Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

Shane's decision was made quickly. After all, he had to be fair in this negotiation. He needed to have a similar trade offer to all four of them just in case these four also knew each other.

Anyway, Elara's offer had been the most favorable, and Shane, ever the prudent one, extended the same terms to the other survivors.

He felt that the market for the Power Core wasn't that big yet, and he believed that it was a generous offer considering he could still use the Regional Chat or the World Chat to find other willing customers for the offer.

The negotiations were brief, the other survivors recognizing the value of Shane's proposition.

[ Elara: It's a deal, Shane. I'm glad we could come to an agreement so quickly. Ten Power Cores for thirty Item Upgrade Crystals. I'll prepare the cores for transport. Contact me when you're ready to proceed with the trade. ]

Elara, with her stockpile of 10 Power Cores, agreed to the trade, and Shane parted with 30 Item Upgrade Crystals—a small price for such a crucial component.

[ Raze: Shane, you drive a hard bargain, but I can't say no to those crystals. They'll upgrade my gear nicely. You've got yourself a deal. I'll send over the two Power Cores. I'll request the trade for the exchange now. ]

Raze's contribution was smaller, only two cores, but every core was a step towards security, and Shane gladly exchanged six crystals for them.

[ Caelum: Your terms are acceptable, Shane. I appreciate the straightforward nature of this trade. Eight Power Cores for twenty-four Item Upgrade Crystals it is. I'll have them ready for you by tonight. We can finalize the details then. ]

[ Aria: Alright, Shane, you've convinced me. Three Crystals per Core is a fair trade. I'll part with my eight cores, and in return, I expect those shiny crystals to be of the highest quality. Just send me a trade request if you have the crystals already.]

Caelum and Aria, each in possession of eight Power Cores, decided not to bargain too much since they felt that they would have more transactions with Shane in the future if they had such swift trades like this one.

They believed that it would benefit them in the long rin!

Shane also did not think that he had wasted a lot of Crystals at all. It hastened the fortification of his estate after all.

The 48 crystals Shane spent for their cores were a testament to his foresight. The crystals would enhance the four's gear, but the cores would safeguard the future of Shane's camp.

In total, Shane had spent 84 Item Upgrade Crystals for a trove of 28 Power Cores. It was a significant expenditure, but the returns were immeasurable!

With these cores, Shane could activate the Aegis Force, a defensive system that required 20 Power Cores to awaken from its dormant state.

Yet, Shane chose restraint over haste. The Bulwark Beacon, with its radiant dome of protection, was more than sufficient against the current threats.

From the Runner Zombies' reaction a few moments ago, he knew that the defense it had was already enough. Its presence was a deterrent to the lower-tier and mid-tier Zombies that roamed the wastelands.

"We'll hold on to these cores. The Aegis Force is our ace in the hole… I'll probably activate it when the next Zombie Wave comes or when the stakes are highest." Shane muttered as he felt satisfied with his decision.

The manor was now looking like a real fortress, its defenses bolstered by the Super Soldiers and the Barrier Generator!

However, he knew that it was still not enough! He had to continue making the estate stronger!

***

That day quickly passed and dawn broke over the estate with a gentle rustling of the leaves. The first rays of sunlight filtered through the trees.

Gene, their only Knight, was already up, his armor donned, and he planned to replace the current soldier in the watchtower.

He stood on the tower, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the undead.

Inside the warehouse, Mr. Wadsworth, the butler, moved with silent efficiency, preparing the morning tea with practiced hands.

The aroma of the brew mingled with the fresh morning air, a subtle reminder of the world that once was.

The six Super Soldiers, were also patrolling the grounds tirelessly!

Because of their physique, they only needed less than two hours of sleep to be filled with energy again!

Their steps were heavy, their eyes alert. Each movement was a sign of discipline and strength!

They truly deserved to be called Super Soldiers!

"Mhmm… What a pleasant smell~" Anna muttered after smelling tea that the butler was brewing.

"Ugh… I can't be distracted. I still have things to do."

She was the physician whose knowledge of herbs was the highest in the shelter. She swiftly gathered her tools for foraging. Her garden, a patchwork of wild and mystical herbs, was a source of healing and hope for everyone.

For now she looked at the herbs in her garded to see what type of plants she had to take note once outside.

She checked the plants with tender care, selecting the ones ready to be harvested and slowly filling her basket with nature's bounty.

Whom~

As the morning progressed, a gray fog began to roll in, enveloping theestate's front in a cloak of mist. It was mystical, an ethereal blanket that seemed to have life of its own…

But there was no fear among the inhabitants, for they knew this sign well—it was the effect of Shane's Territory Lord Title.

The fog swirled and danced, and from its depths, a figure emerged. A lone survivor, drawn to the estate by the promise of sanctuary, stood at the gates.

The fog seemed to part for them, a path cleared by an unseen hand.

"Ohhh… Another traveler! State your business." Gene said as he looked at the person and the situation behind. He wanted to ensure that there are no other zombies following him.

The figure, weary yet hopeful, looked up at the towering Knight.

"I seek refuge. I've heard tales of a place, where the dead do not claim dominion. Is this the place of the Foreign Survivor?"

"Indeed, it is… You are safe here. But we just have to ask a few questions…"" The butler suddenly said from behind the wooden walls. Well, he already had the authority to deal with this matter. After all, Shanecouldn't just meet with all the people visiting his shelter.

At this time, two of the Super Soldiers also ceased their patrol, escorting the newcomer…

***

The man who emerged from the mist bore the unmistakable stance of a soldier, his posture was great despite the weariness that clung to him like the foghe'd traversed.

His name was Captain Lucas Sterling, a title earned through years of service and a few battles against the undead that now roamed the earth.

He couldn't remember when it was, but Lucas had been leading his squad through the ruins of a once-bustling city when they met several high-tier Zombies at the same time and it was such a scary sight!

In the chaos, Lucas fought with the ferocity of a man who knew no defeat. His rifle had been an extension of his will, each shot a declaration of resistance!

However, the fog descended upon them and seemed to have saved his group!

It was unlike any mist they had encountered—thick, almost sentient, and it swallowed the sounds of the world whole. After sensing that it had eaten him whole, he no longer had a chance of meeting with his friend again.

At first, he felt like he was simply lost but as the fog grew denser, his senses dulled, and a strange lethargy took hold.

The last thing he remembered was the silhouette of a figure, its figure distorted by the mist, and then nothing.

When Lucas awoke, he heard several instructions from a mysterious voice… These instructions were drilled into his head, and he couldn't dismiss them!

Then, a few moments after that, he found himself standing before the estate as the fog receding like a tide.

Of course, Lucas's hand instinctively went to his side, seeking the rifle that was no longer there. In its place, he found the familiar shape of his army knife, its handle worn from use. It was a small comfort, a reminder of his identity and his duty.

'This is...'

Lucas was a tall man, with a rugged countenance carved from years of warfare. His hair was a sandy brown, cropped short out of necessity rather than style, and his eyes, a piercing blue, scanned his surroundings with a soldier's vigilance.

His uniform, though worn, still bore the insignia of his rank, and his boots, scuffed and stained, told tales of the many miles they had marched.

"I'm willing to be questioned! But I also wish to meet with the Foreign Suvivor. I also have some questions..."

His voice was rough, and he seemed confused as he took in the sight of the estate's walls.

The patrolling Super Soldiers and the faces that peered at him with a mix of curiosity and empathy had truly made him interested in the estate's situation.