Previously on Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle...
Alex arrives at the Omega Stronghold with supplies and is amazed by its transformation into a bustling city. He finds the old mage Merlin sparring with super soldiers. Merlin, reveling in the fight, seems to rediscover his passion for magic. After the intense training session, Alex presents Merlin with gifts from the clan and reveals that a Necromancer has requested a meeting with him.
After their sparring match concluded, Merlin remained seated, his staff held loosely across his lap. He soon detected someone's approach.
The Super Soldiers had departed, their boisterous laughter and shared anecdotes about the battle fading into the distance. Then, he heard Alex's voice pose a question.
A necromancer wished to meet him? The notion disturbed him.
He knitted his brow, observing the residual mana faintly clinging to his fingertips.
"Necromancy..." he murmured, the words barely audible. "That is not my path. Not at all."
Alex tilted his head, curiosity evident. "You do not wish to meet him?"
Merlin slowly shook his head. "Not yet. I lack the confidence. My magic... it is distinct. It is elemental, and I fail to see its utility in that regard. Necromancy represents an entirely separate discipline. I am uncertain if encountering an adherent of that art would benefit me. It might even deepen my confusion. For the present, my sole focus is training. To reclaim my combat prowess, bit by bit."
Alex nodded in agreement, offering no objection. "That is acceptable. I shall deliver the gifts regardless. You will find them necessary."
He unzipped his backpack and began to unpack the contents. Merlin's eyes widened as he beheld the items.
First, a robe of deep blue, intricately embroidered with silver runes, emanated a subtle aura of mana. Next, a staff, meticulously carved from the wood of a rare, possibly World Tree, its grain shimmering with innate mana, lay before him. Merlin recognized its profound significance. Alongside these, a belt adorned with small crystal settings and several caches of Mana Crystals were presented.
Merlin reached out, his fingers trembling slightly as they brushed against the robe. "This... this feels correct."
He donned the garment; the fabric was both light and resilient, and he instantly sensed a shift in the surrounding mana, a resonance with his being. The staff pulsed with energy in his grasp, harmonizing with his personal aura.
Without question, these newly acquired possessions far surpassed anything he had previously owned in value. Alex offered a broad grin. "It suits you well, Sir Merlin. As if tailored specifically for you."
Merlin let out a soft chuckle. "Perhaps it was. Or perhaps I was fashioned for it."
As he adjusted the robe, Alex paused, then haltingly voiced his request. "Sir Merlin... might you consent to teach me? Could I possibly become your apprentice? I have long harbored a desire to learn magic."
Finally, Alex resolved to reveal his true aspiration. He held no grand expectations, yet he could no longer suppress his yearning. After all, unlike Shane, Asad, and the other Survivors who could wield magical abilities or cast spells, their power was solely enabled by the System! Merlin, however, possessed the ability to cast spells even before the System's advent! He was aware of this, as Merlin himself was a recruit from the Fog! All individuals who emerged from the Fog could only manifest their learned skills through the System if they had already acquired them!
Merlin blinked, taken aback by this exceedingly unconventional request.
"You? An apprentice?"
Alex sheepishly ran a hand through his hair. "I understand. I do not present the typical image. But I am eager to try. Even if talent eludes me, I wish to learn."
Merlin closed his eyes, concentrating intently. Despite his fragmented memories, one ability remained acutely sharp: the capacity to sense mana. He extended his awareness, allowing it to gently probe Alex.
Then, a frown creased his brow. "You possess no mana. Not even a trace..."
Alex's shoulders slumped visibly. "I had anticipated as much..."
Merlin raised a hand. "Wait. While you lack mana, you possess something else. I believe it is qi... No, that is what those super soldiers refer to as Spirit Energy, is it not? You have been diligently accumulating it. This indicates potential. With dedicated effort, you could learn to channel mana into yourself. However..." He paused, observing Alex with scrutiny.
"Even if I were to awaken it within you, your inherent talent would not be exceptional. At best, you would remain a novice-class mage. You would never ascend to the pinnacle of a true sorcerer."
Alex's eyes blazed with resolute determination. "I do not concern myself with that. Even as a mere novice, I desire to learn. I wish to experience what you feel when you cast those spells."
Merlin studied him for a prolonged moment before sighing.
"It will not be without cost. The practice of magic demands a steep price, not merely in mana, but in unwavering discipline. What, then, would you offer in exchange?"
Alex straightened, his posture firm. He had not expected this tutelage to be freely given.
"Treasures... enchanted weaponry... Mana Crystals. Whatever you require, I shall provide." He hesitated momentarily, then added with profound sincerity, "I will offer all that I possess, Sir Merlin."
Merlin observed him intently for another long moment, then gently shook his head.
"I require no additional crystals or weapons. What I desire... is freedom. The liberty to traverse the world once more. To venture beyond these confines whenever the inclination strikes. The fog imprisoned me for decades. I shall not permit these stone walls to impose the same fate."
