First S-rank Skill
Hans read through its description.
[Emperor Constantine Strides (S)
— a series of steps that focuses on movement and footwork.
Proficiency: 0%]
'A movement skill?'
Although the description is short, Hans can pretty much understand all he needed to know. What's more it's an S-rank!
'I didn't think I'd obtain a movement skill of S-rank caliber.'
Even when he killed many monsters till now, he hasn't collided with a monster that specialized in speed. Unfortunately, it seemed like this skill needed practice too like the sword style to display its true power.
'Now that I think about it.'
Based on the skill he got until now, all of it pointed that Emperor Constantine might be a strong knight or swordsman of his era. He'd kept that in mind for now and maybe he could ask Plundy about him more.
Hans closed his status window and put the letter back inside the box. The moment he put his hand inside the box, he noticed something odd.
'What was that?'
As he placed his hand back inside the box, a red light flickered on its edges. It's faint that's why it would be hard to see but with his enhanced sight, it can easily be seen.
'Is this box special?'
That would be the only explanation as to why the box is emitting these lights. Without wasting time, Hans lifted the box under his chin and inspected its appearance. Aside from the broken lock, its appearance was no different from an ordinary wooden box.
'Let's see its description first.'
[Mysterious Box (?)
— An ordinary box…]
"..."
"Wait! That's it?!"
He legit thought it had to be some kind of storage space or something.
However, since even the system can't grade it, it has to be at least of high quality right?
Hans closed the top lid and put the box inside his storage bag. His eyes surveyed the house once again in case he missed something. His sight darted towards the wall, more specifically to the broken photo frame hanging on the wall.
The wooden floor creaked as he shuffled towards it. He pulled it out and brushed the dust off revealing a picture of a teenage boy, girl, and a middle-aged man.
The boy was happily smiling, together with the girl as they hugged each other. The middle-aged man, on the other hand, has his arms wrapped around the two. This should be Urs foster family.
Hans reflexively smiled at the delightful faces of the family before subconsciously turning it around. A familiar golden key was hidden on the back of the photo.
'Where have I seen this?'
[Oh, isn't that the Trial Dungeon Key?]
Plundy's mechanical voice echoed inside his head. After hearing his words, Hans took out the Trial Dungeon he already had and compared the two. Aside from the size, the keys were identical. Even the shape and the line designs engraved on its handle were the same as well.
Hans checked its description for further inspection.
[Trial Dungeon Key (SSS)
— a key to the final door of the trial dungeon.
— it was said that the trial dungeon contains treasures.
Requirements to enter:
Level 300
SSS-Class potential.]
Just like the description of his own trial dungeon key, this one was the same as well albeit this one is a high grade.
'Did Urs pass the Trial Dungeon too?'
Well, if it's him, there's no doubt that he could do that. But to think he could conceal it until his death was just unbelievable. Trial Dungeons are mostly public so one of them being gone would cause ripples around the world.
Unfortunately, it seems Urs didn't have a chance to use this because of his potential.
'Wait, wouldn't I have two keys now?'
Well, it seems to be that way. He had no idea if it's allowed but if ever it's permitted, he would surely reap massive rewards. Hans swept his gaze one last time before trudging towards the door.
His heart is relieved that he was able to know Urs story until the end. Without looking back, Hans exited the cave in an instant.
There is still no more than a week before the Ruined King's Tomb opens. Using that gap time, he'd target Level 100 and hopefully awaken his talent.
Rough winds together with the hot sand trailed towards his position. Under the rays of the afternoon sun, Hans swiftly vanished in a cloud of dust.
[Name: Hans Luther
Age: 23 Level: 50 [LOCKED]
Race: Human (76%), ??? (24%)
Potential: ???
