Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

Shane quickly initiated the buying process.

He had many Discount Vouchers in his inventory, and this was the perfect time to use them. Three of the vouchers were 100% discounts, meaning he could claim three of the trees for free. The other vouchers were only a percentage of them...

Still, the best ones were two vouchers that gives 80% discounts, reducing the price drastically.

”This is a huge discount.”

Normally, five Bonsai Trees would have cost him 5,000 Zombie Cores, a staggering amount even for someone like him.

But thanks to the vouchers, he barely spent anything. Three were free, and the other two cost only 400 Zombie Cores each.

Shane chuckled. ”I saved a lot this time... not bad at all.”

He confirmed the purchase, and soon five miniature trees appeared in his inventory.

He then checked them immediately.

’Should I plant them near the World Tree?’ Shane mused as he looked at them.

They were adorable, almost comical in their appearance. Each tree stood no taller than Shane’s forearm, with thick, twisted trunks and lush green leaves shaped like tiny fans.

The branches curled gracefully, and from them hung miniature fruits, no larger than marbles, glowing faintly with vitality.

Every three days, the Bonsai Trees would produce these edible fruits.

Each fruit restored stamina and health, making them invaluable for long journeys or settlements with limited food.

Shane admired them for a moment. ”Cute little things... but powerful.”

He carried them to the mess hall of the Floating Fortress.

The room was vast, lined with long tables and benches where his people gathered to eat and talk. He placed the five Bonsai Trees in the center, arranging them neatly so everyone could see.

The recruits and soldiers nearby paused, staring at the strange plants. Their eyes widened as they noticed the glowing fruits.

”Commander... are those real?” one asked.

They looked like plastic trees after all.

Shane chuckled as he could understand their reaction.

”They’ll bear fruit every three days. Anyone who eats them will recover stamina and health. Consider them a gift to the fortress.”

A murmur of awe spread through the hall.

The Bonsai Trees weren’t just decorations, they were mystical items that could give them food!

Although it would only give them 15 fruits every three days, it wasn’t like they always needed some recovery fruits.

”Can we make some juice out of them? Maybe three fruits for one pitcher?” One of the residents of the previous Waterfall Shelter asked.

”Well, I haven’t tried. But it might work with lesser effects.” Shane replied.

In any case, the fruits would not be the main source of their food. It shouldn’t be a problem if they were just used for seasonings or flavorings of food and drinks.

Still, the crowd didn’t stop there. More voices rose, curiosity spreading like wildfire.

”Commander, can the fruits be dried? Maybe stored for long voyages?” another asked. He was excited at the thought of provisions that wouldn’t spoil.

”What if we plant one near the fortress walls? Would it grow bigger, or stay small?” a younger recruit wondered aloud.

A veteran leaned closer, squinting at the glowing marbles. ”Do they taste sweet, or bitter? If they’re sweet, we could mix them into rations.”

Shane chuckled at their enthusiasm. ”One question at a time. We’ll test them carefully. For now, treat them as medicine, not snacks.”

The recruits nodded...

The Bonsai Trees had already become more than decoration!

***

After setting the trees down, Shane left the mess hall and walked through the corridors of the Floating Fortress. The place was filled with chatter and laughter, his people were in good spirits.

Soon, he was greeted by several of his companions. Katrina was among them, surrounded by her summoned animals. A wolf padded at her side, while a hawk perched on her shoulder. Smaller creatures like rabbits and foxes, darted around her feet...

She was like a movie princess from how she looked.

Still, it was definitely a nice view compared to Fiona’s swarm of rats.

”Shane,” Katrina said warmly, her wolf lowering its head in respect.

”Those elves working on the Mech Frames looked so beautiful... I wonder if I can befriend them...”

Shane thought for a moment before he answered.

”You’ll probably succeed,” Shane said.

”Elves are peaceful by nature. They respect harmony, and they value those who understand it. You already have a bond with animals, that’s something they’ll notice immediately.”

Katrina’s eyes lit up, but Shane raised a hand slightly, tempering her excitement.

”Just don’t rush it,” he continued. ”If you approach them with too much enthusiasm, they might see it as overwhelming. Elves prefer quiet gestures, patience, and respect. Let them come to you. Show them you’re comfortable in their presence, and they’ll open up.”

Katrina nodded slowly, stroking the hawk’s feathers.

She couldn’t help but recall the various books she read about elves... She didn’t think that her dream would be realized in this Zombie World! It seemed that joining Shane was truly the best decision she had ever made!

”Ahem... So... I should let my animals do the talking first?”

Shane chuckled. ”Exactly. Let the wolf sit near them, let the hawk circle overhead. They’ll recognize the bond you share. That’s your strength... not words, but the trust between you and your companions.”

Of course, Shane wasn’t just guessing. He still had his experience in the Fairy Realm after all.

Her fox darted ahead, chasing a rabbit playfully, and Katrina laughed softly.

”I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you, Shane.”

Shane nodded as he looked down the corridor, where the hum of the Floating Fortress echoed. It was as if he were looking at the elves in the hangar.

”Good luck...”

***

Hours passed, and the Floating Fortress started its slow descent.

Outside, the skies cleared, revealing the coastline of Blue Haven Shelter.

Shane stood at the observation deck, gazing at the familiar sight.

Blue Haven had grown rapidly, transforming from a simple settlement with a villa into a bustling port town.

Ships docked along its piers, and banners fluttered in the wind.

But today, there was something new in his sight.

Three ships, larger and sturdier than most, were anchored near the port. Their sails bore the crest of the Ironcrest Clan.

”Just like what Fiona said... They have better ships.”