The next day, at the training grounds.
The weather was sunny and pleasant, and the team members were practicing quietly… or so it was said.
Jin shouted: You there, stand on three fingers.
The young man replied: Sir, can you do this yourself?
Jin felt nervous.
Jin: Huh? And why wouldn't I be able to?
The rest of the members stopped training and gathered around him.
: Commander, do it now.
: The commander must teach his subordinates.
Yuan: Hahahaha, this is your reward, you brat.
Jin fell silent for moments and thought in his mind for a bit…
Jin: Guys, do you like grilled meat?
Everyone replied: Yes, sir.
Jin: Then… no training today, let's go and eat.
In the commander's room at night.
Jin was sitting and writing in a small book, with ten other books beside him.
There was a knock on the door.
Jin: Come in.
Song Hyuk entered.
Song: Did you call for me, Commander?
Jin: Yes, I know it has only been two days, but what does the squad think of me?
Song was about to speak, but Jin interrupted him.
Jin: Speak honestly, I will not hurt anyone, I just want to know.
Song: Honestly, they see you as a good person, but an eccentric one.
Jin: Fine, thank you for speaking honestly.
Look… I am inventing a new art. When I finish, write 50 other booklets. If you need another scribe to help you, let me know.
Song: May I ask about this art?
Jin: I am trying to create a strong and light art for the squad members; the sword styles they use are exhausting for the body. Forget about that, will you need an assistant scribe?
Song: Perhaps… for I care about documenting events; writing other things would be very exhausting.
Jin grabbed a scroll, wrote something on it, and stamped it.
Jin: Give this to the palace financial officer in the morning. Request whatever you need and tell him I will meet him if he wishes.
Song took the scroll and remained silent for a while; he did not understand what this was. Their previous leader, the Blade Demon, was insane and used to kill squad members if they angered him, which is why the new members became few and young in age.
For the new commander to be someone who cared for them was truly strange.
Jin: Is there anyone in the team who uses weapons other than the sword?
Song: Yes, there are five who use the spear and four who use the axe.
Jin looked at him for a moment, then grabbed another scroll and began writing on it.
Song: What is this, Commander?
Jin: This is an order for resources to manufacture new weapons for the members. Take it as well in the morning.
Jin pulled out two books from the storage ring.
Jin: This is a spear art, and this is a technique for using the axe.
Make copies of them for the users, and tell all members to draw the shape of the weapon they need and write anything they might need as well; record it and request it tomorrow.
Ah… Tell them to be comfortable around me when someone is speaking to me in private. When we are all present or when submitting a report, they must adhere to formalities. I will not forgive any negligence.
Song smiled, his heart overflowing with joy. He did not know what to say, for this situation was new, and he had never heard of a leader treating his subordinates this way in the sect before.
Song asked for permission to leave and stood up to depart.
Jin: Wait… how old is your younger sister?
Song: Seventeen years old, Commander.
Jin: Does she prefer something specific as a gift, and do you have the money to bring it?
Song: Nothing specific, sir, and my financial affairs are good.
Jin looked at him for a moment, then took out four gold ounces and placed them before him.
Take these and buy her what she wants. If you need anything else, let me know, and do not record this; it is not from the squad's budget.
Song was astonished and asked him:
Song: Sir, this is ten full months' salary of my work.
Jin: So what is the problem?
Song was silent for moments, astonishment appearing on his face, then he spoke.
Song: Sir, may I ask you about the reason for treating us in this manner? I have never seen this before.
Jin smiled and began to speak.
Jin: Because this is what it means to be a leader.
Leadership does not mean being harsh or disciplined… rather, its essence is to gain sincere loyalty and gratitude from your subordinates. This alone will make them bring out the best they have in their work.
Song looked at him while tears were falling from his eyes as he thought.
Eight years had passed for him working as a scribe in the palace debts; he saw nothing but harsh treatment and lack of care from everyone—even insults over the simplest matters. Even when he found a respectful person, that person would never touch upon the feelings or needs of ordinary people.
Song bowed.
Song: Thank you, sir. I will never forget your kindness toward us.
Song left with happiness filling his face, while Jin continued inventing his new art.
End of Chapter.