John awkwardly coughed, noticing the murderous glances directed at Terrence.
" Alright Terrence, we'll discuss how to properly manage our appliances after the general meeting. Aoki give your report."
Aoki's features demanded attention. He sported an aged fiery scar from his jaw down to his collarbone. His upturned eyes gleamed with ruthlessness and excitement. His unruly dark hair on his overall Japanese features screamed danger. Aoki spoke with an almost maniacal expression.
" Report on the fighting department, we've managed to recruit 23 with backgrounds in different martial arts. Five of them claim to be excellent fencers. Another 4 have been recruited with archery knowledge."
From what Alex was told, Aoki was their main weapon. With a deep, intricate background in katanas and street fighting, he was certain to slice through zombies with ease. The current line-up seemed too skilled in this group, it may have been unfair distribution or the abduction targeted the skilled. Alex was not very curious about the truth of this matter, as it did not change much or bring any form of benefit to her.
" Thanks, Aoki, we'll see if we can get more volunteers for you to train." Aoki sat down gracefully his expression reverted to its neutral state.
" We've got fighters so what about weapons? Rudra."
Another impressive person, Rudra's Indian father was a modern blacksmith known for creating an array of exquisite cold weapons designed for enthusiastic weapon collectors. Rudra closely studied under his famous father and was set on inheriting the family business. It would not make sense if their group was an anomaly. Alex firmly believed other groups were this skilled.
Right after they came to this oasis, John mobilized all who were willing and asked Anthony to learn their strengths and distribute them accordingly. That is how the department heads were formed. Anthony was another friend of John's from the now-decimated Earth.
"I'm the head of the weapons department.'
Rudra had striking features and golden brown skin. Following his every word was endless confidence.
" For the weapons? Well, in short, we're set. Stocked on that end. There are swords, daggers, longbows, recurve bows, axes pieces of leather armor. It's an all-you-can-eat buffet."
As he spoke, the department heads seemed to light up with overwhelming anticipation. John and Evan were no exceptions.
'I suppose it's only natural to be entranced by fantasy weapons akin to those used by their favorite protagonists and dashing heroes. They can't even detect the dangers that loom ever closer. Too bad they'll probably die. I hope not.'
Even as she was actively ruminating, the majority of Alex's mind remained present and her expression unmoved.
" Hold your horses, my friends. I haven't gotten to the best part. Aside from those surplus weapons, there are ten other weapons."
A satisfied grin rested on his face as he paused for effect.
" They're most likely enchanted weapons. Before you ask me how I can tell, it's pretty obvious. For one, they're all glowing, and they're on their special pedestal. I even took it upon myself to do some tests, and the results were astonishing. They're lightweight but have extraordinary sharpness and overall attack power. I feel strengthened by merely holding one, and they are far more durable than the normal ones. Only bad news in all this, no guns boys."
Rudra's last statement effectively doused the swirling anticipation and eagerness. Still, Alex was very interested in those enchanted weapons. Guns were effective if one had proper training, but to her, the feeling of physically battering your opponent was extremely satisfying. In essence, guns were not fun.
" How do you guys suppose we distribute those special weapons?"
John threw an open question, though it was mainly directed to Aoki and Rudra.
Aoki did not disappoint, his answer was undoubtedly straightforward. It was also the answer Alex desired to hear the most.
"Of course, those with strength must wield weapons befitting of their prowess." A cocky grin on his careless expression.
" And how will we decide that?"
Evan seemed anxious to gain one as well. He spoke for the first time because of the weapons after all. Alex decided to pitch in, knowing this would be crucial for her as well.
" These enhanced weapons should be distributed between the department heads and some exceptional ones in Aoki's team. We will also prioritize those who are already somewhat familiar with the specific weapon type. Therefore the decision will be easier to make. We can hold a quick spar to determine the ten best, after the general meeting. That sounds reasonable, right?"
The majority of them nodded and John finalized the decision.
" Anthony, you're up."
Anthony acted as John's assistant, however his intelligent and astute eyes could not be ignored.
"I'll be giving the behavioral report, many of the males have already fixed themselves in specific departments like we previously discussed. A few females did the same. Unfortunately, mostly the younger ones, seventeen-year-old females have neglected the current situation and are preoccupied with lazing around talking to the equally unproductive guys and demanding food."
Anthony had a grim expression, over a third of their members had chosen to entertain themselves rather than invest in the group. He knew that supporting dead weight would only become more burdensome as time went on.
John fell into a contemplative trance, before ultimately turning to Alex for a viable solution.
" I said it already, make them work for everything they get, or kick them out. There's no other way, now then, gentlemen, I believe it's time for the general meeting."