"So, why did he suddenly say he wanted to build an Empire?" Axel asked.
They just closed the pink gate and were now having a conversation inside. The sun had just set, so it was about night time. Thankfully, the electricity was still active, so they turned on the lights outside the house.
Michelle thought of Eric's response when asked for his reason and did not want to tell Axel about it.
She said, "Like I said, he wanted to build a safe place. As a result, he needed manpower."
"But, where does he really want to build his Empire? In this place?" Nicholas asked.
Michelle shrugged. "Like I know that. And we are just starting. Are you not elated to the idea that we are those first followers before he manages to become well-known?"
Nicholas snorted. Keep being delusional, girl.
Michelle rolled her eyes when she noticed Nicholas' condemning gaze.
Jasper, who had been quiet and listening to them, said, "I think it is not bad to follow what Eric had envisioned. At least, among the people here, he is the most rational man."
He regretted his words instantly when he recalled he was forced to eat the grey crystal. However, since he already said it, and seeing that Michelle nodded with approving eyes, he did not say anything more.
Andrew said, "Also, he is the strongest among us. I think it is worth it to try to follow him in building his Empire."
Everyone nodded one at a time, except Nicholas who went silent.
Michelle clapped her hands to get their attention and said, "Since everything has been settled, and everyone agreed, I welcome you to our humble place."
However, just as she said so, the electricity suddenly cut off, making her smile seem awkward. The boys laughed as her face reddened and nodded towards her.
Leonel, who had been keeping quiet to stabilize his breathing after being forced to carry the water jug without break when the battle ended, finally opened his mouth.
"Here are the food packs." He had been carrying the travel bag with his other hand. "I think it is better for you to sort them out."
Michelle's eyes sparkled. "You chose the perfect person. In fact, the Emperor tasked me with managing the food and water. I guess he saw through my potential."
The boys looked at each other and thought, This girl is no good. He is just too obsessed with Eric.
They smiled awkwardly, giving her the travel bag, as they entered the house.
Thankfully, candles were already lit up, as though anticipating the black out, so it did not take some time for them to be familiarized with their new house.
…
The girls' boarding houses were not similar to other boarding houses. It was literally a two storey house filled with rooms inside for boarders. There was not a single family who lived with them that owned it. It was used for business.
Despite that, the house only has five rooms, one for four (below), two for singles (above), one for two (above), and one for three (below). Eric owned one of the single rooms above and he was currently resting.
His first order, as soon as Samantha and Zoe helped him lay on the bed, was for the boys to completely settle on their new room and… a paper and pen.
They were confused at first, but since Eric needed rest and did not explain anything other than that, they accomplished his task.
Once they arrived below and noticed the boys, they helped them settle in. They even helped them choose the room. Most of them did not mind sharing a room, but Nicholas wanted to be alone. However, since the remaining singles were above, where Eric was resting, he had no choice but to settle with the other boys with a room.
However, there were five of them and there was only a single room for four, so Zoe and Samantha helped them clear out some space and laid a foam mattress for one of them to settle.
There were two double-decks and a foam mattress, so the room was spacious enough for the boys to settle in. The remaining room below, which sufficed for the girls to settle in.
Now, their stomachs were grumbling, so everyone gathered to plan their first supper. However, Zoe did not join them as he headed up stairs, carrying a paper and a pen.
As soon as she arrived in front of the door, she opened them with a bright smile. However, what welcomed her surprised her.
Eric, who was supposed to be resting earlier, half an hour ago, was now performing a push up.
"500… 501…" For a second, he pushed up three times.
The speed alarmed Zoe, thinking it would damage his body more.
"W-What are you doing?" Zoe was utterly shocked.
She was deeply concerned about Eric's state.
Eric paused his push up, glanced at her, and said, "Leave the paper and pen on the table. I will call you if you need something."
He then continued to push up. "515… 516…"
"Y-You… You're supposed to be resting. Are you not destroying your body?"
Eric continued his push up as he replied, "Exercising helps me recover more. Also, I deeply dislike doing nothing."
Right now. If it was before… Eric thought. He still recalled that after the great war, he lived a lavish life, where all he did the whole day was to take a nap on a tree or his gazebo. However, understanding the significance of the improvements on his body right now, he knew he should not be wasting time, like resting.
Furthermore, he had a feeling that the encounter with the Bulwark Zombie was just the beginning. He would encounter more powerful zombies in the future. Hence, he had to stop slacking off.
"Even then…" Zoe stared at Eric with a face painted with concern. Seeing him being resolute and focused on his push up, she knew that compromising would be useless. Hence, she sighed helplessly.
It's good he is working hard, but… She shook her head and walked towards a table and placed the paper and the pen. However, she then noticed there was a whole pad of yellow paper and a ballpen, stunning her.
"T-This…"
Eric noticed her reaction and said indifferently, "I just noticed that. I forgot. Nevertheless, thank you for bringing it."
Zoe was stunned. She glanced at him in a daze, and giggled, shaking her head.
"It's fine. This is not your room anyway. You're still getting used to it."
In fact, she should have checked the room first. However, this was the first time he entered a single room, where the rate was similar compared to the room sufficient for four people. The room was spacious, which was enough for another two, or three people to rest, except for the fact there was only a single bed.
Even so, since it was the room for an Emperor, it would be inappropriate to share his room with other people. Eric certainly needed his private time. So, she did not suggest what was on her mind.
She turned to Eric, and hearing him about to reach a thousand push ups, which was deeply shocking, she said, "I will leave now. I will call you later for supper."
"Thank you." Eric replied, without taking a slight moment of break.
Zoe sighed. Before she closed the door, she stared at Eric in admiration and thought, I should work hard, too.
She planned to share what transpired at the moment to others below. She closed the door and left.