Afternoon sunlight spilled slantwise over the recruitment station outside the city. Ang stood on a temporarily constructed high platform, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. He cleared his throat and said in a resonant voice, "Are there any magic apprentices out there who are willing to join my force?!"
The crowd stirred slightly, yet still no one stepped forward. Many people lowered their heads in silence, evidently still hesitating. Ang raised his volume and continued, "Join my force, and you can live inside the city with your families, safe from the bitter wind and frost. After the war ends, you will also be able to return to the empire with me and live in my territory! Not only will housing be allocated to you there, but official mages will personally instruct you!"
Ang paused for a moment, and seeing some people in the crowd raise their heads, seemingly drawn by his promise, he pressed on, "As long as you are willing to work hard and learn, in the future you will not only become powerful mages, but you will also secure a better life for your families! The opportunity is right before us. Have the courage to change your destiny!"
This stirring speech caused the atmosphere within the crowd to gradually shift. Some young people who had originally hidden in the crowd began to anxiously look around at one another, seeming to hesitate over whether to step out.
Finally, three more young people walked out. They appeared somewhat constrained, but their faces carried a trace of expectation. They walked before Ang and lowered their heads slightly, "Milord, we are also magic apprentices... We were wondering if we could still sign up?"
Ang revealed a gratified smile, nodded, and motioned, "Of course you can! Come over here and take a test."