《What in the World?》


 Prologue + Chapter 1

    I could move my body freely yet, I don''t feel I''m moving at all. I could feel that I''m blinking my eyes yet, all I see is darkness.


    Just a moment ago, I was outside and brought myself some midnight meals before continuing my study for my exams for tomorrow but suddenly a circle like something glowed below me and the next thing I see is total darkness.


    After a few moments of being stuck in this darkness. I could see a small dim light appeared in front of me. Seeing the light I unconsciously extended my arm to grab it, but to no avail, I could reach it.


    A minute later I could hear whispers of a language that I never heard before. But before I knew it I was starting to get dizzy and felt sleepy. I struggled to open my eyes to see who was whispering but no matter where I look, I could see no one and only I alone was in this darkness.


    "am I going to die?" was the last thought I had before giving up my futile attempts of trying to resist the urge to fall asleep.


    --


    Time passed by I knew I was asleep but to my surprise I was conscious. First I tried counting how long have I been asleep but later gave up when I reach an hour. I was just tiring myself for no reason and so I was trying to remember what had happened before I came here in this darkness.


    I have just got out of the convenience store buying myself some meals before continuing to study I was alone in the middle of the street where I''d always walk to reach my dormitory but then something strange happened.


    A bright white light suddenly appeared and circled below me surrounding me, I was amused when I thought about it. This was like a magic circle on one of the books that I''ve read as a kid. I thought it was some kind of prank but never would I imagined that I would now be in this state.


    Suddenly I could feel something on my body for the first time, I felt that I was currently lying down on something. I slowly opened my eyes and I could feel it was moving and slowly seeing light. Finally, after a long time in the darkness, I have woken up.


    After waking up my joy died down instantly as I was greeted with a pain that was all over my body. I could hardly sit straight as I began to struggle going up.


    "Ara, you''re finally awake?"


    Turning my head to see where the voice came from I saw a middle-aged woman. She was carrying a bunch of fruits on her basket. I would have taken this as normal, but the next thing I noticed was her clothes. Her clothes were like from the past people had worn like from the movies that I have watched that were in the middle ages. I was confused so I began to look around and notice that the interior of the place looks like I''m inside in a wooden hut.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The middle-aged woman looked at me somewhat confused and asked.


    "Are you okay? It had been two days now since I found you in the forest all bloodied, at first I was surprised and the next thing I knew was that you didn''t have any wound then, it must be someone''s else blood."


    "Oh I, see" was the only thing that I could say. I could still feel something painful internally but there were no wounds on my body that could be seen.


    "You must be hungry, take these fruit and eat. I''ll be heading outside for a moment". The middle-aged woman looked at me and smiled kindly and handed me some fruits that were from her basket. She then goes outside of the hut.


    Seeing the fruits they were apples and a bunch of them. Without hesitating anymore I started eating it. A moment later the middle-aged woman came back with an old man beside her. The old man''s clothes were more ragged than her and he walks with a cane on his left hand.


    "Hello, young man I would like to introduce myself first I am Gerrart and this woman beside me is Maine who found you outside the forest from the other day."


    "What can I call you young man? and where are you from? we rarely have any people outside visits us.


    Seeing their clothes the interior of the place, and the weird magic circle from before I have already concluded that I might have been transported to another world. This so-called transporting to another world was a hit theme for any books and novels in my place, never would I imagine it to be true and would happen to me.


    "I am Max, but I can''t remember where I came from..." I answered and tried to look at their reaction from my answer but there was nothing wrong instead the old man smiled kindly and began to explain some things for me.


    They were a small village with a population of close to hundredth people they came from the Kingdom of Mercia. The Kingdom of Mercia was a thriving kingdom before it got hit with a mysterious plague from fifteen years ago, where almost half of the population died. Even the kingdom''s top doctors couldn''t find a cure and were instead hit by the plague and also perished. Seeing the plague was already out of control the village elder decided to move away as far as possible while they weren''t hit by the plague yet.


    For fifteen years they have stayed here and started to build their place. There wasn''t any problem with food as the place was full of fruits the only thing that they lack was meat. First I was surprised because couldn''t they just hunt animals for meat since this was a forest. But then the elder continued and explained that while the place was abundant of fruits the place was surrounded by wild beasts, and by beasts, they weren''t those normal animals instead they were twice or thrice bigger than they would normally look like in my modern world and were more ferocious.


    Every month there would be villagers sustaining injuries by just trying to hunt a single boar and would even end with death if worst comes to it. But luckily after staying at this place for fifteen years they began to adjust themselves and would only sustain light injuries.