Alex's eyes widened in surprise, followed by a swift nod of understanding.
He could comprehend Merlin's feelings perfectly...
"Freedom... yes, I can certainly assist with that. We can venture outside at any time, provided you are accompanied. This is for your safety, given the various tiers of Zombies that roam beyond. Furthermore, it will enable us to aid others in need."
"I find that agreeable..."
Alex's smile widened upon hearing this. Subsequently, he added, "Should you wish to explore other shelters, that option is also available. While this Omega Stronghold lacks Gate Stones, nearby shelters like New Genesis and Eclipse Domain possess them. Through these, you can establish connections with Blood Talon, Blue Haven, Springriver Manor, and others. If travel is your desire, I shall submit a request for permission. Rest assured, I will accompany you, ensuring you are never alone."
A stir resonated within Merlin's heart. The fog had erased his past, yet the prospect of adventure—of traversing the land freely—ignited a spark of hope within him.
He offered a smile, finding himself looking at Alex with the affection one might reserve for a grandchild.
"In that case, I accept you, Alex. You shall be my apprentice. However, before I can awaken your talent, preparations are necessary. The awakening of mana is not a simple feat; it demands focus, ritual, and considerable patience."
Alex executed a deep bow, his grin stretching wide. "Thank you, Sir Merlin! I will dedicate myself to any task required."
Merlin let out a chuckle. "We shall soon discover if your resolve remains steadfast. For the present, allow me to continue my own training. My abilities are still in the process of returning. Once I am adequately prepared, I shall proceed with awakening yours."
Alex nodded, his hand instinctively going to his chest. "I will wait patiently. And I will ensure you have everything you need."
Merlin turned his attention back towards the training grounds...
The Super Soldiers were already gearing up for another bout, their eagerness to test their mettle once more palpable. Merlin lifted his staff, mana coiling around him, and he let out a laugh.
"Bring it on! Let us continue. I have acquired some new items!"
Understandingly, the Super Soldiers weren't thrilled about Merlin's recent upgrades to his arsenal, but ultimately, they were more than willing to assist the aging mage...
Before long, Alex found himself observing from the periphery, diligently attempting to decipher the spells Merlin was employing...
He was keenly aware that his path ahead would be arduous, given his own inherent limitations. Yet, he remained unfazed. He had finally found a mentor, and he held an unwavering belief that he would forge a new destiny for himself.
***
Merlin's training session persisted until the sun began its descent...
The Super Soldiers had pushed him relentlessly, and despite his laughter echoing across the training grounds, he eventually felt the undeniable strain. His mana reserves were nearly depleted, and his protective shield had grown considerably weak, prompting him to finally lower his staff.
"Enough," he declared, a tired smile gracing his lips. "You have pushed me further than I had anticipated."
The soldiers offered him a salute of respect before dispersing.
Merlin retreated to his chambers, his body burdened by profound exhaustion. After attending to his hygiene and donning the blue robe Alex had provided, he lay down on the bed. Sleep claimed him swiftly, but upon awakening several hours later, he was taken aback to find his mana had already been fully restored.
He had not anticipated such a rapid recovery, occurring in mere hours.
He then sat upright, flexing his fingers...
"Remarkably swift... faster than before."
The fog had served to preserve his existing power, but here, within this Stronghold, an unknown factor was dramatically accelerating his recuperation.
A sense of intrigue began to consume him.
That night, finding further rest impossible, Merlin resolved to embark on a solitary exploration. He moved with stealth through the corridors, past guards who offered respectful nods, making his way towards the northern sector.
He had not yet ventured into this particular area of the Stronghold.
The atmosphere grew progressively cooler as he proceeded, until he arrived at a secluded alcove.
"Hmm?" Merlin paused, his attention captivated by an unusual sight. Nestled between weathered stone walls and illuminated by faint lanterns, lay a serene pond.
At first glance, it appeared perfectly ordinary, with the water gently rippling under the soft moonlight. However, as Merlin drew nearer, his breath hitched in his throat.
Submerged beneath the surface, a multitude of Mana Crystals emitted a soft luminescence! Their refracted light danced through the water, resembling a constellation of stars trapped within its depths. He knelt at the pond's edge, his gaze fixed in sheer wonder.
"A pond... imbued with mana itself..." He could clearly perceive the palpable energy radiating upwards, a sensation that was both soothing and deeply invigorating.
His gaze then drifted towards the pond's center. Emerging from its tranquil waters was a statue...
The figure was sculpted with impeccable detail. A sword was held aloft, and the figure's expression was one of unwavering resolve.
At that moment, the water lapped gently at the statue's base, as if standing sentinel.
Merlin's heart began to pound with an unfamiliar intensity.
He couldn't pinpoint the reason, but the face on the statue stirred a profound resonance deep within him.
A sense of familiarity, elusive and unplaceable. He stepped closer, his eyes scanning the intricate etchings carved into the stone pedestal.
His eyes narrowed as he deciphered the inscription...
