As the battle reached its climax, the firepower of the soul guns proved to be a game-changer, devastating the demon beast ranks. The earth-shattering explosions and piercing bullets sent shockwaves through the stampeding creatures, forcing them to reconsider their approach.
High above the battlefield, a group of demon beasts at the king level observed the carnage below. One of them, a massive beast with razor-sharp claws and glowing red eyes, turned to his companions. "This human resistance is fiercer than we anticipated. Their weapons... they possess an unprecedented power. Retreat! We will regroup and plan our next move."
With a final roar of frustration, the demon beasts began to retreat, their mighty stampede now replaced by a hasty withdrawal. The humans, exhausted but victorious, watched as the enemy faded into the distance.
In the aftermath of the battle, the toll became evident. Many warriors had fallen, and countless others were left wounded and scarred. Only 60 percent of the defenders remained, bearing the weight of loss and the scars of their bravery.
The people of the town, though relieved to have survived the crisis, were filled with a mix of joy and sorrow. The air was heavy with both celebration and grief. They mourned the loss of their loved ones who had perished in the battle, their sacrifices forever etched in the town's collective memory.
Among the townspeople, those who had previously mocked and looked down upon Franz felt a deep sense of shame and gratitude. They realized that without his invention of the soul guns, they too would have faced certain doom. Now, they looked upon Franz with respect and gratitude, their eyes filled with newfound admiration.
Word of the remarkable victory and the instrumental role played by the soul guns spread throughout the town. The city lord, a wise and astute leader, recognized the significance of the weapons and sought to reward those responsible.
Summoning Franz's parents to his side, the city lord expressed his profound gratitude. "You have saved this town and its people from certain destruction. Your invention, the soul guns, proved to be a turning point in the battle. Please accept my deepest appreciation."
The city lord, moved by their bravery and ingenuity, honored Franz's parents with the prestigious title of duke. He turned his attention to Franz, a glimmer of admiration in his eyes. "And you, young Franz, for your remarkable contribution, I hereby promote you to the rank of baron of this city. Your inventions have earned you this honor."
Franz, humbled and grateful, accepted the promotion with a nod of acknowledgment. It was a testament to the power of his ideas and the resilience of the human spirit. The town, once filled with skepticism and disdain, now regarded him and his family as heroes.
The battle had been won, but the scars of the conflict would remain. Yet, amidst the sorrow, there was also hope. The town stood united, grateful for their survival and forever indebted to the ingenuity and courage of those who had defended them. Together, they would rebuild and forge a future filled with resilience, strength, and a newfound respect for the one they once called "the cursed child."
With his newfound status as a baron and the respect he had earned, Franz found himself in possession of a magnificent villa. It was a testament to his achievements and a symbol of his elevated position. Within its walls, he established his own troop of warriors, a group of thirty individuals with varying ranks and abilities. These warriors, grateful for Franz's ingenious inventions and leadership, were ready to follow his every command.
Among the troops, two warriors stood out as the most powerful: James and Tristan. They possessed marks of club and diamond, respectively, signifying their exceptional potential. Franz remembered their valiant efforts in the previous battle, and he recognized their immense talent and loyalty.
As Franz observed his new troops, he couldn't help but notice the effect killing demon beasts had on his own soul power. Each time he struck down a creature, his soul power surged, reaching the lofty rank of emperor realm. However, he had no desire to become a merciless killer driven solely by power. Instead, his focus was on protecting his peaceful life and loved ones.
Driven by this goal, Franz devised a training regime for his troops based on a scientific approach. He aimed to maximize their potential and equip them with high-powered soul guns and advanced equipment. The soul guns were protected by his unique soul power, rendering them impervious to counterfeiting. If anyone attempted to dismantle or observe the soul guns without authorization, they would self-destruct.
In addition to arming his troops, Franz tapped into his past life's knowledge of anime powers and created different techniques based on their elemental affinities. Each warrior would receive specialized training tailored to their unique abilities, harnessing the full potential of their elemental powers.
Beyond their combat training, Franz had another objective in mind. He wanted to assess if he could awaken an observation or divine sense, similar to the abilities depicted in his favorite anime, One Piece. This skill would serve as a life-saving tool and greatly enhance their effectiveness in battle, especially when wielding soul guns. To accomplish this, Franz selected James and Tristan as his protégés, molding them to become his trusted right and left hands. He saw in them the potential to become legendary figures capable of shaking the world.
With a clear vision and a formidable force at his command, Franz set out on a path of continued growth and innovation. He knew that building this force would be instrumental in protecting his peaceful life and achieving his goals. As he trained his troops and developed their skills, Franz remained ever-mindful of his responsibility to lead them toward a future of strength, unity, and the pursuit of greatness. The legend of Franz and his troop began to spread, leaving a mark on the world that would be remembered for generations to come.