Strength: 274
Agility: 202
Stamina: 182
Mana: 263
Unused stats: 0
Talent: Unlock at Level 100
Innate Skill: [Endless Plunder (C)]
Plundered Skill: [Body Enhancement (B)], [Mind's Eye (E)], [Acrobat (D)], [Hide (C)], [Berserk (C)], [Lurk (E)], [Dragon Kick (A)], [Turtle Shell (B)], [Fire Control (B)], [Light of Judgment (B)], [Holy Light (C)], [Hardened Skin (C )], [Constantine Sword Style: First Cut (B)], [Umbral Steps (C)], [War Cry (D)], [Stealth (D)]
New Plundered Skill: [Vampiric Steal (A)], [Moon Howl (A)], [Asuran Transformation (A), [Exploding Blood (A)]
Skill: [Mirror Clone (B)], [Emperor Constantine Strides (S)]
Mana Property: Evil.]
[Plundered Stats By Consuming Blood
Strength: +100
Agility: +90
Stamina: +75
Mana: +115.]
.......
Hans arrived at a bustling town in the middle of the desert. According to the key's coordinates, there should be a trial dungeon here nearby. With his stats, there's no need for transportation. His running speed was faster after all.
After many considerations, Hans decided to complete his trial dungeon here in Egypt. If ever the dungeon collapses again like the last time, at least it wouldn't be connected to him.
'I'm hungry.'
The place wasn't crowded like he expected. Perhaps it's because of the public memorial service that the regulars here postponed their raids. As he strolled around the town, Hans stopped by a cafeteria to eat.
However, before he entered, he noticed 4 people tailed behind him. Based on the wretched expression etched on their faces, these guys were up to no good.
'What do they want from me?'
One bald guy, who seemed to be a lackey, grabbed his shoulders and spoke in smugness.
"Hey."
At the same time, Hans felt a sharp object pointing behind his back. He didn't fight back yet and let the man do his thing.
"Give us all your money and items." The man whispered into his ear. Hans raised his head and watched other people's reactions only to be met by their fearful and sympathetic gazes.
'Hmm…'
Based on their reactions, this must be a common thing here in the town. They'll tail their target and rob them of their possessions.
Under the surprised gazes of everyone, Hans pulled all his money from his pocket and the C-rank dagger sheathed behind his torso and threw towards the man's accomplice.
The four eyed each other as if saying 'What's next?' before turning back to Hans.
'He just gave it like that?'
Shouldn't he resist at least?
This has never happened before!
Usually, their victims would beg or fight back first before surrendering their possessions.
As if tired of their endless shenanigans, Hans hurriedly inquired, "Can I go now?"
The bald man looked at his boss for confirmation. After receiving his agreement, the bald man released Hans but not before giving a small threat.
"Boy, you're lucky. Next time, every time you see us, you will give all your belongings, alright?"
Hans nonchalantly answered, "No problem."
Shortly afterwards, the 4 men smiled at each other as they went away. Murmurs echoed around the vicinity after those 4 arrogant bastards left.
"Hays, they have another victim again."
"If I knew those 4 horsemen would threaten my life, I should have left immediately."
"What a pitiful young man."
"Tch, it's his fault for not being careful."
As expected, this was a common occurrence. Maybe those 4 are strong, that's why no one dared to step forward and help him. Well, not that he needed help in the first place.
Having lost his appetite, Hans strode towards the trial dungeon entrance.
'It's different?'
The dungeon was in the middle of a crosswalk street surrounded by large boulders. The entrance wasn't as massive as Philadelphia's. It's like a small door where only 3 people can fit at the same time.
However, before he entered, Hans suddenly grinned.
'Good for them.'
He took out the key from his pocket and stepped towards the whirling gate.
[Do you want to use the [Trial Dungeon Key (A)]?]
[Yes / No]
'Yes.'
Colorless energy wrapped around his body before a strong suction pulled him inside the portal.
...…
Lackey1 gave all the money and items he robbed from Hans to his boss. The middle-aged man, who is the boss of the four, received all of it with satisfaction.
"Good job, Lackey1. I didn't expect that man to surrender immediately so your commissions would be a little lower."
"Boss…" Lackey1 quickly complained.
"HAHAHA, I'm just joking, just joking."
