I'm Not A Thief...

"I-I swear!! It's here!" the cashier reasoned in a loud voice. He could vaguely remember his bloodied figure full of dirt and mud. He's not wearing any upper clothes except for the pants which seemed to be ripped into pieces. Long blond hair and otherworldly facial features.

This is what he remembered. 

'So it's impossible that I'm hallucinating!' 

Officer Lee held his cheeks, constantly pondering over the cashier's half-assed statement. 

"I see… Do you have any CCTV here?" 

"Yes!! The CCTV!" 

The cashier quickly strode towards the counter and went straight to the monitor beside the long table. Since the store had CCTV, it would be impossible for that man to evade its sight. The cashier hastily clicked through the monitor and adjusted the time line. 

1 minute, 2 minutes until it stopped at the 5 minute mark. 

The video played. 

[An error has occurred.]

[An error has occurred.] 

"W-what!?" 

The cashier clicked the mouse aggressively, trying to play the seemingly crashed video. 

'Fortunately, I have a backup.'

He didn't know how it was possible to vanish like that and evade these officers who seemed to be not lower than B-class Awakened. But then again, it was also his fault for leaving that guy unattended. 

Officer Lee had his hand crossed in his chest. He crouched down to find any visible tracks the unconfirmed survivor left inside the shop. 

'That guy is either powerful or smart if he could erase his tracks in that short period.' With a soft flick of his coat, Officer Lee pulled the watch inside his pocket, 'I'll just let those Inspectors investigate.'

It's not his job so he didn't need to ponder deeply about it. 

"This is Officer Lee. Can you send an Inspector inside the store? Oh really? I see… thank you."

Officer Lee hung the call and stared out the glass walls. According to the other side, there were 14 confirmed deaths including the son of the retired S-class Awakened, Elvin James. 

'All of their deaths were man made.'

Crush bones, decapitated heads, sword wounds, and stabs. This was the initial autopsy of the investigation team. 14 of the 15 Awakened who went inside the dungeon were killed by that 15th Awakened. 

'This will be a troublesome case.'

They either face scolding from the association director or the wrath of an S-class Awakened. Either way, he hopes it wouldn't come to a worst case scenario. Additionally, the killer's rank wasn't confirmed as well. 

'A killer capable of killing, 3 A-class, 1 B-class, and 10 C-class Awakened.'

Wouldn't that make the killer an automatic S-class? 

"This is very troublesome."

Officer Lee moved his eyes towards the cashier, hoping that his CCTV cameras could have captured even a tiny silhouette of the man. 

....... 

Hans sprawled in an unknown place, holding a small device from his hand. The item appears like a compass but in reality, he used it for the short teleportation it gives. Although the distance was short, approximately only 1 mile per usage, he still got to use it 10 times before it ran out of available stacks. 

For some unknown reason, his body seemed to be recovering at a speed that even Plundy was surprised by. Hans attributed this to his racial trait. Perhaps aside from the regeneration, it also gives him enhanced stamina and recovery speed as well. 

Well, at least for now, he could walk. Hans stood up, brushed off the dirt on his face, and looked around the area. He seemed to be inside someone's room. 

To his left, pictures of a family and the supposed room owner were hung on the wall. The furniture was arranged slightly to the side, giving the place a cozy and warm atmosphere. 

'Such a beautiful place.'

Hans sauntered towards a wooden stand where picture frames were placed. 

'Why does it seem so familiar?' 

At that moment, the hair on his neck stood. 

"Are you done looking?"

Behind him, a soft and warm voice echoed through the room. Just listening to it produced soothing sounds which made his head cool up. 

"I-I'm not a thief." 

[Fucking moron!] 

The voice which seemed to be that of a woman let out a soft giggle. 

"Fufufu~ I didn't say you're a thief." Suddenly, Hans felt an arm wrapped around his neck as the woman spoke, "... Or maybe you're a thief."

Hans gulped in fright, forcing his stiff mouth to utter some words. 

"I got transferred here by my teleporter. I'm sorry if it bothered you." 

The arms on his neck began to tighten. Hans struggled to breathe yet the woman's strength seemed out of this world. 

'I didn't notice her when I arrived here.'

Was it due to exhaustion? No, that's utter bullshit. 

