He took the script of an exorcism legend, but became the number one anti-fraud expert.

Benjamin, standing at the gate of the barracks, looked at the townspeople who were sobbing incessantly.

Some knelt on the ground with their heads bowed, while others lamented their tragic fate...

Even so, Benjamin still couldn't forgive what they had just done.

Before I arrived, these townspeople ignored the guard's explanation based solely on Robin's one-sided account and followed the barracks to cause trouble, completely disregarding the soldiers' dedication.

A small favor is appreciated, but a large one breeds resentment.

It's understandable to resist injustice for the sake of one's own interests; after all, everyone wants to live.

But you can't cause trouble in front of me!

He not only sold the holy water at a low price to the townspeople and donated a case to the welfare home, but also gave condolence money to the families of fallen soldiers.

If it weren't for my past experience of being tricked into joining a pyramid scheme and becoming a leader, which allowed me to exaggerate the guard team's achievements with sharp words, the situation would probably have been difficult to reverse.

A major cold wave is coming soon. If there are frequent disruptions, won't we be the ones to suffer losses every time? And will we have to do free charity work for the public?

Benjamin's face was grave.

He realized...

Benjamin realized that the townspeople were quick to forgive and quick to forgive; simply giving them money wouldn't earn their gratitude. To gain their support, he had to use a tough, ruthless approach.

[Virtue: As a second lieutenant, Benjamin has a duty to protect the townspeople; he doesn't care about personal gain or loss, +10%]

[Torture: Without rules, there can be no order. Mistakes must be punished. Appropriate suppression will be more conducive to establishing authority and rules, +10%]

"Now that the matter has been resolved, and I have rid the people of a scourge, you should have no more complaints about the guard regiment or about me, right?"

The townspeople looked up, wiping away tears from the corners of their eyes.

They nodded, some understanding Benjamin's underlying meaning.

"I'm sorry, Lieutenant Hord, we were tricked by Father Robin. We thought these ghouls... oh no, the bones of heroes really could spread the plague..."

"That's right, we don't know..."

"I'm sorry, Lieutenant Hodgson, we will never trust monasteries again."

Benjamin ignored the apology, his tone icy:

"You should apologize, because as townspeople, if you have grievances against the guard regiment, you can go to the police station to discuss them with us, instead of gathering a crowd and storming the barracks."

Your actions can be interpreted as launching a rebellion.

Benjamin chose to punish the townspeople. He wouldn't allow those who defied him to get away scot-free, to teach the foolish townspeople a lesson, and to show them who truly held power in Windhowl.

[Progress in accumulating nutrients through torture: 110%]

"Rebellion? You're exaggerating, Lieutenant."

"Yes, yes, how can it be considered a rebellion?"

"We were brought here by Father Robin, so this doesn't count as trespassing, does it?"

The townspeople were filled with fear and trepidation, and several of them tried to slip away.

Benjamin gave the soldiers a look, and the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from all directions, accompanied by the terrified gasps of the townspeople.

A dozen or so armed soldiers suddenly surrounded the group of townspeople. They did not raise their guns, but simply stood there, suppressing the group of townspeople who resembled goats with their stern gazes, like sheepdogs.

"Move over there!"

"Stand still! Don't even think about running away!"

"Get closer! Don't get scattered!"

"..."

Seeing this, the townspeople who had been trying to bluff their way out of the situation fell silent.

They just looked at Benjamin with pleading, doubt, and fear in their eyes.

Benjamin raised his chin and told them, "I brought back the bodies of your family members, and I arrested the conman Robin. Anyone who dares to resist can try!"

The townspeople lowered their heads and remained silent, biting their lips so tightly that they didn't even have the courage to refute.

"I can guarantee your safety in Windhowl Town, but as townspeople, I will not let anyone who dares to cause trouble get away with it. Otherwise, how can I be a lieutenant?"

Since you are so dissatisfied with the status quo, then let you make good use of this abundant energy.

'Gurgle.'

The townspeople swallowed hard, looking at Benjamin with fear in their eyes.

