Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle Chapter 1153: The True Cross Apocalypse

Twelve hours before the event was set to commence, night had already enveloped the Draconic Fort. The fortress hummed with activity, its walls illuminated by an abundance of torches and mana lamps. Even with the major event scheduled for the following morning, the possibility of a sudden Zombie horde attack meant constant vigilance was necessary. Preparation was paramount. Furthermore, a critical matter demanded their attention this very night. Inside the central tower, Tris and his assembled commanders convened around a substantial oak table. Tris, their leader, surveyed his commanders, his gaze then moving to the map unfurled before them. Extensive preparations had been made, with traps and defensive strategies devised for every sector of their Fort. Nevertheless, complacency was not an option, especially as this marked their inaugural event since their arrival in this Zombie Apocalypse. Seated beside him was Nika, his second-in-command. Accompanying them was Garron, the seasoned weapons master, who appeared eager to depart. Also present was Hannah, the diligent quartermaster. Opposite her sat Pascal, the captain of the militia. Finally, there was Caesar, commander of the first battalion. Collectively, they formed the bedrock of the fort’s command structure. Outside the tower, their soldiers were occupied with the thorough inspection of Shane’s crews disembarking from their vessels. Entry into the fort was subject to stringent checks, as it was imperative to prevent the infiltration of infection or concealed dangers. Guards proceeded with caution, meticulously examining for any Zombie Bites or telltale signs of infection. Rushing was not an option as they searched for any trace of zombie corruption, while healers employed detection skills to ascertain the condition of each survivor. Within the tower, the leaders couldn't refrain from discussing their impending challenges. "This event... it won't be a simple affair," Tris stated, acknowledging the daunting prospect of 24 hours of relentless assault. "We've faced zombies before, but never vampires. And the System indicates they'll attack in waves; I sincerely hope the silver weaponry Shane provided will prove as effective as claimed." Nika offered a nod in agreement. "To be precise, we are accustomed to the formidable zombies inhabiting this island... However, their numbers have been constrained. It will become considerably more challenging if the event unleashes creatures we have never encountered. Much like the Dragon Awakening Apocalypse, there are likely mutated, armored, and other specialized zombies lurking out there." Garron grunted, fully aware of the potential difficulties. "Nevertheless, we can handle the dragonoids with relative ease... We have prior experience fighting them. Let us place our trust in our current capabilities. Moreover, Shane presented himself as a Top Ranker in this realm. He should possess sufficient strength to confront the zombies." Pascal shook his head. "Do not place too much faith in him. As you can observe, he arrived with only two ships. He may have attained a Top Rank through the shelter's defenses, perhaps employing barriers, turrets, and countermeasures. But he lacks a shelter here... It will be arduous even for him." Caesar, who had already engaged in conversation with Shane earlier, interjected, "Do not underestimate his might... You witnessed those androids, or whatever they are called. Simply permit his crews to enter and observe for yourselves. In any case, we require every possible advantage." As if summoned, a sound abruptly interrupted their discussion. Heavy, rhythmic footsteps reverberated through the night, causing the stone floor beneath them to tremble. The commanders exchanged startled glances before hurrying to the window. The sight that greeted them caused their jaws to slacken. "W-what is this?!" Five colossal machines stood poised outside the gates, their silhouettes dwarfing even the torchlight. Each stood at an imposing eight meters in height, clad in thick iron plates, with their eyes emitting a faint, blue luminescence! "What the... Mobile Suits? Gundam?!" Garron exclaimed, recognizing the design. Nika’s eyes widened. "Wait... Shane did mention robotics. But I never anticipated... Mecha of this magnitude? Five of them!" Tris gripped the window ledge, a mixture of concern and excitement churning within him. Witnessing such immense machines in motion felt akin to a dream. Yet, he endeavored to comprehend the situation. "What is this? Are we no longer in the Zombie Apocalypse world? Wait... We transitioned from the Dragon Awakening World... Now it appears someone from the A.I. Apocalypse has been dispatched here and engineered these contraptions!" Shockwave of disbelief rippled through the chamber. The commanders, seasoned veterans of countless battles, were rarely caught off guard. However, the spectacle of towering mecha—machines that seemed incongruous with their current reality—left them utterly speechless. *** Unsurprisingly, the guards and captains were equally dumbfounded. News of the extraordinary arrival spread like wildfire. Even those who were asleep were roused by the unprecedented commotion! It is important to note that their defensive walls stood at a mere five meters in height! The five 8-meter-tall Mechas had their upper bodies conspicuously extending above the ramparts! Soldiers pointed, some instinctively gripping their weapons, while others simply stared in bewildered awe. And then, as if the mecha were not spectacle enough, more figures began to materialize. "Ahh... That’s the one we recognize..."

