One thing Eric noticed though was he must carefully choose his words when utilizing the ability. A smile formed on his face and said, "Don't worry, I know. That was on me."
Zoe was taken aback. Of course, it was on you! But she could not say it out loud. She nodded and remained by his side, waiting for the rest of the survivors to return in less than an hour. However, Eric wanted to chat with her, especially about his plans.
"I have cleared the Block 1 road. I think it's time to clear the stretch of Block 1 Road on Zone 3."
The Zone 3 street led to the west gate, and part of Block 1 Road he was referring to was in between Zone 2 and 3. Naturally, the Block 1 Road continued north, extending all the way to Zone 1.
The west gate has 7 zones, with 1 to 4 zones from north to south, and zone 6 and 7 north to south but above Zone 1. The road and streets are really complicated.
Hence, Eric felt like changing their names…
He grinned.
He heard Zoe's voice, saying, "Yes. In accordance with your plan."
He recalled he said he had to train them by fighting zombies, so conquering other roads and zones were only compensation.
Eric nodded and said, "Anyway, I have an interesting idea. It also aligns to my desire to pretty much change everything." He smirked. "I want to change the name of the street with the people who were with me prior to the establishment of the Empire. The name of the university will change to the name of the Empire, too."
Ironically, Eric has not thought of the name of his Empire yet. However, he believed choosing the name would come at the right time.
So, he added, "But not my name. We will decide after we conquer the university and all the blocks and zones on the west gate."
Zoe's eyes lit up. How ambitious! However, she was concerned about the sacrifices to be made during the process. She tossed the unnecessary thoughts at the back of her mind. It's necessary to build a haven. She believed…
…
Less than half an hour later, the survivors gathered again in front of Eric. For an hour, he trained them with exercises that would enhance their physical attribute points. Afterward, in ten minutes, he taught them meditation techniques, aiding them to elevate their intelligent attribute points.
Along the way, he assessed them. As expected, his early assessment was accurate. The second row showed their potential as they lasted longer during the exercise and meditation technique than the rest. However, to gauge their skills, it would be determined by the results of their breathing session.
He calculated it would take the second row to max their attribute points for three days before they could awaken their abilities. The third row would be in six days, fourth row in seven days, and the fifth would be in ten days. The three girls he saved belonged on the fourth row and they actually showed potential, causing him to consider them elevating to the third row.
Nevertheless, Eric was satisfied by their performance. Not a single one of them was as problematic as Nicholas. He assumed their desire to live and become stronger like him fueled them to be passionate about exercise and meditation.
Zoe, on the other hand, speculated the reason they were locked in during the exercise and meditation session was simply because the Emperor personally taught them. He was patient, his words made sense, he is a teacher that made them instantly comprehend his words. They even thought Eric was a professor, not a student.
Just like that, they memorized the exercise and Eric believed he could leave them alone to continue before lunch. He asked who knows how to cook and gave them all the task to prepare for lunch while he would bring Zoe and others, except Samantha and Jasper, to clear the other blocks and rescue more people.
They rejoiced. Glory to the Empire! One of them shouted and followed by another. Eric's eyes lit up. That's actually not bad. He thought. He told Zoe that he liked the chant, hinting her. She nodded.
Eric left the pink gate and walked on houses where he could find Michelle and others. Michelle was taking notes on the foods and water Andrew and others collected. Thankfully, compared to before, their physical attributes elevated after the awakening, so, still one at a time, they gathered a five gallon water jug on the right side of the house.
Eric accidentally came across Leonel, bringing a five gallon water jug on his left shoulder and bags of food in his right hand. He was filled with sweats but he would pause and close his eyes to perform the breathing technique, aiming to revitalize his body.
Eric smiled. At the same time, the thunder quail on Zoe's shoulder flapped his wings and flew back to the nest. Eric glanced at him and asked, "Did you name him already, Zoe?"
Zoe nodded. "Yes, he's Birdy."
As a result, the name of the bird on the system's information was added. Eric raised his eyebrows. He shook his head and kept his thoughts. She sucks at naming.
"Emperor!" As Eric was waiting on the gate where Leonel was heading, Leonel quickly noticed him. He was surprised and excited.
"Leonel." Eric nodded. "How is the progress?"
Leonel, brimming with sweats, arrived in front of him but did not put down the water jugs and bags. He replied, "We are almost finished. Axel and others have almost swept every house, so I think thirty minutes more will do."
"Good." Eric nodded. "I will go inside and wait for you all to finish."
Eric and Zoe then paved the way for Leonel to enter as the gate was already opened.
Leonel hastily nodded and entered. He was more enthusiastic than before. After all, he believed Eric's next plan aligned to his assumption.
Not only the gate was already opened, the door was, too. Hence, Leonel entered without having to put down the water jugs and bags as Eric and Zoe followed him.
Zoe, who suddenly realized something, said, "Emperor, let me help them, so we can finish early."
Eric stopped, pondering, and nodded. "Alright. Go."
Zoe lowered her head and left.
Eric continued to walk inside until she saw Michelle with a notebook on her left hand and a pen on her right hand. She was facing a mountain of foods—noodle packs and canned foods. As for vegetables and fruits, they were placed on the side—Samantha would take care of them.
In total, Michelle was satisfied. It would certainly last a month without even holding back at providing food for others…