Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

Natalie smiled faintly…

”It was a smooth transfer. I apologize for arriving unannounced. I heard the barrels of crude oil would be delivered to this shelter, so I thought it best to accompany them. I’ve always wanted to see this place for myself.”

She then paused for a moment to observe the woman in front of her before recognizing her.

”You’re Jillian, aren’t you? I heard a lot of things about you from Travis. That man really liked your voice.” Natalie said to the graceful woman in front of her.

Jillian didn’t expect the sudden compliment from a powerful Clan Leader who had a huge influence on the continent.

However, she immediately recovered and smiled.

”Thank you for the praise… I think it’s all because of my System Talent. I didn’t have this angelic voice back on Earth.”

”Haha… You’re too humble. I don’t really have any pressing matters. I just want to look around for now. Is that alright?”

Jillian’s smile widened. ”Of course… Please, allow me to escort you. The entertainment district may not compare to the halls of New Haven, but I assure you, it has its charms.”

Just like that, the two started being friendly with each other.

As they walked, Natalie’s eyes roamed across the shelter.

She noted the discipline of the guards, the orderliness of the streets, and the confidence of the people.

This was no ordinary shelter. It was a domain built on strength, wealth, and vision.

Before building this place, Shane had definitely envisioned its bright future… Furthermore, Shane definitely had an incredible architect who planned this whole place to become a vast city and not just a fortress.

Furthermore, after seeing so many statues or monuments dedicated to Shane, she could feel that Shane was really loved by his people, even in his absence.

Yet her thoughts returned to the monks…

She had heard a few things about their training method and their ability to channel Aura in ways that defied conventional wisdom.

If she could secure even a fraction of their knowledge, her priests could become something greater… not just healers or spiritual guides, but warriors of faith!

After all, this what they truly lack at this moment.

They may be untouchable against Zombies because of their blessing, but at this moment, most of their opponents were coming from other Survivor Clans who wanted to take their resources!

Many clans wanted their orchards, rice fields, animal farms, and many others…

Because of that, they had to fight more human Survivors than ever!

Soon, Natalie saw the temple where the Monks had gathered, and her eyes lit up…

’Ohhh… So this is it…’ Jillian thought as she saw Natalie’s reaction.

Needless to say, she didn’t believe Natalie about her claiming that she was just here to look around.

Jillian decided to escort her around the shelter and thought that it would take her a few hours to discover her true intention.

She didn’t expect this would be quick…

”You’re curious, right?” she said softly. ”About the monks, perhaps?”

Natalie did not deny it anymore…

”Yes… I’ve heard much about them. I heard you have dozens of monks, each trained in Aura. Well, I wish to see their strength for myself. Perhaps even speak with them.”

Jillian chuckled lightly.

”Ah, the monks. They are indeed remarkable. But their time is precious, I’ll speak with them on your behalf… I believe arrangements can be made. You are, after all, Natalie Cross. And Eclipse Domain values its allies.”

Natalie’s smile deepened.

She knew this was only the beginning. If she could forge ties not only with Eclipse Domain’s food trade but with its monks, the New Haven Clan’s future would shine brighter than ever.

***

Within the Eclipse Domain, while Monk Chaloem was out, the monks were being led by Brother Arthis, one of the fifty or so monks who resided in the temple Shane had built within the shelter.

Arthis was not the strongest among them, nor the most senior, but he embodied the discipline that defined their order.

Every morning before dawn, Arthis rose from his simple mat in the temple dormitory. He washed with cold water, then joined his brothers in silent meditation as the first light of the sun…

Their meditation was, of course, a type of breathing technique as well.

It was also helping with the empowerment of Aura…

Soon, each monk would channel their Aura through a certain rhythm that resonated with everyone’s Aura, and this action helped with their meditation.

After meditation, Arthis’s day began with training.

