despite the challenges we faced, there was a sense of purpose within Nova that kept everyone moving forward. The atmosphere was one of quiet determination, a collective resolve to face whatever lay ahead. And as I watched the members of my group go about their tasks, I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of hope.

Nova had come a long way, but there was still so much more to achieve. Together, we would carve out a place for ourselves in this world, one step at a time.