It is commonly asserted that only the most renowned and powerful cultivators can secure recruitment into the prestigious King’s Legion. This belief is perpetuated by media outlets, often echoed in the pages of newspapers and the whispers of town criers. Yet, those who live in this era, those familiar with the inner workings of the legion, know that raw power alone is seldom the deciding factor. To be considered for a position within this elite group, a prospective soldier must typically come from the Wilberforce bloodline, belong to one of the ten major tribes, or possess a unique skill or attribute that the legion covets. Despite reaching the exalted level of deva, many hopefuls find themselves turned away, as was evident in this year’s recruitment drive where numerous devas were rejected.
Every year, approximately 700 devas answer the call of the King’s Legion, gathering with hopes of joining this formidable force. However, the legion is selective, recruiting no more than 100 new soldiers from these candidates. It is noteworthy that the majority of those fortunate enough to be chosen usually have ties to either the influential Wilberforce family or one of the other prominent tribes. This pattern has reinforced the notion that lineage often trumps ability in these decisions.
In terms of martial prowess and heritage, there is arguably no other legion in the world that matches the King’s Legion. They boast the most formidable warriors, seasoned veterans, and individuals of noble bloodlines, making them a force revered and feared in equal measure.
The latest recruitment notice, however, has sparked widespread surprise and curiosity. For the first time, the King’s Legion is extending its recruitment to include members from a little-known tribe called Bayajidda. This tribe, unfamiliar to most, has suddenly been thrust into the spotlight, causing many to wonder about its significance and the legion’s motives. This shift in recruitment strategy suggests a possible desperation for new blood or a strategic pivot to diversify the legion’s ranks. Intriguingly, the legion has promised gifts to these recruits before their formal induction, an unprecedented move that breaks from traditional recruitment practices.
Moreover, the recruitment criteria have been noticeably relaxed for members of the Bayajidda tribe. There are no stringent requirements regarding the level of cultivation—neither deva, core formation, nor ki condensation levels are mandated. It seems that even those who have not yet awakened their core might find a place within the legion’s ranks.
The emblem of the King’s Legion carries such prestige that even non-combatant staff like maids, once they don the legion’s insignia, are treated with a high degree of respect by members of the major tribes. This emblem is not just a symbol; it is a powerful protective shield that commands respect and ensures safety across the realm.
The sudden inclusion of the Bayajidda tribe has left many, including Commander Kisa who is present at the gathering, deep in thought. The prevailing question among the crowd is poignant and persistent: Who are the Bayajidda? This query reflects not just curiosity but a strategic concern, as understanding the backgrounds and capabilities of these new potential recruits could have significant implications for the future dynamics within the King’s Legion.
Commander Kisa Wilberforce pondered the familiarity of the tribe’s name. It seemed to echo in his memory, suggesting a fleeting encounter with it, perhaps in the pages of a book. Given the vast array of small tribes he had studied during his academic years, it wasn’t unusual for him to recall names without their associated details. This distant familiarity troubled him slightly, as he strained to remember where exactly he had encountered the name before. It was possible that during his studies of tribal histories and origins, this particular tribe had been mentioned as a footnote, a minor detail in the broader spectrum of his education.
The first question that crossed Commander Kisa’s mind concerned the young man standing before him—Nura. Initially, Kisa had planned to use Nura simply as a messenger, someone who could traverse the areas Kisa himself could not reach due to his current circumstances. However, upon noticing something intriguing about Nura, his plans quickly expanded. A new potential role for Nura began to form in Kisa’s mind, sparking a surge of unexpected joy. This joy was so profound that it shone through his eyes, impossible to mask, and significantly altering the dynamics of their interaction.
This display of happiness did not go unnoticed. Nura Bayajidda, perceiving the joy on Kisa’s face, responded with a frown, his expression clouding with suspicion and wariness. He understood that such an emotional reaction from the commander could signify plans that might involve him in ways he hadn’t anticipated.
