Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle Chapter 1148: The Secret of the Shelter

Shane's brow arched as he surveyed the unfamiliar man.

"Hidden treasures?"

Wendel confirmed, "Indeed... This territory teems with concealed secrets, yet it's enveloped in miasma, a hazard so daunting that even Tris, the leader of this refuge, hesitated to delve into it."

A series of exchanged glances passed through the group.

"Allow me to introduce myself, I am Wendel. Like yourselves, I am a Foreign Survivor who opted for the Zombie Outbreak scenario."

Natalie offered a subtle smile upon hearing this. "Intriguing. Quite intriguing."

"Uncharted ruins, you say... However, that pervasive miasma presents a significant obstacle," Travis mused aloud.

Wendel acknowledged their apprehension with a nod, understanding their concerns. His primary intention was simply to forge connections with these distinguished Survivors.

"In essence, he didn't truly anticipate Shane and the others would be interested, given the absence of any guaranteed rewards. After all, that sector of the island could simply be a waste disposal area or something similar, rendering any valuable finds uncertain.

Moreover, at this stage of the Apocalypse, most indispensable items can be fabricated by the Craftsmen... Their innate Talents and Survivor Skills have, by now, reached their zenith.

Survivors possessing Legendary Talents geared towards crafting or any manufacturing processes, such as Hermes, Diana, and others, are already adept at producing some of the most formidable weapons and artifacts known.

Consequently, there's little compelling reason to jeopardize their safety unless the region harbors unique materials obtainable only from that specific locale.

Shane placed a reassuring hand on Wendel's shoulder. "Very well... However, our pursuit isn't for treasure. Should we decide to investigate, we shall extend a tip your way."

Wendel nodded once more, appreciating this budding camaraderie.

After all, it was impossible for him not to recognize these elite Survivors.

A significant portion of these individuals ranked among the Top 20 Survivors he had observed during the Zombie Challenge Event.

"Exercise caution. Remember, not all secrets are meant to be unearthed. However, should you desire further illuminating details... I can provide them." Wendel offered.

"Oh? Does this knowledge come at a price?" Shane inquired.

"Ah... Not precisely. However, a gratuity would be appreciated if you find the information beneficial," he responded promptly.

"Proceed... I am attentive," Shane stated with a hint of amusement. He harbored no grand expectations, yet his next words left him utterly astonished.

"Precisely, this Shelter originated from the Dragon Awakening Apocalypse. They, too, hailed from Earth. However, an unforeseen incident occurred, resulting in their shelter being transported here along with its inhabitants. Now, the System has officially recognized them as a Neutral Shelter..."

"What?"

"Is such a thing even possible?"

"Dragon Awakening?"

Shane and his companions stood dumbfounded.

Wendel beamed, having anticipated their reaction. He now felt certain he would receive a substantial tip!

It was imperative that he disclose as much pertinent information as possible.

"That is correct... As you are aware, the Wild Shelters experienced a comparable phenomenon. When encountering such shelters, you may have deduced that those Necromancers were dispatched on a specific mission. It bears resemblance to this Draconic Fort, leading one to observe that their artifacts often pertain to Dragonoids or substances related to Dragon Blood."

"Th-that's..." Shane was rendered speechless.

"Whoa... That is a truly astounding revelation. You most certainly earn a tip," Travis interjected.

"Why is this crucial information not being disseminated through the World Chat?" Natalie questioned.

"Huh? This is our primary source of income. Naturally, we would refrain from sharing it, as doing so could diminish its value. Everything originating from this place is precious. However, now that you have arrived, I've decided to impart this knowledge." Wendel explained with stark pragmatism.

"So... Do you have any insights into their current objectives? For instance, are they focused on ending the Zombie Apocalypse, or do they intend to return to their original Apocalypse?" Shane inquired, his curiosity piqued, while the others intently listened.

Shenja, Chaloem, and several others were already engrossed in the marketplace, perusing its offerings.

Nevertheless, they remained attentive, eager to stay informed.

"Mhmm? Well, their primary concern is self-defense. None of them express a desire to depart this island. I believe their strategy centers on preservation."

Wendel paused briefly, meeting Shane's gaze, before continuing.

"Furthermore... Consider this. You cannot entirely fault their reasoning. What if that mysterious incident were to recur, resulting in their shelter being displaced to another realm, or perhaps returned to its origin... They are understandably unwilling to be left behind."

That line of reasoning held undeniable logic...

Following a series of additional inquiries directed at Wendel regarding the locale, Shane and his companions presented him with rewards. Shane bestowed upon the man three Tokens imbued with Survivor Skills, Travis contributed a Survivor Skill Potion containing Lion's Roar, and Natalie offered two vials of Holy Water.

In truth, it was Shane's magnanimity that prompted Travis and Natalie to feel a certain pressure; they perceived their own contributions as somewhat meager compared to Shane's generous offerings.

Determined to maintain parity with Shane's reputation, they felt compelled to enhance their tip accordingly.

Instantly, the marketplace around them became a center of attention, but for Shane and his companions, the Draconic Fort was now viewed in a new light.