Although he's tired, his perception won't vanish. Even if he's asleep, he could still sense things moving around his vicinity. Though it was downgraded a bit, for this room, it was enough to cover it whole. 

This only means, the woman was Awakened. No doubt about it and she's not an ordinary one. 

"That's your reason?" 

"Y-huk-yes."

"And am I supposed to believe that?" 

"..."

Hans didn't answer, no rather, he couldn't answer. His throat was blocked and the only sound he could produce was the muffled moans escaping from his mouth. 

'Damn it!' 

Clenching his fists, Hans closed his eyes and prepared to activate all of his auxiliary skills. It's now or never. 

"Oh, you're struggling." Sensing Hans mana rioting, the woman spoke in amusement, "How cute."

A red hue surrounded his body while his eyes turned red. Due to his mana being low, Hans could only maintain his skills for a short amount of time. Hopefully, he could escape by then. 

Hans gripped the woman's hand which was soft and smooth like a silky dress. Putting all of his strength into his arms, he pulled it out his neck. 

"Gaaaahhh!!!"

"Fufufu~"

Hans did his all but the hand wouldn't even budge. It's as if it was glued to his neck. 

'Just a little so I could breathe!' 

His muscles lightly bulge. Thick veins popped out of his hand, struggling to pull the woman's arms. His head was oozing in sweat. His back was drenched with it as well. But no matter how he tried, his efforts came to naught. 

'What's wrong with this woman!!' 

The air stuck in his mouth was choking him. He needs oxygen!

At that moment, the arms holding his life began to loosen. 

"Cough, cough, cough."

Hans kneeled and grabbed his choked neck. Coughs after coughs escaped from his mouth which seemed to be relieved that the oxygens were back. The echoes of his heart crashing against his ribs send music to his ears. 

"Cough, cough, cough." 

Hans placed his hand to his chest and sighed in relief.

"Haaah—"

He raised his head and stared at the woman looking down on him with a playful smile. She had long auburn hair tied in a bun with a butterfly clip pinned on its end. There are no freckles or scars on her gorgeous face and he could see that she's well over 5 foot 7 too. Not a single blemish can be seen as well. Truly a beautiful woman indeed. 

She's wearing a tank top, showcasing her plump chest and flawless belly. She wore short pants, exposing her glowing white legs. Hans was mesmerized but was jolted in dazed when the woman spoke coldly. 

"Where do you think you're looking?!" The woman sat on the sofa and stared at him with a sultry grin, "Should I gouge your eyes? Fufufu~ that would be fun."

Hans gathered his strength and controlled his breathing. He had to be calm. But still, his legs couldn't help but tremble every time she said a word. 

"Tell me, why are you inside my room?" 

"My teleporter brought me here."

"You're still pressing that reason huh? I see... I see…" 

The woman kicked her shattering the wooden table. It seemed like she was pissed off.

"Hey, don't you know who I am?" 

Hans listened attentively and after hearing her words, his brow furrowed. 

'Is she famous?' 

To confirm his assumptions, he observed her. With his eyes narrowed, the woman's bare face gradually layered to 'that' woman. His eyes widened in realization. 

"Y-you are!!" 

"Fufufu~ so you recognize me now? Good for you…" 

Hans immediately went into a stance; his hands clenched. 

"Why are you here in our country?" 

The woman could be said to be one of those people who stood at the peak, overlooking things with their own eyes. 

United Kingdom's SS-Class, Freya Taylor. 

The holder of the title, Strongest Magician. 

"Hahaha, it seems like you're not informed." Freya held her chin and pondered, "But wasn't it broadcast?" 

Although he didn't know what she was saying, Hans still tried to recall any events that may have involved Awakened from other countries. 

'Tomb of the Ruined King?' 

No, it couldn't be that. It was already confirmed that only those who held a key could hope to enter inside. Only five people have it so this event was already out of the question. 

'The tide?' 

The tide was an event that every country conducts every year. It involves mass clearing of the dungeon. Even those low level ones needed to be cleared as well. After that event, almost all dungeons in the country were 75% cleared. 

Of course, it also depends on a country's strength. Countries mostly composed of bodies of water were even more difficult to clear as the dungeons formed underwater. 

This event not only benefits the world but also gives competitiveness between countries. 

'But the tide will happen a month from now. If she's here, isn't that too early?' 

