Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

Whom~

The portal rippled like water around Ezekiel and his nineteen companions as they stepped through the gate.

Similar to everyone’s experience, the world blurred around them before their surroundings solidified into the Portal Hall’s chamber within the Eclipse Domain.

”We’re here...” Ezekiel muttered as he immediately felt the difference in the atmosphere within this Shelter.

One of the guards waiting within the chamber immediately stepped forward. ”Honored Priests, please follow us. We’re here to guide you to your quarters... and to the temple.”

”Mhmm... Alright. Please take care of us.”

It didn’t take long before they were guided out by the guards.

As soon as they got out, the priests gasped softly, their eyes widening at the sight before them. They had a similar reaction to Natalie when she first came here.

As a matter of fact, everyone was!

This was especially true for these Priests who had been previously deployed in battle and many expeditions, as they entered so many Shelters already.

Neutral Shelters, Allied Shelters, Clan Shelters, and even Enemy Shelters! They had entered various shelters over the past year and they couldn’t count it anymore...

Still, unlike the shelters they had known, Eclipse Domain was a fortress of modernity and power.

”This is such a powerful shelter...”

”So this is a rank 1 Clan...”

”No wonder it’s expensive to even live here.”

The priests had various reactions as they saw the towering layer of walls with automated turrets.

They also found the mysterious spirit cannons that were said to be capable of injuring even the Zombie Lords.

Furthermore, they were quite shocked to see patrols of elves move with their bows glowing with enchantments.

It didn’t end there, they noticed the super soldiers in black armor marching in formation, while androids, or those Warden Units, also scanned the streets from time to time...

Lastly, in the far edge of the shelter, they noticed the towering Mech Frames or Aegies Mechs on standby!

”Anyone trying to go against this Clan is foolish...” Ezekiel muttered as he recalled the Overlord Clan and the Phoenix Phalanx Clan.

Those two were just too idiotic to oppose Shane.

Thankfully, their Clan Leader, Natalie, was smart enough to know who to ally with.

”I’d like to look around for some time...” Ezekiel muttered as he felt a chill of awe.

This was no ordinary shelter struggling against zombies.

This was a full-blown citadel, a domain that was no longer worrying about the swarm of Zombies!

Clank...

His mechanical foot clicked softly against the polished stone.

Even their roads were made of incredible stones! There was almost no dirt around!

Without a doubt, there were serious caretakers or maintenance crews, ensuring the cleanliness of this place.

”This place... It’s impressive. I’ve never seen a shelter like this.” Ezekiel muttered.

”Incredible...” The other priests murmured in agreement.

”Right... That obelisk over there... It’s definitely something incredible.”

”That’s true... Also those statues...”

Soon, another set of guards with different uniforms came forward to greet them. Well, they were also huge and equipped with simple but powerful weapons.

They were Super Soldiers!

”Welcome,” one said with a huge smile on his face.

”You are the priests from Smart Haven Shelter. Follow us.”

Led through the streets, Ezekiel and his team passed survivors who looked healthier, stronger, and more confident than most they had seen elsewhere.

Similar to what Natalie described to them, the markets bustled, there were some children as well, and yet everywhere there was the unmistakable presence of defense... soldiers, machines, and barrier generators etched into the walls.

Soon, they reached the temple at the heart of Eclipse Domain.

Its architecture was simple, but it was definitely enchanted...

It was also built of stone and wood...

Inside, they immediately noticed that the air was different...

It felt cleaner, as if filled with the scent of incense.

”It’s here...” Ezekiel muttered as he saw rows of monks sitting in meditation,

He also noticed that their breathing was synchronized and seemed to be pulling in a kind of power they could not see with their naked eye.

At this time, Brother Arthis finally rose from among them.

His presence was not overwhelming, but his build was definitely similar to those gladiators Ezekiel had seen before.

Arthis then bowed slightly with his staff in hand. ”Welcome, priests of Smart Haven. I am Brother Arthis. You have come to learn, yes?”

Ezekiel stepped forward, bowing in return. ”Yes, I’m Ezekiel, Brother Arthis. We are honored to be here.”

Arthis studied him for a moment, then nodded. ”I hope this works... Please rest for now... Tomorrow, we will begin.”

The priests exchanged glances and nodded.

They had expected immediate training, but Arthis’s words made sense. They had to be patient now since that was something that the monks practiced in order to learn Aura.