It was no longer merely a place of refuge; it stood as a mighty fortress, steeped in the heritage of dragons, and potentially, a portal to realms of unparalleled magnificence.

***

Without delay, Shane instructed his group to disperse and investigate their surroundings.

"Examine the stalls and see what they have available. We will reconvene later," he stated with an air of nonchalance.

Even as he spoke, his gaze was already sweeping across the vibrant, crowded square.

The marketplace here presented a vastly different scene, indeed.

Various stalls proudly displayed an array of goods, from common trinkets and uncommon charms to rare weaponry and even exceptional accessories. A select few establishments boldly showcased items of Master Grade.

"Their prices are indeed exorbitant, but their quality is beyond question," Shane observed, noting the conspicuous absence of items graded Epic or higher.

Those particular treasures were evidently reserved for more exclusive exchanges or were kept within hidden vaults.

What initially captured his attention were several stacks of fabric, neatly arranged in a corner.

"Mhmm... It appears it’s time for a new set of comfortable attire, I suppose..." he mused aloud.

The material possessed a texture unlike anything he had encountered before – smooth to the touch yet remarkably durable. It wasn't silk, but it possessed a comparable refinement. He ran his fingers across the cloth, recognizing its unique origin from this very place.

"Wendel wasn't exaggerating," Shane acknowledged internally. "If these fabrics were introduced to the System’s marketplace, they would command an immense price." He proceeded to purchase several rolls, his mind already envisioning how the clan's skilled artisans could utilize them.

Venturing further into the square, Shane's eyes narrowed as he recognized a dedicated building, distinct from the temporary stalls.

Its intricately carved wooden doors set it apart from the surrounding makeshift shops.

Above the entrance, a sign bearing the image of a dragon's claw was prominently displayed.

[ The Superior Armory ]

This was the name of the establishment, and it unequivocally lived up to its grand designation.

Upon entering, he was immediately met with the distinct metallic aroma of scales and blood. The shop was not teeming with people; only a sparse handful of customers perused the items quietly. However, its shelves and display areas were laden with an abundance of items intricately linked to dragons and dragonoids.

Shane's gaze methodically scanned the interior.

Complete suits of armor, meticulously forged from dragonoid scales, were prominently exhibited.

Swords, expertly crafted from the formidable material of dragon nails, rested upon a dedicated rack...

Potions, imbued with dragonoid blood, emanated a subtle luminescence from within their glass vials.

Crated assortments of unprocessed wyvern scales, drake scales, and dragonoid scales were also stacked along the walls.

"This is it," Shane murmured, his voice filled with a sense of arrival. "Precisely what Raze's dragon might require."

He approached the counter, where the shopkeeper, a man of stern countenance adorned with scaled gauntlets, offered a greeting. "Are you searching for anything in particular?"

"Scales and blood," Shane responded directly. "I will take wyvern and drake scales, along with several vials of dragonoid blood."

The shopkeeper gave a slight nod but then raised a hand, halting Shane's request.

"Zombie Cores are not accepted here. We possess an ample supply. For these particular items, we require more specialized trade goods... specifically, Item Upgrade Crystals, Zombie Lord Blood, Spirit Stones, or equipment suitable for navigating the treacherous depths of the deep seas."

Shane's brow furrowed slightly. "So, you are not in want of cores. You seek more specialized resources."

This presented no particular difficulty for him.

"Precisely so," the shopkeeper affirmed with unwavering conviction. "These materials are intrinsically connected to dragons, demanding a higher value. Only those adequately prepared for truly formidable battles can afford them."

Shane contemplated his available options. While he possessed a substantial quantity of Zombie Cores, it was understandable that rarer materials would be expected for dragon-related acquisitions.

He reached into his inventory, retrieving a small pouch. Within it lay numerous Item Upgrade Crystals, emitting a soft glow from their condensed energy.

Following that, he produced another pouch containing Spirit Stones.

As for the Zombie Lord Blood or items applicable to oceanic environments, these were not resources Shane could readily part with...

The shopkeeper's eyes widened momentarily. "Crystals... Very well. That will suffice."

Shane carefully placed 30 Item Upgrade Crystals and 30 Spirit Stones upon the counter.

"For the scales and blood," he confirmed.

The man nodded in acknowledgment and proceeded to meticulously select bundles of wyvern and drake scales, as well as the requested vials of dragonoid blood.

"Is this sufficient?" the shopkeeper inquired, having already provided a quantity exceeding the strict exchange value, yet Shane remained contemplative regarding further acquisitions...

"Ahhh... I believe that will be adequate," Shane stated promptly, realizing the shopkeeper had already generously provided 20 scales and 20 vials of blood.

Truthfully, he wasn't entirely certain if Raze would even find a use for these items. If not, he could always entrust them to Anna for her experimental endeavors...

Fortunately, upon confirming Shane as a fair trader, the shopkeeper requested his continued presence.

"Allow me to show you something else... Should you possess additional Spirit Stones, I believe this would prove exceptionally worthwhile."