Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle-Chapter 1125: Natalie’s Exploration and Deal Acceptance

As the monks were considering the implications of Priests learning Aura, Jillian stepped forward.

She didn't have to wait for the monks to answer since this wasn't a simple matter.

"Lady Cross," she said, "This isn't an impossible matter, but your request is not a simple one… These monks are not free teachers. They are part of the Eclipse Domain, supported by Shane himself. He built their temple, provided their food, their safety, and their practice grounds."

The monks nodded. Without a doubt, their loyalty lies with Shane.

"If they are to teach your priests, Shane must decide." Jillian finally said.

Natalie paused for a moment and agreed to her words. She did not need to argue.

She understood Jillian's concern and the importance of the monks…

Shane had invested heavily in the monks, treating them as vital resources. To ask for their teachings was to ask for Shane's approval.

Brother Arthis bowed his head.

"We respect Shane. He gave us sanctuary and respected our practices… If he commands us to teach, we will teach. If he forbids it, we will remain silent."

Natalie exhaled softly. It actually works better for her.

After all, she was supplying a lot of food to Shane's shelters! Though she wasn't wealthy in terms of Legendary Items or high-tech devices since she was only getting supplies from other shelters, she was abundant with food resources!

"Then I shall wait. I will speak with Shane when the time comes. But if your monks agree, my priests will honor Aura… or is it Buddha as they honor the Sun God. They will not waste your teachings."

To be honest, she wasn't seeing any statue of Buddha within the temple. This made her confused for a bit.

Nonetheless, the monks just nodded, intrigued at the weird request but cautious.

Jillian, however, knew that Shane would have to weigh this carefully.

Allowing Natalie's priests to learn Aura could strengthen an ally, but it could also spread techniques that Shane had invested heavily in cultivating.

***

As the evening deepened, Natalie remained in the temple courtyard, watching the monks train under the moonlight.

'Beautiful technique…'

Their movements were smooth like a calm flowing water… Furthermore, their Aura was being controlled to such a high level!

They weren't just using Aura to strengthen their physique and attacks, but they could also use anything as their weapons!

Their sleeves, the leaves, their wooden staff, towels, and anything they touch could be used in combat thanks to their Aura!

She admired them a lot. Now, she couldn't help but imagine her priests moving with the same discipline, the same strength.

Brother Arthis approached her once more.

"Lady Cross, are you trying to learn it now? It will be difficult for you since you haven't learned the proper meditation and breathing technique. Even if you experimented and got lucky to learn it, it might cause some damage to your body instead."

He was actually quite concerned since improper usage of Aura could leave her a cripple.

"Ahhh… Don't worry about it. I'm just enjoying your muscles—I mean… Ahem~ I'm just trying to see how you're applying Aura in your everyday lives. That's all."

Arthis was stunned for a moment before he recovered and nodded.

"Aura is not easy to master. It takes longer if you're already too old. If your priests are willing to sacrifice comfort, to train daily, to hunt zombies without fear… then perhaps they can learn."

Natalie's smile deepened. "They will. I will make sure of it."

Jillian watched silently, knowing the decision was not hers to make.

It would fall to Shane to decide whether Natalie Cross's priests would be allowed to learn the monks' secrets.

For now, the temple remained quiet, and the monks continued their nightly training.

***

The next day, Natalie decided to explore more of Eclipse Domain…

Jillian, the beautiful escort, suggested she visit one of the most popular establishments in the shelter, the Gold Star Café, owned by Bartholomew, one of Shane's personal recruits.

She realized that Natalie didn't really want the Entertainment District and suggested this place instead.

"Ohh… I like the smell of coffee…" Natalie muttered.

The café was warm and inviting, filled with the aroma of roasted beans.

Behind the counter, a handwritten note caught Natalie's eye. She saw the menu but also noticed the special blend of the day…

It was the Blackstar Blend, and it also explained the origin of this blend!

Apparently, it came from the Black Tree of Pleasure in the Fairy Realm… a place Shane himself had reportedly visited.

