Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

On the next day, as Shane was prepared to start with his routine by checking the Survivor Store and the Reputation Store, a notification from the Apocalypse System suddenly startled him.

[ Attention all Survivors! Prepare yourselves for the ultimate test of courage and skill as we announce the impending arrival of the second Zombie Wave! ]

In just 15 days, a relentless tide of undead horrors will descend upon our lands, threatening to engulf everything in their path. This time, the stakes are higher, the challenges greater, and the rewards more tantalizing than ever before.

Survivors, mark your calendars and steel your resolve, for you must endure a grueling 12-hour onslaught of Low-Tier and Mid-Tier Zombies. Your survival instincts will be put to the ultimate test as you navigate through a nightmarish landscape teeming with relentless foes! ]

"Ahh… It's finally here…" Shane muttered as he continued looking through the notification from the system.

[ But that's not all! In a twist of fate, the intensity of the Zombie Wave will now be directly linked to the size of your camp or shelter. The larger your sanctuary, the more formidable the undead horde that will come knocking at your door. It's a race against time and numbers, where every decision you make could mean the difference between survival and succumbing to the darkness.

Gather your fellow Survivors, fortify your defenses, and hone your skills to perfection. The fate of our community rests in your hands, and only by standing together can we hope to weather this storm of the undead.

Prepare yourselves, for the second Zombie Wave approaches, and only the bravest and most cunning among us will emerge victorious.

May your aim be true, your wits sharp, and your courage unwavering in the face of this impending apocalypse. Stay vigilant, stay united, and may the spirits of the fallen guide us through the darkness that lies ahead. ]

[ Good luck, Survivors. The countdown to the Zombie Wave begins now! ]

Within this shelter, it wasn't just Shane who received this notification. Layla and Max from yesterday's invasion had also received similar messages, including the three other Prisoners who were now miners of this camp, Chris, Jake, and Liam.

They were all surprised at this notification, but they also knew that it was about time for the system to arrange another Zombie Wave.

'I need to inform everyone about this…' Shane muttered. He had to do this so everyone would be aware of his plans to protect this camp.

Soon, the shelter hummed with anticipation as Shane stood before the assembled outside the church.

The morning light casted a solemn glow on their faces as they were curious why Shane had gathered them.

Then, Shane cleared his throat, addressing the room.

"Listen up, everyone," Shane began. "We've got fifteen days until the second Zombie Wave hits. We've faced worse odds, and we'll survive this too. But we need to be prepared."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Some of them had already experienced the Zombie Wave, but there are still many others who have not.

Anna exchanged worried glances with Eliot, the engineer. She recently heard from Eliot that they might need three months to fully prepare the estate to a formidable fortress.

However, it appears that the engineer wouldn't have enough time at all.

Harper, on the other hand, clenched his fists as he felt that the secret tunnel must really be made already.

Shane then pointed the Bio-Barrier Generator that he had activated yesterday. Of course, it was already deactivated since it consumes fuel and the Bulwark Beacon was already active...

"You've probably seen this Bio-Barrier. It will help us protect against toxic gasses in case were attacked by bio-hazards."

Many of them were interested on this barrier as it helped them stay awake from the Sleeping Gas that the invaders used against them.

That was definitely a huge weakness on their part, so they were thankful to Shane for bringing such a precious item.

Then, Shane showed them the Flamethrower—a menacing weapon that elicited both awe and fear. This included the gallons of gas, diesel, and propane…

"Lucas, you know how to use this right? I want you to teach Gene and the others…" Shane said, addressing the ex-soldier.

"Fire is our best friend against the undead. So I want to a few of you to learn how to use this weapon in case necessary. I won't be using this one."

Lucas's eyes gleamed.

"A real flamethrower! Awesome! This will make those zombies crispy. With that size, I think that the Super Soldiers should learn this instead."

"Oh? Then, pick one of them and teach them how to use it. Ahh… Just in case, let the others know how to use it as well… Just general knowledge on how it works will do."

"Leave it to me!"

Shane moved on to the Silent Reaper Crossbow.