He practiced the Sunflow Stance, a technique that allowed him to draw Aura into his limbs, strengthening his strikes…

He sparred with fellow monks if there weren’t any Zombie raids.

By midday, Arthis and several others left the temple to patrol the outskirts of Eclipse Domain.

Hunting zombies was part of their daily duty.

Unfortunately, it had been very difficult searching for them over the past few days.

Their numbers were definitely dwindling…

Still, the monks moved in small groups, armed with nothing more than staves and their Aura.

To outsiders, it seemed reckless… fighting mid-tier to high-tier zombies without enchanted weapons or armor.

But the monks relied on their discipline. Aura hardened their bodies, heightened their senses, and allowed them to strike with devastating force.

”Put them all to rest!” Arthis said as his staff easily shattered a zombie’s skull…

Another monk swept his palm across the air, releasing a burst of energy that pushed three zombies at once.

Everyone participated as they put the zombies to rest…

Well, there were only six Zombies this time, so not everyone was able to participate. Still, they could do this every day.

By evening, their patrols ended, and they returned to the temple with calm satisfaction.

Dinner was simple… vegetables grown in Eclipse Domain’s gardens, rice, and herbal tea.

The monks ate in silence, believing that food was fuel, not indulgence.

Afterward, they trained again, practicing Aura circulation until their bodies felt light and their minds clear.

Only then did they rest, ready to repeat the cycle the next day…

This was Arthis’s life… meditation and prayers, followed by training, hunting, and another meditation and prayers. It was a life of simplicity, yet one filled with purpose.

On this particular day, as Arthis was seated in the temple courtyard, Jillian arrived with a guest.

The woman’s presence was striking…

She had an armor glowing faintly with residual lightning…

It was definitely one of those Legendary Items!

She carried herself with elegance, but her eyes were filled with curiosity.

”This is Natalie Cross,” Jillian introduced. ”Clan Leader of New Haven.”

Arthis bowed his head respectfully, as did the other monks nearby.

Although they were mostly within the Temple, Natalie had reached them…

Her fame had spread across the continent as a powerful leader, one who had eliminated many Zombie Lords and, of course, one of Shane’s important trading partners.

Natalie smiled faintly.

”I’ve heard much about you monks. About your Aura, your discipline, and your strength. I wished to see it for myself.”

Arthis spoke softly and could understand Natalie’s purpose... ”Aura is not a weapon, Lady Cross. It is life itself. We train to harmonize with it, to let it flow through us without resistance. That is our strength.”

Natalie’s eyes lit up. ”Fascinating. Can you tell me, how do you manifest it?”

Arthis didn’t hesitate as he explained patiently. It was as if he was expecting this question!

”It’s through our breath, through focus, and discipline. Aura is everywhere... in the air, in the body, in the soul. We circulate it, refine it, and release it when needed. It is not magic, nor a blessing. It is the essence of survival.”

Natalie listened intently and smiled even deeper.

She truly admired their philosophy. But then, she revealed her true intention.

”I want my priests to learn this,” she said firmly. ”Not just me. My priests must be taught how to wield Aura. They are devoted to the Sun God, but devotion alone is not enough. They must become warriors of faith. Do you think that’s possible?”

The monks exchanged glances… Some of them were briefly shaken. It was unexpected.

Outsiders often asked to learn Aura for themselves, but Natalie was asking them to teach others. And they weren’t just simple subordinates but her priests… men and women who worshipped a different god…

Brother Arthis frowned slightly. ”Your priests worship the Sun God… To teach them would mean reshaping… or maybe affecting their faith.”

Natalie’s voice was steady. ”Faith and Aura need not conflict. If they believe the Sun God grants them strength, then Aura can be the manifestation of that strength. I want them to be more than healers. I want them to fight.”

The monks were intrigued. Some whispered among themselves...

Could priests who cast Holy Smite and Blessing Hand truly learn Aura? Could the priest’s faith and the monk’s discipline coexist? It was a question none of them had considered before.