Reunion

Shortly, everyone started moving, carefully followed Aegeus orders, and headed off to the safe zone he's talking about. Soon, they arrived at the large slightly damaged building.

"World Trade Center."

No rather, the former world trade center. 15 years ago, it was purchased, renovated, and change its name to Global Auction Site. Here, lies the largest and grandest auction site in the whole world where various countries fight for those relics and mined prized treasures.

'Is this the safe zone?'

Indeed, this place looks much safer than other places they passed by. There's little to no monsters lurking near and the streets were cleaned as well.

After a while, all of them entered.

"Wow, is this the most famous auction place? Look at those golds!"

"There are diamonds as well!"

"Man, I feel poor."

Others reacted on the side while Hans explored the interior of the building. The insides of the building were made of the alternating color of gold and white with expensive gems displayed around the corners. There are also paintings from famous artists hung on the wall.

In other words, it was built in luxury.

'Billions maybe?'

For Hans, this amount of money seems farfetched. Even his bank account only has several dollars inside.

'Fuu…'

A groan leaked from his mouth. He's been working all these years tirelessly while barely even paying his bills. Now, they'd spent a billion dollars just for the building's expensive design? Absurd.

Although Hans didn't hate those people, it just seemed unfair. Nowadays, even if one worked hard, jobs won't pay off that much.

'You need talent.'

In the end, it all comes down to who is blessed and who is not.

Hans shook his head again and hurriedly walked towards the center of the ground floor. He saw many people stationed anywhere, wearing tattered clothes and greasy shirts. Some were even curled into the corner begging others for food. They took a glance at Hans' group dazedly before shaking their heads in sympathy.

"Welcome, newcomers."

A voice from the side abruptly interrupted them. Hans turned his head sideways immediately. A man was laying on a comfy couch while a woman constantly fed him with fruits.

"I'm Andrew. A-class."

He was a good-looking man with a firm fit physique. Andrew smiled softly at Hans' group, got up from the couch, and walked closer while speaking to Aegeus.

"Are you the leader?"

Aegeus nodded in response, "That's right."

"It's good you all came here safely."

Shortly, Andrew introduced the members of what he called the 'Protectors'. They, including himself, were in charge of protecting the vicinity from any monsters lurking nearby.

"… and this is my sidekick…" Andrew wrapped his arms around the woman and continued, "She's an A-class healer so you don't have to worry about getting hurt."

In the meantime, Hans noticed the woman slightly flinched.

'Did I see it wrong?'

His eyes swept towards the woman again but now she's smiling in joy.

'Hmm… weird.'

Aegeus on the other hand greeted others and carefully studied their body language and expression.

He's an S-Class. No one can hide from him. Thus, he was able to sense everyone's capabilities.

'10 B-class and 2 A-class huh…'

In the end, Aegeus grinned in realization though none of them noticed his strange action.

Aegeus stretched his strong hand and introduced himself to Andrew.

"I'm Aegeus."

"Aegeus? Did I pronounce it right?"

"Yes."

"Perfect." Andrew signaled his hand to one of his men before shifting his attention back to Aegeus' group.

"Do you guys have an A-class Awakened with you?"

Hearing Andrew's inquiry, everyone exchanged glances. Aegeus calmly placed his hands inside his pocket and honestly replied.

"None."

As if he heard the magic words, Andrew's expression suddenly brightened. His eyes slowly showed a disdainful expression before he went back to the couch.

"Since you have no A-class with you…" Andrew placed his legs above the table, "Heh, you'll follow my orders from now on."

The B-class awakened who Andrew signaled earlier came back with a long sword. He approached him and handed him the sharp weapon from his hands.

"… or else, I'm gonna kill you."

Hans cocked his head towards Andrew who's grinning from ear to ear.

'So that's how it is.'

He wondered why those people earlier looked at them with a hint of pity.

So it's about this.

'Abuse of power.'

Well, they are uncommon but they are not rare. Some powerful awakened abuse their power to oppress those living on the lower ladder of the food chain. Since the whole world experienced apocalypse, strength has become the criteria if one will be respected or not.

But even then, those oppressive awakened can escape authorities' rules. It's not because they want to escape but instead, the rules are pretty much ineffective to them.

This is the reason why those powerful awakened have become detached and lawless. Even if an S-class killed a high-ranking government official in front of the president, he'll probably just let it go.

This is the unfair treatment in the world nowadays.

If one has no power, one has no right to speak.

'They are being treated like a slave.'

Hans carefully swept his gaze. This time a little meticulous. His sight caught people doing labor and such.

It seemed that going in here alone for shelter was not a good idea at all.

'Fortunately…'

Even though the others heard Andrew's threat, they brushed it off as they suppressed their laughter. Everyone's eye focused on Aegeus, waiting for his decision.

"So in other words, you are the god here. Am I right?"

"That's correct."

Aegeus lifted his foot, walked towards a small chair, and sat down while talking.

"I refuse."

Aegeus's declaration abruptly causes a silent commotion to others who had experienced the hell-like treatment here.

"Is he mad!? Can't he read the mood?"

"Shhhhh— lower your voice."

"Hays— another victim."

However, as if Aegeus didn't hear their words, he playfully grinned and slowly pulled a small coin from his pocket.

"How about I give you a choice?"

"Huh?"

Aegeus tossed the coin into the air. The coin flipped quickly and gradually lost momentum, but Aegeus caught it in his large palm before it fell to the floor.

