Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle Chapter 1125: Natalie's Exploration and Deal Acceptance

While the monks pondered the ramifications of Priests acquiring Aura, Jillian advanced.

She had no need to await the monks' reply, for this was no trivial issue.

"Lady Cross," she declared, "This isn't an impossible matter, but your request is not a simple one… These monks are not free teachers. They belong to the Eclipse Domain, backed by Shane himself. He constructed their temple, supplied their food, their safety, and their practice grounds."

The monks nodded in agreement. Their loyalty to Shane was unquestionable.

"If they are to instruct your priests, Shane must make the call." Jillian concluded.

Natalie hesitated briefly before nodding in acceptance. There was no point in disputing it.

She grasped Jillian's worries and the monks' significance…

Shane had poured massive resources into the monks, viewing them as crucial assets. Requesting their knowledge meant seeking Shane's permission.

Brother Arthis lowered his head in a bow.

"We honor Shane. He granted us refuge and respected our ways… If he orders us to teach, we shall impart the knowledge. If he prohibits it, we will stay silent."

Natalie let out a gentle breath. This outcome suited her perfectly.

After all, her supplies of food to Shane's shelters were plentiful! Though she lacked Legendary Items or advanced tech from other shelters, her food reserves overflowed!

"Then I'll await his decision. I'll discuss it with Shane soon. But if your monks consent, my priests will revere Aura… just as they revere the Sun God. They won't squander your teachings."

Truth be told, no Buddha statues adorned the temple, leaving her momentarily puzzled.

Still, the monks simply nodded, curious about the unusual proposal yet remaining wary.

Jillian realized Shane would need to deliberate this thoroughly.

Letting Natalie's priests grasp Aura might bolster an ally, yet it risked disseminating techniques Shane had heavily nurtured.

***

As night fell deeper, Natalie lingered in the temple courtyard, observing the monks' training beneath the moon's glow.

'Stunning technique…'

Their motions flowed smoothly like serene rivers… Moreover, their Aura control reached extraordinary heights!

They didn't merely enhance their bodies and strikes with Aura; they transformed everyday objects into weapons!

Sleeves, leaves, wooden staffs, towels—anything they contacted became lethal through their Aura!

She held deep admiration for them. Unbidden, visions arose of her priests matching that precision and power.

Brother Arthis drew near once again.

"Lady Cross, are you attempting to grasp it now? It'll prove tough without the correct meditation and breathing methods. Even a fortunate trial might harm your body severely."

His concern was genuine, as mishandling Aura could cripple her.

"Ahhh… No need to fret. I'm just admiring your muscles—I mean… Ahem~ I'm merely observing how you weave Aura into daily life. That's all."

Arthis froze briefly, then composed himself with a nod.

"Mastering Aura demands time, especially if you've aged past youth. If your priests forgo ease, train relentlessly, and face zombies fearlessly… they might succeed."

Natalie's grin widened. "They will. I'll ensure it."

Jillian observed quietly, aware the choice wasn't hers.

Shane alone would determine if Natalie Cross's priests could unlock the monks' hidden arts.

For the moment, the temple stayed serene, with monks persisting in their evening drills.

***

The following day, Natalie ventured further into Eclipse Domain…

Jillian, her striking guide, recommended the Gold Star Café, a favored spot run by Bartholomew, one of Shane's handpicked followers.

She sensed Natalie sought no Entertainment District thrills and proposed this alternative.

"Ohh… That coffee scent is divine…" Natalie murmured.

The café exuded warmth and allure, saturated with roasted bean fragrances.

A scribbled note behind the counter drew Natalie's gaze amid the menu, highlighting the day's special: the Blackstar Blend, complete with its backstory!

It originated from the Black Tree of Pleasure in the Fairy Realm… a realm Shane was said to have explored.

Natalie cocked her head, fascinated by the tree's name and origin…

"Fairy Realm? Some kind of location? Wonder which Sector…"

Doubt lingered, naturally…

'Smart marketing to hike prices, or a genuine rarity Shane procured?'

Regardless, the cost was high: 20 Zombie Cores per cup.

Steep even for her rank.

Yet curiosity prevailed.

She ordered one; upon serving, its scent alone enraptured.

The server grinned at her delight, leaning in to add, "It pairs perfectly with our honey-glazed biscuits. Their sweetness offsets the Blackstar's bite."

"Then I'll take those too." She responded, adding 3 more Zombie Cores.

Natalie savored her initial sip.

'Ohhhh~'

The taste burst rich and ethereal.

More than coffee—it was transcendence.

Wall inscriptions near her seat rang true.

Its warmth flooded her chest, momentarily erasing the zombie havoc beyond.

Finishing the cup, she beamed contentedly.

'Maybe the tale holds water. Fairy Realm… Hope he shares intel on that hidden spot…'

***

Later, Natalie strolled into the plaza.

A merchant caravan's arrival two days prior thrilled her, stalls brimming with wares.

Herbs and spices from far shelters wafted scents that stirred her appetite…

Merchants hawked prices for dried mint bundles, saffron, and exotic healing roots. Weapons gleamed too…

Pistols and rifles arrayed on tables—firearms affordable, bullets exorbitant.

Logical, with gunpowder so rare!

Rifles could be mended or reused; ammo vanished irretrievably.

Natalie glanced past the arms. Fabrics captivated her.

Vibrant, patterned cloth rolls towered; some shimmered ethereally in lantern glow.

'These traders… No surprise. Shane's shelter hoards all roaming merchants!'

The sheer count of Wandering Merchants astounded Natalie!

It clarified why other shelters saw fewer visits!

Unfair, indeed!

'Ugh… Fine… I'll just dispatch envoys here…'

Her fingers trailed silken weaves, dreaming of priestly robes, her own gowns, guard uniforms.

Briefly, the zombie apocalypse faded.

The plaza thrummed with commerce, alive with humanity's enduring pleasures.

Natalie immersed in the moment, cherishing such fleeting calm.

***

Next morning, the message arrived.

Jillian entered the temple courtyard beaming…

"Lady Cross," she announced, "Shane has responded."

Natalie tensed, pulse racing.

"He consents," Jillian went on, "but with terms."

Natalie grinned. She'd messaged Shane privately too, yet held off on deals. She'd merely outlined her intent.

Undermining local leaders wasn't her style.

The monks halted training, ears attuned.

Natalie nodded softly upon hearing.

Shane's nod fulfilled her wishes, though his stipulation would decide her priests' Aura path.

She breathed steadily, steeling for it. His demand would forge her clan's destiny.

"Shane permits your priests to learn Aura…

Her statement hung, suspense gripping Natalie and the monks.

"Ahh… How to phrase it… See, Shane asks your Archbishop to bless twenty of his selected recruits, promoting them to bishops or priests. He knows only Archbishops perform such class-changes, deeming this trade equitable."

'Priests get Aura, Eclipse Domain gets holy orders? Got it.' Natalie comprehended.

The condition surprised her, yet its fairness was ironclad…

Shane wasn't handing out favors freely—he secured equal value for his domain.

"Very well…"