Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle-Chapter 1073: Store and Left Behind

Just like that, the gray fog dissipated...

The ten recruits stood straighter, already beginning to explore their new home.

After that, Shane opened his Chat System again, sending private messages to his allies.

[ Shane: Natalie, I’ve claimed the Icarus Ascension Complex. It’s now Icarus Shelter. It has some forgotten World Government Projects you might be interested in. I plan to turn it into a fortress and research hub. But I need your expert scientists. There are chambers here that hold unstable serums and schematics, and biohazards. My people aren’t enough to handle it safely. I might need some assistance from your Archbishop or anyone who could protect us from miasma, radiation, or something. ]

[ Shane: If you collaborate, we’ll share discoveries. Your clans will benefit from the research. I’ll provide security and resources. ]

After that, Shane turned to Travis.

[ Shane: Travis, I’ve claimed the Icarus Ascension Complex and renamed it Icarus Shelter. It’s the facility that you failed to get because of those three knight-like Zombie Lords. The place is dangerous but full of potential. Some chambers hold unstable serums, radiation leaks, and even sealed wings with mutated subjects. My people can’t risk exploring them directly. ]

[ Shane: I’m not sure but your clones could be invaluable here. They can scout contaminated zones, test pathways, and handle exposure without risking our core fighters. If they encounter hazards, we’ll know what we’re dealing with before sending in researchers. With your support, we can secure the vaults and prepare the facility for proper study. I’ll make sure your clan benefits from whatever discoveries we uncover. ]

He leaned back, waiting for their replies. He knew Travis and Natalie would be interested, both had strong clans with skilled researchers, and both wanted leverage against the Overlord Alliance.

Meanwhile, Shane looked at the ten recruits again. They were ordinary people, but ordinary was exactly what he needed. Farmers, builders, nurses, teachers... They were the backbone of civilization.

"But... who will stay here?" Shane muttered as he looked at the group of Legendary Recruits.

"This place needs guardians. Who among you will stay here?"

The silence that followed was telling. One by one, his trusted subordinates gave their reasons.

Shinja spoke first...

"My blade belongs in the hunt. Zombie Lords are gathering again, and I won’t waste time guarding walls. Let me roam... I’ll bring back their heads."

The Elves also shook their heads. "The World Tree is too far from here. If you want us to be at our maximum strength, station us close to it... Furthermore, must remain close to protect it. This place is important, but the Tree is life itself."

Roscoe crossed his arms. "Icarus reeks of failed experiments. My bow and arrow are better used on high walls. I’ll guard the Floating Fortress."

Brion also spoke...

"This place is decent, but I only know how to fight... There’s nothing to fight here... I’d rather be with the scouts, charting new lands, than sit here waiting for contamination to leak."

Serenya also added softly, "I know you’re planning to start searching for the Eden Island... I want to be part of that journey."

Shane listened, as he could tell that no one wanted to stay here in this new shelter with barely anything...

He understood their reasons... Each was valid, each tied to their nature and duty. But it left him with a problem, no one wanted to remain at Icarus Shelter.

Finally, his gaze settled on Taylor, the Iron Paladin.

"Taylor," Shane said firmly. "You’ll stay here. Guard the recruits, oversee the construction, and hold the line until the shelter stabilizes."

Taylor’s eyes widened slightly. "Alone?"

Shane nodded. "Only for a few weeks. Once the energy charge is complete and the defenses are stable, I’ll rotate others in. For now, I need someone I can trust."

Taylor exhaled slowly, then placed her gauntleted fist over her chest. "If that is your command, I will obey. Icarus Shelter will not fall while I stand."

Shane gave her a rare smile. "That’s all I ask. Hold this ground. The rest will return to the Floating Fortress and prepare for our next move."

The decision was made. His generals dispersed, some relieved, others already planning their next campaigns.

Shane promised her again before leaving: "Only a few weeks. I will send more people here. Once the shelter is secure, you’ll rejoin us. Until then, you are the shield of Icarus."

Of course, Shane gave her a lot of things from his inventory to ensure that they wouldn’t lack anything/

***

Soon, Shane and the rest of the group were already in the Floating Fortress, slowly moving back to the Blue Haven Shelter!

While everyone was resting, Shane decided to open his System’s Store.

Well, while searching for various materials to leave behind, he actually noticed that he still had several Discount Vouchers and Store Refresh Tokens that were still unused.

Because of that, he decided to just open the store and purchase anything he could.

He first focused on the weapon store.

[ Machete of the Fallen (Rare): A beautifully forged machete, perfect for both slashing and stabbing. It has a special enchantment that enhances the wielder’s agility.

Price: 70 Zombie Cores

Quantity: 50/50 ]

[ Flamethrower Fuel Canister ( Exceptional ): A refill canister for flamethrowers, containing a highly combustible mixture.

Price: 30 Zombie Cores

Quantity: 20/20 ]

[ Explosive Barbed Wire ( Rare ): A spool of barbed wire infused with explosives, perfect for setting traps. Once triggered, it creates an explosive barrier.

Price: 90 Zombie Cores

Quantity: 10/10 ]

[ Electric Shock Grenade ( Exceptional ): A tactical grenade that emits a powerful electric shock upon detonation, temporarily incapacitating the target.

Price: 150 Zombie Cores

Quantity: 5/5 ]

[ Sharpened Spiked Bat ( Uncommon ): A baseball bat reinforced with metal spikes.

Price: 30 Zombie Cores

Quantity: 10/10 ]

It was an incredible set of weapons. Still, he was more excited to see the seven-day item.

[ Acidic Grenade ( Exceptional ): A grenade filled with a strong corrosive substance that eats away at zombie flesh upon detonation. This weapon creates a hazardous area, damaging any infected caught within its blast radius.

Price: 250 Zombie Cores

Quantity: 10/10 ]

Without hesitation, Shane purchased them all!