    As the sun was slowly setting down, we finally finished talking. Gerrart and Maine proceed to head out and told me to get some rest and they would introduce me to the village tomorrow morning.


    I laid down on my bed and I was in deep thought unknowingly I was actually grinning. The information I received from Gerrart of this world was just what I imagine it to be. There was somewhat a fantasy element on it and I was excited I got to transport in an unknown world where the technology from my modern world hasn''t been invented yet.


    "HAHAAAAHAHAHAHA" While holding face I began to laugh madly alone, without noticing I sat down instantly I felt the pain run down to my body again and forced me to lay down back.


    "But first I must sleep first to get better before everything else." I could feel my body started to feel relax and the sleepiness came in without a minute I was already asleep waiting for tomorrow.

 Chapter 2

    I could feel a burning sensation at my face as I slowly opened my eyes I could see the sun has already risen and a new day has begun. After checking my body, I immediately felt better than before magically all the pain I had yesterday has banished.


    Waking up from my bed I began to do some light stretches and started to make my way outside the hut. If I guess it right it should be around nine in the morning there were a bunch of kids outside playing tags and some people were doing their daily routine.


    From afar I saw Maine with a concerned look on her face. Right away I walk straight to her and asked what was wrong.


    "Early in the morning and yet you already look troubled what seems to be the problem?"


    Upon seeing me suddenly right beside her. Her facial expression changed slightly.


    "You see, we don''t have enough people here and mostly all the grown men are either outside trying to gather meat or would constantly build a wall to prevent the wild beast from entering."


    "And so, those kids would volunteer themselves on helping the grown men by carrying things that are usually heavy. I know they are young boys but.." Seeing Maine was a bit hesitant about finishing her sentence so I cut her off and began to give her an idea on what''s on my mind.


    "I have an idea that will eventually remove all your concern with them helping out in the village I guess you would be interested right?" After telling her that her facial expression drastically changed and was both in joy and excitement.


    "You do!?" I could see through her eyes that she was hopeful about my ideas so I began to ask her if there are any tools that I can borrow. After asking for tools without hearing my explanation first she had dragged me to another house where someone was hammering on something.


    There was a man inside this house as he saw us entering he stopped immediately and smiled.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "You rarely come here Maine is there anything you need? Oh is that the young man you helped the other day in the forest?" Upon seeing me he was a bit surprised since people from outside would rarely come into their village.


    "George, Max said he can do something that will help those kids a lot! He asked me for some tools so I brought him here instantly" Maine couldn''t stop her excitement and just voiced out instantly when he saw George.


    "What can I do to help then?" George was a bit curious so I asked if there was something that I could draw. He immediately came inside in a room and a second later came out with a paper and a quill and ink.


    At first, using the quill was a bit hard for me but later I adjusted and began to draw a blueprint of a wooden wheelbarrowed. I first drew the wheel which was made of wood George was a bit confused about what was the use of it, then later I drew everything to complete the blueprint. He was skeptical at first but still trusted me and so he began to gather the right tools and needed wood to start.


    Seeing that he was a bit skeptical I asked him if I could build it first and he immediately gave me a few tools to start it off. After getting Wheels and axle done I continued to make the whole body and the two handles and only finishing it in the afternoon.


    Without noticing I was so into building the wheelbarrow I forgot how long I built it. To my surprise, George was still watching me build the first wheelbarrow and Maine got bored and instead walk outside to prepare food for dinner. After seeing the finished product he instantly asked me what it does that will help them.


    Seeing the wheelbarrow finished Immediately I was impressed with myself never would I imagine getting this proud on making a wheelbarrow in my entire life. With a proud look on my face, I began collecting the tools and some small woods that were scattered and put it inside the wheelbarrow.


    With a simple lifting on the handle, I began to move with the wheelbarrow and seeing this George gasped and was dumbstruck. Those things that were numerous and hard to carry was being carried and move easily without much effort.


    "Hhh-how is that easy? Why didn''t this thing been made before?" He couldn''t imagine a not so complicated build or tool to be so useful. He was still shocked so I move in front of him and gave him the handle to try it. And again he was surprised It was easier than carrying them and were more light as he could just push it off and could carry more things than using their hand.


    While still feeling awe from the wheelbarrow and he was so busy inspecting it as he was eager on making a wheelbarrow too. After speaking some things about the usage of the wheelbarrow and some guidance on making it. He began to make his own as soon as he started I already made my way going back to where I stayed.


