Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

The next morning, Asad left the open field and blended in slowly within the shelter. He walked among the survivors and started listening to their chatter, watching how they live here so confidently despite the apocalypse.

Indeed, despite the looming threats of zombies, vampires, and dragon armies, this place felt different. There were no patrolling guards every few minutes, there was music, even banners being hung across the streets.

Because of the upcoming Martial Arts Tournament, it was like a festival here...

At first, Asad thought it absurd. A celebration in the middle of a world consumed by death?

But as he observed, he began to understand.

The Celestial Circle Clan had something not many shelters possessed... absolute protection.

As he slowly gathered information, he heard rumors whispered through the tavern that the entire settlement could vanish into a mysterious fog, shielding itself from outside enemies.

Some claimed the fog was more than camouflage, that the shelter itself could move, teleporting away from danger.

’That’s incredible if it’s true... But I wonder why this isn’t a popular topic in the Regional and World Chat.’

Asad thought as he realized that aside from Shane’s Floating Fortress and his New Genesis Shelter, which was basically a city made of iron, other shelters had their own uniqueness, too.

’I guess they wouldn’t be in the top rankings if they’re not special, huh.’

Of course, Asad wasn’t sure if he believed such claims from these survivors, but the confidence of the people was undeniable. They weren’t reckless... they were secure.

Secure enough to host a Martial Arts Tournament in two days, turning survival into spectacle.

***

That evening, Asad sat in the tavern, a mug of watered ale in his hand, listening to the conversations around him.

Survivors spoke of the tournament with excitement. ”The Lord himself decreed it,” one man said, slamming his fist on the table.

”It’s not just for entertainment. The top three will be granted rewards directly tied to the future of this shelter.”

Another one nodded, but he was lowering his voice. ”The reason will only be revealed to the top three. But everyone knows the prizes. First place gets Gate Stones, Skill Scrolls, and a fortune in cores. Second place gets resources and rare crafting materials. Third place still earns recognition and supplies.”

”Yes... I heard that with those stones, you can learn skills related to Spatial Magic or something.”

”No... I think that’s only used for making gates to the void or something.”

”I heard differently. I thought it was connected to the outer world. The connection was fixed, and someone just had to open it.”

”Well, we can just ask the champion what it is after the tournament.”

”As if they would give you an answer. Information is critical... you would have to pay a huge price for that to happen.”

Asad’s eyes narrowed slightly.

So that was the truth.

As expected, the Gate Stones here weren’t hidden in some storage vault or being used right now... they were being offered as a prize.

Clever. It ensured only the strongest, most disciplined fighters could claim them. But there was definitely a catch. He couldn’t believe that the Gate Stones would be given so easily to the champion.

Anyway, he had to win first...

He smirked faintly, finishing his drink. ”Interesting,” he muttered.

Soon, he learned a few more things before the event.

The rules were simple.

No weapons. No blades, no bows, no firearms.

You’re only allowed to use fists, kicks, grapples, and raw combat techniques.

Magic and artifacts could be used, but only to enhance the body... not to summon armies or unleash destructive spells. It was a test of physical mastery, not battlefield dominance.

For a Necromancer, this was unusual.

His strength lay in commanding the dead, creating spells of decay and domination... even using Curses and Poison wouldn’t be surprising for him.

”I guess I have to adjust a bit.” He muttered.

Anyway, Asad was no ordinary Necromancer. He had trained his body alongside his craft, knowing that in the apocalypse, versatility was survival.

The next day, he registered to be part of the event.

The clerk eyed him skeptically, but when he placed 100 Zombie Cores on the counter, the fee was accepted without question.

His name was written down, and he was given a token marking his participation.

Asad tucked it away, his mind already considering how to win this...

Two days from now, he would stand in the arena, not as a Necromancer commanding legions, but as a fighter proving his worth with his own hands.

’But I thought Shane would come after I sent him a message...’

Asad mused as he didn’t sense Shane’s presence at all. Well, Shane needed the Gate Stones the most, and he thought that if he mentioned it would be in the tournament prize, he would rush here...

’Anyway... I just have to win this. I’ll definitely ask him for several more Skill Infused Tokens and maybe borrow that Fivefold Looting artifact or something.’ Asad thought as he failed to find Shane.

The man was probably busy elsewhere.

Still, after his registration outside the arena, he stepped back into the streets where lanterns glowed and music played.

The festival was in full swing, a few children were present with some merchants selling food, and warriors trying to show off their skills in front of beautiful women...

It was surreal... This place didn’t seem like facing the Apocalypse at all.

At this time, Asad walked quietly, intending to borrow a safe space where he could practice a bit of his combat skills.

”I should find a sparring partner to test my skills... Hmm... Should I summon one Undead Monk?” Asad mused as he decided to rent a private training ground.

***

The following evening, a new traveler arrived at the gates of the Celestial Circle shelter.

His clothes were worn, his boots caked with mud, but his steps were steady.

After paying the entry fee, he was immediately inspected by the medic team. They checked his blood, his aura, and his body for signs of vampiric corruption or zombie infection.

When the results came back clear, the guards finally lowered their weapons.

The man introduced himself simply... Hanes.

He didn’t linger in the open camp or wander the streets.

Instead, he went straight to the registration hall, where the tournament clerks were busy recording names and collecting fees.

Without hesitation, Hanes placed his payment... a pouch of zombie cores, onto the counter.

His name was written down, and he was handed a token of participation.

”Tomorrow, you’ll learn more about the seeding,” the clerk explained. Hanes nodded, pocketing the token.

As he left the hall, he caught sight of a familiar figure.

Across the street, Asad was heading toward the training grounds, with his cloak drawn tight...

Hanes recognized him instantly but chose not to approach. Instead, he turned away, deciding to familiarize himself with the shelter.

”I wonder what this lord is thinking, giving up those Gate Stones...” Hanes muttered under his breath. ”I’m sure they know how to use them.”

The streets were alive with festival energy.

Lanterns glowed, music played, and vendors sold steaming food to eager crowds.

Hanes walked quietly, absorbing the atmosphere... Still, he knew that this wasn’t just a celebration... it was a test, and the rewards were far too valuable to be given away without reason.

The next day, the tournament finally began.

***

Crowds gathered in the central arena, a massive stone circle...

The stands were packed with survivors, merchants, and warriors, all eager to witness the spectacle. Banners of silver and blue hung proudly...

Soon, the announcer’s voice could be heard across the arena.

”Welcome, challengers and spectators, to the Martial Arts Tournament of the Celestial Circle Clan! Today, strength, skill, and spirit will be tested. This is not merely entertainment... this is a path to honor, survival, and destiny!”

The crowd roared as they wanted this tournament to start immediately.

Still, the announcer continued, listing the rewards. ”First place will claim the Gate Stones, Skill Scrolls, and a fortune that will help you live for five years without worrying about resources! Second place will receive rare resources, weapons, scrolls, and more! Third place will earn recognition and a specially crafted weapon, too! But that is not all!”

He raised his hand, and the crowd hushed. ”Even if you fail here, you will not leave empty‑handed. Those who impress the Lord and the council may be recruited into the city’s defenders. Permanent residency, a stipend, and protection will be offered to those who prove their worth. This is not just a tournament... it is a chance to be part of the strongest Shelter in the whole world!”

The audience erupted in cheers again, the promise of safety and stability resonating deeply in a world plagued by chaos.

Hanes listened carefully, his expression calm...

The rewards were clear, but the hidden purpose was more intriguing.

Why would the Lord risk offering Gate Stones? Why tie them to a contest of fists and skill? There was a reason, and he believed it would only be revealed to the top three.