Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

Eugene didn’t really have many options now that a Survivor Shelter had already been established here.

He had to either eliminate them or make a deal with them. Since Shane was considered the strongest, there was no way he would fight against him who wasn’t even within the Top 100. The only reason he was able to survive till now was because of the unique Physique that allowed him to live underwater after all.

”If you are truly Shane, then I know I cannot win against you in a drawn-out fight... Still, there are only a few safe zones left in this shallow part of the sea where fish can live without being infected by zombies. I control a few of them. With your shelter here, that number drops...”

He gestured toward the waves... ”This coastline... this safe zone... was mine. You’ve taken it.”

Shane finally realized that the man already claimed it. However, there was no marker of Shelter Crystal Core protecting it, so he couldn’t really be blamed. It was Eugene’s fault.

”So you were the one orchestrating the Sea Creature Zombie attacks.”

Sensing the threat in Shane’s voice, Eugene knew that he shouldn’t risk his life...

He knew very well that fellow Survivors are the largest threat next to the Zombies.

Before Shane could even attack, he already spoke...

”Ahem... I will leave you and your shelter alone... but only if you pay me one Legendary Item. That is the price for taking one of my safe zones.”

The waves calmed down as he spoke, as if he were warning Shane that he could also control the calmness of the sea...

Shane hovered silently...

’A demand for tribute? From him?’

To be honest, since his shelter was attacked, he didn’t mind eliminating the man and looting him for a decent Talent or Skill. However, it seemed that this person had a lot of information about the sea.

No one mentioned anything about the Safe Zones or about the situation at sea.

He felt that perhaps he could use this person who had made a single mistake and benefit his whole Clan instead.

Axis, hidden inside his coat, whispered... ”Boss Shane... he’s bargaining. But he knows who you are. He’s afraid... Just kill him.”

Shane’s gaze turned to Axis. He didn’t expect that this Fairy would actually be the one urging him to kill someone. After all, he expected this gentle fairy to ask him to spare the man instead.

***

Shane hovered above the waves for some time with his gaze focused on Eugene. He could have ended this confrontation with a single strike, but instead, he chose a different path.

”You want a Legendary Item?” Shane asked calmly. ”I can give you more than that... if you join my Clan.”

Eugene didn’t expect an invitation after what he had done... ”Join you?”

”Yes,” Shane continued. ”If you stand with me, you’ll enjoy benefits you could never achieve alone. Tasty food prepared daily, not scraps scavenged from the sea. A shelter that can withstand hordes of zombies... I even have a Floating Fortress, a flying island that would come here in a few weeks. I also have strong allies... More than 15 of them are within the Top 100 Survivors... I have potions and serums that can fight against zombie infection, crafted by our alchemists. Access to Spirit Stones, rare materials, and equipment. Even some special training grounds where you can sharpen your talents further.”

He paused, letting the words sink in. ”With me, I guarantee that you’ll thrive and grow stronger...”

For a moment, Eugene seemed tempted. He started imagining the warmth of food and the protection of walls. But then he shook his head.

”I don’t have plans to go on land,” Eugene replied firmly. ”The sea is my domain. I can sustain myself here, and I can protect myself. I don’t need your shelter, nor your allies. I only need what is mine.”

Shane wryly smiled. He tried.

”So you refuse.”

Eugene nodded. ”I will not join you. But I will promise this... once again... if you give me one Legendary Item, I will leave you and your shelter alone. I will not bother you again, and I can even warn you if a storm is coming.”

Shane sighed. He didn’t like the idea of paying tribute, but he also knew Eugene had knowledge of the sea that no one else had shared. That information could be invaluable.

Slowly, Shane reached into his inventory and drew out a weapon. It was a shining silver blade.

[ Prime Silver Sword (Legendary) ]

Well, it was Silver Sword that got luckily upgraded to Legendary. Its value was high, but it was fine to give away.

After all, it started as an Uncommon Item. Upgrading from Uncommon to Legendary was difficult and required plenty of tries compared to an Epic to Legendary upgrade. However, thanks to his Luck, Shane didn’t spend too many Item Upgrade Crystals for this sword.

Of course, Eugene’s eyes widened slightly at the sight, but Shane didn’t hand it over immediately.

”Before I give this to you, tell me about the situation in the sea. About these Safe Zones you mentioned. I want details.”

Eugene smirked. ”Information has its price. Fifty Spirit Stones.”

Shane let out a wry smile. ”You’re pushing it... But fine. Fifty Spirit Stones.”

But before completing the trade, Shane reached into his inventory... This time, he pulled out a glass bottle. Inside was a miniature ship, perfectly detailed, glowing faintly with stored energy.

Well, he took it out since his Flight Skill wasn’t unlimited. The duration would soon run out, so instead of swimming near Eugene while talking...

He decided to summon something where he could land comfortably!

Still, Eugene just frowned, curious at his action.

Soon, Shane uncorked the bottle. Then, a surge of light burst forth, and in an instant, the miniature expanded into reality.

The waves parted as an impressive vessel materialized! It was the ship Shane bought in the Mariner’s Vault for 30,000 System Points, the Coastal Runner Ship!