One down, four more to go.
I was grabbing the vest of one of the unconscious robbers in my hand. This one was guarding the back of the bank. It wasn't easy getting in through since the door can only be opened from the inside. Outside the building, there was a small window I was able to fit through and it led me to a sort of meeting room. When I cracked open the door, there was a restroom right in front of me, and to the left was a man patrolling the hallways. With my speed, I quickly whacked him in the back of his head and knocked him out cold.
He shouldn't wake up for a while.
I dragged the body back inside the meeting room and shut the door. There was no time to breathe a sigh of relief as there are still hostages. Without making a single sound, I tiptoed through the bank's brick hallways. The building was silent other than the faint whispers of quivering voices which I assume are the hostages. At the end of the hallway were glass windows covered by white blinders. A metal door was between them. I raised a hand and took a small peek through one of the blinders, not wanting to alert them of my presence. That was when I saw them. Two people were cautiously sneaking toward my location, guns were drawn. I cursed under my breath.
They knew right away that their buddy was probably taken out. What do I do? I know where three of them are now, but the other two are nowhere to be seen. I'm guessing one is at the front and the other is watching the hostages. One wrong move and they'll...
"Number three! Do you copy!" One of the trained gunmen barked. They were now in front of the door, the only thing separating us from confrontation. There was no time for me to think as I had to act fast. Without a second to lose, I burst into action. With a heavy kick, the door was blown away, hitting one of the gunmen. He let loose a volley of bullets in a panic.
"What the? Why are the bullets blue," I thought to myself.
The gunman, who I presume is the leader, had his gun locked onto me. He too unloaded his whole magazine, not even wasting a single second. I took that opportunity to dive behind an array of wooden desks. Wooden splinters and computer components were sprayed all over the area. The floor was now a huge mess. It was like a hurricane had ravaged its way inside.
"You alive?" The boss called out to his buddy.
"I'm fine boss." The underling replied, kicking the door aside. Sounds of hurried footsteps arrived.
"The hell was that?" A new voice appeared, this time it was feminine.
"Number two! Didn't I order you to watch the front?"
"I had Number five watch the front and the hostages. It sounded pretty bad over here so I-"
"[Body Strengthening]."
As they were talking amongst themselves, I took the liberty to counterattack. I jumped out of my hiding place and threw a nearby monitor at the female.
"What the-"
It hit her square in her face with a sickening crunch. She fell backward, blood seeping from her forehead and nose.
"Fire!"
Another stream of bullets followed suit. I was able to evade most of them, but one of the bullets hit its mark. I felt a dull pain in my shoulder.
I was shocked. With [Body Strengthening] I should be bullet-proof, but they were able to pierce through?
Ignoring the pain, I leaped into the air and gave a swift kick to one of the grunt's arms, completely shattering the bones and turning them into putty. Before he could scream out in pain, I knocked him unconscious with a kick chop to the neck. The boss was now left standing.
"Useless. The lot of 'em," the boss growled. Even in this situation, he doesn't look a bit nervous. Does he have something else planned?
The man treaded around the cluttered carnage, the boots crunching against glass and metal. "You know, Parker. I heard a lot about you... leader of The Six Hunters..."
I took a step forward.
"I don't have time for this."
"I wouldn't move again If I were you..." The boss pointed behind me. Not losing my line of sight with him, I cautiously moved my body so that I had the boss in my peripheral vision. To my left, one of his grunts held an old man at gunpoint.
"Take another step and the old man gets sent to God." The boss grinned.
This is the situation I wanted to avoid the most. I thought getting rid of them as quickly as possible would be easier... seems like I miscalculated.
"...Why are you robbing this bank specifically?" I asked. I was trying to buy time for someone, or anyone for that matter to come busting through.
"And why should I tell you that?" The man said, with a mocking attitude. He walked on over to one of the fallen comrades and picked up a small bag.
"That's a Dimensional Pouch! Where did you get your hands on that! Even the higher class has trouble procuring those things."
The gunman laughed at my expression. "Let's just say... it was a gift. Number five, come over here."
"Yes sir!" The underling cried. With the old man still in tow, number five shuffled away from me and was now at the boss's side.
