"Now then, did you also get the invitation to guild battle to the death?"
At his words, Axel's expression sunken.
"Indeed. I think someone is trying to fray us against each other."
"And we have no choice but to play along with whoever's game it is."
'After all, we are all greedy for power.'
Just the reward alone of acquiring the SSS-grade skill of defeated returnees made their blood boil with greed.
Having experienced a tragic demise and powerlessness in the face of SSS-grade monsters, Arthur found it justifiable to have such greed.
Geed driven by revenge and powerlessness.
Axel had the title "6th Rank Regressor" of a similar SSS grade as Arthur's.
He had also delayed his awakening just to arrive on this site before others could.
Arthur speculated that others went on their awakening during these times thus only two of them managed to make appearances in Dufan, Indonesia.
But...
What was most baffling was the fact that Axel didn't get a skill upgrade like Arthur's.
'His skill is still SSS-grade.'
In contrast, they were bestowed with gold coins and an SS-grade mana stone which were of utmost importance in the awakened industry.
'It's a pity that I missed the gold coins and mana stone.', Arthur contemplated yet he was beyond satisfied with his skill upgrade.
Amidst his silence, Axel averted the topic.
"How about the guild members? Pretty sure you're aiming for them, right, Keke.", Axel crossed his hands.
With "them", Arthur knew that he was referring to the sole SSS-grade support, Alicia, and the other S to SS-grade awakened.
"Ain't that expected? I yearn to win the guild battle after all.", Arthur expressed his determination to scout them.
Like Arthur, Axel was reluctant to cease the talented awakened.
"You better prepare, I won't yield this time.", Axel denoted.
Arthur then initiated a discussion regarding the notable events before their regression, eager to recall significant events that he might forget.
Having finished their conversation, Axel walked toward the door of the funhouse, uttering words as his feet stamped the ground.
"I should leave else I might change my mind and forcefully take the key fragment from you, brat.", he underscored, suppressed greed lingered in his tone.
"Haha, for that you have my gratitude.", Arthur muttered.
Getting into a fight with Axel was not a smart choice. In such a situation, it would be his apparent defeat.
Seeing Axel leave, Arthur skimmed through his Status Window. His eyes pinned on the notification a while ago.
[Congratulations! You have cleared the portal within 10 seconds!]
[You have cleared the hidden quest: F-grade Pioneer!]
[Hidden Quest: F-grade Pioneer
Description: Clear an F-grade dungeon within 10 seconds.
Rewards:
- F-grade coupon ticket
- 10,000 gold coins
- 100% exp points]
[You have received an F-grade coupon ticket!]
[You have received 10,000 gold coins]
[You have received 100% exp points]
[Exp acquisition failed due to unawakened state]
[You have obtained the title "F-grade Pioneer" (F)]
[F-grade Pioneer
Category: Title
Description: A title given for successfully clearing an F-grade dungeon within 10 seconds.
Effect: +10 in all attributes (excluding luck)]
Looking at the notifications, Arthur was satisfied with the rewards.
"It was the same rewards as last time.", Arthur muttered
Time went unnoticed as he checked his status window. Before he knew it, the clock hit 1:01 in the morning and Dusk revealed himself before him.
In his hand was a golden key fragment.
Arthur took the item and scanned it.
[S-grade Key Fragment (1/3)
Category: Item
Description: A key fragment used to artificially open an S-grade dungeon.
Effect:
- ownership of the S-grade dungeon]
With this item, Arthur could secure a hunting ground in the future.
"Two more fragments to go.", he muttered.
Looking at Dusk, Arthur muttered his next command.
"There must be a criminal hideout nearby, locate them.", Arthur uttered.
Before their regression, Alab recalled a group of criminals bombing this amusement park into nothingness. They were also the ones who located the S-grade key fragment which was relatively inconspicuous.
They also made the information public and made a fortune by selling it to the U.S. government.
Dusk never had the habit of meeting Alab's gaze.
Looking at the ground, kneeling on one knee, Dusk muttered.
"How about your safety, young master?"
As a personal assassin assigned to Arthur, Dusk's utmost priority was his safety.
It was also the first time that Arthur commanded him about criminals.
"It's fine, I will be entering the portal anyway. Besides, Mr. Echo is here.", Arthur assured.
Hearing his words, Dusk gradually conceded. He had the full trust in Echo's strength despite his old age.
"What should I do the criminals?"
"Just locate their hideout. Don't do anything reckless.", Arthur muttered.
With that, Dusk proceeded to his first-ever mission. He couldn't help but feel his blood boil at finally serving his purpose as an assassin.
"I'll be back in just a while, young master.", Dusk muttered, his figure vanishing into the darkness.
Echo then entered the funhouse, gently bowing his head to Arthur.
"Young master, I have received Dusk's words, will you be fine entering the portal?", Echo worried as harmless as a one-horned rabbit might be, entering the portal would sever all means of connections to the outside world.
Echo wouldn't be able to aid in case of emergency.
Realizing his worries, Arthur handed out his outer garment, pulling out an armor from his inventory.
A leather armor of dark green pigment, tightly snuggling the torso of Arthur along with a steel dagger was unveiled.
The armor appeared stealthy under the shade whilst the dagger exuded a threatening aura.
They were both A-grade items that Arthur was supposed to use for his awakening.
Utilizing the items in this F-grade dungeon would be considered overkill.
"I will be fine. Just relax, visit the rides, and have fun while I go into the dungeon.", Arthur ascertained.
Echo, on the other hand, was reluctant to indulge in amusement.
"I will be staying here and guard the portal, young master.", Echo bowed.
Seeing no room for persuasion, Arthur shrugged it off and concentrated on the portal ahead of him.
Making his way to the portal, Arthur's body disintegrated into lights as his view then shifted into a verdant expanse.
[You have entered an F-grade dungeon]
"A nameless dungeon, little threat"
Hearing the towering weeds rattle as one-horned rabbit eyed their prey.
With no time wasted, Arthur directly lunged out of the safe area.
"Now, shall you prove your prowess, SSS-grade skill Fate Plunderer?"
A one-sided battle all for an experiment of his newly found power then began.