"Excuse me, sir, what are you doing here?"
A young woman employee who seemed to be around the same age as Aimer gave him an unhappy look.
"Is that even question? What do you expect a gentleman such as myself would be doing at a Housing Dealership?
To buy a house of course! Now, if you could just just please get me that agent over there,"
The woman's face wrinkled into a deepened frown after hearing the haughty response from Aimer. At the same time, she had no rebuttal.
Well, the woman wasn't in the right position to rebuttal. As an employee she was taught to respect every customer that walked though the door.
Unless she desired to shorten her paycheck with a possibility of losing her job. And so...
"Hmph!"
The woman spun around with a click of her heels before walking away from Aimer.
But soon enough, the agent who was supposed to show Aimer a preview of the houses came to greet him.
"Hello there Mr. Belafonte! My apologies for the wait,"
An average height man with dark green hair and black eyes dressed in a business suit reached his arm out towards Aimer.
"No problem,"
Aimer grabbed hold of the man's arm and greeted him with vigor.
"Without further ado, let me give you the best houses on the market!"
Aimer nodded firmly to the agent's enthusiastic smile before following him.
******
The reason why Aimer decided to buy the house with all cash was sole because of the many benefits it came with.
For one thing— you'll be mortgage-free, which means you won't be beholden to a monthly mortgage payment (sounds pretty nice!).
You'll also avoid the additional expense of mortgage insurance, and you'll save thousands (often tens of thousands) of dollars on interest; the average homeowner can easily pay over $100,000 in interest over the life of a 30-year mortgage.
Buying a house with cash is a process, though, and it doesn't always make sense.
That aside to shorten the explanation, Aimer dealt with all the necessary documents, paperworks and steps in buying a house in cash.
And in the end, Aimer began the transaction of $2.200.000 to the seller.
*****
'Just like that...2 million dollars went down the drain. Seems like I'll be needing more money than this in the future. But let's take it a step at a time'
Aimer had begun thinking when the agent left to confirm his payment. And suddenly he was interrupted.
*bump*
*Ugh*
*KYAH!*
"Hey, watch where your....!!!"
Aimer turned around, and before he could finish his sentence he stopped.
There was a gorgeous woman who had to straighten purple hair and bright violet eyes. She wore a white blouse with a black vest to match her black skirt.
That woman had bumped into was...his girlfriend...no maybe his ex by now.
"Aimer? Is that you?"
"Genevieve?"
Both Aimer and Genevieve became stunned, with a flustered look directed at each other that lasted for a few seconds.
"What are you doing here? As a matter of fact, where have you been! You useless piece of garbage!"
Genevieve pounded her fists against Aimer's chest in a tantrum but to no avail, for her strength wasn't anywhere near enough to hurt Aimer.
"Where? *sniff* *sniff* Where? Where have you been,"
Genevieve's eyes began watering, created a small puddle just before her feet.
'Genevieve...have you been missing me this whole time? I thought we had broken up. What about our ups and downs and your daily ridicule of me being weak? Did you forget about those memories?'
Before Aimer could attempt to do anything the agent had returned.
"Umm, Mr. Belafonte, I hope I'm not interrupting you right now,"
Aimer turned a blind eye to Genevieve's actions but not before facing the agent.
"No, no. Please, go on,"
For a second Genevieve was shocked after witnessing Aimer's reaction.
"Very well, I came to inform you that your 2 million dollar transaction have been confirmed and you're now the owner of one of Talhain's most prestigious villas.
Also, the villa will be fully furnished as per your request and lastly, here are your keys,"
Aimer collected the golden key from the agent with the name Belafonte carved into it.
"Since that's all, I'll take my leave. Thank you for doing business with the Housing Dealership,"
"My pleasure,"
The agent nodded to Aimer before walking off to deal with the other customers.
'Finally, my first step has been completed. Next...'
Aimer stared at the villa's key for a few seconds not realizing he was being talked to.
"Aimer? Aimer!? Are you listening! How did you manage to afford such a villa!? Where did you get the money!"
Aimer snapped from a daze before raising his head towards Genevieve.
"Where I got the money from is none of your concern. What you should be concerned with is our breakup. Didn't you cut ties with me 7-months ago?"
