Doomsday Pillars

Chapter 260 - Artifacts

Alex spends two weeks inside the training room, training all his recently added skills to its maximum potential. Of the eight new light spells that he purchased before he started training, he had only managed to master six out of eight spells with the two Rank 3 spells [Blessed] and [Smite] too difficult for him to learn in his limited amount of time. 

He again blamed his talent for not being as good as those spirit enhancers. Alex really wanted to keep training until he learned all the spells, but too bad he couldn't stay too long inside the training room.

It was time for him to carry out his plan. Whenever Alex though about it, he was always worried and hesitant. But when he recalled the words of the mysterious man in grey robe, it seemed that he couldn't find any other way. This plan is the only thing he could do right now.

Alex then prepares his equipment for the journey.

[Protective Vest - Tier 2 Armor]

[Light Armor]

[Weight : 3.2 kilograms]

This is the armor he had since his trip to Mexico.

[Short Sword - Tier 2 Weapon]

[Length : 90 centimeters, Weight : 4 kilograms]

[Increased attack speed]

[Long sword - Tier 2 Weapon]

[Length : 130 centimeters, Weight : 7 kilograms]

[Increased weapon sharpness]

Alex also doesn't forget to bring the secret weapon which was the secret of his victory against the orcs, [Mutated Redback Spider Chelicerae] and also [Panacea], the healing serum made by the laboratory in Bali. 

Alex checks the storage ring given to him by Jerry. In addition to lots of foods, drinks. He also found a wide variety of firearms, ranging from pistols, assault rifles, sub-machine guns, heavy machine guns to grenades. Alex was surprised when he found a silver-colored knife covered with runes among the things inside the ring.

[Silver Dagger - Tier 3 Weapon] 

[Length : 45 centimeter, Weight : 1 kilograms]

[Special Effects - Increased sharpness]

[Special Skill - Haste]

This is the reward Jerry got for completing the second challenge. Ever since he got it, Jerry wanted to give it to Alex because it is a light element weapon, but Alex refused the offer because he was more accustomed to using a sword. This time, Jerry deliberately put it inside the ring to help Alex in his journey.

"Jerry…" Alex smiled and shook his head. He then looked at his own prepared artifacts. Of all the artifacts he planned to brought, there were two artifacts which were essential for the success of his plan.

The first artifact was an accessory he recovered from one of the hidden inscription sites in Australia.

[Cloak of Light - Tier 3 Artifact]

[Weight : 2 kilograms]

[Special Effect - Enhanced durability]

[Special Skill - Transparent]

The second artifact was the one he bought at Level 2 Store using his remaining spirit credits.

[Defensive Formation - Tier 2 Artifact]

[Weight : 15 kilograms]

A bronze plate with bunch of runes symbols engraved on it. When activated, this artifact is able to create a protective area that can withstand attack for a period of time, similar to the Halo skill that Daisy got.

Alex keeps all the equipment he prepared inside the storage ring. Before leaving, he didn't forget to take the wooden sword and hang it on his shoulder. 

During the past few months, Alex has carried this sword here and there but never used it. Until now, he still didn't understand the use of the sword but that didn't stop him to keep hanging it over his shoulder.

When Alex held the cloth, he suddenly remembered his wife.

Alex then stepped into the main pillar hall. He felt the hall looked more beautiful when its empty. He then opens the main panel and then access the pillar network.

[Pillar Network]

[Connecting to Pillar 219]

Before he set out, Alex took the time to talk to his wife and his two children, relishing his longing for his family. Because this time, his journey would be very dangerous.

After waiting for a while, a hologram of a beautiful woman appeared in front of Alex.

"Hey there, Devita." he said, but surprisingly his wife answered him with a serious tone.

"I heard the team split by you and went to challenge the other pillars two weeks ago. why are you still there? are you by yourself?" she said

"Yes I am." he answered.

Realizing Alex has actually not joined the troops. Devita seem concerned "You have another dangerous plan aren't you?"

Alex paused for a moment then said. " Don't worry. I will be fine."

Devita looks like she wants to start lecturing him but then decides to keep quiet.

"Just…be safe. We will be waiting."

"I will," Alex said firmly.

"Daddy! Daddy!!" Alex could see the small figure of Tiarra coming into the room, followed by her sister Tiffany. Currently, Tiarra is 8 years old while Tiffany is 13 years old.

"Daddy, when will you be back home?" asked Tiarra

"In around six to eight-month Tiarra"

"That's too long, you have been away too long Dad" replied his youngest daughter

"I just wish you are here now"

"Don't say that yaya! It's bad to say that." Tiffany scolded.

"Why it is bad?" asked the little girl, wondering why her sister scolds her.

Tiffany was silent then looked at her father's hologram. "Dad, people around here are saying that it would be bad luck to wish their loved ones back soon. Is that true?"

With so many people failing to return, it's become normal for this kind of saying spread among the survivors.The world after the apocalypse is an entirely different world. So many prayers and hopes have not been conveyed that it makes people afraid to hope. 

Alex who heard her words, shook his head and said with a smile "Don't worry girls. Daddy will return as soon as possible."

"Did you hear that sister? Daddy is busy saving the world! He will return soon and bring us a cute Koala or Kangaroo" said the little bundle of joy energetically, making everyone beside her laughing.

Alex, who saw the little happiness that happened when they were all together, felt it was a blessing for him and he would not let anything spoil it.

After finishing their conversation and wishing the children goodnight, Alex exited the hall and then got into the vehicle. Happiness has taken away all of Alex's worries and made him even more convinced to carry out his plan successfully and come back alive.

"I must succeed." he thought.

Alex puts his foot on the gas pedal and going into the Australian wilderness, heading to one of the closest Abyss pit.