After hearing Daniel's words, Carlos began to carefully consider whether the decision he had made was the right one. In his opinion, second-level authority figures take the greatest risks, but the greater the danger, the greater the rewards and experiences! Everyone would learn to survive and take care of themselves.
Just as Carlos was deep in thought, wondering if, as an ordinary man, he could survive in this group, Jason had already begun presenting the plan to everyone in great detail.
As Jason's plan was gradually laid out, bursts of discussion erupted among the crowd before him. As usual, most people supported him, while a small group hesitated, worried that this series of actions might endanger their lives—but no one opposed it. After all, what this great project would provide them was a safer living environment in the fight against walkers.
Jason spoke for about half an hour, detailing the groups and leaders who would direct the mission, the movements and strategies for mobility, and the precautions that needed to be taken. When Jason finally indicated that he had finished speaking, the crowd below erupted in discussion, with many standing up and asking a series of questions.
"Captain, everyone in the community is ready to do whatever is needed, but… why do we need to strengthen the defenses here?" A middle-aged man hesitated under the gaze of those around him, but still spoke clearly.
"You're Orlando, right?" Jason looked at the middle-aged man with a slight smile on his face. This man was considered an important figure in the community. During a shootout at the beginning of the apocalypse, his wife had died. After escaping, with nothing left to fight for in this world, he found a nursing home where he helped everyone. After living in the prison for some time, he had earned the respect of many people.
Orlando was pleased that Jason remembered his name. He tied his hair back and said with some concern, "Sir, none of us doubt your decision, and the results of this project are good—nothing but beneficial for everyone. But considering the danger, it's still difficult for us to overcome our fear of the walkers."
Hearing this, Jason looked in Orlando's direction and said, "Believe me, as the leader of this community, I have taken all these concerns into account. I know your fear of walkers, which is why you will be protected by guards who are experts at eliminating them."
After saying that, he finally stepped forward to address everyone and added, "Let me ask you something, Orlando—have you ever seen how destructive a horde of walkers can be? Very few people know that walkers in Europe have mutated. Some can open doors, lift objects off the ground, and climb obstacles. Can a simple wire fence really withstand an attack from ten thousand walkers?"
The prison was a unique and excellent place to establish a base, but these problems had always been on Jason's mind. One day, he would face enemies intelligent enough to drive hordes of walkers toward his base. How could he ensure the security of this place then?
The entire prison was surrounded by a fence strong enough to keep the walkers out, but that didn't guarantee that the smarter ones couldn't climb it.
Fortunately, he was aware of many things that could happen and was preparing to avoid being caught off guard by any future developments. The S.C.T. operations center must not be breached by any kind of enemy.
"Walkers can do that?"
"How is that possible?"
When Jason saw the disbelief on everyone's faces, he said, "I don't want you to be shocked, but walkers won't be our greatest concern. Can we keep this place safe if another group covets our land? I know you're worried about losses on this mission, but at the very least, I want to assure you that the guards in each group—I personally—will do everything in my power to ensure no one gets hurt."
"Even so, we will suffer losses. Some of us will die. But whoever survives will be stronger than any other man or woman! My plans go far beyond this mission and will bring changes that improve everyone's lives in the future. The purpose of every living human is to rebuild civilization, and no one needs orders to feel that mission in their hearts. That's why every member of S.C.T. will fight with that goal in mind!"
Jason's passionate words echoed throughout the place. Everyone felt invigorated with an unbreakable fighting spirit, and at that moment, they all wanted to take up arms and deal with the walkers outside!
Looking at those who had been inspired by his vision, Jason knew this was the perfect moment to push forward. Without hesitation, he shouted in a deep, authoritative voice, "Do you want to live a good life in the future?"
"Yes, Captain!"
"Who here wants to destroy the walkers and never fear that those mindless corpses will eat us?"
"We want to destroy the walkers and lose our fear in the process!"
"Then, who among you wants to rebuild civilization—to create a place where children can grow up without touching a weapon and the elderly can grow old without witnessing the darkest side of this world?"
"We want that!"
"Then don't doubt! Don't fear! Don't question how powerful you can become! Follow the plan, and one day, we will all see a new tomorrow without walkers!"
