Chapter 803: Retaliation
Everyone within the Eclipse Domain knew why Shane was showing such a menacing aura that could scare everyone.
He must’ve just received the report about the tragedy that had occurred while he was away.
Thankfully, Shane had swiftly taken control of his emotions, and he soon started calming down.
Soon, he got more reports from Cloud stating how Shinja and Aya fought against Statham’s bodies.
One of Statham’s bodies fought against Shinja outside while the other one had secretly sneaked into the Shelter Core and tried to destroy it, only to be stopped by Aya, the young shaman protecting the hidden chamber.
Everyone else also fought against numerous Vampires and Vampire Knights and managed to repel the Vampire Lord, forcing him to retreat before he could do more damage.
To be exact, they had killed Statham’s bodies, but for some reason, they felt that he would still come back to life.
Nonetheless, even with the successful repel, it came with a price.
Not just the damaged barrier and buildings, but also dozens of Survivors with more wounded survivors still lying in Eclipse Domain’s infirmary.
"This won’t go unanswered..."
Before he could dwell further on vengeance, a new notification from his A.I. Assistant, Cloud, appeared.
[ A group of twelve uninfected survivors has appeared outside the Shelter Gate. It was confirmed by Anna that none of them were infected with the virus. ]
Shane stood immediately, already knowing who they were.
"The Builders... so they’ve arrived."
He had bought them in the Auction for 200,000 Points. They were twelve mute slaves with a special class ability. They were not fighters, but in terms of construction, they were unmatched. Given proper materials and a blueprint, they could raise anything from simple defenses to miraculous structures.
At the very least, that was what the auctioneer guaranteed him.
"Haa~ I should take care of them for now." Shane muttered to himself as he needed to ensure that these mute builders would be treated right.
To be exact, they wouldn’t be slaves here but important builders of their shelter.
Stepping outside, Shane found Edwin already waiting with the newcomers. The twelve Builders stood in perfect formation.
Similar to the expression they had before, their expressions were blank yet strangely calm.
Nonetheless, Shane could tell that they were bound by the slave contract that was transferred to him.
Shane’s gaze lingered on them for a moment. Though mute, their posture showed discipline. These weren’t common laborers... They even seemed like engineered survivors.
"You belong to Eclipse Domain now..." Shane said firmly.
"From this day forward, you will not be treated as tools, but as people. You’ll be given quarters, food, and wages. Edwin will brief you on the details."
Edwin bowed slightly as he also knew what to do once new recruits arrived. This time, since the others were mute, it may be difficult to communicate with them. However, as long as they listened to him, there shouldn’t be a problem...
Soon, he began distributing assignments, explaining the shelter’s quarters, daily meals, and the salaries that would be added to their system accounts.
The Builders didn’t speak, but all of them bowed deeply in acknowledgment before turning their silent gazes back to Shane.
"Good." Shane nodded in satisfaction. "Then let’s begin your first project."
He then opened his inventory.
After selecting what he needed, a long crystalline case materialized, releasing a faint pulse of spiritual energy.
Within it were the components of an unusual item...
It was the Spirit Pulse Obelisk Package containing the Blueprint and the Core Materials of the obelisk.
It was the item Shane won for 52,000 Points.
Shane held the blueprint in one hand and showed the crates for the main component of the obelisk...
"This will be your task. Construct the Spirit Pulse Obelisk... All the important components are included. Materials that aren’t provided, you may request directly from Edwin. He will coordinate with us on whatever you need. Rest for now and familiarize yourselves around before you begin."
The Builders exchanged glances briefly, then knelt in silent unison.
Shane didn’t stop them as he wanted to do something else after this matter was resolved.
***
After ensuring the Builders were settled, Shane made his way toward the central meeting room.
By the time he arrived, most of the Core Members had already gathered.
They were Diana, Raze, Reylin, Tundra, and others. They were already seated, and they all had grave expressions.
The atmosphere in the room carried the weight of the reports they had received.
Everyone had heard about the Vampire Lord’s strike. Though the Eclipse Domain still stood, the casualties and damage were fresh reminders that their enemies were just getting stronger.
Shane’s heavy footsteps drew every eye to him.
His aura was calmer now, but everyone could tell how angry he was.
"We can’t just wait for them to strike again..." Shane said bluntly as he took his seat at the head of the table.
"This time, they attacked our home. Next time, they may destroy it. I want their main nest found... and I want them eradicated."
The silence that followed was thick. Raze didn’t speak, but she started asking Roan if he could find the Vampire Lord’s traces.
Unfortunately, even for the young dragon, it wasn’t easy.
Diana was also unaware of the Vampire Lord’s base.
Reylin, on the other hand, had never even seen the Vampire Lord.
At this time, they were just thinking of sending out various scouts all over the region to find their hideout.
However, after a few moments, it was Tundra who finally broke the silence.
"...I may know where to start," he said slowly.
Shane’s eyes turned to him... It was the same for others, as it was unexpected.
"Go on."
Tundra leaned forward as he tried to recall the information he heard...
"Before the Auction Event, I received a report from one of our newer squads. The one led by Alora. Their task has mostly been sweeping ruined sectors and gathering supplies, but... they stumbled across something odd in one of the ruined cities to the east."
"Odd?" Diana asked, brows furrowed.
She also knew about Alora Virellan, as her arrival was quite a big news to many recruits.