*Bang**Bang**Bang*
As Ryan squeezed the trigger, a volley of shots shot out of the rifle's barrel. The sounds generated by the shots echoed like thunder, causing the beasts that were attacking the group to cringe in fright and fear.
Same for Ryan's soldiers who jumped in fright, looking at Ryan and the artifact he held in his hands in awe.
Dylan and Alfred looked startled and surprised at their master. Alfred may not know what the artifact Ryan was using is, but Dylan knows him very well.
Having worked with Ryan for quite some time, Dylan understands that his master has finally managed to build the weapon he always talked about.
Almost instantly, the insect-like beast that commanded the others had the outer armor protecting its torso exploded in a haze of green blood.
The first shots broke his armor, but they weren't lethal. However, the sound of gunfire caused the crossbows blocking the way to move out of the way, allowing Ryan to get a better view of the insect.
He then fired into the newly opened gaps in his armor, causing the bullets to shred his internal organs.
*Roar*
The beast roared in pain, before falling into a pool of blood. His body going into involuntary spasms as his claws swung.
In a few seconds, the beast stopped moving. Leaving only the silent battlefield, the beasts watched in fear as their leader died.
Taking advantage of the beasts' moment of disorder, Ryan's soldiers attacked with full force.
"Attack!!"
After their leader died, the rest of the beasts fell into disarray. When Ryan and his soldiers killed half of the beasts present, the rest of the monsters began to flee towards the forest.
"He arrives! We will not continue chasing the rest." Ryan gave the order, causing his men to allow the rest of the beasts to flee.
He could have killed a few more beasts using his weapon, but that would have been an unnecessary waste of ammo. The scent of blood could attract other beasts and without ammunition they would be in danger.
As soon as Ryan realized there were no beasts nearby, he ordered his men to rescue the people inside the mines.
A few soldiers then headed towards the mine gate, while Alfred commanded the other soldiers to collect any carcasses of beasts. Many materials collected from the bodies of beasts could be used in the making of armor and some weapons.
Dylan then approached with a smile: "So this is the weapon you've been working on, I confess I never believed in its power. But now, seeing it with my own eyes, I no longer have any doubts."
"I told you that one day I would make a weapon capable of killing rank 2 beasts with ease" Ryan chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder.
"Stark stronghold is truly blessed to have a lord like you, master" Dylan replied smiling, with a sincere look in his eyes.
"Don't get sentimental Dylan" Ryan replied smiling.
Looking at the people coming out of the mine, Ryan walked towards the mine entrance.
As soon as Ryan got in front of the people, they started to thank and celebrate.
"Thank you for saving us, Lord Ryan" a middle-aged man sincerely thanked him.
"Long live the lord of the fortress!" the rest screamed.
Two soldiers then approached, an older one and a younger one, both bearing some resemblance in their appearance.
"Thank you for coming to our rescue, Master Ryan. I dare not imagine what would have happened if those beasts had managed to break down the gate."
Thanking him, the older soldier knelt in front of Ryan, while the younger man did the same.
Pulling the man up, Ryan replied, "You don't need to thank me, soldier. It is my duty to ensure the safety of my people."
Hearing Ryan's words, the young soldier watched with boundless adoration, almost fanaticism in his gaze.
His lord's majesty only increased his desire to become a warrior under the lord's command.
A short time later, a convoy consisting of soldiers and workers began slowly returning to the fortress, taking the wounded for treatment and the bodies of the dead for proper burial.
Looking at his men escorting the workers, Ryan thought he should urgently improve his men's battle power.
Although his soldiers were brave and well-trained warriors, many of them were injured in battle.
After all, aside from his cousin Dylan and his uncle, the rest of his soldiers only possess the cultivation of a budding apprentice warrior.
On the continent of Argon, an apprentice warrior is the lowest level of a warrior.
A warrior's power levels are divided into stages.
The first level, Warrior's Apprentice. Warriors at this level use aura, an energy derived from mana, to temper and cover part of their bodies, allowing them to have superhuman strength and endurance.
Second level, Aura Warrior. At this level, warriors are able to use aura to coat not only their bodies, but also their weapons. However, using the aura to coat your weapons quickly depletes your energy.
Third level, Aura Master. Warriors able to use the aura to manifest a kind of armor, in addition to launching aura attacks at close range.
Fourth level, Great Warrior. It has mastery in the use of the aura, being able to use it to pass through robust defenses and injure the interior of wild beasts.
There are other levels of power, but the library in Stark Fortress only has a collection of information up to the level of the Great Warrior.
As for the mages, the library does not have any detailed information. Apart from the fact that mages follow the same level system.
However, despite having the same classification levels. Mages are far more dangerous beings, their spells are far more destructive than the power of a warrior of the same level.
Therefore, one mage is much more valuable than ten fighters of the same level.
This also befits their rarity, only one in ten thousand is capable of becoming a mage.
And in the territory of Stark fortress there isn't a single mage, let alone the resources to cultivate one.