Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

The recruits froze when Shane called them over. They had been hammering beams into place for the foundation of their new warehouse... Sweat dripping down their brows, when Shane suddenly called out for them...

”Gather around. We have a visitor.”

Confused, the ten Super Soldiers exchanged wary glances.

Visitors? Out here? In the apocalypse?

Then they saw him. A lone figure slowly walked toward the outpost, carrying a massive backpack that looked three times his size.

The pack bulged with supplies, its straps were already biting into his shoulders, but the man walked like it was very normal.

The recruits instinctively reached for their weapons, but Shane raised a hand. ”Relax. He’s a merchant. They’re normal. I’ve had plenty visit my other shelters.”

The recruits blinked in disbelief. ”Merchants? Traveling around like that?”

They were all surprised...

To them, the idea of a wandering merchant in this ruined world was strange, almost unbelievable. After all, there were Zombies outside and numerous them...

Their existence was a bit weird, but Shane spoke with such certainty that they trusted him.

Shane smirked. ”Exactly. The System sends them once a shelter is recognized. They bring goods, trade, and sometimes rare items. You’ll get used to it.”

They don’t really understand the ’system’ but they just accepted his explanation.

The merchant set down his enormous pack with a heavy thud.

Dust rose as he straightened, smiling at his customers. ”Greetings, Survivors. I see you’ve built yourselves a fine outpost. I’ve come to offer wares...some common, some rare.”

The merchant was alone, so Shane wasn’t really expecting much. He had seen numerous Merchant Caravans already and knew what they could bring. However, this would be the first time for these new recruits, so after some considerations, Shane planned to give them some pocket money.

Well, he was spoiling them a bit since their situation in this outpost wasn’t that desirable.

Shane was sure that no one in the Eclipse Domain, Springriver Manor, Floating Fortress, or New Genesis Shelter would ever want to give up their benefits and live here instead.

Those shelters had laundry services, massage shops, coffee shop, and other services being offered. Furthermore, they had no worries about a Zombie invasion...

On the other hand, these ten Super Soldiers would have to suffer for a long time in order make this place better...

In any case, the merchant, who called himself Rowan, began unpacking, and the recruits’ eyes widened as he revealed the assortment.

Shane also checked the items to ensure that Rowan was giving a fair price...

[ Zombie Lures: Strange crystalline shards that emit a strange smell. When activated, they draw zombies toward a chosen point. Price: 40 Zombie Cores. ]

’Hmm?’ Shane thought that this was a bit too expensive... However, considering that it was no longer the same as before, there might be an inflation, so he didn’t mind too much since the increase was only about 30%.

The man was also traveling alone, so there must be a hazard fee or something. Furthermore, the merchant wasn’t actually asking for a trade or gold coins. He just stayed at the typical currency which he was more than happy to use.

Anyway, Shane looked at the other herbs, and of course, he wasn’t looking at some kind of system notification but actually notes from the merchant himself written on small papers.

[ Frostleaf Herb: A pale, mint-like leaf that cools the body when brewed. Restores stamina and reduces fatigue after long labor. Price: 25 Zombie Cores. ]

[ Ironroot Stem: A tough, fibrous root chewed raw to strengthen endurance, especially during the night workout with a partner. Survivors use it to keep working through exhaustion. Price: 80 Zombie Cores. ]

[ Emberflower Petals: Dried petals with a spicy taste. When steeped in hot water, they boost alertness and sharpen focus. Price: 10 Zombie Cores. ]

[ Stonecap Mushroom: A hardy fungus that grows in mysterious rocks. Restores vigor and slightly increases resistance to disease when eaten. Price: 7 Zombie Cores. ]

Shane wasn’t exactly sure about these herbs, but they seemed alright...

This time, Shane finally noticed that his people were looking a bit awkward since they had no money or Zombie Cores at all.

With that in consideration, Shane quickly gave them a pouch of Zombie Cores.

”It has 500 Zombie Cores... Your bonus...” He said as he still felt bad about these ten. After all, he would soon leave this place, and the ten of them had to stay here and continue protecting this fishing zone.

”Whoa!”

”Thank you, Boss!”

”Awesome!”

”Let’s spend it wisely!”

”You’re not in a hurry, right? Sir merchant?”

The recruits asked.

”Of course... If possible, I’d like to stay here for a day.” Rowan replied.

Just like that, the group continued checking the items.

There were also some vials of red medicines...

As they thought that it was a healing potion since it was called Vigorous Medicine, the merchant quickly explained what they could do with it during a night with their partners...

His eyes turned toward Misha as he mentioned this, earning a few awkward coughs from her companions.

Well, she was the only woman here, after all.

Anyway, there were also casual clothes like simple shirts, trousers, and cloaks... Nothing fancy, but clean and comfortable.

Furthermore, there were also some daily essentials like nailcutters, combs, soap bars, sewing kits, and even mirrors. The recruits stared at these items as if they were treasures...

”Soap... real soap!” one exclaimed, grabbing a bar and sniffing it.

”This is awesome...”

”Whoa... I like the smell.”

That soap would truly be helpful, and there was no need to even question that.

There were also some preserved foods like dried meat, salted fish, and packets of grain.

”You’re carrying a lot.” Misha muttered as she looked at the cooking utensils. There were pots, pans, ladles, and knives...

As for the medicinal supplies like bandages, antiseptic powder, and pain‑relief pills, there weren’t a lot of them. After all, most of the time, getting injured by a Zombie means turning into one.

There wouldn’t really be a need for such a heavy kit...

However, a mysterious item suddenly caught everyone’s attention, even Shane himself had to take a closer look.