Blood Jackal King, Geru

"Could it be?" 

"Yes, it's their king." Hans' voice echoed loudly before slowly softening as his figure walked away. 

..... 

Everyone began walking into the dark corner. Sully, one of the mages, even threw a red ball of light but it seems the path is infinitely long, making each step feel like forever. 

Hans kept his ears perked, his perception swept around the vicinity for any possible sneak attacks. 

Meanwhile, Fredrick explained some detailed information to others along the way.

"According to books, the Blood Jackal King is different from the others. Aside from its large body, it is very fast and has new sets of skills that work differently, unlike the normal ones. Overall, it's quite troublesome to fight."

"Can we beat it?" Sully asked, making sure if the boss monster is beatable or not. Since she joined Fredrick's team a few months back, she noticed how skilled and intelligent he was so Sully didn't doubt Fredrick's judgments. 

But now that her life is at stake, Sully couldn't help but hesitate. Of course, the others also began having the same doubts. Amongst them, the one with the coward personality was Liam— the other mage. 

"Fred, can we really trust this guy?" Liam spoke in disdain, raising his brow to imply that he doesn't like following Hans. 

Of course, Hans heard his murmurs but he just ignored it and continued walking as if it's a small thing. 

"I guess…" Frederick answered, shrugging his shoulders to avoid any more misconceptions. Truthfully, he's afraid as well. Stories of Blood Jackal King slaughtering teams after teams of D-class Awakeners were already shown on television before. 

But then again, it's a different story if a guy like Hans is here. Looking at the strong back of Hans, others let out a long sigh of relief. 

"Fuu—" 

With a strong awakened standing out, everyone's anxiety was gradually lifted from their face. 

...….. 

"I know Blood Jackals tend to be bloodthirsty and attacks like a mindless beast." Hans' voice broke the eerie silence and continued, "... But since this one might be a 'named' boss, we can expect the worst outcome so we have to cooperate."

Everyone was slightly surprised at Hans. They didn't think that he would actually ask to cooperate. 

"Aren't you powerful? A little Blood Jackal King wouldn't be a problem to you right?" Liam, who seems dissatisfied with everything, asked. 

The thought of this guy hogging all the items already crossed their minds, but they threw it back to their head, afraid that it might really happen. 

"If that's what you're thinking, I wouldn't blame you." Hans turned around, not only to Liam but also to the other members, "... Don't worry we'll split the loot as per said in the offer. I'm always true to my words."

This was Hans' motto the moment he became an awakener. They weren't just empty words, but something he gained from his experiences. 

Hans knows what their mind is currently thinking, but just like he said, he won't hog all the spoils. 

In fact, he's more satisfied with his level ups and status bonuses. For him, this is more than enough. 

 As they continue to venture deep, Hans ponders where he will put the unused stat points. Even after 20 minutes of walking, he still wasn't sure where to put them.

'This is hard.'

It was not easy to make decisions, after all, once he hit level 20, his level might be stuck there for a while. 

'Strength?' 

No doubt, Hans was very satisfied with this attribute. He has no regrets dumping many stat points in it. Looking back at his previous fight, Hans felt like he's a certain bald guy, one punching everything. 

'How about agility?' 

It was also a good attribute. Not only did it increase his speed, but also his reaction time. Although not really useful for weaker foes but for stronger enemies, this attribute was absolutely top-notch. Also, it's good for escaping.

As for the stamina, Hans has his doubts. Aside from prolonging his resiliency, it has no special add ons. Of course, stamina might have it, but since he hadn't discovered it yet, he'll prioritize other attributes first.

Lastly, the mana. 

Mana is everywhere in the world. Truthfully, Hans likes this attribute, on par with strength. Having high mana also improves not just his perception, but also his overall combat ability as he can maintain the body enhancement for a longer time.

'... I can't decide.'

Should he put it all in strength? Maybe he can one-shot a C-class monster by then after activating his body-enhancing skill. But the drawback of overflowing strength might kill him.

After thinking about it for a while, he concluded. 

'I'll go with this.' 

Having made his decision, Hans gave the agility and mana 15 points each while giving only 10 to his stamina. The remaining points were directly invested all to his strength. 

