Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle Chapter 1173: The Requirements and Surprise Attack

Merlin stood before the imposing statue, a strange thrumming in his chest, though the reason for it remained elusive. The visage was strikingly familiar, an ache in his very soul, yet his mind offered no corresponding memory. He held his gaze upon the stone, hoping for a flicker of recognition to breach the mental fog, but it stubbornly persisted.

"This man..." he murmured, the words barely audible. "Why does he feel so connected, yet so distant?"

No matter the duration of his contemplation, the answer eluded him.

With a soft sigh, he eventually shifted his focus back to the placid pond before him.

Beneath the water's surface, the Mana Crystals emitted a gentle luminescence, their captured light refracting like a constellation.

He knelt by the water's edge, submerging his fingers into its cool embrace, and felt a subtle energy ascend. It was profoundly soothing, invigorating his spirit, and for the first time since his arrival, a thought began to form…

The pond offered a serene haven, a tranquil reservoir of pure mana. He lingered, allowing the crystals' ambient aura to envelop him, before resuming his exploration. To his astonishment, more statues were discovered scattered throughout the northern expanse. Each effigy portrayed the identical man, captured in various powerful poses: sword aloft, mounted on a steed, even tending to the wounded – all immortalized in enduring stone.

Merlin's disquiet intensified. Whoever this individual named Shane was, his presence undeniably permeated this Stronghold.

Before long, a passing guard on patrol noticed him and Merlin seized the opportunity, gesturing towards the statue. "Could you tell me... who is this man?"

The guard drew himself up with an air of evident pride.

"That is Shane, sir. He is the esteemed Leader of the Eclipse Revenant Clan. He is the proprietor of this Omega Stronghold, where you currently stand. He serves as our Territory Lord. Furthermore, our Clan commands dominion over numerous other refuges across this region."

Merlin offered a slow nod, conveying his gratitude to the guard.

He had previously encountered Shane's name in conversations with others, but this direct confirmation solidified its reality. He was truly beginning to grasp the situation... the haze had guided him to an extraordinary place. This Stronghold was indeed remarkable, well-defended, and flourishing amidst the ongoing Apocalypse. He felt fortunate to have found refuge here.

Beyond these walls, countless other shelters were likely battling relentless hordes of the undead. Yet, within this sanctuary, he was safe.

That night, Merlin retreated to his chambers, a sense of melancholy weighing upon him.

He attempted once more to conjure Shane's face from his memory, but the recollections remained stubbornly out of reach. Ultimately, he resolved to release the elusive pursuit.

***

The following morning, Merlin convened with Alex once more. The young man exuded an palpable eagerness, his gaze alight with resolute determination.

Merlin wasted no time in stating his needs.

"If you are truly set on awakening mana," Merlin declared, "specific requisites will be necessary. I require five high-grade Mana Crystals. Additionally, one liter of blood sourced from a Mana Beast. Should that prove unobtainable, then a liter of blood from a mage will suffice. Lastly, a tranquil chamber suitable for the ritual's execution."

Alex's initial enthusiasm faltered slightly. "Mana Crystals, I can certainly procure those. That presents no difficulty. However... blood?" He furrowed his brow. "That will be exceptionally challenging. And a full liter? That is a substantial quantity."

Merlin inclined his head solemnly. "It is an essential component. Mana-infused blood possesses a unique resonance. Without it, the awakening process is destined to falter."

Alex pondered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "The chamber, I believe we can arrange that. There is an austere hall located beneath the Stronghold. It is secluded, sealed, and seldom utilized. That should fulfill the requirements."

Merlin assented. "Excellent. Then the chamber is settled. Your priority must be securing the blood."

Alex hesitated. "Blood from a mage... that is an impossibility. No one would ever consent to such a demand. And I would never impose such a request. Therefore... Mana Beasts. What exactly qualifies as one?"

Merlin's eyes sharpened as fragments of ancient knowledge resurfaced. "They are mystical creatures. Examples include Basilisks, Griffons, Wyverns, Drakes, Manticores – any beast profoundly influenced by mana. Their blood carries the vital essence required for this ritual."

Alex's eyes widened in surprise. "Wyverns?"

"Hold on... Did we even manage to collect their blood? There are only a handful of individuals who successfully looted them... and it wasn't even a guaranteed drop," Alex mused aloud, a touch of doubt creeping into his voice.

Merlin tilted his head curiously. "Hmm? Do you have an idea forming?"

A faint smile touched Alex's lips.

Merlin had not been present during the tumultuous Cross Apocalypse Event, making it understandable that he remained unaware of the wyvern attacks on various shelters that had occurred prior.

"I will acquire them. Do not concern yourself," Alex assured him.

Later that day, he opened the Guild Chat interface...

He refrained from detailing his intentions or mentioning Merlin's ritual. Instead, he composed a seemingly innocuous message, carefully designed to avoid raising any suspicion.

[ Alex: Greetings, Esteemed Sirs and Ma'ams... A quick inquiry. Regarding those Wyverns from the previous encounters... do any of you happen to retain some of their blood? I am prepared to trade my treasured Leaper Shoes or perhaps some of my Item Upgrade Crystals for a quantity of Wyvern Blood. I require approximately 5 liters. ]

He leaned back, awaiting responses. He had intentionally requested a larger volume than immediately necessary, just in case.

If he could successfully secure the blood of Mana Beasts, then Merlin's crucial awakening ritual could move forward.

***

Meanwhile, Merlin had quietly returned to his personal quarters. The flowing blue robe was draped about him, and his World Tree staff rested within easy reach.

He closed his eyes, focusing on the flow of mana coursing through his being. His recovery was accelerating, and although the ambient mana in this location was not abundant, he could still circulate the energy within his Mana Heart with increasing efficiency...

He recalled Alex, the lad's tenacity, and the pledge he'd given...

"Perhaps," he whispered, "this is the dawn of my new existence."

As this thought crossed his mind, without forewarning, the heavens above the Omega Stronghold were consumed by darkness.

Clouds gathered, dense and weighty... It truly overshadowed the midday sun as if night had prematurely descended.

This abrupt gloom was succeeded by a shrill alert.

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Chimes echoed throughout the fortress... Cries burst forth in the passageways as sentries hurried into formation.

Merlin sat bolt upright, his staff clenched. "What is occurring?" he mumbled, employing his Mana Sense to gauge the circumstances...

Presently, a declaration boomed from the battlements.

"We are assailed! Thralls at the portals! Lower-class vampires and vampire knights draw near!"

The Stronghold surged with activity. Marksmen arrayed themselves on the ramparts, ballistae were maneuvered into place, and detachments of Super Soldiers and Warden Units hastened towards the vanguard.

Witnessing their prompt maneuvers, Merlin understood this was a bastion readied for conflict.

Merlin ventured outside, observing the Stronghold's operational readiness.

"Hmm... What unfolds? Why do they perceive those two Vampires slipping within?"