Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle Chapter 1170: Plan and Merlin’s Memory

As Tieria’s request echoed in the Guild Chat, more names illuminated the interface.

[ Max: If he’s genuinely a mage, perhaps he ought to be sent to Springriver Manor. The World Tree there, though young, emanates mana. Exposure to potent mana sources might trigger his memories... or so one might guess. ]

Tieria paused, contemplating. The World Tree was indeed a rare marvel, its gradual growth already influencing the vicinity. If Merlin suffered from amnesia, his aura might assist in recovery.

Naturally, the World Tree within the Eclipse Domain presented an alternative.

[ Layla: Wait a moment. Before concluding his destination, we must verify his allegiance. What if he recalls being a malevolent mage? His past is unknown. He could have been a warlock, or something even worse. ]

Her words held significant weight, causing a temporary halt in the discussion.

The recruits from the fog were at liberty to choose their paths, yet their obscured histories always posed an inherent risk.

[ Asad: Bring him to me. ]

The chat went silent once more upon receiving his declaration.

Asad’s reputation was widely known. He was a necromancer, a figure who teetered on the precipice between ally and threat. His immediate claim sent ripples of alarm.

[ Jillian: ...Do not even consider turning him into a Lich! ]

[ Raze: Indeed, Asad. We require him alive, not as an undead minion. ]

[ Layla: Precisely. Don’t entertain such thoughts. ]

Asad responded swiftly, his tone tinged with evident exasperation.

[ Asad: I'm unsure whether to laugh or despair. My intention is not to transform him into anything. I simply wish to comprehend him better. He wields spells, and so do I. That is the extent of it. If he is indeed a mage, I might be able to assist him in stabilizing his spellcasting. ]

Tieria’s optical implant flickered as he processed the conversation. He recognized the sincerity in Asad’s statement – the necromancer, though forthright, was never impulsive. Nevertheless, a kernel of doubt persisted among the others.

Then, another message materialized.

[ Alex: I shall handle the transportation. I will personally deliver the materials. There's no need to utilize the trade function... the tariffs implemented after the recent update are exorbitant. It’s far more efficient to deliver them firsthand. ]

It was undeniably true... The taxes could escalate to forty percent, a prospect no one relished.

Tieria allowed himself a subtle smile.

Alex was dependable, consistently volunteering for logistical duties. His offer would ensure Merlin received necessary provisions without depleting their collective resources.

[ Tieria: Excellent. Max, your suggestion regarding Springriver Manor warrants consideration, but we shall defer it until the elder has settled in. Layla, your prudence is acknowledged... allegiance will be thoroughly assessed. Asad, you will meet him, but under strict observation. Alex, proceed with preparations for the transport. ]

The chat fell quiescent for a beat, and all parties swiftly assented to the proposed course of action.

Merlin's arrival had ignited both exhilaration and apprehension. A mage capable of numerous spells was a boon, yet his forgotten past cast a long shadow that none could dismiss.

Tieria finally closed the Guild Chat interface...

"Merlin..." he murmured.

This marked the inaugural instance of a Mage emerging through the Gray Fog’s recruitment protocol, after all this time...

’Could this be an omen? Perhaps we are now capable of recruiting individuals from other Apocalypses?’ Tieria pondered, but quickly shook his head.

All such questions would be answered in due course as they continued to utilize more Recruitment Stones.

For the present moment, the aged mage rested in his assigned quarters, oblivious to the debate unfolding amongst his newfound compatriots.

***

A day later, Merlin stirred awake to the faint resonance of chimes drifting through the corridor.

For a fleeting instant, he believed himself still adrift within the unending expanse of the fog. However, the comforting warmth of the bed beneath him dispelled that notion.

The chambers allocated to him in the headquarters' western wing surpassed anything his fragmented memories could recall – though memory itself proved to be a tenuous thing.

The room was ample, its walls adorned with polished stone and fortified by an energy distinct from Mana...

A table had been prepared, laden with fruits sourced from the Sunveil Vineyard Dome, as confirmed by the attendant the previous day...

Alongside the fruit lay a sandwich and a steaming tonic, its aroma subtly herbaceous. Merlin sat up gradually, his frame stiff from years of aimless wandering through the mist, and reached for the tonic. Its warmth permeated him, soothing the latent ache in his joints.

Through his window, the vibrant activity of the Stronghold unfolded. Workers moved in orderly lines, conveying materials for the ongoing road construction. Sentinels maintained their patrols along the ramparts, among other tasks.

The fortress thrummed with life, resembling a bustling beehive, leaving Merlin feeling both solace and a touch of overwhelm.

A gentle knock sounded at his door.

A young attendant entered, offering a respectful bow before presenting a set of garments... "Sir Merlin, your new attire has just arrived. Should you require anything further, please do not hesitate to call. Subsequently, you will be escorted to the dining hall for a proper meal."

Merlin inclined his head in gratitude. "Thank you. This... this is beyond my expectations."

The attendant offered a slight smile and then departed...

Once the door closed, Merlin exhaled softly, gazing down at his hands.

The System interface he had displayed the previous day remained a mystery to him.

Nevertheless, the mere existence of Spells that the System could perceive astonished him...

Later that day, he explored the corridors. The Omega Stronghold was expansive, and they even provided an escort after he conveyed his purpose for wandering.

En route, he passed the Auto-Forge, where robotic arms diligently mended damaged blades, and he paused to observe the spectacle. As sparks showered, survivors erupted in cheers when a weapon attained an Epic tier enhancement.

It was a captivating spectacle...

Merlin found himself in awe of the advanced technology, so different from anything he recalled from his previous life.

In the central courtyard, the Omega Mind Tower pierced the sky like a formidable spike, its powerful aura permeating the entire Stronghold. He felt its immediate effect upon approaching the tower – a sharp clarity descended upon his thoughts, and a profound sense of calm settled in his heart.

For someone who had navigated life shrouded in a mental fog for so long, this sensation was almost incapacitating. He shut his eyes, taking a deep, cleansing breath, and for a fleeting instant, faint echoes of voices… laughter… a family seemed to surface. Yet, the memory dissolved before he could fully grasp it.

Merlin murmured, his brow furrowed as he struggled to recall the indistinct figure from his fragmented memories.