    As I get close to my place I saw Maine with her basket again as she saw me she began to walk right at me.


    "Here''s some meat you must have been so tired. I left early since I''m always clueless about what you guys make I would rather gather fruits and prepare dinner than watching you building stuff that I don''t know off." Maine laughs heartily and was surprised I was served meat since they were a bit rare to eat.


    Seeing my reaction when I saw the meat she immediately explained to me that the villagers have encountered an injured boar and they just finish it off with no injuries from the villagers and so they were celebrating for getting an easy kill.


    After thanking Maine and eating my fill I was already at my place and was ready to rest. Little did I know that tomorrow my simple Wheelbarrow start to change the livelihood of the village.

 Chapter 3

    "Max!"


    Jolted awake I could hear Maine''s voice from outside the hut. I hurriedly came out from the hut only to see three to four wheelbarrows were being used by the young people, carrying from fruits to stones and wood for construction.


    "George said you made this yesterday, Where did you learn this from? Don''t tell me you are from the capital?" I heard from Gerrart the other day that in the capital of the Kingdom of Mercia there were those people who invented things that were called Royal Inventors but they were extremely few of them.


    These Royal Inventors were in charge of innovation and revolutionary technology for the kingdom and they were also only granted the title of Royal Inventors by the king itself. They were countless inventions made by the Royal Inventors such as tools that were being used for the commoners for daily lives or weapons of war.


    In this world where countless people who blindly follow what is the norm will always view Royal Inventors as diety as these kinds of people were hugely different from them and would always create new things that would benefit people greatly. Thus, them seeing me making the wheelbarrow that they haven''t seen before they must have thought that I was one of Royal Inventors from the capital.


    When Gerrart heard Maine he was excited. There currently thousands of imaginations running through his mind. Seeing me not reacting yet he suddenly kneeling in front of me and began begging.


    "O great Royal Inventor please help our small village. With your presence here I''m sure the villager''s lives would improve and turn to better."


    Seeing Gerrart suddenly kneeling to me, surprised came to my face now. At first, I thought the titles of the Royal Inventors were just exaggerated but seeing Gerrart kneel suddenly all of it was true.


    If I was back in the modern world people would just laugh at me for making something so simple but in this world, it was different not like from the modern world where the society itself was slowly dying. Resources were abused by the rich and the poor kept getting poorer not one voice could be heard to alleviate their problems.


    But now I''m in this world, where it was hugely different. The resources of this world are still left untouched and were scattered everywhere. If I can start here and made use of my knowledge from the modern world what would I achieve?


    Having lost to my thoughts and forgot to answer Gerrart was still currently kneeling and was worried about my answer he took a glance only to see me not answer, a huge disappointment could be seen on his face.


    "How would a Royal Inventor agree to my request even our Kingdom of Mercia only had 2 of them much less our small village to ask for his help." Gerrart thought to himself slowly getting more depress and disappointed.


    Maine was also shocked by how the current scene happening in front of her, with their village elder who has passed away three years ago due to old age, Gerrart was already considered to replace him but he would always avoid the responsibility and would only just help them whenever he can. Having the village with no one to lead they couldn''t do anything impressive and would only try to live every day with worries from threats outside the village.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Snapping out from my thoughts I could see everyone worried about what I would reply even some people started to gather when they saw Gerrart kneeled in front of me. Seeing Gerrart still on the ground kneeling I hurriedly bend down to help him stand.


    "Oh please you don''t have to kneel, this village has already saved me once before. It would be instead my honor to help this village, even without you kneeling I already have in mind that I would improve everyone''s situation better."


    Seeing me accepting his request Gerrart''s knees started to get weak again and fell. I could see Maine''s watery eyes as she couldn''t believe what I said. The kids were first to react and joyed, pushing the wheelbarrow again to their destination and spreading a Royal Inventor would help their village to thrive.


    Now before I would start everything I needed to know the accurate number of population to designate each person properly on their work. Seeing the place outside the suitable for discussion Gerrart brought me on his hut to explain everything about the village current situation. With us so serious about the discussion Maine left us and continued doing her work.


    After hours of discussion, I now have an accurate number of people detailed in front of me. There were currently 77 males and 31 females including kids and adults. Only a few of the adult males would stay inside the village and the rest would keep guard on the surroundings and would hunt while the female villagers would be in charge of preparing their food and daily necessities.


    After a few moments, Gerrart and I left his hut and began to walk near the village wall. the wall was crudely built and would only stop the weak beast from entering and some parts would just break down if you kick it hard enough. I would see some villagers walking around with their crudely made spear stand guard on potential beast attacks.


