Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle Chapter 1129: The Mysterious Effects!

Whoosh~

The gateway shimmered like liquid around Ezekiel and his nineteen fellow priests as they crossed through it.

Just like the others' encounters, the scenery blurred momentarily before settling into the solid chamber of the Portal Hall inside Eclipse Domain.

'We're arrived...' Ezekiel whispered, sensing right away the shift in the air of this Shelter.

One guard stationed in the chamber hurried over at once. 'Esteemed Priests, come with us. We'll escort you to your rooms... and the temple.'

'Mhmm... Fine. Look after us well.'

Shortly after, the guards led them away.

Upon exiting, the priests let out soft gasps, eyes growing wide at the spectacle ahead. It mirrored Natalie's first reaction upon arrival.

In truth, it struck everyone that way!

This hit hardest for these battle-hardened Priests from countless deployments and missions, having visited numerous Shelters before.

Neutral ones, friendly ones, Clan territories, and hostile bases too! Over the last year, they'd lost track of how many.

Yet, none compared to Eclipse Domain, a bastion blending cutting-edge tech and raw might.

'What a mighty Shelter...'

'So that's a rank 1 Clan...'

'No surprise living here's so costly.'

The Priests reacted in varied ways while eyeing the massive walls lined with automated turrets.

They spotted those enigmatic spirit cannons, rumored to harm even Zombie Lords.

Moreover, elf patrols caught their eye, bows aglow with magical runes.

That wasn't all—super soldiers in dark armor drilled in perfect ranks, Warden Unit androids swept the streets periodically...

Finally, at the Shelter's distant boundary, gigantic Mech Frames or Aegis Mechs stood ready!

'Challenging this Clan would be pure madness...' Ezekiel murmured, thinking of the Overlord Clan and Phoenix Phalanx Clan.

Those fools were utterly stupid to defy Shane.

Fortunately, their leader Natalie had the wisdom to choose the right alliance.

'I'd love to explore a bit longer...' Ezekiel said with a shiver of wonder.

This wasn't some zombie-besieged outpost.

It was a grand fortress, a realm free from zombie horde fears!

Clank...

His prosthetic foot tapped gently on the sleek stone path.

Even the streets gleamed with premium stone! Dirt was nowhere in sight!

Undoubtedly, dedicated crews kept everything spotless.

'This spot... Truly remarkable. Never seen a Shelter like it.' Ezekiel said softly.

'Amazing...' The other priests echoed in unison.

'Yeah... That obelisk there... Must be extraordinary.'

'Indeed... And those statues...'

Another squad of guards in distinct attire approached to welcome them. They were burly, armed with basic yet formidable gear.

Super Soldiers!

'Welcome,' one grinned broadly.

'Priests from Smart Haven Shelter. This way.'

Guided along the avenues, Ezekiel's group passed survivors who appeared fitter, tougher, and bolder than any elsewhere.

As Natalie had described, markets thrived with kids playing about, yet defenses loomed everywhere—troops, machines, wall-embedded barrier generators.

They soon arrived at Eclipse Domain's central temple.

Simple in design, yet clearly infused with enchantments...

Constructed from stone and timber...

Stepping inside, the atmosphere shifted instantly...

Cleaner air, laced with incense fragrance.

'It's here...' Ezekiel breathed, spotting rows of meditating monks.

Their breaths synced perfectly, drawing in invisible power.

Then, Brother Arthis stood from their midst.

His aura wasn't overpowering, but his physique rivaled gladiators Ezekiel knew.

Arthis bowed lightly, staff gripped. 'Welcome, Smart Haven Priests. I'm Brother Arthis. Here to study, correct?'

Ezekiel advanced, returning the bow. 'Yes, Brother Arthis. I'm Ezekiel. We're grateful to be here.'

Arthis eyed him briefly, then nodded. 'May it succeed... Rest up now... Training starts tomorrow.'

The priests shared looks and agreed.

They'd anticipated instant sessions, but Arthis spoke true. Patience defined monk Aura training.

For the moment, escorts took them to temple quarters...

Besides a basic bed, a table, shelf, and essentials like robes awaited. Ezekiel deemed it fitting.

'This'll do...' He murmured.

***

The priests quickly made themselves at home in the temple rooms...

Ezekiel and his nineteen comrades relaxed, chatting idly...

But after six silent hours, surprise struck.

Suddenly, all priests tensed.

A soft chime echoed in their heads—the clear System alert.

[ Ding! ]

[ Three statues' resonance detects you. Effects activating now. ]

Glowing text scrolled before their vision.

Ezekiel blinked at the display.

'Those statues... Knew it... Six hours in range triggers them.

[ Statue of Discipline: Focus of the Warrior ]

[ Mental clarity boosted 15%. ]

[ Meditation concentration enhanced. ]

[ Distraction resistance improved. ]

[ Statue of Endurance: Spirit of the Guardian ]

[ Soul Force amplified 12%. ]

[ Stamina regen sped up. ]

[ Emotional toughness raised. ]

[ Statue of Resolve: Edge of the Ascetic ]

[ Spirit Energy flow efficiency up 10%. ]

[ Mental exhaustion lessened. ]

[ Willpower vs outside force strengthened. ]

The priests traded shocked stares. 'Buffs...? From statues? And they last six hours anywhere, even outside!' one hissed.

Ezekiel's metal foot clicked on stone as he reread the messages.

No mere boons here.

Passive statue-born effects.

'Eclipse Domain's hidden edge,' Ezekiel said. 'Natalie nailed it... Place is unreal.'

Changes hit them fast.

Minds sharpened, thoughts crisp. Meditation flowed sans fatigue haze.

Spirits surged too!

But they knew this wasn't Aura command.

Statues primed mind and soul, not bestowed power—foundation for Aura discipline!

The insight awed them deeply.

'Eclipse Domain... No—Eclipse Revenant Clan rocks.'

'If staying here's this potent,' a priest breathed, 'imagine tomorrow's drills?'

Ezekiel grinned slightly. 'Patience. Rest easy...

Next dawn, temple bells tolled gently, calling monks and priests to the yard.

Brother Arthis waited mid-court, staff ready...

Monks assembled silently behind, statue-still... Ezekiel's group neared, bowing deep.

Arthis pointed to three massive statues bordering the yard.

Each hewn from Spirit Stone...

Faceless warrior forms in dynamic stances...

Simple lines, yet mighty. Broad shoulders, balled fists, monk poses...

Shane's top sculptor crafted them, naturally.

'These aid your learning...' Arthis explained.

Priests glanced over; notifications flared anew at the sightless guardians.

[ Ding! ]

[ Statue of Discipline: Focus of the Warrior - Active ]

[ Statue of Endurance: Spirit of the Guardian - Active ]

[ Statue of Resolve: Edge of the Ascetic - Active ]

Priests confirmed with nods.

Ezekiel studied the statues longer. Their vibe pulsed—not godly, but Aura conduits.

Arthis pressed on, 'You've sensed it already. Statues don't impart Aura or might. They purify thoughts, fortify spirit, temper soul... Vital at your age for mastery.'

A younger priest ventured, hand up shyly. 'Brother Arthis... Why faceless? Not gods or legends?'

Arthis smiled faintly.

'Aura claims no deity, no champion. It's life's essence. Faceless ones teach discipline's universality. Will alone opens the path to all.'

Priests nodded, grasping it...

Ezekiel bowed forward. 'Felt it last night. Unmatched sensation. Like we could grasp any skill.'

Arthis dipped his head. 'Excellent. Statues' role fulfilled. But clarity isn't control. Aura demands endless toil. They unlock the gate—you step through alone.'