Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle Chapter 1167: The Aftermath and Travis’ Big Announcement

Shane emitted a laugh, shaking his head.

"You're absolutely right, Tris. It genuinely feels like hitting the jackpot." The rare, unforced grin on his face was unmistakable.

The System's congratulatory notifications indeed felt like a reward worth celebrating, a testament to his good fortune.

Still, an insistent curiosity tugged at him. He proceeded to examine the details of each serum, one by one, allowing the luminous text to materialize before his very eyes.

[ Vampiric Blood Serum: A meticulously refined serum, distilled from potent Vampire Blood Crystals. It bestows upon the user temporary or permanent Vampiric Traits, such as heightened reflexes, superior night vision, accelerated regeneration capabilities, and an affinity for blood. This serum is deemed safe for high-level Survivors.

There exists a 20% probability of a permanent vampiric mutation occurring in users below Level 50.

Upon injection, the acquired traits are guaranteed for a minimum of 24 hours. While subsequent doses may lead to stacked effects, they significantly escalate the risk of mutation. ]

Shane thoughtfully rubbed his chin. "Enhanced reflexes and regeneration... that's certainly tempting. However, the mutation risk is a serious concern. For those at lower levels, this could easily prove to be a fatal gamble."

Nevertheless, this detailed description validated his suspicion: it was primarily low-level Survivors who would mutate upon using this item. It could prove beneficial for individuals who, while lacking formidable combat skills, harbored a desire for rapid improvement.

Alternatively, it might offer a chance to those grievously injured, who found themselves unable to recover or advance in level through their own inherent strength.

Regardless, Shane pressed on with his perusal.

[ Draconic Gene Serum: A sophisticated serum, infused with the power of Draconic Core Shards. It grants the user temporary or permanent Draconic Traits, including elemental resistance, the development of hardened scales, increased vitality, and a partial affinity for mana. This serum is also considered safe for high-level Survivors.

A 40% chance of a permanent draconic mutation exists for users below Level 50.

Injection ensures the manifestation of traits for at least 48 hours. Overlapping doses can enhance effects but concurrently increase the mutation risk. ]

The effects presented were remarkably analogous. However, this particular serum boasted a higher mutation probability, likely attributable to its extended duration of effect.

Shane's eyes twinkled with nascent excitement.

"Elemental resistance... scales... this one seems even more advantageous. But, as before, the inherent risk remains. Should an individual of lesser strength attempt its use, they might find the resulting alteration quite unwelcome." A faint smile graced his lips.

"Still, for certain others... this could provide a substantial tactical edge."

With a sense of satisfaction, Shane proceeded to close all the active notifications.

A significant amount of work still lay ahead. Survivors were already diligently traversing the battlefield, meticulously clearing away the fallen corpses and salvaging any valuable resources they could find.

Shane joined their efforts, contributing his own strength where it was most needed.

Tris then approached him, a reminder of their prior arrangement surfacing.

"Ahem... Please, make sure not to disturb the wyverns. Their cores and materials are essential for our own security. In exchange, you are welcome to claim the loot from the Dragonkin and the Fire Salamanders. Does that sound fair?"

Shane responded with a nod. "Yep... That sounds perfectly fair. I'll take whatever I can get from those."

And just like that, Shane, accompanied by the others, ventured forth into the fray.

His attention was immediately drawn to the fallen Dragonoids. Their colossal bodies dwarfed even the Super Soldiers, and their scales, even in death, retained an appearance of formidable toughness.

Before long, the familiar System prompt materialized before him.

[ Do you want to retrieve the loot? ]

"Yes."

[ You have earned 1,200 Experience Points. ]

[ You have earned 5 Reputation Points. ]

[ Loots obtained: Draconic Core Shard x5, Dragonbone Fragment x20, Scale of the Flamekin x10, Spirit Enhancement Bottle x5, Vitality Enhancement Bottle x5, Agility Enhancement Bottle x5, Flamekin Cloak x1, Flamekin Plate Armor x1, Flamekin Gauntlets x1, Flamekin Greaves x1, Flamekin Boots x1, Dragonkin Fang Dagger x1, Unknown Meat (Safe) x15, Unknown Meat (Unsafe) x5 ]

It was thanks to his innate Talent that he succeeded in acquiring every conceivable piece of loot.

