Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

Joy trusted Natalie’s bishops as she knew very well how skilled they were.

However, these bishops were Natalie’s greatest strength, and it would always be better for them to be hidden unless it was necessary to bring them out…

“Our medics can also identify traces of infection that aren’t visible yet. If anyone’s been hiding a bite, we’ll know. Well, we bought something special during the Grand Auction Nexus.”

Natalie’s expression brightened. “That’s an excellent idea, Joy. My Bishops can support your team, but I also didn’t want to stretch them too thin. If your medics assist, we can ensure everyone entering is safe.”

“Good.” Joy allowed herself a small smile. She was clearly pleased that her offer was accepted without hesitation.

Not to be outdone, Sarah also provided whatever assistance she could. “If we’re talking about reinforcements… I brought something as well. An extra Barrier Generator.”

Natalie and Joy both looked at her at the same time..

Sarah chuckled at their surprise. “Don’t look so shocked. My Vanguard doesn’t waste resources, but I figured if we’re gathering leaders here, we might as well double the defenses. One extra generator won’t make this place impenetrable, but it’ll give us more breathing room if anything goes wrong.”

“That’s… actually brilliant,” Natalie admitted. “If the Pact is going to begin anywhere, it should feel secure. Thank you, Sarah.”

“Let me take a look…” Natalie said.

“Of course…”

Natalie stepped closer as Sarah waved her hand, pulling out a device from her inventory. It was the size of a child’s torso. It was smaller than what they had expected…

“It looks good. Did you get this in the Auction as well?” Natalie asked.

“Hehe… Right. I bought it for only 80k points.”

[ Advanced Guard Barrier Generator:

Effect: Creates an energy barrier capable of blocking physical projectiles and 70% of energy-based attacks.

Range: 50 meters radius (can overlap with existing generator fields)

Special Trait:

Overlap Efficiency: When deployed alongside another Barrier Generator, efficiency increases by 20%, reducing power drain and reinforcing structural stability.

Restriction: Requires consistent Energy Core to sustain operations. ]

“Impressive. It’s not just any generator… It has Overlap Efficiency. That means if we pair it with mine, we’ll reduce strain and bolster both fields at once.” Natalie muttered.

Joy was also surprised as overlapping barriers weren’t common

“So, not only doubling coverage but strengthening it? That’s a clever move, Sarah. I didn’t expect you to part with such an item.” She teased.

Sarah chuckled and shook her head. “It’s not charity. If we’re forming this pact, then my Clan’s safety depends on its success. Besides…”

She paused for a moment and looked at the two. “If things go south, I’d rather not be buried under a pile of undead because we were stingy.”

Natalie nodded approvingly. “Then we’ll set it up before the other Clans arrive. I’ll have my technicians and your engineers integrate it with the existing grid. Together, the barrier will be nearly twice as strong.”

“Let my men set it up…” Sarah said.

“Got it… Do you have more?” Natalie joked.

The Verdant Vanguard leader shrugged modestly. “Maybe… Just don’t ask me to donate a second one. Those things are rare.”

The three leaders shared a laugh before the conversation turned more personal.

“So, Natalie…” Joy’s tone was sly now…

Natalie felt curious seeing a smile as if Joy knew something. She was confused.

“Everyone’s been wondering. What exactly is your relationship with Shane?” Joy finally asked.

Sarah’s eyes lit up, amused. She was also curious about this and she was thankful that Joy brought it up. “Yes, I was going to ask the same thing. You two seem… connected.”

Natalie’s smile faltered, and for a moment, she looked caught off guard.

After all, she had no idea that her friends were thinking about this at all.

But she recovered quickly, straightening in her chair.

“We’re not what you think…” she said firmly. “Shane and I are only… friends. Allies through transactions, if you want to put it plainly. He trades with New Haven often. They can be talismans, fuel, stabilizers. In return, we’ve given him holy water or any healing support when his people were in danger. He had great alchemists and engineers on her side, but the powers of the bishops could not be ignored. That’s all.”

Indeed, most of the materials that Anna was using to conduct alchemy and other experiments came from Shane’s trade to Natalie or even Travis from time to time.

Because of that, their relationship deepened.

Natalie sighed as her expression softened. “He’s trustworthy, yes. But we don’t owe each other beyond that. And I intend to keep it that way… for both our sakes.”

Joy chuckled after hearing this, clearly unconvinced.

She even felt that Natalie felt pity that their relationship could not advance.

Furthermore, they actually heard that Shane had a lot of female members in his Clan. The most famous one among them was the female Dragon Knight, Raze.

Her Zombie Challenge was seen by almost everyone during that event in the waiting zone.

That red dragon was simply too recognizable, and there was no way they would forget something like that.

Nonetheless, they didn’t want Natalie to feel uncomfortable. Sarah just smirked faintly and let the matter drop. Still, she exchanged a quick glance with Joy as if they both shared the same private thought: Natalie might not admit it, but Shane wasn’t just another survivor to her.

“Still… having his trust will strengthen your Clan’s position. Whether you’re allies or just trading partners… it matters. Everyone knows what Eclipse Revenant is capable of.”

Natalie smiled at that…

“Yes… But as you all know, we will keep our good relationship with Shane a secret. Everyone is afraid of him right now. They’d be scared if they realized that I know the man well.”

Joy and Sarah naturally agreed and knew about its importance.

“At the very least, we will slowly make them realize that Shane doesn’t stand against the Pact. If anything, he supports survival… so long as it isn’t turned into a weapon against him.”