Chapter 8: Bears Roaming in the Safety Zone_1

Upon closer inspection, these people were all ordinary, aged between 20 and 40 years old. Most of them were even shorter than Leo Ray, and their physical fitness seemed to be somewhat unsatisfactory.

After compiling their attributes, Leo Ray discovered the following.

Of the 40 Tier 1 subordinates, 36 were one-star farmers, one was a two-star farmer, and the remaining three were two-star hunters, each with a starting loyalty of 50 points.

As for their skills, roughly one-third of the farmers had the passive skill "Woodcutting," which increased their efficiency in gathering wood by 20%.

The three hunters each had the active skill "Trapping," which allowed them to create Tier 1 traps.

The rest of them had no skills.

However, unlike Taylor, they were mostly carrying basic tools like axes and sickles, and the hunters were carrying crude bows and arrows.

"Villager Gavin Sullivan, representing the other 39 villagers, pays respects to my Lord!"

One of the relatively stronger middle-aged two-star hunters stepped forward and bowed.

Following his lead, everyone else kneeled on one knee, offering their loyalty to Leo Ray.

"Everyone, rise."

This time, Leo Ray's demeanor was noticeably more composed.

He first nodded slightly, then scanned the crowd and ordered, "Everyone, form groups of ten nearby, and select a leader within each group.

Your immediate task is to clear all the trees surrounding the log cabin.

If there's a shortage of tools, report to me directly."

As soon as Leo Ray's words fell, the 40 Tier 1 subordinates sprang into action.

In no time, the entire territory was bustling with activity.

As the Mansion's safety zone expanded significantly after being upgraded to Level 3, the influx of people hardly caused any overcrowding.

Meanwhile, the four elected team leaders gathered in front of Leo Ray after tallying the tools they needed.

As expected, aside from Gavin Sullivan, the other team leaders were the stronger two-star subordinates.

Accordingly, Leo Ray returned to his office to start crafting the necessary tools.

Soon, all the new tools were distributed in full.

Seeing that everything was going smoothly and just as Leo Ray was about to take a break, Gavin Sullivan and the other two hunters approached once more.

Upon arriving, they seemed hesitant, glancing at each other as if they had something important to say.

After a moment, Gavin Sullivan couldn't help but bow and address Leo Ray, "My Lord, the three of us are experienced, veteran hunters.

Although it's dangerous outside the safety zone, we're confident in our ability to hunt nearby rabbits and ducks. Why must we be assigned to woodcutting?"

"Exactly, my Lord. We're skilled scouts and won't disappoint you!" one of the shorter middle-aged hunters chimed in.

Seeing their puzzled expressions, Leo Ray smiled lightly and replied, "Firstly, don't worry about food; I have it arranged.

As for scouting, before you arrived, I have already sent someone to investigate the surrounding area within several kilometers. It should be about time they return."

"Se...several kilometers?!"

After hearing Leo Ray's words, the three hunters exchanged disbelieving glances.

As seasoned hunters who had roamed the mountains for years, they knew this area was deep within an old-growth forest.

Even they would only dare venture within a one-hundred-meter radius.

Anything farther would risk encountering Tier 1 three-star and above, or even Tier 2 powerful demon beasts — ruthless creatures that would kill without blinking an eye!

"The person who went to scout must be either stupid or blindly overconfident, wanting to show off in front of the Lord.

Sigh, they're most likely in trouble now…"

Just as Gavin Sullivan thought this, the hunter next to him wore a terrified expression, stuttering, "Bear… There's a bear!"

"Old Du, this is the Safety Zone. Were you perhaps hit by the Gate's light during the teleportation?"

Gavin Sullivan disdainfully glanced at Old Du. But as he turned around, he saw a gigantic figure over two meters tall quietly standing behind him.

Due to the counterglow, he could only see a black silhouette, which made him feel almost suffocated.

"God damn, it's a huge black bear!"

The hunter's intuition told Gavin Sullivan that the beast in front of him was dangerous!

In a panic, Gavin could only reflexively swear before falling backward onto his butt, unable to move.

"Taylor, stop scaring them, move to the side, and don't block the sunlight," Leo Ray said with a helpless smirk.

"Understood, my Lord," Taylor replied with a rough voice, standing obediently beside Leo Ray after returning from scouting.

"Have everyone gather here."

As everyone assembled, Leo Ray patted Taylor's broad back and said, "Let me introduce you all to your colleague, Taylor, a Tier 5 Berserker. Get to know each other."

"Tier… Tier 5 Berserker?! He's on our side?!"

After hearing Leo Ray's words, everyone froze in shock, their incredulous expressions speaking volumes.

The newly helped up Gavin Sullivan couldn't help but gasp, the revelation causing waves of shock within him.

Although they were just farmers and hunters, they knew the extent of a Tier 5 expert's power.

Such a formidable force could cut through vast armies like a hot knife through butter!

In their homeland, only the king's most trusted general possessed such overwhelming power!

Undoubtedly, their Lord must be a royal heir who had come here to gain life experience!

At the same time, a series of notifications sounded in Leo Ray's ears.

[Congratulations! Your Tier 1 Two-star Hunter subordinate, Gavin Sullivan, has developed a strong admiration for you. Loyalty increased by 20 points, now at 70 points.]

[Congratulations! Your Tier 1 Two-star Hunter subordinate, George Duval, has developed a strong admiration for you. Loyalty increased by 20 points, now at 70 points.]

[Congratulations! Your Tier 1 Two-star Farmer subordinate, Magnolia Lee, has developed a strong admiration for you. Loyalty increased by 20 points, now at 70 points.]

[Congratulations! Your subordinate…]

[Tip: If your subordinate's loyalty reaches 100 points, they will pledge eternal loyalty to you and never decrease again.]

Seeing the loyalty of all 40 Tier 1 subordinates simultaneously increasing by 20 points, Leo Ray couldn't help but reveal a slightly surprised expression.

Well, well, so this is how loyalty is increased…