Chapter 110: Slowly developing.

The day slowly passed by, and his summons all gathered at the campfire as the desert sun began its descent toward the horizon. The harsh heat gave way to more comfortable temperatures, creating the perfect atmosphere for their evening break.

Ethan observed from a distance as his subjects arranged themselves in a loose circle around the crackling flames.

He didn’t believe in overworking his people to death—an hour of rest and camaraderie was essential for maintaining morale and unit cohesion.

Bonds forged in downtime are as strong as those made in battle.

Ramsay had outdone himself with the evening meal. The aroma of properly seasoned scorpion stew filled the air, a vast improvement from their earlier survival rations. His E+ Grade Culinary Mastery transformed even desert creatures into appetizing cuisine.

“This is incredible!” Elena exclaimed, savoring another spoonful. “I never thought that the bland scorpion could taste this good.”

Ramsay beamed with professional pride. “Secret’s in the spice blend. Found some desert herbs that complement the meat’s natural flavors.”

Marcus leaned back against a supply crate, stretching muscles sore from combat rotations. “Remember when we thought hard bread and water was a feast?”

Laughter rippled through the group. The shared hardships of their first days had become fond memories now that proper food and shelter were assured.

Jack gestured toward the residential construction taking shape nearby. “Jacoub, how much longer until we have real beds?”

The architect looked up from his evening sketches, stone dust still coating his hands. ” a few hours left for the first building. Proper sleeping quarters with individual rooms.”

“Individual rooms?” One of the newer warriors perked up.

“Don’t get too excited,” another teased. “You snore loud enough to wake the dead anyway.”

More laughter echoed across the camp. Even the normally serious soldiers were relaxing, their guard dropping in the safety of their expanded territory.

Elena pulled out a set of makeshift cards from her pocket. “Anyone interested in a game? Stakes are extra dessert rations.”

“You’re on,” Marcus grinned, scooting closer to the fire. “Been too long since I’ve properly lost money to an archer.”

“Your optimism is touching,” Elena shuffled with practiced ease. “Jack? Ramsay? Anyone else brave enough?”

Soon half the group was engrossed in the card game, playful banter mixing with strategic thinking.

The other half engaged in quiet conversations about their lives before joining Ethan’s territory.

Jacoub shared stories of the grand constructions he’d witnessed back in his place. The warriors compared training techniques from their various backgrounds. Everyone contributed something to the collective knowledge.

Ethan felt warmth that had nothing to do with the campfire. These weren’t just summoned subjects following orders—they were becoming a community. People who genuinely cared about each other’s welfare and took pride in their shared accomplishments.

The protective barrier hummed softly around them, but the real protection came from the bonds forming between his people. When the barrier fell, they wouldn’t just be fighting for survival—they’d be defending their home and family.

Four more days until the real test.

But watching his subjects laugh and compete and share stories, Ethan felt confident they would face whatever came together.

As everyone was having a good time around the crackling campfire, the protective barrier suddenly rippled like disturbed water.

The blue energy field flickered, sending waves of distortion across its surface. Every head turned toward the disturbance, laughter dying in throats as combat instincts took over.

“What was that?” Elena whispered, her hand already reaching for her bow.

Marcus was on his feet instantly, eyes scanning the barrier’s perimeter. “Something’s testing our defenses. These attacks aren’t like those of the scorpions, besides that, we killed most scorpions in the area. It’s something else.”

The rippling intensified, concentrated in one specific area to the north. Not random fluctuations—deliberate pressure. Something was probing for weaknesses.

’We’re under attack.’

Ethan rose from his observation position, his expression hardening as he processed the implications. The barrier could withstand monster assaults, but this felt different.

The attacks had some sort of knocking rhythm which meant it was an intelligent thing, which was much more dangerous.

“Everyone, get your weapons ready,” he commanded, his voice cutting through the evening air. “Follow me, let’s see what this is about.”

His subjects responded with military precision, the relaxed atmosphere evaporating like morning mist. Cards scattered as Elena grabbed her Enhanced Quiver. Jack’s sword sang from its sheath. Even Ramsay hefted a cooking knife with grim determination.

’Whatever’s out there knows we’re here.’

They moved as a unit toward the disturbance, boots crunching on sand as they crossed their expanded territory. The barrier’s blue glow seemed dimmer somehow, as if the energy was being drained by whatever pressed against it.

As they crested a small rise, the source of the attack became visible.

“Shit… we got found.”

Three humans stood just beyond the barrier’s edge, their casual postures radiating predatory confidence. These weren’t desperate survivors or lost wanderers—they carried themselves like apex predators who’d found easy prey.

’Humans. That’s so much worse than monsters.’

The leader stood slightly ahead of his companions, arms crossed as he studied Ethan’s approaching force with calculating eyes. Power radiated from him like heat from a forge—Low-Gold rank at minimum. The two flanking him showed Peak-Silver auras, their strength sufficient to slaughter everyone in the territory except Ethan himself.

’They could kill my subjects in seconds. I’m the only one with enough firepower to determine the outcome of this.’

Smirks played across all three faces as they waited for the approach, clearly enjoying the fear their presence generated. The predatory satisfaction of cats cornering mice.

“Well, well,” the first subordinate laughed, his gaze lingering on Elena with obvious intent. “Look at this cute little territory. Fresh subjects, new construction… and that archer girl looks promising.”

’They’re already dividing up my people like property.’

The second subordinate stepped closer to the barrier, his eyes also fixated on Elena. “I saw her first, Marcus. Don’t get any ideas.”

“Your eyesight’s always been shit, Derek. She’s clearly mine.”

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