Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

Aside from Vernon's Eagle's Mark, he also had Silent Pursuit, which could help him track enemies without leaving traces or being detected, and Explosive Volley. It was a powerful ability that let him fire multiple explosive projectiles at once.

Even if he just carried multiple pebbles with him, they could become explosive pebbles in his hands! It was such an interesting ability if partnered with his Eagle's Mark.

Perhaps the only reason he was only an Epic Recruit was due to his weak physical defense. A single punch or tackle from even a mid-tier Zombie might kill him. So Shane had to give him light armor that provided him a high defense.

Needless to say, Shane gave him a Tier 5 Hunter Set, which was perfect for Vernon.

He had seen Vernon's skills already, and he knew that he would be invaluable, especially for their journey to Sector 20.

The other was Nia, who was actually from a mountain tribe before the Zombie took over their homes.

She was a short woman wearing a green cloak covering her body.

What was quite different about her was the equipment she was holding. It wasn't a sword, bow, or even a firearm. What she carried was a staff…

Nonetheless, even if it seemed like a normal staff, Shane could tell that she wasn't that simple at all.

To be exact, she felt a lot more threatening than Vernon.

Well, Nia was actually a Druidess. It wasn't a Talent given by the System but her lineage even before the Zombie Outbreak.

She had a long story behind her, but after being recruited, the System recognized her ability and gave her a rare class or talent. In Nia's words, she even felt like she was five times better now as a druidess.

At this time, she was specializing in healing, crowd control, and environmental manipulation. She was certainly a perfect companion…

Of course, aside from this talent, she had three incredible Survivor Skills that she shared with Shane.

There was Verdant Bloom skill that could summon plants to heal allies or restrain enemies. Another one was Nature's Respite, which could restore stamina and reduce the effects of toxins and fatigue, and lastly, the Thorned Barrier, which could create a protective wall of thorny vines that damage attackers.

This Thorned Barrier was perfect whenever they had to deal with a huge horde of Zombies.

Her serene but firm presence made her a calming force for the team.
Continue your saga on empire

Shane felt reassured knowing they had someone who could keep the group alive and counteract the toxic threats they might face.

Finally, Shane's last Legendary Recruitment Stone summoned an incredible person.

This person was already wearing polished black-and-gold armor as soon as he had come out of the mysterious gray fog. Shane didn't even have to provide him with high-tier equipment since the ones he was wearing were already at the highest level.

Anyway, there was also a massive halberd, or perhaps glaive, on his back.

The man was called Kael, and he introduced himself as a Vanguard of the Abyssal Order…

It seemed to have been an organization that was made to fight against the Zombies. Long story short, Kael was sent on an impossible mission to rescue an important individual. However, they underestimated the horde of High-Tier Zombies on that island and were almost annihilated. In the end, the mysterious gray fog had to save him and some other members of the Abyssal Order.

Of course, Kael was incredibly strong and could match Shinja, the Warlord.

Kael was a Gladiator Champion before he was recruited as Vanguard. He was a frontline fighter with the best durability and devastating offensive capabilities. Perhaps his only weakness was his terrible movement speed. He basically had zero movement ability, so Shane had to give him some potions from Blood Alchemy. One of them was the Five-Meter Jump, followed by Armored Dash.

Although he had incredible defensive and offensive abilities, it would still be the best if he had some escape abilities, after all.

Anyway, aside from being so sturdy and having a powerful strength, he also has some incredible skills.

One of them was the Pure Defender. This skill could temporarily grant immunity any physical or magical damage…

There was also the Abyssal Strike that allowed him to unleash an attack with his glaive, which could cleave through multiple enemies at once…

Unsurprisingly, Kael also had a roaring skill. This time, it was called Guardian's Warcry, it was quite similar to Titan's Roar, but this warcry didn't just boost the morale and physical abilities of allies but could also intimidate and slow down the enemies even if the target were Zombies who shouldn't be capable of feeling fear.

Kael also briefly mentioned his Titanbreaker Skill, which was his trump card. This could basically allow him to become an unstoppable force in front of any enemies, but it had some negative effects after usage.

Anyway, with this lineup together with Lysandra, who had incredible swordsmanship skills, Shane felt a lot more confident traveling around.

***

Shane adjusted his pack as the group passed along the well-worn path.

Thankfully, the weather was good today as the sun above was giving them some warm light despite the cold breeze.

At this time, they were crossing over the vast plains.

Beside him was Vernon and Nia. Kael, on the other hand, was moving in front since he was their most powerful warrior. Furthermore, they were matching his speed. Thankfully, Kael's stride was still big, so despite having a low Agility, he was still moving at a good pace.

Lastly, Lysandra was behind them. Not counting Shane, she was actually considered the fastest among the group in terms of attacking speed. She would be able to react swiftly if there were enemies behind them.

Of course, Shane's Perception and Cloud's detection range were higher, but there are still things that he might miss.

Anyway, the plains stretched endlessly and they could only see patches of tall grass that rustled in the breeze.

However, after walking for a few more minutes, the tranquility of their journey was finally broken.

As they walked, Shane's A.I. Cloud pinged a warning.

[ Hostile entities detected. Twelve Jumper Zombies, approaching from the east ]

The A.I. informed. Shane then relayed this information to others.

"Spread out!" Shane commanded, raising his current favorite weapon, Gale Blade.

The Jumper Zombies soon erupted from the tall grass like terribly-looking frogs, their muscular legs propelled them high into the air.

They even seemed to pass the five-meter mark!

Vernon and Nia moved swiftly to the side while Kael stood firm at the front. His glaive was already on his hands, ready to slice through the enemies.

This time, they decided not to use their bullets or any of their projectiles unless their enemies were something like Spitter Zombies, Licker Zombies, and others who had long-range abilities.

"Let's see how far you can jump after this!" Kael roared… He didn't even activate his Skills with these weak Zombies as his glaive cleaved through the first Zombie in mid-air and sent it crashing to the ground.

[ You have eliminated a Jumper Zombie. ]

Shane wanted to stay in his position, but in the end, he used his Phantasm Rush, slicing through two more with his Gale Blade. He did this since the momentum of the Jumper Zombies was heading towards him, and their blood might dirty his clothes. Because of that, he eliminated them and put them in a better position to avoid getting dirty or becoming smelly.

Anyway, Shane didn't mention this to others.

Thud!

Lysandra's swordsmanship was fully shown during this battle. She had actually defeated a huge number of Jumper Zombies. It left the grass stained with black liquid or matter.

'That's good…' Shane nodded as she wanted them to gain more battle experience as well, especially for the three new recruits who have just arrived.

"Go ahead and loot them…" Shane said that he didn't participate in the looting process. After all, with his current level, their experience points wouldn't even give him an additional one percent at this point.

Anyway, the continuation of the journey then led them to a swamp. Its dark, murky waters are filled with hidden dangers.

Well, the swamp itself might even be dangerous, but thankfully, he shared a token with them that grants Poison Resistance.

The group moved cautiously along the slippery ground as the sound of their boots squelched in the mud.

"Be alert. Spitter Zombies are hiding…" Shane warned…

Nia was actually about to warn them as well, but as she opened her mouth, Shane spoke. She couldn't help but feel impressed as she knew how difficult it was to sense the surroundings within this mysterious swamp.

Then, as if summoned by his words, a bubbling sound emerged from the water, and three Spitter Zombies rose. Their bloated bodies were also leaking green acid.

'Hmm? They looked different from the Spitter Zombies I know… A variant?' Shane mused.

Anyway, their variant wasn't important as Shane activated his Protection Token and stopped the first volley of corrosive spit.