The outcome was remarkably impressive.

"Not bad at all... The Flamekin Set?... That armor ensemble alone would be sufficient to fully equip one of the Super Soldiers. And those core shards... absolutely invaluable." He then closed the notifications, his mind already envisioning the potential of reforging the dragonbone fragments into formidable weapons.

Naturally, he proceeded to loot several more of these formidable Dragonoids, with the intent of equipping the majority of his Super Soldiers.

Next, his gaze turned towards the defeated Fire Salamanders.

Their scorched bodies still emanated a faint, residual heat. It was as if they were intrinsically composed of pure fire.

Once more, the System prompt appeared as he approached them.

[ Do you want to retrieve the loot? ]

"Yes."

[ You have earned 800 Experience Points. ]

[ You have earned 2 Reputation Points. ]

[ Loots obtained: Salamander Core x3, Fire Essence Crystal x5, Spirit Enhancement Bottle x3, Vitality Enhancement Bottle x3, Agility Enhancement Bottle x3, Flame Tongue Sword x1, Ember Scale Shield x1, Salamander Hide x10, Unknown Meat (Safe) x10, Unknown Meat (Unsafe) x3 ]

Shane’s eyes ignited with enthusiasm upon sighting the Flame Tongue Sword.

Without any hesitation, he promptly drew it from his inventory.

Whoosh~

The blade glowed with a faint, residual fiery energy!

"This... this will prove quite useful." He executed a few test swings, and the very air around him sizzled as the edge sliced through.

The Salamander Hides represented another significant find.

Exceptionally durable and resistant to heat, they were perfectly suited for the crafting of cloaks or armor.

"I suppose they already possess quite a few of these..." Shane commented under his breath. He observed that the enhanced warriors serving under Tris were indeed clad in similar attire... Well, originating from the Dragon Awakening Apocalypse, such a sight wasn't unexpected in the slightest. Regardless, he pressed on, continuing his systematic looting. By the time his efforts concluded, his inventory was overflowing with newly acquired materials and gear. The battlefield was gradually being denuded of its valuable spoils, with each fallen combatant yielding something significant to the survivors. Shane surveyed his surroundings, watching his companions diligently at work. Despite the palpable exhaustion and the casualties they had endured, a distinct sense of triumph permeated the atmosphere. They had persevered, and now they were beginning to collect their hard-earned rewards.

***

Later that same day, Shane contemplated accessing the World Chat. By this point, he surmised, most survivors would have finished clearing their shelters and commenced their much-needed rest. He was certain that discussions within the Global Chat would be quite vigorous now.

[ Kaelen (Sector 7): Damn... I still can't wrap my head around the fact that it's over. Fighting vampires and dragons simultaneously for the first time. My shelter barely managed to hold on. ]

[ Rina (Sector 14): It was the same for us. We had our silver weapons prepared for the vampires, but the dragon contingent? That was sheer madness. Their wyverns carved through our defenses as if they were made of paper. ]

[ Joren (Sector 3): Lol, welcome to the new reality. We deliberately chose the "Zombie Apocalypse" scenario to avoid contending with dragons. It seems the System has no inclination to be lenient anymore. ]

[ Lyra (Sector 10): This outcome was somewhat predictable. I believe the inept administration had already provided hints that multiple apocalypses would eventually converge. Still... 42% of shelters destroyed? That's incredibly harsh. ]

[ Dax (Sector 6): My clan sustained the loss of two shelters. We managed to evacuate, but the Shelter Crystals were utterly obliterated. We are actively seeking allies for migration. Is anyone willing to offer sanctuary? ]

[ Mira (Sector 19): That depends. What is the remaining count of your survivors? Resources are becoming increasingly scarce. ]

[ Dax (Sector 6): Approximately 300. We can contribute silver weaponry and a quantity of Spirit Stones. ]

