Elena's face paled as she realized the nature of their discussion, her grip tightening on her bow.
The other subjects shifted protectively around her, but everyone understood the brutal truth—their combined strength was irrelevant against Gold-rank opposition.
'Animals. All of them.'
The leader raised his hand, silencing his subordinates' crude argument with casual authority. His gaze fixed on Ethan with the calculating intensity of a merchant evaluating merchandise.
"Your barrier is up," he stated, his voice carrying the confidence of absolute power. "You're a new Lord. That makes this simple."
'He knows the system. He is Experienced.'
The man's smile was all teeth and malice. "Surrender to our Lord's will, and we'll spare your pathetic lives. Join our territory as subjects, and you might even keep some dignity."
