Lucas stopped walking and faced them fully now. "I have been ordered to select a squad to operate directly under my command. Those I choose will not be shielded by formations or distance. You will move fast, strike hard, and retreat when ordered, even if your instincts tell you otherwise."
A Grandmaster cultivator at the edge of the group frowned slightly. "You speak as if you expect chaos."
"I do not expect it," Lucas replied calmly. "I guarantee it."
Silence followed his words, heavy and contemplative rather than offended.
The silver-haired woman broke it. "Then tell us what you expect from us beyond obedience."
Lucas met her gaze directly. "I expect you to survive. I expect you to think independently without disobeying orders. I expect you to trust me when I say advance, and trust me even more when I say retreat."
One of the younger Grandmasters hesitated before speaking. "And what do we gain by following you instead of remaining with the main force."
