The Legion moved like shadows across the towns and outskirts.
With Gareth, Maruna, and Zareth at the helm, the three squads swept through the region's black markets and hidden compounds. The smaller trafficking rings—once confident in their anonymity—were utterly blindsided.
Chains shattered. Doors torn off. Sobs turned into freedom cries.
The freed captives, dazed and afraid, looked at their armored rescuers as if they were divine messengers.
"You're safe now," Gareth said firmly, handing a girl a blanket, "No one touches you again."
By the time dusk fell, over 200 captives had been freed. Among them, Zareth's sharp eye had noticed something more:
Potential.
Strong bodies. Hardened wills. Burning hatred for the world that broke them.
They brought them back.
At the Legion Base, Zairon stood atop the grand balcony as the rescued stood below, flanked by Legion members.
"You were betrayed by the world."
"Now, I offer you a new one."
"Join the Sovereign Legion. I won't promise comfort. I offer battle, blood, and purpose. But in return—"
"You will never be powerless again."
They knelt—one by one.
Some wept.
Others smiled for the first time in years.
The Next Day
Zairon summoned the veterans from the earlier raid.
"You've proven yourselves. Now you lead."
- Rekan, the ex-mercenary with sharp reflexes, was put in charge of the Assassin Division.
- Seris, a calm and quiet beauty with bow mastery, now led the Archer Division.
- Frek, who fought with brutal strength, led a Combat Battalion.
- Lena's healers now had their own budding group of acolytes under her command.
**- And Maruna? She would oversee Squad Development and Morale—the beating heart of the Legion's growth.
Training and Division
Zairon provided everyone with basic Spiritual Cultivation Techniques and allowed those with more potential to access stronger paths.
He observed quietly—like a general eyeing pieces on a divine board.
He saw patterns.
Some were born to strike from the shadows. Others to guard. Some to heal. Some to lead.
Soon, the Legion had true structure:
Combat Core
Assassins
Archers
Shieldguard (defenders)
Healers
Scouts
Tactical Command & Support Unit
F-Rank Dungeon Raid
With new leaders in charge, the Legion's newest recruits were taken to a nearby F-Rank Dungeon. Zairon didn't interfere.
Instead, he watched from afar as the new leaders taught, guided, and unleashed the rookies.
Mistakes were made.
But none died.
And all returned stronger.
E-Rank Dungeon followed.
This time, monsters came in waves. The archers rained death from above. Assassins struck from the shadows. Combat squads held the line. The Healers kept them alive.
Zairon nodded.
"They're learning."
Later that night, Zairon stood atop the half-built Sovereign Citadel, overlooking the camp.
"Soon, we raid D-Rank dungeons with full squads. And after that... a city raid, perhaps?"
He smiled to himself.
"But first… more talents. Better gear. Stronger techniques."
The world wouldn't just know his name.
It would kneel.