Chapter 847: The Amazing Fortress
Everyone had quite a similar reaction after being lifted by the platform and entering the Floating Fortress.
Eva’s artisans marveled at the sight, overwhelmed by the architecture of the place and the sheer spiritual energy they could sense all over the place.
Iona’s alchemists and others had their eyes wide like children visiting a festival. They had never been inside such a powerful Shelter at all.
They simply couldn’t imagine how a Survivor who had arrived in this world at the same time as them could possess such wealth and power to own this thing.
It was simply too unfair if they compared themselves to Shane.
It was the same with Evan and the other traders, as they were almost unable to speak after seeing how grand the Floating Fortress was.
They thought that aside from having a floating castle, it wouldn’t be anything luxurious inside. However, they were completely wrong; the fortress was like some sort of grand spaceship!
They felt as if it were ready for space exploration instead!
It was not just some sort of floating shelter, but it was like an advanced alien technology!
Furthermore, with the appearance of the Elves, they felt that this place was also magical…
‘Is this fortress really only capable of housing 500 people? I think it could fit a few thousand.’ Evan thought after estimating the size of this place, and it was actually the truth.
The five-hundred-person limit was only there because Shane didn’t build any more extensions or places of residence. Well, there really was no need since he also liked this limit.
***
That night, the fortress’ dining hall was quite lively, yet orderly.
There were long tables lined with food, simple stews, roasted meat, vegetables, and bread. But the freshness and quality of the dishes surprised many of the guests. It wasn’t the bland survival rations they were used to.
‘We’re really getting what we paid for… They’re generous.’
For the first time since entering the fortress, the three groups, Evan and his traders, Eva and her artisans, and Iona with her herbalists, sat together.
The atmosphere was polite but cautious.
Eva set her spoon down after tasting the stew and glanced at the others.
“I didn’t expect… this… It feels like a city banquet rather than a shelter meal.” She commented, attempting to start a conversation. Although they wouldn’t be staying here for a long time, she also didn’t mind having a connection with other Survivors.
Iona smiled faintly as she picked up a cup of tea.
“It’s indeed impressive. They have fresh herbs as well. With my Skill, I can tell that they’re actually using proper herbs for cooking. I can taste them. The Marketplace doesn’t even have some of these leaves.” She replied softly, though she didn’t push the conversation further.
One of Evan’s traders chuckled. “Not just herbs. Look at this bread, soft, still warm. It’s not the bread dropped by the Zombies. It’s definitely baked. They must have proper ovens here. Can you imagine that?”
Everyone gently nodded.
They could already tell that the bread here wasn’t from the system’s dropping system due to its color and design. Then, as soon as they tasted it, it just confirmed their thoughts even more.
Eva’s artisans exchanged glances, still quiet, still wary of the others.
They weren’t used to sitting with strangers, as they had a history of being betrayed.
Still, Evan broke the silence. He leaned slightly forward, keeping his tone neutral but friendly.
“So… looks like we’ll be neighbors for a while. I suppose introductions are in order, even if we’ve already heard each other’s names floating around the regional chat.”
Eva nodded curtly. “My name’s Eva. My people work with runes and various crafts.”
She didn’t elaborate further, but she made everyone aware of what they could do. After that, she even invited them to add to her Friend List just in case they wanted to commission a work.
Iona then introduced herself next. “Iona. Our group focuses on herbs and potions. We’ll stay out of trouble, of course. If you have a special potion request or blueprints you don’t need, you can consider selling them to me. I have a lot of potions being sold in the Marketplace. If you need some of them, just purchase them directly from me to avoid those system taxes.”
Evan smiled after seeing this interaction. “And we’re traders. Always looking for what others have to offer.”
There was a short, awkward pause as the three groups sized each other up.
Although they shared what they could do, none of them wanted to reveal too much. But the fact that they were all here, chosen to board, was enough reason for restraint.
Finally, one of Eva’s artisans broke the tension as he laughed quietly. “Well… at least the food here isn’t terrible. I’ll take that as a good sign.”
A few chuckles followed, easing the mood just slightly.
***
After dinner, the groups naturally dispersed.
Some of the guests retired straight to their assigned quarters, content to rest, but Eva, Iona, and Evan each decided to take some others with them to take a walk…
None of them was the type to sit idle when they were in a place as extraordinary as this.
The fortress was orderly, with glowing lamps made of Light Orbs casting soft light across the corridors. Warden Units patrolled quietly, which could make them feel a little weird at first, but they were soon able to get used to it.
Their mere presence was enough to remind everyone that this was a heavily defended place.
The first hall they reached, past the dining area, was a recreation zone. It was spacious and lined with chairs, tables, and even a few training dummies for combat practice.
A small fountain stood in the corner, and its water was sparkling clean.
“This is… open to us?” one of Evan’s traders whispered, as if afraid someone would tell them they weren’t allowed to touch anything.
“Wait. Look… That statue on the fountain. Isn’t that Shane?” Eva asked in shock. She had passed through this area before, but didn’t notice it until now…