Chapter 307: Time to Get Serious, Family!

Chapter 307: Time to Get Serious, Family!

The Brotherhood's members had varying levels of strength, so even the ranks of squad leaders, company leaders, and battalion leaders were divided into seven grades: 1-star to 7-star. The lower the grade, the weaker the squad members under their command.

"Understood, Boss!"

Amayee turned and ran down the corridor without hesitation.

Amay and Ame exchanged glances and moved forward, grabbing hold of the Boss's sleeves on either side.

Li Meng looked down at Amay, who raised her head and gave him a sweet smile.

The adorably mischievous Amay and Ame compelled Li Meng to reach out and ruffle their small heads.

Although Amayee and the other two referred to themselves as his subordinates, they were more like pets.

About two hours later, the battalion leaders had gathered in the Brotherhood's grand hall.

Li Meng sat on the upper platform in a wide chair, looking down at the nearly hundred battalion leaders standing in orderly rows.

All the battalion leaders wore a standardized uniform: black mage robes, leather armor, plate armor, hooded cloaks, and wide-brimmed hats adorned with red stars corresponding to their rank.

This uniform, designed by Li Meng himself, had taken significant time to create due to its intricate craftsmanship. For now, only the battalion leaders had uniforms; the regular members would have to wait three to four months.

Once donned, the uniforms gave the battalion leaders a unified, commanding presence.

At the forefront stood the 4-star battalion leaders, who corresponded to king-tier professionals. In the labyrinth city of Aukladeo, king-tier professionals were common, but saint-tier individuals were rare. Such figures typically retired from adventuring to become valued members of powerful factions.

However, there were still saint-tier adventurers, though their numbers were extremely few.

Li Meng addressed the battalion leaders, his voice steady and commanding:

"After a month of rest, you're all more or less recovered. Starting tomorrow, you'll resume exploring the labyrinth. Don't overestimate your strength, but don't underestimate yourselves and stop progressing either."

No one knew how many levels the labyrinth had. Officially, 41 levels had been revealed, but the actual number explored far exceeded this. The labyrinth's terrain was exceedingly complex, with numerous teleportation arrays functioning like elevators to specific levels.

Some teleportation arrays led to isolated spaces, known as hidden labyrinths. These hidden labyrinths were particularly dangerous, as damage to the teleportation arrays could trap adventurers inside.

"If someone causes trouble for you, handle weaker opponents yourselves. If you're outmatched, band together. If you're up against king-tier professionals or stronger, prioritize survival—I'll handle the aftermath. Remember, we're neither thieves nor bandits. No matter what kind of people you were before, as long as you're part of the Brotherhood, you must act like decent people. I don't expect you to be saints, but anyone abusing the Brotherhood's name to commit atrocities won't be forgiven.

"I am Silver Mask—a hidden, faceless figure, but I am also your boss. As long as you remain part of the Brotherhood, you are my family."

The battalion leaders collectively turned their gaze to their leader above, responding in unison:

"Understood, Boss!"

Their eyes were filled with respect and gratitude. Without the Boss, many of them would still be wandering the slums, starving and freezing. Now, they had dignity, no longer forced to sell their bodies just to survive.

The Boss had given them more than food and shelter; he had restored their self-respect.

Even the Boss's actions earned admiration—no one else had cared about the lives of crippled adventurers before he came along.

"Dismissed. If there's an issue, report to Vice President Rose."

The battalion leaders stood tall, placing their right hands over their chests in salute.

Li Meng rose from his seat and walked toward a side corridor. Only when he disappeared from view did the battalion leaders disperse.

"Vice President! Vice President!"

As Rose prepared to leave the hall, a female battalion leader called out to her.

The woman's wide-brimmed hat bore three red stars, marking her as an advanced professional. Dressed in tight black leather armor, she was likely an archer or assassin.

"Is something wrong?"

The female battalion leader's face flushed as she nodded slightly. "I... I'm ready now."

Rose gave her a once-over before glancing at a male battalion leader nearby, who occasionally cast glances in their direction.

"Think carefully. Don't expect the Boss's love. That's not part of his mindset," Rose warned.

Having spent over a month observing the Boss, Rose understood him better. The Boss wasn't capable of emotional attachments—women were merely tools for reproduction to him.

Hearing this, Casey—her name, as Rose soon learned—brushed a strand of hair from her face with a coy smile.

"I understand. I'm just... curious."

Curious? Rose sized Casey up again. Her figure was excellent, and her recovery from apparent malnourishment suggested she hadn't been a long-time slum dweller. Casey was likely an adventurer who joined the Brotherhood to heal a lost limb.

Her looks were above average, leaning toward the attractive side.

"What's your name?"

"Casey."

Rose glanced at the male battalion leader again. "Will he be a problem?"

Casey shook her head. "No, he's just a friend."

"A friend?" Rose chuckled skeptically. "There's no such thing as pure friendship between men and women."

It wasn't impossible, but in most cases, friendships between men and women carried hidden intentions.

Casey hesitated as though wanting to say something but couldn't find the words.

"That's your private matter. I won't interfere. However, as Vice President, it's my duty to remind you—don't mix your personal affairs with the Boss. Consider this a friendly warning."

Casey nodded lightly, understanding Rose's meaning.

"Wait for my notification. I'll contact you."

Casey turned and left, her silhouette alluring as she walked away. Watching her disappear, Rose shook her head in resignation.

The Boss was a true powerhouse—strong, tall, and shrouded in mystery. To this day, no one knew his exact origins, sparking widespread curiosity in the Brotherhood.

Some women wanted to explore the Boss's nature by seducing him, while others hoped to climb the ranks through him.

Those women, however, were destined for disappointment.

Rose didn't stop them but carefully selected candidates to arrange private meetings with the Boss.