Ruined King's Gear
"I got it from a dungeon."
[Hmm…]
The mark on his abdomen blinked three more times before the light finally died. Seeing no signs of action from it, Hans took his shirt down.
"It was a stab from a monster. Why do you say it's a mark?"
The wound healed over time, leaving only a dark scar. Actually, the wound came from that spider monster who luckily shattered his core back then.
But what's strange is, the moment the 'status window' says her name, the scar suddenly became active.
[I see. You're lucky it's not a 'True Mark'.]
"Wait! You're going fast. What's with this mark thing?"
[You don't have to worry for now.]
"Then how do I get rid of this?"
[Either die or ask the Rakshasa Queen to get rid of it for you. As simple as that.]
Hans immediately closed his status window and leaned his back on the sofa.
'It would be awesome if I can.'
He didn't even know the Rakshasa Queen, let alone find her. But since he was assured that the mark is not going to be a threat, Hans gradually calmed down. Of course, the doubts were still there but it's pointless to worry about that.
'Let's not think about it.'
For now, the priority is to get stronger than anybody else. Work harder than anybody else. That way, all these problems could be solved much easier.
Hans moved his eyes at the orb on the table. The status window said he can use it.
"How do I use this?"
[Swallow.]
"Swa— what?"
[Swallow.]
Hans's brows furrowed, beyond baffled by the sudden response.
Didn't it say not to touch this thing? So what's happening? Now, it was telling him to swallow it. It's ridiculous.
Hans didn't even know if it's safe to just gulp the orb down his throat.
[I made a mistake earlier. It's safe.]
Sigh—
Not sensing any lies, Hans hesitantly raised the orb under his chin. Even though there's a small chance he's being lied to, Hans still wanted to take the risk.
Every hardship was accompanied by risk. This might be an opportunity to grow further, or else he'd missed it.
Gulp—
He didn't taste it nor did he chew. It traveled straight to his throat and melted like cotton candy. Also, the feeling was intense, as if boiling water entered his esophagus.
Pant—, pant—
Thud—
Hans fell from the couch, his hand grasped his shirt. Thick green veins popped up from his arms from the strength he put towards it.
'Hah—, hah—'
Hans gasped for air heavily, trying to stabilize his heart which felt like it might explode for any second now.
Wooosh—
Purple-red energy began to spread all over his body. It started wiggling around before it got swallowed to his core. Taking advantage of this small time, Hans closed his eyes and focused on the energies, who's now being absorbed by his core.
'Concentrate Hans.'
Like a spell, he chanted it in his mind.
Sizzle—
His core's size started growing in size after it absorbed the purple-red orb. If back then, its size can be compared to a golf ball, now it's enough to top the size of a tennis one.
Not only that, but it also gave him some free stats albeit it's just a little.
[Mana +4, Strength +1, Agility +1, Stamina +1]
Still, it was better than nothing. His core was strengthened after all. He wouldn't have to worry about it getting yeeted by a monster in one strike.
Wriggle—
Shortly, the purple-red energy dissipated, leaving a newly buffed Hans. As his stats increase, his overall combat power increases as well. Hans tried to ignore the system prompts ringing from his head. If he lost focus now, he'd be feeling that excruciating pain once again.
Sizzle—
Although, from the outside, the purple-red energy already dissipated; but from the inside of his body, it was still in disarray. If he can harness this energy, Hans might enlighten this 'Evil Mana' the status window was talking about.
'Not yet…'
Soon, his mana properties rapidly changed in response to the purple-red energy trying to blend on it.
Mana is supposed to be colorless. A non-attribute attack makes it blue. A fire attack makes it red or orange.
But why are they important?
It's safe to say that mana properties can amplify an attack. But it is hard to achieve. Continuous casting of the fireball skill might only change one's mana properties very little. And this is why Hans wanted to take this chance.
Shu—
Tri-ring
[You have consumed the 'Orb of the Fallen'.]
[Congratulations! Evil attribute has been added to your Mana property.]
[Mana +10]
Compared to earlier stats, the effect of this gamble far exceeded what he expected.
"Huuuuh." Hans let out a deep breath after confirming the contents of the message. With the loss of concentration, the evil mana remaining inside his body began to dissipate as well.
"Fuu."
Hans raised his finger and flowed his mana into it.
