Recruiting Guards

Eliza and Sienna were on their workout jeans as they jogged on a threadmill at a private gym.

Sweats poured down on their bodies as Ban didn't know how long they've been running.

"Ahhh!!!" Eliza suddenly yelled excitedly after sensing Ban's presence.

"Tank in a mall!!" Sienna also let out a weird curse as she was flustered by Eliza's scream.

"You scared me, big sis. What's going on?" Sienna patted her chest while asking Eliza.

Eliza didn't answer as she rushed outside.

Sienna got curious as she followed suit. When she saw Ban, she was surprised.

Eliza already jumped into Ban's embrace while sniffing his scent.

"I thought you are in the Capital." Ban carried Eliza as he approached Sienna with a smile.

Sienna dazed for a second and smiled back. She replied, "The school year was temporarily cancelled due to some reasons mainly about Divergents. I just got back here yesterday. I'm sorry for the late announcement."

Ban hugged Sienna with his other arm and shook his head, "Don't be. We're all family here, remember?" He let out a cheeky smile.

Sienna blushed as she tried to let go of the hug saying she was too sweaty.

Ban chuckled as he didn't mind at all. He saw Eliza already covered him with her sweat.

After a while, Eliza let go. She asked, "Did you come here to visit me?"

Ban nodded and smiled gently. He waved his hand and all the sweat of the ladies got evaporated, even the sweaty smell was gone.

"Can I do that too?" Eliza asked with excitement.

Ban made a wry smile and nodded, "You can. I'll teach about that later. For now, we'll accompany grandpa to visit the new soldiers."

"Oh? What for? I know you're too lazy to train them. You should be going there to give them the monthly rewards." Eliza had a pondering look.

"Kind of. Actually, I want to recruit some soldiers to guard my place." Ban pinched her nose and turned to Sienna, "You should come too."

Sienna readily nodded as she also need to have some fresh air.

On their way, Ban said to Eliza, "Seems that you are working hard these days on training."

Eliza forced a smile and replied, "It's because I want to help you, my big sister, my family on taking down enemies." She paused and continued, "After witnessing the condition of my big sister at that night, I never been so helpless in my life. She always protected me from harm. My brother, grandpa, also you, you guys are there to protect me. So this time, I will be the one to help my family. I don't want to be a burden to everyone. I.."

Ban hugged her back. He kissed her forehead and said, "You're never been a burden and never will be. Everyone has their own traits. You are like our sunshine. Without you, everything will be dull. You are our happiness. You made the day lively with your presence. That's you and nobody else can do that except you."

"That's true, big sis." Sienna nodded with a smile as she hugged Eliza.

Eliza's mood lifted. She smiled and hugged the two. However, she will train more in the future to get stronger which was also approved by Ban.

Soldiers passing by were envious at the scene. They also wanted to get a hug from those gorgeous ladies.

...

Vernard and the others arrived at the camp of new soldiers...

Sergeant Kerr, Bell, Grant and Scott welcomed Vernard with a salute.

The soldiers also got to their formation and made a salute.

"At ease."

Vernard nodded. He stared at the crowd and announced, "You guys should probably know Instructor Rocks." He pointed at Ban who stepped forward.

The crowd also nodded as the saluted Ban with respect.

Vernard was a little bit surprised and he continued, "Today, he will recruit soldiers to be his private soldier. Meaning, those that he will recruit will not be handled by the military anymore. You will only follow his commands and nobody else including me." He paused and continued, "However, once you will be recruited to his side, you cannot resign nor back down. You will be his subordinates until the last day of your life. You can raise your hand to ask him some questions." He then stepped aside and presented Ban to everyone.

A female soldier immediately raised her hand.

Ban nodded at her.

"Will we get a vacation if I join your side?"

"Yes. I will give them certain days of vacation every year. You can visit your family twice a week just like a normal worker. Next."

Another one asked, "Is our job requires killing? Like assassinating a person?"

"Depends. I plan to recruit you to guard a place for me. Of course, intruders must be dealt with certain punishment that includes killing."

Another one asked, "What are the salary and benefits?"

Ban smiled and replied, "Believe me. The least thing you will be worried about is this feature. Next."

Another one asked, "How many soldiers you will be recruiting?"

"Ten. Next."

The soldiers stared at one another.

Rumors already spread the camp about his rewards when he first arrived.

Those twenty individuals improved their abilities by leaps and bounds and were all leading every team they paired.

Another one asked, "Will you randomly choose ten if we all agreed to be recruited?"

Ban smiled and replied, "Luck."

The soldiers got puzzled.

"I know most of you will think it will be unfair if I start a competition. So I decided to make it simple, Draw lots."

Most of the soldiers agreed at the decision of Ban.

"Now, move to your right if you want to be recruited and left if you don't want to be recruited."

Soon, the soldiers moved accordingly to their choices. Almost 90% of the soldiers decided to be Ban's subordinate and over 10% were uncertain so they decided to back down.

"I will draw ten numbers and that's it. I wish you luck." Ban nodded and told the sergeants to prepair the materials.

It didn't take long as Ban draw ten soldiers with the help of Eliza who drew all of the numbers. There were three men and seven women in total of ten.

"I may be back someday to recruit again so just continue what you are doing." Ban made a salute to the soldiers and exited the stage. He told the ten soldiers to pack their things and head back to the main camp to meet him there.

"Sir."

When Vernard and others were about to head back. Sergeant Scott called out to Ban.

"Yes?" Ban remembered this tanned beauty. She was the first one to side in him when he was questioned by everyone.

"I-I want to be your subordinate, Sir."

Ban's group had a look of interest. Even the sergeants were flustered of Scott's action.

"Scott." Sergeant Bell called out. He fell in love with her, but she still didn't return his feelings. Now that she might gone away, he became agitated.

Sergeant Scott frowned at Sergeant Bell before turning to Ban with determination on her face.

Ban stared at her for a while and pondered. He said, "I don't mind. However, you are a sergeant. I'm not planning on raising you salary because of your status."

"I'm okay with anything, sir." Sergeant Scott nodded firmly.

Ban turned to Vernard who made a wry smile, "You're taking away all my elites, kid. Fine, do whatever you want." In the end, he waved his hand with a smile.

"Thanks, grandpa. I owe you one." Ban laughed.

"Scott." Sergeant Bell gritted his teeth as he called out again. His face was turning green from anger.

"I've decided and won't change my mind." Sergeant Scott didn't even look at Sergeant Bell who was fuming in anger.

Sergeant Bell gnashed his teeth in silence. He only continued on training the soldiers because he was courting Sergeant Scott. Now that she will be gone, his mind was filled with evil intentions.

Ban squinted his eyes at Bell and shook his head.

'What a bad seed. Destroying the whole camp? Tsk!*'

Ban then used his Soul Catcher skill on Bell and the latter turned silent. He instructed Bell to do his daily routine just like the usual.

'Next destination, to the Invincible Palace headquarters.'