"Your Highness, you are a warrior descended from the heavens; this is torture for us." The two men slunk back to their respective positions, red-faced.
Gendry looked at them, then walked to where the warhammer lay. This warhammer had been re-forged due to his increased bloodline, height, and strength, making it impossible for others to wield.
So, in front of everyone, Gendry single-handedly lifted the enlarged spiked warhammer. He swung it effortlessly, like a dance of steel, his figure still light and agile, as nimble as a swift leopard.
Gendry, still holding the warhammer in one hand, walked in front of the two men who had been arguing. He was the storm, a storm of power, endless.
The two young men who had been arguing were completely awestruck; it was superhuman strength.
Yohn's eyes widened. His elite soldiers had received knightly education from a young age, and their physical strength and experience could be considered that of second-tier warriors. But could the difference in strength be so vast? This was even more terrifying than the Mountain.
"You never told me about this," Yohn said to Ser Barristan.
"I told you he was a born warrior; I just didn't expect it to this extent," Ser Barristan smiled helplessly. "He seems even more valiant than the mad storm of yesteryear."
"Long live the warhammer!"
"Long live Gendry!"
"Long live the liberator!" Applause and shouts erupted, overwhelming the camp. The crabfeeders men worshipped warriors, and the Knights of the Vale were renowned for their loyalty, reliability, and adherence to knightly spirit. Witnessing such divine power greatly boosted their confidence and pride.
"Go place this on the beach five hundred yards away." Gendry then picked up a plate, impaling five bright red apples on the tips of five Longspears, and had Anguy place them all five hundred yards away.
Bronze Yohn, the heir of House Grafton, Michel Redwyne, Ser Mortimer Boggs, the men of House Crakehall, and even Ser Barristan all widened their eyes.
The dragonglass bow was said to be the best in the world, with a rumored range of 500 yards. But even if this bow was peerless, to shoot 500 yards and hit the target squarely would require unparalleled strength and eyesight, not to mention considering favorable conditions like wind speed and elevated positions. It couldn't just be shot 500 yards away so casually. Moreover, Gendry had just walked over a hundred meters carrying a heavy warhammer; surely he wasn't completely unaffected.
"Yes, Your Highness." Anguy confidently rode his horse into the distance, then returned.
"Bring me my dragonglass bow." Gendry picked up his gold-inlaid double-curved dragonglass bow, then stretched his muscles, and without pause, drew the bow.
Gendry captured the speed of the wind, the target clearly visible in his sight. His five senses were far superior to ordinary people's; he keenly pinpointed the target's position. Five arrows were fired one by one.
"Go retrieve them!" Gendry said confidently. Anguy happily rode back, and all five arrows had pierced the center of the red apples. Anguy displayed the rotten-cored apples to everyone.
Five hundred yards was not Gendry's limit, but it was already astonishing. After killing Drogo and the dragon's hatching, his strength, speed, and resilience reached an even higher level.
Gendry observed the soldiers' expressions; he needed their reverence and admiration. Because these soldiers came from different factions, they needed to be well-fed and entertained before the war. This was a gift to them. But more importantly, it was about having the power to persuade others.
"Taste these apples. Although they have a rotten hole, they should still taste good." Gendry smiled and handed out these red, holed apples again. The two arguing unfortunates were now deeply ashamed and also received two apples, which they quickly ate.
Gendry swept his gaze over everyone's faces, his eyes sharp as razors; no one could contend with him.
Then everyone fell silent. A moment later, the soldiers' applause erupted like thunder again, even louder than before.
This time, they were truly convinced. Whether it was the enlarged warhammer or the archery feat, these were extraordinary displays of strength and agility. Ser Barristan also watched, dumbfounded.
"Even The Conqueror, or the warrior Daemon Blackfyre, could do no more."
"Indeed," Ser Barristan nodded.
There are thousands of truths in the world, and power must be one of them.
Among these soldiers, no one had any intention of offending or challenging him. The gap was simply too vast, so great that they could only look up to him.
"We are raising an army this time to relieve Riverrun and aid the poor people. How can we curse each other over trivial matters?" Gendry said, standing on a high platform. "Such behavior is not true knightly spirit, nor is it that of a true warrior. I am ashamed of you."
"We were wrong." The two instigators looked ashamed.
"I want you to be like family, fighting under my banner!"
"We are willing!" The soldiers shouted, his authority unchallenged in this military camp.
"Do you pledge me as your King and obey my command?"
"Yes!"
"Do you pledge me as your King and obey my military orders?"
"Yes!"
"Then now, march to the Riverlands!"
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