Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle Chapter 1150: The Preparations for the Cross Apocalypse

The sight was witnessed by everyone present, including the Foreign Survivors who had journeyed from the Dragon Awakening Apocalypse. The System’s declaration, a phrase as jarring as ‘Cross-Apocalypse,’ still resonated in their minds, a clear deviation from its established protocols. Then, Travis’s query emerged, leaving a lingering silence.

For a fleeting moment, all eyes fixed upon Travis’s Clone, the sheer incredulity of the situation not lost on any of them. Natalie’s brow arched slightly. “Our shelter on the mainland? Are you serious? You’re merely a clone. Since when do fortifications concern you?” Elsa let out a soft chuckle. “That’s quite true… It is we who ought to be concerned, as our primary forces are stationed here.” Lysandra offered a faint smirk, though a shadow of unease still flickered in her eyes. “In any case… if the System unleashes zombies, vampires, and dragons upon them, they will surely face a harrowing ordeal. Should we remain here, or return to the mainland?” Shane, shaking his head, glanced at Travis’s Clone before addressing the assembled group. “Do you truly believe we should be worried? Our shelters are already formidable. We possess the Obelisk, the Aegis and Valiant Mechs, the Warden Units, the Elves, Super Soldiers, Spirit Cannons, Mana Cannons, and Auto Turrets… Furthermore, they have been granted ten days for preparation. Our shelters should hold adequately.” He then turned his attention back to Natalie. “Mhmm… our shelter will bear the brunt of this, as our strongest fighters are presently occupied here. But what is your assessment, Natalie?” “I… I am simply concerned. I oversee multiple shelters, and the prospect of not being able to protect everyone weighs on me. I will likely suggest consolidating shelters that are geographically proximate.” Shane offered a nod, recognizing a similar predicament. “Precisely. You are not even a combat specialist. Regardless, if your desire is to return now, we can depart. It only consumed three days for our journey here.” Natalie pondered this for a moment before gently shaking her head. “New Haven can contend with zombies. As for vampires… wait, vampires? I believe my Priests and Bishops possess the means to confront them, much like our encounters with zombies. Regarding dragonoids… they have no prior experience fighting such creatures. However, since we are here, I will procure anti-dragonoid weaponry.” Shane’s lips curved into a smile, as this mirrored his own intentions. Being in the proximity of a shelter with experts on dragonoids presented an opportunity to leverage their knowledge. Just like that, a plan began to coalesce, and a sense of ease gradually settled over the group.

Tundra chuckled, reminiscing about the array of items he had observed in the market. “The System is toying with us. It deliberately waited until we were out here pursuing Sofia, only to unleash this threat upon the mainland. It’s as if it wishes to ascertain whether our clans can endure our absence. I am confident we shall prevail.” Shane nodded, his thoughts drifting to the Dragonheart Vein Crystal. He intended to transmit it to Raze via a system trade at a later time. “Raze is within the shelter… let us place our trust in her. Perhaps we might even locate Sofia before the event commences. If she truly is the initial patient, her circumstances might hold the key to why the System is merging apocalypses,” Shane murmured. Before any response could be voiced, a distinct chime echoed through their systems. Messages. Each individual accessed their interfaces, and without a doubt, the communications originated from individuals within their respective shelters. Natalie’s vice-leaders conveyed news of escalating chaos within New Haven. Some council members vehemently advocated for immediate defensive measures, while others insisted on her immediate return. “They are succumbing to panic,” she vocalized. “These novices… I cannot be present with you all perpetually.” Concurrently, Shane experienced a jolt of surprise. Though Raze had sent him a message, it did not concern a plea for defensive assistance. Instead, it detailed other clans and shelters seeking her support. “What? Mhmm…” Shane mused aloud. Smaller shelters were already clamoring for alliances, their occupants gripped by fear of the three distinct enemy types on their way. In their estimation, joining a more powerful clan offered the most viable path to survival. “There is simply no capacity to accommodate so many individuals. A significant duration has elapsed since the commencement of the apocalypse. They ought to have developed their own survival strategies by now.” “That’s quite right,” Natalie concurred. “The System has granted us ten days, which is ample time to acquire silver weaponry or holy water for contending with vampires. As for dragonoids, let us endeavor to uncover their vulnerabilities and disseminate this information through the Global Chat. By doing so, a greater number of us may endure.” Shane exhaled slowly, his resolve firming. “If we share knowledge, we empower everyone. And should there be a secret surrounding this Global Event, perhaps locating Sofia will illuminate the reason for this merge. Regardless, we cannot afford to squander any time.” The group collectively nodded in agreement. “But why do you suppose it is connected to Sofia?” Travis inquired. “Indeed… I do not believe it is directly linked to her…” Natalie added. “I suspect it is… The system indicated that the subsequent global event would occur next year. Yet, only half a year has passed. This is far too soon. My theory is that our proximity to the truth has prompted an advancement, or something akin to that,” Shane speculated once more.

