Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle Chapter 1147 1147: Remnants of the Dragon Awakening Apocalypse

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Previously on Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle...
The Draconic Fort was alerted to the arrival of two unknown ships. Defensive measures were prepared against potential intruders, but the approaching figures turned out to be mechanical. Their leader, Shane of the Eclipse Revenant Clan, requested to resupply, and the fort agreed under strict inspection.

Tris clenched his fist, observing the man who effortlessly traversed the air.

It was abundantly clear that the individuals gracing them with their presence were far from ordinary.

With a sigh, he signaled to Nika, indicating that she should manage the situation.

Meanwhile, Shane had already lifted his hand, summoning the others. One by one, nine figures descended from the vessel, joining him on the sandy expanse of the shoreline.

These were not merely any survivors; they had employed their unique abilities to ensure they remained perfectly dry!

Among them were Chaloem and Shinja, who plunged in first, their movements swift as they ran across the water's surface…

Layla, in contrast, utilized her Telekinesis, drifting gracefully above the water like Shane.

Tundra, employing an explosive burst, propelled himself forward to land beside them.

Then, Lily, harnessing her powers as a Wind Elementalist, carried both Lysandra and Elsa along with her.

Naturally, Lysandra and Elsa, a water elementalist, possessed their own means of travel, but they simply chose not to exert themselves.

Finally, Travis's Clone, an avatar representing the Drakeheard Vanguard Clan Leader, made a dramatic entrance, leaping from the deck to the shore and carving a small crater upon impact.

Natalie, the Clan Leader of the New Haven Clan, simply vanished and reappeared next to Shane…

Together with Shane, they comprised a retinue of ten.

Behind them, the warden units, those stoic humanoid robots, maintained their unwavering stance amidst the gentle surf.

However, with a mere wave of his hand from Shane, the machines turned back towards the ships without a word uttered.

Natalie offered Shane a smile. "That was quite the entrance. Flying? Haha."

Travis nodded, his voice calm. "Not as impressive as my landing, but still… not too shabby."

Shane let out a laugh, dismissing the remark with a wave of his hand. "I'll graciously accept that as a compliment. You all certainly put on a good show."

Lysandra let out a soft chuckle but remained silent.

She simply observed the three clan leaders, Shane, Travis, and Natalie, engaged in easy conversation.

To her, this interaction was remarkable. Here they were, powerful figures, leaders of some of the mightiest clans, yet they conversed with such ease. It boded well.

Before long, medical practitioners from the fort arrived, their presence announced by the appearance of their equipment.

They carried medical kits and an array of tools, their expressions etched with seriousness. Each of the ten individuals underwent a thorough examination to detect any signs of zombie infection, including bite marks, unusual wounds, or nascent corruption visible in their eyes, body temperature, respiration, or even the state of their fingernails, which would typically turn black if afflicted by the weak zombie virus originating from Toxic Zombies.

The inspection process was rigorous yet entirely necessary. No one, not even the esteemed clan leaders, was exempt.

After all, they were well aware of such protocols, possessing their own fortified shelters…

Following a meticulous inspection, the medical practitioners delivered their verdict. "No indications of infection. They are cleared."

Caesar, who had been overseeing the entire procedure, nodded in approval. "Excellent. You are granted entry."

He stepped forward, gesturing inland with an open hand. "Please follow me. I shall guide you to the fort itself."

The group complied, proceeding to walk behind Caesar as the shoreline defenses maintained their vigilant posture.

The cannons were once again concealed, and the riflemen lowered their formidable weapons, yet an undercurrent of tension persisted.

The path leading inland was fortified with well-defined trenches and earthen mounds that delineated the defensive perimeter.

As their journey progressed closer to the fort, the sheer magnitude of the settlement gradually became apparent.

Soon thereafter, Pascal and Nika emerged at the imposing gates.

Both were clad in armor, and the confident manner in which they carried themselves suggested they held significant positions within the shelter.

Pascal, the militia captain, offered a respectful bow. "Welcome. I am Captain Pascal. You have already made the acquaintance of Caesar, the commander of our first battalion."

Nika stepped forward, her dragon-scale breastplate shimmering as it caught the ambient light.

"I am Nika, the second-in-command…"

She served as the fort's representative, while Tris deliberately remained out of sight, prioritizing safety. Should these newcomers prove to be hostile, the Leader's security was paramount. However, if they were deemed allies, he would reveal himself at a later juncture.

"Welcome to the Draconic Fort. Captain Pascal and Commander Caesar stand with me. We are prepared to escort you, should you require assistance with large-scale trades."

Shane inclined his head politely. "Understood. I am Shane, representing the Eclipse Revenant Clan. These are my companions."

He then gestured towards Chaloem, Shinja, Layla, Tundra, Lysandra, Lily, Elsa, Travis's Clone, and Natalie, presenting them in turn.

Pascal and Nika listened intently, acknowledging each name with a nod.

"It has been quite some time since we've received visitors…" Pascal remarked, a hint of wonder in his voice. "It appears the mainland shelters are indeed nurturing survivors of considerable might."

Natalie offered a subtle smile. "We have journeyed through many shelters, Captain. But this one… this fort possesses a distinct aura."