What's more, that grin on her lips further adds to his confusion. 

"Hmm… now that I see it… you're quite handsome." 

"Eh?" 

"Hey, what's your name?" Freya stood up and circled Hans' figure before stopping in his front, "I'm Freya by the way." 

Seeing her offer her hand, Hans didn't refuse and introduced himself as well. 

"Hansel."

This was his full first name. With this, he'd be able to avoid questioning and unseen troubles. 

Freya tilted her head and puffed her cheeks, "No, your name is too long." She put her hands on her hips and continued, "How about I just call you Hans? It's cool right?" 

Hans gulped and forcefully smiled. His plan to cover up his name was already busted before it started. Although he had an option to lie, he couldn't do it. 

After all, who would dare to lie to the world's strongest mage? 

...…

"Lieutenant Martin, we confirmed the cause of their demise."

A man wearing a black uniform which was exclusive to the investigation team handed an autopsy chart. Lieutenant Martin received it and dismissed the man. 

After reading the contents of the autopsy report, Lieutenant Martin immediately dialed a number. 

"This is Lieutenant Martin of the Association Police. We have confirmed fourteen counts of murder."

"Who's the suspect?" A deep old voice responded on the other line. The voice contained command and authority but for some reason, it sounded very calm. 

"We haven't seen the suspect sir, but we already concluded that the only survivor of the raid is the culprit." 

"What about CCTV? Shouldn't they have been captured at least?" 

"Ehm, the CCTVs in the area were blocked, sir. Even before they entered the dungeon, someone had already tapped into the servers and shut it down."

"I see. Any leads?" 

"We've been looking for their past activities and all the people they encountered before their deaths."

The voice on the other line became silent. Understanding its meaning, Lieutenant Martin continued. 

"According to our reports, Jason had 5 bodyguards. The other 2 didn't show up here. It's either they were suspects or they were killed as well." 

"Hmm, is that so? This would be troublesome." The voice on the other side muttered and continued, "Once Elvin arrived, contact me, understood!?" 

"Yes, sir!" 

Tut—, tut—

After the call hung up, Lieutenant Martin sighed in relief and immediately strode towards others. For now, they should contact the families of the deceased first. 

....... 

"It doesn't matter."

"What a cold answer." Freya raised her hand and swiped her nose, "Anyways, I'm here because I was invited."

"Invited for what?" 

"Eh? Aren't you asking too… much?" Her eyes suddenly narrowed and observed his figure meticulously. 

From his head to toe, Hans felt like he was being stripped. Her eyes felt like inspecting his very soul. It was terrifying. 

"Hmm… Awakened Gathering, that's why I'm here." Freya traced her hand to his chest and continued in a playful voice, "Is that enough for you? Or… do you want more?"

However, Hans ignored her words after hearing the Awakeners Gathering. He heard it in the news back in New York where he was hospitalized. Just like a tide, it happens every once in a year too with different country hosts each year. 

Luckily, this year, the USA got to organize the gathering. Last year, it was hosted in Japan. 

Although he didn't know what would happen in a gathering, Hans had a hunch of what they would discuss. 

'The opening of the Tomb of the Ruined King is nearing.'

This would probably be the main topic. That would also mean that the other four holders would be there as well. 

"I see… Can I leave now?" Hans politely inquired. 

Freya rolled her eyes and turned around, "Hmm, okay, go away. Sho sho." She then waved her hands away. 

As Hans approached the door, a hand suddenly stopped his tracks. 

"Hey pretty guy, do you want to go to the Gathering?" 

"I'm not interested."

"Fufufu~ and yet your eyes said yes. Do you want to go with me as partners?" 

Her offer was tempting but Hans didn't want to be exposed yet. What's more, there's a chance that his Aegeus and his sister would be there as well.

"I told you I'm not interested."

Freya frowned and made way for Hans. 

When Hans grabbed the doorknob, his actions halted. His heartbeat pounded so much that he could even hear it echoed inside his head. He turned his head and glared at the woman after hearing her muffled words. 

"Say it again?" 

"Oh, you didn't hear it?" Freya's mana suddenly skyrocketed and the pressure descended upon him. 

"I said, '14 different scents of human blood'. Satisfied? I could go more if you want."

At that moment, Hans realized he was in for another crazy adventure, with a crazy woman as well.