Chapter 97: Rules
Aaron clapped his hands.
"You didn’t disappoint me."
"Since none of you quit, from today onward, your life will be like living hell."
"Rule One:
If I give an order, you do not question it. You complete it."
"Rule Two:
There are nine teams. If any member fails or makes a mistake, the entire team will be punished."
"Rule Three:
No infighting. If you wish to challenge your captain, you’ll have your chance two months from now. On that day, you’ll fight in front of everyone. If you win, you become the new captain."
"Rule Four:
Starting tomorrow, you’ll earn contribution points for completing your team’s tasks. These points can be used to redeem Knight Breathing Techniques, weapons, tools, and more."
After finishing his speech, Aaron paused and noticed the eager expressions on everyone’s faces.
Then Jack stepped forward, unable to hold back.
"Lord Aaron, are you saying we can cultivate Knight Breathing Techniques?"
His question echoed what everyone else was silently wondering.
Aaron nodded. "Yes. You can redeem them with contribution points. The Knight Breathing Techniques are divided into levels. For now, only Knight Apprentice and Knight Level methods are available. Later, if you choose to join my army, you’ll be able to redeem higher-level techniques, as long as you have enough contribution points."
A wave of understanding swept through the crowd. Heat flashed in their eyes. They knew how rare and valuable breathing methods were.
Aaron saw their excitement and smiled faintly.
"That’s all for now."
He turned to Rumba.
"Is everything ready?"
Rumba nodded. "Yes, Lord Aaron. We’ve prepared enough bone axes and farming tools as requested."
Aaron looked relieved. He turned back to the crowd.
"Team captains, step forward and form a line. Make sure your team members are standing in straight rows."
The captains quickly moved, organizing their teams with precision.
Aaron nodded in approval.
"From now on, if any team fails to line up properly, you’ll receive three warnings. After that, your contribution points will be deducted."
He turned to Kelly and Rumba.
"You and your guards will also earn contribution points.
With those, you can redeem High Knight Breathing Techniques."
Their eyes lit up with determination.
Aaron addressed the captains again.
"You have two tasks today."
"First: Plow the fields. This was originally meant for ordinary villagers, but since many of you are still physically weak, this will help develop your core strength."
"Second: Fell the trees north of the gate. Use the wood to build a wooden wall around the forest behind you."
"That forest will be used to raise wild goats, elks, and rabbits, a reserve for emergencies."
"Captains, come forward and choose your task. Then submit your selection to Kelly. She’ll sign and record it."
"Captain Rumba and his team will supervise. If mistakes are made, they’ll report to Kelly, and your team’s contribution points may be reduced."
Listening to Aaron’s words, the crowd began to understand the gravity of the system.
Just then, Blake raised his hand and asked, "Lord Aaron, after picking a task, can we change it later or split our team to do both tasks simultaneously? Like, some members plow the field while others fell trees?"
The others turned to Aaron, curious.
Aaron nodded thoughtfully. "That’s a good question. But for now, each team must pick only one task. No splitting or switching."
Then Humba stepped forward. "Lord Aaron, can we use our previous contribution points to redeem the Knight Apprentice Breathing Techniques?"
Aaron shook his head. "No. The previous contribution points can only be used to redeem fruits, salt, meat, and weapons within the village. The points you earn from military tasks are part of a separate system, based on combat and discipline."
The crowd nodded in understanding.
They realized something important, none of them had background support. No noble lineage. No inherited techniques.
If they wanted to grow stronger, they would have to earn it, through hard work, discipline, and loyalty.
Suddenly, Kathy raised her hand and asked,
"Lord Aaron, if we need to discuss something,
we’ll have to form a group.
Will our contribution points be deducted for that?"
Aaron paused for a moment,
considering the question.
Then he replied,
"You may request permission from me, Kelly, or Captain Rumba
to form a discussion group.
Once approved, you’re free to sit and talk."
"However, your discussion time must not exceed
the burning time of a small candle. Keep it short and focused."
"Captain Rumba will notify you when your discussion time is up."
"Also, captains have special privileges to check task details. If any of you cannot read, you may ask Kelly for help. She’ll explain the task clearly and inform you of the contribution points earned."
"Additionally, captains may appoint a vice-captain from their team to share responsibilities. For example, if a captain cannot read, but the vice-captain can, they may accompany you to review the task details."
After finishing his explanation, Aaron paused and asked, "Are there any other questions?"
Nilu raised her voice from the crowd.
"Lord Aaron, will contribution points be deducted when we take the tools?"
Aaron nodded thoughtfully, "It depends on your team. If your members take tools and return them damaged, then yes, your team may be charged contribution points to cover the cost."
"Also, at the end of each day, you must submit your completed task. Failure to do so may also affect your points."
Aaron glanced over the crowd once more and asked, "Are there any more questions?"
The people in front remained silent.
Seeing this, he clapped his hands and said, "Alright then. One last thing you must all remember."
"Lunch time is from 12 PM to 1 PM. During that hour, you must not only eat your lunch but also return here on time."
"If you need to use the bathroom, you must ask your team captain for permission. Each person must return within half an hour."
"And if anyone falls ill, you must report to Miss Rita. She is the village doctor, and her contribution points will be recorded accordingly."