Seeing that everyone had received the reports, Jason began presenting the general information contained in each of them.
"During my time outside the prison, I discovered knowledge and weaknesses that currently exist beyond our community. First of all, the first book contains useful information and knowledge I've personally verified about the walkers. How do they work? How do they behave? The types, and the easiest ways to survive them."
"It might sound incredible, but with knowledge and skill, people can even lure a massive horde of walkers to destroy a shelter. Can you imagine a small horde of thirty thousand walkers?"
"Each and every report is strictly related to survival and the progress we must take into account. This includes crop production, basic tools for eliminating walkers, how to craft those same tools, and the production of ammunition."
"Considering our defenses and the people with the skills to protect this place, you might think it's unnecessary to learn how to kill a walker. However, if an internal outbreak ever happens, everyone should at least know how to use a weapon, move with a knife, or carry out the simplest self-defense tasks."
"These are skills everyone must master in the future. I spoke with Corporal Rayan about this, and I believe that some of the community leaders who feel capable of teaching and leading others in specific areas of growth should consider forming groups and starting training based on the reports."
After speaking, Jason turned to Nara and said, "Nara, since vaccine progress has stalled, I plan to ask Candace and some of her first-aid-trained researchers to offer general training. That way, everyone will know what to do when someone gets shot, suffers a fracture, or needs help in those kinds of emergencies."
Nara nodded at this. In fact, she had already thought that even though there are many doctors at the base, the continued growth of survivors would eventually overwhelm the few medics they have. That's why it's important to have additional support to ease the burden.
So instead of keeping researchers locked in the lab all the time, it's better for them to take a break. Teaching others can also serve as a way to relieve stress and bring some peace of mind.
"Jason, why did you write all these reports now? Wouldn't it be better to teach them personally?" Rick sighed as he looked over the pages, not only because he couldn't focus on everything right now due to his wife's pregnancy, but also because he didn't want to imagine how much work Jason had been doing all this time.
Upon hearing this, Jason let out a sigh and said, "It's not that big a deal. This knowledge shouldn't be kept to myself. Everyone should know about it. As for why I'm handing all this over now, that's also something I wanted to talk about today. I'm leaving the base again."
"What?"
"Why?"
Jason's words immediately drew everyone's attention. They all stared at him in disbelief, as if they still didn't fully understand what he had said.
Thinking about it now, Jason was honestly tired of constantly leaving this place. He knew no one would fully understand his thoughts. If he hadn't remembered anything about this world's future, he likely would've chosen to stay. But knowing what lies ahead, he realized there were many forces in play that could pose serious problems.
The Governor had been eliminated, but anomalies like the Wolf Clan, the Whisperers, and even larger organizations like the Commonwealth and the mysterious CRM still loomed, patrolling the far corners of the country.
Jason didn't know the true size of some of these organizations. Things in this world could change at any moment. But judging from what he knew, their numbers weren't less than fifty thousand—and possibly in the hundreds of thousands. That number alone was terrifying.
These groups were the equivalent of modern society, while other survivors were still trapped in primitive conditions. The ideological gap might not be massive, but the difference in strength was as vast as the heavens and the earth.
Jason wasn't sure if other similar communities existed, but he knew that if he wanted control, he needed enough strength to confront them. Only then would he feel confident. That's why his soldiers were recovering military supplies from abandoned bases.
Even now, with a small refuge on the outskirts of Atlanta, the total population likely wouldn't exceed twenty thousand—even if all the local survivor groups united.
From everyone's perspective, Jason seemed deep in thought, and no one interrupted his silence. Only Shane glanced at Nara and quietly asked, "Did you know about this?"
Nara shook her head and replied, "No, I didn't."
As everyone exchanged glances in silence, Jason finally snapped out of his thoughts and said, "Anyway, I'll need to leave the prison for an indefinite time. Keep in mind, we still haven't received any news from the outside world—even though we have a base in Atlanta."
"Even though both bases have grown in size, information remains limited—and it's not good. We don't even know if there are military or survivor settlements nearby. I think it's necessary to start traveling more and even explore distant areas in the future."
Shane shook his head and looked at Jason with a puzzled expression. "I just don't get it. We have food, weapons, people, helicopters, even tanks… and you're saying you're still going to take risks out there? I think you're better off staying here."
Jason nodded, acknowledging Shane's point of view, but then shifted the topic. "Shane, I can't deny you're right. But have you thought about the future? We might live peacefully for one to ten years, but eventually we'll run into survivor groups larger than ours. If they're hostile, what will we do?"
Shane opened his mouth but couldn't find a response. Then Jason continued: "If we want a better future, we'll need 50,000, 100,000, or even a million people—that's the minimum to reclaim a city like Atlanta's group is trying to do now."
"Let me ask you something. Do you want to farm this land for the rest of your life? Think about the next generation. When they're born, they'll only know farming and blacksmithing. Rick, do you want Carl to live such a closed-off life? What about you, Morgan? And even so, what if a group of killers shows up and wipes us out in an instant? Is that what you want?"
After hearing Jason's questions, everyone fell silent. It was something they'd never truly considered.
Daryl's expression didn't change. He stopped playing with his handheld crossbow and said quietly, "Jason, if you go, take me with you. I don't like life here. I still want to go out and learn more."
Merle looked at his younger brother and said with a crooked smile, "Count me in. Going out still gives me a thrill."
Jason shook his head and said, "Listen, there's no need to worry. I'm not leaving immediately. I'll stay here at least until Lori and Rick's baby is born. Tomorrow, I'll gather everyone and explain the situation. If anyone wants to join me, they're welcome—but it won't be a large group."
"Count me in!"
"Me too!"
With that, the Dixon brothers stood up and left the room, while the rest remained silent.
Rick sat in front of Jason and said, "Jason, I understand what you're saying. But I can't leave right now. My wife and kids need me. Give me another year. When the time comes, no matter where you are, I'll be there to support you."
Patting Rick on the shoulder, Jason smiled and said, "You don't have to feel bad. I never intended for you to come with me. After I leave, this place will need a new leader—and you're the best candidate. Shane and Sam can head to Atlanta, if they want, of course."
Rick quickly waved his hands and shook his head. "What could I possibly do? Everyone agrees with you, but no one's thinking about following me!"
"You underestimate your own influence. Not everyone is blind. People see you as brave and upright."
"If it's Rick, I agree!"
"Me too!"
Shane looked at Jason and said, "Jason, I'd have to think about it…"
"There's no pressure."
Seeing that Jason had made up his mind to leave, Shane and Morgan stopped trying to convince him otherwise and expressed their support for Rick as the new leader in Sam's absence.
The others also voiced their optimism and support for Rick to lead the community.
Rick clenched his fists silently. From that moment on, he felt an invisible weight press down on him—like the fate of four hundred people now rested on his shoulders. He looked at Jason with resolve, silently promising himself that he would do everything possible to keep this place safe.
"I'll do everything I can to protect this family, I promise."