Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

Reylin and the rest of the group looked at each other. However, they didn’t question their decision.

Perhaps, Shane just wanted them to relax for a bit and breathe some fresh air before going to the negotiation table.

Well, it seemed that it was also a good thing since they would at least know more about the Eclipse Revenant and their shelters before officially disbanding their Clan and joining Shane’s clan.

”Alright… Let’s see this shelter then.” Reylin said, and the others could only agree.

Just like that, they followed Edwin out into the open district, and their first view of the Eclipse Domain left them breathless.

It was organized. The man who planned to build this shelter must have been a great architect. Of course, there could be a chance that Shane simply rebuilt this Shelter from a previous ruined city, but seeing the structures, streets paved with patterned stones, rows of residential and commercial buildings, and many others, they could tell that this shelter was built from the ground up with a Shelter Crystal...

”Impressive…”

Just outside the portal hall, they could tell that the shelter was filled with life…

”What’s the population here? Is it around five thousand? ” Duran whispered. ”No… maybe more…”

Butler Edwin heard the question and smiled.

”Population exceeded three thousand yesterday…” He replied casually. ”With the recent resettlement program, we’re arranging this shelter to accommodate up to thirty thousand people... Lord Shane had great plans with his Territory. Absorbing your population is just one of them.”

Just like that, the group continued exploring the shelter and learn more about the place.

Their first stop was the bazaar, a bustling market square lined with canopy-covered stalls.

Reylin and the others even recognized some Wandering Merchants as they had visited their shelters before!

”What? They actually have a shop here…”

”I remember those guys… They visited Shelter Three for two days before.”

”Is this where all the Wandering Merchants are coming from?”

”I don’t think so… They must be staying here for long because of how safe it was compared to other shelters.” Reylin said in the end.

As they walked through the area, they immediately smelled the scent of spices, grilled meats, fried noodles, and something sweetly floral.

Butler Edwin heard their conversation and explained.

”As you’ve expected, most of them weren’t residents of the shelter but Merchants from other places. They could be Wandering Merchants, Neutral Shelter’s merchants, or even Survivors with impressive production skills, and were selling their produce.”

After that, he informed them about the existence of Tokens. Identity Tokens, Resident Tokens, Merchant Tokens, Guard Tokens, and some temporary versions of such tokens, and many more.

It was such an interesting concept, but it also gave them a sense of belonging.

With this method of identification, the residents would feel more secure, not just for their residence, food, or even from Zombies, but it also gives purpose to their existence in the shelter.

”Amazing…” Reylin couldn’t help but feel impressed as she realized how organized the shelter was.

Soon, she also confirmed that people also bartered for rare alchemy materials or ingredients, mystical tokens, scavenged relics, homegrown produce, and exotic beverages brewed from System-bought fruits or drinks.

Furthermore, it was quite lively. There were children darting between stalls with their laughter trailing behind them.

Soon, they also heard some other Survivors arguing over the classification of Zombie Cores near a potion booth.

”This place is lively… Is this really a Survivor Shelter?” Maz whispered.

Edwin’s eyes twinkled. ”This is the Eclipse Domain.”

The next thing they noticed surprised them even more…

As they continued walking, they actually passed by coffee shops where survivors sipped aromatic brews and ate fruit tarts while reading magazines or playing card games.

The magazines and playing card games weren’t that surprising since they were something they could also get in normal to rare Entertainment Gift Packs.

However, the Coffee Shops surprised them…

The coffees being sold in the Marketplace place were basically 3 to 5 Zombie Cores per cup!

It was too expensive for a cup of coffee! Although it had mystical effects arranged by the system, it was not worth it at all.

However, the shelter actually had a coffee shop that could serve everyone… Furthermore, the price listed outside was also quite cheap.

”Wait… It’s 30 gold coins?” Reylin muttered.

”Yes, it’s the currency used by the Neutral Shelters. Recently, we have connected to more than 10 Neutral Shelters… While they could accept trades with our materials or resources, they mostly deal with gold coins, and we just decided to adapt some part of it. Furthermore, these people from the Neutral Shelters liked coffee.” Butler Edwin explained.

”Should we have a look?” He offered.

Since it had been quite some time since they had coffee, they immediately agreed! After all, the System Store rarely gives coffee… It was mostly herbal tea, juice, energy drinks, and potions…

Coffees are rare!

”Let’s go!” Reylin said as she confirmed that she also had gold coins. Most of them were from Treasure Chests they had opened.

After entering, Reylin and the others glanced at the modest chalkboard menu hanging above the counter. It wasn’t just the price that caught her attention—it was the variety.

Ember Roast – 30 GC

Starflower Brew – 35 GC

Frostcap Mocha – 32 GC

Lunar Croissant – 20 GC

Berry Infusion Cake – 28 GC

Spiritfruit Muffin – 25 GC

”They’re pretty good… They could give you slight Spirit Recovery or Stamina Recovery if you have them.” The barista immediately said after seeing that the customers were new faces.

Of course, this barista also took a hint after seeing Butler Edwin accompanying them. Considering that, he realized that they could be recruits, visitors from another shelter, or just people who had just finished their jail time and were finally obedient to the Shelter Lord, Shane.

”They also have effects?” Reylin muttered.

Her brows furrowed in disbelief. ”These prices... They’re normal. I thought coffee was a luxury.”

This time, it was Edwin who replied.

”And yet, Lord Shane insisted that certain comforts should not be limited to the elite. These cafes operate under the domain’s subsidy system. Survivors with Worker, Soldier, or Resident Tokens receive discounts—or even daily vouchers depending on their contribution.”