So I drew the ire on the secret cow level, then got hunted on chaos sanctuary. Now I've cleared chaos is the only thing for me to do is wait for the next terror zone to try to get level 2 without using shards?

Yes

Dont idle.
Go to Jails and Catacombs no TZ.
They have the best A5 shard ratio.
IfJails or Catacombs are next dont do it tho or you'll idle another 30min.
If Catacombs are next you mught want to hit Andy as many times as possible tho.
Go Blood Moor for A3 shards too.
This way next time you can just pop shards.
P7 makes for better shard drop.
Drop on elites only, but no need em to be TZ.