Aimer's statement caused Genevieve to relapse. And before anything else...
*bzzt* *bzzt*
*pulls the phone out*
*BREAKING NEWS*
"An unexpected 'Entrance' has opened within the city of Dryden! Citizens are required to please evacuate the area immediately! The Loudo Guild will be arriving to bring closure to this crisis. And I repeat, citizens are required to please evacuate the area!"
*zwoop* *broadcast ends*
*puts the phone away*
'An Entrance...I should get going,'
*grabs*
"Where are you going!? Don't you know it's dangerous for you! I don't know how you afford that villa but this crisis can't be dealt with money!"
Aimer who attempted to walk past Genevieve was grabbed by the arm, ultimately stopping him in his tracks.
"Don't you think I know that? That aside, why are you so clingy? You're the one who broke things off and from my perspective, it looks like you've been living quite the life since I've been missing! I presume you've found someone?"
For a moment, Genevieve froze. She then lowered her head and released her grip from Aimer.
Upon noticing her reaction Aimer turned back to face the exit.
"It seems I'm correct. To be honest, I never regret being with you no matter what. I mean, you were my first love. But as time passed, things changed and went downhill.
*sighs*
I'd wish you the best but you've already lost it?"
Skill [Fade] has been activated!
With that Aimer vanished into thin air, heading towards the 'Entrance' that had appeared.
'What! He disappeared...but how! Never mind that it must be a small trick.
What bothers me is his last words? What did he mean I already lost it! Since you've disappeared I've been living the best of my life! I found a partner which is better than you in every aspect! How dare you ridicule me!
Genevieve glanced at the spot Aimer had vanished from.
Wait! Didn't he buy the most expensive villa in Talhain! That's the one my boyfriend sent me here to buy.
Noooooo! What am I going to do?'
Genevieve came to a realization when she plasters her hands on either of her cheeks with shocked, wide-open eyes.
In the meantime...
'The Loudo Guild huh? If I remember correctly...they're a Guild that hasn't been producing any results in clearing the 'Lairs' within the 'Entrances'. The reason being is that they have the least amount of members amongst all the Guilds.
They're located between the cities Talhain, Dryden, and Masonova...and have been tasked to deal with any Entrances within those cities.
Well, that's expected since almost every Guild, wherever they're located...within their vicinity if an Entrance opens they're the ones responsible for clearing it. It is a law set by the 'Dweller's Association' to prevent any 'one' Guild from having too much power.
Similarly, to checks and balances.
Note: Lairs are what the Dwellers named the interior of the Entrances that create a layout of several floors. The biggest Lair to have been recorded had five floors where the monster's quantity doubled the higher you went. On some occasions, the monsters can be a level stronger than the grade of the Entrance that opened.
'Hm? Seems I'm already here
*swoosh*
Skill [Fade] has been deactivated!
'I don't know how much time I have but I'll have to take care of this...and fast'
After landing close towards the Entrance, Aimer spotted a cluster of reporters and agents standing by the enormous white door-like Entrance.
'Those agents? They must be people sent by the 'Lair-Keepers'. Heh...seems like I'll be needing that mask, for sure'
Note: 'Lair Keepers' are an organization that monitors every phenomenal change. There isn't a second where they aren't notified of an 'Entrance' appearing. And when it appears, they are tasked to inform the Dwellers Association and The Guilds after giving that said Entrance a grade.
"Inventory,"
Item [Mask of the Jester] has been equipped!
+70 has been added to the stat [Intelligence] -
390 (+209)
+50 has been added to the stat [Speed] - 387 (+207)
'The window...it's being more detailed than usual. It's never before singled out the stats that have been improved unless I check my full Status Window. Hmm...let's not dwindle on that and focus on the Entrance'
With his masked equipped, Aimer slowly strode towards the Entrance. Aimer had already decided he wouldn't be disguising himself since it wasn't fully needed.
After breaching proximity with the agents and reporters, Aimer was noticed.
"Oh! Look over there!!"
"Is that person from the Guild?"
Two reporters turned their recording devices towards Aimer.
"Hm? Hey, you there! Identify yourself!"
