The adaptability and growth potential of young children were extremely high. A single evaluation couldn't accurately determine their full capabilities.
Therefore, Brian suspected that these assessments would be conducted periodically — to ensure the children's development was tracked and their potential fully utilized.
Once he understood this, a plan began forming in his mind. In this post-apocalyptic world, medical personnel and researchers were among the most scarce and valuable. Anyone who could enter those fields would enjoy significant privileges within the quarantine zone.
However, Brian knew his own limits. His intelligence hadn't magically increased or decreased with his rebirth. Pursuing anything related to medicine or science felt nearly impossible — like climbing to the heavens.
Other professions such as mechanical engineering or botany might also offer decent opportunities, but Brian quickly ruled them out.
For now, he decided to stick to his original plan — joining the military.
After all, no one could guarantee the quarantine zone would last forever. Learning combat skills and firearms training was essential, and currently, only the army offered such instruction. Possessing these abilities would give him the means to survive even if he ever had to leave the zone.
Besides, becoming a soldier came with immediate gun-handling privileges. With promotions, authority and influence would grow, allowing him to better protect Sarah and Anna. It was a dangerous path, but he understood a simple truth: there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world. If you wanted something, you had to pay the price first.
More importantly, Brian knew that just learning combat and shooting wouldn't be enough. As a soldier, he could learn from veteran fighters — survival techniques, vehicle maintenance, wilderness navigation… All crucial skills for staying alive.
"Hello there. Can I know your name?"
Brian was deep in thought when he heard the voice of the black woman named Miranda. He turned his head and saw she had already crouched down in front of Sarah, smiling warmly.
Unlike the previous girl, who had been nervous and shy, Sarah smiled brightly and shook hands confidently with Miranda.
"Hi! My name is Sarah!"
"Hmm, good."
Observing Sarah's calm demeanor, Miranda nodded approvingly and gently patted her head, continuing with a warm smile:
"You must have gone through a lot to make it here."
"Not really," Sarah shook her head with a small smile. "We did go through a lot, but Brian has always taken care of me, so I didn't feel it was too bad."
"Oh!" Miranda raised an eyebrow, glancing at her list before looking around curiously. Sure enough, nearby stood an Asian boy.
His gaze met hers directly, dark and deep — not at all like the innocent eyes of a child. This caught her attention slightly, though she didn't show it.
But Miranda didn't rush. She turned back to Sarah and asked:
"Now that you're here, what do you want to do the most?"
"Of course I want to find..."
At first, Sarah answered without hesitation, about to say she wanted to find Sylvie's younger sister. But halfway through, she stopped herself. She remembered that task had already been entrusted to Anna — she no longer needed to worry about it.
Thinking carefully, she slowly replied:
"Um... I want to study here, and then become a doctor."
Sylvie's final moments were etched into her memory. Though she had learned some basic first aid from Dr. Arman, it had been useless against bullet wounds.
That feeling of helplessness haunted her. She never wanted to feel powerless again. So she decided — she would learn more, and save more lives.
Miranda watched Sarah's expression closely. She noticed how the girl hesitated mid-sentence, but didn't dwell on it. Instead, she gave a gentle nod and said:
"That sounds great. Just remember to stay committed to your goal."
"Mm-hmm!"
Then she slowly stood up, flipped to Sarah's page in her notebook, and picked up the pen attached to her clipboard, jotting down a preliminary assessment.
Once done, she finally turned her attention to the boy standing nearby and walked over. Crouching in front of him, she once again wore that signature kind smile and extended her hand, repeating her standard greeting:
"Hello there. Can I know your name?"
Brian had been watching the entire interaction between Miranda and Sarah. He noticed how the woman continuously observed facial expressions after every question.
This confirmed his suspicions — they were being evaluated.
Though Brian didn't yet understand the exact purpose behind these evaluations, he realized they might not matter much now, but could carry weight later.
He looked at Miranda crouching before him, her fake smile and rehearsed questions making him slightly uncomfortable.
Still, he was prepared. He gave a slight nod, shook her hand briefly, and returned a polite smile.
"Hello, I'm Brian."
Just like before, Miranda went through each question methodically, asking everything she had previously asked the other children.
When she reached the final question, Brian deliberately shifted his gaze away. Honestly, staring at that false kindness made him uneasy.
Looking deeply at Brian, Miranda once again picked up her pen and scribbled rapidly on the list. Then she rose and returned to where she had been standing earlier.
"Wait a moment — I'll take you all on a tour of the campus first, and then show you where you'll be staying."
The group of children followed behind Miranda, listening to her soft voice describe the vastness of the university.
Emory University , spanning 631 acres, was once a top-tier institution in America. All buildings maintained an elegant Italian classical architectural style, with countless trees planted across the campus. Over sixty percent of the land was covered by forests.
The military had divided the university into three sections using high walls: one for students, one for injured soldiers' recovery and treatment, and one for scientific research.
The student section included classrooms, libraries, playgrounds, and all other educational facilities.
The medical area was located on the western side of the campus. It contained the university hospital, emergency rooms, general wards — fully equipped with medicines and surgical tools. Any injured soldiers or civilians could receive treatment here.
The research sector enclosed the Emory Medical School , surrounded by tall walls and heavily guarded. Inside worked numerous experts, advanced instruments, and sensitive equipment. Entry required strict verification and questioning.
Since these three zones were close together, a special military base had been established between them to prevent any unwanted incidents. Dozens of soldiers patrolled day and night.
Miranda specifically warned the children not to cross the yellow caution tape marking restricted areas — doing so would result in expulsion under charges of sabotage.
Upon hearing this, all the children nodded obediently, appearing well-behaved and compliant.
Once the tour was complete, Miranda led the group toward several dormitory buildings.
"This will be your new home," she announced. "The left side is for boys, and the right side is for girls."
As she spoke, a muscular man stepped out from the boys' dormitory. Broad-shouldered and towering, he approached Miranda with heavy footsteps.
"Miranda, are these the new arrivals? Only this many?"
"We don't have time to talk now. I'll explain later." Miranda glanced at the five boys and added, "These kids are under your supervision."
"No problem."
The man nodded and turned sharply toward Brian and the others.
"I'm Devin. You don't need to introduce yourselves — I'll learn your names myself. Follow me, I'll show you your quarters."
His tone changed suddenly, growing harsh and intimidating.
"And let me make this clear — don't make me angry. Don't cause trouble. Or I promise — your life here will be miserable!"
Devin's fierce expression and threatening words naturally frightened Dick and two other boys, who immediately burst into tears. Even Alan and Sarah, who had shot infected before, flinched slightly.
Sarah recovered quickly — having taken a life before, she wasn't easily shaken. Alan, however, trembled uncontrollably, though he managed to hold himself together.
Brian, however, wasn't surprised by Devin's behavior. He didn't think the man was simply trying to scare children for fun.
Glancing sideways, Brian's eyes landed on Miranda. Sure enough, she was watching the children carefully. No need to guess — this was another part of the evaluation.
Everything — from the initial interviews to the psychological tests — was designed to assess each child's mental state and resilience.
And now, Brian realized, the real test was just beginning.