"…You've outdone yourself… This is really good, Bart." Shane muttered, blinking as he also confirmed the effects from the system that pinged at him faintly..
[ World Skybrew– Rare Brew ( World Tree Infused )
Effect ( 5 Minutes ): Increases Mental Clarity +30%, Regenerates 5% Spirit Points per minute, and grants temporary immunity to fatigue-based debuffs.
Bonus: Drinking two doses within 12 hours could grant Inspiration for 3 hours. ]
Bart beamed after seeing Shane's expression.
"It's not a combat potion, but I figured… not every battle is fought with fists and weapons. The Inspiration it gives could help planners, sculptors, leaders, inventors, and others."
Shane set the glass down. "I'll make sure Eliot gets a batch."
"Actually…" Bart rubbed his hands together, "that's the other reason I asked you to come. I'd like permission to expand the cellar."
Shane paused for a moment before he gently nodded.
"I'm not just brewing anymore, Commander. I've started training apprentices. Keller—one of Loreen's helpers—turns out he's got a nose for fermentation. I've also got two ex-scavengers who can't fight anymore, but they can distill better than half the back-alley vendors I used to have before the Zombie Apocalypse… And I want to start exporting again. I mean, I want to expand it to the point that we can export tons of them."
Although he was able to sell a few crates outside the shelter, it was simply not enough. After all, he only gets 15% of the profit… He didn't really want to increase his percentage cut for every sale, but he wanted to have more trades and increase his money.
He was even curious about the Mysterious Eggs or the Pet Eggs and wanted to take care of one of them. He heard that they eat a lot of Zombie Cores, so he had to prepare for that as well.
"You want to increase the trade in alcohol?"
"Yes… We can expand to create Medicinal solutions. Or, depending on sales, we can just focus on Celebration brews, Spirit-boosting ales, and Combat booster drinks. I can do it all…" Bart said.
He was filled with confidence as he knew that once he obtained a larger space, it would just be a matter of time before he became incredibly rich.
"And if I get a few more leaves from the World Tree, I swear I can distill a version that enhances Spirit Energy flow."
Shane didn't doubt that, considering Bart's set of skills. He just really needed ingredients or other materials in order to do it.
He then nodded at it. "I'll reserve some for you..."
Although he still had hundreds of World Tree leaves, they were mostly being used by the Elves for their crafting and by Anna for potion-making. He'd rather give it to those two divisions as leaves for them had a better purpose.
He might have to visit the Fairy Realm once again to get more leaves or even branches from the World Tree.
Bart laughed and clapped him on the back.
"Fair enough, Commander. Just don't forget my contribution during this winter! My ales kept everyone warm, you know?"
"Of course… Don't worry, I will get supplies of World Tree leaves soon."
Shane then glanced at the bottles lining the racks. It was a reminder that their shelter was no longer just pursuing survival. They were also focusing on comfort and entertainment to make this Apocalypse livable despite the situation outside the shelter.
Somehow, in a world of death and decay, a bottle of glowing wine had become proof that they were still human.
"I'll approve the expansion," Shane said after a pause. "Give Mr. Wadsworth the detailed information about it... He'd be the one passing it to Raze…"
Bart let out a victorious whoop and popped open a barrel tap behind him. "Then you, my friend, drink free for life!"
They laughed together, and for a brief, quiet moment, it felt like the Zombie Apocalypse was so distant from them.
After parting ways with Bart and leaving the cellar, Shane made his way up toward the eastern side of the manor where a small, reinforced tower stood.
It was a decent spot that was overlooking much of the shelter.
The wind was quite fresh and several times better than the air in the Eclipse Domain. Anyway, Shane could see the ongoing repairs continuing around the manor from this spot...
However, his focus was elsewhere.
Standing atop the tower balcony was a woman wearing a white dress…
She had short red hair and a dragon tattoo on her right arm.
Although she looked simple in the white dress, Shane could tell that it was a Tier 4 Dress at the very least.
She turned as Shane approached. The expression on her face brightened as she saw the Clan Leader…
"Clan Leader Shane…" she greeted. "Just in time. There's something I want to show you."
"You've been busy…" Shane said as he observed the Dragon Tattoo on her arm. It was filled with Spirit Energy, so it seemed that Roan was in good condition.
Then, he turned to the outer wall's construction.
"The walls are being reinforced. The recruits are training in rotation. Everything looks... solid."
"Well, this is my territory now, remember?" Raze smirked, placing her hands on her hips. "You're too busy playing architect for Genesis and Eclipse."
"Delegating is part of good leadership."
"Then you'll love what we've done with the Clan Hall. Come on."
"Ahh… You're right." Shane muttered as he recalled that the Clan Hall was built here.
Soon, the two walked together down the stone path until they reached the erected Eclipse Revenant Clan Hall.
It was a tall building bearing the sigil of the Eclipse Revenant…
"There are three Barriers... That's good." Shane muttered as he confirmed the installed defenses around it.
Two guards stood watch outside, saluting as the Raze and Shane entered. It seemed that Raze trained them really well.
Inside, Shane immediately paused as he looked at the surroundings...