Two of the seven agents present impeded Aimer's path.
*stops*
"Hello there, I am Remia Belafonte. I was sent here by the Loudo Guild to take care of this situation,"
'Oh, the Guild! But they only sent one person!?'
"The Guild? Then how come I haven't heard of you?"
"That's because I am a trainee tasked to clear this Lair. You see...my higher-ups has high hopes for me so I can't leave here empty-handed,"
'From the sound of his voice, he seems to be telling the truth. But that's the problem....'
"Where's your IC?"
'Oh dammit...I forgot about the IC. Every Dweller has an identification card once they've registered themselves on the ranks. But since I got back I haven't had the time to do so. Oh well...'
"My identification card is right here..."
Skill [Faded] had been activated!
"...!!!!"
"Hey stop him!"
"Don't let him get away!"
The agents watched as Aimer vanished from his spot even though they attempted to stop him before it happened. And as Aimer entered the Entrance he dragged a reporter with him.
'Well, technically when the [Fade] skill is activated I can't attack nor can I be attacked but it never said I can't touch anything,'
"NO! NO! NO! It's too late. He already entered!!"
"Dammit!! What the f**k are we going to do when the actual Guild shows up,"
The agents, who to no avail could catch Aimer was left in the dust of frustrations and anger. Now, they only had two options.
Either to wait until the masked man exited the Entrance to apprehend him or until the Loudo Guild arrives to settle the unexpected turn of events.
Skill [Fade] has been deactivated!
*huffs*
'Looks like I made it. I'll have to deal with them when I leave. Oh by the way...'
*thud*
*OW!!"
After landing, Aimer dropped the broadcast reporter he took along with him within the Entrance.
"Hey! Who are you! And why did you take me here!"
The reporter suddenly got up from his buttocks to stare at Aimer's back.
"Shhh! Be quiet! From here on out I want you to record everything that's about to happen! As for who I am...just call me Remia,"
Item [Titans Lineage: Morphling] has been equipped.
Aimer signaled the reporter to get behind him while he gazed at the incoming horde of monsters galloping through the eerie cave-like tunnel.
The cluster of monsters ranged from Zombies, Ogres, and Orcs.
"Hey, reporter...just stand back. I won't let any harm come to you..."
*gulp*
"O, okay,"
'What have I gotten myself into? This his madness!! Look at all those monsters heading towards us! This is an Ascendant-grade Entrance. Does this guy thinks he can handle it?? He has to be at least a high-ranking Ascendant Dweller or higher to take care of this!!
*shakes head*
Either way, let's just watch what happens'
Even though the reporter didn't want to admit that this situation was total suicidal...he placed his faith in the masked man before him.
Solely because of the last words that gave him a feeling of reassurance and the tone behind it came with a strong confidence.
"The recording will now begin,"
"Good."
'Now, which weapon should I use. Oh, let's go with that...'
Item [Morphling] has transformed into Unique's Bow!
"Nice! But how does it work??"
Aimer glanced at the pitch-black bow with a golden name written on the side which he rotated it.
*SCREEECHH* *ROARGHHH*
'Ahhh, dammit! They're almost here! How do I use this junk!'
Aimer swung the Bow in all directions through frustration.
'Wait!! mana! It must be mana...right?'
*DING*
"Correct! And since you've decided to use an item...all skills will be detained until this Lair is cleared,"
[Unique's Bow]
Unique ability: when charged with mana, the user can generate explosive arrows. The damage of each bow depends on the users control of mana.
(Usage: 1 mana = 1 arrow)
'Oh shitt! Couldn't it have warned me earlier? Well, anyway now that I know I was correct...let's try this out
Aimer brought the bow in a shooting position and aimed at the incoming monsters.
'The damage depends on my control over mana. And all I have to do is channel my mana into the bow to create an arrow'
In an instant...
*phew* *phew* *phew*
Three bright golden arrows shot at an immense speed from the bow. A gust of violent wind cause Aimer's attire to flutter.
It was as if Aimer loaded a cannon before firing at an opposing army.
*whoop* * KABOOOMM!!*
[You've leveled up] x1
Flashing before the view of a massive explosion that not only shook the tunnel-like cave but also took out the monsters that lead the horde was the notification of Aimer leveling up.
