5:30 a.m. February 4, 2028
It took Eric two days to sweep through every house in Block 1 Rd. In fact, he finished in twelve hours, but rummaging through each house's important items, aside from food and water, took him two days. In total, twenty five people survived and were hiding in their houses. All of them were convinced to follow him.
After all, what could be more convincing than a person who could conjure and manipulate fire? If such a person existed and could fight zombies as though crushing an ant, then there was no complaint.
All of them resided in the house beside where Eric stayed. However, at this moment, since the seclusion of his remaining subjects from the breathing session was finally completed, he instructed them to call all the survivors.
Hence, all of them lined up in front of Eric, who sat behind the pink gate. Every person in front of him was a student, but they actually have different potential. It was not surprising since the influx of energy during the apocalypse has a different impact on different people.
Out of the twenty five students, Eric was astonished there was an S- grade potential among them when he met them yesterday. Hence, he put him in front of him, which was in the middle of the first line.
The first line consists of five people were nervous. They did not know why Eric personally chose who was on the first line, the second line, until the fifth line. Eric even chose the person in front of him to stand in the middle.
Before the gathering, they were already informed about the Empire and Emperor or whatnot by Eric's followers and heard about Eric's feats and how there were monstrous zombies. They were instantly convinced when they mentioned such events, to which they indeed perceived earthquakes and noise they thought were missiles.
Because if it was indeed missiles, the army would have saved them, not some random human who could control fire.
Hence, they were ready to regard Eric as the Emperor. Of course, some thought it was ridiculous, not until they heard the fate of Nicholas. Even if they were not totally convinced, they kept it on their thoughts.
Among those convinced was the third year historian in the middle of the first line, whose heart was racing as he broke into sweats, being stared intently by the Emperor.
Eric, on the other hand, was reading the effects of his Title, after knowing his potential was S-grade.
{Title: War Historian
Martial Insight – Grants a deep understanding of all known battle tactics, formations, and warfare doctrines, allowing instant adaptability to any battlefield situation. Allied forces under the War Historian's command gain a 10% boost in tactical efficiency.
Chronicles of War – Enhances memory retention and recall speed of historical battles, generals, and war campaigns, allowing the War Historian to recognize patterns in enemy movements and predict their next course of action with 80% accuracy.
Battlefield Echoes – The War Historian can instinctively recognize battlefield conditions similar to past wars and apply historically effective strategies in real-time, making them a valuable commander or war advisor.
Legacy of Conquerors – Increases the War Historian's personal combat proficiency by 25%, as if channeling the experience of past warriors. The War Historian can intuitively grasp the weaknesses and strengths of different weapon styles and martial disciplines.
War Doctrine Manifestation – The War Historian can instill historical battle doctrines into troops, making them fight with the discipline and coordination of legendary military units. This effect increases morale, reduces fear, and enhances battlefield cohesion.}
Eric then instructed the system to show his status once again.
{Name: Gregorio Zaide
Potential: S-
Title: War Historian
Stage: Unawakened
Abilities: Unawakened
Age: 20
Strength: D+
Agility: D+
Durability: D+
Stamina: D+
Intelligence: B
Remarks: You're so lucky to gain a potential strategist and general this early, huh?}
Hah! I feel like I have already used up my luck. Eric thought. He was elated that every of Gregorio's Title effects could be used at any moment, especially in a month. He was willing to keep his silence during the conquest while letting him be the strategist and general, but since he had the effects of Mind of the Sage, he would instantly surpass him. As long as he was given enough time to listen and understand what Gregorio knew, he would still come out on top as a strategist.
In fact, Eric doubted that Gregorio surpassed him since he had knowledge of many wars during the campaign of the Murim Leader. Nevertheless, he felt better to know there was someone who could act like him in case he had to divide his troops and let Gregorio lead the others.
He scrutinized Gregorio's appearance. He was wearing a casual t-shirt and shorts while wearing a slipper. His face was average at most, with the iconic tomato-shaped nose. His forehead was a bit wide and he had slightly curly round hair.
He's nervous… Eric smiled.
He asked, "In history, which do you like the most?"
"Sorry?" Gregorio was startled.
Eric continued, "In the history of the world, which person left a deep impression of you."
The others were startled, but they had the same thought. There it is! They said that he seemed to have known us despite just seeing us at one glance! They recalled Eric barely asking for information about them. Although Eric's followers might have told him, they did not remember Gregorio mentioning about being a historian.
However, how did he know that Gregorio was a historian? Just seeing the latter's surprised expression, they were convinced that what Jasper and others said were true.
Gregorio thought. He knows I'm an historian?! I mean, he's asking me about history. Is he interested in that, too?! His eyes sparkled in excitement.
Gregorio quickly replied, "Sun Tzu!" His voice tinged with excitement.
Eric smiled and nodded. "Who doesn't admire Sun Tzu? Alright. Tell me the key principles of his Art of War."
The others thought it was the right time to steal Gregorio's opportunity to get closer to the Emperor, but they were flabbergasted by his question.
They simultaneously glanced at Gregorio, whose eyes gleamed brightly, instantly answering, "Sun Tzu believed that victory should be achieved through diplomacy, alliances, deception, and superior planning before resorting to battle. Because war should be a last resort, and prolonged warfare will benefit the nation into nothing…"
He kept yapping for five minutes straight, until he was done, panting for his breath. Eric smiled brightly.
"It's just one of the many things you know, right?"
"Yes. There are more. You want to listen?"