There were many things Jacob was worried about, but his number one priority was to find a weapon. Yes, a weapon. It could sound silly, but if he had a genuine artifact in his hands, he would be able to kill even the damned Hellspawn Chameleon.

Jacob was no natural-born talent, but that did not mean he couldn't deal with kids or a couple of lowly monsters. The Hellspawn Chameleon had threatened his life, but just because he hadn't had a chance to get armed properly. His talent did indeed suck, but he was strong nonetheless. All the experience he had accumulated over the years, the practice, the life-and-death experiences… well, if that did not amount to talent, nothing would.

And a sword? Well, a good sword would go a long way in making him a powerhouse in this post-apocalyptic world.

Luis Albert was discussing with some adults when he spotted him. It was still close to dawn, so only their little group and Jacob were in front of the school's gate.

"Jacob, a word?"

What now?

"Sure, principal."

"These gentlemen here fought some wolves this morning, and one person nearly died."

Jacob looked over the four adults, all-male and relatively young. One of them had bloody gashes all over his body and could barely stand.

"We were wondering if Juliet had any advice on how to fight the beasts," Luis Albert asked.

Without Martial Techniques, some of these people will die. Without Cultivation Techniques, it will be hard teaching them such Martial Techniques.

Jacob could already feel a headache building.

On the one hand, they could really screw up with Cultivation Techniques; they could leak them, get strong, harm others, and so on. On the other hand, it is truly unfair for them not to have one; they need to protect themselves. Maybe I can teach them some Alchemy? Or Inscription Patterns?

“I’m sorry, Principal. We need to explore this world more. We are fighting terrible Demonic Beasts: some risks are to be expected. Not even Juliet is safe, even if someone might think otherwise.”

He swept his gaze toward the small crowd.

“We need to explore, in any case. Let’s organize for some sentinels to be stationed around the school in turns. Cars should still work, even though everything else is down. We are going to take a few scooters and drive to a nearby town to get a handle on the situation,” Jacob turned and almost walked away.

He remembered to say one last thing.

“Tell Frederick he’s coming with us, by the way.”

Better to have your friends close and your enemies closer.

…

Jacob had won in his spar in a matter of seconds, but the truth was that Juliet was still stronger than him. Now that she had a Cultivation Technique and a Martial Technique, she was much stronger. He needed something to leverage the field and reach her level; that’s why he chose to go straight for the Ancient Ruins.

The ones close to St. Peter were relatively safe and free of dangers. If he remembered well, there were a few traps and monsters, but nothing he wouldn’t be able to take care of with Juliet and Frederick in tow. And Joseph, he almost forgot about the guy.

He would leave Helena here in case any strong Demonic Beasts were to attack. His aunt, too, would hole up with Helena somewhere and cultivate as much as possible. The fact that he would leave his aunt with her should also lead Helena to believe he trusted her.

After telling her that he wouldn’t share the Ancestral Bond for safety reasons, she got mad and shouted at him. She knew Jacob was hiding something and that this something would make her stronger. Helena had been very upright in his past life, and she had always pursued justice; she had also been power-hungry, but not this desperate, to be honest.

Jacob was worried that power would go to her head if he left her unchecked.

For now, though, he was satisfied with the fact that very few people had died. They were in the apocalypse, and they had managed to gather everyone and bring them to the school. They had been cramped, but everyone fit.

Only Francis’s family had been excluded. Frederick told Jacob that he would inform his father and the other adults personally.

Only God knew what that little sh*t was planning, but it seemed like Frederick was behaving for now.

If he tries anything on the expedition, grab a weapon, steal something, and kill me… Then, we will come with one person less from the place.

Jacob also wanted to check out the nearby town, Fort Mountain.

But first things first. The sword, weapons, and other treasures they would find there would help St. Peter prosper. In a post-apocalyptic society, artifacts and strength were both needed to survive the upcoming challenges.

Nasty monsters roamed the world. Thankfully, the stronger monsters kept to the previous high-density population zones. Fortunately, the world had changed in a way that favored Qi and Mana in those places. Coming to St. Peter would be the same as coming to a desert for a stronger monster.

He found Joseph meditating inside his old house. The guy had no regard for his safety, it seemed. It was now early morning, and people had started roaming around the city in small groups. Everyone had been warned to get someone strong with them in case they found a roaming Demonic Beast.

“Joe, we are moving. First, we are hitting up a place, and then we go straight for Fort Mountain.”

“Uhm, are you sure I need to come?”

“Yeah, you little shit. Everyone needs battle experience as fast as possible, and you are guaranteed to get some. Plus, there will be strong people and be ready to help you.”

Joseph had a sad expression on his face, but he still nodded.

Poor kid, his parents left him alone here. I’m not even sure he has realized he is an orphan.

Jacob heard the sound of engines turning on and went out in the street to see what was happening.