Volume One, Chapter Four: Possessing Self-Awareness

At the doorway, Lin Yi stared at the little yellow warrior, observing his blank expression. Driven by curiosity, Lin Yi was about to poke him with a finger.

To his surprise, the little yellow warrior dodged and immediately knelt on one knee, clasping his hands together in a respectful salute.

“Your Majesty, please observe proper etiquette.”

Wow, Lin Yi’s eyes widened involuntarily as a surge of intense shock welled up within him.

He had always assumed that the NPCs emerging from the barracks were nothing more than emotionless, cold machines.

Yet now, what he saw completely overturned his previous understanding—these so-called NPCs were actually vibrant individuals with genuine feelings!

Could this be what the system referred to when it said that the better a country is governed, the more numerous its citizens become?

The key lay here: these citizens all possessed independent consciousness and judgment.

Those poorly governed kingdoms likely failed to provide their people with sufficient care and respect, causing them to quietly choose to leave.

Having grasped this, Lin Yi looked steadily at the little yellow warrior and slowly asked,

“May I ask if you have your own name? And… could you ever betray me?”

Though uncertain if the little yellow warrior would answer truthfully, deep down Lin Yi longed to know the truth, prompting him to ask such a question.

Without hesitation, still kneeling on one knee, the little yellow warrior’s eyes and tone were resolute as he replied,

“Your Majesty, rest assured. I was summoned by you—I am one with the castle. If the castle falls, I will perish as well. My sole wish is to protect my king, that is, Your Majesty.”

I see, Lin Yi regarded the yellow warrior with a determined expression and felt much reassured.

He asked again, “Why do you have independent consciousness?”

This time, the little yellow warrior hesitated, a painful expression crossing his face as if reluctant to recall, but he spoke nonetheless.

“Your Majesty… actually, I have died once before.”

His voice faltered and his head bowed further.

Before coming here, a light sphere told him that if the king ordered his death, he would truly die, but if he died in battle, he could be resurrected.

What? Lin Yi was utterly unprepared for this answer, his expression one of disbelief, yet seeing the little yellow warrior’s sincere demeanor, he found no reason to doubt.

With a hesitant tone, Lin Yi frowned and said,

“You can tell me how you died before and how you came to be here.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,”

The little yellow warrior breathed a sigh of relief—just hoping Lin Yi wouldn’t kill him out of fear.

“Your Majesty, I used to live in a little yellow tribe, where my name was Huang Tian. I was the captain of the tribe’s hunting team.”

During a hunt, they encountered a giant bear, and I was torn apart protecting my comrades.

At this, Huang Tian’s expression turned fearful, his body trembling as if reliving the memory.

“What happened next?” Lin Yi, captivated, grew even more curious.

“When I opened my eyes, I found myself in an enclosed space. A glowing orb told me I had died.

Now, I was given a choice: to become a warrior guarding the kingdom and its king. If the kingdom falls, I will perish.

There’s also… there’s something else,” Huang Tian hesitated.

“What else?” Lin Yi noticed his reluctance.

“I am the king. If I order your silence, you must speak,” Lin Yi admonished.

The little yellow warrior seemed to struggle, full of apprehension, but finally said,

“There’s one more thing… If the king orders me to die, I die immediately. But if the king does not wish it, even if I die in battle, I can be resurrected, as long as the castle and king remain.”

At the time, I hesitated. If I encountered a good king, I would likely not die again, perhaps even marry and have children.

But if I met… something else, my soul would scatter, with no chance of reincarnation.

Your Majesty, I have finished speaking!” Huang Tian respectfully awaited Lin Yi’s orders.

By now, Lin Yi trusted the little yellow warrior’s words about ninety percent.

Returning to himself, he summarized simply:

“In other words, the soldiers summoned are those who have died once but retain their memories, and the system, through certain measures, transforms them into warriors loyal to me.”

Staring at Huang Tian still kneeling on one knee, Lin Yi felt in high spirits. If this was the case, he would spend a long time with him.

He nodded solemnly and said,

“Huang Tian, right? Rise. I’m no one for grand speeches, but if you serve me sincerely, I don’t think I will treat you unfairly. Perhaps I am the very king you spoke of.”

Lin Yi was quite confident in his own character.

He chuckled to himself, “When I worked my summer job, I was known as the epitome of a good guy! Never took a day off—truly the boss’s dream worker!”

Hearing this, Huang Tian quickly responded, “Yes, Your Majesty!” and slowly stood up.

Lin Yi looked at Huang Tian’s endearing, simple demeanor and couldn’t help but smile gently.

The mention of marrying and having children just now came to mind.

He teased, “Huang Tian, if you truly want to marry and have children, first you’ll need a house, right? Luckily, you saw just now—I purchased a batch of building materials from that sly merchant.”

Blushing deep red at Lin Yi’s teasing, Huang Tian stammered, “Your Majesty, please don’t tease me—I… I have yet to find a wife!”

“What? Hahaha…” Lin Yi was initially stunned, then burst into hearty laughter.

He never expected that this seemingly mature and steady Huang Tian, who was no longer young, remained unmarried.

After laughing, Lin Yi’s smile deepened. He patted Huang Tian’s shoulder lightly and comforted him,

“Don’t worry, don’t worry, leave it to me. If there’s a suitable lady in the future, I will personally play matchmaker to bring about a beautiful union.”

Huang Tian’s eyes gleamed with surprise, incredulous, “Your Majesty, do you truly mean that? Will you really arrange a match for me?”

Lin Yi nodded firmly, “Of course. I am always true to my word. Whatever I promise, I will do everything to fulfill.”

“Well then, let’s not dwell on this any longer! Now, listen to my orders. Immediately conduct a thorough search around the castle. Remember, if you find any treasure chests, bring them back to me.”

“Those chests might contain countless precious treasures and rare artifacts, essential foundations for your future married life and happiness!”

“So don’t be careless—search every corner carefully, leaving no stone unturned. And try not to stray more than 100 meters from the castle.”

Hearing “marry and have children,” Huang Tian perked up and quickly headed outside the castle.

Having said this, Lin Yi returned to his room.