Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

Jaxon agreed with Kael. ”You’re right. That’s not just a guard. It’s an alarm system. If that thing screams, the whole shelter will know we’re here.”

The squad crouched in the shadows, weighing their options.

The outpost was small, but the presence of the Siren Zombie made it far more dangerous than a simple patrol station. Five Phoenix Phalanx guards could be handled quietly, but the creature was another matter.

Kael whispered, ”We need to pass without being noticed. If we fight here, the Siren will alert the entire fortress...”

Jaxon shook his head. ”Impossible. Look at the terrain... There are too many traps hidden, and barrier generators were also installed. How about we silence it before it has the chance to scream?”

”That will defeat the purpose of infiltrating the enemy’s vicinity and gathering information silently...” Kael answered.

”It’s fine... If we kill all of them, I have a Zombie Recruitment Stones here... I’ll just summon some Zombies and make it look like they’re all annihilated by some Zombies.”

The Super Soldiers exchanged looks. Although it seemed to be a good idea, it would be very difficult to achieve.

After some considerations, Kael finally agreed...

Soon, the group spread out, moving with the silence granted by their Stealth Talismans.

Of course, Fiona’s rats scurried ahead, slipping through the undergrowth... Their tiny bodies were also invisible to the guards, so they were perfect creatures to gather information.

Soon, one rat climbed the post where the Siren Zombie was chained, its whiskers twitched as Fiona studied the bindings.

Then, she informed Kael and the others through the chat.

[ Fiona: The chains are cursed iron. If you break them, the Siren will thrash. Don’t break them unless its dead. ]

Kael nodded, whispering to Jaxon. ”We’ll need to strike fast. One mistake, and it screams.”

The squad crept closer. The guards were relaxed, chatting in low voices, unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows.

The Siren Zombie’s pale eyes scanned the forest...

Then, its head snapped toward them.

Kael froze. ”Damn. It saw us.”

The creature’s chest swelled, its throat was vibrating as it prepared to unleash its shriek!

Jaxon moved instantly.

He lunged forward and smashed it mouth with a shield he had prepared!

Accck!

At the same time, one of the Super Soldiers drove a dagger into its throat, twisting hard! The gag muffled the sound, and the cursed iron chains rattled as the creature convulsed!

The Siren thrashed violently, but Jaxon’s grip was strong! ”Hold it down!”

Two more Super Soldiers pinned its arms and legs, their strength overwhelming the weakened zombie. Kael jammed a second gag into its mouth, reinforced with Aya’s talisman, sealing its voice completely!

The creature’s eyes bulged, glowing faintly, but no sound escaped.

Within seconds, its body went limp, silenced forever.

[ You have eliminated a Siren Zombie. ]

”Nice!”

The guards turned at the commotion, but they didn’t have time to react.

Kael raised his rifle, firing a suppressed shot that dropped the first guard instantly.

Bang!

Jaxon spun, striking another across the throat...

The Super Soldiers didn’t give them time as they also charged forward, their movements swift and lethal.

One guard tried to shout, but a rat darted across his boot, distracting him just long enough for a blade to pierce his chest.

Thud!

Another swung his weapon, only to be tackled and slammed into the ground by one of the super soldiers...

From that, his skull cracked against the stone.

The last guard raised his gun, but unfortunately for him, Kael was already there. He twisted the weapon aside and drove his elbow into the man’s jaw, sending him to the ground!

A Super Soldier then finished him with a crushing stomp.

Thud!

It was over in seconds.

The outpost was silent once again!

Jaxon exhaled slowly, wiping blood from his hand. ”No alarms... or screams made, right? We’re clear.”

Kael nodded, scanning the perimeter. ”Good. But this was just the first outpost. Ghoul Shelter will have more defenses ahead.”

The Super Soldiers regrouped...

Since none of them was tired, they knew that they just had to continue on their way.

Soon, Fiona’s rats scurried back to their shoulders.

[ Fiona: Well done. The path ahead is clear for now. But I’m detecting more people deeper in the forest. Stronger ones. You’ll need to be careful. ]

Kael read the message and nodded with a faint smile. ”We’ll move. But if every outpost has something like this, we’ll need to adjust our plans.”

Jaxon agreed, his hand brushing the deck of cards at his side. ”Let’s keep going. Fiona, guide us. We need to reach the fortress as quickly as possible.”

