Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle Chapter 1166 1166: The System's Rewards

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Previously on Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle...
The arduous Cross-Apocalypse Invasion Event concludes with a hard-won victory, though the high casualty rate reported by the System weighs heavily on the survivors. As the defenders celebrate, a mysterious spirit-elf observes the battlefield before vanishing. Later, the System officially declares the event over, detailing global results and rewards, but Shane and his allies are left to ponder the true cost of their survival.

Shane recalled that the Administrators were, without exception, Elves.

They had been consistently assisting him by providing Elf Recruitment Stones, almost as if they were eager to see their own people populate his domain.

Naturally, this could also be their gesture of gratitude or perhaps a sign of their reverence for the Fairy Queen who had bestowed her blessing upon him.

Nevertheless, Shane couldn't suppress a smile, realizing he wasn't mistaken. He remembered the subtle energy emanating from the sky. At the time, he had presumed it was merely a powerful wyvern or perhaps another Dragonkin Elder, given the immense mana filling the figure.

"So, it wasn't just my imagination... I'm being watched."

Cloud confirmed.

[ Affirmative. Observation logs indicate repeated scans originating from and directed at your location.

Assessment: You were under surveillance.

Objective: Undetermined. ]

Shane let out a sigh, deciding to put the matter aside for the moment.

If they wished to communicate, he would always be receptive. However, since the mysterious figure had not made any move to approach, he could simply wait until they felt ready...

Around him, the survivors continued their jubilant celebrations, oblivious to the unseen observer.

They were all engrossed in reviewing their personal system notifications...

It seemed to be the opportune moment for him to check his own.

[ Commendations, Survivor Shane! ]

[ You have successfully endured and triumphed over the Cross-Apocalypse Event!

Your individual performance has been duly recorded and acknowledged by the Lord of the Realms!

[ Accolades Earned ]

- Total Hostile Entities Neutralized: 1,584

- Superior Combatant Defeats: 10 Zombie Sovereigns, 1 Vampire Overlord, 30 Elite Vampires, direct involvement in debilitating a Flood Dragon.

- Defensive Contributions: Provided 47 instances of ally augmentation and restorative aid.

- Strategic Operations: Orchestrated the deployment of the Trident Mech unit and reinforced defensive barriers. ]

"Wow!" Shane exclaimed, taken aback by the detailed record.

The system had never presented such an analysis before.

It was evident that the Cross Apocalypse event was indeed unique this time around.

For a brief period, he simply stood there, absorbing the information.

Yet, a subtle smile began to form on his lips.

'Over a thousand foes vanquished... ten Zombie Sovereigns... one Vampire Overlord, thirty Elite Vampires... even that Flood Dragon.'

He hadn't fully grasped the extent of his accomplishments until the System laid them out so clearly.

"Not bad... definitely not bad," he murmured to himself.

'I wonder about the kill count for the Warden Units... Did their creator claim them? Or was it the one who activated them?' Shane pondered, yet a sense of pride swelled within him.

The enumeration of his healing and buffing actions brought an even wider grin to his face... forty-seven times he had ensured others remained standing. That accomplishment held more significance for him than any kill count.

Tris, noticing his expression, let out a smirk. "You seem quite pleased."

Shane gave a nod. "I am. We fought valiantly, and it’s evident. The System has officially recognized our efforts."

Natalie tilted her head, simultaneously reviewing her own notifications. "I contributed directly to wounding a Flood Dragon... It's a shame we couldn't finish it off."

Tris smiled upon hearing this. "That entity is not easily dispatched, especially within its domain. Even during the Dragon Awakening Apocalypse, defeating such beings was exceedingly difficult.

Shane let out a soft chuckle, sharing the sentiment that it was indeed regrettable not to have earned a Dragon Slayer Title...

That would have sounded incredibly impressive.

Regardless, Shane resumed examining his notifications.

[ Classified Missions Accomplished ]

[ - Mission: "Conqueror of the Elite Swarm"

Prerequisite: Vanquish 500 Advanced-Tier Undead (Hunters, Lickers, Stalkers).

Reward: Zombie Essence x100, Spirit Shards x50, Item Enhancement Matrices x10

- Mission: "Subjugator of Sovereigns"

Prerequisite: Eliminate 10 Zombie Sovereigns during the surge.

Reward: Zombie Essence x200, Prestige Points +50

- Mission: "Vampiric Bane"

Prerequisite: Personally slay 50 Vampire Knights.

Reward: Crimson Vampire Crystals x15, Vampire Elixir x5.

- Mission: "Purifier of the Damned"

Prerequisite: Eliminate a Vampire Overlord.

Reward: Vampire Lord Bloodline Shard x1 ]

Shane's gaze remained fixed on the luminous text as each reward materialized before him.

"Zombie Essence... Spirit Shards... Enhancement Matrices..." he murmured, nodding in approval.

These were tangible assets, readily usable for enhancing equipment and accelerating the shelter's development. The sheer quantity promised a significant influx of vital resources.

But then, his attention became fixated on the final entry.

Bloodline Shard of the Vampire Lord.

He paused, contemplating its significance.

He knew precisely what it represented.

He had encountered such an item before, after defeating Statham and obtaining his own crystal.

It represented a path of transformation!

It was designed for human metamorphosis. A single fragment possessed the power to fundamentally alter a person's being, converting them into a vampire.

Shane offered a wry smile upon this realization...

