Re-Awakening: Cannon Fodder With Strongest Talent

"My name is Ethan," he announced, voice carrying across the small gathering. "Welcome to my territory."

Such as it is.

"Since you have become my subjects and accepted my protection, you must listen to my orders and work with loyalty. Monsters surround us beyond this barrier. In seven days, they’ll test our defenses. Are you willing to fight for this territory?"

"We’re willing!" they responded in unison.

"Good. I can assure you that I will not treat you badly. All I ask from you is loyalty to this place and to listen to instructions. My instructions will not be expressive, I will not ask you to throw yourselves to death’s embrace, nor will I give you impossible tasks."

One of the archer’s bellies rumbled, clearly hungry.

The man rubbed his head embarrassingly, his face slightly flushing.

Ethan glanced at him from the corner of his eyes before continuing.

"You will also not worry about food," He said, pulling out some food from his storage ring.

’Luckily, I had prepared for such a scenario where I would be in a place without food for some time.’

Despite not knowing whether he would be able to take the storage ring with him or not, Ethan decided to do it anyway. He had stored hundreds of kilograms of food. The food was long-term based with a long expiration date. He had mostly gotten wheat, water and such things that could last for years.

"Why don’t we get to know each other whilst we eat? What do you guys think?"

They all nodded eagerly.

"Yes, Lord Ethan!"

Ethan nodded, taking out some wood from his storage ring and creating a small campfire.

Above his palm burned a small flame that he used to light up the campfire.

Ethan then made some bread using equipment he had stored in his storage ring. He had come prepared fully.

Seeing their lord, they all exchanged glances with a smile on their face. Their lord seemed to be very prepared, and that made them feel good.

Ethan watched as their loyalty increased by 1 each.

That’s a good start.

Before they could start eating, a series of thunderous sounds emerged.

CRACK!

CRACK!

CRACK!

The impacts echoed from the barrier’s edge, accompanied by chittering sounds that raised the archer’s fears. Everyone’s expression shifted to alarm.

"Let’s go!" Ethan gestured toward the disturbance. "Let’s see what we’re dealing with!"

He led his subjects toward the source of the noise, his Gold-rank confidence making him bold despite the unknown threat. freēwēbηovel.c૦m

A creature the size of a large dog pressed against the barrier from outside. Chitinous plates covered its segmented body while massive claws scraped futilely against the magical protection. Eight legs carried it in agitated circles as it searched for weakness.

Blood-red eyes fixed on the approaching humans with predatory hunger.

Ethan focused on the creature, information materialising in his awareness.

<Ferocious Beast: Desert Striker Scorpion>

<Rank: High-Bronze>

<Poison Talent: E+ >

<Drop rate: 0.1%>

The scorpion’s tail arched overhead, revealing a stinger dripping with venom that sizzled where it touched the sand.

"Can your arrows penetrate its armour?" Ethan asked Elena.

Although Ethan could immediately kill the scorpion, he wanted his summons to gain some more confidence in their abilities.

He couldn’t carry them the whole way. Otherwise, they would be useless to him.

She studied the creature’s movements before responding. "The joints between plates. Difficult shots, but possible."

More chittering echoed from beyond the barrier as additional shapes moved through distant dunes. The first scorpion hadn’t come alone.

"Then take the shot."

Elena nocked an arrow with fluid precision. Her breathing steadied as she drew back the bowstring, enhanced senses tracking the scorpion’s erratic movements.

THUNK!

The arrow struck true, punching through a gap in the creature’s carapace. Black ichor sprayed across the sand as the scorpion shrieked. It wasn’t a deadly shot, but it had hurt the scorpion.

"Excellent shot!" Marcus called out

"Again," Ethan commanded.

More chittering echoed from beyond the barrier as additional shapes moved through distant dunes. The first scorpion hadn’t come alone.

CLICK-CLICK-CLICK

Dozens of them emerged from the sand, their chitin gleaming like polished bronze in the harsh sunlight.

Some carried the distinctive oversized claws of their injured companion. Others had different adaptations, such as elongated tails, serrated mandibles, or spines that jutted from reinforced carapaces.

"Oh god," Elena whispered, lowering her bow slowly. "How many are there?"

Thirty-seven visible. Perhaps there is more buried in the sand. I can’t tell for sure.

"Elena, target the wounded one again. Everyone else, observe how they move and attack. In seven days, that barrier won’t protect us."

The archer’s second shot found its mark between the creature’s eyes.

After several shots from Elena, the scorpion finally succumbed to its death as it was unable to hide or penetrate the defensive shield.

’It’s good that we can attack from inside the shield. It saves me a lot of hassle.’

[A Magical item has dropped!]

Ethan raised his eyebrow at the notification.

’A magical item has dropped? The chance is so low though, how did she manage to drop an item?’ He thought to himself, glancing at Elena who killed the first scorpion.

Without hesitation, Ethan activated his speed talent. In a single second, Ethan managed to get the item that dropped and came back into the shield barrier.

Seeing their Lord’s insane speed, some of their jaws hung open.

[Enhanced Quiver]

[Rank: Tier 2]

[Details: A quiver that contains twenty enhanced arrows.]

Ethan nodded at the quiver, it was a good magical item. He glanced at Elena before giving it to her.

"Here, take it."

"Huh?" Elena blinked in surprise.

She didn’t expect the lord of the city to give her the magical item. Magical items were rare, and most lords would have horded them to themselves. But this lord seemed different, and gave it to her without hesitation.

"Bu-"

Ethan interrupted her.

"You earned it. We still have a fight to continue, don’t worry about it now."

He shoved the quiver in her arms and checked on the others.