Week of Progress and Return

Over the past week, Jacob and the Faceless have been actively engaged in hunting, training, and refining their combat skills. They have been deliberately hunting and killing wild beasts to enhance their combat abilities. Thanks to continuous practice and the energy received from the slain monsters, both Jacob and the Faceless have reached a high 0-level rank. This progress in ranks has strengthened their positions as leaders of the settlement, boosting their confidence and readiness for future challenges.

The settlement's population has also significantly grown during this time. Over the week, new people joined the settlement, bringing the total number to 25. Among them are two combat summons, each with one star. The first is Conan, a skilled archer who has proven his worth in hunting and defense. The second is Raymond, a warrior with great physical strength and hand-to-hand combat experience. These two new members have become crucial in bolstering the settlement's defenses and maintaining order among the residents.

Construction has also advanced. Under the guidance of architect Maya, the settlement has gradually transformed into an organized and secure place. Essential houses were completed to accommodate the new inhabitants, and a warehouse was built to safely store resources. Despite its modest size, the settlement is starting to take shape as a small but fortified stronghold capable of withstanding potential threats.

Jacob and his team made significant strides. Their hunting expeditions not only provided valuable training but also yielded important resources necessary for the settlement's survival and growth. They gathered enough food to sustain all the residents and collected building materials used to reinforce walls and construct new buildings.

Under Maya's direction, the construction was carried out with great attention to detail. She implemented a plan that strategically positioned the houses and ensured the warehouse was designed for quick and easy defense in case of an attack. Thanks to her expertise and skill, the settlement began to evolve into a small, yet robust outpost capable of facing possible threats.

Despite the protective barrier for newcomers, which continues to prevent monster attacks, Conan and Raymond, along with the other residents, continued their training and perimeter defense. They knew that in 20 days, the barrier would vanish, and they would need to be ready for real danger.

Despite the progress made over the week, Jacob's team faced several significant challenges. One major issue was the shortage of resources necessary for continued construction and maintaining life in the settlement. Although the protective barrier currently prevents monster attacks, the harsh conditions of the surrounding environment still demanded constant effort to secure food, water, and other essential resources.

The team also encountered psychological challenges. The constant pressure of survival in an unfamiliar and dangerous world affected the morale of the residents. The lack of contact with their home world and the looming threat in the future influenced the mood and motivation of the people. Jacob and his team had to work not only on the physical development of the settlement but also on maintaining the spirit and morale of every resident.

As Jacob's body accumulated energy, his lord's seal stabilized. Aerys informed him that he could now return to his world. This would allow him not only to see his loved ones but also to open up significant opportunities for acquiring information and resources for the territory.

Jacob gathered his subjects and announced that he would be leaving the settlement temporarily. He focused his energy on the seal, and it teleported him to the room from which he had been taken.

Returning to the familiar environment was both strange and comforting. Jacob's room remained the same as when he vanished, as if time had stopped here. However, he was now a different person, with new experiences and the responsibility for an entire settlement. Jacob knew he could not stay here long, but he had a few moments to evaluate his next steps.

After Jacob returned to his room through the seal's teleportation, he began to realize the importance and responsibility that rested on his shoulders. His first task was to use this opportunity to gather necessary resources for the settlement. However, the limitation that he could only carry what he could physically transport through the portal created an additional obstacle. This required him to be highly focused and strategic in his planning.

Jacob walked through his home, collecting essential items: books with useful knowledge on construction and survival, medical supplies, food, tools, and weapons. Each bag he filled was carefully thought out, as its contents could become a decisive factor in the future development of the settlement.

He started with purchasing the most critical items such as tools and medical supplies, knowing that these were crucial for maintaining the team's well-being and continuing construction. First, he transported high-quality axes, shovels, saws, and other tools that would ease the process of construction and wood processing. Then he moved on to medical supplies and basic medications that could help in cases of injuries or illnesses.

While waiting in line at the supermarket, Jacob began to read the latest news. Headlines reported mass disappearances of people worldwide, with millions gone, causing enormous chaos. He then came across a forum titled "Pandora." This caught his attention, as the forum discussed the new world, with people sharing their experiences and obstacles encountered. Although interesting, it did not contain much that could directly aid in the development of the territory.

After his shopping, Jacob packed all the resources into three large bags and prepared for his return to Pandora.