Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

Chapter 195: The Night Before the Zombie Wave

Well, no matter how mystical his ingredients were, the process of brewing still takes a lot of time.

Nonetheless, the ingredients he had obtained helped shorten the waiting time a lot.

It only took a day of fermentation which should never be possible if Bart followed the normal process.

Nonetheless, with all the magical and unusual things happening around Shane, he was no longer surprised that such a cheat-like ability existed! Even a Dragon exists in this world!

Anyway, the liquid within the vessel transformed, becoming clearer, the flavors melding and maturing into something more than the sum of its parts.

Finally, it was time for bottling. Bart siphoned the ale into glass bottles, each one sealed with a cork made from the bark of a tree that grew only in the moonlight. He labeled them with care, writing the name of the brew and the date of its creation.

It was not necessary as they were going to be consumed soon, but it was his habit. Anyway, he was about to make a total of 15 bottles of ale. It wasn't too bad, considering his limited resources.

"And now, we wait," Bart declared. "In two days' time, the ale will be ready. Its effects will be worth the wait—strength, clarity, and a warmth that will fortify you against the madness spreading in this world… Kekeke…"

Shane nodded, impressed by the brewer's skill and the potential of the ale's power. The estate had gained not just a master brewer but a craftsman whose drinks might help them in the next Zombie Wave.

As Bart tidied his workspace, the room still fragrant with the scent of brewing, Shane couldn't help but feel that the estate had become a little richer, a little stronger, and certainly more spirited with Bart's arrival.

'I should probably take some of them once I leave the estate.' Shane thought as he left the room.

***

Days quickly passed as the estate continued to expand, and its defenses had become even stronger.

Tonight, the atmosphere in the estate was thick with anticipation as the residents have gathered around the campfire. The place was still bright because of several Light Orbs from the Flasher Zombies, but the light provided by the huge bonfire was a lot more calming for the others.

The flickering flames cast a warm glow on the faces of those assembled, from the battle-hardened Super Soldiers and Elves to the farmers, miners, kitchen workers, and all others…

Shane stood before them, his expression solemn yet resolute. He wasn't a great speaker but he at least knew that he had to let everyone know of what was about to happen and what should they expect.

"Friends, tomorrow we will face a challenge unlike any before," Shane began, his voice steady and clear. "The Zombie Wave will test our strength, our unity, and our will to survive. But remember, we've prepared for this. Each one of you has contributed to the safety and growth of this estate, and now, we must stand together to protect it."

He looked around the circle, making eye contact with as many as he could.

"The horde will be vast, drawn to the sanctuary we've built. But that's because we've built something worth defending. Our walls are strong, our warriors skilled, and our resolve unbreakable." Shane said.

Previously, he was actually concerned about the System's message related to the size of the horde.

The system mentioned in the global announcement that the Zombie Wave would now be directly linked to the size of the camp or shelter. The larger your sanctuary, the more formidable the undead horde you'd face, as it said.

Shane knew very well that his camp could already be considered large, so he was expecting a massive Zombie Wave.

Nonetheless, after realizing how much firepower they have, he actually felt excited about this Zombie Wave since he would earn plenty of experience points and might level up several times!

Furthermore, the amount of resources he'd get would probably be unimaginable to many Survivors. Finally, he was hoping to get the Top 1 Zombie Wave Clearer and obtain hidden rewards as well!

Shane paused, allowing his words to sink in.

"We've trained for this. We've fortified our defenses, stocked our supplies, and we have strategies in place. Each of you plays a crucial role in the coming battle, whether you wield a sword or a shovel. Your efforts during and after the wave will be the difference between victory and defeat.

It will only last for 12 hours but that could feel eternity during the horde's invasion… Furthermore, there could be other Survivors that would try to lead their Zombies to our location. We can't be too complacent."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd. The fact that other Foreign Survivors could try to sabotage them was a bit concerning to them.

Nonetheless, Shane continued,

"Tonight, rest well. Tomorrow, fight bravely. And remember, we're not just fighting for survival—we're fighting for our home. Together, we will endure. Together, we will triumph. And when the sun rises on the day after, it will shine on a stronger, more united estate!"

As Shane concluded, the fire seemed to burn brighter, reflecting the courage that blazed in the hearts of all who listened.

As the embers of Shane's speech still glowed in the hearts of the estate's residents, Alexa and her team of kitchen helpers emerged from the shadows, their arms laden with the fruits of their labor.

The air was soon filled with the rich aromas of a feast crafted with care and generosity.

"Tonight, we dine as warriors and kin," Alexa announced, her voice carrying over the crowd as her helpers began distributing the food. The MREs, usually reserved for dire times, were opened and shared. The Unknown Meat, a mysterious but hearty ingredient, was transformed into savory dishes that warmed the belly and the soul.

The Mushroom Soups, thick and flavorful, were ladled into bowls, steam rising and mingling with the night air. There were also other meals that they could choose, and everyone was excited!

The crowd became even more spirited after seeing this as each of them took their share…

And for those key figures in the estate, like Shinja, Leo, Anna, and others, a special treat—a glass of Bart's ale was given to them!