Melina watched Aaron's training methods with quiet curiosity. It was unlike anything she'd seen before.

Mina, touching her chin, murmured, "Captain, when we started training as kids, we had to run until we collapsed. This method is… different."

Tina nodded. "Indeed. Lord Aaron is using the people to expand the territory. The surroundings are full of forest, he's building from the ground up."

Lisa shrugged. "Maybe."

Then Luna, her eyes gleaming with mischief, chimed in,

"Hey sisters, why don't we supervise them too? We might earn contribution points without lifting a finger!"

Thwack!

Melina knocked Luna on the head. "Stop causing trouble. We still have to protect Miss Elina."

Luna rubbed her head. "But Captain, who would dare attack Miss Elina here? Let us watch them train, it'll help pass the time."

Melina sighed. "Fine. Let's sit and watch."

Boy's Team- Vice Selection

Jake looked at his group. "Choose someone among yourselves to be vice-captain."

The group began chatting. Finally, one spoke up.

"Jake, we've all sailed with you and Blake for years. Just pick the one you trust most."

Jake nodded. "Then I choose Kona."

Kona blinked. "Me? But I'm not that capable…"

Jake smiled. "You're quiet, observant, and never caused trouble on the ship. That's exactly what I need."

Kona stammered, "Alright then… I'll follow your orders."

And fell silent.

Blake's Team

Blake grinned. "Who wants to be vice-captain?"

No one moved.

He sighed. "Come on, don't joke around. We're short on time, just pick someone."

The group began pointing fingers, each trying to avoid the responsibility.

Blake rubbed his forehead. "Donga, you're it."

Donga was stunned. Before he could protest, he was pushed forward as Blake walked off to report to Aaron.

Grumbling under his breath, Donga hurried after him, cursing Blake in his heart.

Jumba's Team

Jumba addressed his villagers. "We're all from the same place. Who wants to be vice-captain?"

Silence.

He sighed. "Lumbha, you'll do."

Lumbha pointed at himself. "But I don't know anything…"

Jumba smiled. "Just follow my orders. You're strong and reliable, that's enough."

Humba's Team

Humba scratched his head shyly. "Anyone want to be vice-captain?"

Fumba stepped forward. He knew Humba was strong but timid.

"I'll do it," he said. "Let's go check the task."

Humba nodded gratefully.

Girls' Teams – Vice Captain Selection

Kathy's Team

Kathy stood before her team, all of whom were older and taller than her. Still, she spoke with confidence.

"Everyone, who wants to be vice captain? Don't worry, you just need to follow my lead. That's all."

June raised her hand with a warm smile. "My dear Kathy, I'll be your vice captain, so no one dares to bully you."

Kathy smirked. "Bully me? I don't think so. Have you forgotten Lord Aaron's words?"

With that one sentence, she firmly established her authority.

"Thank you, Sister June. Let's go report to Lord Aaron."

June nodded and followed behind.

Lilith's Team

Lilith smiled calmly at her group.

"Sisters, let's leave the vice captain role to fate. I'll close my eyes and choose one of you."

She walked to the center, closed her eyes, spun around slowly, then stopped.

When she opened her eyes, her finger pointed at April.

April's eyes lit up. "Looks like I'm lucky today! I'll be your vice captain, sisters."

Rose's Team

Rose remained quiet, her gaze sweeping across her mixed group, some villagers, some former slaves.

She pointed at a village girl. "You'll be the vice captain."

Violet blinked. "Me?"

Rose nodded. "We know each other, and our group is split between two backgrounds. If you take the role, it'll help bridge that gap."

Violet smiled. "Okay, Captain."

Nilu's Team

Just twelve years old, Nilu stood with excitement in her eyes.

"Who wants to be vice captain?"

Jelly, the eldest in the group, stepped forward. "Let me take the role."

The others nodded in agreement.

Nilu beamed. "Okay, Sister Jelly. Let's go pick our task quickly, the other teams are already ahead."

Kilu's Team

Kilu looked at her team and sighed.

"I don't know why Lord Aaron picked me as captain. But in two months, anyone stronger can replace me. For now, I need a vice captain."

The girls rolled their eyes playfully.

Poly stepped forward. "Then I'll be the vice captain."

Kilu nodded. "Alright. Let's go see what task we can pick."

Aaron sat on his chair, watching with quiet curiosity as the teams gathered to choose their tasks.

Jake's Team

Jake studied the task board. Felling trees would earn 10 contribution points. Plowing land required covering a 10×10 square meter area for the same reward.

He turned to Kona.

"Captain, we've worked with wood before. Felling trees is a good deal for us."

Jake nodded. "Makes sense. Let's pick that task."

Just after Jake made his choice, Blake arrived and selected the same task.

Jumba and Humba also chose tree felling.

Girls' Teams

The girls, on the other hand, opted for plowing the land. They felt that cutting trees would be too troublesome.

They picked up hoes and approached Lord Aaron for guidance.

Aaron stood, took a hoe, and demonstrated.

He plowed a small patch of soil, then looked at them seriously.

"No cheating," he said.

The girls nodded and headed off to begin their work.

Aaron looked up at the sunny sky, then turned to Rumba.

"Send one of your guards to follow each team. They'll record the number of trees felled and ensure the branches are cleared."

"Excess wood should be dried and later piled up to form torches."

"Also, send someone to find the Old Chief and ask him to deliver two barrels of fresh water."

Rumba bowed. "Understood, Lord Aaron."

He immediately set off to carry out the orders.

Just then, Torvald arrived with several of his men.

"Aaron, I've brought the tools and people you asked for," he said.

Aaron stood up, pleased. "Torvald, you've come at the perfect time. Bring your team, let's start measuring the land."

Together, Aaron and Torvald began marking the ground, 

dividing it into 10×10 square meter plots.

They worked swiftly, staking out clear boundaries across the field.

The girls watched closely, now able to visually understand how much land they needed to plow to earn their 10 contribution points.

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