Of course, these weren't mere guesses. Having weathered two prior Apocalypses, he understood intimately how the System's actions correlated with the progression of each Apocalypse's veiled "Main Quest." However, divulging this knowledge would necessitate revealing his past, an impossibility for now. Thus, Shane merely brushed it off with a laugh, attributing his insights to mere intuition.

Shane drew himself up, raising a hand into the air...

"Alright, everyone, listen up. If the System is sending dragonoids our way, we absolutely cannot afford to be caught unprepared. Begin acquiring anything that can counter them immediately. I'm not entirely certain what we'll need, but as I scanned the market earlier, I spotted enchanted bolts, explosives, and various other items. Don't make impulsive purchases. Engage with the merchants, and seek out survivors who have prior combat experience against them. Ascertain their weaknesses. If they can bleed, we need to discover how. If they possess magic resistance, we must learn which types they are vulnerable to. Once you have concrete intelligence, disseminate it through the Global Chat. The more widespread the knowledge, the greater our collective chance of survival."

Natalie offered a firm nod...

"My priests and bishops will focus on arming themselves with holy-imbued weapons. We should offer them at a reduced price for the time being..."

Elsa concurred. "I'll make my way to the alchemists' stalls. It's possible that dragonoid scales offer resistance to fire. Perhaps acid or frost-based attacks would prove more effective. I'll verify this with the foreign survivors... they should have firsthand knowledge."

Lysandra, impressed, couldn't help but pat Elsa on the shoulder...

"Fantastic. Then I'll take charge of the spirit cannons. I observed that cannons are currently available for purchase... If dragonoids possess exceptionally thick hides, concentrated spirit energy might be capable of piercing them. I'll conduct tests myself if necessary. These cannons might differ from those deployed at our shelter. Leave this matter to me..."

Tundra suddenly recalled a discreet stall he had discovered earlier and shook his head in recollection.

"Right... Tucked away in some obscure corners were peculiar relics. Some appeared to be specifically designed for dragonkind. If these are genuine artifacts, we'll certainly need them. I'm heading there now."

Chaloem, Shinja, and the others also shared their plans, ensuring their objectives wouldn't clash with those already outlined.

Shane listened to each of them intently, then gave a decisive nod. "Excellent. Disperse, gather intelligence, and procure what we can. Ten days is a limited timeframe, but it's sufficient if we utilize it wisely."

With those words, the group split up to pursue their respective tasks, leaving Shane to contemplate his own strategy.

***

Shane harbored a more pressing concern.

He turned towards the central plaza, where numerous paths diverged, leading to various stations.

After inquiring with a few guards for directions, they pointed him towards Station 2... the command hub where the shelter's defense leaders coordinated their efforts.

The structure was robust, fortified with a protective energy field.

Upon passing a couple of guards, he encountered Caesar, the Commander of the First Battalion.

Shane recognized him instantly; it was the same individual he had met by the shoreline.

Caesar looked up as Shane approached. "You're already here? How may I assist you? Is this regarding the event notification?"

Shane nodded. "Yes... I require some information. The System has declared a Cross-Apocalypse Event, and dragonoids are involved. You hail from the Dragon Awakening Apocalypse. Tell me... how did you contend with them? Did you encounter true dragons, or merely their lesser kin?"

For a fleeting moment, Caesar's expression grew stern.

Then, perhaps finding relief in the prospect of open discussion, he motioned for Shane to sit.

"Well, I suppose you're the second person to inquire about that... Very well, I shall share what I know. Just furnish me with some rare goods obtainable only from the mainland in return."

Shane settled into a seat and nodded without hesitation...

"Agreed. The extent of the information will depend on the specifics we discuss..."

Caesar let out a chuckle, content with the arrangement.

"So... During the Dragon Awakening Apocalypse, we faced both. Initially, it was the minions, such as wyverns, drakes, and lesser draconic beasts. They invariably attacked in massive swarms... It was rare to see them venturing alone. Their hides proved resistant to conventional steel, but enchanted armaments and mana-charged artillery proved effective. Standard fire-based attacks were utterly useless against them. If you lacked fire-based weaponry... sometimes acid or lightning proved more advantageous. Concentrated spirit energy could pierce their defenses, but only with significant focus."

He paused, his gaze drifting into the distance...

"Then, the true dragons appeared."

"True dragons..." Shane echoed.

"Indeed... Ancient, formidable beings. They possessed keen intelligence and a cruel disposition. Even the most formidable fortresses succumbed unless they possessed ancient relics or divine protections."

Hearing this, Shane understood that this upcoming Cross-Apocalypse would be anything but simple.