Just an hour after his last communication with the Yakov's family, Viktor gathered up all his companions and decided to leave the pillar right away.
He wasn't just worried about the Yakov, but also everyone in general. This was because the particular pillar has become known to everyone in the world, and he knew that he was better off avoiding being seen in or within the proximity of the pillar.
"Goodbye! Thank you for everything, but let's hope I don't need to come here again," said Viktor as he looked at the towering structure in front of him.
In the end, after a whole month of non-stop fighting, even though it was exciting and he couldn't lie that he didn't enjoy it, Viktor now only wished to have days of relaxing for weeks in his apparent future.
The group swiftly walked out of the dense snowy forest and made their way towards the predetermined train station. Moreover, as soon as they exited the forest, Viktor noticed how uncomfortable Liza looked.
It appeared like she had been feeling sort of anxious, as if she had never been outside the forest before.
Viktor was concerned about her, so he asked the others, especially Eva to comfort her. Fortunately, with enough encouragement and after being much comfortable with them, the girl didn't act up and obediently followed the group.
As soon as they arrived at the train station and she saw the train, Liza once again appeared excited.
"Get on board!"
Everyone quickly entered the completely metal train and Jessie once again utilized her spell to make the train move through the fully repaired rail tracks. The group continued their journey towards the south.
As the train sped through the scenery of the snowy landscape, as they had nothing to do but wait, Viktor proceeded to check the stats of his group members.
[Viktor Romanov - Battle Power 62 - Sky Realm level 1]
[Jessie Wineberry - Battle Power 53 - Sky Realm level 1]
[Vasiliza - Battle Power 47 - Earth Realm level 24]
[Evangeline Bardott - Battle Power 45 - Earth Realm level 23]
[Kosta Tamyr - Battle Power 38 - Earth Realm level 22]
[Barry Pennyworth - Battle Power 36 - Earth Realm level 20]
[Torri Helsinki - Battle Power 37 - Earth Realm level 20]
[Boris Oslo - Battle Power 37 - Earth Realm level 20]
Unfortunately, unlike the pillar level, the challenge did not actually give them any boost in their power. Even so, everything was not in vain because after one month of continuous fighting, they could all now be considered as experienced fighters.
Even the usually gentle Eva could stand her own ground if the situation required her to do so.
Now that Viktor had learned the knowledge of two different options with equally distinct difficulties and prospects - Sky Magus and Sky Knight, he went on and asked his companions about what their plans were. To be exact, to those whose talent stood in the middle.
The two A talent holders, Eva and Liza, naturally and certainly did not need to worry about their choices to become Sky Magus as Viktor expected them to be one with their potential. However, things were completely opposite for those with D talent like Torri and Boris, as they had no other choice but to become Sky Knight if they wanted to advance.
Even though it wasn't shown, Viktor knew they were both disappointed by the revelation of their talent. Because of that, Viktor had prepared himself to provide as many spirit stones as needed for the two to reach the peak stage Earth realm, and for them to immediately upgrade when they were ready.
Meanwhile, the two boys Barry and Kosta, despite only possessing the considered mediocre C talent, still have the chance to choose their future. Their options were between immediately upgrading to Sky Knight and trying to grow as strong as possible or waiting a year or two stuck in the peak stage Earth realm to become a Sky Magus.
Even though choosing the Sky Knight would boost their strength tremendously, the downside was that they would be limited to using tier 1 spells forever.
Hearing Viktor's question, the two boys gave an answer after pondering it for a while.
Apparently, both of them were greatly inspired by Jessie's prowess, a C talent who could reach the Sky Magus realm and wished to become mage like her in the future. Kosta, in particular, wanted to be known as a capable Earth mage.
"I wanted to be strong like you, Master. I want to be a hero! Earth Guardian! Your sidekick!"
"No, no! If the master needs a sidekick, it will only be me! Barry the Fire Guardian!"
Seeing the bickering between the two, Viktor could only roll his eyes in response. Ever since he showed his Metal Guardian form, the two have become even bigger fans of him. At this point, he could only hope that everyone in the group would be able to keep their mouths shut and keep the secret with them.
That, however, only added more excitement to the two boys.
"Yes, Master! A secret identity just like Batman, and I can be your Robin!" said Kosta excitedly. It was clear that the boy had read too many American comic books.
A loud opposition swiftly came from the other side, Barry. "No, Kosta! I am Robin! Instead, you can be… Batgirl!"
"What?!" Kosta exclaimed while looking at Barry in disbelief. "I'm not a girl! I am Robin, Sister Jessie can become Batgirl. She's pretty and strong, after all."
Hearing the unexpected words of compliment, Jessie couldn't help but be happy. Her face was stained with a rosy color.
It was at this moment that Barry opened his mouth again. "No, Sister Jessie is good with tech. So she's Alfred!"
"...."
The two boys quickly fell silent at the same time, after they sensed some kind of ominous aura coming from the brown haired girl.
***
A few hours later, the train that the group was traveling in finally arrived at the end of the tracks. It was the same place they found the trains, as what lay after was a junkyard that blocked the way.
Everyone swiftly got off from the train and started making their way west, heading towards the place where they had hidden the luxury yacht.
Before they begin their trek, Viktor was determined to have the group avoid any human settlements and any human encounter altogether. He tried to be as careful as possible, to not be seen by any and be related to the matter of someone who had cleared the rank 1 pillar.
Therefore, Viktor let their expert in the wilderness, Kosta, to lead the way through the tundra after telling the boy his requirements to follow. And once again, Viktor started looking for mutated animals to hunt.
Wolves, bears, rats, or bees; none of the mutated animals were strong enough to go against the group now and could only fall helplessly under their hands.
Viktor insisted on having the last hit, as he wanted to obtain the additional stats from the kill.
[You have received the spirit energy of a mutated bear - level 35.]
[You have received 1 point in endurance.]
[You have received the spirit energy of a mutated wolf - level 25.]
[You have received 1 point in agility.]
If this continued for a long time, it could be a very beneficial activity for Viktor. In fact, he really should find some time to go hunting for additional stats like this. But definitely not now, because the danger of being connected to the pillar earlier was still high and again he just wanted to rest from all of the fighting.
After half a day of continuous trekking and around a few dozen mutated animal kills, the group finally reached the gorge where they had hidden the yacht. Entering the littoral cave where the yacht was supposed to be, Viktor was relieved to see the yacht was still intact.
"Set sail!!"
The group continued their journey and sailed half a day through the night, heading north towards the city of Arkhangelsk.
With such a comfortable and rather smooth-sailing return trip, Viktor couldn't help but to celebrate again. He took out more delicacies and drinks from his spatial ring for the group to enjoy.
It had become another pleasant trip, and late at night as the group gathered together having fun Eva held his arm in an intimate manner. As she leaned closer and beamed a bright smile, her lips approached near Viktor's ear and she teasingly whispered, "I have a surprise for you."
Her hand reached over and her finger touched onto Viktor's long-unattentive part of his body. This gesture brought Viktor away from the living room towards the bedroom inside the yacht.
As the door slammed shut, the beautiful girl began to unbutton her shirt.
Finally the much awaited time has come
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Written by Avans, Published exclusively by W.e.b.n.o.v.e.l,
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