Everyone, including the Foreign Survivors who had arrived from the Dragon Awakening Apocalypse, had seen it.

The System’s announcement was still echoing in their minds. The words "Cross‑Apocalypse" felt wrong, unnatural, as though the System itself had broken its own rules.

Then, Travis’ question hung in the air...

For a moment, everyone stared at Travis’ Clone, since the absurdity wasn’t lost on them.

Natalie raised an eyebrow. "Our shelter in the mainland? Seriously? You’re just a clone. Since when do you worry about fortifications?"

Elsa let out a laugh. "That’s true... It’s us who should be worried, since our main force is here."

Lysandra smirked faintly, though her eyes were still troubled. "Anyway... if the System throws zombies, vampires, and dragons at them, they’ll struggle for sure. Should we stay here or return to the mainland?"

Shane shook his head, glancing at Travis’ Clone before turning to everyone.

"Do you really think we should be worried? Our shelters are already strong enough. We have the Obelisk, the Aegis and Valiant Mechs, the Warden Units, the Elves, Super Soldiers, Spirit Cannons, Mana Cannons, Auto Turrets... They also have ten days of preparation. Our shelters should be fine."

Then he turned to Natalie.

"Mhmm... our shelter will be the most affected since our top fighters are stuck here. But what do you think, Natalie?"

"I... I’m just worried. I have multiple shelters, and I can’t protect everyone. I’ll probably suggest merging the shelters that are close to each other."

Shane nodded, since that was the same for him.

"Right. You’re not even a combat specialist. Anyway, if you want to return now, we can head back. It only took us three days to get here."

Natalie considered for a moment before shaking her head.

"New Haven can handle zombies. As for vampires... wait, vampires? I think my Priests and Bishops can handle them the same way we deal with zombies. As for dragonoids... they’ve never fought anything like that. But since we’re here, I’ll just buy anti‑dragonoid weapons."

Shane smiled at this, since it was also his plan. Being in a shelter with experts on dragonoids meant they could take advantage of that knowledge.

Just like that, they made a plan. Soon, everyone felt more relaxed.

Tundra chuckled as he recalled all the items he had seen in the market. "The System’s playing with us. It waited until we were out here chasing Sofia, then dropped this on the mainland. It’s like it wants to see if our clans can survive without us. I think we’ll do well against them."

Shane nodded, recalling the Dragonheart Vein Crystal. He planned to send it to Raze through a system trade later.

"Raze is in the shelter... let’s trust her. Maybe we can even find Sofia before the event. If she really is the first patient, maybe she’s connected to why the System is merging apocalypses." Shane muttered.

Before anyone could respond, a sudden chime rang through their systems.

Messages. Each of them opened their interfaces, and without doubt, they were from people back in their shelters.

Natalie’s vice leaders reported chaos in New Haven. Some council members demanded immediate fortifications, others insisted she return at once.

"They’re panicking," she muttered. "These kids... I can’t always be with you all."

At the same time, Shane was surprised. Even though Raze had sent him a message, it wasn’t about asking for help with defenses. Instead, it was about other clans and shelters coming to her for support.

"What? Mhmm..." Shane muttered. Smaller shelters were already begging for alliances, worried about the three types of enemies coming at them.

In their minds, joining a stronger clan would help them survive.

"There’s no way to accommodate all these people. It’s been a long time since the start of the apocalypse. They should have ways of surviving already."

"That’s right," Natalie agreed. "The System gave us ten days. That’s long enough to buy silver weapons or holy water for vampires. As for dragonoids, let’s try to uncover their weaknesses and leak it in the Global Chat. That way, more of us can survive."

Shane exhaled slowly as he made up his mind. "If we share knowledge, we strengthen everyone. And if there’s a secret about this Global Event, maybe finding Sofia might explain why the merge is happening. Either way, we can’t waste time."

The group nodded in agreement.

"But why do you think it’s connected to Sofia?" Travis asked. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"Right... I don’t think it’s connected to her..." Natalie added.

