Meeting

Hans clenched his fists as he watched Urs vanish into ashes. The ground made a clanging sound as his equipment fell on the floor. 

'I…' 

He was never mad at being weak. Even when he lost his potential back then, he wasn't mad but rather just sad and frustrated. But now...

What fast growth? 

What limitless potential? 

He realized all of this was useless if he couldn't even protect someone. Every time he boasts about having reached new heights, he always encounters a crisis that always puts him in danger. 

If he didn't sleep and just leveled his way up, would it make a difference? 

Step, step—

Hans kept his head low even after hearing footsteps approaching his direction. The Awakened stared at the place where Urs ashes scattered. Their eyes were moist. Their lips quivered. Even after seeing many deaths, the demise of the strong and the hero hits differently. 

Tajima grabbed the sword Urs used and softly muttered, "We noticed the dimension breaking after a sudden surge of power that is why we were able to enter here. However, a sudden barrier sealed the world. Urs must have prevented the dimension from collapsing so it wouldn't affect Earth."

"..."

Miguel stared at the morning rays as he flopped heavily on the ground, "I can't believe he's gone." His head lowered. 

"..." 

David, who hadn't experienced Aviante's power, was doubtful and asked, "Was the monster really that strong? I mean… does that even make sense? If there are creatures like that on Earth wouldn't we be a goner?" 

"I guess…" 

As the silence took cover in the place, the dimension slowly turned back to normal. The seal which Urs cast gradually faded away. Freya crouched and hugged Hans who was sobbing and sniveling on the corner. 

She whispered in his mind, 'It's okay, Hans.'

She just became an official SS-Class Awakened 5 years ago, and Urs was one of the people she respected. The UK was in a great crisis back then and as a countermeasure, the country requested help from other countries. They demanded so much that it was enough to make the country poor. That was when Urs stepped in. 

He cleared the dungeon himself and after a short tea break, he left the country without asking anything. 

"I hope he finds peace on the other side just like he always wanted."

......

Washington DC. 

National Awakened Association Headquarters. 

Director Thomas held his chin, anxiously waiting for the news to arrive. He raised his head and stared at the 9 SS-Class Awakened who's ready to fight any time. Throughout history, this was the first time that all SS-Classes were gathered in one location.

The immense pressure emanating inside the ample room was not something an ordinary S-class can withstand. 

Additionally, he's also here. 

Humanity's Strongest Awakened. 

The 'Blessed', SS-Class, Kai. 

"So there's a monster capable of overpowering you all." Kai's eyes narrowed and continued, "And you did not even fight back… what a disappointment."

The Awakened clicked their mouths as they silently snarled towards Kai. However, Senon wasn't buying that. 

"Tch, If you were there, I don't know if you can say that."

"Really?" 

"What's the point of being strong when you're just bark and no bite."

Suddenly, Kai's perked his eyebrow causing his mana to leak. With his murderous gaze being pointed at Senon, Kai hoarsely spoke, "Believe it or not, I will kill you here."

"Come on then!!" Senon got up and smashed the tables in pieces. The hair on his skin stood up, "Do you think I'm afraid of you!!!?" 

Outside the building, all Awakened near the vicinity were already struggling to stand up. Their knees are bent, attempting to resist the heavy pressure. 

The Director and the other SS-Class Awakened glanced at each other and nodded. 

"Stop it, you two!! This is not the time for fighting!!" 

Director Thomas glared at Kai and ordered, "Kai!! The safety of our land is at stake here!! Be respectful just for once!!!" 

"Ho, are you ordering me, Director?" 

Despite the murderous intent being pushed onto him, Director Thomas kept his cool and spoke in a firm tone, "Yes. But even if you kill me here, it does not change the fact that Earth might usher in another catastrophic event."

Kai frowned before withdrawing all of his leaking power. Senon did the same too and they both sat down in their respective seats. The table that was shattered, began to repair itself automatically. Having advanced technology truly does wonders. 

