Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

Downstairs, the Clan Hall had erupted into barely-contained excitement. Word of the job assignment had spread quickly…

Jayvee was already going over the construction plan sent by Eclipse Revenant’s logistics team.

It was a relatively short road—a kilometer-long paved path that would connect the Eclipse Domain’s southern watchtower to a mining site…

But it wasn’t the job that stunned them—it was the method.

“It’s really a Portal Gate or something?” Clarence, who was beside Reed, repeated. “Isn’t that a bit too advanced? Maybe that’s another Survivor’s Talent?”

“I don’t know… But if it was, it must be a Legendary Talent then…” Reed replied as he was also unsure about the origin of the Portal Hall.

“I can only confirm that Shane’s team has a functional Portal Gate travel. We’ve been greenlit to use the one here at Ivory Gear Shelter. Full access. They already added our clan tag to the authorized users.”

Soon, they all stood near the Clan Mission Board, watching as the request was officially made.

[ Mission: Road Construction.

Client: Eclipse Revenant

Authorized Clan: Great Mercenary Clan

Reward: 5,000 Zombie Cores, 100 Safety Protection Tokens, 100 Master Grade Silver Knives.

Note: Food and shelter during the construction will be covered by the client.

“Ohhhh… I’ve seen these Tokens before. They were exclusively made by Shadow Strider, right? Awesome.”

“Right… That’s Shane’s nickname.”

“There’s more than a silver knife for each of us, huh…”

“Considering that we’re getting items too… The 5,000 Zombie Cores were a lot.”

Some members stared in awe. Others immediately rushed to grab their gear. For many, it would be the first time stepping inside one of the top Shelters in the world.

Zig descended the stairs, still in his dust coat and stained apron.

“Zig!” Jayra called. “Get ready… You’re going to Eclipse Domain too…”

“Yeah. Got summoned to paint Shane…” he said with a chuckle while lifting his sketchbook.

“Wow,” she whistled. “You have to do your best.”

“No pressure…”

A few hours later, the first wave of Great Mercenary Clan members gathered at the Portal Hall inside Ivory Gear Shelter.

The building itself had always seemed dormant. Aside from the guards, there was a small barrier generator inside to ensure that no intruders would misuse the Portal Gate.

As soon as the first group of people arrived at the Hall, everyone felt excited. They couldn’t help but appreciate the mysterious void or portal that was in front of them.

It wasn’t revealing the other side or the Eclipse Domain, but they knew that it was definitely connected to that place.

After all, there was already a butler-like person waiting for them…

“I’m Mr. Edwin, a butler working at the Domain. I’ll be guiding you all from here.”

Edwin shook hands with Jayvee, the person assigned as the Clan’s Operations Manager. As for Reed, he was still assigned to their finances, but he would also work as they could only gather 33 people right now, since the others were still on an ongoing job.

Soon, the group entered under Edwin’s lead.

As soon as they stepped out of the Portal, they immediately took in their surroundings. They were inside another hall where a few humanoid machines were guarding the place.

At this time, Edwin gave them Identity Tokens one by one.

It was the Temporary Resident Token, allowing them to stay in the Shelter for 7 days. After that, Edwin gestured for them to pass through the door, and soon, they saw the Eclipse Domain.

“This… this place is insane…” someone muttered.

“The population here is probably more than twice that of the Ivory Gear Shelter.” Jayvee whispered.

“I heard there are several taverns and coffee shops in this place. I hope we have some free time to look around here.

Outside the Portal Hall, its air was cooler, and the sunlight felt refreshing…

The shelter looked so organized. The architect who made this was surely a good one. There were lamps on the streets, children playing around, and even some being fed by elderly men near a fountain.

“Great Mercenary Clan?” A woman suddenly approached them, and according to Butler Edwin, it was Diana, Shane’s younger sister.

Reed stepped forward. “That’s us.”

“Welcome to the Eclipse Domain…” Diana said as she soon took hold of Zig and brought him to another place for the painting work while Edwin handled the rest of the group.

Soon, the clan fanned out. Some started moving toward the road construction site, others heading to the logistics building as they all prepared for the work that was assigned to them.

***

Zig followed Diana to another building. At this time, they passed through a corridor that curved gently along the inner walls of the Eclipse Domain’s western tower.

The floor was made of marble, or something that looked like it.

‘It’s definitely expensive…’ Zig worked in several construction sites, and he knew that this tower was made with utmost care and with a lot of budget.

After all, the place looked exquisite. Not cracked concrete, not patched linoleum bought from the System Store, but luxurious all over the place.

Diana then spoke over her shoulder. “We converted the upper chamber into an atelier of sorts. It’s got the best lighting at this hour. I’ve seen some of your mural work in Ivory Gear Shelter. Reed showed it to me when I briefly visited the place… Shane may not say it, but he’ll appreciate this more than he lets on.”

Zig chuckled nervously. “No pressure then…”

“You’ll be fine,” she smiled. “He might not act like it, but he’s still my older brother. Which means I get to do this.”

Soon, Diana revealed a room with afternoon sunlight.

One of the walls was an enormous window, showcasing the inner orchard of the Domain…

“I left some references on the table. I want a strong pose—Shane in his usual black armor, holding a sniper rifle… As for the expression, maybe a softer one… with a little pride or something? If that’s possible.”

Zig didn’t answer immediately.

Instead, he stepped into the room and saw the brushes waiting for him, the fresh canvas, and felt the stillness of this artistic space…

It was a good workplace…

“…I can do that,” he said finally.