[ Selene (Sector 13): That's not an insignificant contribution. If you can provide silver implements, you'll prove valuable against the vampires. However, against dragons... your current offerings will likely prove insufficient. ]

[ Toren (Sector 20): The dragons were undeniably the most formidable adversaries. My shelter confronted a Flood Dragon. We barely managed to repel it. We lost half of our warriors in the engagement. ]

[ Kaelen (Sector 7): A Flood Dragon? Blast. I only encountered wyverns and salamanders. That's exceptionally unfortunate. ]

[ Toren (Sector 20): Unfortunate? It felt more like the System was actively testing our limits. It's strikingly clear now... each subsequent event is poised to escalate dramatically. ]

[ Rina (Sector 14): Indeed. And the vampires weren't even operating at their peak strength. Imagine if a greater number of Vampire Lords had made an appearance. ]

[ Joren (Sector 3): Don't even bring that up. A single Vampire Lord came perilously close to possessing our commander. Had it not been for a protective talisman, we would have been finished. ]

[ Lyra (Sector 10): Has anyone else taken note of the rewards distributed? Recruitment Stones, serums, hybrid materials... It's undeniable that the System is compelling us toward evolution. ]

[ Mira (Sector 19): Yes, but at what potential cost? Those serums carry inherent mutation risks. I have no desire to awaken exhibiting scales or an uncontrollable bloodlust. ]

[ Dax (Sector 6): Scales are preferable to succumbing to death. I would embrace draconic resistance without hesitation. ]

[ Selene (Sector 13): Exercise caution. Mutations are irreversible processes. Once a transformation occurs, it is permanent. ]

[ Kaelen (Sector 7): Nevertheless, the temptation is considerable. Vampiric reflexes or draconic vitality... a number of survivors here are already experimenting with these enhancements. ]

[ Joren (Sector 3): My neighbor self-administered a Vampiric Serum. He exhibits increased speed now, but he finds himself intolerant to sunlight. He will be compelled to remain concealed during daylight hours. ]

[ Rina (Sector 14): That's quite alarming. Envisioning a scenario where a significant portion of your shelter becomes nocturnal is unsettling. ]

[ Toren (Sector 20): Nocturnal is a superior alternative to being deceased. Do not forget... 42% of shelters have been eradicated. Mutation might represent the sole viable path forward. ]

[ Lyra (Sector 10): Speaking of progression... does anyone possess knowledge regarding which shelters secured the top rankings? I am inclined to speculate that Shane's shelters were among the most secure... ]

[ Mira (Sector 19): Yes... Without a doubt. Their forces are not to be underestimated. They possess actual Mechs! And furthermore, a Floating Fortress? It's highly probable they garnered the most substantial rewards available. ]

[ Marky (Sector 6): Such is the way of things. Smaller shelters are incapable of competing effectively. ]

[ Maylene (Sector 13): It's not entirely unfair. They rightfully earned their standing. The larger shelters confronted more formidable bosses. ]

[ Kaelen (Sector 7): While true, it nonetheless feels as though the System inherently favors the powerful. ]

[ Joren (Sector 3): Naturally, it does. It's a matter of survival of the fittest. ]

[ Rina (Sector 14): Enough philosophical discourse. Is anyone amenable to trade? I am in urgent need of silver weaponry. We depleted our entire stock while battling the vampires. ]

[ Mira (Sector 19): I am open to trading. I have surplus silver daggers available. My current need is for Fire Essence Crystals. ]

[ Rina (Sector 14): Agreed. Send me a direct message. ]

[ Toren (Sector 20): Is anyone else contemplating migration? My shelter has sustained excessive damage. We are considering seeking integration with Eclipse Domain. ]

[ Travis (Sector 13): Esteemed individuals... we are extending an invitation to a wedding ceremony within our shelter in Sector 13, scheduled to occur in four days. Our esteemed Vice Leader, Momo, and the First Battalion Commander, Ross, shall be uniting in matrimony! All attendees will be provided with complimentary sustenance and a two-day accommodation within our sanctuary. ]

[ Shane (Sector X): ... ]

[ Natalie (Sector X): ??? ]