The monks murmured among themselves as it seed that they would be seeing twenty clergyn within the shelter really soon.
It was quite an interesting sight if that could really happen.
Shane had supported them, built their temple, and given them sanctuary. Now he sought to strengthen Eclipse Domain's spiritual foundation by tying Natalie's clergy to his own people. They didn't mind that at all.
They'd even be happy to have more capable people serving or helping their Shelter Leader.
Natalie considered the request for just a brief mont…
She controlled nearly all the bishops and priests across the continent. Maybe ninety‑nine percent of them were under her authority. To help Shane obtain twenty more would be a significant concession. Yet, it was also an opportunity.
'Twenty shouldn't be that high or low… I guess that's reasonable…'
She smiled faintly and turned to Jillian…
"Very well. If this is Shane's condition, then I will honor it. My Archbishop will bless his chosen recruits, provided they are sent to our shelter. Of course, whether they ascend as bishops or priests will depend on their talent."
Jillian nodded in approval. "That is perfectly understandable."
Natalie's smile deepened as she continued. "Then it is settled. Twenty bishops or priests shall rise within Eclipse Domain. In return, my priests will learn Aura from your monks. A fair exchange, and one that benefits us both."
Brother Arthis bowed his head, acknowledging Shane's demand.
"If Shane wishes his people to walk both paths, then we will teach your priests the ways of Aura. The environnt here is strong and disciplined… if they train within the Eclipse Domain, their progress may be faster."
"Alright… I'll be sending twenty of my Priests here!" Natalie replied.
Jillian was also satisfied with this transaction…
She knew Shane's decision was right… By having clergyn into Eclipse Domain, Shane was binding their clans together in a way that went beyond trade or military alliance.
Natalie, however, felt a thrill of anticipation.
Her priests would soon wield Aura, becoming warriors of faith.
Without a doubt, this was no ordinary agreent. It was a pact that could slowly reshape the balance of power among the clans.
After all, this was only a trial trade… Soon, more and more priests would learn Aura, and Shane would send more people to receive the Blessing from the Archbishop!
***
The following morning, Jillian escorted Natalie back through the portal…
Natalie had left satisfied, her plans now tied to Shane's condition. She also had things to prepare on her side before she could send her Priests here or accept the twenty people that Shane was about to send.
Once the portal shimred shut, Jillian exhaled softly… She was already thinking of the tasks ahead.
Brother Arthis had given her instructions.
If Natalie's priests were to learn Aura, they would need proper training materials.
Jillian wasted no ti. She sought out Harper, Eclipse Domain's special craftsman, known for his ingenuity in creating tools and devices…
"Harper," Jillian said, as she visited the man's workshop… "we'll need specialized equipnt for Aura training. ditation mats, weighted staves, those ringing stones for breathing exercises… Not really sure about them, but Arthis said you know them… Basically, anything that can help priests adapt to the discipline of the monks.
Harper looked at Jillian and scratched his chin…. "Hmmm… Alright… I can craft those resonance stones that hum faintly when Aura flows through them. It will help the priests sense their circulation. As for staves… Right, I heard that we recently received a new shipnt of tal. I think it's called Oceansteel. There should be more of them in Blue Haven. Please ask Mr. Wadsworth for a few crates of them."
Jillian nodded approvingly. "Good. I'll send the ssage. Anyway, Arthis said to make them durable but simple. They must learn humility before power… Sothing like that."
"Got it…"
With Harper set to work, Jillian planned to visit the entertainnt district. She intended to perform, not just because it was her duty but also for the Survivors who had just completed their missions outside the shelter.
She needed to at least soothe them and have them relaxed while in the shelter.
But before she could step onto the stage, she felt sothing off.
"Hmm? What's the commotion?"
A rumble echoed through the streets… Soon, she heard the residents cheering!
Apparently, the strike team that had attacked the Phoenix Phalanx finally returned.
Hundreds had set out days ago, and now they marched back into Eclipse Domain. The sight was both triumphant and sobering.
The Warden Units and ch Fras rolled in first. They saw their armor dented, their joints sparking, their plating scarred from battle.
They needed repairs…
Furthermore, seeing how badly damaged they were, they could tell that the battle must have been really difficult.
