System: Build My Own Territory Chapter 972 - 288: Swearing Allegiance (10,000 Words)_3

"We can!"

Lynn continued, "When facing the enemy's charge, can you use your bodies to impede their advance?"

Tyrone declared with conviction, "We can!"

The soldiers positioned behind him responded with a resounding chorus.

"We can!"

Lynn's tone grew serious as he asked, "When faced with a wall on the verge of collapse, will you hold your position until the very last moment?"

"Even if it means fighting until death? Until the last drop of your blood is spilled?"

Tyrone's lips parted slightly, his intended words halting mid-utterance.

He realized Lynn's question directly pertained to Pan Yan City.

Although Pan Yan City was ultimately destined for defeat due to the overwhelming disparity in strength, even without surrender, their fate was sealed.

However, for the Lord to whom they now swore allegiance, this was a significant hurdle.

The feeling was profoundly bitter, and it was no exaggeration to describe it as such.

A group composed of war prisoners who had chosen to surrender to preserve their lives...

How could they possibly earn anyone's trust easily?

Tyrone finally grasped the reason behind the Lord's hesitant acceptance of them.

But!

Tyrone lifted his head high, his gaze filled with unwavering resolve, and shouted towards Lynn.

"We can!"

As his voice echoed, the prisoners behind him joined in a unified shout.

"We can!"

It seemed the prisoners sensed the underlying doubt and mistrust within Lynn's inquiries.

The fervor of their shout this time was several times more intense than before.

It was like a thunderclap, piercing the heavens and reverberating through the sky.

Only after several seconds did the sound gradually begin to fade.

As the resonance subsided.

Lynn nodded, addressing the prisoners directly, "Excellent!"

"I, Lynn Blake, accept your sworn loyalty!"

"You may rise!"

Upon hearing Lynn's words, Tyrone's eyebrows lifted with a touch of surprise.

It wasn't just Tyrone.

The prisoners standing behind him shared the exact same sentiment.

Amidst their elation, a flicker of bewilderment could be seen.

Exchanging glances, they slowly rose to their feet.

Led by Tyrone, a unified voice arose.

"Thank you, my Lord!"

Lynn nodded and continued speaking.

"The Pan Rock Iron Guard formation will be preserved, and I hereby appoint Tyrone as Commander to oversee your complete management."

"From this moment forward, you are no longer the eight hundred Iron Guards of Pan Yan City! You are the Pan Rock Iron Guard of this territory!"

The elation in the eyes of the prisoners intensified dramatically.

Lynn surveyed them once more, stating.

"Loyalty is not merely a matter of spoken promises."

"I eagerly anticipate your future actions!"

Sensing the implicitly cautionary tone in Lynn's declaration, their expressions turned serious and determined.

"We shall never falter in upholding the Lord's trust."

Lynn nodded, indulging in a moment of private thought as he initiated the review of their individual status panels.

Perhaps it was due to their newfound loyalty.

Or perhaps it was a result of his growing trust in these former prisoner soldiers.

Their loyalty metrics were demonstrably on the rise.

Lynn then shifted his gaze towards the guards positioned below the platform and issued an order.

"Remove the handcuffs and shackles from everyone."

"Henceforth, they are no longer prisoners but citizens of this town, just like all others!"

Under the watchful eyes of the prisoner soldiers, Lynn descended from the speaker's platform.

He turned his attention to Tyrone, who stood not far away.

Without requiring any verbal cue from Lynn, Tyrone straightened up and hurried forward.

Tyrone bowed deeply, speaking with utmost respect, "My Lord."

Lynn responded, "From this point on, you are the Commander of the Pan Rock Iron Guard!"

Tyrone's bow deepened further.

"Thank you, my Lord. Tyrone assures you, I will never betray your trust."

Lynn stated with gravity, "As I have already emphasized, actions speak far louder than words!"

Tyrone's countenance became solemn, devoid of any further pronouncements of promise.

Lynn continued his address: "You are no longer required to participate in production labor."

"You may perceive this territory as a place of tranquility, where townsfolk live and work in contentment."

"However, beyond the borders of this territory, turbulent undercurrents are brewing, and numerous perils lie in wait."

"Should conflict arise, I will first deploy the Pan Rock Iron Guard to engage the enemy."

"Therefore, I need you to lead them, resume your previous training methodologies, and restore their combat effectiveness!"

Tyrone's response was firm, "Yes, my Lord."

Lynn added, "Regarding the necessary training grounds and accommodations, as well as the armament and armor for the soldiers, I will ensure these are promptly arranged for you."

Tyrone bowed once more, expressing, "Thank you, my Lord."

Lynn nodded, granting Tyrone permission to step down and commence the organizational restructuring of the former prisoner soldiers.

He then proceeded towards the handicraft workshops.

As he walked, his mind was occupied with contemplation.

He was considering the future arrangements for these eight hundred soldiers who now formed the Pan Rock Iron Guard.

By establishing the Pan Rock Iron Guard within the territory, his intention was naturally to instill within these soldiers a profound sense of honor.

Furthermore, it was a gesture to signify his respect for the soldiers' past experiences.

Additionally.

This proved to be the right move.

The loyalty metric for the eight hundred Pan Rock Iron Guards kept climbing!

Naturally.

He had also considered the possibility that the establishment of the Pan Rock Iron Guard could give rise to internal military factions within his domain!

Rose's cavalry, Wesley's archers...

He even contemplated the potential friction and clashes between these military factions.

But still.

He wasn't concerned even if that scenario came to pass.

Military factions exist with both their upsides and downsides.

The advantages are:

First.

Such divisions can prevent a single leader from accumulating too much authority, thereby lessening the chances of a mercenary rebellion or a power grab.

Furthermore, it bolsters his command over the soldier units!