Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle Chapter 1126: The Leak

Murmurs rippled through the monks, as twenty clergymen seemed poised to arrive at the shelter any moment now.

It would make for a truly captivating scene if it actually came to pass.

Shane had backed them up, erected their temple, and offered them refuge. Now, he aimed to fortify Eclipse Domain's spiritual core by linking Natalie's clergy with his own followers. The monks had zero issues with that.

In fact, they'd welcome more skilled individuals assisting or serving their Shelter Leader.

Natalie pondered the proposal for only a short instant…

She commanded almost every bishop and priest on the continent. Perhaps ninety-nine percent fell under her control. Sending twenty to aid Shane represented a major compromise. Still, it presented a golden chance.

"Twenty isn't too many or too few… Seems fair enough…"

A subtle smile graced her lips as she faced Jillian…

"Very well. If this is Shane's condition, then I will honor it. My Archbishop will bless his chosen recruits, provided they are sent to our shelter. Of course, whether they ascend as bishops or priests will depend on their talent."

Jillian nodded approvingly. "That is perfectly understandable."

Natalie's smile grew warmer as she pressed on. "Then it is settled. Twenty bishops or priests shall rise within Eclipse Domain. In return, my priests will learn Aura from your monks. A fair exchange, and one that benefits us both."

Brother Arthis inclined his head, accepting Shane's stipulation.

"If Shane wishes his people to walk both paths, then we will teach your priests the ways of Aura. The environment here is strong and disciplined… if they train within the Eclipse Domain, their progress may be faster."

"Alright… I'll be sending twenty of my Priests here!" Natalie responded.

Jillian felt content with this deal as well…

She recognized Shane's choice as wise… Integrating clergymen into Eclipse Domain forged bonds between their clans deeper than mere commerce or armed pacts.

Yet Natalie buzzed with excitement.

Soon, her priests would harness Aura, evolving into faith-bound fighters.

Undeniably, this went beyond a simple deal. It formed an alliance poised to gradually shift power dynamics across the clans.

After all, this served as just a test exchange… Before long, additional priests would master Aura, while Shane dispatched more candidates for the Archbishop's Blessing!

***

The next morning, Jillian guided Natalie back via the portal…

Natalie departed pleased, her strategies now aligned with Shane's terms. She had preparations to handle on her end prior to dispatching her Priests or receiving the twenty individuals Shane planned to forward.

With the portal flickering closed, Jillian let out a quiet breath… Her mind already raced toward upcoming duties.

Brother Arthis had outlined directives for her.

For Natalie's priests to grasp Aura, suitable training gear was essential.

Jillian acted swiftly. She tracked down Harper, the ingenious craftsman of Eclipse Domain famed for his inventive tools and gadgets…

"Harper," Jillian addressed him upon entering his workshop… "we'll need specialized equipment for Aura training. Meditation mats, weighted staves, those ringing stones for breathing exercises… Not entirely certain on the details, but Arthis mentioned you'd know them… Essentially, whatever aids priests in embracing the monks' discipline.

Harper eyed Jillian and rubbed his chin…. "Hmmm… Alright… I can craft those resonance stones that hum softly when Aura courses through them. It'll assist the priests in feeling their circulation. For the staves… Right, I recall we got a fresh batch of metal lately. Oceansteel, I believe. Plenty more in Blue Haven. Could you request a few crates from Mr. Wadsworth?"

Jillian nodded with satisfaction. "Good. I'll relay the request. Anyway, Arthis emphasized making them sturdy yet basic. Humility must precede power… Or words to that effect."

"Got it…"

With Harper diving into the task, Jillian set her sights on the entertainment district. She planned to perform, driven not only by obligation but to ease the Survivors fresh from outer missions.

She aimed to calm them and foster relaxation inside the shelter.

Yet before reaching the stage, a strange vibe caught her attention.

"Hmm? What's the commotion?"

A low rumble reverberated along the streets… Moments later, cheers erupted from the residents!

The strike team that assaulted the Phoenix Phalanx had finally come home.

Hundreds had ventured out days prior, now parading back into Eclipse Domain. The spectacle stirred both victory and gravity.

