Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle Chapter 1131: Asad’s Life and the Plateau

Asad departed from the tavern, strolling along the serene avenues of Blue Bubble Shelter...

His thoughts kept revisiting the discussions he'd overheard at that moment.

True to Shane's predictions, the Phoenix Phalanx Clan guarded more than just a plateau's flora—they conducted experiments there.

They possessed ample strength for it, boasting alchemists skilled enough to utilize Roan's blood.

After all, Anna required a full month to brew a potion incorporating Dragon Blood.

Regardless, the survivors had spoken of immunity, elites enduring bites unscathed, yet something deeper troubled him beneath those words.

He'd witnessed necromancy up close, his own abilities animating corpses to battle at his command.

Yet Phoenix Phalanx's pursuits seemed distinct. No shambling zombies, no thralls enslaved to a commander's whim. Whispers suggested greater control... survivors retaining their essence, infused with undead might.

"Does it resemble the Aegis Serum?" Asad whispered while wandering the shelter's paths.

This concept captivated him. He yearned to uncover details of their endeavor.

Zombies struck fear through their relentless drive, lack of sensation, and pain immunity.

Should Phoenix Phalanx blend that endurance with human cunning, they'd forge troops battling without end, untouched by weariness or dread of demise.

Food scarcity might cease to burden them altogether.

"Incredible... yet utterly horrifying." Asad murmured, aware such experiments could spiral disastrously.

In truth, this very Zombie Outbreak stemmed from a botched Super Soldier creation attempt.

Nevertheless, Asad's interest burned fiercely...

He envisioned fighters whose blood bore the virus, minds defiant against its taint.

Would they gain superior strength, speed, exhaustion resistance? Or devolve into monstrosities...

He whispered lowly, "Success would render them invincible... No. They'd at least prove a massive headache... Shane’s forces should handle it regardless."

Since he was here already, wrecking their scheme seemed fitting.

Moreover, via his Necromancy, he could demonstrate the true terror of intelligent Undead Creatures!

Though his risen corpses served as expendable minions under his control, he commanded autonomous undead like Doom Knights, Skeleton King, Wraith Queen, Mummy Lord, and more...

"Fine... We'll dismantle that base once intel's secured..." Asad resolved with a mutter.

Meanwhile, he sauntered back to the inn, mimicking hunters fresh from the hunt.

***

Early next morning, Asad awoke, drawn by curiosity toward this shelter... Dressed anew, he merged with bustling hunters and traders amid their commerce.

His mission loomed large in his thoughts, yet he indulged a brief tour of the area...

Morning bathed the shelter in a transformed vibe—peaceful, luminous, stripped of the prior night's jittery tension.

"Hmm... This alluring aroma clings to my attire." Asad noted quietly.

Stalls of soap artisans lined his path, showcasing their goods.

Pale lavender bars, rich green mint slabs, vibrant golden citrus blocks stood arranged, cloth-wrapped and string-bound.

System’s Marketplace offered similars from fellow survivors, pricier than these local finds...

"I could grab some for Aya and the rest." Asad pondered amid the soothing, revitalizing scents wafting thickly.

Asad halted at a stall...

"Three bars per Zombie Core," boasted the merchant. "Fair deal, eh? Totally worthwhile. Banishes odors, sharpens the wits!"

Asad weighed the cost.

Glancing at nearby survivors, he recognized the steepness for mere soap, but as a resource-rich necromancer beyond mere hunters, he shrugged it off.

Skipping barter for trifles, he traded cores for various types... Labels promised lavender calm, mint refreshment, citrus vigor.

Truth unverified, he acquired them nonetheless.

Stashing them in inventory, memories of Eclipse Domain's quarters surfaced.

Such soaps promised rare indulgence, vital for morale.

Pressing onward, pottery wares appeared...

Eclipse Domain lacked such craftsmanship. Imported vases or jars from travelers were mere finals, not origins.

Here lay the production heart.

Clay jars, bowls, vases filled adjacent racks, adorned with modest patterns.

One drew him—a robust pot swirling with motifs, plain yet gracefully understated.

Eclipse Domain's home stayed stark, utilitarian, decoration-free.

"Time for change... Distance ensures uniqueness back home. No duplicates." Asad grinned inwardly.

He neared the stall.

"That one," he indicated his choice.

The keeper beamed, packaging it securely.

Adjacent, a modest gallery hung paintings. Rough hunt scenes or vistas dominated, save one striking canvas—a tranquil moonlit plateau, rendered in gentle sweeps evoking peace and hush.

"The plateau of my mission?" Asad murmured, gaze lingering unexpectedly.

A vendor's brief reply confirmed it as his infiltration target... Stunningly picturesque. Phoenix Phalanx occupation might tarnish that allure now.

As the seller fidgeted eagerly, Asad grinned, purchasing the artwork and frame, inventorying it with the pot.

"Homes need soul, beyond mere bricks and mortar." Asad rationalized aloud. No whimsy here!

An unusual notion for a necromancer.

Room visitors would scarcely anticipate such flair from one steeped in death...

His art embraced life's vibrancy back on Earth, despite dealings in decay.

Thus, he roamed the shelter...

Blending seamlessly, Zombie Hunters bragged exploits, merchants dickered fiercely, kids giggled pursuing playmates down lanes.

Afternoon signaled departure...

"Time to move..." Asad sighed, break fulfilled.

He'd gleaned Phoenix Phalanx's undead fusion trials, wedding human resolve to zombie attributes...

Exiting Blue Bubble Shelter promptly, he called forth his mount...

The Skeleton Scorpion!

This bony behemoth, bone-cage atop evoking a perch or cockpit, awaited.

"To the plateau, Scorpy!"

Five hours jostling upon rattling osseous frame, Asad arrived at the plateau.

Its vista matched the bought painting near-perfectly, breathtaking.

Darkness reigned, moonlight unveiling its eerie allure...

Shattered by the overhead fortress. Towers spewed inky fumes skyward, betraying concealed industry!

"Here it stands... Phoenix Phalanx’s secret venture."

Steep ascent loomed, yet Asad felt unperturbed.

Robust physique and necromantic arsenal outshone raw muscle.

Detection fretted him most. Heavily patrolled, a misplaced silhouette risked alarm.

Mindful, he cinched his dark mage robe, igniting its magic.

"Stealth like this hasn't been needed lately." Asad noted softly.

Aura waned, presence veiled, noticeability plunged...

Stealth alone insufficient, he beckoned the Wraith Queen with raised palm.

From gloom she materialized, bowing mutely before hoisting him aloft soundlessly.

Swiftly, Asad fronted the fortified base.

"Simple enough..."

Fortress loomed, gates barricaded amid wards and Zombies! Defenses paled beside exterior fields!

"W-what's happening out there?"