The recruiter's lips twitched for a moment for not sure immediately at the unexpected. He expected some pushback…maybe a bit of bargaining, some spirit stones, authority, value of his life against a life of servitude.
Maybe even a threat. But that cold, instant acceptance threw him off. It didn't feel like a man making a choice.
He couldn't place it what he was looking at but not a man, but that notion came and left in a moment, because it was absurd.
Without any moment's waste he raised the small glass vial.
"Swallow it. If you resist then you will die here instantly but you accept it wholeheartedly, then from this moment, you'll be an Enforcer of the Shadow Wolf Sect."
The T-800 took the vial. The glass was cool as per his skin sensors. Inside, the thin black centipede squirmed, coiling and uncoiling. His optical sensors zoomed in, analyzing its movements and biology.
He uncorked the vial like he was opening a wine or pill bottle. He had no expression, no disgust towards the squirming worm.
That raised suspicion in the main recruiter.
"Also…if by any chance the worm dies inside you, the Queen will know and so the Sect Master, so no clever tricks…Okay?" As he warned, the spears around get more steady and targeted towards T-800.
T-800 didn't bother to reply to that threat. He tilted his head back and raised the vial up high for everyone to see as the centipede inside fell from the glass vial into his mouth. The centipede was slimy and moved against his tongue. Instead of escaping out of the mouth it went straight into the throat by its own instinct.
T-800 lowered his head as he stared expressionless at the main recruiter and then his Adam's apple moved indicating that he swallowed.
The crowd collectively shuddered. They watched him, expecting him to choke, gag, or show some sign of disgust or pain.
He showed nothing. He stood completely still.
Everyone waited for something but nothing happened.
The crowd started murmuring again.
"...Is it done? Just like that?..."
"...No gagging? Not even a cough? I saw a man foam at the mouth for an hour after swallowing one..."
"...This Tie Yuan is different. Maybe the rumors are true? Northern barbarians are beasts..."
"...Even a beast would gag or cough swallowing an insect, he swallowed an infernal centipede, he is no beast, he is a monster…"
"...why willingly become a sect dog but he tried to get rid of his Penance Mark. I don't get it..."
"...Maybe he is a dumb brute, acts on his instinct more..."
"...Either way, the Shadow Wolf Sect just got themselves a new top enforcer. The Sun Lizard Clan won't be happy about this news at all..."
The main recruiter exhaled, releasing a tension he did not know he was holding. Although he also had the same questions in his mind as the crowd pointed out but Infernal Centipede nullifies all of the doubts.
This is Boundless Seal Realm also, every person tossed here has some secrets, some quirk and questionable personalities so no point digging further.
It's a waste of time anyway. The enemies would not let him afford such a thing.
"It is done," he announced loudly to the crowd. "Tie Yuan is now an Enforcer of the Shadow Wolf Sect! His strength is our strength!"
He tossed a small, wolf head shaped metal token to the T 800. It caught the token with precise movement.
"This token is an identification marker used within the sect's territory. It signifies your rank and grants you the access to sect facilities, a weekly stipend, and the authority that came with this position."
"I am Wei Tuan. Head Enforcer of Shadow Wolf Sect."
T-800 neural processor analysed the word enforcer and what the crowd was chattering about.
In a moment, it summarized his new position.
Enforcers are the internal police of the sect. They punish the rule breakers, execute traitors, and maintain order through fear and force. It's a position that requires strength and little compassion, making him a perfect candidate.
"Now," the recruiter's voice turned friendly. "You will need proper quarters and robes. This... outfit is not suitable." He pointed at the bandit clothes with disdain.
He turned to look for someone, someone to order, when his eyes saw someone in the corner. The shamed young man who had failed the strength test was still there.
"You! Brand Bastard! You are still here?"
The young man, Lin, flinched at the commanding voice. He nodded immediately and bowed to show his compliance. He was visibly terrified of both the recruiter and the towering T 800.
"Please give me a chance, I would do anything. I would work really hard, all I need is a chance, Head Enforcer Wei Tuan." He groveled like a dog.
Wei Tuan wanted to kick him again but paused for a moment.
"Fine…I will give you a chance…what is your name?"
"I am Lin Feng, Head Enforcer."
"Good," Wei Tuan nodded. "You will serve the Enforcer Tie Yuan from now on. Take him to the sect compound. Show him to the Enforcer's quarters. Get him a new set of robes from the quartermaster. Do whatever he asks. Do you understand?"
"I... I understand, Head Enforcer," Lin stammered. He scurried over to the T 800 and bowed low, not daring to meet its eyes. "Master Tie Yuan... this way, please."
The T 800 gave a slight nod. He turned and followed the boy, his heavy footsteps thudding on the wooden stage. The crowd gave way for them, full of fearful and curious faces.
Lin Feng led him through the main gate, through the muddy streets of Greenwater Town. The T-800 scanned everything. The buildings were crude structures of wood and stone.
People wore patched, rough spun clothes. The air smelled of woodsmoke, mud, and unwashed bodies.
Everyone's face was gaunt from starvation but it had a faint assurance that they were behind protection, a wall. At least their sleep will be sound and they will survive the day instead of dying in the jaws of some beast outside.
This was a settlement built for survival, not comfort.