"Leo, you need to make a decent holder for this weapon... This crossbow fires bolts dipped in a special toxin. Keep in mind that the next watchtower that Eliot builds will use this weapon and will stay there most of the time."

Leo nodded, his fingers itching to test the weapon.

"Alright… I'll make a good holder for it…"

Then came the Demolitionist's Grenade Launcher—a hefty piece of hardware. As soon as Shane pulled it out, it actually surprised many of them…

This was definitely a weapon that could change the tide of battle!

"Lucas…" Shane said, handing it over… "You know explosives. Use these wisely… We only have five crates with 20 shells each… That's a total of 100 shells. It's not a lot."

"Yes!"

Lucas then cradled the launcher like a long-lost lover. "This is beautiful. This must be very expensive!"

Shane smiled after seeing his reaction. However, he wasn't over yet!

Finally, a Machine Gun emerged in front of Shane. Its metallic sheen caught the light, and Lucas's eyes widened.

"Leo, Eliot… I need a stronger platform to hold this weapon… Both of you should work together for a special tower or platform that will hold this weapon." Shane instructed before he turned to Lucas…

Shane said… "You will use this too if I'm busy… However, I'll be the main user of this weapon…"

Lucas laughed, gripping the weapon. "I'm in heaven. I will also take care of their maintenance."

As the survivors examined the new tools, Shane felt a mix of pride and dread.

These weapons would save lives, but they also weighed heavy with responsibility.

"Remember," Shane said, "we fight for each other. We fight for survival. And when that Zombie Wave hits, we'll be ready."

"Yes!" Everyone answered as they felt that they had to really fortify their estate within these 15 days!

***

After this, he let everyone continue on their task after everyone had their morning breakfast.

The breakfast was only a flavored bar and a hot tea, but everyone was already satisfied with this morning's rations.

Shane watched them—the miner returning to inspect the tunnel, the blacksmith going to the smithy, the chef concocting something aromatic.

The morning's rations might have been meager, but their determination was boundless.

At this time, Shane beckoned Anna, the physician, to a corner.

She followed, wiping her hands on her apron. "What's up, Shane?"

He unrolled the Chemist Scroll—a special item he'd acquired in the auction. Its parchment glimmered with ancient symbols, promising untold power.

"Anna, this scroll holds alchemical secrets…"

Shane said as he showed its full item description. It was more detailed than what he had seen in the auction.

[ Chemist Skill Scroll: This yellowed parchment bears intricate symbols, each representing alchemical secrets. When activated, the scroll unleashes abilities that defy natural laws. As a chemist, you'll harness these skills to manipulate matter, brew elixirs, and alter reality.

Activating the scroll will allow you to obtain two Ancient Chemist Skills!

Alchemy Mastery ( Passive ): Your understanding of chemical reactions transcends textbooks. Alchemical ingredients yield unexpected results, from healing potions to explosive concoctions.

Elixir Brewmaster ( Passive ): Brew elixirs with mystical properties by only using Rare Grade ingredients. ]

Anna's eyes widened after seeing these... "You mean—"

"Yes," Shane interrupted. "We can create elixirs, poisons, and antidotes with this. But first, we need to activate it."

Shane said. Although he could learn this as well. He refused to stay in the laboratory to make potions or any other craft!

He'd rather kill zombies to obtain more experience points and obtain more Memory Spheres than rot in the laboratory!

Luckily, he had amazing subjects and Anna was one of them.

Anna's fingers trembled as she traced the glyphs. "How do we activate it?"

Shane leaned closer as he replied.

"To activate it, you need only open the parchment and drop your blood at its center."

Anna's eyes widened. "My blood?"

"Yes," Shane confirmed. "It's a pact—a binding of your essence to the scroll. Now, do it."

Anna hesitated, then sliced her palm with a small knife.

Blood welled up, and she pressed her hand to the scroll.

'That's too much…' Shane thought but he decided not to tell as the symbols flared, absorbing her life force…

And then it happened—the knowledge flooded her mind. Alchemical equations, elixir recipes, and secrets whispered by forgotten alchemists!