Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle-Chapter 1122: Doubts
A few hours ago, Captain Abed stood in his cabin, staring at the maps spread across his desk. His clan, the Over Growth Clan, ranked forty‑second in the Clan Rankings…
It had always been overshadowed by stronger rivals in the seas.
Among them, the Ironcrest Clan was the most troublesome. They dominated their region in the seas… Their Spirit Grain, Ironcrest Timber, and Crystal Salt were becoming highly sought after in recent months.
At first, Abed thought little of their trade with Blue Haven Shelter.
Shelters often exchanged goods, and not every deal was significant. But when reports came in that Ironcrest had suddenly acquired vast amounts of Spirit Stones and other mystical resources, like Mana Crystals, he knew something was different.
Spies were dispatched, and information was gathered.
In just a few weeks, they learned the truth. Apparently, the Blue Haven Shelter was not just another settlement. It was wealthy, resourceful, and rapidly growing as it was connected to the Rank 1 Survivor, who also owned the Rank 1 Clan, Eclipse Revenant!
In short, the Ironcrest Clan had struck gold by trading with them.
Abed clenched his fist. "If Ironcrest can profit, so can we."
Of course, with the instructions of their Clan Leader, they knew that they had to do this peacefully. No raids, no bloodshed, as they would just do what they were best at…
"Our OG Clan can't always stay behind. We will surpass the Ironcrest Clan at all costs…" Abed muttered.
The Over Grown, or what they just call the OG Clan, had specialties of its own… They were rare sea herbs, enchanted pearls, and their prized Oceansteel, a metal forged from minerals found deep beneath the waves.
These were resources that Blue Haven Shelter had likely never seen before. If they could establish trade, the OG Clan's fortunes would rise.
That was why Abed had set sail with a small fleet of five ships. Not to intimidate, but to show strength and unity… It was also to prove that the OG Clan was worthy of partnership and willing to trade in large quantities…
After all, the Oceansteel could not be stored in their Inventory.
Because of that, they sent most of the available ships they have…
Still, the journey would take them a few days to reach this place.
While traveling, they had to maintain their vigilance in case sea zombies swarmed at them.
Because of that, Abed's daily life aboard the main ship wasn't rowdy… They had to ensure discipline and routine were met.
He rose early, often before dawn, to inspect the deck…
As for breakfast, they were quite simple. They were dried fish, seaweed, and Spirit Grain porridge. Meals were never luxurious, but they kept the men strong.
Afterward, Abed would walk the deck, speaking with the helmsman, checking the sails, and ensuring the fleet maintained formation.
Navigation was constant for obvious reasons.
Charts were studied, stars were tracked at night, and the helmsman adjusted course with perfect accuracy, or they'd get doomed if they wandered too deep into Sea Zombie Lord's Territory. Even with all of his experience, he wouldn't dare fight a Sea Zombie Lord without most of the Elite Forces of the OG Clan.
Fighting a few Sea Zombie Kings might be possible, but the Lord-Tiers were out of his League… Even if he tried to escape, there would definitely be a huge sacrifice in the process.
In any case, Abed often joined the helmsman. Most of the time, he'd scan the horizon for signs of uncharted land or rival ships.
During peaceful times, the crew would also train daily to ensure that their growth would not be stagnant…
Swordsmen practiced drills, archers tested their aim against floating targets, and Aura users meditated to keep their energy sharp.
These trainings may not increase their Experience Points, but their combat awareness, skill proficiency, and accuracy would naturally improve.
Furthermore, even though this mission was peaceful, Abed knew the seas were unpredictable. There were pirates from Neutral Shelters, and powerful Sea Zombies could appear without warning.
In quieter moments, Abed retreated to his cabin to speak with the other merchants of the Clan who would be handling the negotiations…
It would include him, but he would mostly be the approver of the Merchant's deals and would not be the one directly speaking with the Blue Haven's representatives…
Though he had a higher position than them within the Clan, he wasn't an expert of negotiations.