'It's been a while but'
*phew* *phew* *phew*
Aimer immediately shot another three arrows at the monster horde.
'Let's hope I didn't get rusty...'
Item [Morphling] has transformed into Monclear's Glaive.
Monclear's ability: with each attack dealt to the opposing force, Monclear's Glaive cast a bleeding effect onto the opponent that weakens them over time.
'Interesting...this cube is showing great potential of being my greatest asset'
Aimer stared at the Glaive for a few seconds.
The Glaive itself consisted of two long blades connected at its handle. It also has somewhat high damage, moderate range, and somewhat fast speed.
'What the hell am I recording!!! Is this person even human...not to mention that item? It was just a bow and now it turned into whatever the f**k you wanna call that...
*gulp*
Oh man.....this is a one-sided massacre. What level is this freak!?'
The reporter who has been watching and recording every action of the masked man before him was in bafflement.
He couldn't comprehend the power of the man before him...all he could do was proceed with the request he was asked.
Stand back and record everything that will happen.
'Now, come at me.'
*RARGHHH!!*
Aimer dashed towards the remaining monsters that also dashed towards him.
*slish* *shick* *slish*
In a series of well-synchronized movements, Aimer dealt with ease a few dozen monsters.
Some he beheaded, some lost their arms or legs, some he split directly in half...no matter their height, level, or power.
'This is just too easy. Is it because I've gained a lot of battle experience or is it because my level is twice that of theirs?
I don't know. But I just feel good right now. Adding to that....'
Item [Morphling] has transformed into Ishmon's knuckles.
Ishmon's ability: the user powers become doubled after landing a consecutive of three attacks. And until that attack sequence has been blocked or stopped, the user's power will remain doubled.
'...let's get some hand-to-hand combat in the mixture too'
*wapoww* *boom* *bow*
Of the six Orcs and Ogres that suddenly surrounded Aimer after the transformation of his weapon; Aimer used the best of his previous training and base boosted stats to bash the legs, chests, and heads of the monsters.
*ARRHHHH*
*SCREECH*
*SHREIKK!*
The monster wailed in misery after being heavenly damaged by Aimer before ultimately dying to his fists.
*****
Literally, a few minutes after....
'Ten-minutes!? Ten-minutes!? It only took him twenty minutes to single-handily defeat all the monsters.
Th, that was about sixty monsters in total!? I can't even come to imagine it even up until now! And I was the one who stood here and recorded everything'
The cameraman lowered his camera and stared at the blood-drenched Aimer who stood between the pile of monster carcasses that surrounded him.
[You've leveled up] x1
'Sadly, throughout this whole battle, I've only leveled up twice. I wonder what's happening'
Aimer felt somewhat disappointed with the outcome after defeating a total of sixty monsters.
'Anyways, let's collect the rewards and leave'
In the end, Aimer managed to collect sixty Ascendant monster cores and two rare items.
"Hey, reporter! Let's go!"
"Ahh, yea! yes!
Skill [Fade] has been activated!
*shhh!*
Aimer escaped the Entrance with the reporter in his hand.
Skill [Fade] has been deactivated!
Aimer lands.
'Is that him? The one the agents were talking about?'
A middle-aged man in a casual outfit with spiky orange hair and brown eyes stared at the Aimer who landed.
Behind that said person were nine people who all seemed to be Dwellers.
'Hm? What's this? They're already here? I thought I'd have at least a minute to escape unnoticed. Anyhow, I'll have to pull out the jester card...'
Aimer had immediately realized that the Loudo Guild had arrived after seeing the group of Dwellers.
'But why didn't they enter instead of staying outside the Entrance?'
"You there! Who are you?"
'Here we go'
"Who, me? Ian am Remia Belafonte, a proud member of the Loudo Guild,"
"HEY. You bastard! Don't ever say that again!
"Cassie! Calm down! I'll handle this!?"
The orange-haired guy quickly controlled the emotions of his fellow cremate that was about to get riled up.
"Tch! Whatever! Just tell him to mind his tongue!"
'That one!? He might be a problem'
Aimer glanced at the guy who seemed irritated by his previous statement.
