One week came and passed. During this time, the city underwent visible changes; the layout was almost completely finished. The people were already used to this new way of life, and humanity’s adaptability was fully displayed as smiles slowly returned to people’s faces, and together, the humans in the shelter began to move in unity.

Key figures were identified, and Daemon ensured they were recruited. As for Jeff, he continued more intense training. So far, except for those he knew before, all the people interested in joining were ordinary humans without any battle experience. For now, he did not accept new guards and instead trained the ones they already had.

As for Lucien, this week had been the most strenuous he had ever experienced. He trained from dawn to dusk and would not stop until he could barely breathe, often dragging his exhausted body home.

But the training showed results. His stats increased from 100 to 105. This proved that training could improve a One-Star Awakener’s stats, but no matter how hard he trained, it did not progress beyond that point. Either his training needed to be further enhanced, or there was a natural limit to an Awakener’s growth through physical effort alone.

Today was important—what he had been waiting for had finally arrived. The research institute had made substantial progress on the insect and claimed it would be something that shocked Lucien.

In a room, Lucien, Jeff, and Daemon were seated as the leader of the research group stepped forward, holding several papers with an uncontrollable smile.

"Leader, we did it," the researcher said, his hands trembling as he handed over the documents.

Lucien, Jeff, and Daemon opened them, and instantly their eyes narrowed.

"First, based on the comparison between elite and Half-Step zombies and this insect, our hypothesis is complete."

"There are multiple evolutionary paths for different creatures."

Everyone took a sharp breath. Did this mean the growing theory, that animals might be far stronger than humans—was true?

For Awakeners, the basics were clear. One either awakened at the start of the apocalypse or awakened through an auxiliary system, like Lucien and the Lust God system. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

However, the strength of those Awakeners, especially system users, was limited by the system itself.

As for natural Awakeners, their origin was still unclear, hidden behind layers of fog. But now, it seemed they were close to an answer.

Zombies formed another branch, evolving by devouring humans. And now, finally, they had discovered a fourth evolutionary path: resources.

"Leader, these creatures grow by ingesting a specific type of material we believe exists in the forest. But more than that, we found something else."

The researcher rummaged through his clothes and pulled out a small hollow marble, along with a half-filled core emitting faint energy.

"We call these Beast Cores. Based on our tests, insects, and possibly animals and zombies, develop these internally. They fully mature when they reach One-Star level."

"But that isn’t the main point, Leader... this might actually be the key for One-Star Awakeners to progress further."

Boom...

Jeff, Daemon, and Lucien felt their hearts skip a beat.

This was too much information at once. But it also meant the path forward was now visible.

For Jeff, it felt like a prayer had been answered. A problem he had carried for a long time was finally being addressed. He had always feared stagnation... feared his soldiers dying in endless war. He often blamed himself for it. But now, there was a way forward. A way to grow stronger.

As for Lucien, he was already thinking ahead. The System Mall definitely contained items that could enhance Awakeners, but they were absurdly expensive. For now, SP was better reserved for critical tools and as a backup survival resource. Aside from missions, he could also obtain SP through sex with heroines or strong female Awakeners.

This meant the Awakeners under him could grow without him spending SP—an ideal outcome.

Daemon, meanwhile, was the most excited. His planned system structure could now be completed far more easily.

Awakeners would serve as elites and leaders, while normal humans acted as workers. Awakeners would also serve as guards and protectors, maintaining order while guiding development. The people would, in turn, support them, forming a mutually dependent society.

Just as the three of them were smiling, the researcher bowed.

"We still have more tests to conduct and need to decide what to do with the bodies. If you will excuse me, Leader."

He left without waiting for Lucien’s response.

Lucien did not mind. Most researchers were either eccentric, strange, or borderline insane anyway.

"But... according to what the researcher said, it forms on One-Star Awakeners," Daemon suddenly added, pulling Lucien and Jeff back to reality.

"Isn’t that almost impossible to obtain? We only have one One-Star Awakener, and sorry Leader, but you’ve just broken through. Could you even kill a One-Star Awakener?" Daemon asked, pouring cold water on their excitement.

Lucien coughed awkwardly.

"Yes, Daemon is right. We got carried away. Yes... One-Star beasts." Lucien said softly.

Even he didn’t fully understand how strong they were yet. He had just broken through himself. The limits of One-Star, the true scale of its power—it was still unclear. It was like discovering strength only as you grew into it.

"Leader, don’t worry. Even if we don’t encounter one now, during our expedition we can test their strength. Knowing the enemy’s power will help us prepare," Jeff said.

In his mind, even if they encountered a strong One-Star beast first, it didn’t matter. There would always be weaker ones. And eventually, they would target one.

Yes, Lucien was strong—but could he protect everyone? The world was far too dangerous.

"You are right. Then you two should prepare and meet me here in a few minutes," Lucien said.

"Yes, Leader," Jeff and Daemon replied before leaving to finish stuff at the shelter first , say their goodbyes and later meet up with lucien.

Lucien took a deep breath as he looked at the section he was browsing in the System Mall.

Weapons...

Star Destroying Axe

Cost: 159,999,999... SP

Death Ray

Cost: 10,000,000... SP

Divine Gust Shield

Cost: 100,000,500... SP

A lot of weapons were listed, but they all had one thing in common—they were too expensive. As for the potions he had bought and given to Mai earlier, they were useless for a One-Star Awakener.

He was in a position where he was too strong for low-end items, but too poor to afford anything valuable.

"Sigh..." Lucien shook his head and clicked the filter button.

Set price from low to high...

Then...

"Oh, something I can actually buy?" Lucien muttered with a small smile.

---

Rusty Knight Sword

Durability: 10/10

Description: A sharp sword once given to a proud knight of the Faton Kingdom. Over time, even metal cannot escape rust.

Cost: 40,000 SP

---

This was the only thing within his reach. Potions were out of the question, and for now, only the weapon and potion tabs were open.

But even so, seeing the price, Lucien hesitated.

SP also functioned as a second life line.

Would he still buy a weapon?