Urban Powers After the Apocalypse

"So, where exactly is this place? Could this strange space be related to the seventh and final type of Purple Doomsday Fragment that you haven't yet grasped?" Xu Mo voiced his speculation directly.

"You're right. These types of spaces are indeed connected to the final Purple Doomsday Fragment. Because of this, the nations of the world have collectively named them—Doomsday Mirages."

Professor Mo's tone grew heavier. He took several sips of water and remained silent for a long time before continuing.

"Although we refer to it as a fragment, in reality, this particular fragment only exists in theory—there has never been a physical specimen. Upon descending, this fragment automatically transforms into an energy field over a designated area, continuously drawing energy of the same origin from the surrounding space to expand itself. Once it accumulates enough energy, it undergoes a qualitative transformation, using an unimaginably vast amount of power to open an extremely stable temporary space. This is what we call the Doomsday Mirage.

Like other Doomsday Fragments, the Doomsday Mirage is influenced by human consciousness. However, the Purple Doomsday Fragment is far more powerful, capable of absorbing collective consciousness within a certain range and automatically shaping the mirage's landscapes and lifeforms."

"So, you're saying this entire valley and those skeletons were all formed by the Purple Fragment? That their existence is merely the result of the collective subconscious of nearby students who believed in the rumors of a mass grave?" Xu Mo was shocked by the power of the Purple Doomsday Fragment. The ability to create space and generate life—wasn't that a power said to belong only to the gods?

"Exactly. It seems you're quite familiar with the origins of that barren land... In fact, the Doomsday Mirage creates space and life using only the core energy of the Purple Fragment. Meanwhile, the additional energy absorbed from the surrounding space crystallizes again within the mirage. This is precisely why the Doomsday Mirage is the only place where one can obtain higher-tier Doomsday Fragments."

"So, you came here to hunt for Doomsday Fragments!" Xu Mo finally understood why these researchers not only brought scientific equipment but also an entire military squad.

"Hunt? Haha, that's an apt term. Yes, we are here to hunt for Doomsday Fragments. Sounds a bit like a video game you young people play, doesn't it? Unfortunately… since there was no precedent, we only hypothesized that this place might contain Doomsday Fragments. We never anticipated that it would also spawn creatures that can only be killed using Doomsday Armaments. One wrong move, and we lost everything. If you hadn't appeared, we wouldn't even have a sliver of hope to complete this exploration mission."

As he spoke, Professor Mo pulled out two red Doomsday Fragments and placed them on the wooden crate in front of them. He casually pushed them toward Xu Mo and continued, "These two Doomsday Fragments were brought in from the outside. Consider them compensation for your lost knife."

Xu Mo was surprised. After a brief hesitation, he grabbed the two red fragments and chuckled, "I thought you would just confiscate them in the name of national interest!"

"If we were outside, I would." Professor Mo smiled openly, then cleared his throat and said, "That's all the information we currently have. Lastly, let me tell you how to exit the Doomsday Mirage..."

"This place has an exit?" Xu Mo was skeptical. If Professor Mo truly knew a way out, he wouldn't have been trapped here waiting for death.

"Don't doubt it. Since we dared to enter, we naturally know how to leave. We just didn't anticipate how harsh the conditions would be." Professor Mo remained unbothered by Xu Mo's skepticism. If Xu Mo had no reaction, that would be truly unusual. "Based on our repeated calculations, this Doomsday Mirage resets every twelve hours. Before resetting, it expels all living organisms within the space, obliterates other objects, and restores the space to its original state. In other words, as long as we can survive until eight o'clock tomorrow morning, we will have a chance to leave!"

"Eight o'clock tomorrow morning?" Xu Mo gasped.

With just over thirty people and a single knife, they had to endure relentless attacks from thousands of tireless skeletons for more than ten hours. No wonder Professor Mo was so eager to pull him in to increase the odds of delivering their research findings! This wasn't just a test of willpower and determination—this was sheer lunacy!

"I think… I need some time to process this."

Learning that he had to endure in this nightmarish place for a full twelve hours turned Xu Mo's expression grim.

Professor Mo understood that this reality was difficult for anyone to accept. However, since they were all in the same boat, Xu Mo had no choice but to face it, whether he liked it or not. Without pressing him further, Professor Mo left the tent, giving Xu Mo some time alone to think.

The situation was already set—whining about it wouldn't change anything. What Xu Mo needed to focus on was how to maximize his chances of survival in this near-impossible mission. Even though he still had the Devil's Hand for protection, if the defensive perimeter were breached, breaking through the overwhelming sea of skeletons would be a fantasy. His only chance at survival lay in escape.

Xu Mo knew his own endurance level well. Forget the tireless skeletons—even among the trained soldiers outside, any random one could outrun him. His only hope now rested in the two Enhancement-type Doomsday Fragments left by Professor Mo. Though the odds of gaining enhanced stamina were only one in four, it was still better than waiting for death.

Without further hesitation, Xu Mo picked up the military knife on the crate and cut into his left arm, fusing one of the Enhancement-type Doomsday Fragments with his blood.

An unforgettable surge of euphoria swept through him. After regaining his composure, he threw a few punches, noticing his speed had significantly improved, but his endurance remained unchanged. Clearly, the fragment had enhanced his muscle explosiveness instead.

The one-in-four chance truly wasn't easy to hit. But with no other options, Xu Mo gritted his teeth and fused the second fragment.

This time, he felt a profound transformation.

His once-loose jacket suddenly felt snug. Unbuttoning his shirt, he found that his once-skinny frame had been replaced with two prominent pectorals and well-defined abdominal muscles. His body had transformed into a distinctly masculine V-shape. Even after vigorous exertion, his breathing remained steady, and he only felt a slight warmth in his body—proof that his stamina had greatly improved beyond normal human limits.

His enhanced muscle explosiveness had also doubled his sprinting and punching speeds. He was certain he could now run 100 meters in under 11 seconds. A standing jump of nearly a meter—comparable to elite NBA players—was no longer a challenge, despite his mere 1.75-meter height.

After testing his newfound strength with high-intensity movements, Xu Mo was ecstatic. Unlike the intangible nature of supernatural abilities or reliance on firearms, this was raw, personal power—truly his own.

Just as the thrill of newfound strength slightly eased his worries, a sudden intensification of gunfire and grenade explosions erupted outside, signaling escalating combat at the perimeter.

"Report, Platoon Leader! The skeletons outside the walls have intensified their assault. Ammunition is depleting rapidly—we won't hold much longer!"

Hearing the urgent report, Xu Mo's heart sank. He immediately rushed out of the tent, joining Professor Mo and Platoon Leader Li. Without exchanging words, the three men shared a glance and hurried toward the defensive front at the valley's center.