    Now I understand why they have trouble even just living peacefully almost everyone was out working with these current circumstances. Only if they had a better wall would it lessen the people on guard and having more people to do other jobs. Looks like I have to change the current wall in the village first to secure enough manpower for my projects.


    As much as I want cement for the wall it was currently impossible, even the needed materials that I would ask no one would even know what they were in this village. Seeing Gerrart wholeheartedly waiting for my response after seeing the wall. I couldn''t wait any longer and asked something to draw again. Hearing me that I would draw a blueprint he was excited and flew over back to his hut and just a moment later brought me tools to draw.


    Now I got the hang of the quill I was currently stuck on what to build that would temporarily replace their crude wall. It got me to think that we were surrounded by a forest and the use of wood was close to infinite. When they explained before that the beast would be twice or thrice the normal animals in my modern world and didn''t even possess intelligence then I would need a replacement of their wall that is capable of enough offense and defense. After minutes of drawing, I finally finished the blueprint. Gerrart seeing me done with my drawing he was too excited about what I drew.


    "Well this isn''t currently close to a wall but this should be sufficient in the current situation." Gerrart seeing the drawing was both confused and excited he could see the tip of the logs were sharpen like wooden spears and was place in between, in my modern world they were called Cheval de frise a defensive anti-calvary in the middle ages. With a bit of added poison at the tip of the spikes, it would greatly increase its offensive abilities to the mindless beast that would head straight to it.


    After explaining more things about the blueprint he began to gather people to build and the defensive barricade and as for me I have to think of a way to create more possible things with the limited resources this village has.

 Chapter 4

    A week has passed since the building of the wooden barricades. At first, countless beasts would head straight into the barricade only to meet their end instantly and some would back off contracting poisons on their body and the villagers would just have to deal a bit more damage for them to fall.


    The meat wasn''t a problem anymore every night the villagers would dine with meat and fruits. I asked Gerrart what was the village specialty before they moved out and he happily replied that back in the kingdom they were good at making clothes using the hides from the beasts but after moving here in the wilderness it got hard for them to make clothes because the lack of tools and the dangers of hunting with limited people.


    Now with the continued supply of beast, I could see the villagers wearing a new set of clothes from time to time, they have changed from their ragged clothes from before. Now with their livelihood back at their tracks, they were all excited for new things to come.


    "How far is the next village to our place?" While eating I asked Gerrart.


    "The nearest would be a five days travel while walking, but every three months there would be traders from their village that would come here and I think the next time they come would be two days from now.


    Gerrart would reply immediately from every question I ask, even with everyone eating at the center and enjoying all were sober as there was no wine or any alcoholic drinks that they could drink. I asked if they ever have tasted wine at all but I was only met with disappointment they said that only nobles on their kingdom could afford wine and even their past village elder only has tasted one cup from a noble who visited their village before.


    Seeing a bunch of fruits especially berries on the table I could see the potential Winemaking here in the village in the future but for now, it would be just a waste of time. Even I don''t have any idea how to make wines at all.


    After having a few more conversations with the villagers and Gerrart I came back to my hut to get some rest. The next day was pretty normal the villagers continued replacing their crude wall that was only meant for humans to the barricade that I have introduced to them. Now the barricade had almost started to surround the village there fewer villagers that were assigned to guard and now I have few more extra people that are available to my plans.


    Now with the barricade on track and also the wheelbarrow being used as a way of transport for materials and food everything went well until I heard shouts from the villagers outside the wall. After hearing the shouts Gerrart and I instantly became serious. With Gerrart having the experience to intruders he immediately got himself a spear and threw one for me too.


    After heading to the entrance of the village there were roughly 50 people outside with ragged clothes and look super malnourished.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    "What''s the problem where did these people came from?" I asked while talking in the distance. A villager runs off to me and replied that they were from the neighboring village but was suddenly attacked by a beasts horde and had just escaped.


    For fifteen years the village had never experienced a beast horde so when they heard that the neighboring village had been destroyed by beasts everyone was starting to get scared.


    After confirming they weren''t hostile I commanded Gerrart to let them go inside and feed them. After that, I called Gerrart again and called the villagers that were placed to guard the barricades for a meeting. I commanded some villagers to conduct a census to those who have just arrived and see if any people have specialized in something.


