Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2 - 2: Divine Talent - Golden Finger_1

"Divine Talent? A Golden Finger?"

After a brief moment of shock, a look of joyful surprise finally washed over Leo Ray’s face.

As a veteran reader of web novels, the concept of a Golden Finger was something he understood intimately.

"Is this my ticket to the top?"

Gripped by excitement, Leo Ray immediately pulled up the description of his talent.

[One: Touch specific items to initiate an upgrade.]

[Two: Upgraded items will experience changes in either quality or quantity.]

[Three: Each individual item can undergo this upgrade process only once.]

"Incredible, this is basically the power to turn stone into gold!"

Closing the window, Leo Ray turned his eager gaze toward the Tier 1 Recruitment Orders held in his hand.

Just as expected, the word "Upgradeable" was displayed in small text next to each of the two orders.

"Upgrade!"

Without a second thought, Leo Ray focused his intent and selected one of them.

[The newcomer's lucky critical effect has been triggered due to the first activation of this talent! Congratulations, your 'Tier 1 Recruitment Order' has been promoted to a 'Tier 5 Recruitment Order'!]

"Di... Directly to Tier 5?!"

Watching the wooden token transform instantly into a brilliant, dazzling gold, Leo Ray felt so ecstatic he could have jumped for joy.

Based on the fundamental knowledge that had been transferred into his mind earlier, he understood the stakes perfectly.

In this realm, the power of Tier 1 Subordinates is roughly equal to that of an average person.

However, Tier 5 Subordinates are legendary figures, renowned for their immense strength across the lands.

The disparity between the two is staggering.

It was comparable to the difference between a common sheep and Godzilla!

With such a powerhouse at his side, dealing with local demon beasts would be trivial; a Tier 5 warrior could likely dismantle an entire low-tier army singlehandedly!

"It seems my talent is more than just a little strong..."

Beaming with uncontrollable delight, Leo Ray immediately tapped the button to use the Recruitment Order.

A shimmering golden portal materialized out of thin air before him.

Moments later, a bearded man standing at least 2.3 meters tall stepped through the gateway.

The Lord's Mansion itself seemed to vibrate with every heavy stride he took.

Leo Ray stared in awe at the man’s mountain-like frame and bulging muscles.

Back on Earth, the only thing comparable to this massive figure would be the Hulk from the movies!

"Berserker Taylor, reporting for duty, Lord."

Upon seeing Leo Ray, the giant bowed in greeting. His gravelly voice lacked extreme subservience, but it was filled with genuine sincerity and respect.

Every movement he made carried a natural, imposing aura.

"This man... is truly a monster!"

Though he maintained a calm exterior, Leo Ray was vibrating with inner excitement as he felt Taylor’s overwhelming presence. He nodded in acknowledgment and then pulled up the man's stats.

[Name: Taylor]

[Class: Berserker]

[Rank: Tier 5 Second Star (Strength increases with star level)]

[Loyalty: 50]

[Skill One: Frenzy 'Active' (Granting a massive surge in strength, followed by a weakened state)]

[Other skills: Locked due to insufficient loyalty]

"A Berserker indeed. With Frenzy active, he might even rival a Tier 6 powerhouse!"

Leo Ray marveled to himself as he closed the attribute screen.

"What are your commands, Lord?" Taylor asked. Several prompts appeared beside him including options like "Standby," "Patrol Territory," "Free Movement," and "Perimeter Reconnaissance."

Pushing his excitement aside, Leo Ray fell into deep thought.

With Taylor’s arrival, his circumstances had shifted radically.

Mere survival was no longer the primary concern.

The new challenge was how to maximize his growth efficiency.

To grow, he first needed to understand his surroundings.

"Go scout the surrounding area," Leo Ray commanded, "but stay within a reasonable distance."

Even though Taylor’s loyalty was sitting at 50, Leo Ray wasn't concerned about betrayal.

The Recruitment Order established a master-servant contract. Unless loyalty plummeted below 20, there was no risk of rebellion.

"As you command! I shall scout a one-kilometer radius."

Taylor saluted, turned around, and marched out of the building.

Once he was gone, Leo Ray turned his attention to the second Tier 1 Recruitment Order and activated his Golden Finger again.

[Congratulations, your Tier 1 Recruitment Order has been upgraded into 98 Tier 1 Recruitment Orders!]

"Wow, so it's a quantitative change this time? It feels like I'm running a wholesale business."

Looking at the pile of orders on the floor, Leo Ray let out a wry laugh.

Since his territory currently had a population cap of ten, he couldn't use them all yet.

Still, the sensation of "copy-pasting" his resources left him feeling triumphant.

While others struggled with only two orders a day, he had nearly a hundred ready to go.

Instead of rushing to summon more people, Leo Ray decided to survey the resources within the Safety Zone.

He knew that expanding the population without securing food and water would be a disaster.

After a quick tour of his land, he discovered the layout...

A translucent energy barrier extended in a thirty-meter radius around the wooden house. It functioned like a shield in a strategy game, allowing him to pass through while keeping threats out.

Peering through the barrier...

He caught glimpses of dark shapes darting through the jungle and heard the echoes of chilling roars in the distance.

It was clear that the world outside the Safety Zone was lethal.

Inside the zone, however, there were only trees and a crystal-clear stream.

A spring fed the creek with fresh water, and the sight of small fish and shrimp confirmed the water was safe to drink.

"Only a water source, then..."

Leo Ray returned to the wooden house and sat on the steps, opening the Chat Channel to see how the other Lords were faring.

By now, most people had grasped their situation.

However, the dominant topic was the desperate need for food.

"Damn it, I cut my foot while gathering wood with my farmer. I'm hungry and in pain, someone help!"

"You think you have it bad? My farmer fainted from hunger the second I gave him a task. There are Goblins everywhere outside the zone, and there's nothing to eat!"

"I'm stuck in the mountains. It's just rocks everywhere, and a black tiger is waiting at my doorstep. My two farmers and I are just sitting here staring at stones..."

"My summoned farmers are two old ladies! They refuse to work until they're fed! I'm currently climbing trees to find fruit. Who is the Lord here, them or me?"

"I tried to catch fish in the river, but I didn't get any fish—the current just swept one of my farmers away!"

"Can anyone spare some food? Anything at all! I was on a diet before I got here and I haven't eaten in days. Please..."

...

After fifteen minutes, Leo Ray closed the channel, looking pensive.

"I'll need to send Taylor out to hunt soon. If I can secure a food supply, everything else will fall into place."

Just as the thought crossed his mind, Taylor reappeared.

The massive man returned with two large, limp demon beasts draped over his shoulders.

A wide grin spread across Leo Ray’s face. "Well, looks like the food problem is already solved."