Behind them ca the survivors… They were soldiers, super soldiers, and warriors. Unlike the machines, the humans looked whole. Their wounds had been treated, and without a doubt, their bodies had been healed during the journey ho.
Yet the atmosphere was heavy. The Phoenix Phalanx was one of the Top 5 Clans after all. They weren't an easy opponent.
Even as the Rank 1 Clan, Eclipse Domain, and the other shelters could not mobilize all its forces so far from ho, and leave their base unprotected.
In short, the Phalanx had the advantage of terrain, and obviously, the battle had been brutal.
Among the returning warriors, Jillian's eyes sought one in particular… Raze.
She had been worried ever since word spread of Roan's capture…
Thankfully, Raze and Roan were alive.
She saw Raze's dragon tattoo on her arm, and it ant that Roan had returned.
Nonetheless, Jillian could see the strain.
She could tell that Roan had suffered greatly.
According to Fiona's Rat Reports, the Phoenix Phalanx's alchemists had extracted too much blood during captivity, torturing the spirit beyond endurance. Though healed, Roan was weakened, and Raze would have to wait a long ti before she could summon him again.
Still, Jillian's heart eased slightly.
'At least they survived. At least they ca back.'
As the soldiers and warriors dispersed, many drifted toward the entertainnt district.
They needed release, a comforting phase after days of bloodshed.
Jillian understood imdiately, and she would not let them drown in silence or despair.
"Alright…" Jillian muttered as she turned to her band.
Seeing that they were ready, she stepped onto the stage…
Soon, the district quieted as her voice rose…
Her Famous Bard Talent amplified every note, turning her song into sothing more than music.
It was healing, soothing, a lody that touched the heart and soul.
As a matter of fact, it also manipulates the emotions of people around her if she wants. However, there was no need to manipulate them at this point…
The weary soldiers closed their eyes, as they simply appreciated the music...
The super soldiers also allowed themselves a mont of peace.
Even the chanics working on battered ch Fras paused, listening as Jillian's voice washed over them.
Her song reminded them that the Eclipse Domain was not just a fortress… it was their ho.
"I'm glad I returned alive…"
This was what crossed their minds all at the sa ti.
By the ti her performance ended, the entertainnt district was now with renewed spirit.
Survivors laughed, shared drinks, and started sharing about their victory against the Rank 5 Clan!
anwhile, after the soldiers started talking about their battle against Alexander and his Clan, the news quickly spread!
Within the World Chat, many Survivors around the world were already talking about this!
[ Mistra (Sector 4): So it's true… The Eclipse Revenant actually pushed back the Phoenix Phalanx. I didn't think anyone could force Alexander's clan to surrender like that… or maybe they just retreated. ]
[ Liora (Sector 11): Retreat? More like humiliation. I just got so reliable information. Shane's robots ca back dented, but the soldiers were fine. That ans Shane's forces barely suffered in this battle. ]
[ Bren (Sector 8): Don't forget Alexander. That guy's reputation is bloody. He kills survivors more than zombies. So say he's worse than the apocalypse itself. It's good that he's defeated. Good job, Shane. Thank you for teaching him a lesson! ]
[ Hana (Sector 17): Still, he's strong. My cousin fought under him once. Said Alexander could cut through a Zombie King like paper. If Shane really beat his clan, then Shane's power is terrifying. ]
[ Dax (Sector 6): Terrifying is the word. If Shane can crush a Top 5 Clan's main shelter, what chance do smaller shelters have if he ever turns his eyes on us? ]
[ Elen (Sector 13): Oh, co on. Shane isn't Alexander. Have you not visited his shelter? He builds temples, cafés, and even plazas for everyone. You can open a shop there if you want. He's not out there slaughtering people for fun. His shelter feels more like a city than a fortress. ]
[ Toren (Sector 20): Maybe now. But power changes people. ]
[ Mira (Sector 10): I don't care. I'm just glad soone finally put Alexander in his place. That man's cruelty has gone unchecked for too long. ]
[ Jalen (Sector 18): Celebrations aside, think about the balance. If Shane keeps winning, he'll be untouchable. ]
[ Sylas (Sector 7): Influence or not, I'd rather follow Shane than Alexander. ]
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