    An hour later the villager arrived with the complete census of the refugees. there were 3 blacksmiths, 15 carpenters, and 2 retired soldiers and the rest were the residents of the neighboring village. After hearing the report I was ecstatic finally a blacksmith! there was no blacksmith in the village so having the news of a blacksmith joining us was the best that I could hear since I came here now it was possible to forge metal and iron I can finally move away from wooden and stone tools.


    "Bring the blacksmiths and retired soldiers to me, and also bring those carpenters to the barricades and let them know how to build it and ask them if they can even make it sturdier and better."


    "Yes, Sir!" The village hurriedly came back with both blacksmith and the retired soldier. They were a bit nervous when they heard that I was a Royal Inventor even the retired soldiers were surprised.


    "Please be at ease, I just want to ask some questions." Hearing me that I wasn''t so commanding they were at ease immediately.


    "As you can see, we don''t have any blacksmiths nor soldiers in our village and we would be glad if you''re people would decide to stay in our village from now on."


    Both the blacksmith and the retired soldiers were surprised, they thought that after eating their fill they would be chased out as it would be normal to do so. They were roughly 50 people and the food consumption would be huge and it would be hard to support them.


    "If you think about how we will be able to feed all of you then worry not, those barricades that you saw outside the village have at least defended and killed countless beasts already. So we don''t lack any food It''s just that in our village their arent many people who have specialties on something."


    "Oh, that''s why I could smell poisons at the walls when we reached the village. The wall serves both defense and offense at the same time If only these structures were at our village then we can fend off some of the beasts." The retired soldiers were both surprised and saddened at the same time. If only they have this kind of structure they could have at least defended their village and not getting overrun by the beast horde forcing everyone to flee everywhere.


    After a thorough conversation with both blacksmith and the retired soldiers, they came back to their people and return an hour later to give their allegiance to me knowing that I was a supposedly a Royal Inventor the five of them kneeling before me as a sign of respect and as a representative to their group.


    Placing them on a temporary shelter tomorrow would be different from the neighboring village getting attacked by a beasts horde, there would beg a possibility that they could come after our village so I must prepare to defend the village and strengthen the security.

 Chapter 5

    Another day has passed and the refugees have finally settled. Currently, the carpenters from the refugees that were led to the barricade yesterday were surprised by it and soon they added a few more upgrades to support the barricade and few more thin spikes below. they run wild on their imagination on upgrading the barricade.


    While still early in the morning I had instructed the villagers to find an Iron deposit with the blacksmiths going with them were a bunch of villagers and 1 retired soldier.


    The other retired soldier was named Chris I have left him in the village to educate villagers on how to wield weapons efficiently. Rather than swords as a norm I have instructed the retired soldier to use spears as the main weapon for the villagers. With few weapons and materials available the spear was the best solution currently in the village not wanting to take any more time Chris, gathered up the villagers and taught them the basics.


    Seeing how they trained I was a bit disappointed, you could say they immediately started a mock battle to test out the skills of every villager. Some were just watching and dozed off and some would just walk away after some time and just return after they were close to the finish of the mock battles.


    Having experienced training as a reserve force in the modern world there was a huge difference in the training methods being done in this world.


    Disappointed I called out to Chris and told him some things and let me take charge of the training for today. The retired soldier was surprised but still obediently followed my instruction walking at the side and he began to observe my kind of training exercises.


    With fewer people being manned on the barricades to defend I have now 40 people available that are ready to be trained. I called out every one of them to count themselves up and have them lined up properly. There were now 4 lines with 10 people each. Each line I have assigned a squad leader and have their squad names form as Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta.


    Seeing that I directly commanded them not one of them tried to slack off, as a person with a title of Royal Inventor they would basically obey all my commands. Calling Chris he handed me a paper and quill then I wrote their training schedule. After finishing it for a moment Chris was startled what was inside.


    The schedule was packed from 5 AM these villagers would need to run 3 lapses around the village and have them rest up in between and some more discipline training. Then they would have to run again outside at 4 PM another 3 lapses before resting. Plus in the middle of the night, Chris would regroup them in the center for checkup practicing their alertness and discipline.


    When the villagers knew about the schedule every one of them felt scared and worried if they could do it. But none were against it since seeing the refugees the other day. They could feel the threat of the Beast horde coming on their way, and also having to eat meat every day after training is already considered the best treatment for them.


    In the middle of the night, a bell would ring and the trained villagers would immediately head to the center to form their lines. Some were still feeling sleepy but all of them were in order. After Chris saw their attitude he was surprised they were different when he was trained as a soldier when he was still in a kingdom. They move more orderly in a short span of days than them which took many weeks or even months just to properly instill discipline.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    In the middle of the night I could hear the bell outside they should be regrouping in no time. Now inside my hut with the table in front of me, there was a map around this place. This map was from one of the refugees who were a cartographer. Seeing the map of surrounding our area, we are surrounded by forest and mountains and to the east was their village and us on the west.