"As for you...I don't like repeating myself."
"Okay, haha! You got me! My name is Remia Belafonte, nice to meet you"
"Remia? I've never heard of you?"
The orange-haired guy became confused with the name Aimer spouted.
"Then that's too bad,"
"Are you making a mockery of me?"
"No, not at all!"
'Hmph! Is this masked man hiding something? Maybe I shouldn't dwell on the matter. If I can just get the things he gained from the Lair then I don't need to start a conflict!'
Thought the orange hair guy was unsure, he felt an uncanny presence from Aimer. A presence he didn't want to unravel.
"If you won't tell us who you are will you please give up what you've gained from clearing this Lair,"
"Ahh, no can do. I have more..."
"I've heard enough!"
Cassie, who had an irritated manner towards Aimer throughput the entire conversations now had his fist just an inch away from Aimer's face.
"...!!!"
'He's fast...'
Aimer's reaction toward the Cassie attack was so instinctive that he blocked the attack and repelled Cassie backward a few feet from him with a direct ouch to his abdomen.
'....but I'm faster!'
*hic* *cough* *cough*
'He's good!'
The orange-haired guy became surprised after witnessing Aimer stopped the fastest person on their team.
"Oh, man! You're pretty good aren't ya! Looks like I'll be having fun..."
Aimer glared at Cassie without giving him a response.
"Since you don't wanna talk...,"
Cassie rushed at Aimer from his spot.
WARNING - Cassie has used the skill: Orcs Destruction!
*BOOM* *POW* *POW*
*grunt*
'I take it that skill of his doubles his attack. Since comparing the two I can feel it's become stronger than before'
'But...
Skill [Fade] has been activated!
"Huh? Where'd he go!"
Aimer suddenly vanished from with the grasp of the guy's...
Item [Monclear's Glaive] has been equipped!
...And appeared behind when he quickly immobilized Cassie after capturing his arms behind his back with his now equipped Glaive aimed at Cassie's neck!
'How!! When did he....!! Shit! He's gotten me good'
"Sorry fellas...but I don't have much time. Grab a pen and paper and write this down before I slice his neck...
*presses Glaive against neck*
...I'm waiting,"
Aimer threatened the group of Dwellers who hesitated and didn't move until he slightly sliced Cassie's neck.
"Okay! V, Virgo...grab me a pen and paper,"
Virgo, another Dweller quickly followed the orange-haired guy's orders. In a few seconds, Virgo appeared with a pen and paper before handing it to the orange-haired guy.
"Good. Now write this down.."
Aimer gave the orange-haired guy his contact number.
"Okay. You see that reporter over there...?"
Aimer pointed towards the reporter whom he had brought into the Entrance with him. The Loudo Guild members all glanced in the direction of that reporter.
"He has the footage. I want to show it to your Guild Master. If it's in his best interest tell him to contact me but only after watching that video."
Skill [Fade] has been activated!
Adios mi amigos,"
Aimer puts away his weapon and disappears from his spot before everyone's eyes.
"Dammit! You lost him! Why did you follow his orders, Nobara!"
Cassie sprung from his captive position to ridicule the orange-haired guy, Nobara.
"Shut it! Can't you tell? From the way he was fighting you...couldn't you tell he was holding back! In addition to that...he cleared an Ascendant grade Entrance all by himself.
Now tell me...do you think you can do that!"
Though they were harsh...Nobara's words were the raw truth that struck Cassie within his heart.
"Dammit! You're right..no I can't,"
Cassie gripped his chest and lowered his head in shame.
'That masked guy...he's highly skillful. Also, I wonder what's on the footage? Well, there's only one-way to find out'
"Hey reporter, hand me the footage!"
Nobara turned away from the sight of Cassie to get the footage from the reporter.
At first the reporter was hesitant, but of course he couldn't reject a order from a Guild member. He had no authority to so whatsoever.
And in the end, he could only fulfill that order.
The Loudo Guild members, after collecting the footage left the scene with Nobara dead set in seeing what was on it.
*****
At the same time...
Skill [Fade] has been deactivated!
*lands*
*sighs*
'It's a good thing I made it back home in one piece. If not for this skill, things could've been worst'