Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2019: Expanding

With the departure of White Robe and the other high-ranking officials, the Bronze Camp, still buzzing with the excitement of the major assessment, was filled with an atmosphere of joy and laughter. The fact that one in ten individuals received a piece of equipment made those fortunate enough beam with pride, while those who didn't were filled with a mixture of envy and renewed motivation. The scene was undeniably harmonious.

Upon Ye Zhongming's return to his quarters, the ten Thousand-person Leaders, along with a number of middle-level officers, arrived to see him. The Cloud Peak King understood that their visit was a gesture of allegiance.

The day's assessment had, in essence, solidified Ye Zhongming's standing within the Bronze Camp.

After everyone had settled in and taken their seats, their conversation flowed casually, yet with an underlying understanding amongst them all. Ye Zhongming merely offered nods of agreement, a smile gracing his lips as he spoke, but he refrained from making any definitive statements.

Finally, Zhong Hongke rose, his gaze serious as he addressed Ye Zhongming. "Order Leader, when you first arrived, though we didn't harbor outright opposition like Ka Lanka, we did not truly acknowledge you."

Apart from Jie Kui, the other Thousand-person Leaders had, in truth, felt similarly.

"How could a Novice, someone with a Furelai not exceeding two thousand, possessing the strength of an ordinary warrior, be our superior officer?"

Zhong Hongke spoke with unvarnished directness, leaving no room for ambiguity. "However, we later came to realize the wisdom of the clan's decision. You brought not only the title of Novice First but also demonstrated your genuine capabilities. Over these past two months, the entire Bronze Camp's atmosphere has transformed, and this occurred even without our full cooperation. To achieve such results, we all hold you in admiration. This is a unique quality that we, and indeed the entire Star-Eye Clan, seem to lack."

As Zhong Hongke continued, his expression grew complex. His advanced age and deep-seated sentiments regarding the Star-Eye Clan's predicament were evident.

"The longer we observed your actions, the more we recognized your abilities. Gradually, we became genuinely convinced. Today, we publicly declare: from this moment forward, we pledge our loyalty to you as the leader of the Bronze Camp, offering our unwavering support and vowing to protect you until death!"

With his declaration complete, Zhong Hongke executed the Star-Eye Clan's formal military salute with solemn respect towards Ye Zhongming. Those standing behind him followed suit, echoing Zhong Hongke's pledge in unison.

"Then, from this point on, we shall fight side by side," Ye Zhongming reciprocated the salute, fully aware that the Bronze Camp had now truly entered his era.

With all matters settled, the atmosphere became noticeably more relaxed. The previous barriers had vanished, replaced by a sense of camaraderie naturally fostered by their shared team.

"Quite a few individuals were transferred from your respective teams. Now, each Thousand-person Team has vacancies. Considering the hundred people who were eliminated, the deficit is roughly a little over a thousand, correct? I have a proposal: your vacancies will remain unfilled for the time being. At the very least, until suitable candidates emerge, let the situation stand as it is."

Ye Zhongming signaled for individuals to bring water for the middle-level leaders before continuing.

"Aren't we supposed to recruit a hundred new personnel?" Zhi Chaka inquired, a touch of confusion in his voice.

"I intend to form an Eleventh Thousand-person Team," Ye Zhongming announced with firm conviction.

The other Thousand-person Leaders exchanged astonished glances.

Zhong Hongke cleared his throat softly and stated, his tone measured, "Order Leader, this... appears to deviate from standard regulations."

The established structure for the three major camps—Bronze, Silver, and Gold—dictated that both the Bronze and Silver Camps comprised ten Thousand-person Teams. Each team, consisting of one thousand individuals, supplemented by logistics and medical personnel, brought the total strength to just over eleven hundred per camp.

The Gold Camp operated under slightly different circumstances, primarily composed of warriors who had been promoted from the Silver Camp. Beyond this, with the exception of those exceptionally outstanding individuals who would join the Clan Leader's Guard, this represented the pinnacle of advancement for Star-Eye Clan warriors. Theoretically, their numbers should have been the most substantial.