    Moments later I could hear someone walking to my hut and knocked.


    "Come in." There I saw the villager with the blacksmith were I sent them to find an Iron deposit they hurriedly came back as soon as possible not wanting to waste time and they did not disappoint me, just north of us at the mountains they found a cave-like system inside the mountain was untouched iron ores ready to be mined.


    "If we could have people extract the iron then we would immediately forge tools and weapons to defend this village." one of the blacksmiths talked excitedly.


    "Call Christ and have him instruct the Charlie and Delta squad to cooperate with the blacksmiths on mining the ores." The villager immediately responded and moved out to call Chris.


    Now with the Iron on hand, I should start making blueprints that will bring a change to this village after a thorough conversation with the blacksmith they bid their farewell to rest and would return tomorrow after they left feeling tired from for today I would end it today and sleep.


    In the next few hours when the sun has risen After I go out from the hut I instantly met with Gerrart after the increase of the population of the village, he had wanted me to officially name the village from now on. He insisted on having a name for our village as he was ecstatic to see how fast the village is developing and soon it would be known from neighboring villages or cities and even kingdoms.


    After some careful deliberation, I have named the village as Novus. Where the Innovation of this world will start. Gerrart not knowing the real meaning of the name still nods obediently and soon spreads the birth of Novus to the residence.


    With the two squads remaining they still maintained their routine they were no more normal villagers instead they were now soldiers. Even Chris was surprised at how fast they developed. If only I could have guns would I fear everything in this world? I couldn''t help but think how useful if there were guns in this current world beast would get annihilated instantly.


    Suddenly one of the villagers came running at me.


    "Sir, the first signal has been lit!" This villager was running as fast as he can to report to me.


    "So they''ve come," I replied while watching the direction on where the signal should''ve lit.


    After the refugees had come to Novus, I have instructed some villagers to take extra measures and set up sentries to see if beasts would soon come to the village. since the signal has been lit four to five days from now the beast horde would come to the village.


    "Call everyone outside to stop what they''re doing and have them come to the center of the village!" Hearing my command both Alpha and Beta squads have hurriedly spread out and told the villagers.


    An hour later everyone has already gathered in the center except the blacksmith and the two squads in the mountains.


    "The beast horde will come in exactly four to five days from now. But, fear not we will defend against them in this village at all cost. I shall promise not one of the people here will die in the upcoming battle!" The villagers and especially the refugees began to get nervous when they heard the beast horde will come but after hearing that I would defend this village at all cost. The villager''s nervousness instantly vanished and was replaced with resolve on defending to their last breath.

 Chapter 6

    Under the blazing heat of the sun, Men could be seen digging a moat outside the barricade and women would be seen stockpiling fruits and meat. As the moat was starting to form the carpenters would then bring small spikes that were coated with poisons. Adding soil atop and a bit of water thus making mud with spikes underneath. Not only it would become slippery for the beasts it would also be deadly because of the multiple spikes hidden beneath.


    Now with the threat of the beast horde have neared, the people were all focused on strengthening the defense of Novus. Having acquired a map on the surrounding areas made me more confident in dealing with the horde.


    "Call Chris for me." Gerrart was beside me all the time since morning when he heard me he instantly called for Chris at the center. Chris was still busy with the two squads, now have already started training based on using the spears and they were more disciplined than before.


    When Chris came I give him a piece of paper, inside was a map that I copied from the original and in some places, I have placed a mark looking more carefully Chris has finally got what it meant. While the beast doesn''t possess any intelligence they would be easy to gather in one place and also end it once and for all. After much discussion, Chris left with the two squads and proceed to the plans.


    There was currently a workshop being built for forging weapons near the center. Having the other two squads with the blacksmith their safety was already ensured. Now having the time for myself I should start designing the first artillery weapon for Novus. Checking everything was okay, I proceed to my hut and got myself a blueprint. With limited resources at my disposal, I proceed to draw on making ballista.


    For some reason after being transported to this world. All the things that I have somehow seen even the slightest were all clear to me. Especially for the wheelbarrow never had I tried on building myself only have used it. But, when I drew the blueprint it felt like it were too easy for me. Now drawing the blueprint of the ballista confirmed my thoughts. Unconsciously I started drawing and have just finished it.


