Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle Chapter 1169 1169: The Stronghold and Lost Memories

Within the Omega Stronghold's war room, Tieria stood poised at the command table.

His cybernetic left eye pulsed with a soft luminescence, projecting a detailed map before him.

This advanced ocular enhancement had been replaced multiple times, with Lysandra initially providing him a mid-grade mechanical eye.

It had once been destroyed by Ice Zombies, and he had adamantly refused a flesh replacement, even when healers indicated it was feasible.

The mechanical eye granted him unparalleled precision, elevating him to the premier sniper within Shane's forces.

That same exactitude now made him an exceptional commander, adept at analyzing situations with cool logic rather than relying on brute force. Shane had recognized this potential, entrusting him with the oversight of the entire Stronghold.

Flanking him were Hanzo and Argus, two promising recruits who had emerged from the mysterious fog subsequent to his use of Epic-Grade Recruitment Stones.

Hanzo possessed the honed instincts of a hunter, rarely faltering in his intuition.

Argus, a formidable warrior, displayed mastery with both sword and spear.

Through extended collaboration, the trio had achieved expertise in their respective domains, forming the core leadership of the Stronghold in Shane's absence.

The map displayed on the table currently illustrated the advancements of their most critical undertaking: the construction of a vital roadway connecting the Omega Stronghold to adjacent allied settlements.

Six hours of travel northward would lead them to the New Genesis Shelter, while the Eclipse Domain Shelter lay to the east.

This road was envisioned as a crucial artery, fostering enhanced trade, facilitating swift reinforcements, and ensuring uninterrupted communication between these territories.

Tieria's mechanical eye zoomed in on the illuminated sectors. "Over a hundred workers are already engaged," he stated, "But progress is lagging. The current quarry is too distant, and stone transportation is creating significant delays."

Hanzo, arms crossed, interjected, "We require an additional quarry. If we continue hauling from the existing site, the road construction will not be completed before the next emergent event."

Argus concurred with a nod. "Indeed. Securing a closer stone source would halve the required time. However, scouting for new quarries carries inherent risks. With the Cross Apocalypse Event underway, encountering Vampires and the Dragon Army on the field wouldn't be unexpected."

"It should still be manageable," Tieria murmured, marking potential zones on the map. "We will dispatch a survey team. Leon is intimately familiar with the terrain; he can identify a suitable new quarry location."

Upon hearing Leon's name, Hanzo immediately signaled his agreement.

"That individual is undeniably reliable..."

"Furthermore, we must procure Light Orbs. The completed road will be rendered useless after dark without illumination. Flasher Zombies are the carriers of these orbs—their emitted light is potent enough to power street lamps."

Argus raised an eyebrow in concern. "Flasher Zombies are infrequent. While they pose less of a threat now, thanks to specialized sunglasses that negate their blinding bursts, they remain elusive."

Hanzo offered a shrug. "That is precisely where mercenaries prove their worth. Allow them to handle this task. Alternatively, we could enlist Leon's expertise once more; he has previously located Flasher nests."

Tieria pondered this, her mechanical eye narrowing slightly. "Utilizing mercenaries is a viable option. I recall Shane mentioning a few from Ivory Gear Shelter... Very well, Leon will scout for quarries, and the hunt for Flasher Zombies will commence..."

A brief silence descended upon the room.

Every strategic decision held immense weight. The constructed roads signified not just passage, but the very essence of survival, commerce, and unity. Therefore, any delay could tragically translate to lost lives.

At that precise moment, the imposing doors of the command chamber swung open.

Thud!

A messenger burst in, chest heaving, clutching a communication slate. "Commander Tieria!" he gasped. "Urgent dispatch from the gates! An elder mage has arrived—a fog recruit of considerable power. He wields dozens of potent spells!"

Hanzo's eyes widened in astonishment. "A mage? Here?"

Argus's usually placid expression warped into surprise. "Such an occurrence is exceptionally rare. Most fog recruits are warriors or skilled artisans. The presence of a mage could fundamentally alter our capabilities."

Tieria's mechanical eye flickered rapidly as he processed the influx of information. "Dozens of spells, you aver?"

The messenger nodded with fervent affirmation. "Indeed. The assessment team confirmed it. His designation is Merlin. He demonstrated proficiency in Arcane Bolt, Mana Shield, Elemental Affinity, and numerous others—all apparently at their maximum potency. Regrettably, it appears he has suffered some memory impairment, unable to recall many details."

The chamber resonated with a palpable wave of excitement, and soon, Hanzo murmured, "With a mage of this caliber, our defenses would become virtually impenetrable. Envision him augmenting the Mind Tower's resonance or establishing protective wards along the newly built road. I believe he ought to confer with Sona, Aya, or perhaps even Zephyrion."

Argus added, "This is indeed auspicious news for us. Perhaps it is merely a temporary affliction of memory. I am confident that a caster of his evident strength will recover fully..."

Tieria raised a hand, commanding their attention and silencing the speculative chatter.

"We shall refrain from hasty assumptions. Fog recruits possess the autonomy to choose their path, particularly those of high caliber. Merlin will determine his own allegiance, so ensure he is treated with the utmost respect while I make the necessary arrangements..."

Addressing the messenger, Tieria inquired further. During their exchange, it was confirmed that Merlin was clad only in ordinary attire, bearing no resemblance to a seasoned Mage.

"Understood… Inform him that my duties as commander currently prevent me from attending to him personally," Tieria stated with resolve.

"He will be attended to shortly. For the interim, ensure his lodging is prepared to the highest standard. Provisions, rest, and all necessities should be provided. He is to be treated with utmost respect. Assign him quarters within the headquarters' left wing – the VIP suites are suitable. Let him be aware that his standing is acknowledged."

The messenger bowed and departed swiftly. Tieria's attention returned to the map, yet his thoughts remained preoccupied with Merlin.

A Mage wielding numerous spells possessed the potential to significantly bolster their defensive capabilities, yet he had arrived with virtually nothing. This situation required immediate rectification.

She activated the Guild Chat interface…

[ Tieria: Procurement of Mana Crystals and other arcane artifacts is necessary. A new recruit has arrived… an Elder Mage. He is presently without any possessions beyond his standard clothing. ]

Responses began to flood in almost instantaneously.

[ Jillian: Astonishing… I happen to have a Dark Mage Set lying dormant in my storage. I shall dispatch it forthwith. ]

[ Raze: Mana Crystals, you say? I shall have Mr. Wadsworth see to their arrangement. Kindly ensure the Mage receives appropriate care. ]

Tieria's cybernetic eye emitted a soft luminescence as he reviewed the incoming messages. Assistance was already being mobilized.

[ Tieria: Excellent. Ensure these supplies reach the Stronghold by day's end. If you are aware of any other Mages seeking refuge or opportunity, please direct them to our location. This elder gentleman has unfortunately lost his memories. ]