Tr-tring—

[Name: Hans Luther

Age: 23                 Level: 19      

Race: Human (95%), ??? (5%)

Potential: ??? 

Strength: 74                      

Agility: 45

Stamina: 40

Mana: 45

Unused stats: 0

Talent: Unlock at Level 100

Innate Skill: [Endless Plunder (D)] 

Plundered Skill: [Body Enhancement (B)], [Mind's Eye (E)], [Acrobat (D)], [Hide (C)]

Skill: No skill.] 

'Too op.'

Other than stamina, his stats look good to him. Still, having his strength being leagues above his other 3 attributes felt quite sad. Also, he hadn't plundered any suitable skills so far despite killing many jackals so Hans was a little disappointed. 

'I can't do much about it.'

After all, the skills of those blood jackal mobs aren't really suitable for humans. Perhaps he'll take it if he's desperate.

Hans shook his thoughts before closing the status window. For now, he'll focus on the dungeon. 

"Guys, we are here." 

Everyone's attention quickly shifted towards an ample space where a large altar stood still. The place seems like a large hall with numerous fire lamps burning on the sides. On the center of the altar, there is a large intricate array drawn by what seemed to be blood. Complex patterns continuously gleamed in red lights as mana gathered into a particular area. 

"Everyone! Get ready! Once I give the signal, Mike, taunt it. The mages and healer cast your buffs and support from behind, from there… I guess Hans should finish."

Hans glanced behind and nodded. It was a well-executed order. Although he doesn't have much experience in fighting as a team, him being a former porter, he saw many groups fight together. 

That is why. 

'I can handle it.' 

Soon, the light particles burst out in a loud swishing sound before being sucked by something. 

Gulp—

Everyone swallowed their saliva as they patiently waited. Despite Hans' strength assurance, the fact that it's their first time doing this still brought fear. 

Their heart beats faster and louder than it has ever been as they set their eyes towards the altar. 

Shring—

Shortly, after the blinding light slowly diminished,

a large red wolf-like creature rose from the ground.

[Blood Jackal Boss, Geru] 

Grr—

It stood up, eyes glaring in malice. 

"Humans…"

Everyone's eyes narrowed.

'It's a named monster!'

Named monsters were special beings as they have the ability to speak human language and have the mind to think for itself.

 It seems this battle wouldn't be as easy as they thought it would.

Grrrr—

"Foods?" 

Hearing Geru's voice, Fredrick cried out as loud as he could. 

"Attack!!!!" 

In response to his command, everyone launched skills after skills. Mike raised his shield and used his taunt skill on the Jackal Boss. 

"Over here!!!" 

As if Mike was his favorite, Geru charged towards him. Its foot shattered the ground with its force and raised its claw towards Mike.

Clang—

Growl—

"Sully, Liam, attack its rear!!" 

Sully and Liam both cast their magic circles at the same time. Meanwhile, Hans stood there, watching their battle from behind. As he analyzed the boss monster, he noticed how its attack pattern coincides with how a human thinks.

It will attack, then get back to defense. Sometimes it'll evade while using minimal efforts. 

Wooosh—

But...

'This is so frustrating.' 

He had been waiting for Fred's command for about 30 seconds now. It was hard suppressing the urge to step forward and smash that beast apart. Although he doesn't want to admit it, this team's synergy is top-notch. There might be some openings here and there but it's alright as they compensate for it with the right timing for defense. 

'It's a pity.' 

Hans shakes his head left and right.

'...Their damage is too low.'

...… 

"Mike, can you still hold on?" 

"Maybe about 2-3 minutes."

"That's good! Sully will back you up with a defense buff! Liam casts a stun when the beast is in defense."

"Yes, Fred." 

"Maya! Stop getting commands and just heal the injured!" 

"Alright! I got it! I'm doing my best, okay!?"

After hearing their conversation, it's easy to know that this team has gone through tough battles. Perhaps this is also the reason why they have been able to persist for a minute now. 

"Wait! Aren't you forgetting Hans?!" 

Mike broke their focus, their eyes flinched in realization. 

"I forgot!" 

"Fred! Behind you!" 

"Damn!!" 

Bamm—

Roar—

Large sharp claws swiftly charged towards Fredrick's face. Caught off guard, Fredrick could only watch it rip his head into shreds.