Lackey2 peeked behind his back and after seeing no one, he leaned closer and whispered, "Boss, wasn't that guy a little odd?"
"Huh?" The boss tilted his head.
"I mean, he gave us all of his possessions without flinching as if… as if he has more."
"HAHAHAHA, you're right, you're right. As expected of you, Lackey2. Still smart as ever."
Embarrassed by his boss' words, Lackey2 scratched his head, "T-thank you, boss."
"Anyways, I can't see Lackey3."
Hearing the boss' words, everyone turned left and right. Unfortunately, there's no trace of Lackey3. The boss set aside the robbed things first and ordered Lackey1 to check the alley.
But…
"Boss, it's dark. I-I'm scared."
The boss looked at Lackey2 and nudged his head, "You go with him."
"Yes, boss."
Lackey2 and Lackey1 scanned the dark alley as they walked forward. The gloomy and eerie atmosphere assaulted their senses which made them halt on their tracks.
Lackey1 looked at Lackey2 and muttered, "Should we just go back?"
Although wanting to agree, Lackey2 immediately replied, "Do you want to experience the wrath of our boss?"
"Is he really that scary?"
"You've been with us for 3 weeks and you still have no idea how strong the boss is."
"How strong is he?"
"Heh, he's a D-Class now. The likes of us wouldn't be able to catch up." After a brief pause, Lackey2 continued, "Anyways, let's continue finding Lackey3 first."
"Yeah."
As they galloped deeper inside the seemingly never-ending abyss, a pair of eyes observed their movements.
.....
The boss bit his nails as he anxiously shuffled back and forth. He didn't know why he was feeling goosebumps after those his lackeys left. The hair on his skin stood up in shivers as sweat trickled from his forehead.
At that moment.
Swish—
A gust of wind blew behind his head. With his instinct as an Awakened, the boss evaded sideways however, the blade still struck his body.
Stab—
The sword hit his chest, penetrating all the way to his back. Although it didn't land on his heart, this injury was still severely fatal. The boss fell to the ground; his face winced in pain.
'Who attacked me!?'
He scanned the deserted surroundings however before he could identify the attacker, he felt a piercing pain towards his neck.
Slash—
Although he couldn't see it, he could feel that his neck was slashed. The attacker's figure gradually came to light as his consciousness faded.
'Y-you are—'
However, it was too late to realize his mistakes.
Shu—
The man lashed out the blood from his sword before vanishing in the shadows.
The area fell into a deafening silence.
.....
After a long walk, Lackey1 and Lackey2 reached the alley's dead end. To their dismay, Lackey3 was nowhere to be found.
"Tch, where the hell did he go?" Lackey2 lamented as he surveyed the area.
"..."
"Should we go back now?"
"..."
"Hey, why aren't you an— huh?" Lackey2 blinked his eyes many times and rubbed them in confusion. Lackey1 was nowhere to be found now. He thought that his bald friend was just pranking but after calling many times, he received no answers.
At that moment, a sense of terror creeps upon his subconscious. Lackey2 quickly raised a knife as he looked around his radius.
Gulp—
He gulped his saliva as the back of his throat went dry.
No, rather his throat went numb.
No, rather he couldn't feel his throat any more.
He couldn't understand!
'W-wha!?'
At that moment, his vision spun upside down until it leveled with the cold floor. He raised his eyes…
… But his pupils shrank after seeing his body proudly standing in defense. However, the body that he was proud of, had now become nothing but a headless corpse.
The only thing Lackey2 heard was the voice of the man saying, 'I recovered your belongings.' before darkness swallowed his consciousness.
.......
The previous desert was replaced by a dimly lit cave with small spiders crawling on the ceiling.
As Hans stepped forward, a screen flashed before his eyes.
[Welcome to the Trial Dungeon (2)...]
[The forces of evil have invaded the 6th Floor.]
[Quest: Kill the boss monster and free the light of justi—]
However, before he could read the whole text, a blurry shadow lunged behind his back.