Preparation

Sean had proposed the plan to confuse the water bandits and then infiltrate because he knew that human nature carries a certain inertia. When people are forced to make a change, the vast majority instinctively hesitate and subtly resist that shift.

It was like in his past life, when someone had to change jobs or move homes. Leaving behind everything familiar and integrating into a completely new environment—anyone would have concerns and a sense of anxiety over gains and losses.

The water bandits were no different. Unless absolutely necessary, who would willingly abandon their familiar home to wander far away or become displaced? Sean was exploiting this mental inertia. Without concrete proof to the contrary, the Water Bandit Leader and his men would likely cling to the hope that the Garrison, as the "rumors" suggested, would soon withdraw.

After leaving Lieutenant Colonel Merkel's Command Tent, Sean returned to his own tent. Inside, Thor and Phil were anxiously waiting for him.

They were curious about what Sean had said to Merkel and the others in the Command Tent, but they understood that some matters were not theirs to pry into. If there was something they needed to know, Sean would tell them himself.

"Phil, brew me a cup of tea first. Then fetch me some clean water..." Sean ordered Phil.

As soon as the words left his mouth, Phil nodded respectfully and hurried out of the tent at a jog.

"Thor, go bring Vinson here. I have something to say to him..." Sean turned and instructed Thor.

"Understood, Young Master. I'll go right away..." Thor agreed immediately. He was about to turn and leave when Sean called him back.

"Hold on. Let me wash up first... then I'll see him." Sean stopped Thor, who was about to leave. Thor nodded in understanding and slowly backed out of the tent.

Now alone in the tent, Sean leaned back wearily in his chair and rubbed his temples. Ever since returning to camp with the Grain Ship convoy that afternoon, he had been busy in the Command Tent without even a moment to drink water. Fatigue showed on his face, but his mind was already working on what he would say to Vinson.

Convincing Vinson to accompany him on a covert approach to the water bandits' stronghold was key to the plan's success. As bandits who had long operated in the swamp, they knew its terrain like the back of their hands.

For Sean to lead a team past all the visible and hidden sentries was nearly impossible. That made Vinson's role crucial. If Sean and his men were discovered, Vinson could step forward and pretend they were the same water bandits who had attacked the Grain Ship earlier.

Whether the bandits grew suspicious or not, it would at least buy them some time before the news reached the Water Bandit Leader. Once Sean and his team got close enough to the stronghold, they could launch a surprise attack.

Sean estimated that they needed to stall for no more than three hours. Vinson was the linchpin of this plan, and Sean frowned as he considered what terms to offer.

Soon, Phil returned at a jog with clean water and prepared everything quickly. He bowed slightly and said apologetically, "Sir, please forgive me... the conditions are a bit rough." His face showed self-reproach.

"It's fine... no need for such formality. Before we left, your sister Alice asked me to look after you..." Sean said with a reassuring smile.

"Thank you, sir. You've already been very kind to me and my sister." Phil remained respectful. Then he added with a smile, "Before we came, my sister insisted that I take good care of you, sir..."

"Mm." Sean nodded at Phil's words and let Phil help him wash away his fatigue with the clean water. Feeling refreshed, he took the hot tea Phil handed him and said with a smile, "I like your sister very much, but I have higher hopes for you. I think you've sensed that already. I hope you'll keep working hard..."

"Thank you, sir. I will do my best. And thank you for taking care of my sister..." Phil replied with a broad smile.

Of course, Sean's "like" had nothing to do with romantic love between a man and a woman. He was simply "genuinely" pleased to accept Alice's "service."

After Sean had rested a bit while sipping his hot tea, Thor brought Vinson to the entrance of Sean's tent.

"Torr, please invite Mr. Vinson in." Sean set down his teacup and spoke to Torr, who stood at the entrance.

"Understood, Young Master." Thor smiled at Sean, then made a gesture for Vinson to enter.

"Sir, you wanted to see me?" Vinson bowed to Sean as soon as he entered the tent, his voice tinged with worry and confusion.

"Mm, Mr. Vinson. Care for a cup?" Sean pointed at the teacup instead of getting straight to the point.

"N-no... thank you, sir. I... please, just tell me what you need..." Vinson waved his hands nervously. The urgency in his voice and the sweat on his forehead told Sean how frightened he was.

"I do have something I need your help with, Vinson..." Sean was satisfied with Vinson's current state. Only a man gripped by fear and a desire to survive would listen to Sean's persuasion and agree to his request.

"Ah... yes, sir. I... I'm very willing to help..." Vinson had been guessing wildly ever since Sean sent for him. He was terrified of hearing the worst news, and only now, with Sean's slight hint, did he breathe a sigh of relief.

"Don't you want to hear what kind of help I need?" Sean asked with a teasing smile, watching Vinson's face.

"Uh... please, sir, just tell me..." Seeing Sean's expression, Vinson's briefly settled heart began to race again. He had to speak cautiously. In his twenty-plus years, he had never been as... unlucky as he had been since meeting Sean.

