Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

The two of them then discussed the Manor’s defense strategy for the next hour, covering everything from watchtower rotations to last-resort escape routes.

Thankfully, however, they have numerous plans in case their several defense strategies don’t work.

Roan, meanwhile, was just curled up in a corner, occasionally letting out a low rumble as Raze talked to Shinja…

As their simple meeting concluded, Raze placed a hand on Shinja’s armored shoulder.

”I’ll trust you and Mr. Wadsworth to take care of this Manor while we’re gone. Anyway, we’ll be back in 72 hours, hopefully with more strength and resources to secure this place further.” Raze said. She knew very well that even though they’d be gone for a while, they would also obtain a lot of resources from the rewards they’d get at the event.

Shinja nodded as he also knew that he had to prepare

”We will not disappoint you. Focus on surviving the Challenge, Dragon Knight. Leave the defense to me.”

With that, Raze and Roan left the war room. Raze then felt the desire to try the new skills she had obtained recently, so she headed to the training grounds, where she found the other Survivors.

She saw Tundra, the one with Terrorist Talent, Jillian with Famous Bard Talent, Lily with Wood Element Talent, and Elsa with Water Element…

They all had the same thoughts of warming up for the battle. She even saw other recruits helping them prepare for battle.

Among the recruits or summoned people, Raze saw the two elves, Thalion and Aranion, helping them with their long-range weapons; Monk Chaloem and Lady Seraph with their Aura Training; Eldric the Strongest Scavenger with their movement techniques; and finally, there was Gene, the youngest Knight and one of Shane’s earliest recruits, who was now considered to be one of the strongest within the Manor…

They were all somehow helping every Foreign Survivor who wasn’t fully combatant in hopes of assisting them to reach Level 30 in the Zombie Challenge.

”Good… I’ll be joining you all!” Raze excitedly said, since she wanted to be trained by Monk Chaloem or even Lady Seraph for the Aura Training.

***

In the meantime, while the Foreign Survivors were busy, the bustling kitchen of Springriver Manor was also alive with the rhythmic sound of knives against chopping boards, bubbling pots, and the occasional clatter of utensils.

Inside this clean and larger kitchen stood Alexa. She was the Manor’s Chef and one of the most critical recruits in Shane’s team.

”I guess we have to prepare some great food before they leave this place… I wonder if they can pack more food.” Alexa muttered.

At this time, her brown hair was tied up in a loose bun, and a few strands were sticking to her tanned, slightly muscular arms from the heat of the stoves.

Her white apron showed how much she had already done for the day, but she was still not tired. As she continued preparing the food, however, she felt more alive as she knew very well that the food would be used to strengthen the people who would be fighting against the Zombies.

As soon as she completed her part of the preparations, she glanced at her small team of cooks.

”Alright, folks!” Alexa called out to her team of four assistants. ”We’ve got a lot of mouths to feed, and I want everything perfect. The Foreign Survivors need energy for this Challenge or whatever it was called… They must be full of energy later.”

The assistants nodded as they soon started working together.

Marcy, a young woman with Nimble Hands skill, was slicing an impressive stack of mushrooms harvested from the Manor’s garden. Edgar, a huge man with a surprisingly gentle touch, was kneading dough for bread. Lila, the quiet one, was peeling and dicing vegetables, while Jonas, the joker of the group, was busy marinating slabs of Unknown Meat, its origin a mystery but safe to eat…

He was quite new to the team and had just been recruited three days ago. He was simply here as the older cooks were already resting. After all, there were two teams of cooks, and it was their shift for the night.

”Chef Alexa,” Jonas teased, holding up a piece of the marinated meat. ”What do you think this was? Zombie cow? Mutant deer?”

Alexa rolled her eyes, grabbing a ladle to stir a simmering pot of soup. ”Jonas, I don’t care if it was a three-headed chicken. As long as it’s not poisonous, it’s dinner.”

The group laughed. Their spirits were high despite the looming tension of the upcoming Zombie Challenge Event. Although they heard that the Foreign Survivors would not die in that place, this Shelter would obviously become weaker once they disappeared, so everyone was still feeling a bit worried.

Anyway, no one dared to discuss this matter as they just focused on the task given to them.

”Marcy, how’s the mushroom sauce coming along?” Alexa asked.

