Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

Mr. Wadsworth didn't know what was on their mind. Nonetheless, he considered their offer, his mind cataloging the estate's needs.

However, he also recalled Shane's instructions…

"Master Shane mentioned that the two of you just needed to rest for now. Your willingness is most appreciated." He replied.

"We're still full of energy and still quite early to sleep… You can just tell us where we can help." Jaxon replied.

Mr. Wadworth smiled at this as he realized that Shane's friends were easy to get along with… With a nod, he thought of an answer.

"There are several areas where your skills could be of great service," he began, his gaze sweeping over the pair. "For instance, our defenses can always be bolstered. Assisting in the maintenance of our palisades and traps would be invaluable as well. Furthermore, our gardens are expanding, thanks to the newly restored water source.

A hand in tending to the crops would not go amiss… If you want to venture outside, we have three miners right now, and you might want to consider joining them to protect them while they do their jobs. Currently, two Super Soldiers were guarding them whenever they mine… It would be great if the two of you could take their escorting task… But mining is only done during the day…"

Lyra nodded, her spirit lifted by the prospect of meaningful labor. "So you have a mining site nearby. That's cool. We'll start escorting them first thing in the morning," she declared…

"And," Mr. Wadsworth added, "if you have any particular talents or expertise, do let us know. We strive to utilize every individual's strengths to their fullest here."

Lyra and Jaxon then explained their skills or their talents.

Learning that Lyra had Talent as a sharpshooter, Mr. Wadsworth knew that she would be the best sentry on the watchtower.

Jaxon, on the other hand, who had an incredible sense and was dubbed a Tactician, would certainly become a huge help to Eliot. He was an engineer who could build things but lacked good insight on making an impenetrable fortress.

Perhaps, with Jaxon's knowledge in combat, he would be able to make decent suggestions and create a better way to defend the estate from the second Zombie Wave.

Of course, this matter would still be discussed later as they also needed Shane's opinion.

***

For now, Lyra and Jaxon ventured out to breath some fresh air.

The estate sprawling before them bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun.

"This is a beautiful place…" Lyra commented.

"Yes… However, I think there's a hidden danger in this estate…" Jaxon said.

Lyra knew that he wouldn't just say this without any reason so she turned to him with a serious look on her face.

"Is that true?" She asked.

"Yes… Let's look around."

Jaxon had a Talent called Foresight. It was a talent that often tingled at the edges of his consciousness, and it was unusually prickly tonight, suggesting an unseen anomaly within the estate's peaceful surface.

Lyra didn't hesitate and agreed to this. The hidden danger might be related to the zombies, the shelter, the virus, or anything that could harm them, so they had to take this seriously.

They toured the grounds, inspecting each building with a meticulous eye.

The warehouse stood secure, its contents undisturbed. The mill's wheels turned steadily as the river flows, the smithy's fires glowed attractively, and the orchard's trees seemed bountiful. They also confirmed that there were no problems in the palisade…

Then, they also checked the living quarters and confirmed that there was nothing to worry about after confirming that his Foresight wasn't activating.

However, as they approached the manor, the sensation that his Talent showed him intensified. It was a foreboding that clawed at Jaxon's instincts.

"I think there's a problem with this manor…" Jaxon said.

"It looked like it's being repaired." Lyra replied.

"Yes… The first floor seemed to have collapsed… Anyway, let's ask the butler about this manor." Jaxon suggested.

Soon, he voiced his concerns to Mr. Wadsworth, who listened attentively but offered little in the way of explanation.

"Master Shane prohibited anyone on entering the third floor of the manor… He has his reasons for the restrictions since it's related to our safety…" Mr. Wadsworth said, his tone neutral.

"So the third floor is off-limits… Got it, we will respect his wishes."

Lyra, sensing Jaxon's frustration, placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Let's trust Shane," she reminded him gently. "Whatever the reason, it's for the good of the estate."

With their curiosity piqued but contained, they redirected their energies toward the training grounds where the Super Soldiers honed their skills.

The sight that greeted them made them a bit excited—a monk and a Super Soldier squared off, their stances poised for combat!

The monk, cloaked in robes that seemed to defy his nimbleness, stood poised before the Super Soldier, whose bulging muscles hinted at unstoppable force.

This would be a clash of discipline pitted against raw might!

"I want to see the end of this…" Lyra commented as she looked at the combatants like two Tyrant Zombies about to face each other!

"I think that Super Soldier will win…" Jaxon muttered.

"Did you use your Foresight?" Lyra asked.

"I wish… But it works passively." Jaxon replied with a helpless smile on his face. Although his Talent was great, the fact that he could not control it made it really hard for him on many occasions.

Anyway, it didn't take long before the two stood transfixed, spellbound by the unfolding spectacle.

The Monk glided smoothly to get closer to his opponent. His movements were almost spectral, barely disturbing the ground beneath him.

In stark contrast, the Super Soldier emanated a primal energy. It felt as if every muscle vibrated with the promise of devastation.

As the combatants got closer to each other, the tension hung heavy in the air.

The Monk made the first move, a lightning-fast jab aimed at the Super Soldier's torso.

It was a feint, designed to draw the Soldier's guard down.

The Soldier, however, was not easily fooled. He parried the strike with a swift downward sweep of his arm, the force of the block sending a tremor through the ground!

Boom!