Shu—
Seeing his mana glowing with a mix of purple and red, Hans finally lay on the floor.
'I'm tired.'
He needed to rest. Although he didn't get physically tired from the raid, his concentration after absorbing the orb brought him severe fatigue.
'I guess…' As his vision blurred, Hans closed his eyes. He took small breaths as he relaxed his muscles.
'Let's call it a day.'
.........…..
6:00 pm.
The night grew deeper.
After taking a good and nice rest, Hans went out of his apartment. The cold breeze assaulted his skin, feet submerged to the cold snowflakes as he pulled his collar up.
'Fuu, it's cold.'
Although Awakened didn't feel cold, it's rather weird going out with a summer outfit in the winter season. Hans grabbed himself a taxi and headed straight to the Association Market. It's a special market designed for Awakeners' uses. Can be used for trading, buying, and selling items or any other goods.
'I hope it's not crowded though.'
He murmured, admiring the beautiful sceneries they passed by from the car window.
"Uhm, sir."
"Uhuh?"
"Are you an Awakened by any chance?"
Hans turned his head and stared at the rearview mirror.
"Why?"
The driver hesitantly replied, "Uhm, you see… my boy awakened his E-class potential so I was wondering if—"
Hans didn't even let him finish as he already knew where this was going.
"Sorry, but no."
"I…"
"The association training policy must be followed so I really can't do it. I'm sorry."
Shortly after, the cramped taxi returned to silence. Hans took one last glance at the driver's seat before shifting back to the window.
'Illegal raids…'
They are raids organized by those unregistered awakeners. Usually, they are the ones who kill boss monsters inside low-class dungeons without permission. Also, because these people are basically untrained, cooperation will be hard.
Of course, there is even worse. Once caught by the association, it might lead to jail or a fine, which was something ordinary awakeners can't afford. Well, but once an illegal raid succeeded, the spoils are just astonishingly massive. Boss drops, experience for raids, and more importantly the reward for the dungeon clear. All of that can be looted in just one successful raid.
'Maybe I should try?'
Hans pondered for a second and lightly chuckled at his thoughts.
.........…..
(*Sfx of loud people chattering*)
"We've been out for many days."
"It could be him."
"Babe, can you buy that for me?"
As Hans got out of the taxi, his ears caught loud people's conversations. Sometimes he blames his incredible hearing for eavesdropping on this type of conversation. If he can just turn off his increased hearing perk, it would probably be amazing. Unfortunately, there's no way to do that.
"So this is the Awakened Market?"
Galloping around the large space, Hans swept his eyes. The ample space seems like a park. Large trees stood on the sides while bushes and flowers were carefully designed in the middle, giving the area a relaxing and vibrant vibe.
Further walking towards the building entrance, Hans saw lovers cuddling in benches or even stargazing as they lay on the grass. The yellow streetlights were just enough to add to this seemingly romantic place.
"Maam, Sir, burgers here!!"
"Balloons for your kids!"
"Anyone wants to try our herbal tea!?"
Vendors and shop stalls were layered in a straight line. From foods, clothes, or accessories, they have it. Soon, Hans arrived at the entrance of the large building.
"Sir, we need your Awakened Card for safety purposes."
"Oh, wait a second."
Hans immediately rummaged through his pocket and pulled his 'fake' Awakened card. Before he came here, he already cast his 'Hide' skill to it. Luckily, the guard seemed unbothered by this as he only took a short glance at Hans' card and returned it.
"Alright sir, welcome."
"Thank you."
"Next!"
The interior of the building looks extremely gorgeous. Its designs were just mesmerizing. The white walls complemented the golden furniture very well. It didn't even look like a market to him, instead, it somehow resembled a prehistoric museum.
Various items and treasures were simply displayed in a glass box, some were hung on the wall. Hans went sightseeing first before heading straight to the counter where a store clerk was waiting.
"Welcome, sir. What can I help you with?"
Hans unbuckled his bag and placed it under the glass table.
"I'm here to sell mana crystals."
"Alright. Is that all, sir?"
"Do you appraise items here?"
"Yes, sir."
Hans slides two items to the clerk, "I'm also here for item appraisal."
The store clerk, whose name is Zach, ran towards the counter and hastily dialed a number to the store phone. Shortly after, two men arrived, an old man and a guy at 30s. Zach introduced one of them as the appraiser and the other is the buyer of the mana crystal.
