Doomsday Pillars

[You can break the barrier after holding the stance for 2 years 7 months 11 days 3 hours 43 minutes and 35 seconds]

"WHAT THE FUCK?!"

Alex had expected he would need to hold his position for some time in order to crack the barrier, but that amount of time was just absurd. Even if he somehow exhausted all his options and kept on holding the sword in such a tiring position, he didn't have two years to waste locked in this place.

The upcoming tribulation would be held in three days and even with all the preparation he made, he had to be there for his family and friends.

"Stroke, is there really no other way to break the barrier?"

[With your current condition, that is impossible]

Ardeth and Tiffany stared at Alex, concern evident in their gaze. As he was the only one capable of hearing Stroke, he was the only one who knew the gravity of their current situation.

"Daddy, what happened?" Tiffany walked closer to his father and asked.

Despite Alex's heart telling him his child didn't need to know, there was really no way to avoid telling them about their current situation. Alex jumped back, away from the barrier and explained what he knew, hoping the two of them would have some ideas.

"Daddy, what if I and Snowy join you in attacking the barrier? This Blackbeard uncle can also help us. Maybe the barrier will go down faster."

Hearing the nickname given by Tiffany, Ardeth looked at her in a slight disbelief. The girl scratched her head and looked away from him.

"Ahaha, I'm sorry, uncle. But you really do look like a pirate."

Tiffany's actions made Alex feel a little more calmer, but there was no progress to be made in solving their current predicament. Even with Snowy and Ardeth joining in, they would not be able to impact the required time significantly, unless they also had a tier 5 weapon like the one he had.

In the end, though they racked their brains, there was no possible solution to be found. They decided to put the matter to the back of their minds for the moment and do anything they could to improve their situation. Alex and Ardeth walked towards the ziggurats, collecting all the corpses on the way, before burying them right outside in the huge garden. Meanwhile, Tiffany and Snowy were in charge of finding food.

As the legends said, the Garden of Eden was really a paradise. The air felt crisp and clean, with various trees bearing equally colorful fruits as far as the eyes could see. Small animals skittered through the bushes here and there, some of them seemingly impossible to exist, yet here they were, moving between their legs and brushing the two of them with their fur.

On the bright side, even if they had to stay here for two years, there was probably enough food to survive.

Other than the plants and animals, various equipment could be seen scattered all around, clearly left behind after the disastrous Ahnenerbe expeditions. Tents, light generators, and other supplies would make staying alive here even easier.

Tiffany and Snowy finally returned and they sat down on the grass to feast on all the food and get a little bit of rest. Feeling his strength returning, Alex decided to give the Ark another try. He was hesitant before, as he had seen the effects it had on Heinrich, but as of now, he had no choice. There was no way he could stay here in such a tiring position for two years.

The three of them returned to the main room of the ziggurat and looked at the artifact known as The Ark of Covenant.

From what the historical records indicated, the ark was once used as a tool to communicate with God. He also had seen Cerri use the ark to move quickly to other places.

Other than what he had seen happen to the members of the Ahnenerbe expedition team, Alex was also concerned about Tiffany. He had seen Cerri getting teleported somewhere unknown and he couldn't leave Tiffany alone in such a situation. He stared at his daughter in concern.

"Alex, let me be the one to try it first." Ardeth said, snapping Alex out of his thoughts.

On one hand, what Ardeth said was the logical solution, but Alex knew the only real option was to use Strokes and figure out some way he could use the artifact. If he failed, at least he would still have Ardeth to help look after his daughter. Even though it would not be ideal, that was only the worst-case scenario plan, in case he failed.

The other real option was not to try at all, something he did not have the luxury of choosing. The more time he spent here, the less time he had before the tribulation.

Alex stroked Tiffany's hair and hugged her before stepping forward, towards the direction of the artifact.

Right in front of it, he took out Strokes before touching the item.

Tap.

Nothing happened when he touched it. He decided to use his bracelet to try and analyze it.

[Ark of Covenant]

[Length: 130 cm]

[Function: Unable to identify]

Alex sighed. The attempt went as well as he thought. In other words, his bracelet gave no useful information.

"What do you think, Strokes?"

[I suggest you to put your hand on it and channel your spirit energy in order to activate it. I can't know anything about it if you don't at least activate it.]

"Dang, I guess that's the only way then."

Alex did exactly as he was told and concentrated on channeling his spirit energy towards the ark. Right as his energy touched the item, he was forced to step back and shield his eyes. A blinding light, coupled with pillars of flame, appeared around the artifact.

[Master, this artifact is some sort of power source.]

"What do you mean?"

[This artifact contains massive amounts of pure energy. Similar to the energy you could get from the stone of origin. This energy would be very beneficial for your cultivation.]

Alex has no idea what a stone origin is but his main question still remains.

"Strokes would it be useful to get away from this place?"

[Master, if you manage to advance your cultivation realm, according to my calculations you would be able to break the barrier several times faster.]

That was definitely good news. He could get stronger and get out of this place faster.

Thinking of getting out made Alex remember a certain friend who was definitely looking for him right now.

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