Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

Reylin and the others couldn’t help but praise Shane’s method of handling such things.

’That’s an incredible marketing strategy to get those Temporary Token holders to aim for the permanent ones.’ Reyline smiled.

She wasn’t sure how the Temporary Identity Tokens could be upgraded to the Permanent ones, but it definitely requires some payments or sacrifices that would benefit Shane or the shelter itself.

At this time, the others also couldn’t help but realize how effective this was.

”Just hearing that, I can already tell how organized this organization is… Does he have some sort of Administrative Talent? Maybe Clerical Skills?” Maria muttered as she looked at the calm environment with mild disbelief.

Of course, she also knew that it didn’t have to be Shane to have such abilities, but it was truly impressive.

Before anyone could reply, Duran had already marched toward the counter.

”I’ll have the strongest one. Ember Roast. Black…” he grunted as he showed his gold coins.

He may not have directly traded with the people from Neutral Shelters, but he had opened enough Treasure Chests and found gold coins there.

Maz hesitated but eventually stepped forward, choosing a Frostcap Mocha and a small slice of Lunar Croissant, lured by the scent of melted chocolate and something that smelled faintly like peppermint and mana dust.

Torren raised an eyebrow. ”Starflower Brew. I want to see if it really has some effects.” He said this as he heard the conversation of other customers about its subtle Spirit Recovery effects.

It may not be a huge deal since there were already Spirit Recovery Pills or Potions with great effects, and the coffee only had minimal and slow recovery effects, but considering how cheap it was and its availability to everyone, it was definitely a fair price for its bonus effect.

Reylin lingered for a moment, then selected a Spiritfruit Muffin and the same Starflower Brew. It felt oddly indulgent as she saw the servings from the others.

Furthermore, the shop itself was really welcoming, and it made them want to relax for a bit and forget all of their problems.

There was warm lighting, a nice aroma, and the quiet clink of cups and laughter from nearby tables… it was a good mood.

And thankfully, they all had some collection of gold coins left from old trades and loot…

The group found a table beside a window that overlooked a monument of Shane at the center of a huge pond…

”Wow…”

”Whoa~”

”He’s definitely the Lord here…”

”He looks dashing.”

”Hmmm… Is he actually being worshiped here?”

The group had different reactions after seeing one of Shane’s monuments, but Butler Edwin remained silent and just chuckled at them, before ordering his own coffee.

Then, as they continued talking and looking around the shop to pass he time, they saw birds, actual birds, not mutated ones, hopping along the railings outside, chirping gently.

They all looked at each other as they couldn’t help but feel a little ashamed. After all, if this happened in their shelter, everyone would do their best to catch the bird for a tasty meal later, or perhaps capture it to procure eggs.

However, in this shelter, they were ignored, and some children even fed them!

Still, none of them talked about this as soon noticed the barista bringing a tray to their table.

The drinks and appetizers came out quickly, and with one sip, Reylin’s eyes widened.

”…This… is amazing.” The warmth of the Starflower Brew spread down her throat and into her chest, leaving a subtle tingle in her fingertips.

It wasn’t just refreshing—it felt like something inside her spirit unclenched.

It was simply too good… She had never tasted a coffee this good since arriving here!

Maz, for once, looked visibly relaxed. She tore off a piece of croissant and tasted it.

”...This is real. Flaky, buttery, layered. I even received some effects. Stamina Recovery…”

Just like that, everyone seemed to have become food critics as they consumed the food and drinks.

Duran’s grizzled face contorted slightly as he grunted after his sip. ”Damn. That’s strong. Like liquid fire—but clean. I like it.”

Even Torren, whose tastes usually leaned toward bland nutrient cubes and tea, gave a warm smile. ”I didn’t know we could still enjoy things like this…”

Edwin just continued to watch them while drinking his own coffee, but he was secretly pleased with their reaction.

”Lord Shane believes in what he calls Restorative Civilization. He says people must be more than survivors. They must be dreamers. And sometimes, all it takes is a warm cup of coffee to remind them they’re still alive.”

It may be an exaggeration since Shane didn’t say these things, but this was his own interpretation of Shane’s plans.

Reylin stared into her cup for a long moment.

Once, back in her teaching days, she would grab cheap instant coffee before rushing into her morning classes.

She thought that part of her life was over. Lost in ash and blood and barricades. She only had three Apocalypse Options after all.

They were Ragnarok, Demon Invasion, and Zombie Infestation.

She knew about the Ragnarok as it involved the gods of mythology. It was super dangerous and definitely not an option. The Demon Invasion was also too scary to think about… After all, she thought that such demons could even disguise themselves as normal humans…

Whatever they were, Demons weren’t something she could deal with.

Only the Zombie Infestation seemed quite doable for her, as she had trained as a Girl Scout and learned many Survival Skills…

Thankfully, it went somewhat well for her journey, but during all those times, she barely had the time to relax and appreciate some nice things.

But now, she was here—drinking real coffee, eating pastries, surrounded by warmth, her friends… and hope.

She looked at Edwin, then at her companions.

”We’re not just merging into a stronger clan,” she said softly. ”We’re becoming something greater.”

Maria nodded. ”Yes…”

She knew for a fact that an establishment like this coffee shop wasn’t possible in their shelter. It meant not just good drinks or food, but it was something more… It involves the Clan or the Shelter’s wealth, resource channels, residents’ security, source of income, and many other things.

On the other hand, Torren just smirked as he soon finished his servings. ”Let’s just hope they keep making muffins this good.”