Natalie tilted her head slightly, intrigued at the name of the tree and the location…

"Fairy Realm? Is that the name of a place? I wonder what Sector it is…"

Of course, there was also some doubt on this…

'Was this just clever marketing to raise the price, or was it truly a rare resource Shane had brought back?'

Either way, the drink was expensive… 20 Zombie Cores per cup.

Even for someone of her status, it was a steep price.

Still, curiosity won.

She ordered a cup, and when it was served, the aroma alone was intoxicating.

The server smiled at her reaction and moved closer before he suggested, "It pairs well with our honey‑glazed biscuits. The sweetness balances the bitterness of the Blackstar."

"Then I'll have that as well." She replied and paid with another 3 Zombie Cores.

Then, Natalie took her first sip.

'Ohhhh~'

The flavor was rich and almost otherworldly.

It wasn't just coffee… it was an experience.

These are the words written on the walls in front of her seat. It seemed like it was telling the truth.

The warmth spread through her chest, and for a moment, she forgot the chaos caused by the zombies outside.

After finishing the cup, she smiled faintly, satisfied.

'Perhaps the story was true after all. Fairy Realm, huh… I hope he can also sell the information about this secret location…'

***

Later that day, Natalie wandered into the plaza.

To her delight, a merchant caravan had arrived just two days earlier, and the stalls were overflowing with goods.

There were herbs and spices from distant shelters, and their scents made her hungry for a bit…

Soon, she heard merchants shout prices, offering bundles of dried mint, saffron, and rare medicinal roots. Weapons were also on display…

There were pistols and rifles lined up on the tables. Surprisingly, the firearms themselves were cheap, but the bullets were costly.

Well, it was understandable since gunpowder was scarce! 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

While rifles could be repaired or recycled, ammunition could not.

Natalie barely spared the weapons a glance. Her attention was drawn instead to the fabrics.

Rolls of cloth in vibrant colors and intricate patterns were stacked high; some of them were even shimmering beautifully under the lantern light.

'These merchants… No wonder. So this is the reason they've become scarce! Shane's shelter was taking all the wandering merchants!'

Natalie was shocked by the number of Wandering Merchants here!

It explained why so many shelters were no longer being visited or gets rarely visited!

It was unfair!

'Ugh… Whatever… I can just have someone visit this place then…'

She then ran her fingers across silken threads, imagining the garments she could have sewn… They could be flowing robes for her priests, elegant dresses for herself, sturdy uniforms for her guards.

For a moment, it felt as though there was no zombie apocalypse outside the shelter.

The plaza was filled with activity, bustling with trade, and the simple joys of human civilization.

Natalie allowed herself to enjoy it, knowing that such peace was rare.

***

On the following morning, word finally reached her.

Jillian arrived at the temple courtyard with a smile on her face…

"Lady Cross," she said, "Shane has given his answer."

Natalie straightened, her heart quickening.

"He agrees," Jillian continued, "but with a condition."

Natalie smiled. She had also sent a Private Message to Shane. However, she decided not to complete the transaction there. She simply informed Shane about her plans.

Well, she didn't want to undermine the authority of the managers or administrators of this shelter after all.

Soon, the monks paused their training as they turned to listen.

Natalie gently nodded as she heard this.

Shane's approval was everything she had hoped for, but the condition would determine whether her priests could truly walk the path of Aura.

Still, Natalie exhaled softly, bracing herself. Whatever Shane's condition was, it would shape the future of her clan.

"Shane agrees to let your priests learn Aura…

Her words trailed off, leaving Natalie and the monks hanging on the edge of revelation.

"Ahh… Well, how should I say this… You see… Shane requests that your Archbishop bless at least twenty of his chosen recruits, elevating them into bishops or priests. He mentioned that he's aware that only Archbishops can grant such class‑changes, and Shane believes this exchange is fair."

'If your priests are to gain Aura, then Eclipse Domain must gain clergy. Is that it?' Natalie understood.

Still, she hadn't expected this condition, but the logic was unquestionable…

Shane was not simply giving away his resources… he was ensuring that his shelter gained something equally valuable.

"Very well…"