Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle
Chapter 720: Groans

Chapter 720: Groans

Zig then looked at the reference that Diana had brought for him... He had also seen Shane before, so he already had a rough idea... Still, with the works of other painters, he was able to imagine the painting that he wanted.

Soon, he cracked open his sketchbook, summoned his Color Palette, and began to work...

***

Meanwhile, under Jayvee’s leadership, the rest of the Great Mercenary Clan arrived at the construction site.

And their jaws practically hit the ground as they saw the situation...

"Holy crap..." Clarence muttered, holding a clipboard and blinking at the equipment before him.

Arrayed around the work zone were automated concrete mixers, some jackhammers, and some platforms stacked with prefabricated road slabs made from a mysterious alloy called Refinesteel.

It was an item that wasn’t created by another Survivor, but a technology that this world was using before.

It was said to last decades even under the stress of Giant Zombies. That was the reason why many bridges were still working despite the Zombie Infestation going on for a very long time.

Aside from that, there were also cooling stations, complete with mist sprays to keep their bodies from overheating.

Several Clan members already stood under one, arms outstretched like they’d reached heaven.

Jayvee let out a long whistle. "We got gear. Like... real gear."

"This is better than half the city shelters I’ve worked in," muttered another. "Are these shovels... upgraded? Wait... They are... Exceptional Grade shovels?! They’re not joking around!"

Item Upgrade Crystals are still expensive. Furthermore, there were better items to use them on. Putting them on shovels was definitely a luxury.

Soon, a technician from Eclipse Revenant approached.

"Welcome! We’ve staged the first batch of materials here. You’ll be working on the southern curve first—just follow the flagged path. You do not have to worry about your protection. There will be some Warden Units following you around with some Super Soldiers who will be helping you all clear the path, like removing trees or stones."

Just like that, everyone began to work... The first part of their work was to clear the path, so it was quiet easy.

Still, after working for a few hours, carts filled with meal boxes rolled into view.

Each Clan member received a packed meal of warm, crispy herb chicken, or what tasted like chicken, roasted root vegetables, and actual buttered rice. Not nutrient bars... Not salt-preserved rations. Real food!

Even cold lemon tea and cucumber water were handed out in upgraded flasks to keep the drinks chilled.

"...I’m not dreaming, right?" muttered Zig’s twin brother, Aki, as he downed half his tea and groaned in bliss.

"I feel like we joined a five-star construction project," someone else joked.

"They’re treating us like actual humans," Jayra whispered with disbelief as she chewed on a dense sandwich filled with sliced meat and cheese during the mid-day break. "This is... this is what it’s like to be part of a top-tier network."

Jayvee looked around at the bustling crew—his crew.

Despite their initial awe, they had immediately settled into the task.

After the break, Clarence and Gustav were leading the leveling team, using the provided tools to ensure each slab aligned perfectly as the roads were cleared.

The others with Strength-type Talents then hauled massive crates of alloy like they weighed nothing. Jayra oversaw the enchantment application by another member to ensure that the road wouldn’t be easily destroyed.

This wasn’t just construction.

This was legitimate infrastructure building, and they were trusted to lead it.

For a moment, Jayvee stood back, watching it all unfold.

They have been working for more than seven hours already, but they are still filled with energy. It felt as if they could still work for another shift.

As everyone saw the amount of work they’ve done in just a few hours of work, laughter broke out as someone joked about turning their Clan into "Great Mercenary Construction Co."

At this time, Jayvee looked over to the far side of the road, where Eclipse Revenant Warden Units were stationed...

With their presence, all of them could work without any concern about a potential threat. Eclipse Revenant Clan was definitely a great employee.

***

Back in the atelier, Zig was already halfway through the underpainting.

Due to his Talent, he could work really fast... At this time, Shane’s silhouette—broad, proud, poised with a sniper rifle resting against one shoulder—was taking form. But it wasn’t just posture or shading that set the work apart. There was something in the set of Shane’s jaw and the distant gaze in the half-rendered eyes...

’It’s definitely appealing... Though I’m not sure if he’d make this expression.’ Zig mused...

Anyway, he wasn’t in a hurry. He needed to work carefully on this project as he hoped that he’d be able to give the best Item Effect on this masterpiece.

Diana had soon arrived as she looked at the empty dishes on a tray near Zig... She gently nodded after seeing that the man had at least eaten his food.

Although Diana told him that he could leave the room anytime he wanted or even change his location, Zig had decided to stay here and just continued to work...

She didn’t speak for a moment, but after several long minutes, she finally said, "That’s him."

Zig smiled faintly as he heard this...

***

By the end of the day, around 10 in the evening, the Great Mercenary Clan stood back to examine what they had completed.

A clean, leveled stretch of road could be seen under the lantern posts.

These lantern posts were premade within the shelter, and they had Zombie Repellent Effects.

Unsurprisingly, these posts were able to rebelling Low-Tier to Mid-Tier Zombies.

As for High-Tier Zombies, they could ignore these posts, but it would not be easy for them, as Shane planned to have multiple Guard Posts made of Warden Units...

He planned to slowly clear this region and make the ’safe zone’ a lot bigger, even if they don’t build a wall.

Anyway, at this time, the first third of the southern path was done.

It was incredibly fast, and they were ahead of schedule.

Jayvee wiped the sweat from his brow. "Alright. Let’s pack up for today. Everyone good?"

Then, several cheers and exhausted groans followed.