Warden Units and Mech Frames led the way. Their armor bore dents, joints sparked, and plating showed deep battle scars.

Repairs loomed necessary…

Moreover, their heavy damage revealed the fight's ferocity.

Trailing them were the survivors… Soldiers, super soldiers, warriors. Unlike the machinery, the humans appeared intact. Wounds treated, bodies undoubtedly mended en route back.

Still, the mood hung somber. The Phoenix Phalanx ranked among the Top 5 Clans, no pushover foes.

Even as Rank 1 Clan, Eclipse Domain and allies couldn't deploy full strength so distant from base without risking vulnerability.

In essence, the Phalanx held home turf edge, rendering the clash savage.

Amid the returning fighters, Jillian scanned for one specific figure… Raze.

Worries had plagued her since news of Roan's capture circulated…

Gratefully, both Raze and Roan lived.

She spotted Raze's dragon tattoo on her arm, signaling Roan's return.

Even so, exhaustion marked them.

Jillian sensed Roan had endured severe torment.

Fiona's Rat Reports detailed how Phoenix Phalanx alchemists drained excessive blood in captivity, tormenting his spirit to breaking. Healed now, yet debilitated, Raze faced a prolonged wait before resummoning him.

Nevertheless, Jillian's heart lightened a bit.

"At least they survived. At least they came back."

As troops and warriors scattered, droves headed to the entertainment district.

They craved unwind, solace after prolonged carnage.

Jillian grasped it instantly, refusing to let silence or gloom engulf them.

"Alright…" Jillian whispered, facing her band.

Noting their preparedness, she mounted the stage…

Quickly, the district hushed as her voice soared…

Her renowned Bard Talent enhanced each tone, elevating the song beyond mere sound.

It healed, comforted, a tune piercing heart and soul.

In truth, it could sway surrounding emotions at her whim. But no manipulation proved needed here…

Exhausted soldiers shut their eyes, merely savoring the melody...

Super soldiers granted themselves brief respite.

Even mechanics repairing damaged Mech Frames halted, absorbing Jillian's voice as it enveloped them.

Her melody evoked that Eclipse Domain transcended mere bastion… It was home.

"I'm glad I returned alive…"

This thought unified their minds.

When her show concluded, the entertainment district brimmed with fresh vigor.

Survivors chuckled, clinked drinks, and boasted of triumph over the Rank 5 Clan!

Meanwhile, as soldiers recounted clashes with Alexander and his Clan, word raced outward!

In the World Chat, global Survivors buzzed with discussion!

[ Mistra (Sector 4): So it's true… The Eclipse Revenant actually pushed back the Phoenix Phalanx. I didn't think anyone could force Alexander's clan to surrender like that… or maybe they just retreated. ]

[ Liora (Sector 11): Retreat? More like humiliation. I just got some reliable information. Shane's robots came back dented, but the soldiers were fine. That means Shane's forces barely suffered in this battle. ]

[ Bren (Sector 8): Don't forget Alexander. That guy's reputation is bloody. He kills survivors more than zombies. Some say he's worse than the apocalypse itself. It's good that he's defeated. Good job, Shane. Thank you for teaching him a lesson! ]

[ Hana (Sector 17): Still, he's strong. My cousin fought under him once. Said Alexander could cut through a Zombie King like paper. If Shane really beat his clan, then Shane's power is terrifying. ]

[ Dax (Sector 6): Terrifying is the word. If Shane can crush a Top 5 Clan's main shelter, what chance do smaller shelters have if he ever turns his eyes on us? ]

[ Elen (Sector 13): Oh, come on. Shane isn't Alexander. Have you not visited his shelter? He builds temples, cafés, and even plazas for everyone. You can open a shop there if you want. He's not out there slaughtering people for fun. His shelter feels more like a city than a fortress. ]

[ Toren (Sector 20): Maybe now. But power changes people. ]

[ Mira (Sector 10): I don't care. I'm just glad someone finally put Alexander in his place. That man's cruelty has gone unchecked for too long. ]

[ Jalen (Sector 18): Celebrations aside, think about the balance. If Shane keeps winning, he'll be untouchable. ]

[ Sylas (Sector 7): Influence or not, I'd rather follow Shane than Alexander. ]