Chapter 280 - Next Plan
Swiftly after the three Cerberus were killed, Alex hurriedly looted the bodies and checked their harvest from the fight. He and Aria then rested for an hour to recover their strength before entering the antechamber. The reason for their rush was because their meeting time was getting closer and they only have about 2 and a half months left.
When Alex and Aria entered the antechamber, they immediately saw a chamber with rivers of lava flowing under and between the ground while packs of hellhounds were seen roaming the terrain. Alex immediately realized that it was already night outside the Abyss pit as the hellhound's entire body was covered with blazing flames, signaling their innate talent [Creature of The Night] was currently active. This indicates that they are in [Fury] status and have an increase in strength.
But this time, Alex and Aria were not the same as when they first entered the antechamber. Not only had they experienced a breakthrough to the foundation stage of their spirit element, they had also reached a higher level. Alex doesn't even need to use the scroll to buff them this time. He and Aria had even decided not to use any spells to kill these hellhounds, showing how far they've risen.
The two of them ran together, darting through the mass of hellhounds while slashing and casually picking up all the spirit stones they found. There wasn't a speck of fear or even nervousness on their faces as they continued to kill all the hellhounds in their path.. It looks like the enhanced hellhounds couldn't do anything to stop their advance and could only be helplessly killed by Alex and Aria.
After running for more than 1 day and killing all the hellhounds along the way, they finally found their way out of the Abyss pit. They are now standing in front of the crack in the huge gate that had become even bigger when compared to 6 months ago. When they touched the crack and were transported to the Abyss pit, they were able to find several hellhounds roaming in the hole and blocking the entrance as they headed for the surface. Naturally, they killed any hellhounds that had escaped from the antechamber through the crack.
Just like in his previous life, a few hellhounds started scattering out of the Abyss pit 3 months before the first tribulation started. The number of hellhounds will gradually increase until the time of the first tribulation. However at the same time, not only hellhounds but hundreds and thousands of gargoyles will come out and invade the earth's surface. At that time, humanity who doesn't take refuge in the Doomsday Pillar is sure to be doomed.
When they came out of the pit and saw the yellow color of the desert, Alex couldn't help but scream his lungs out as he clenched his fists in the air.
"Woohooooo!!! We are finally out!" Seeing the vast desert that 6 month ago disgusted him, Alex could only shake his head. "I can't believe I miss this damn desert."
Aria, who saw Alex's exaggerated reaction could only chuckle lightly, she then asked, "What should we do now, Alex? We have about 2 months until our meeting in Bali. What should we do in the meantime?"
Alex answered while raising his eyebrows, "What should we do you ask?" He was silent for a moment before approaching Aria with a smile. "Let's go back to the Doomsday Pillar in Alice Spring City to rest first. After all that fighting, it will take me a day or two to relax and let go of all that pent up frustration." he said casually with his hands behind his head.
"Fine then. It's up to you, I will listen to your orders."
Hearing her response, Alex turned his head with a strange expression on his face, "Are you really going to follow all my orders?" he asked with a mischievous smile and a questioning look.
Seeing Alex's cheeky face, Aria felt embarrassed. "Of course not!"
Alex could only laugh at her embarrassed expression, 'It's always fun to tease the ice queen.' he thought with a chuckle.
He then proceeded to go to his vehicle's location based on his last memory. When he reached the place, Alex could only see a massive sand dune standing where his vehicle should have been. Looking at the situation, he awkwardly scratched his head and pondered for several minutes. Aria was confused when she saw Alex frozen in front of a sand dune while scratching his head. The expression on his face looked like he was solving a quantum physics problem.
Aria grabbed Alex's shoulder then shook him hard, "Alex, what happened?"
Turning his head, Alex replied, "Oh, nothing. It's just that now my vehicle is under this sand dune."
Surprised, Aria patted her head while saying, "Oh, yeah! I forgot about this place. Hehe.."
"So? What are you waiting for? Let's start digging!" she exclaimed with vigor.
Aria quickly took out two shovels from her storage ring and gave one to him. Alex smiled when he saw her digging up the sand dune. He too soon joined her and started digging. They started digging from the morning and were only finished when the night curtain fell.
Alex's vehicle has been dug out of the sandbar and appears in front of them. He inspects the vehicle for any possible problems. Beside having a clogged air filter and vehicle oil that need to be replaced, the condition of the vehicle is not bad at all. As night falls, Alex asks Aria to rest tonight while he fixes the vehicle as they are leaving for Alice Spring tomorrow morning.
In two days, Alex had returned to Alice Spring and headed straight for Doomsday Pillar. His top priority came to the pillar of course for information. He has been missing for 6 months. Even though most people know he is on a mission but still, 6 months is a long time in the doomsday period where they only have years.
Alex first contacted his family, his two daughters, and his wife. Apparently, their mission to help the South African survivors had been successful. With dozens of ships, soldiers, weapons, and supplies, reinforcements led by Farell managed to move to the Madagascar Island across Africa. He planned to make Madagascar Island as the base for the reinforcements and with so many African survivors in need of assistance, it's unlikely Alex will hear any news from Farell and his team anytime soon.
In addition, the trade-in magic raisins and the tier 1 hardened weapons has grown rapidly which has turned the three Doomsday Pillars in Bali, Java, and Sumatra into large production city. Their main buyers are from South Asian countries, but they have also succeeded in establishing trade routes to China, Europe, and the United States.
It seemed that Alex had missed a lot of action during his time inside the Abyss pit. He feels fortunate to have people like Farell, the former military intelligence genius, President Rico, Regent Suryo, and of course his wife Devita. Come to think of it, the first three people were born in the military or had a lot of leadership experience, except for his wife. His wife now being able to lead the Bali base is really good luck for Alex. Suddenly, the thought of his wife busy taking care of the base for him while he was on an icy vacation with a beautiful woman made him worry.
"You went into the abyss alone??! Alex! Isn't that dangerous?!" Devita harshly scolds Alex.
"N-No, not by myself actually… Aria accompanied me." Alex stuttered in reply, a tinge of fear in his voice.
"..."
"Just the two of you? How did it happen?"
"Well…" Alex hesitated and wasn't sure how to properly explain this. But then, his wife suddenly said.
"You know what? Never mind. Don't explain. Do what you have to do, Alex. Just come home safely."
Alex was silent for a moment before saying, "Of course I will"
The next important piece of information that Alex needs is the condition of his elite army. The four groups are currently separated in 4 corners of the Australian continent. He tries to find their latest information.
8 platoons in 4 divisions. Separate into four corners of Australia
Division one led by Arief went to the most populated area in New South Wales, division two who is led by jerry went to South Australia, division three led by Sergei went to western Australia and division three went to Queensland territory led by Dario.
It appears they have finished most of their target pillars and receive all the points. Arief team is currently helping defend what's left of the Australian government base in the south of Sidney. Jerry's team currently helping to finish level 40 pillars for the people of Adelaide.
As for the other two, they have not yet finished all of the doomsday pillars. Alex has another plan in mind, but in the end, he will still need to choose one of the team locations as a place to hitch a ride back to Bali.
"So Aria which team should we be heading to?"
Aria choose Sergei team because the team was supposed to be her responsibility
'Western Australia? Hmm..' Alex thought with a faint smile
It seems Alex is going to walk down the memory lane, back to the city where he grew up in his youth.
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Written and Directed by Avans, Published by W.e.b.n.o.v.e.l,
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