"Heh, nothing much... I just want to invite you to take a trip back to your water bandit stronghold." Sean watched with amusement as Vinson's face shifted through a range of emotions. It was a petty pleasure—seeing someone else's misfortune always lightened his mood.

That was probably a character flaw most people shared: watching others suffer brought a certain joy to the observer.

Vinson's face paled, and his lips trembled. He didn't know how to respond. To him, Sean's words meant only one thing: the Garrison wanted to send him back to the stronghold as a spy. Whatever he was supposed to do there, it would be extremely dangerous, and his chances of survival were slim.

"Together with me..." Sean added with a smile. He saw Vinson's face freeze in shock, as if he couldn't believe his ears.

"Sir, you... you're not joking?" Vinson asked uncertainly, a flicker of hope rising in his heart.

"Do I look like I'm joking right now?" Sean's smile vanished, and his tone turned cold and serious.

"Ah... no, sir... I... I don't quite understand..." Vinson stammered, intimidated by Sean's sudden stern expression.

"I need you to guide me past the visible and hidden sentries around the stronghold as best you can. And if we're discovered, you'll handle the questioning from the bandits." Sean explained in a grave tone. Once Vinson understood, he continued, "Also, among the captured bandits today, do you have any trusted men? I need someone completely reliable..."

"Sir, I have two trusted men, but..." Vinson hesitated, his eyes shifting.

Sean immediately understood that Vinson was trying to negotiate terms. He fell silent, his serious expression making Vinson nervous and uneasy. Vinson feared that his words might provoke Sean's displeasure.

Tentatively, Vinson asked, "Sir, can you tell me... what punishment I'll face afterward?"

Sean frowned and said coldly, "As a captured water bandit, it's either execution or being reduced to slavery..."

"Sir... that other officer promised to pardon me..." Vinson protested, unwilling to accept this.

"That's if everything goes smoothly. But even then, you'll still be a slave." Sean stated flatly to the anxious Vinson.

Vinson fell silent at this. After a moment, he asked, "Sir, if... if I go with you... would you take me in... and let me have the honor of becoming your Servant?"

Though Vinson was somewhat afraid of Sean, he had to admit Sean's strength. He had also seen how the high-ranking officers (like Lieutenant Colonel Merkel) spoke to Sean with respect, proving Sean had connections.

But most importantly, Sean was young. From the way he had tempered his men (making Thor and Phil kill), it was clear his power base was still forming. If Vinson worked hard, his shared "hardship" with Sean could become a stepping stone to a better future.

Of course, Sean's status wasn't as high as some nobles, but here and now, there was no better option.

Sean felt a stir of interest at Vinson's words. It wasn't because he admired Vinson or anything like that. Rather, if he agreed, Vinson would fight tooth and nail for his future, which would greatly benefit the execution and success of Sean's plan.

"Agreed. Once the mission is completed successfully, I will personally make the request to Lieutenant Colonel Merkel..." Thinking of how it would advance his plan, Sean no longer hesitated, his tone resolute as he answered.

"Thank you, sir... I... I will give it my all, go through fire and water for you, sir..." Vinson, hearing Sean's reply, immediately began bowing repeatedly in excitement, his face full of joy as he kept making assurances.

"Go see your two trusted men right now. Ask them... you know what to say, don't you?" Sean cut off Vinson's somewhat cloying thanks and issued his order.

"I know, I know... I'll make them swear loyalty to you, sir, too, and only then tell them..." Vinson replied ingratiatingly.

"Mm, go. After they agree... remember to bring them to me tonight." Sean frowned, then quickly let it go. He waved his hand to dismiss him, while shooting a glance at Thor; Thor immediately caught on and turned to lead Vinson away.

Earlier, inside the Command Tent, Lieutenant Colonel Merkel had promised Sean that the soldiers participating in the covert rescue mission would undergo his temporary infiltration training. This wasn't because Sean excelled at stealth operations, but because the Imperial Army was only adept at frontal combat.

For the past few centuries, the only large-scale battlefield the Empire had known was along its northern border, where it relied on fortresses and other defensive installations to face off against the habitual raids of the northern steppe barbarians each year.

As for the local Garrison Force, their biggest task was the occasional bandit suppression—but that was usually a straightforward crush relying on overwhelming force, with almost no variation. Hence, the Imperial Army's tactical flexibility was stiff and rigid.

When the dusk sun shone upon the temporary camp, over twenty soldiers stood before Sean. They were the elites selected by Lieutenant Colonel Merkel, including Sergeant Donnie, who would follow Sean's lead to complete the covert rescue mission.

"First, thank you all for taking on this difficult mission. The Empire... and the Garrison will remember the dangers you face and the hardships you endure..." Sean spoke with a warm smile, facing the soldiers before him.

"I am Second Lieutenant Sean Winchester, the commander of this mission. I expect you to fully obey my orders and do your utmost to complete them..." Sean addressed the soldiers with a stern expression. Looking at these men, who remained silent as if unshaken by life or death, he couldn't help but feel admiration—truly, they were the elites Lieutenant Colonel Merkel had carefully chosen.