If it weren't for the 100x Critical Hit, there was no way Axton would have earned enough reputation points to make this purchase.

The commander's seal in his hands wasn't just a token. It was power, prestige, and recognition all packed into a single emblem and it showed its effects almost instantly.

After the guard went down on his knees, a crisp notification rang in his ears.

[Congratulations! Rarat's loyalty to you has increased by 100 points]

'That's impressive,' Axton thought with a faint smile tugging at his lips.

The guard, Rarat, was still stiff with tension. Beads of sweat slid down the man's temple, betraying how afraid he still was for his life.

He hadn't realized, much less expected, that Axton's authority was far above his own.

'How is he already a commander?' Rarat wondered as he kept his head bowed. 'What kind of achievements did he make in the newbie village to be granted such a high rank upon arrival?'

But no matter how much his mind spun, no answer came.

Rarat knew one thing — Axton was a man he could not afford to offend.

With a short command, Axton signaled for the guard to rise.

Rarat did so quickly, falling into step beside him, leading him deeper into Atlas.

Every guard they passed along the way paused in shock before saluting him with respect.

Their expressions mirrored Rarat's when he had first encountered Axton — confusion, disbelief, then reluctant acceptance.

Whispers trailed behind him as more guards caught sight of the seal hanging by his side.

"Isn't that the commander's seal?"

"Yes… but he's just arriving in Atlas. How—?"

"There's no mistaking it. It's authentic."

"He must be terrifyingly strong to have been given such a position…"

"Maybe the Mayor finally decided to have two commanders."

The murmurs grew, hushed but unavoidable. Axton could hear fragments as he walked past, though he paid them no mind.

After all, no matter how much doubt or jealousy they held, none dared to confront him.

The seal was proof, and it carried authority beyond what a few low-ranking guards could challenge.

Rarat, now walking two steps behind Axton with his head lowered, silently cursed himself for his earlier mistake.

Thankfully, unlike him, the others recognized Axton's authority immediately.

******

The city of Atlas was unlike anything Axton had seen before.

"There are so many people here," he muttered, his eyes scanning the lively streets.

The stone-paved roads bustled with activity.

Merchants shouted from their stalls, haggling with customers over weapons, herbs, and fresh produce.

Children played without a care in the world for what was happening.

Their little voices and cheers were loud but not compared to the clanking sound of the smith's hammers and the chats between the citizens.

Soldiers patrolled in formation, their polished armor glistening under the sun, keeping a close eye on order within the city.

Compared to the newbie village, this place was a true metropolis — organized, disciplined, and alive.

"Good day, Commander."

"Greetings, sir."

Everywhere he went, heads bowed and voices greeted him with reverence.

NPCs, civilians, and soldiers alike looked at him with awe.

Some with respect, others with curiosity and a few with fear.

All Axton had done was purchase a position slot, yet the influence of that single decision reached further than he had imagined.

'So this is the real weight of status in Atlas,' he thought.

From time to time, he would pause to interact with certain NPCs.

His simple words of acknowledgment or thanks sparked reactions that immediately reflected in his notifications.

[Congratulations!]

[The potion maker, Vanis' loyalty to you has increased by 100 points]

[Congratulations!]

[The swordsmith, Tron's loyalty to you has increased by 100 points]

The loyalty points that rose so dramatically worked entirely in his favor. With their trust and admiration secured, he knew that future quests from them would yield far better rewards.

More importantly, a loyalty of 100 meant complete trust.

These NPCs would be willing to go to any length for him, providing support or items that might otherwise be hidden from ordinary players.

'So loyalty is more than just numbers… it's influence.'

But just as loyalty could grow, it could also fall.

A wrong move, a broken promise, or an intentional slight could cause trust to plummet. For now, though, Axton was determined to avoid that.

He was in a chat with a storekeeper when a sudden shout was heard.

"What is going on here?!"

The deep voice rang out like thunder, causing the crowd of NPCs around Axton to scatter back into their daily routines with nervous haste.

Turning, Axton saw a soldier riding a sturdy brown horse, flanked by several others.

The rider's presence was commanding — his chestplate was neatly polished and the insignia in possession marked him as an officer of the city watch.

The man's gaze swept the crowd before locking on Axton.

His eyes narrowed.

He had heard rumors before arriving — rumors of a second commander suddenly appearing in Atlas.

He had dismissed them as wild gossip until he saw Axton standing there with civilians practically worshipping him.

With deliberate slowness, the soldier guided his horse forward until he was standing directly before Axton.

The soldier smirked cockily as he looked Axton up and down, unimpressed. Then, he let out a mocking laugh.

"So you're the one claiming to be a Commander of the City Watch?" he sneered.

Axton didn't answer right away.

A glowing panel immediately appeared before his eyes.

[Gerolt (Soldier)]

[Rank: Grade 2]

[Level: 20]

[Attack: 300]

[Defense: 400]

[Agility: 350]

[HP: 650/650]

Axton's eyes flickered as he studied the profile.

'Nothing particularly threatening… though above average for a common soldier. Hmm. Loyal to Commander Bismarck.'

One line stood out among the details.

'So that's it. Bismarck is the current serving commander of Atlas. No wonder this man is hostile.'

Gerolt leaned forward in his saddle, bringing his face closer to Axton's as if to provoke him. His horse stamped impatiently, echoing the tension building in the air.

"Are you the one claiming to hold the same glory as Lord Bismarck?" he asked, his voice heavy with disdain.

Axton's eyes didn't waver.

His expression remained calm, almost indifferent, but deep down.

He had expected resistance.

And now… it was standing right in front of him.

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