Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

The Behavioral Conditioning Chip was actually an incredibly good item. It could unlock someone's hidden potential, and there was also a specialized training program you could obtain after being implanted by one.

The only problem was the fact that you can be controlled or perhaps even get "hacked" because of it. It must be remembered that Shane had obtained Hacking Skills. It was something he "recalled" from the Memory Spheres containing his experience with the A.I. Rebellion.

Because of that, he knew that this hacking wouldn't be impossible if he had the devices to do so!

On the other hand, the Prisoner's Anklet seemed to be quite promising. It can be used to control people! Once they were tired of being slaves, these prisoners would then have an option to turn into a Prisoner Zombie!

"Very well, let's get three Prisoner's Anklet," Shane muttered as he purchased the three Prisoner's Anklet without any more hesitation.

With a few taps, he spent his 15 Reputation Points for the sinister devices.

Once the transaction was complete, the anklets were sent to his Inventory System.

Immediately, he took them out to see what they looked like.

Thud…

The three anklets materialized before him, their presence seemed more intimidating in reality than on the screen.

Each Anklet was designed to be unbreakable, with clasps that would only open to Shane's command. They don't seem to be human-made but made of cursed metallic objects as if they had the power to bend the will of those who wore them.

Indeed, this Anklet was not just a restriction, as it offers a path to greater strength—or a descent into zombification.

It was actually an interesting item, as expected of the Reputation Store.

Shane then looked at Mr. Wadsworth, who had been observing the proceedings with a stoic expression.

"Fit these anklets on Chris, Jake, and Liam…" Shane instructed.

"Ensure they understand the consequences of disobedience—and the choice that lies before them."

Mr. Wadsworth nodded, his hands steady as he took the anklets. "As you wish, sir."

In the small room where the three prisoners were held, the atmosphere grew tense as Mr. Wadsworth entered together with Shane behind.

The clink of the anklets echoed ominously as he laid them out before the men.

"Chris, Jake, Liam…" Mr. Wadsworth began, his voice resonating with authority.

"These are your new restraints. You won't be killed if you decide to work here in the estate. They will limit your actions and enforce compliance but it will ensure your life... Right, according to Sir Shane, this could also be an opportunity for the three of you to get stronger. Should you choose to embrace their power, you may unlock abilities beyond your current understanding—but at a cost."

The prisoners exchanged wary glances, the gravity of their situation dawning on them as the anklets were secured around their ankles.

The gemstones glowed brighter, and a faint hum filled the room as the devices activated.

"Mhmm… It looks good on the three of you." Shane commented after seeing them wearing the anklets made of dark metal "Alright, Pick up the pickaxes in the Forge and head to the Iron Mine. You will work there under supervision…"

Chris, Jake, and Liam, now bound by the anklets' power, complied. For some reason, they felt really great following Shane's command, and they also felt somehow stronger!

They weren't sure yet but they will look at their status later!

Soon, they picked up the heavy tools for mining. They also brought backpacks with them, and they seemed to be of decent quality!

They realized that they were bought from the Survivor Store and were also upgraded with the precious Crystals!

'So rich… Where is he getting all these resources?'

'How can he buy so many of them at the same time?'

'It's amazing… Even these Anklets used on us weren't normal items. Our Master Shane must have a stable method of getting Zombie Cores and Reputation Points.'

The three prisoners had their own thoughts as they realized that Shane was incredibly rich in terms of resources!

Shane watched them go together with their guards.

To ensure their safety and the clearing of the mine, Shane dispatched two Super Soldiers—the towering figures of strength!

Their presence would be enough to kill any remaining undead. Their prowess a guarantee of the prisoners' protection… Of course, even the Prisoners weren't push over so with their upgraded pickaxes, they should still be strong enough to protect themselves from low-tier Zombies.

As the group made their way to the Iron Mine, the sun began its ascent, casting long shadows behind them.