Recognizing the need for privacy, Kisa suggested, “We should find a place to discuss alone,” and began moving towards a quieter area.
In those moments, Nura stood frozen, internally debating his next move. His instinct was to run, to escape from Commander Kisa, whom he mistrusted. Yet, after wrestling with his thoughts, he concluded that their chances of a successful escape would be better together than apart. This realization forced him to set aside his initial fears, and he hesitantly decided to follow the commander.
Once they were alone, Kisa delved into more pressing matters. “How many people know that your name is Nura Bayajidda, both in your hometown and in the surrounding regions where Tiriba is located?” he asked seriously. His question was not merely out of curiosity but stemmed from a strategic need to assess the potential risks associated with Nura’s identity. Kisa knew that the recent notice they had discussed could be both a boon and a bane. If it spread widely—and it surely would—it was only a matter of time before it reached Tiriba. Should Prince Armad come across this notice and recognize Nura as an enemy, the consequences could be dire. Kisa needed to gauge how widely recognized Nura’s name was and the likelihood of it drawing unwanted attention.
Nura, after a brief pause, responded with a heavy heart, “Almost everyone knows that my name is Nura Bayajidda in my town. If you ask anyone, they’ll tell you about the local who loves to travel the world. It wouldn’t surprise me if what you fear comes to pass.” He sighed, the weight of the situation settling on him. “But surrendering to the King’s Legion isn’t a wise option. What interest would they have in a small tribe like Bayajidda? Besides, I don’t possess any special knowledge or secrets about our tribe.”
Upon hearing the response, Commander Kisa closed his eyes once more, an expression of subtle regret briefly crossing his features. It might have seemed to an onlooker that he felt sympathy for the young man standing before him. However, the truth was quite different. Commander Kisa was pleased with the young man’s current situation. Previously, the young man, known as Nura Bayajidda, had numerous opportunities to abandon him. He could have alerted the major tribes about their important discovery, escaped to pursue his interests without Kisa, or done anything he wished independently. But now, with the revelation brought by the notice, even someone as naive as Nura should realize that escaping would enable him to potentially expose Kisa’s secret. He could even sketch Kisa’s likeness and distribute it to the forces, allowing them to track him down wherever he might hide. In this light, the notice seemingly benefited no one but Commander Kisa, though he had no intention of letting his companion discern this fact.
“Don’t worry. We’ll turn this notice to our advantage,” Kisa assured him with a calm, strategic tone. “The first thing we need to do is divert the attention of the King’s Legion. As any tome on military strategy will tell you, the most effective way to deflect an enemy’s focus from yourself is to redirect it towards another enemy, one they detest even more than they do you. By doing so, we can shift their scrutiny away from us. Even if your tribe, the Bayajidda, has committed some offense or possesses a unique skill, the King’s Legion currently has a more pressing need to confront Armad than to pursue your tribe. This creates an opportune moment for us to redirect their focus from us to Armad. Once we’ve managed that, I’ll use my contacts to discreetly find out why the King’s Legion is so intent on finding your tribesmen. If they discover something beneficial, it could be advantageous for us; if they find out about any wrongdoing, at least we’ll be forewarned and prepared. However, the first step is to ensure that the King’s Legion is aware of our discovery.”
As he reached this pivotal point in his speech, Kisa reached into his magical bag, his hand moving past various unseen items. After a brief search, he pulled out a folded piece of paper. He unfolded it, glanced over the contents to confirm what he had written earlier, and then extended the paper towards Nura Bayajidda, inviting him to read it. This gesture not only involved Nura in the unfolding strategy but also subtly reinforced the bond of trust and conspiracy that Kisa aimed to build between them.
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They exchanged glances. After a brief silence, Commander Kisa finally spoke. “This document,” he said, holding up a sheaf of papers, “is what I want you to deliver to the King’s legion outpost located within this town. If you manage to get it to them and they read it, you know the response it will provoke.”
