Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle-Chapter 1018: Special Talent

Shane confirmed that this was indeed a decent shelter to hide from the Zombies. After all, he only realized that there was a base hidden behind the waterfall because of his Level 10 detection abilities.

However, he could also tell several problems that might come up if they had to live in such a place for too long.

After all, even with the steady supply of water, their living conditions inside may not be the best.

"Follow me..." Gregor said as he nimbly walked through the cliff. The steep path and the awkward placement of the stepping stones may certainly deter anyone who wanted to invade their base.

Just like that, the survivors moved carefully, stepping onto slick stones, and soon, they slipped behind the torrent.

Shane followed, and after he passed through, he controlled his Bio‑Armor to retract for now, finally, his figure to everyone.

Well, he could easily call up his armor, and Silver was still clinging to him until now. With these two living armors with him, he had nothing to worry about.

’Now... What do we have here...’ Shane muttered as he looked around.

Beyond the waterfall lay a cavern.

Its walls had several torches and Shane even noticed a barrier for protection. Their barrier generator may not be as good as his Aegis Barrier, but it was still quite decent against high-tier Zombies.

Furthermore, the place wasn’t damp at all.

Even the air was warmer here, shielded from the biting wind outside.

Shane’s eyes easily adjusted, and he saw the underground shelter spread before him...

As they continued walking, he found more details inside.

There was a network of tunnels and chambers, filled with survivors tending to fires, repairing gear, and caring for their beasts.

Children peeked from behind crates, wide-eyed at the sight of Shane.

Well, Shane was wearing expensive-looking clothes after all.

It was completely different from the others’ dilapidated clothes.

Furthermore, those who had the ability to see through their level difference couldn’t help but bow slightly as they recognized how powerful he was.

Gregor gestured toward the heart of the cavern. "It is not much compared to other shelters, I’m sure. But it is our home..."

Shane’s gaze swept across the shelter.

It was small, fragile compared to the fortresses he commanded, but it seemed livable. It was completely different from what he had imagined.

’About a hundred survivors... But only half of them can fight... Still, they seem to have a special ability with summons or pets’ Shane mused as he realized that almost everyone had creatures close to them.

Aside from wolves, bears, lizardmen, and other combat-type creatures, there were also squirrels, cats, ducks, monkeys, and some insects.

’What is going on here?’ Shane was confused for a moment.

Shane’s eyes narrowed as he studied the cavern. The sheer number of creatures here was unusual. In the apocalypse, most animals had already turned into zombie beasts.

Finding even one living wolf or bear was rare... yet this shelter had dozens. They all moved freely without corruption.

"How are you living here? And why are there so many creatures?" Shane finally asked. He made sure that his tone was calm, but it was edged with curiosity.

Gregor nodded, not offended by the question.

"I’ll explain... but come with me first."

He led Shane deeper into the cavern until they reached one of the largest tents. It wasn’t a simple canvas shelter. A fireplace burned steadily inside, its smoke venting through a narrow shaft that connected outside.

The warmth was comforting, and it was a stark contrast to the icy winds beyond the waterfall.

Beside the tent was something even more surprising. There was a small field of grass and plants. Rows of herbs, vegetables, and even a few fruit saplings grew under the glow of hovering crystals.

Gregor gestured toward them. "Sun Orbs. We managed to acquire them during a trade with some Wandering Merchants. They mimic sunlight, allowing us to grow food even underground."

’Ohhh... Those wandering merchants can really help.’ Shane gently nodded.

He then stepped inside the tent and noticed that a woman was already there, tending to the fire.

Gregor introduced her softly. "My wife, Amira."

She gave Shane a polite nod...

Shane also noticed that even though her clothes were old, they were clean. After greeting her back, he couldn’t help but notice that this woman was a lot younger than Gregor.

Nonetheless, Gregor motioned for Shane to sit. Soon, Amira served them food. It was roasted rabbit meat seasoned with herbs from their field, boiled root vegetables, and a thick broth that smelled faintly of garlic and wild onions.

It was an impressive meal!

For a drink, they had a simple tea brewed from dried leaves.

Shane tasted the meal. It wasn’t luxurious, but it was hearty, warm, and far better than the scavenged rations most survivors relied on.

It even tasted better than the food he could normally buy in the Survivor Store.

As they ate, Gregor finally explained.

"You’re right. Most animals outside have already turned into zombie creatures. Finding living ones is nearly impossible. But we... we have someone here with an Epic Talent."

Shane nodded as he already thought as much.

Gregor then continued, lowering his voice. "One of our survivors possesses a special ability. He can call forth animals, living ones, from the wilderness or something... Similar to the Recruitment Stones we have. However, this talent consumes massive Spirit Points, and the cooldown of the ability is a bit too long. But once they appear, we can bind them. That’s how we’ve managed to survive. Wolves, bears, even smaller creatures... they all came because of him."

Shane finally understood why they were able to survive for so long.

However, relying solely on this person would still be very difficult.

’I even want to recruit that guy...’ Shane mused.

A talent that could summon living animals in a world where most had already turned was beyond rare.

Gregor sighed. "It’s costly. Every time he uses on large animals, he nearly collapses... We can’t rely on it often. But without him, we would have perished long ago."

Shane gently nodded.

’A talent like that... if nurtured properly...’

He then finished his broth and set the bowl aside. "Interesting," Shane muttered. "Very interesting."