"You're safe for now, Senon."

"Tch."

And just like that everyone waited in silence. 

10 minutes, 15 minutes until 20 minutes. 

A man wearing a tight-fit black suit barged into the room, bowed to the Awakened before rushing towards Thomas. His breaths are uneven. He must have important news to tell. 

"D-Director!! T-the gate of the dimension can be entered any time now! Some of our Awakened are waiting for your orders."

"Is that so?" 

"Y-yes, sir!!" 

"Very well, you may go now."

The man bowed toward the Awakened once again, before he bolted out of the room. As he reached quite a distance, the man grabbed his chest and heaved a sigh of relief. 

'Haah! That was scary!' 

Being in a room with the strongest humans on Earth is truly a bad thing. It wasn't as awesome as expected but rather terrible. It felt like entering hell. 

"It's a shame… my goddess Cassia wasn't there." The man spoke regretfully. 

"Oh, hello there Mr. Agent."

The man jolted in retreat as he felt a hand tap his shoulder. He looked left and right before stopping towards a man wearing a brown overcoat with a monopoly hat on his head. He also held a cane on which his other hand rested. 

"F-Felix!! Sir Felix!" 

"So you like Cassia huh? What a pity, you need to line up at the back of millions of simps." 

"I see… t-thank Y-you sir!!" 

Without looking back, the man rushed out of the hall. Felix stared at the man's back before shifting towards the window. The scent of morning flowers tickled his nose, but he was not impressed. 

The thick gloomy clouds shaded over the luminous sun covering its entirety. 

"Fortunately, I brought an umbrella.

.......

Everyone stepped inside the portal with a gloomy look on their faces. Hans, on the other hand, collected all of Urs belongings that he planned to donate to a museum. It was broken and chipped now, so even if he kept it, it wouldn't be useful. 

He also explained to others that he would also vanish after a day as Urs wasn't there to supply mana anymore. 

As he was introduced as Urs summon, Hans still kept the cover going. 

His sights blurred before the previously deserted and bloodied place was replaced by familiar surroundings. 

He's back on Earth. 

..... 

Wup—, wup—, wup—

The helicopter surveyed through the air, carrying the news team and some Awakened guards. 

Director Thomas and the other SS-Classes were anxiously waiting on the land. After a portal appeared, they already knew that it was Freya's doing based on the unique aura it gave.

The second Cassia exited the portal, everyone immediately rushed forward and checked their condition. Next, she was followed by Miguel, Kristina, Tajima, David, Freya, and an unknown man. Based on the mana wrapped around the man, it was clearly Urs mana. 

"Guys, are you okay!?" 

Everyone's gazes landed on 6 people that went to the rescue. Director Thomas turned around and called the medic team. 

"Check them!" 

Two S-class healers on stand-by rushed forward after Thomas's command. They immediately scanned their conditions in which the 6 Awakened cooperated. 

After a brief pause, the two healers exchanged affirmative glances. The two said something to each other before they walked towards the Director. The two blurted out. 

"There are no injuries. Sir Miguel, however, needs rest. His mana is drained."

"Oh, thank goodness."

"Based on our conclusion, Freya might have already healed them."

"Freya!?" 

Director Thomas' eyes landed on Freya who's still being briefed. According to reports, although she had cast several healing spells, it wasn't enough to be called an expert healer. However, by just estimating their mana, he was positive that they fought quite long. 

Thomas examined the six once again and nodded. Their states weren't in pain but their complexions were gloomy. He stepped forward and greeted them. The other SS-Classes also did so. 

"Man, we're dead anxious."

"We have been arguing if we have to send more or not but it seemed like you all just did alright."

"Thank god, you're all safe." 

At that moment, Kai, who has been silent until now, asked, "Where's Urs?" 

The six looked at each other and nodded. Miguel walked over towards a bench, sat heavily and whispered, "He's gone."

The air suddenly felt heavy as they processed the meaning of Miguel's words. 

