Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle - Chapter 946

Chapter 946: Advanced Outpost
Shane then explained the details of the Shadowbound Step spell…

It was a movement skill that allowed the user to move like a blur, especially if they were covered in shadow. With the help of the shadow, they could move undetected for several meters.

It means that for combat units, it was a tactical spell. For the Husbandry Unit, like them, it was a lifesaving escape tool, something they had sorely lacked.

The eight listened intently as they imagined themselves slipping past danger, avoiding zombies, or even moving swiftly through crowded streets. It was more than just a spell, it was reassurance that their work mattered enough to be protected.

Then, with a casual wave of his hand, Shane produced eight Bronze Treasure Chests. He just explained that these were items he had kept in his inventory for a long time, but they were no longer useful to him. For the Husbandry Unit, however, they were treasures. Each chest looked simple, but they were promising unknown rewards inside.

Since they were non-combatant Survivors, they rarely get these Treasure Chests unless they completed the system events and got rewarded with these Chests.

The group exchanged stunned glances. Kimberly clutched hers tightly as she felt really excited now. She had only opened six treasure chests before. Getting another one today was really unexpected!

Shane looked over them once more. “Do you have anything more to add?”

There was a brief silence.

But one by one, they shook their heads. Their jobs were fulfilling, their salaries were fair, and their job was something they could confidently say they were the best at…

None of them wanted to ask for more.

Shane nodded. “Good. Remember… There is no leader among you. You will succeed only if you help each other. Competing for rank or salary will weaken you. Cooperation will strengthen you and your efforts will be rewarded.”

His words made sense and the eight understood.

Just like that, Shane finally left, confident they would do well in their duties.

The moment he was gone, the tension broke.

Kimberly and the others exhaled in relief… In just a few moments, laughter followed as they praised each other for holding steady under Shane’s gaze.

“Can you believe it? Shadowbound Step!” one of them said, grinning.

“And a treasure chest each… I thought I’d never one again and wait for the event next year…” another added.

Excitement carried them through the rest of the day. When their work was finished, they decided to go together to Zeustify Coffee Shop.

It was a small coffee shop that was actually not handled by Bart from the Springriver Manor.

As a matter of fact, this shop came from Ivory Gear Shelter, a neutral shop they were allied with.

The familiar scent of roasted beans and warm pastries greeted them as they entered.

For Kimberly, it felt unreal… She had once worked here, serving customers at the counter. Now she was sitting with friends, sipping coffee, and talking about rabbits, goats, and pheasants as if they were the most precious things in the world.

They laughed, teased each other, and even speculated about what their Bronze Treasure Chests might contain. Weapons? Armor? Rare materials? The mystery only added to their joy.

Just like that, the Animal Husbandry Unit was determined to show Shane that they would be able to provide meat for everyone soon…

‘Well… We still have a lot of meat supplies dropped by the Zombie Pigs… It should last us for four to five months more…’ Kimberly thought as she took a sip of her coffee.

‘This tastes a lot better than I remember…’

***

The next day, Shane formed a small group of five.

Their destination was the new territory that Tundra had claimed for him, and the journey would take several days.

For transport, they chose the Titan‑Class Armoured Personnel Carrier, a massive vehicle designed to withstand both zombie hordes and hostile terrain.

Shane was deliberate in his choice of companions.

He didn’t bring any notable figures with him since those people were needed to manage the Eclipse Domain.

Instead, he selected three Super Soldiers recommended by Anna.

Alongside them was Alex, a young man with the Rare Talent known as Leaper. Alex could spring five to ten meters in a single bound, a skill that made him invaluable for scouting or sudden evasions.

Alex had been recommended by Layla herself.

With the group assembled, Shane ordered the super soldier to drive the Titan‑Class APC eastward.

Just like that, the armored vehicle rumbled across the paved road…

After two kilometers, they reached the end of the finished road. Beyond that point, the land was still rough, but workers were already pushing forward.