    The design of the ballista was that the force applied to the projectile would come from the tension of the twisted ropes. When the tension is released or gone, it would turn to their rest state with minimal tension like how a string would expand after being pushed down. After finishing everything I called for the carpenters to gather on my hut. After seeing the blueprint everyone was confused.


    "Is this just a crossbow but a bit complicated? my Lord?" these refugees had started to call me lord for some time now but I didn''t mind it instead I felt somehow great becoming someone important for once. But, when they saw the measurements of the structure they were startled. It was huge, it was more times bigger than of a crossbow. The arrows use for projectiles itself was huge.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "Ww-we can make it. But, we won''t be able to make many with the given time." one of the carpenters worriedly said. He was right they had only four to five days before the beasts would attack.


    "Two of these ballistae is enough to fend off the beast horde." After hearing me everyone was surprised, especially the refugees. two ballistae alone could defeat the horde how powerful was it? they couldn''t hide their excitement and bid their farewell and proceed to make the ballistae as fast as possible.


    With the ballistae being built, almost all the villagers were mobilized to help one another. After two days have passed the second signal has been lit, Christ and the two squads have finally returned finishing their work outside Novus. Meaning that when the beast horde will come they will be led naturally into the gate that we have made, where there were all kinds of traps being laid.


    Seeing the signal being lit everyone in Novus was starting to get nervous but on the other part of Novus were the carpenters who were all beaming with smiles. They have finally finished the ballistae and was ready for a test.


    Walking pass at the carpenter''s I commanded Chris and some of the soldiers to come with me and try out the ballista. Since the ballista was almost the same with the crossbow. Chris was familiar with how to use it. after loading it with an arrow, Chris and with the help of a soldier tried to aim outside the village when fired everyone became dumbstruck. Even the carpenter''s knees started to get weak and bent down. Christ was still looking where the arrow had hit and all of the soldier''s mouths were wide open.


    The range of the ballista destroyed their common sense it was close to 350 meters or more. some soldiers began to run and see how it hit. There were ultimately shocked again only 1/4 of the arrow was left on the ground and the rest were penetrated underneath.


    "If we have these weapons that''ll surround our village not one of the beasts would come near us." Chris was more excited than everyone else since he understood how useful was this weapon more than anyone.


    "Bring the ballistae near the gate and we must prepare for the incoming attack!" Commanded everyone began to move everything. The carpenters were excused and were all lead to the huts to rest. They haven''t rested since they started building the ballistae fearing that they couldn''t make it on time.


    "Alpha!"


    "Lord, your orders?" The first squad quickly stood on line. Now they weren''t normal villagers instead they became soldiers that would follow each command swiftly and accordingly.


    "Take all the arrows for ballistae and have all it bathe with poison." Hearing my command the Alpha Squad began to bring all the arrows at the back and proceed to do their work.


    In this Village, even from before many poisonous animals were lurking everywhere, in a month there would be villagers that would get poison but luckily they weren''t life-threatening but when the poison gets on contact with your blood you''ll feel weak instantly disabling your movements until you drop down and won''t be able to move for an hour.


    These poisons were very effective especially on the barricade, beasts who had contact with the poison started to slow down and would eventually stop moving to wait for their deaths. After an hour of having the arrows bathe with poison. everyone could hear someone shouting outside of the village.


    "Lord!, the beasts are coming!" I could see a villager running for his life from outside the village and running as fast as he could to enter.


    "So it begins, Everyone, Alpha, Beta on guard!" I instantly commanded everyone.


    "Yes! my Lord!" in return everyone replied in unison.

 Chapter 7

    In a moment everyone could feel the earth trembling. With the first wave of the beast horde incoming, they numbered roughly forty to fifty beasts. Many kinds of beasts have gathered from wolves, boars and also apes. The soldiers that were in charge of the ballistae were starting to get nervous, this would be the first time that they would be hitting live targets.


    "Fire!" I roared. When those beasts have approached the 500 meters marked the bolts have pierced to four to five beasts instantly. Seeing the beasts that were easily skewered on the ground. All fo the villagers who saw the ballistae power were shocked. Such a strong attacked that the beasts have instantly died.


    "Reload the bolts and prepare for the next target!" Hearing my commands the soldiers began to move in unison preparing for the next target. While the villagers were still shocked the second round of the shot was fired. Not even an hour passed 15 to beasts have already fallen. Seeing the power of the ballistae I was impressed.


    "Continue firing at will, Alpha proceed to the gates and prepare for the incoming beasts."