"Heads or Tails? The one who'll win gets to lead everyone."

Andrew's eyes narrowed.

'Is he playing tricks with me?'

He pondered any possibility but for some reason, he couldn't think of any.

'Hehe, since they have no A-class awakened with them; he's probably at B-class max.'

Andrew wickedly grinned. 'I'll play with you.'

Thinking of the faces of those people suffering brings pleasure to his soul.

Even if Aegeus has some tricks on his sleeve, so what? He's still no match for him. If ever he loses to this game, he can just snatch the leader title back right? But with his cautious nature, Andrew didn't let his guard down. After all, no one knows what will happen.

"Fine, I'll go with the head."

"So I have the tails huh."

Aegeus nodded and flipped his hand as Andrew slowly approached him.

"Very well, I'll give you the head."

Swooosh—

Aegeus swiftly vanished from his seat, positioned his fist, and launched a right uppercut.

Bam—

Crack—

Caught off guard, Andrew's face quickly deformed as all he heard was the cracking sound of his skull being broken into pieces.

Woosh—

Due to the force of the punch, Andrew's figure flew upwards, penetrating the upper floors all the way to the peak. The aftermath of the punch formed a crater on the ground as people watching on the sidelines displayed various reactions.

. "Did I see it right?"

"Slap— I'm not hallucinating."

"J-just one punch?"

Everyone's eyes shifted to Aegeus who's now patting the dust on his shoulder.

"Ah, haha… don't worry. He's dead. You're free now."

Silence permeated from the area before they burst out in tears.

"Wahh!!!"

"He's dead now!"

"I-I'm free? T-thank god."

Unfortunately, not everyone was beaming with joy. From afar, the 'Protectors' trembled in fear, their legs turning to jelly as a powerful pressure assaulted their bodies.

"Tell me what should I do with you?"

...….

The powers of Awakeners came from their soul. It was transferred into a small core within the human body until the appropriate time for the energy to awaken.

When it does, they can access the status window.

This is how an Awakened is born.

Once they kill a monster, the energy remnants are stored inside the core, where they are converted into levels and stats. However, the potential of an awakened, limits the growth of these cores.

This is why the Awakeners were divided.

So what if these core were destroyed?

'A fate worse than death… just like me.'

Hans deeply stared at the twitching bodies of Andrew's lackeys. Although Aegeus didn't kill them, he shattered their cores into bits.

'Show no mercy huh?'

Normally, it's impossible for an awakened to damage or destroy the core of a fellow awakened.

Well, if it's a monster then they can. They have this special trait that gave them authority to damage awakeners core.

Which in short, made them much more dangerous.

'How can he hit it with his hammer though?'

The core is supposed to be non-matter.

Is there something special to his hammer?

'Hang on...' Hans's eyes narrowed

Didn't Aegeus say earlier?

"My hammer doesn't hit those I don't consider an enemy."

'If what he said is true…'

A chill ran down his spine.

There can be so many possible meanings to his words but Hans was sure of one thing.

'Intangibility is useless to him.'

...…..

Soon, a whole day has passed. Due to the food scarcity, others have no choice but to rely on themselves as Aegeus didn't seem to bother with this problem.

Even if they complained, what can they do? It's not like they can order him right? Only those fools would try it.

Hans, on the other hand, didn't feel the need for food. It's like his appetite doesn't seem good all day.

At that moment, a hand grabbed his shoulder.

"Is your name Hans Luther?"

Hans set his sight behind. It was none other than Aegeus. However, unlike his laid-back attitude, his current expression is a little serious.

Well, he doesn't know why Aegeus would ask this suddenly.

Hans lightly nodded his head, confirming Aegeus' question, before he got up from his seat.

"I'm curious."

Hearing his words, Hans titled his head in confusion.

"Pardon? I don't quite understand."

Aegeus seemingly wants to continue the conversation when a loud thud abruptly interrupted his words.

Bam—

The hall entrance burst open followed by a man carrying a bunch of food, before yelling as loud as he can.

"R-Reinforcements!!! They're here!!"

"Huh?"

Everyone's attention shifted towards the man.

"They are outside!!"

Shortly after, everyone exchanged meaningful glances, stood up, and hurriedly went outside the building. However, Hans and Aegeus remained.

As for why?

"You can come out now."

Shring—

A burst of cold breeze permeated through the air as the cold wind caresses their whole body. From a corner, Hans saw a white freezing mist before it slowly shaped into a figure of a woman.

Shu— step—

No sound was heard except for the clicking steps of the silhouette. Her gaze momentarily stayed at Hans before shifting to the burly man beside him.

"Y-you!"

Her cold attitude slowly crumbled, replaced by a surprised facial expression.

Seeing her reaction, Aegeus raised his finger to his mouth, "Shhhhh— I'm undercover. Hehe." Before showing a cheeky grin. He alternated his gaze between Hans and the woman with his eyes displaying a hint of interest.

'Now there is a show to see.'

Meanwhile, Hans sat with a gloomy face the moment he saw her face.

'Why is she here?'

Of all possible coincidences, it was really timed when he's in danger. What are the odds? It's been a long time since they met, but he doesn't have a sliver of nostalgia at all.

Hans took a short glance at her before shifting his gaze away.

Step—

As if the woman noticed, she slowly walked forward and sat in the nearest chair beside him.

Taking a deep breath, she muttered softly.

"It's been a while…" the cold aura gradually vanished replaced by a soothing warm aura, "... brother."