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.

"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.