"I think it is... The system mentioned that the next global event will be next year. Only half a year passed. It’s too soon. I think it’s because we’re getting too close to the truth that it advanced or something." Shane guessed once again.

Of course, this wasn’t just random guesses. He had experienced two other types of Apocalypses. He knew very well that the System would act according to the progress of the hidden "Main Quest" of each Apocalypse.

However, he probably couldn’t explain it to everyone without revealing his past.

For now, Shane just laughed it off, saying that it was just his instincts.

Shane straightened as he raised his hand...

"Alright, listen up. If the System is throwing dragonoids at us, we can’t afford to be caught unprepared. Everyone should start purchasing anything that can counter them... Not really sure what it was, but while looking around, I noticed some enchanted bolts, some explosives, and whatever the market offers. Don’t just buy blindly. Talk to the merchants, talk to the survivors who’ve fought them before. Confirm their weaknesses. If they bleed, we’ll find out how. If they resist magic, we’ll learn what kind. Spread the word in the Global Chat once you have solid information. The more people know, the better our chances."

Natalie nodded...

"I’ll have my priests and bishops prioritize holy‑imbued weapons. We should be selling them for cheaper price right now..."

Elsa nodded. "I’ll head to the alchemists’ stalls. I think it’s possible dragonoid scales are resistant to fire, maybe acid or frost will work better. I’ll confirm with the foreign survivors... they should know firsthand."

Lysandra was impressed as she couldn’t help but pat Elsa’s shoulder...

"Awesome. Then, I’ll handle the spirit cannons. I noticed that they’re selling cannons... If dragonoids have thick hides, concentrated spirit energy might pierce them. I’ll test it myself if I have to. Those cannons might be different from what we have at our shelter. Leave it to me..."

Tundra then recalled a secret stall he found a while ago and waved his head.

"Alright... There were strange relics tucked away in the corners. Some of them looked like they were designed for dragonkind. If they’re authentic, we’ll need them. I’ll go now."

Chaloem, Shinja, and others also mentioned their plans to ensure that it won’t overlap with the others.

Shane listened to each of them, then gave a sharp nod. "Good. Spread out, gather intel, and buy what we can. Ten days isn’t long, but it’s enough if we use it wisely."

With that, the group dispersed into their tasks, leaving Shane to his own plan.

***

Shane had something more pressing in mind.

He turned toward the central plaza, where the pathways branched into different stations.

Shane asked a few guards for directions, and they pointed him toward Station 2... the command hub where the shelter’s guard leaders coordinated defenses.

The building was a sturdy structure with protective energy.

After passing a few guards, he saw Caesar, the Commander of the First Battalion.

Shane recognized him immediately. He was the same man he had met at the shoreline.

Caesar looked up as Shane approached. "Already here? What can I help you with? Is this about the event notification?"

Shane nodded. "Yes... I need information. The System has announced a Cross‑Apocalypse Event, and dragonoids are part of it. You came from the Dragon Awakening Apocalypse. Tell me... how did you deal with them? Did you face true dragons, or only their minions?"

For a moment, Caesar’s expression hardened.

Then, perhaps relieved to finally speak openly, he gestured for Shane to sit.

"Well, I guess you’re the second person who asked me about that... Alright, I can tell you. Just give me some goodies that can only be found in the mainland."

Shane sat and nodded without hesitation...

"Yes. Depending on the information..."

Caesar chuckled and was already happy with that arrangement.

"So... In the Dragon Awakening Apocalypse, we faced both. At first, it was the minions... like wyverns, drakes, and lesser beasts. They attacked in swarms, always... You can hardly see them going alone. Their hides resisted normal steel, but enchanted weapons and mana‑charged artillery worked. Anyway, normal fire was useless against them. If you don’t have fire... Sometimes acid and lightning were better. Spirit energy pierced them, but only if concentrated."

He paused, and this time, his gaze became distant...

"Then came the true dragons."

"True dragons..." Shane repeated.

"Yes... Elder beasts. They’re intelligent and cruel. Even the strongest fortresses fell unless they had ancient relics or divine blessings."

Hearing this, Shane knew that this Cross-Apocalypse would not be easy.