"Fred!!!!" 

"N-no way!!" 

Wooosh—

Bam—

Silence permeated everywhere around the hall but was awakened by a cough from the dust fog.

"Cough—,cough—"

The dust slowly settled revealing Fredrick's dazed figure.

"I-I'm alive!?"

The Jackal's claw didn't hit Fred's head, instead, as if an impenetrable wall blocked it, the claw halted just above his head. 

"Uhm, you kinda forgot me."

It was Hans. 

The large claws were tightly gripped into his palm. Geru tried to pull his paw back but… it can't. 

"Rahhhh!!! Human!!!" 

Shu—

It didn't budge.

"Ahhhh!!! Let… it… go!!!"

Kuuuuuk—

By forcefully pulling the claw back, Geru severed his limb apart. 

'Huh?' 

Hans took a glance at the ripped paw from his palm and alternated his gaze to Geru and his severed limb.

"I didn't expect it," Hans muttered, his gaze swept towards the now regenerating Jackal. 

'Fast regeneration.' 

Hans kept this in mind and moved his gaze to everyone. 

"Sigh—, I'm going to take it down myself." 

"..."

"..."

Others exchanged questionable glances and looked at Hans confusedly. 

'He's going… to take it down?' 

This is probably the best joke they have heard in their life. Fred recalled how sometimes confident Awakened would suddenly become a madman, solo a dungeon boss but only to end up in death's door. It happened a lot. Amongst them, Liam even chuckled in ridiculousness. 

'This Jackal is strong even for a max level D-class.' 

And now, this guy was saying he'll take it down himself? 

"Hans, think carefully. You mustn't be impulsive." This time, Mike interrupted, "We know you're strong. You are probably a max-level D-class based on the strength you showed. But… it's not enough to take this beast down." 

"You don't understand." 

Hans crouched down, picked up the severed paw he threw from the ground, and raised it to everyone. 

"This beast…" His gaze shifted towards the almost finished regenerating monster, "... grows stronger the more people it fights."

"But…" 

However, before they could respond, Hans' attention was already focused solely on the boss. From the start, the moment he saw their attacks slowly weaken over time, Hans already expected nothing from them. 

What D-class monster? This beast isn't even fighting them seriously. Can't they see it? 

That is why he made a decision. Let them not participate to raise his winning odds. 

Plus, they would just get in his way. 

'Hah—' 

Hans lifted his foot and slowly walked towards the Jackal. As if responding to a challenge, Geru moved its newly regenerated limb as well. 

"Human, you're strong but if you think that's enough to take me down, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed." 

"A monster that can talk eh? You sure are smart."

As if amused by Hans' words, Geru didn't hurry to attack. It took small steps until its figure was only a few meters away from Hans.

'Hah—' 

Faced with the large body of the Jackal, Hans didn't panic though his breathing became a little faster.

Thump—, thump—

He's calm, he knows that. But his excitement couldn't be hidden. This will be the first time he'll fight a genuine C-class beast right? Flashbacks of his previous fights played back in his head instantly.

'I can take it down.'

He can feel it. After all, if he had no confidence to face the boss, he would not even bother to stay further in the dungeon. 

Seeing Hans in trance, Geru displayed a menacing smirk.

"Are you afraid now, human?" 

Well, Hans couldn't blame him. After all, his gestures are misleading. 

However, Hans thought differently. 

'Me? Afraid?'

Its aura wasn't even enough to move him, let alone make his skin crawl in fear. Unfortunately, for others, they couldn't even stand up from the murderous intent, the beast was leaking out. 

"I can say the same to you.'

Wooosh—

A stronger pressure descended upon the vicinity. The wind howled in delight as they danced around the increasing atmosphere. Cracks gradually spread to the walls as the red lamps burned out.

Red and Black aura continued to clash, shaking the walls of the cave from its power. 

Grrrrr—

Their eyes were close enough to see each other toe to toe. 

As if his blood was heating up, Hans' body gradually turned reddish. Shortly after, a red mark appeared on the back of his hand without him knowing. 

'I'll finish it off swiftly.'

Swish—

Soon, Hans' figure vanished with a thunderclap.