"The barracks are in a mess. From now on, you will be responsible for cleaning and tidying up every day. You also need to clean the weapons and equipment. Art, you are responsible for teaching them how to clean their guns. John, take them to give these dead heads a proper burial."

"..."

Seemingly not quite understanding Benjamin's intentions, they exchanged glances and began to discuss among themselves.

"What's wrong? Are you tired?"

"No! No! Absolutely not!"

A strong townsman raised his hand. "I'll do it! Whether it's cleaning or repairs, I can do it. I'm a blacksmith!"

Two women stepped forward: "If there are ingredients in the barracks, we can cook for you and promise not to steal any food."

"I can mend the soldiers' clothes..." The woman who had lost her son walked forward shakily and pointed to the soldiers' trousers that had been torn by spiders.

Wait a minute, Benjamin frowned.

Why do these townspeople seem to have hope in their eyes?

Benjamin looked around; the faces of these people were beaming, their gloom gone.

It's like finding a pillar of support within a group, and feeling immensely honored to serve the group.

I'm punishing you, but it feels like I'm helping you find your purpose in life?

"Lieutenant, last time someone deceived Avery and was 'sent' out of town to fend for themselves..."

John noticed Benjamin's confusion and leaned closer to explain why the townspeople looked so relaxed and showed no signs of tension or unease.

Benjamin suddenly realized that Jeff had also been killed because of £80.

Thinking about it this way, Benjamin seemed to understand, but not quite, and he nodded.

"I understand. But this is fine as it is. My goal is to win people's hearts. There's no need to make an example of someone for now."

"learn."

The townspeople, their faces beaming with eagerness, nodded to Benjamin in goodwill before silently entering the barracks.

During the process, Benjamin noticed that several people looked flustered.

They turned their heads every now and then, seemingly looking for an opportunity to escape.

These were all thugs working for Robin. Benjamin narrowed his eyes.

Under his shrewd gaze, the thugs quickly lowered their heads and blended into the crowd.

"John."

"Yes, Lieutenant."

Benjamin gestured with his chin towards the thugs: "Do you know what I mean?"

John followed Benjamin's gaze, then narrowed his eyes, a murderous aura spreading across his face.

This ruthlessness comes from those who have experienced life-or-death battles.

John sneered:

"Don't worry, I will make the most of their remaining years. If they leave the barracks safely, I'll risk my life to come to you!"

Benjamin nodded in satisfaction. John, like Pete, was a capable man by his side.

He is also the person who understands best what outcome he needs to achieve.

"Let's call the guys and go to the pub for a good drink tonight, it's on me."

John's fierce expression softened, replaced by excitement.

"Alright, go now!"

"Yes, Lieutenant!"

Benjamin chuckled awkwardly. Pete, John, and that young soldier named Art all obeyed him; these kinds of people deserved special treatment.

In a group, having rewards and punishments, as well as awards for outstanding contributions, is the only way to motivate others to follow you like they're on steroids.

However, judging from this incident, these guys...

No one betrayed themselves; at least Avery's still bewildered expression shows that.

"Benjamin...it seems I underestimated you. You've got some skills to tame these troublemakers." Avery's words were complimentary, but there was a hint of sarcasm in his tone.

"Lieutenant, it's all thanks to your excellent guidance. Don't worry, you'll definitely get your share of the rewards. After the cold snap, I should be addressing you as 'Sir'..."

Upon hearing this, Avery immediately turned pale and rushed forward to pull Benjamin away: "Damn it! Stop bringing this up all the time! Okay! I know, from now on you can do whatever you want with it."

But don't embarrass me like you did today, understand? Keep your mouth shut!

"Yes, Lieutenant."

Hearing Benjamin still address him as Lieutenant, Avery nodded in satisfaction, then turned and walked away down the street with his hands behind his back...

However, he was completely unaware that Benjamin behind him was filled with coldness in his eyes.

Benjamin was unaware of this.

Across from the barracks, at a corner,

A tall man, clad in heavy armor, leaned against the corner of the wall, staring at him through the visor of his helmet.

The entire ins and outs of the matter were laid bare before my eyes...