Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

With the conclusion of the bidding, the auctioneer stepped forward, her expression was one that was filled with gratitude.

She doesn't know when will she host this kind of event again so she was had really given it all.

"Thank you, esteemed Survivors, for your spirited participation. May the items you've acquired today serve you well in the days ahead. Until we meet again, stay vigilant and thrive."

As the Survivors filed out, the hall echoed with the chatter of deals they had made and some of them even made some guesses about the identity of Bidder 1101.

***

In the meantime, as Shane stepped out of the Grand Auction Hall, the clamor of the auction faded behind him.

After reaching the outer hall, he paused for a moment, noting the array of Flamethrowers that had been sold after he purchased the first Flamethrower….

Nonetheless, the other displayed items still lined the corridor, untouched and pristine. It seemed that they would still be used in future auctions.

He pondered these possibilities as he walked outside.

Finding a quiet spot near a stately pillar, Shane pulled out his communicator.

The gentle burble of a nearby fountain provided a soothing backdrop as he typed a message to Raze, informing her of his location.

[ Shane: I'm by the pillar near the fountain outside the Grand Auction Hall. ]

Raze, who had been waiting for Shane's message, read the message and scanned the dispersing crowd for Shane.

Her eyes caught sight of him, and for a moment, her breath caught in her throat. There he stood, the man who had become her unexpected ally, his figure outlined against the marble pillar.

He was dressed in an army set that seemed to resonate with a subtle but unmistakable aura, suggesting it was of a higher tier than most.

His black hair was a stark contrast to the pale stone behind him, and his eyes, when they met hers, were a deep, fathomless black.

'This guy looked cooler than I expected… So this is the Top 1 Ranker…' Raze thought to herself after seeing Shane…

Although Shane didn't confirm it, she had a very good instinct… To be honest, even Roan felt cautious around him. Something that Roan had only done when they met the Tyrant Zombie before.

'There's no doubt about it then.' Raze thought as she look a deep breath.

There was a strength in his stance, a calm assurance in the way he carried himself that spoke of his battle experience.

Raze approached, her heart beating a rhythm she hadn't expected.

"Shane?" She called out, her voice steady despite the flutter in her chest.

Shane turned, and a smile touched his lips—a smile that seemed to transform his handsome features into something almost otherworldly.

"Raze," he replied, his voice carrying over the sound of water from the nearby fountain. "I see you got my message."

They stood there for a moment, two Survivors brought together by circumstance and need. Raze felt a surge of gratitude for this man who had agreed to help her without a second thought, and she knew that this alliance would be the beginning of something significant.

"Yes… I'm not late, right? The others are on their way… I already sent a message to them." Raze said, her eyes shifted to the area where the other people are... "Lyra and Jaxon were inside the Grand Auction Hall. You probably met them already. Kael and Tessa were just exploring the bazaar and should be here in no time."

As they conversed, the sound of approaching footsteps heralded the arrival of Raze's companions.

First to emerge from the crowd was Lyra, her presence wasn't strong but her movement was graceful. She was tall and lithe, with auburn hair that perfectly fit her fair skin. Her archer's poise was unmistakable, even in the way she walked…

Jaxon followed, his demeanor was calm and analytical. He was of medium build but carried himself with the assurance of a man who had outmaneuvered death more times than one could count. His attire was that of a tactician, pockets and belts laden with tools and gadgets that spoke of a mind always at work.

From the direction of the bazaar came Kael, his approach less conspicuous but no less assured. His hair was a tangle of chestnut waves, and his hands bore the stains of herbs and potions. It seemed that he really went to check plenty of herbs and potions today.

There was a gentleness to his features that probably shows her talent—a healer whose very presence seemed to ward off the gloominess of the apocalypse.

Beside him was Tessa. Her movements were subtle, and her figure was wrapped in cloaks that would surely blend in the darkness. Her eyes, a piercing blue, scanned the surroundings with the vigilance of one who knew the value of stealth. She was the embodiment of the scout and was actually Raze's first friend among the four.

As they converged around Shane, each offered a nod of respect. Lyra's gaze lingered on Shane's army set, noting its quality with an archer's keen eye.

"Impressive gear…" She commented as she was curious whether he was really the Shadow Strider that had appeared in the Leaderboard.

Although Shane looked cool in his Army Set, she could think that he was the Shadow Strider.

'Well, I can't be expecting him to look like a Death God or something with that nickname…' Lyra shook her head as she remembered that the nicknames were randomized. It doesn't really mean that Shane walks into the shadow and has to appear wearing a dark cloak and hiding his face with a black mask.

Jaxon, on the other hand, extended a hand and was glad that Shane accepted it.

"A pleasure to meet the man of the hour…" He said, a slight smile playing on his lips. He wanted to test Shane's strength, and he confirmed that this man was indeed above his level!

Kael offered a warm smile, his healer's aura providing a sense of ease. "Your reputation precedes you…" He said mysteriously, his voice soft yet resonant.

Tessa remained silent, her nod sufficient.

Her eyes, however, spoke volumes, acknowledging Shane's strength as a fellow warrior of the wasteland.