'This is undoubtedly a potent path... But not one for me...' Shane mused, as he had no desire to suffer from a vulnerability to sunlight...

That was not a desirable trait he wished to acquire...

The allure of vampiric abilities, such as blood magic, amplified agility, and eternal life, was certainly compelling.

But what about the price? He vividly recalled the countless thralls, the disturbing hunger that warped their gazes…

"This… isn't something I can simply utilize without consequence," he murmured to himself.

Tris observed his contemplative expression and inquired, "What troubles you?"

Shane let out a slow breath. "The System has awarded me a Bloodline Crystal. The kind that bestows vampiric transformation."

Natalie's eyes widened in surprise. "That sounds incredible… Are you considering embracing the change? Or perhaps you wish to sell it?"

Lysandra offered a wry smile. "I suspect that particular bloodline would be most beneficial if one were already on the brink of death… a preferable alternative to perishing outright."

Shane gave a slight nod, acknowledging the sound reasoning.

Embracing vampirism would grant him the capacity to recover from mortal wounds, provided he had access to blood and his heart remained intact…

"I cannot make this decision at this moment. Should I decide to sell it, Natalie, I shall inform you promptly."

"Understood."

He then carefully secured the crystal.

"For the present, I shall keep it. It may prove useful in the future."

The other rewards seemed less significant in comparison: Zombie Cores, Vampire Crystals, and Serums—all functional, yet none carried the same profound weight as that singular crystal.

Nevertheless, other Hidden Quests had also been successfully completed.

[ - Quest: "Dragon's Wound"

Requirement: Directly participate in inflicting damage upon a Flood Dragon.

Prize: Draconic Core Shard x3, Draconic Gene Serum x5

- Quest: "Unyielding Defender"

Requirement: Endure all three phases without retreating or abandoning your designated sanctuary's boundaries.

Prize: Superior Gift Packs x5 ]

Shane nodded thoughtfully upon reviewing these quest summaries…

The serums would likely bestow unique Survivor Skills or perhaps trigger mutations… Regardless, what captured his interest most at this juncture was the existence of the Invasion Points.

Such a system had been absent in the prior two Apocalyptic scenarios he had navigated.

[ Invasion Points Conversion ]

Total Acquired: 18,750 Invasion Points

Clan Bonus: +2,000 points awarded for the survival of allied shelters

[ Awards ]

- Rare Zombie Recruitment Stones x100

(Enables the summoning of elite zombie units directly under your command.)

- Uncommon Dragon Recruitment Stones x10

(Summons nascent draconic beasts bound by loyalty to the shelter.)

- Normal Vampire Recruitment Stones x50

(Summons vampire thralls possessing blood-linked capabilities.)

- Hybrid Crafting Materials Pack:

Dragonbone-Zombie Core Alloy (x10), Vampiric Blood Crystal (x10)

- Gene Serums:

Draconic Gene Serum x10

Vampiric Blood Serum x10

- Special Item: Draconic Evolution Catalyst Crystal

- Experience Bonus: +12,000 EXP directly applied to Survivor Shane

[ Your crucial role in defending against the Cross-Apocalypse Invasion Event has been recognized. Your decisive actions averted significant losses for your shelter, clan, and the entire continent.

Subsequent events will feature increased challenges.

Be prepared.

]

Shane's eyes widened as the comprehensive list of rewards materialized before him.

"Recruitment Stones…" he breathed, tinged with astonishment. He had encountered them previously, but never in such immense quantities.

One hundred rare Zombie Recruitment Stones signified the potential to summon an entire phalanx of elite undead marshaled under his command. These would not be mindless drones; bound by the System, they would engage with unwavering loyalty!

He clenched his fist, vividly picturing the unfolding conflict.

"With these, I can bolster the shelter's defenses instantaneously. No more frantic conscription for manpower when the next assault commences…"

His attention then shifted to the Dragon Recruitment Stones.

Ten in total. These would summon juvenile draconic beasts, pledged to the shelter or the specific location of their summoning…

A grin spread across his lips. "Dragons… even in their youth, they will mature. And when they reach their full potential, they will be truly formidable."

The prospect of draconic allies fighting in concert with his mechs and warriors instilled in him a rare sense of profound security.

Next were the Vampire Recruitment Stones… fifty in quantity.

Shane's brow furrowed slightly. Vampires were inherently perilous and unpredictable, yet the bound nature of these stones implied they would be subservient.

"Useful… but they lack significant potency… Vampire Knights would have offered a more substantial advantage," he mused.

His gaze then settled upon the serums.

Ten Draconic Gene Serums, ten Vampiric Blood Serums.

He had already accumulated a considerable number of these… He eagerly anticipated experimenting with them later…

Nevertheless, each vial represented a distinct pathway of biological alteration, a chance to fundamentally reshape an individual's physiology.

The temptation was palpable.

But then, his attention was drawn to the final item.

Draconic Evolution Catalyst Crystal.

He had never before encountered such an artifact.

While the System's description was deliberately cryptic, its implication was clear. It bore a striking resemblance to other Evolution Crystals he had seen…

"This… this possesses the potential to alter everything…"

He exhaled slowly, consciously striving to regain his composure.

The recruitment stones offered armies, the serums promised metamorphosis, and the catalyst crystal held the key to transcending the limitations of humanity.

Tris cast a sideways glance at him. "You seem as if you've just struck gold."