In any case, he still studied trade agreements and planned how to present the OG Clan's goods to Blue Haven Shelter if he were asked. He imagined the negotiations, the exchange of Mana Crystals, and the rise of his clan's rank once their trade flourished…
***
Days passed. The fleet sailed steadily with the wind at their backs.
As they got closer and closer, the crew grew restless, eager to reach their destination.
"Are we not there yet?" Abed asked one morning as he stepped out of his cabin.
The helmsman straightened. "Soon, Captain. We've entered the territorial waters. Another hour, perhaps less."
Abed nodded as he scanned the horizon like before…
Soon, he noticed that the sea breeze carried a different scent now. There were faint traces of land, of civilization… and he could feel it.
As they got closer and closer, they found traces of land!
The crew stirred with excitement.
Some of them were already talking about the wealth of Blue Haven Shelter, others about the possibility of meeting new allies.
For many, this was their first time approaching a major shelter from the mainland for peaceful trade.
Soon, Abed stood at the bow of the ship…
Behind him, the other four ships followed in formation, with their sails full, with the banners of the OG Clan fluttering proudly.
In just a few more moments, the silhouette of Blue Haven Shelter appeared in the distance. They saw the walls rise along the shoreline, docks stretched outward, and faint figures moved along the coast.
Abed's lips curved into a faint smile. "There it is. Blue Haven Shelter. The place that made Ironcrest rich. Now, it's our turn."
The fleet pressed forward.
Of course, the crew held on to ropes and weapons tightly, not out of hostility, but readiness.
They were entering unknown territory, and anything could happen.
And as expected, the Blue Haven Shelter wouldn't just let them approach without doing anything!
***
Meanwhile, Eudora and Cici stood at the edge of the shore, as they looked at the horizon…
The five unknown ships were steadily closing in, while waving their unknown banners.
"Do they think we will recognize what banner those are?" Eudora muttered.
Cici chuckled and shook her head…
"Anyway, if help is needed, we'll step in."
Eudora nodded.
"Let's see how Blue Haven handles this first. They look prepared."
As expected, from the dockyard, the Providence moved.
The massive vessel, heavily enchanted and fitted with advanced equipment, began to mobilize.
"Wait… Providence is going alone?" Eudora frowned. "Even with all its enhancements, it's still just one ship against five."
But as Providence moved forward, the five larger ships suddenly slowed. Their advance halted, and they waited. It was as if they were acknowledging the lone vessel's authority.
The elves exchanged glances as they couldn't help but feel curious…
Soon, Providence closed the distance until its captain stood visible on the deck.
The captain was alone, no crew beside him, yet his presence was definitely different…
"State your business here," the captain called out.
He stood as if the five ships were nothing more than shadows before him.
Eudora's ears twitched. With her elven senses, she could hear the exchange clearly, even across the water.
***
On the OG Clan's flagship, Abed and his crew hesitated, and doubts crept in.
Was this truly Blue Haven Shelter? Was it really connected to Shane, the Rank 1 Survivor? Or had they been misled, chasing rumors of wealth and power that weren't real?
"Captain…" one of the merchants whispered nervously. "This feels wrong. Are we being scammed? They don't look awesome at all…"
Abed knew what they were thinking, but he wasn't shortsighted.
Even with doubts, he still gave a signal. The negotiator stepped forward, standing at the bow of their ship.
"We are the Over Growth Clan," the merchant announced. "Ranked forty‑second among the clans. We come in peace, seeking trade. Our specialties are rare sea herbs, enchanted pearls, and Oceansteel… They were resources unlike any you've seen. We wish to establish commerce with Blue Haven Shelter."
He then paused for a moment to think of their Clan Leader's possible actions before he continued.
"We also want to know if this shelter truly has wealth and power. We must know that your resources can match ours."
Eudora's eyes narrowed. "So they're here not doing their assignment?
The captain of Providence didn't move. His calm expression remained unchanged. But then, the sea itself moved…
From beneath the waves, five massive figures rose!
While the members of the OG Clan were shocked to see them, those others on the shore of the Blue Haven weren't surprised…
"Trident Mechs…" Eudora whispered. It was her first time seeing them in action!