As they passed through the gates and entered the settlement, the visitors' impressions deepened considerably.

The Draconic Fort was unlike any of the shelters they had encountered on the mainland.

Its formidable walls bore the distinct reinforcement of what appeared to be dragon-scale markings…

Soon, as they employed their appraisal skills and overheard various conversations, they learned that the weapons forged here were even crafted from dragonbone.

Despite these striking features, the remaining sections of the shelter appeared quite conventional.

Farmers diligently tended to their fields, where crops flourished vibrantly…

Children could be seen playing merrily in the streets, while smiths skillfully hammered away at weapons in their workshops…

Furthermore, they also observed that every inhabitant seemed to possess an enhanced level of physical strength…

'Is it dragon blood? Feels similar…' Shane mused, regretting not bringing Raze along.

Regardless, it was clear even the most basic guard moved with an air of assurance, suggesting this place was secure.

Layla whispered to Lysandra, "This place… looks so vibrant. For a shelter that wasn't on any map before, I suppose this is a Neutral Shelter, right? Something that just appeared out of nowhere."

Lysandra gave a nod. "They've adapted remarkably well. Better than most other shelters we've encountered."

Elsa surveyed the fort's water systems, noting their clever integration into the defensive structures. Lily felt the wind currents flowing through the open courtyards, impressed by the natural layout.

Chaloem, however, simply closed his eyes for a moment, sensing the tranquil aura emanating from the inhabitants.

"But I can sense they're all cautiously observing us," Tundra commented.

Pascal then caught snippets of their quiet conversation…

"Well, trust is something that must be earned. We have faced dragonoids and zombies before. We cannot afford to be careless."

Natalie raised her hand slightly. "Dragonoids? How intriguing… We understand completely."

They did not press for details, considering they already encountered androids, elves, a dragon, and even battled vampires. Thus, the existence of Dragonoids elsewhere wasn't particularly astonishing to them.

They simply made a mental note should they cross paths with them.

As their journey took them further into the heart of the fort, the visitors observed the training grounds where soldiers were intensely drilling in formation.

Their discipline was evident…

Shields held high, spears aimed, their war cries filled the air…

Shinja smirked. "Well-trained soldiers. They train as if expecting combat on a daily basis."

Pascal responded instantly. "Because war is a daily reality. If it's not zombies, it's something else entirely."

Soon, he guided Shane and his companions along the pathway until the marketplace came into view.

It was expansive, far larger than what most shelters on the mainland could manage.

Stalls lined the thoroughfares, each dedicated to a specific trade. Some offered mystical charms and adornments, others specialized in footwear or protective armor, and entire sections were reserved for weaponry.

Food vendors were also buzzing with activity, presenting dried meats, grains, and preserved vegetables.

It was remarkably lively for a fort with a comparatively small population… The sounds of haggling and the aroma of cooked meals were noticeable. One could only infer that numerous other survivors frequented this hub.

Pascal gestured towards the bustling plaza. "Here, you will find what you seek. All exchanges occur in this area. Should you require further assistance, please contact us at Fort Station Two."

With that, he and Nika departed, granting Shane's group the freedom to explore at their leisure.

The moment they were out of earshot, Shane grinned. "Well, I don't particularly need any supplies. We have an abundance. But this grants us an excellent opportunity to assess the true nature of this place."

The others offered nods of agreement, dispersing among the various stalls.

It wasn't long before they discerned a distinct difference in the prevailing system.

Most consumable goods, including food, water, and medicine, were traded in exchange for zombie cores.

These served as the primary currency, much like in other established settlements… It appeared that Wandering Merchants also frequented this locale, which wasn't entirely unexpected…

Nevertheless, for more significant transactions, bartering remained prevalent… weapons exchanged for armor, charms traded for tools, and services bartered for goods.

Layla picked up one of the charms displayed at a stall... "Curious. These aren't merely decorative items. They possess an infusion of something… ancient."

Elsa examined a blade crafted from pale bone. "This material isn't steel. It feels… distinct."

Lily closed her eyes, sensing the subtle air currents circulating around the fort. "The atmosphere here carries an unusual resonance. Almost akin to Roan... Dragons."

Shinja crossed his arms and nodded sagely... "Dragons. That explains it. This entire place practically reeks of them. Observe the scales incorporated into the walls, the bone comprising their weaponry. Their very survival is built upon the remains of dragons."

The realization dawned upon the entire group.

If the Ivory Gear Shelter's inhabitants were akin to machines, it seemed this Neutral Shelter's defining characteristic was its connection to dragons.

Everyone couldn't help but feel a sense of elation that the shelter was so deeply intertwined with dragons. Its defenses, its armaments, even the very aura of its people bore the imprints of draconic might.

Undoubtedly, Raze would be thrilled by this discovery. Their immediate intent was to acquire anything and everything related to Dragons!

Shane let out a soft chuckle. "No wonder they're flourishing."

However, as their exploration continued, a figure approached.

It was Wendel, still clad in his guard uniform! He approached Shane with a mixture of deference and uncertainty.

"Sir…" Wendel began, hesitant about the propriety of his question. "Are you seeking the hidden treasures rumored to be on this island?"