Global Awakening: Apocalypse Ender's Chronicle

"Branches," Alex mumbled. "I stumbled."

He replied softly as if he was afraid to be misunderstood.

However, as Anna was looking at the scratches, her instincts screamed.

She had seen many types of injuries and he had a bad feeling about this. Furthermore, it wouldn't be surprising if someone would try to hide their wounds from the Zombies...

Anna stayed silent for a while before she started cleaning the injury. It certainly doesn't show that Alex was infected by the Zombies since the injury seemed just like a normal one on the surface.

However, as Anna looked at her patient, she could tell that Alex's eyes held secrets—fear, perhaps guilt.

She then pressed her fingers against the scratch, watching his reaction. He winced, but it was more than pain—it was something else.

"Branches," he repeated. But his voice doesn't sound convincing.

"We were being chased by the Zombies and we didn't have the time to clear the branches. Believe me."

As he said this, Anna exchanged a glance with Mr. Wadsworth.

The butler's expression was unreadable, but his hand rested on the hilt of a hidden blade. In his life before the mysterious gray fog saved him, he had faced traitors numerous times—those who would risk the manor's safety for their own survival.

He knew what to do with these types of people.

Anna understood what the butler wanted to do, so she quickly turned to the patient.

"Alex," Anna said softly. "We need the truth. That way, I might find a way to cure you."

His eyes met hers, and she could tell that Alex had become hesitant. However, Anna remained calm as she waited for him to speak.

Thankfully, her patience was rewarded as Alex's eyes only had a flicker of defiance before it was followed by resignation.

"It wasn't branches," he confessed. "It was a zombie. I fought it off, but it scratched me. B-but I think I'm not infected. I'm not bitten by the Zombie! I don't think their nails had the virus anyway… Even if it hurts a little, I think it's just a bacteria… Nothing to be concerned about.

Elsa had a minor healing ability, and once she recovers her Spirit Points, she should be able to help me.

Anna's heart sank after hearing this.

There was no way she could ignore this matter, as it could cost the safety of their estate.

She had to make a quick decision... She glanced at Mr. Wadsworth, who nodded imperceptibly.

Anna then treated the injury with basic medicine before she informed him of what was about to happen.

"Quarantine," Anna ordered and turned to the butler. "Please take him to the isolation ward. We have to ensure that the injury won't turn him into a Zombie."

Mr. Wadsworth decided to do this personally as he planned to use the small house where Layla and Max were previously confined.

As Alex was led away, the others felt confused. However, a few of them could immediately tell what was going on.

Alex would probably get executed or imprisoned for some reason.

Anna then went out of the room and her gaze lingered on the others.

"If you have hidden injuries, you have to immediately let me know no matter how small it was." She announced while looking Alex, who was taken away.

The others could only nod and watch silently, showing their expressions of fear and relief.

***

Meanwhile, the battle outside the gate had been nothing but fierce. The Zombie Wave meant for Elsa and Lily's camp came crashing against the Springriver Manor's defenses.

Thankfully, the Zombies Wave wasn't that strong.

Shane, with his Laser Sniper Rifle now down to its last four Cell Chargers, eliminated all the Survivor Zombies.

However, he knew that it was worth the price.

The Survivor Zombies he saw seemed too intelligent. Well, it was quite expected since he already faced them before. But the 10 just now seemed to be more dangerous than the Survivor Zombies he had seen before.

As the dust settled and the last zombie fell, Shane wiped sweat from his brow.

The Super Soldiers stood alongside him, their bulging muscles still pristine and without any signs of injuries from the zombies...

"Everyone except for the Super Soldiers will take a break," Shane announced, his voice echoing across the ramparts.

"Have a quick meal that Alexa prepared. Once you're done, immediately return to your position."

The survivors, with their faces etched with exhaustion, nodded gratefully.

"Thank you, Sir Shane! We will be quick!" Lady Seraph said as she also needed a quick respite.

"I will just bring my food here while waiting for the third Zombie Horde." Eldric, the scavenger, replied.

Soon, they filed toward the makeshift dining area, where Alexa had laid out simple rations together with special meals for those who wanted to try.

The elves, however, weren't too tired or hungry. They exchanged glances and approached Shane.

"We'll assist you," Thalion said, and it seemed that he wouldn't accept any rejection for this.. "We're not ready for a break yet. We're still full of energy. Tell us what we can do to help you."

The other elves nodded at this, sharing the same sentiment.

Shane nodded. "Alright," he said. "Gather mid-tier Zombies in one location so I can loot them quickly."

The elves and the Super Soldiers then moved quickly to follow his command.

They herded the fallen zombies—Runners, Jumpers, and Flashers—into a pile.

Soon, Shane knelt beside them, his gloved hands touching them a little before triggering the system.

[ Do you want to retrieve the loot? ]

"Yes."

[ You have earned 5.5 Experience Points. ] x2

[ Loots obtained: Item Upgrade Crystal x1, Zombie Core x1, 500mL Water, Stale Bread x1, 100mL Runner Zombie Blood, Spirit Enhancement Bottle x1 ]

This was the common loot for the Runner Zombies.

[ You have earned 10 Experience Points. ] x2

[ Loots obtained: Item Upgrade Crystal x1, Zombie Core x1, 500mL Water, Bread x1, 100mL Jumper Zombie Blood, Strength Enhancement Bottle x1 ]

This was the loot he obtained for the Jumper Zombies, and then he looted the Flasher Zombies.

[ You have earned 10 Experience Points. ] x2

[ Loots obtained: Item Upgrade Crystal x2, Zombie Core x2, 500mL water, Unknown Meat ( Safe ) x1, 100mL Flasher Zombie Blood, Spirit Enhancement Bottle x1, Light Orb x1 ]