NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 8: Bears in the Safe Zone
**Chapter 8: Bears in the Safe Zone**
Upon careful observation, it was clear that these newly summoned individuals were ordinary people, ranging in age from 20 to 40 years old. Most of them were shorter than Lei Xiao, and their physical fitness appeared somewhat lacking.
After summarizing their attributes, Lei Xiao discovered the following:
- Out of the 40 Tier 1 subordinates, 36 were 1-star farmers.
- 1 was a 2-star farmer.
- The remaining 3 were 2-star hunters.
- All of them started with 50 loyalty points.
In terms of skills:
- About one-third of the farmers possessed the passive skill "Logging," which increased wood collection efficiency by 20%.
- The 3 hunters carried the active skill "Trap," allowing them to create first-order traps.
- The rest had no special skills.
Unlike Knotweed, these subordinates came equipped with basic tools such as axes and sickles, while the hunters carried rough bows and arrows.
"Village Gangsong, representing the remaining 39 people, greets the Lord!" announced one of the more robust middle-aged 2-star hunters, stepping forward and saluting. Immediately, the rest of the group knelt on one knee, pledging their loyalty to Lei Xiao.
"All of you, rise," Lei Xiao responded calmly this time. He nodded slightly, glanced around the crowd, and issued his first order: "Divide yourselves into teams of ten and choose a captain for each team. Your only task at this stage is to clear the trees around the log house. If you lack tools, report directly to me."
As soon as Lei Xiao finished speaking, the 40 subordinates sprang into action. Soon, the territory was bustling with activity.
After upgrading to a Level 3 mansion, the safe zone had expanded significantly, so even with the sudden influx of people, the area didn't feel crowded.
Meanwhile, the four elected captains approached Lei Xiao to report the tools they lacked. Unsurprisingly, apart from Gangsong, the other captains were the slightly stronger 2-star subordinates.
After summarizing their needs, Lei Xiao returned to the office to begin production. Shortly after, all the required tools were distributed in sufficient quantities.
Just as Lei Xiao was about to head back inside to rest, Gangsong and the two other hunters approached him again. They seemed hesitant, exchanging awkward glances as if they had something to say.
Finally, Gangsong spoke up, bowing to Lei Xiao. "Lord, we are experienced hunters. Although it's dangerous outside the safe zone, we can easily hunt a few hares or wild ducks nearby. Why are we being left behind for logging?"
"Yes, Lord," the shorter middle-aged hunter chimed in. "We're also skilled at reconnaissance. You won't be disappointed!"
Lei Xiao smiled slightly at their puzzled expressions. "First, don't worry about food. I have my own arrangements. As for reconnaissance, I've already sent someone to investigate the area several kilometers around the territory. He should be returning soon."
"Several... kilometers?!" The three hunters exchanged stunned glances. As seasoned hunters, they knew the dangers of venturing too far into the deep mountains. Even they dared not go beyond a 100-meter radius, as stronger monsters lurked further out.
"It seems the person sent out is either foolish or recklessly brave, trying to impress the Lord. He's likely doomed..." Gangsong thought to himself.
Just then, the shorter hunter suddenly pointed behind Gangsong, his face pale with fear. "Bear... there's a bear!"
"Old Du, this is a safe zone. Did you hit your head during the teleportation?" Gangsong scoffed, turning around. His words caught in his throat as he saw a massive, two-meter-tall figure standing silently behind him. Backlit by the sun, he could only make out a dark silhouette, but his hunter's instincts screamed danger.
"Nima, it's a damn bear!" Gangsong cursed, his legs giving way as he collapsed to the ground, paralyzed with fear.
"Hu Zhuang, you scared your own people. Step aside and stop blocking the sun," Lei Xiao said, his tone a mix of amusement and exasperation.
"As you command, Lord," a rough voice replied. Knotweed, who had just returned from his reconnaissance mission, stepped beside Lei Xiao.
"Gather everyone," Lei Xiao ordered. Once the group had assembled, he patted Knotweed's broad back and announced, "Let me introduce your new colleague—a fifth-order Berserker. Get to know each other."
"Fifth... fifth-order Berserker?! He's one of us?!" The crowd was stunned, their shock palpable as they exchanged incredulous looks.
Gangsong, who had just been helped to his feet, felt his heart race. Although they were farmers and hunters, they understood the significance of a fifth-order master. Such individuals were legendary figures, capable of single-handedly turning the tide of battle. In their homeland, only the king's most trusted general possessed such strength.
To think their Lord had the allegiance of a fifth-order master... Could he be the heir to a throne, sent out to gain experience?
At the same time, a series of notifications chimed in Lei Xiao's ears:
**[Congratulations! Your subordinate, first-order 2-star hunter Gangsong, admires you greatly. Loyalty increased by 20 points. Current loyalty: 70.]**
**[Congratulations! Your subordinate, first-order 2-star hunter Du Zhong, admires you greatly. Loyalty increased by 20 points. Current loyalty: 70.]**
**[Congratulations! Your subordinate, first-order 2-star farmer Hopu, admires you greatly. Loyalty increased by 20 points. Current loyalty: 70.]**
**[Congratulations! Your subordinate...]**
**[Hint: If a subordinate's loyalty reaches 100, they will swear eternal allegiance to you, and their loyalty will never decrease.]**
Seeing the loyalty of all 40 subordinates increase by 20 points, Lei Xiao couldn't help but show a faint smile.
"So, this is how loyalty is improved..." he mused.