Nura remained silent, contemplating. The contents of the document were an accurate recount of the recent battle, but strategically omitted their names, shifting the blame onto Armad. Nura Bayajidda was particularly troubled by the implications of delivering the paper. The primary concern was his anonymity; how could he possibly enter the headquarters and then leave without his identity being compromised?
As if reading his thoughts, Commander Kisa reached into his bag and pulled out a small, ornate seal. Handing it over, he explained, “As soon as you affix this to your chest, your appearance and the signature of your cultivation sense will alter. The only way someone might see through this disguise is if they use a specific Kilebayan skill. Such skills are seldom employed unless circumstances are especially dire. You are merely tasked with delivering the document. The odds of encountering someone capable of identifying you under this guise are exceedingly slim—perhaps 0.1%.”
Nura pondered this deeply, weighing his options. Venturing into the territories of the major tribes carried its own set of risks, yet the task of delivering the paper seemed the lesser of two evils. He was acutely aware of the notices circulating that sought him, and he knew all too well that fleeing the commander would only lead to his identity being exposed. Perhaps Armad, who knew him as Bayajidda, would pursue him from the coastal regions to their present location—a journey spanning several days. By that time, Nura would have already covered much distance. However, it was not Armad who posed the immediate threat but the commander himself.
The most terrifying prospect, however, was the chance of being captured by those hunting for his tribesmen. If caught, they might coerce him into revealing the whereabouts of the remaining members of his tribe. Betraying his people was something Nura could not bring himself to do, even if it meant facing death.
After a long period of reflection, Nura resolved that he would undertake the mission. He decided that at dawn, he would make his way to the headquarters. This decision, though fraught with peril, seemed the best course of action under the circumstances, balancing the risks with the need to protect his tribesmen and maintain his safety.
After making their decision to enter the town, they proceeded directly to a hotel to secure accommodation. They chose a single room for their stay, primarily because Commander Kisa, who was responsible for making the reservation, preferred to keep a close watch on his companion, Nura Bayajidda. Kisa harbored concerns that Nura might attempt to escape during the night, thus he wanted to ensure that they shared the same room.
However, Nura Bayajidda was unfazed by this arrangement. He had already resolved to stay and had no intentions of fleeing, showing a calm acceptance of the situation.
The town itself is noteworthy for hosting a remarkably large and imposing building that serves as the headquarters. This structure is not only significant in function but also in scale, dwarfing even the main administrative building of the town. The headquarters spans about 3 kilometers and rises three stories high, its grandeur evident from any perspective. Security is tight, with cultivators patrolling the grounds diligently. The windows are sheathed in dark tinted glass, obscuring the interior from curious eyes, yet the building’s design and the aura it exudes make it clear that it is a place of importance. Inside, the occupants are no ordinary individuals; they are distinct from the common people and cultivators who typically steer clear of this formidable edifice. The surrounding area has been cleared of other buildings, which were bought and demolished to create a buffer zone around the headquarters, emphasizing its exclusivity and importance.
Currently, a young man is approaching this formidable building, causing a stir among the guards. As he draws near, the guards begin to shout warnings, trying to deter his advance.
Undeterred, the young man announces his purpose: “I’ve come to register for the recruitment exercise of the King’s Legion. I achieved the level of deva more than 20 years ago. I am confident that my skills would be a valuable addition to the legion.”
His declaration momentarily silences the guards, who had been vocally challenging his approach. The head guard, a large, imposing old man marked by a significant scar that lends him a fearsome appearance, steps forward to size up the newcomer. The scar, much like that on an old hyena, adds to his intimidating presence, making the first glance at him a potentially unsettling experience.
The head guard, with a deep and authoritative voice, then questions the young man, “Did you come alone with the registration fee?” The young man nods affirmatively and responds, “Of course, I’ve brought the registration fee of 1,700 Airids.”
The head of the guards paused thoughtfully before addressing the young man, “Are you certain it’s only 1,700 Airids? The amount required before registration has recently increased to over 2,500 Airids. You may be unaware of the updated fee structure.”
