Doomsday Pillars

As Alex and Aria were preparing for the challenge, the news spread to Aria's Platoon soldiers. Milo and all of his units were startled. He thought this guy is so stupid to challenge Aria, she is the best sharpshooter in the Death Squad. Almost everyone in the regiment is a sharpshooter. So, imagine how amazing Aria is to be the best of them and even become their instructor.

In just a half an hour, the preparation is complete. All 6 companies are still waiting in the field, all are interested to see the result. The 100 mm target practices were placed 1,500 meters away. This range is considered an extremely long range rifle shooting. Both Alex and Aria chose the standard sniper rifle used by Indonesian special forces, the Arctic Warfare Magnum (AWM) 338. To increase the maximum range to 1,700 meters, they both used the 338 bullets. Both Alex and Aria will be shooting in a prone position.

500-meter shooting is already considered a long-range shooting, all shooting above 500 meters need special skills.. To succeed, one must have good shooting fundamental skill, a rifle with good precision and as consistent ammunition as possible. In addition, a variety of external factors must be taken into account with regard to ballistics calculation, it includes the wind, the air pressure, and the temperature.

As for the internal factor, a steady hand, the breathing and the state of mind were the factors needed to become a master sharpshooter. Aria, in Alex's previous life, was a water Spirit Enhancer, the reason she became such a talented sharpshooter was that she can easily focus her mind. She unconsciously enters the deep state like calm water, her breathing rate becomes slower, her concentration is deeper, and her senses heighten. She can predict the wind and air easier. She was completely relaxed when pulling the trigger, there was almost no error in her actions.

Bang!

.

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Bullseye...

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Impressive, she really is a Spirit Enhancer. Alex thought.

Now it is Alex turn, he really wishes he can make an impression by hitting a 1,500-meter bullseye by only using an assault rifle or even a pistol. But this is not a fantasy novel.

Using the same sniper rifle Alex took aim, concentrates and...

Bang!

.

.

Bullseye...

.

The only reason Alex can do the same is that Alex did have special sniper training during his 10 years of fighting. He already understands the nature of long-range shooting with a sniper rifle and of course, his High Stage Mortal Realm gives him better perception. He can see better, in his sniper cross-hair, even in a distance of 1,500 meters, a 100 mm target look 5 times bigger for him. His higher sensitivity makes it easier for him to predict the wind and he has better control of his finger when he pulls the trigger.

Bang... Bang... Bang... Bang

.

.

Bang... Bang... Bang... Bang

20 shots... 20 Bullseye.

It's a draw.

Aria is now confused, she always had full confidence in her long-range shooting, this is the first time someone can actually compete with her to a draw. She can't accept it... She challenges Alex to a sharpshooter stress test.

The sharpshooter stress test is a test normally used in many sniper competitions. It adds extra difficulty which aims to test the sniper's abilities during harsh conditions. The challenge involves running up and down the hill for 3 kilometers while wearing a full sniper combat gear. Entering and exiting buildings, barricades and shooting multiple moving long-distance target in the process. The challenge not only tests the accuracy but also speed strength and stamina.

Aria thought that any civilian could pay money to get shooting target practice anywhere, but only a true soldier can excel in a stress test. She believes that she, as Death Squad soldier, would have a better physique than Alex. She starts the stress test first. She ran as fast as she can, fully concentrated, she really tried her best. And finally, It took Aria 19 minutes to finish it. There were 10 targets, and she got 8 Bullseye. While gasping and trying to catch her breath, she looks at her record and smiles, this is her new record.

It is now Alex's turn. All the 1,500 soldiers, including Aria, and the Regent are staring at him. He then starts running, he ran really fast. It seemed like 20 kilograms of equipment doesn't slow him down at all. All the eyes were looking at him with surprise, even Aria was startled looking at the scene. Alex is currently at the High Stage Human Realm. He has twice the stamina compared to a great mountain climber. 3-kilometer run might affect a Mid-Stage Human Realm, but it doesn't affect his stamina at all. So he easily jumps through the barricades, runs through the buildings and shoots the targets easily.

The final result.

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13 minutes...

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All 10 shots...

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All 10 bullseye...

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All of the 1,500 spectators can't believe what they are seeing. They know how hard this challenge is.

Alex then returns to the stages with a smirk on his face. He doesn't seem to have lost his breath at all.

Aria lost...

She was stunned for a while. Then she said,

"I lost, I will accept the mission"

The Regent finally interrupts,

"In a normal situation, I will probably allow it, but if what you said about the disasters turns to be true, I need her to stay close to me even more. I will not allow it. I forbid her to go."

Aria suddenly said,

"I made a bet, I lost and I intend to keep my word."

The Regent's rejection actually made Aria even more interested to go the mission. Not only because she wanted to make true to her word, but when she thought about it, accepting this mission meant that she can get away from this town which she had been kept prisoner for the last 3 years and hurt her grandfather by disobeying him in the process.

Alex finally said something,

"Mr. Regent, please trust me she will be safe with me."

"How can she be safer with you? Can't you see the army in front of you?

"With all due respect Regent, how about another bet? This time it will be a strength test, you can send as many of your Death Squad soldier to face me. Same deal if I won, Lieutenant Aria's platoon will come with me. If I lose, then you don't need to bother with me anymore, you can forget about the list and even keep the gold. You don't have to worry about me using the golem. I won't use it."

After seeing Alex's performance earlier, the Regent actually really wants to see what Alex real strength is.

The Regent thought about it and said,

"Agreed."

Aria was shocked. What is the identity of this man and why does he want her to be his personal guard so badly?

Alex walked to the middle of the field surrounded by 1,500 soldiers.

"We can start right away Regent."

Alex declared.

Alex thought in his mind that most of these Death Squad soldiers are probably already in the Mid-Stage Mortal Realm. He cannot just brutishly fight them head-on.

Alex smiles...

"Finally… It time to show the skill I have practiced for many years."