More than fifty laborers were spread across the site with their tools clanging against stone and soil. Around them, twenty androids or Warden Units stood guard, their sensors constantly sweeping for threats.

Based on Shane’s heightened awareness, ten elves also moved silently through the surrounding forest, scouting for any sign of approaching zombies. Then, a mobile barrier generator hummed nearby, projecting a faint trace of protective energy around the work zone.

The workers weren’t just paving the road. They were also installing solar-powered lamps at regular intervals, ensuring safe passage even at night.

As the Titan‑Class APC rolled to a halt, a man in mercenary armor approached.

He was Reed, the representative of the Great Mercenary Clan Shane had hired to oversee the road project. This group of mercenaries was doing really well in their job that Shane hired them at a higher price… He needed skilled workers after all, since this type of work wasn’t something the Warden Units were capable of.

Reed’s face was weathered, but his eyes lit up after recognizing their generous employer…

The free lunch they were having would always contain meat and vegetables, which weren’t something easily available in this apocalyptic world.

“Commander Shane,” Reed greeted while bowing slightly. “The work proceeds as planned. We’ve cleared seven hundred meters since yesterday… The paving will be complete within the week, and the lamp posts are already wired to the solar grid.”

Shane stepped down from the APC as he wanted to check things carefully. “Good. How are the workers holding up?”

Reed gestured toward the crews. “Morale is great with the small statue given to us, we can also work even for more than 12 hours. The Warden Units keep us safe, and the elves have intercepted three small zombie packs before they got close. No casualties. Supplies are flowing from the shelter as scheduled.”

Shane nodded while surveying the site. “And the barrier generator?”

“Stable,” Reed replied. “We rotate its position every few hours to cover the forward teams. It drains power quickly, but the Mana Crystals recently provided to us are compensating.”

Shane’s gaze lingered on the workers with their sweat glistening on their foreheads as they laid stone and poured asphalt.

“It looks great… Just four more kilometers and we’ll reach the next outpost, right?”

“Yes, Commander.” Reed replied.

Satisfied, Shane returned to the APC, and his group also climbed back inside and continued to move eastward. This time, with a bit of a rocky road.

***

After traveling four more kilometers, the Titan‑Class APC halted before the advanced outpost.

Compared to the roadworks behind them, this place looked sturdier and more fortified.

The perimeter was marked by steel barricades and watchtowers, though only ten Warden Units stood guard. Their glowing optics scanned the horizon with their rifles ready…

Inside the outpost, there was only one person waiting.

He was none other than Asad, the Rank 2 Survivor, known for his Necromancer Talent…

Right now, he was wearing comfortable clothes instead of his usual Dark Mage Set…

Asad smiled faintly when he saw Vale approach. “You made it,” he said…

Vale wasted no time. “What about the Zombie Lord Territory nearby?”

Asad sighed at the question.

“I plan to clear it alone later, with my undead summons. For now, I’m focused on sweeping the surrounding area. We can’t afford stray packs of zombies popping out and causing problems while the road is still under construction.”

Vale nodded, satisfied with the answer. He trusted Asad’s strength… After all, the Necromancer had proven himself countless times.

This time, Vale decided to take a break.

The group entered the outpost, where a small mess hall had been set up.

The building was simple but functional… It had steel walls, solar panels on the roof, and a generator humming softly in the corner.

Inside, long tables were arranged neatly, with crates of supplies stacked against the walls.

A cooking station had been built, and surprisingly, it smelled faintly of broth and roasted meat.

It seemed that Asad had just had a meal.

Despite his grim talent, Asad had a practical side, he had stocked the outpost with dried rations, canned goods, and even some fresh vegetables grown in portable hydroponic trays.

The group sat together… Soon, bowls of stew were passed around…

They were thick with potatoes and strips of meat too…

‘As expected, Asad’s really used to move alone…’ Shane mused seeing that this outpost was functioning really well compared to other areas.