”Almost ready, Chef!” Marcy replied, her knife never stopping.

”Good. Add a touch of that spice blend we got from the last trade caravan. It’ll give it a kick,” Alexa instructed.

The last trade caravan she was talking about was all thanks to Darwin, the Travelling Merchant that Shane befriended. Furthermore, Shane’s Territory Lord Title had also previously improved, which increased the favorability of other non-foreign Survivors.

Anyway, all of this was thanks to Shane’s previous actions.

”Mhmmm~”

At this time, the kitchen smelled heavenly… There was a mix of earthy mushrooms, roasted vegetables, and the savory aroma of sizzling meat. Alexa moved with a familiar pace, checking each station, tasting sauces, and offering quick corrections.

”Lila, make sure those carrots are cut evenly. We’re not making stew for pigs,” she said, her tone firm but kind.

”Yes, Chef!” Lila replied, adjusting her cuts.

As the bread dough rose and the soup thickened, Edgar spoke up, his deep voice thoughtful. ”Chef, do you think the Foreign Survivors will be okay? I mean, this Zombie Challenge sounds... brutal.”

Alexa paused for a moment, looking at the bubbling pot before her. ”They’re tough, Edgar. And they probably just have to be mentally prepared. Even if they won’t die there as they said, getting eaten by the Zombies, stomped by them, or even melted by the Spitter ones wasn’t a good feeling. It can cause trauma… Anyway, if anyone can handle it, it’s them.”

She then turned to face the team, and they all nodded in agreement. ”Our job is to make sure they have the strength to fight. Good food keeps them sharp and keeps them going. Don’t ever forget that.”

Her assistants nodded as they focused on their work. Anyway, these were just their normal small talks within the kitchen, aside from gossiping about Tessa’s bulging stomach…

Apparently, Tessa, the Night Scout seemed to look pregnant. They weren’t exactly sure about this matter, but nonetheless, her situation wasn’t spared in their daily gossip… They even had a couple of guesses about Tessa’s partner. It was most likely Jaxon, the one with Foresight Talent, or Atlas, the Super Soldier…

Anyway, it didn’t take long before their preparations were completed.

”Now, let’s plate these up!” Alexa clapped her hands, signaling the final stretch of their arrangements.

The meal came together beautifully: roasted Unknown Meat glazed with a mushroom reduction, paired with sautéed vegetables and freshly baked bread. Bowls of hearty vegetable soup were lined up alongside, ready to be delivered to the dining hall.

As they finished, Jonas leaned back against the counter, wiping his brow. ”We outdid ourselves today. If this doesn’t make them win that Challenge, nothing will.”

Alexa wryly smiled after hearing this new recruit… He was really just saying whatever came to his mind.

”Good work, team. Let’s keep this place running while they’re gone.”

She looked out the window, where the sky was beginning to darken. Though she wasn’t heading into battle, she knew her role was just as vital. Keeping the survivors healthy and strong was her way of fighting back against the chaos of the world outside.

***

Time then passed quickly…

As soon as the morning arrived, everyone received the system announcement. The system even gave another brief summary of their objectives in this event, just like yesterday.

[ The Zombie Challenge Event is now commencing! ]

[ Attention, Survivors:

In 60 seconds, you will be transported to the Challenge Zone, a hostile and dynamic environment designed to test your strength, endurance, and resourcefulness. This event is mandatory for all Survivors. ]

[ Event Mechanics:

Survive and eliminate enemies in each level to progress. Every level becomes increasingly challenging with more powerful Zombies and environmental hazards.

Each Survivor begins at Level 1.

Upon completing a level, you will have 30 seconds to decide whether to advance or forfeit.

If no decision is made within the time limit, you will automatically forfeit and be transported back to your Shelter. ]

[ Rules:

No allies allowed: Each Survivor must face this Challenge alone.

Failure is not fatal: Dying in the Challenge Zone will not result in real-world death. You will be transported back to your Shelter with rewards based on your progress after the whole event is completed

Rewards:

The higher the level you complete, the greater your rewards.

Leaderboard Bonus:

Survivors who reach the top 10 rankings globally will receive exclusive recognition and additional rewards.

Zombie Challenge Begins in 60 Seconds!

Prepare yourselves, Survivors. Become stronger! ]