Kyle's voice carried a strange magical power, clearly engraving itself in the heart of every Kairan clansman.
Yet, the response it received was a deathly silence.
Most of the clansmen's faces were filled with fear and hesitation. They glanced at the frail boy with hollow eyes standing on the steps, then at the dense throng of mercenaries outside the manor exuding murderous intent, and instinctively chose to draw back. To fight against the notorious "Black Wolf" mercenary group? How was that any different than courting death?
"Yo-young Master, there are too many enemies. We are no match for them at all!" stammered a trembling voice from one of the branch stewards. "In my opinion, why not... why not hand over Lord Declan's corpse to calm their fury..."
"Yes, Young Master, better to live to fight another day!"
Voices of agreement echoed one after another, with some even quietly inching backward, clearly planning to flee.
Kyle's gaze swept across the entire crowd, taking in the expression on every face. Under his "Ether Vision," those pale white halos representing fear and the gray energy signaling intentions of escape were laid bare.
"Excellent," Kyle suddenly chuckled, though his smile lacked the slightest warmth. "It seems that before dealing with external enemies, we first need to clean out the parasites at home."
No sooner had he finished speaking than he pointed toward three middle-aged men at the back of the crowd. "Ron, the steward," he addressed the loyal old butler at his side, "seize those three rats trying to sneak out through the back door for me."
The three men, who were known to associate closely with Declan, turned pale at Kyle's words and instinctively bolted.
But the veteran guards loyal to the head of the clan had already received Kyle's signal. With a roar, they subdued the three men and pinned them firmly to the ground.
"Spare us, Young Master! We... we just wanted to check the defenses at the back door..." one of them tried to argue in vain.
"There's no need to explain," Kyle's voice was as cold as ice. "While my father was alive, you paid lip service while secretly colluding with Declan to embezzle family assets. Now, with the enemy at our gates, the first thing you think of is to run. The Kairan family has no need for cowards and scum like you."
He paused briefly before issuing judgment in an unequivocal tone:
"Destroy their Ether foundations and expel them from the manor. Whether they live or die, let fate decide."
"No—!"
Their wretched screams rang out, but the guards acted without hesitation. The blades rose and fell, and, in an instant, the energy halos representing their strength disintegrated and vanished. For the people of this world, this was a fate worse than death.
This ruthless and decisive measure was like a bucket of ice water poured over everyone's hearts. The scene fell silent, and no one dared to bring up retreating again. All eyes turned toward the young man on the steps, their expressions a mix of awe and fear. They realized that the young master before them was no longer the same useless person from three days ago.
"Anyone else have objections?" Kyle asked indifferently.
Utter silence.
"Good." Kyle nodded in satisfaction. "Since no one wants to die, follow my orders."
Turning away from the crowd, he directed his gaze toward the entire manor. In his "Ether Vision," the structure of the entire Kairan Manor appeared like a three-dimensional tactical map in his mind. The thickness of the walls, stress points in the buildings, underground passages, and even weak spots in the defenses were all laid bare.
"These eyes are made for war..." he couldn't help but marvel inwardly.
"Kid, don't get ahead of yourself," came Vicks' lazy voice in his mind. "What you're seeing is just scratching the surface. Don't forget, there are over a hundred armed brutes outside, while you have less than thirty fighters here. The rest are a bunch of terrified civilians. So, what's your plan? Talk them to death with a rousing speech?"
"Shut up and watch me work." Kyle replied in his mind, beginning to devise his first tactical layout since his reincarnation.
"Ron, the steward!"
"Yes, Young Master!" The old butler responded immediately.
"Take ten guards and hold the main gate of the manor. Remember, defend only; no matter what insults they hurl, do not engage. Your task is to attract all their attention."
"Understood!"
"Captain Ed!" Kyle pointed to another guard captain.
"Here!"
"Divide the remaining guards into three groups. Have them ambush in the attic and warehouses on either side of the main road. I'll prepare something for you. Wait for my signal and launch a surprise attack on them."
"Understood!"
"As for the rest of you," Kyle's gaze swept over the anxious clansmen, "gather all the oil, strong liquor, and fabrics you can find and bring them to the second floor of the main building. Also, move the decorative boulders and heavy furniture to the edges of the courtyard walls."
Though they didn't understand Kyle's intentions, his commanding presence left no room for doubt. Everyone began to act, and the once chaotic manor became orderly in a short time.
"Interesting," Vicks' voice rang out again with a hint of amusement. "Diversions, ambushes, and some rudimentary defenses—do you think these clever tricks will work against an overwhelming force? Why not ask for my help? Agree to one tiny condition, and I'll lend you a portion of my power to easily crush those thugs outside."
"Your power comes at too great a cost," Kyle rejected calmly. "Besides, if I need external help to handle a crisis of this level, how will I achieve revenge or stand against the so-called 'Crimson Covenant' in the future?"
He trusted his past life's experience as a top agent more. Strength was important, but wisdom was the only key to defeating stronger foes.
Just then, the iron-forged gates of the manor quaked under heavy battering from outside, producing a "bang! bang!" sound. Visible cracks began to form on the door panels.
A rough, arrogant voice boomed like thunder, reverberating throughout the manor.
"Listen up, Kairan bastards inside! Hand over the murderer of my Black Wolf brothers and half your wealth, and I might consider sparing your miserable lives! Otherwise, once I break in, I swear no one in this manor—man or beast—will be left alive!"
It was "Blood Axe" Buck!
Everyone's hearts leapt to their throats.
But Kyle remained unfazed. Alone, he climbed to the highest point of the main building, standing at the edge of the tower as the fierce wind tugged at his clothes.
He calmly "observed" the sea of enemies below. One hundred and seventeen of them, with "Blood Axe" Buck at the forefront. His energy aura was the most robust, reaching the peak of an "Enlightened One." Most of the others had just entered "Enlightenment," with some merely being muscular ordinary people.
Their energy halos were chaotic and erratic, filled with brutality and greed—like a rabble of wolves.
"A flock of lambs awaiting slaughter." A cold and eager smirk curved Kyle's lips.
He relished this feeling. The feeling of holding all the pieces in his hands, waiting for the enemy to walk into the trap of death.
The storm was about to break.