Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

Capítulo 974: Every Five Days

Several days after Shane’s talk with Eugene, the sea remained quiet…

There were no more attacks that came from the depths, and Blue Haven was able to grow steadily. Within a month, the shelter had transformed from a bare coastline into a thriving settlement. The population had risen to 1,300 survivors, and the place now had the feel of a true city.

Needless to say, with the Portal being open to about 100 people coming in or out of the shelter, the businesses sprang up quickly.

Blacksmiths hammered steel in newly built forges, tailors repaired clothing, and alchemists or physicians sold medicines and even some potions to help people live in the sea.

Food stalls lined the inner streets, offering roasted fish, bread, and stews…

After all, with Shane’s collection of fish, he was able to establish a small unit that would start a fish farm…

Furthermore, the dockyard was already completed, and Shane’s fleet of six ships rested proudly in the harbor, each serving a role…

They were either patrol, cargo, defense, or exploration-type ships.

The sight of seaworthy vessels gave Blue Haven an aura of strength that few shelters could match.

Then, for Lawrence and Shania, life had changed completely.

Their two-bedroom unit in the villa had become a true home. Electricity, running water, and the balcony overlooking the sea were luxuries they had never imagined after the Silver Mine Camp.

Furthermore, nights were quiet now, without the constant noise of families crammed into tents. They even liked the sound of the sea waves from afar…

“I’m off to work…” Lawrence said as he left the unit.

Lawrence’s work as a bricklayer was valued more than ever. He had become one of the foreman’s trusted men, often leading small teams to reinforce walls and housing blocks.

His experience from the mines and Springriver made him reliable, and younger workers looked to him for guidance. Indeed, he had somewhat become a team leader already.

He took pride in seeing the shelter rise brick by brick, knowing his hands were shaping the foundations of Blue Haven.

Shania’s life also improved just as much.

In the kitchens, she had become Alexa’s right hand.

Her soups and stews were known among the workers for being filling and comforting, and she often experimented with new recipes when fresh fish or vegetables arrived from the docks.

As a matter of fact, Survivors began to recognize her face, and children especially flocked to her when she served warm bread.

Together, their evenings were no longer filled with doubts about their future…

They could sit on their balcony, watching the ships in the harbor, and talk about the future…

***

Suddenly, gray fog rolled across the coastline, swallowing the walls of Blue Haven until the entire shelter was hidden from view.

Lawrence, who was laying bricks near the outer wall, froze while he was working…

“This is…” He had seen this phenomenon before. Every five days, the fog would appear, signaling the arrival of a new individual drawn by Shane’s mysterious talent.

But this time was different. The fog wasn’t confined to the gates or a small section of the wall. It engulfed the entire shelter. He could tell that it was thick and heavy, as if struggling to pull something immense into reality.

It felt as if it was about to start a storm as sparks of lightning appeared within the mist…

Workers stopped what they were doing, staring in awe… and a bit of fear.

‘This one looks strong…’ Lawrence’s heart pounded.

‘The larger the fog, the stronger the one who comes…’

He had noticed the pattern over the past month, so he knew that this was no ordinary arrival.

When the fog finally thinned, a lone figure stood outside the gates.

His clothes were worn, patched with leather… Though he didn’t seem like a strong warrior, Lawrence could tell that he was extraordinary in whatever field he had taken…

Lawrence felt like he was looking at someone who had lived through storms and wars.

Since Shane and Tundra were absent, Fiona stepped forward onto the ramparts.

Her presence silenced the crowd.

Over the past month, everyone knew about her already…

She was beautiful yet intimidating, she was known for her eerie talent… The ability to command swarms of rats. Rumors said that she might be Shane’s lover, though no one dared ask.

“Hello, Survivor… Congratulations. You reached our shelter. May I ask for your name?” Fiona’s voice rang out. This was her first time greeting a recruited individual by Shane’s talent, so she felt a bit overwhelmed seeing how huge the fog was.

This guy might even be stronger than her!

The man lifted his head and looked at Fiona… “I’m Vasco.”

Lawrence, standing nearby, listened closely.

“Vasco? I’m Fiona… A caretaker of this place… Tell me more about yourself. I’m curious why your entrance was big.”

Vasco’s gaze drifted across the walls, the ships in the harbor, and the bustling workers. His expression was unreadable, but when he spoke again, he seemed to be quite happy to be here.

“I was a shipbuilder… once, Miss Fiona. I built vessels for merchants, warlords, even kings before the world fell apart. My hands created many ships that crossed oceans. But when the infection spread, the seas became dangerous… I was cornered in a drydock, surrounded by zombies. I remember their claws reaching for me… and then the fog came to save me…”

Fiona was still unsure why the fog reacted that much if he was only a shipbuilder. She was a bit confused.

Nonetheless, she didn’t stop him and allowed him to continue sharing his story.

“The fog swallowed me whole. I thought I was dead. But instead of death, I drifted… I don’t know how long… days, years, decades? Time meant nothing inside that mist. When it released me, I found myself here after hearing a few words from the fog, telling me about the situation of the world.”

The survivors on the walls exchanged curious glances… They couldn’t help but think that there was more to it.