Of course, before leaving, they erased all traces of their presence. Jaxon pulled out three Zombie Recruitment Stones, each glowing faintly in his palm. He crushed them one by one, summoning creatures from the ether.

A Spitter Zombie emerged first with its corrosive saliva dripping to the ground. Then came a Fire Zombie, its body was still flickering with embers that could probably destroy the whole outpost...

Finally, a Jumper Zombie appeared. It was quite a weak Zombie but in this forest, it could become terrifying as it could move swiftly through the branches.

The three zombies moved, drawn by instinct. Within moments, they began tearing into the fallen guards, gnawing flesh and scattering remains. The Siren Zombie’s body was even desecrated, even without their instruction

Kael watched grimly. ”Good. If anyone finds this place, they’ll think the outpost was overrun by wandering zombies.”

Jaxon chuckled. ”No one will suspect us. By the time Phoenix Phalanx investigates, we’ll already be deeper inside.”

The squad didn’t stay for long. With the cover established, they slipped back into the forest...

***

They moved silently with talismans cloaking their presence as Fiona’s rats guided them through the dense forest.

Hours passed, and soon, the presence of people became stronger.

Then, Kael raised his hand. ”There.”

Through the thick canopy, the trees parted just enough to reveal a massive silhouette in the distance.

The Ghoul Shelter.

The squad crouched low as the fortress came into view. It wasn’t just a shelter for sure... it was a war citadel.

High walls of black alloy and stone surrounded the compound.

Watchtowers rose at intervals with archers and spotters as well.

Needless to say, barrier generators pulsed along the perimeter.

Cannons and turrets lined the walls, and they seemed to be moving as if searching for intruders.

But what made Kael’s breath catch wasn’t the defenses of steel and stone.

Circling the entire shelter, chained to the walls like living sentries, were Armored Tyrant Zombies!

Kael’s eyes widened. ”What the heck...?”

Jaxon nodded as he lowered his tone... He was almost incredulous. ”They really have a thing for chained zombies. First the Siren, now this.”

One of the Super Soldiers muttered, ”Maybe they’ve got someone in their clan who can bind these monsters into obedience. No ordinary handler could keep Tyrants under control.”

Kael grimaced. ”That wouldn’t surprise me. Phoenix Phalanx has always relied on cruelty and control. If they’ve mastered binding techniques, it explains why they’re confident enough to leash siege‑class zombies to their walls.”

Jaxon helplessly smiled. ”That’s true... However, infiltrating it with my tools isn’t possible then... We really have to rely on these rats.”

Apparently, he was also guessing that this was the reason why they were confident to offend Shane, the Rank 1 Survivor.

After all, they have Armored Tyrants that were massive, towering over the guards... They must be feeling confident to have these as their defenders.

Although shackles bound their limbs, their movements remained smooth as they patrolled the perimeter like beasts on a leash.

The Super Soldiers exchanged uneasy glances.

Even they knew Armored Tyrant Zombies were nightmares in battle. To see dozens of them chained and circling the walls like watchdogs was indeed beyond expectation.

Fiona’s rats twitched nervously on their shoulders, sensing the aura of the creatures.

[ Fiona: I’ve never seen Tyrants used like this. They’re bound to the wall with cursed chains. If anyone approaches, they’ll sense it instantly. Let me try something. ]

Kael exhaled slowly. ”This is a High-Ranking Clan’s Shelter after all. This is Alexander’s fortress. It’s no wonder they’re confident.”

For some time, the squad remained hidden, observing the defenses.

Soon, Jaxon whispered, ”We can’t just storm this place. Even Lysandra’s convoy will waste time dealing with this. We just need intel... Fiona, can you send the rats inside without being noticed?”

[ Fiona: I’ll infiltrate slowly. The barriers are strong, but small creatures can pass. I’ll map the interior, locate the laboratories, and confirm Roan’s position. Stay hidden until I report back. ]

The nine rats scurried down from their shoulders, darting into the scrubs...

Fiona’s control was perfect as she guided them toward cracks in the wards and gaps in the walls.

After careful movements, the creatures soon slipped past patrols with their tiny bodies invisible to the guards.

Kael nodded. ”Good. We’ll hold here. Don’t risk detection.”

The squad crouched in silence, watching as the rats vanished into the fortress shadows.