    "Yes my Lord!" The alpha squad made their way into the gate and group themselves to five each and have stayed to different sides of the gate while holding some rope. With Chris at the center standing confidently just waiting for the right moment, the villagers were worried about what would happen. With the help of the Alpha and Beta squad days ago they have made a natural route for beasts to only have to head straight to the gate. By cutting down the trees and placing them atop to each other making a barrier out of logs.


    "Now! pull the ropes!" With the beasts nearing the entrance of Novus suddenly beneath the soil of the entrance, there was a wall of spikes being pulled. Beasts who reacted slowly were immediately pierced. Not wanting to take any more time Beta squad began to run in front of the beast where they were stuck and thrust a spear with poison. The beasts would continue to wail until they''ve died from continues thrusting of spears.


    Seeing the beasts getting few everyone rejoiced on how they successfully defended their village. The refugees would cry on how''d they manage to do it until a huge roar was heard far in the forest. All the beasts that tried to run away stopped and all began to tremble some wolves would automatically bow their heads as to show respect to someone.


    "DDd-deviant!" When Chris heard the roar he instantly lost his hope. Seeing the deviant he finally have concluded why the beasts would suddenly form a group and turn into a horde and attack them. While he was an active soldier they would meet Deviant beasts from time to time and whenever they do meet them casualties were unavoidable.


    The Deviant beasts were different from the normal ones, from its power and its size they were two times bigger, these deviant beasts were combined with different beasts and were formed into one. The reason for their appearance was still unknown. The current deviant beast that they have encountered was that of a lion''s head and body with a viper as its tail. Even from afar the deviant beasts were huge.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Seeing the entrance of the deviant beast the ballistae started aiming at it, even with its huge body size it easily avoided the bolts. But, nonetheless, the soldiers in charge of the ballistae didn''t give up instead quicken their pace on shooting down the deviant. Finally after countless bolts that have fired 1 had pierced the deviant beasts. Getting pierced by the bolt the deviant beast started to roar with its pain.


    When the soldiers saw the bolt it only reaches 1/4 of its size into the body. Seeing it the soldiers started to feel despair as the deviant beast was angered by the ballistae it had now actually rushed to enter the gate.


    The spike wall in the gate was easily destroyed by the deviant beast. Seeing the deviant beast have easily entered the village, the soldier began to panic and threw their spears at the beast, with the spears heading directly to the beast, it instantly used its claw to defend itself nullifying the incoming projectiles. As if looking for someone the deviant beasts would turn its head on both sides and finally, It saw the soldier who has fired the first bolt from the ballistae that had eventually hit him.


    The deviant beast immediately pounced right in front of the soldier. With the sudden attack from the beast, everyone went numb. Just a moment ago, they were celebrating their first victory now after the deviant beast had entered Novus it only used its claws effortlessly and already killed one of them.


    Sensing the immediate threat even I started to get nervous. I''ve never treated everything seriously until now. Never would I imagine seeing those people below me died just like that. Even the death of one soldier both Alpha and Beta squad started to regroup and continued their barrage of attack.


    With the deviant beast rampaging inside Novus it had already killed two more soldiers now. Seeing me who was still standing and watching the deviant beast at the center Gerrart has already urged me to retreat for safety. But for some reason, my legs had been locked on the place and I couldn''t even have the strength of moving.


    With the beast finally seeing me at the center it started to run on my side with its eyes furious. It had finally found me as its target. Not even having the strength to move back. I at least have to command the soldiers and villagers to run away.


    "Protect the Lord!" Seeing me still standing at the center the soldiers began to panic when they saw that the deviant has changed its target and directly moved to where I was standing.


    "Protect the Lord!" I could hear countless soldiers shouting to protect me but I couldn''t even move because of fear.


    "Everyone get back and use the back gate to run!" Sensing immediate threat right in front of me. I couldn''t even do anything and would just face my death.


    Suddenly the deviant beast has caught fire and backed off instantly. While the beast was burning Chris instantly grab me and retreated, later on, I could hear voices from the back which belong to the soldiers that I have sent to the mountains.


    "We''ve arrived on time. Go and help the Lord!" the other retired soldier was with them immediately voiced his command after seeing me being dragged away by Chris for safety.


    "I told you there was a Deviant beast nearby"


    "Tsk, Yeah, yeah you win. Can''t you just finish it instantly? don''t you see it''s already trying to recover from the fire."


    I could hear two new voices behind the soldiers from the mountain, one was the female with a cloak and had fiery red hair while the other one was a male with plate armors. I could sense that both these guys were strong. Where did they come from?