The day's work would be grueling, but it was a chance for redemption, an opportunity to prove their worth in this new life that was offered to them.

And for Shane, it was another step towards securing the future of his estate and its people.

***

Yesterday, during the exploration of the Manor by the Super Soldiers, Mr. Wadsworth appraised all the items they had taken out, and he arranged them before Shane checked them.

Well, it was an easy task with the help of his skill.

[ Antique Appraisal (Lv10 - Max): Having managed a nobleman's estate, Mr. Wadsworth developed an eye for valuable artifacts and antiques. It grants the following benefits:

+30% accuracy in identifying the historical significance and value of ancient items.

+30% chance to recognize enchanted or magical objects.

+30% speed in assessing the authenticity of art and collectibles. ]

With this specific skill, he was able to do his job perfectly.

The Super Soldiers had done their part, extracting every item of value from the Manor's first and second floors. They laid out their haul in the warehouse that was previously a barn.

Paintings, cold weapons, chairs, clothes, books—each piece a silent witness to a world that had ceased to be. There were even coins and paper money that no longer have any value as of today.

Mr. Wadsworth approached the collection with admiration, his hands clasped behind his back. He began the meticulous process of cataloging, his eyes scanning for the telltale signs of magic and history.

Among the many items taken out by the Super Soldiers, there were some of them that caught the butler's eyes. There were a few of them, so he quickly made a list of them after using his appraisal ability.

Of course, Mr. Wadsworth's Appraisal ability wasn't as great as the system's provided item description. There was a limit to what he could appraise.

Nonetheless, it was enough to obtain the name of the item, the rank, and a bit of description.

[ Portrait of the Viscountess Elara ( Uncommon ): This oil painting, framed in gilded mahogany, captured the viscountess in her youth. The brushwork was exquisite, the colors vibrant despite the years. A faint aura of charm magic lingered on the canvas, suggesting it may have once enchanted those who gazed upon it. ]

[ Sir Gideon's Blade ( Rare ): A longsword with a blade as dark as night, rumored to have been forged in dragonfire. Engraved ancient letters etched along its length like a tribal mark, indicating a mysterious history or may be power yet to be awakened. ]

[ Broken - Diadem of Insight ( Epic ): A circlet of pure silver, adorned with a sapphire that pulsed with an inner light. It was said to be an item that could open the person's third eye, though such claims remained unverified. ]

[ Alchemist's Tome ( Rare ): Bound in leather that was cracked with age, this book contained recipes for potions long forgotten. Some pages were marked with notes in an unknown hand, hinting at secrets yet to be discovered. ]

[ Chalice of Whispers ( Uncommon ): An intricately carved goblet made from a single piece of obsidian. It was rumored to allow communication with spirits when filled with moonlit water. ]

[ Nobleman's Night Cloak ( Rare ): Woven from precious silk, this cloak seemed to absorb the light around it. When worn, it helps the user become undetectable during the night. ]

[ The Librarian's Ledger ( Uncommon ): A ledger containing the records of every book that had passed through the Manor's library. Some entries were written in a cipher, suggesting a hidden knowledge within its pages. ]

"Interesting items…"

As Mr. Wadsworth worked, he felt that he was back as a true butler of the estate. This was a job that he had been doing for many years, and he was back at it.

Plenty of items had still been taken out, but all of them were already Common rank items. They were wooden shields, steel swords, ceremonial swords, and clothes like coats, pants, and even skirts…

'We finally have plenty of clothes we can wear to change…' Mr. Wadsworth said as he looked at the third floor of the Manor.

Unfortunately, there seemed to be a problem exploring that floor.

Anyway, Shane already said that he would handle this problem on the third floor, so he had nothing to worry about.

"What a strange abandoned Manor… As expected of Sir Shane, he selected this as his territory with a big plan in his mind." Mr. Wadsworth muttered as he turned to the Super Soldiers who had been injured while trying to enter the third floor.