The young man’s brow furrowed in frustration. Contrary to the guard’s claim, he was aware that the official registration fee was a mere 1,000 Airids. This fee, however, seemed pointless, as only a select few applicants were chosen for employment after paying it. Furthermore, beyond the base fee, there was an unwritten rule that an additional commission of 700 Airids was expected to be paid directly to the guards for their assistance in navigating the registration process. Recently, however, the guards’ greed seemed to have escalated, as they had begun demanding a commission of 1,500 Airids, exceeding the initial registration fee itself. Faced with no alternative and the pressing need to proceed, the young man suppressed his displeasure. He shook his head in resigned acceptance, saying, “No problem.” He then opened his bag, counted the demanded amount, and handed it to the guard.
The guard’s expression softened into a slight smile upon receiving the money. He signaled to his colleague to collect and verify the amount. Once satisfied, he gestured for the young man to follow him towards the entrance gate, which led to the legion’s reception area. There, they encountered a woman receptionist.
Despite her achieving the third stage of deva, the receptionist’s role was confined to administrative duties within the legion. The guard respectfully explained to her that the young man was there to register for the King’s Legion’s recruitment exercise for the year.
Without raising her eyes from her work, the receptionist handed the young man a form to fill out with his personal information. She also provided another form, which he was to complete post-payment. Diligently, the young man filled out all the necessary paperwork and handed over the respective fees to the receptionist. After completing all the formalities, he turned and exited the reception area, where he found the guard who had escorted him waiting outside.
As they walked towards the exit gate, the guard spoke up again, presenting a new proposition. “If you add another 500 to 1,000 Airids, I can guarantee you’ll know the exact start date of this year’s recruitment exercise. They have recorded your payment, but it’s well-known that most applicants are kept in the dark about the start date until the last hour, often when it’s too late for many to participate. However, with this additional payment, you can be informed a day in advance.”
Nura Bayajidda clenched his teeth without realizing it, a reaction to the unsettling situation at hand. The guards at the King’s Legion headquarters were known for their corruption, a fact that seemed to be an open secret among both insiders and the public. Despite this, the Legion’s higher-ups had not intervened, leading to widespread speculation that these corrupt practices were protected by someone influential within the organization. It was rumored that the implicated guards funneled a portion of their illicit gains to one of the high-ranking commanders, specifically dividing their spoils by giving 2% to the commander while retaining 1% for themselves. This arrangement ensured that no disciplinary action was taken against them, maintaining a status quo that benefitted the few at the expense of the many.
Amid this atmosphere of corruption, a young man found himself inadvertently entangled. Unknown to the guard he interacted with, his purpose at the headquarters was not to participate in the recruitment exercise but to deliver a critical message. Having completed his task, he had no intention of offering a bribe to facilitate any further unofficial business. However, recognizing the volatility of the guard and the potential for conflict, he maintained a facade of being a recruit to keep the situation calm.
During a tense negotiation over a supposed registration fee, the young man attempted to bargain with the guard. “Officer, I don’t have many Airids on me right now. But could you consider reducing the fee to 400 Airids? I only have 450, and I need the rest for accommodations and meals. What do you think of my offer?”
The guard, clearly unimpressed and unwilling to lower his demands, responded sternly, “It’s fine if you’re not eager to know the start date, but I can’t accept less than 500.”
As they continued their walk, both parties were visibly frustrated. Eventually, the young man, feeling cornered, reluctantly handed over the 500 Airids, which brought a sly smile to the guard’s face.
Meanwhile, after the young man had departed from the Legion’s headquarters, the young woman receptionist was sorting through the day’s paperwork. Among the documents, she discovered an unfamiliar sheet attached to another paper. Unable to recall any specific individual from the recruitment day—since she hadn’t made a point of looking at the faces of the applicants—she was puzzled about the origin of this mysterious note. After tearing it off and reading the first few lines, her expression turned serious. Realizing the potential importance of the information it contained, she hurriedly took the note upstairs to her superiors, hoping that they would understand the gravity of its contents and act accordingly.