Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

As the officers finalized the defensive layout, Shane opened his inventory interface and materialized two items onto the table and looked at Max.

The first was a gauntlet. It was one of his recently synthesized Legendary Item.

“Just got this item. It’s called Voidpiercer Gauntlet.”

He then allowed the others to check its effects…

[ Voidpiercer Gauntlet (Legendary) ]

[ Pierces through armor and shield-based defenses (+25% armor bypass)

Grants phased strikes that ignore physical barriers (Cooldown: 30 seconds)

Boosts critical hit rate against enemies (+20%) ]

“This will be yours, Max.” Shane said. “Perfect for cracking through their heavy units and golems…”

Then he placed a cloak beside it… It was gray and looked quite simple.

“This one’s for support. It’s Tempest Cloak. This addition will make you a perfect frontliner.”

[ Tempest Cloak (Legendary) ]

[ Grants passive resistance to wind and lightning-based attacks

Allows short-range blink movement (up to 10 meters, Cooldown: 45 seconds)

Reduces incoming projectile damage by 15% ]

Max, the Human Juggernaut, was already imposing, but with his gauntlets and armor upgraded, he now looked like a walking bunker.

“I’ll take it,” Max said… “It’ll help me close the gap faster.”

Shane turned to him. “You said you got new skills. Let’s hear it.”

He was actually aware of it already, but the others needed to know as well, since they would be cooperating later.

Max opened his own system and showed it to everyone.

[ Thunderstep Lv4: A movement skill that channels Spirit Energy into a ground-breaking dash.

Effects:

Charges forward up to 50 meters, knocking back enemies.

Stuns targets on impact for 2 seconds.

Cost: 15 SP

Cooldown: 10 seconds ]

This was a better skill than Armored Dash for sure. The fact that it covers 50 meters for only 15 SP was already something incredible.

It was too cheap! If the Skill Level increases further, it would become even better.

Then, he also shared the other skill he obtained.

[ Iron Pulse Lv5: A defensive burst that reinforces body and emits a shockwave.

Effects:

Temporarily boosts defense by 300%.

Releases a shockwave that interrupts enemy Skills within 30 meters.

Cost: 50 SP

Duration: 10 seconds (Cooldown: 30 seconds) ]

Now, this was the main reason why Shane wanted him to be in the front line.

Yes, Lesley, Orlando, and many others had terrifying Talent and Skills. However, with the Iron Pulse that could interrupt enemy skills within 30 meters, Max would become their nemesis.

“What? This is incredible!” Diana was shocked.

“With this skill, I can join you on the frontline and cause havoc!” Lysandra added.

“Skill Interruption, huh… That would be useful. The Gladiators would follow you.” Joseph, the leader of the Gladiators, muttered.

Shane smiled as he already expected such a reaction.

After all, it must be remembered that even the Legendary Elf Assassin, Sylas, only had a range of 10 meters.

He also couldn’t fight in front and only relied on assassination techniques, unlike Max.

Of course, there was also the Silence Requiem Bell that Raze was currently using after purchasing it in the Secret Shop during the Auction Event.

[ Silent Requiem Bell: A bell created by a monk-cult to sever sound and vibration. When rung, it creates a Silence Zone ( 10-meter radius ) for 30 seconds, nullifying sound-based detection, communication, and even any usage of Survivor Skills.

Recharge: 1 hour.

Warning: Overuse may cause the wielder to temporarily lose their sense of hearing. ]

Unfortunately, this item had a very limited effect, unlike the Iron Pulse, with a fast cooldown.

Nonetheless, Max still had other another passive skill he recently obtained after synthesizing for a new skill.

[ Titan’s Grip Lv5: A strength-based passive that enhances weapon control.

Effects:

Allows wielding two-handed weapons with one hand.

Increases melee knockback and disarm chance.

Grants bonus damage against Zombies. ]

“With Thunderstep and Iron Pulse, you’ll be able to break their formation and survive the first wave. Titan’s Grip will help against Orlando’s golems.”

Max cracked his knuckles. “I’ll go straight for the Siege Crawlers if they show up. If I can disable their mortar systems, we’ll have a chance.”

Diana looked over the map. “We’ll reinforce the front with barrier anchors and deploy the Mk-Vs to cover your flanks.”

Shane now felt satisfied as the plan had already been built, and everyone knew what they had to do.

No matter what kind of surprising Skill that the enemies could possibly bring out, Max’s Iron Pulse would surely stop them.

“Then it’s settled. Max leads the charge when they think that we will defend the shelter and turtle ourselves.”

***

After some time, a low rumble coming from the engines of vehicles was heard from the canyon trail.

“They’re coming…”

Minerva muttered as she adjusted her scope from the watchtower… “Fourteen squads. Heavy units in front. Siege Crawlers behind. Just like the reports…”

Shane and the others were also observing the situation. They were still too far from the turrets and other defensive structures, but they were about to enter the trap zone.

“Let them walk into it,” he said.

The outer perimeter of Silver Mine Camp had been rigged with traps. Well, since the event had just ended and they barely had the time to create replacements, the traps were not elegant or even high-tech.

They were just crude, effective deterrents built from wood, rope, stones, and other scavenged debris. They were meant for zombies. But today, they’d serve a different purpose.

At this time, the soldiers or survivors had already left their Armored Vehicles since they could be bombarded at any time soon. They were approaching the enemy’s firing range after all, so they had to be in a position to use their Skills or Talent to protect themselves.

Then, as the first squad advanced, a tripwire snapped…

Thud!

A pit opened beneath one of the vanguards as he crashed into a shallow trench lined with broken planks and rusted nails.

Well, with his current level and set of Epic Equipment, he wasn’t really injured.

He even used his Jump Skill and easily climbed up…

“Tsk… Annoying…” The man said as he patted his dirtied clothes.

The traps weren’t doing anything at all.