Hans briefly introduced himself to them. He gave the triangular-shaped item and dagger for appraisal while he proceeded to talk towards the other man.
"How much?"
The man raised the mana crystal, pulled a binocular glass, and meticulously observed the crystal.
"Hmm… this is a high grade." The man put the glasses back and explained.
"High-quality mana crystals are rare nowadays. Even myself had only seen 10 so far."
"..." Hans nodded, straightening his sitting posture.
"I will buy it for 5 Million USD."
Hans chuckled and shook his head in ridiculousness, "10 Million."
"6 Million. That's my last offer."
"How about 9?"
"7 Million." The man bargained once again. Hans offered a new price.
"8.5?"
"7.2. I can't go further than that."
"8.3?"
"Sorry, I really can't go further than that."
Hans placed his hand to his chin. According to his research, high-quality mana crystals such as this can go for about 15 to 50 million on auctions. Unfortunately, auctions were scheduled so he couldn't get the money instantly.
'Sigh.'
Deciding on the final price, Hans opened his mouth, "8 Million — take it or leave it."
"..."
The man stared at the mana crystal before shifting to Hans, "You have a deal."
"Thanks."
Hans offered a handshake and proceeded to sign the papers. After the man left, Greg, the appraiser, sat down at the seat.
"So what are they?"
"You can check it yourself. I unlocked its description."
First, Hans lifted the dagger.
[Blood Jackal's Dagger (C)
— Attack: 50 - 100
Special Property:
— Once wounded by the dagger, it grants the [Bleeding] effect which will slowly drain the target's health over time.]
It was a good weapon. The special property it gives was amazing as well. For a C-class item, this is definitely top quality. Next, Hans picked the triangular item.
[Cover of the Ruined King (C)
— Once activated, it will form a protective shield around the user which absorbs damage from everywhere.
— One of the 5 gears of the Ruined King.
— A key.
Note: Can only be used 1 time per day.]
After reading the content of the description, Hans reflexively raised his head, "Greg?"
"Congratulations Mister Hans." Greg slid a photo to the table, "... you have the last key for the Ruined King's tomb."
Hans took the photo and inspected it carefully. It contains captures of the other ruined king gears.
[Sword of the Ruined King]
[Ruined King's Coat]
[The Golden Crown]
And…
[Ruined King's Battle Suit]
All of them are top-rank treasures held by top S-classes for sure. Compared to them, the item he obtained seems like shit.
'Did I get a fake?'
Looking back at the photo once again, for some reason, Hans was troubled.
"If you think that's fake, I can understand…" Greg shrugged his shoulders, "... but it's legit."
Hans nodded in affirmation. The Ruined King's tomb is located somewhere in forbidden lands. Experts predicted that it might be in some countries in Asia. Of course, that's the last news he heard several months ago. Unfortunately, Hans didn't know information about it as it doesn't really involve him but now…
"When will the tomb open?"
Tombs, a special type of dungeon where powerful species lived and were buried.
"Ehh, you don't know?" As if seeing a mountain monk, Greg's eyes displayed a playful shock, "... how come?"
"Just tell me."
The old man didn't seem to be a bad person. He didn't show interest in the item even though he knew it was worth more even for an SS-Class.
Hans chose to trust him for now. He needed information first.
"Sigh— the tomb will open in 2 weeks. But only those who hold a key can enter."
2 weeks. There was still enough time to prepare.
"Location?"
The man glanced left and right before leaning closely, "It's in Italy… Venice, Italy. But I advise you don't go. The competition is not something you can participate in."
"Alright. I'll keep it in mind."
Hans quickly shoved the items inside his backpack. It seems he'd have to hasten his activity for now.
"Thank you for appraising the items, Greg."
Hans offered a handshake.
"Haha, no worries, it's my job."
"Then can you…"
"You don't have to worry about that. I always keep my mouth shut hahaha." Greg muttered followed by a loud chuckle.
Soon, they parted ways and Hans left the building. Bothered by the sudden news he received, Hans sat down on a nearby bench. Snowflakes fell to his face as the cold breeze caressed his cheeks.
Sighing, Hans raised his head to the sky.
'Ruined King huh?'
What would happen if he collected the other 4?