On the ground, robotic soldiers marched in formation.

At first glance, they seemed like ordinary men, clad in cloaks and armor, displaying remarkable discipline. However, as torchlight glinted off their faces, their true nature was revealed.

Their countenances were mechanical, inlaid with scanners for eyes, betraying their artificial origins.

"These must be the Warden Units Shane spoke of," Tris murmured, recalling them from when Shane’s ships first appeared. He knew humanoid robots were efficient and formidable, but the mecha were a new addition.

He had already alerted the guards to the robots. Yet, the presence of such colossal mecha was entirely unexpected.

The commanders exchanged incredulous glances.

"Eight meters tall... how will we even get them through the gates?" Hannah inquired, a note of exasperation coloring her voice.

"They’ll have to remain outside," Pascal stated, shaking his head. "Our gates were not designed for giants of steel."

Despite their astonishment, a curious sense of relief began to settle over them.

It was clear to everyone.

The impending event was drawing near, and they were about to face creatures beyond their prior comprehension. However, witnessing Shane's forces—the mecha, the robotic soldiers, and their disciplined operatives—ignited a flicker of hope.

"Told you... Shane's a reliable guy," Caesar declared firmly. "With them, our odds improve significantly."

"Heh... Didn't he just buy favor with that Ice King Set?" Hannah teased, admitting her own admiration for the set Caesar had proudly displayed.

His laughter, initially robust, faltered slightly as he detected the underlying sarcasm in her tone.

As they watched, more of Shane's contingent arrived.

Super Soldiers emerged, their physiques clearly augmented. While many inhabitants of Draconic Fort had themselves absorbed draconic essence and were accustomed to encountering powerful, burly humans, these Super Soldiers did not elicit surprise.

Then came the elves.

This spectacle caused Caesar to gasp.

"B-beautiful..."

Led by Mystra, who had undoubtedly captivated everyone who laid eyes upon her, the elves were a sight to behold. Behind her marched the Epic Elf recruits, equally comely. Yet, Mystra, adorned in both Epic and Legendary Grade items, commanded superior attention.

Gasps echoed through the courtyard, and a consensus formed among the onlookers.

"Beautiful..." someone whispered.

For the residents of Draconic Fort, elves were beings of myth, confined to the pages of fantasy. To see them walking among humans was profoundly surreal.

Still, Tris couldn't suppress a faint, almost rueful smile.

Their grace and ethereal presence stood in stark contrast to the mechanical might of the mecha and Warden Units, creating a captivating tableau of colliding worlds.

"This is incredible..."

Tris and his commanders struggled to process the scene before them.

Shane's forces represented an unprecedented fusion of fantasy and science, magic and machinery!

"Dragons, vampires, zombies... and now this," Nika murmured reflectively. "We truly are in a Cross-Apocalypse."

Nevertheless, the inspection proceeded below.

Shane's crews underwent thorough checks for any signs of infection, their armaments were meticulously cataloged, and their provisions were recorded. However, due to their immense size, the mecha remained outside the gates, too large to pass. Their sheer presence, however, was a potent statement in itself.

Meanwhile, the robotic soldiers stood in stoic silence, while the elves attracted intrigued gazes from every vantage point.

Tris turned back to his commanders, his expression earnest.

"I am quite speechless. Let us all endeavor to befriend Shane! Nay, it matters not if it’s a partnership, or if we must humble ourselves! We must forge a connection with these people!"

No one voiced dissent.

"We were apprehensive about the event, fearing the unknown. But now... now we have allies wielding power beyond our comprehension. Machines from another apocalypse... elves from legend. Shane has provided us with sufficient strength to prevail." He affirmed.

Garron chuckled, shaking his head in wonder. "I never thought I'd witness such a day. Mecha, robots, elves... What marvels await us next? Werewolves? Angels?"

The night deepened, yet the atmosphere within the fort had undergone a palpable transformation.

Where uncertainty and tension once prevailed, exhilaration now surged.

Soon, Shane was ushered into the main chamber.

The commanders engaged in strategic discussions, planning the integration of Shane's forces into their defensive framework. They deliberated on the mecha's combat potential, the elves' mystical abilities, and the robotic soldiers' operational capabilities.

Concurrently, the inhabitants of the fort gathered, observing the newcomers with wide-eyed curiosity.

"This truly feels like a genuine Cross-Apocalypse Event now," Wendel, stationed on the walls, couldn't help but remark as he took in the extraordinary sight.