For now, they were guided to their quarters within the temple...

Aside from a simple bed, there was also a table, a shelf, and other basic necessities like clothes. Ezekiel found it all reasonable.

”I can live with this...” He muttered.

***

The group of priests had soon settled themselves in the quarters of the temple...

Ezekiel and his nineteen companions finally felt comfortable as they rested and talked about various things...

Still, after six hours had passed in silence, something unexpected happened.

Without warning, every priest stiffened.

A faint chime rang in their minds... It was the unmistakable tone of a System notification.

[ Ding! ]

[ The resonance of three statues has recognized your presence. Effects will now be applied. ]

Lines of text unfolded before their eyes, glowing faintly in the air.

Ezekiel blinked as he saw this.

’Those statues... I knew it... They had some effects and it seems like we need six hours to stay in its range to take effect.

[ Statue of Discipline: Focus of the Warrior

Mental clarity increased by 15%.

Concentration during meditation improved.

Resistance to distraction heightened. ]

[ Statue of Endurance: Spirit of the Guardian

Soul Force strengthened by 12%.

Stamina recovery accelerated.

Emotional resilience boosted. ]

[ Statue of Resolve: Edge of the Ascetic

Spirit Energy circulation efficiency increased by 10%.

Mental fatigue reduced.

Willpower against external pressure enhanced. ]

The priests exchanged startled glances. ”Buffs...?” one whispered. ”From statues? Furthermore, all effects last for six hours! It didn’t matter if we leave the shelter!”

Ezekiel’s mechanical foot tapped against the stone floor as he read the notifications again.

These weren’t ordinary blessings.

They were passive effects made by the statues he had seen around.

”This is one of Eclipse Domain’s secrets,” Ezekiel muttered. ”Natalie was right... This place is extraordinary.”

The priests felt the difference almost immediately.

Their minds or perhaps their thoughts became clearer. Meditation became easier, as if the fog of fatigue had been lifted.

Their spirits felt stronger as well!

Yet none of them mistook this for mastery of Aura.

The statues did not grant power directly... they only prepared the mind and spirit, laying the foundation for discipline to learn their Aura!

Still, the realization filled them with awe.

”Eclipse Domain... No-Eclipse Revanant Clan is amazing.”

”If this is what we feel just by staying here,” one priest whispered, ”what will tomorrow’s training be like?”

Ezekiel smiled faintly. ”Patience. Let’s rest for now...

The next morning, the temple bells rang softly, summoning both monks and priests to the courtyard.

Brother Arthis stood at the center with staff in hand...

Meanwhile, the monks gathered behind him, silent as stone... It was at this point that Ezekiel and his companions approached, bowing respectfully.

Arthis gestured toward three towering statues at the edge of the courtyard.

Each was carved from Spirit Stone...

They were faceless figures of warriors standing in various poses...

Of course, their forms were simple yet imposing. They had broad shoulders, clenched fists, and stances that monks used...

It was made by Shane’s best sculptor, of course.

”These things will help you with your study...” Arthis said.

The priests turned to look, and as their eyes fell upon the faceless warriors, another wave of notifications appeared.

[ Ding! ]

[ Statue of Discipline: Focus of the Warrior - Active ]

[ Statue of Endurance: Spirit of the Guardian - Active ]

[ Statue of Resolve: Edge of the Ascetic - Active ]

The priests nodded as they confirmed the effects.

Ezekiel’s gaze lingered on the statues. He could feel their presence, not as divine idols, but as anchors of Aura.

Arthis then continued, ”You probably noticed by now but these statues do not teach Aura. They do not grant strength. They clear your mind, strengthen the spirit, and harden your soul... Without these, Aura will be difficult to master at your current old age.”

One of the younger priests raised a hand hesitantly. ”Brother Arthis... why faceless figures? Why not gods, or heroes?”

Arthis looked amused.

”Because Aura belongs to no god, no hero. It is life itself. The faceless warriors remind us that discipline is universal. Anyone may walk this path, if they have the will.”

The priests nodded as he realized the situation...

Ezekiel stepped forward, bowing his head. ”We felt the effects last night. It was unlike anything we’ve known. It felt as if we can learn anything.”

Arthis inclined his head. ”Good. That is the statues’ purpose. But do not mistake clarity for mastery. Aura requires long practice to learn. These statues only open the door. You must walk through it yourselves