"We won't doubt!!!"
"We humans may be the most wicked creatures in this world, but we are also the best at adapting to any condition! Remember, hard times create strong men!"
"Let's go!!!"
Rick, Shane, and the others standing behind Jason looked at the determined eyes of the people before them, then at Jason's cold and resolute expression. They all had to admire his ability to stir the hearts of everyone with just a few words.
Many in the crowd looked at Jason with passionate eyes, and some women even began to feel something more than just shared excitement. Girls like Amy wondered more than once if what they were starting to feel was love for this man, but Jason himself seemed to have no time for such negative emotions.
And Nara, who stood at the very front of the crowd, also looked at Jason differently in that moment. This man was not simply aiming for survival—Jason wanted to rebuild order across civilization. She had always considered him cold and detached from those around him, but now, her thoughts had changed.
With a single command, all second-level authority figures began moving toward third-level leaders, working together with the rest of the people. A record was now being made of those who would be leaving, and the necessary equipment was being distributed among the groups.
Tomorrow would mark the first day of a new month. Tonight, everyone would rest, and a small farewell party would be held. Jason promised everyone that once the mission was complete, they would receive an unexpected surprise.
Guillermo was deeply distressed that night. As the person in charge of supplies, it pained him to see so many resources spent on a party, and he felt a little uneasy.
After being assigned to keep the food and weapons storage in order, he reported daily on what was used and what remained.
But to tell the truth, Jason was the one most informed about the resources in the warehouses and everything that was being used. For now, the warehouses were full, and even large trucks remained packed since there was no space to move them at the moment.
In the armory warehouses, there was also gunpowder and machines to produce certain types of ammunition, but very few people had the skills to make them, and sooner or later, they had in mind to acquire a factory.
That night, everyone received wine, and a lavish meal was prepared. After all, many would be leaving the prison, and some might never return. That was just how things were, and no matter what Jason did to prevent it, sooner or later, there would be casualties.
As Jason sat in a corner of the table, lost in these thoughts, the people around him were having a pleasant evening. Andrea, who was aware of her sister's feelings, nudged Amy to go talk to Jason.
After leaving her sister next to Jason, she walked away, leaving her alone. Jason, on the other hand, had no such colorful thoughts in his mind at the moment.
After feeling movement beside him, he turned and asked, "Do you drink wine too?"
Amy smiled and nodded. She picked up the wine bottle and handed it to Jason, casually asking, "How have you been? You don't seem very used to this kind of atmosphere, do you?"
Hearing this question, Jason looked around and felt a slight anger rise in his mind. Over time, he was slowly feeling more responsible for the future of his community, and he knew that everyone was about to face true hell in the coming days.
Amy, noticing Jason's serious expression, said, "I'm sorry. This place is really nice, and a lot of people feel comfortable with what has been built here. We're all grateful, Jason."
"I'm glad to hear that. Let me know if you have any difficulties. Even though time might not always be on my side, when I'm here, I can handle trivial matters. For now, times will be very tough, but once the plans for this prison are completed, everyone will be safe."
Jason could only look at everyone with a slight smile. Now, more than ever, he could see that all his efforts over time were beginning to bear fruit, which pushed him to keep striving.
Amy looked at Jason and suddenly realized her mistake. Seeing Jason, who only appeared to be in his early twenties, bearing such a heavy burden, she abandoned her original questions and instead asked, "Jason, how old are you?"
"Hmm, I think I'm twenty-six. Why?" Jason didn't understand the strange question Amy had just asked and gave her a slightly confused look.
Without realizing it, Amy exclaimed, "Twenty-five years old? That can't be! I thought you were younger."
"Haha! Well, you're not wrong. To be honest, I can look a bit young if I don't have a beard, and I rarely tell people my real age." Jason was a little surprised by Amy's words.
Seeing Jason suddenly smile, Amy smiled too, but she knew that her feelings didn't stand a chance. Thinking about it, she decided to ignore them.
Amy could clearly feel that Jason's kindness toward her was nothing special—so common that he was the same with everyone. Maybe now wasn't the right time, or perhaps Jason simply wasn't interested in such feelings in today's world.