"Gone? What do you mean gone?" 

Miguel looked at the sky and explained all that happened inside the dimension. As the words rang into their ears, everyone's complexion gradually turned away. Some have mist on their eyes while others lower their heads. 

Director Thomas felt a pain in his heart as he recalled all Urs deeds that helped the USA many times. 

Everyone was positioned in a circle. Out of nowhere, Kai breaks the deafening silence. 

"So he stopped those all by himself?" 

Kai wasn't talkative, not approachable, and easy to be hated. Now, he's being active. 

"Yeah."

"Even that SSS-Class monster?" 

"Yeah."

After hearing the answer, Thomas immediately interrupted and told everyone to rest first. Although it pains his heart that another unfortunate Awakened died, they needed to steel their hearts and continue moving forward. 

The SS-Class nodded before they were escorted by the association staff to a nearby hotel. As soon as they went out of the restricted area, the reporters on the outside rushed forward and bombarded them with a bunch of questions. 

Guards blocked these people and Thomas promised that he would hold a press conference tomorrow making all the news team rueful. The curiosity of the people about the Gathering is reaching its peak. 

Too many questions arose from their minds and this would be answered after the press. 

...….. 

Hans followed Freya as per his request. They were escorted towards a large room where they will stay for the day. 

As soon as he entered, Hans walked sluggishly toward the sofa and sat down. He removed his mask, exposing his bloodshot eyes. Freya knows his emotional condition and decides to leave him alone in the room for a while. 

[From here onwards, you should get used to people dying around you.]

"..." 

[Remember, you chose this path, Hans. As I already told you, on the brink of death, that necromancer chose to sacrifice his life. Do you know that he has a choice to leave after receiving the power of being a 'Successor'?] 

"I didn't know. I was too focused on saving myself." 

[He probably did not leave because he believed in you. However, his conviction to protect his subordinates tops them all. Be glad that you're alive. That's why it's not too late to take revenge.]

"Thank you, Plundy."

[Now, stop moping around and condition yourself. You still have a week left before the Ruined King's tomb opens. It should be enough for a qualitative change. Perhaps we could even reach the talent awakening.]

After listening to Plundy's advice, Hans' heart was a little relieved but the sadness in his eyes was still there. He raised his hand and played with the black mana circling around his arms. 

'Tomorrow, they will hold a funeral in Egypt.'

He needed to go there. 

...… 

The next day, the whole world was shocked by the news being broadcasted on television outlets and newspapers. 

The headline for today's news was too much for their hearts to bear. 

One of Humanity's Strongest Awakened. 

Urs Hassan died. 

On the internet, the websites were bombarded by keyboard warriors and citizens who mourned for the death of a hero. 

On the other hand, the remaining 15 SS-Class Awakened held a short meeting. 

"Now that the news is out, I'm sure those monsters would be restless. After the funeral, we need to tighten our security and monitor our borders."

Although everyone differs in attitude and style, once humanity's existence was threatened, all of them were banded together. 

Cassia explained the possibility of monster invasions in the countries next to the Philippines, Turkey, and Afghanistan. 

"Aren't Greece in danger too?" Tajima abruptly interrupted. 

"Well, Greece has some sightings of air-type monsters but I think we're good. We're much stricter than last year so we can handle it." She jovially clapped her hands and spoke, "That's all for now. The secret of the SSS-Class potential should be kept secret too as we have no way of confirming it."

"Anyways, now that we're done, let's leave for Egypt." 

"Freya." 

Freya nodded before she cast a large teleportation spell. It spread around everyone until they were swallowed by strong suction. 

...… 

Miami, Florida. 

Inside a luxurious car, a man wearing jeans and a white shirt sat comfortably. On his head, a crown suddenly appeared as he willed it. The crown was filled with precious gems and embroidered with grand designs. 

If Hans was here, he would recognize this item.

The final key to the Ruined King's Tomb, [The Golden Crown].