Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

”There’s also a Merchant Token.” Travis muttered as he looked at the description of the item in his hand.

[ Merchant Token ( Rare ): A silver-etched token that will pass as a Trade Permit issued to trusted merchants who conduct business within the Eclipse Domain. This token marks the bearer as an authorized trader and provides several privileges for conducting trade.

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Effects:

Trade Permit: Grants permission to set up shop within the designated trade district.

Storage Access: Allows use of Eclipse Domain’s secured storage facilities for merchant goods.

Security Assurance: Merchants under this token’s protection will receive aid in case of theft or conflict.

Additional Benefits:

Can be upgraded to a Golden Merchant Token, granting permanent trade privileges. ]

[ Created by Shadow Strider. ]

[ This item could not be upgraded. ]

He couldn’t help but feel impressed at how organized this shelter was. Shane had definitely planned a lot of things to make this work.

Aside from that, Travis also heard that people could be hired as a guard and work for the shelter’s military force. The only requirement was for the people to stay in the shelter for 20 days as they proved their loyalty.

He then borrowed another Token to check it out since he got curious about it.

[ Military Token ( Rare ): A red steel token issued to members of the Eclipse Guard, the military and security force of the settlement. It marks the bearer as a trained defender of the Eclipse Domain.

Effects:

Authority Recognition: Grants clearance to restricted zones and some command areas.

Guardian’s Presence: Enhances perception and reaction speed when within Eclipse Domain.

Emergency Signal: Allows the bearer to send a distress signal to the nearest squad in case of emergency.

Additional Benefits:

Provides free equipment maintenance at the forge.

Entitles the bearer to rations and medical aid. ]

”This is actually good.” Travis muttered as he also started considering making this kind of identification token as well.

At first, he thought these items weren’t really needed since no one would be allowed to enter his shelter unless they had some sort of guarantor or paid enough money to get protection from them.

However, now that there were some changes and the number of Recruits and Scavengers had been steadily increasing, it seemed he also had to plan on how to accommodate them.

An ID that could not be copied was definitely quite a good method. It could help them monitor the population of their shelter and it could also become a form of motivation to people, especially if certain privileges were given to those with higher status.

’Right… If I have a huge territory, I might even become a King and establish nobility… 50,000 Zombie Cores to become a Baron might be a good idea… Kekeke…’ Travis laughed for a moment as he started daydreaming.

However, he immediately shook his head as he believed that it would be extremely hard to do that with his current abilities.

Even fighting against the Vampire Horde was already tough for him.

As he continued to walk around, Travis suddenly paused as he saw a pair of interesting merchants.

They were actually demonstrating how to use a few of their products. One of them was using telekinesis on a knife to cut a piece of wood easily. The other was showing a kettle that seemed to have a few gallons of water inside.

It was quite an interesting demonstration.

Across the plaza, Travis soon noticed a blacksmith’s forge. He saw a woman hammering a glowing piece of metal as sparks flew around her with each strike.

Travis’ eyes lit up since he could tell that the woman was quite skilled. Perhaps, she could even match Hermes.

Then, he felt even more shocked as soon as he saw the old blacksmith behind her! This blacksmith was actually possessed a small amount but pure Dragon Blood within his body.

’No wonder they have so many amazing weapons and equipment… He’s actually commanding a Draconic Blacksmith.’ Travis thought.

Well, since he was basically a half-dragon half-human with his Dragon Blood Talent, he could also sense anyone with even a tiny bit of Dragon Blood in their bodies.

Travis exhaled slowly as he looked around the shelter.

’This place… doesn’t even look like the world is ending outside.’

He even smelled some meat skewers, freshly baked bread, and other cooked meat filling the air. It just showed that the Eclipse Domain had functioning bakeries and food stalls. The idea of a settlement like this thriving in the apocalypse would be absurd to most, but Shane had made it a reality.

”This is a good place to live.’ Travis thought as he housing complexes, built efficiently with defense in mind.

There was also an inn, labeled ”The Lunar Haven,” which housed travelers and temporary residents. Near the plaza, he also noticed a central bulletin board listing job requests, bounties, and scavenging missions.

He also found a weapons and armor shop, and lastly, a training ground, where a few newly hired guards were actually training.

Everyone doesn’t seem worried about the Zombies outside their shelter!

”You’ve outdone yourself, Shane.” Travis muttered letting out a chuckle.

Following the flow of the crowd, Travis made his way to the back of the plaza, where the most notable part of Eclipse Domain stood—the Statue of Shane.

A human-size sculpture carved from wood or maybe a stone. It depicted Shane standing with his sword in hand, while a cloak was flowing as if caught in a wind. At the base, an inscription read:

”The Founder of Eclipse Domain, the Protector of the World”

A small gathering stood before it, some offering silent prayers, others merely admiring the craftsmanship.

”I suppose this was inevitable,” Travis muttered with amusement.

’Should I build one for myself? If Shane can be this shameless, I shouldn’t have trouble copying him, right?’ Travis mused as he really considered having a statue for himself.

’Wait… I should inform the chat about this.’

With this in mind, Travis quickly informed everyone in the regional chat about Shane’s shameless statue. Many people immediately replied and doubted him.

[ Travis: I’m not lying… There’s even a quote ”The Founder of Eclipse Domain, the Protector of the World” If you don’t believe me, just visit his shelter in Sector 20! ]

As he sent this reply to his haters, he decided not to bother them anymore and closed the chat.

As Travis turned his attention back to the statue, he heard a familiar voice behind him.

”You finally decided to show up?”

Travis turned to see Shane, standing casually with his arms crossed.

He was dressed in black combat attire…

’That should be the Dark Sentinel Set that can be bought in the Reputation Store from time to time.’ Travis thought as he recognized Shane’s outfit.

Travis smirked. ”Not bad, Shane. Not bad at all. I came to see if the rumors were true. It’s hard to believe a place like this exists.”

Shane shrugged. ”It took a lot of work. And it’s not finished yet. There’s still more to do.”

”Do you want to expand? I noticed that you have cleared a huge area around their shelter.”

Shane’s smile was all the confirmation Travis needed.

”Come on,” Shane said, motioning for him to follow. ”I’m sure you’re not here just to visit this place. Let’s talk inside.”

With that, Travis followed Shane into his office.

***

After entering the office, Shane gestured for Travis to take a seat.

The office was spacious yet practical. There was a large desk at the center while a few shelves lined the walls. Of course, there was a large window behind him that could help him overlook the Eclipse Domain.

Shane leaned back in his chair as he looked at Travis’ clone with an amused look. ”Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You didn’t come all the way here just to take a tour of my domain. What do you need?”

Travis smiled as he liked Shane’s straightforward words. ”You’re sharp, Shane.”

He then took a deep breath and revealed his true reason for coming here.

”I need Spirit Stones. A large supply.”

Shane raised an eyebrow after hearing this.

”Spirit Stones? That’s an interesting request.” He tapped his fingers on the desk. It wasn’t surprising that Travis knew that he had a huge supply of them. After all, it shouldn’t be that hard to link Diana to him or his Clan.

”I assume you’re not asking for just a handful?”

Travis shook his head. ”No, I need a steady supply, preferably at a discounted price.” He said with a chuckle.

”Ahem… There’s only a problem—I don’t have Zombie Cores to pay for it… But I’m willing to offer something valuable in return…”

Shane’s expression didn’t change, but his interest was piqued. ”So what are you offering instead?”

Travis sighed, reaching into his storage pouch and retrieving a small vial.

He placed it on the desk carefully. Inside, a thick golden liquid appeared. Shane’s eyes narrowed as he recognized what it was.

”Dragon Blood.”