However, their formidable strength meant they were also prime candidates for undertaking critical missions, resulting in a high casualty rate. Consequently, despite the Gold Camp also maintaining ten Thousand-person Teams, they were perpetually understrength. Each Thousand-person Team typically contained only a few hundred individuals. In total, the entire Star-Eye Clan, whose Gold Mask warriors were meant to be the primary fighting force, numbered less than ten thousand.

Of course, above them stood the Clan Leader's Guard, representing the most elite echelon, though their numbers were also not considerable.

This organizational system had been in place within the Star-Eye Clan for many years, remaining unchanged, serving as a method to ensure the combat effectiveness of the three major camps.

As for those deemed unqualified to join the three major camps, their roles were confined to other institutions, where they were responsible for routine duties such as maintaining security and other ancillary tasks.

Ye Zhongming shook his head. "Rules occasionally need to be bent to bring about change. At times, bolstering the number of warriors can also be a method to amplify strength."

"Concerning the clan matters, have no worries. I shall personally go and offer an explanation. By leveraging this officially sanctioned recruitment order, we will not just select one hundred individuals from the current pool, but rather two thousand for rigorous training. As they mature in the future and attain a certain standard, you may then select one thousand to fill the vacant positions within your respective units. The remaining thousand will form the Bronze Camp's Eleventh Thousand-person Team."

Upon hearing Ye Zhongming's declaration, everyone understood that this Order Leader was resolute in his decision and consequently offered no further dissent.

Ye Zhongming pondered for a moment before suddenly addressing Zhong Hongke: "Your Furelai within should now surpass ten thousand, correct?"

Just days prior, Zhong Hongke had been only slightly short of the ten thousand mark. Following recent cultivation efforts, coupled with his performance in the major assessment, it was evident he had proven himself as a warrior with Furelai exceeding ten thousand.

Zhong Hongke nodded, accepting the accolades from those around him.

"So, what are your future aspirations?"

Ye Zhongming's intention was clear: he was inquiring whether Zhong Hongke still wished to remain within the Bronze Camp.

The current First Thousand-person Leader was indeed qualified to transition to the Silver Camp.

"If the Order Leader requires my presence, I shall remain," Zhong Hongke responded without hesitation, signaling his temporary disinclination to join the Silver Camp.

Ye Zhongming offered a smile and a nod. "Naturally, your assistance is needed. In that case, commencing today, you will assume the role of Deputy Order Leader."

Originally, there were provisions for two Deputy Order Leader positions, but both had remained unfilled.

Zhong Hongke had not anticipated this outcome and was somewhat taken aback. He had presumed he would be appointed as the Camp Training Instructor that Ye Zhongming had previously mentioned.

"Regarding your successor, do you have any recommendations?"

With Zhong Hongke now stepping into the Deputy Order Leader position, he would be tasked with overseeing certain aspects of the entire Bronze Camp's operations and could obviously no longer continue as a Thousand-person Leader.

Zhong Hongke quickly adjusted to his new responsibilities. After a brief moment of thought, he stated, "My current deputy is quite capable, though his personal combat prowess is somewhat lacking."

Ye Zhongming acknowledged this with a hum, then, after further consideration, announced, "Very well. Wu Qian, you will now assume the position of Thousand-person Leader for the First Thousand-person Team, effectively succeeding Zhong Hongke. As for the deputy position within the First Thousand-person Team, that individual will be reassigned to lead the newly established Eleventh Thousand-person Team as its Thousand-person Leader. Consequently, both the First and Eleventh Thousand-person Teams will be without Deputy Thousand-person Leaders. You are all to recommend outstanding Hundred-Person Leaders from among your subordinates to me. Following careful deliberation, I will formally announce the appointments. You may proceed similarly with the other vacant positions."

Having swiftly finalized the arrangements for the army's expansion, Ye Zhongming rose. "Everyone, you may disperse for now. Your immediate tasks involve two key directives: firstly, the selection of personnel to be dispatched to the Library Palace—five individuals from each Thousand-person Team. Secondly, reconvene here this evening to engage in a study session of... the 'Universal Laws Principles.'"

With his instructions delivered, he departed swiftly. He needed to visit the clan headquarters to ascertain the cause behind the hurried departure of the two clan leaders earlier.