The boss glanced at the unconscious bodies. "Now then…"
With two quick shots fired, those who were unconscious on the ground had two bullet-sized holes in their head.
"Can't have them blabbering once they're taken into custody."
I was rendered speechless at his actions. I know I've been on this job for a few months now, and death is everywhere, but when you encounter something like this, right in front of you... you can't help but feel an uncontrollable fury. Especially when you dispose of your comrades as if they were trash.
My palms were clenched to the point where they almost drew blood.
"My, aren't you an angry son of a bitch now?" He chuckled. The underling beside him glanced between his boss and me.
"...What now boss? No one is watching the entrance, and the authorities are probably heading in now as we speak."
"You think I don't know that? I already made the necessary plans...and speak of the devil... here they are."
Amid the rubble, sparks flew. Moments later, a small portal opened. A familiar man from the other side walked through it.
"Ah? It's you from last time." The tall, large, masked man laid his eyes on me. I stared back, now recognizing who he was. It was the same boulder-throwing behemoth from the ambush! I could only catch a glimpse of him last time, and I still don't know any distinct features other than his large build.
"You're that guy who saved that woman." I growled.
He ignored me and was now glaring at the two gunmen.
"What are you fools doing? I see that you got what was ordered. Get through!" He bellowed. They nodded their heads and dashed toward the portal, pushing the old man aside. With him now free, I went to check on him.
After confirming the man was okay, I pulled out my ax from the Inventory, brandishing it against the newcomer.
"Where do you think you're going?" I hissed. I rushed at the man whose back was turned as he retreated into the portal. Before he could close it, the burly man turned his head, and when our eyes locked again, my body froze. I couldn't move or breathe.
"...Parker. Make no mistake. I am not running from you. Your survival back then was no fluke. I was simply carrying out orders, and right now it is no different. That is your warning." He rumbled; his voice tainted with malice. The portal then closed, and the feeling of pressure weighing down on me was gone. I took in great gulps of air.
...The hell was that all about? I couldn't move or breathe!
Tap Tap Tap!
"Freeze!"
The officers from outside were now here. As events were unfolding, they noticed that no one was guarding the entrance and that the hostages weren't under surveillance from the gunmen.
"Mr. Parker! Are you okay? Where are the superhumans?" One of them asked.
Superhumans? Ah, they mean the gunmen. I guess they must've been weak since I have forgotten who I was up against…
"Two are dead, two more escaped, and the last one is in the meeting room, unconscious," I answered.
"Yes sir!" They collectively yelled, sprinting at the back. One of the policemen was ushering the old man out of the bank.
I sat down on my ass, deep in thought about what just transpired. These Shadow Oni people have access to portals much like the ones you see at Dungeons, except they serve as transportation. The gunmen were ordered by someone to collect a Dimensional Pouch that had a stash of Torqinite tucked inside. A resource that is considered the new blue gold due to its effectiveness. A cluster of Torqinite crystals can power a high-tech factory twenty-four/seven for a year. Shadow Oni had just stolen valuables numbering in the billions...
" Man... Shits about to get real serious in the future..."
****
"They succeeded...splendid."
The man I sent to pick up the package from those goons has just delivered the good news. He was now standing behind me.
It doesn't matter if only two of them came back alive... They can be replaced. They are only cogs in a machine.
"Why would they leave such valuables in a bank like that? Shouldn't it be somewhere more... secure?" He asked, puzzled.
"...They were going to transport the Torqinite to a fortified base near California, and I knew that beforehand, which is why I sent some personnel. But who would've thought that Joel would be in the vicinity... That's why I had to send you for their evac, Rockafur."
Even though I'm facing the other way, I could tell that he was flattered that I sent him to intercept Joel. Rockafur is one of the strongest we have in Shadow Oni, and his skills are up to par with the best Dungeon Conquerors.
"Well, Rockafur. Hand me the Dimensional Pouch." I commanded. The man's footsteps echoed within the dreary hideout. The hideout in question was a small pub only a select few could enter. It's also hidden well. A veil is enshrouded around it, making it seem like an abandoned house.
I was sitting on a tall stool, a classic Martini resting on the wooden surface of a counter. The lemon juices were oozing out, dripping down the chilled glass. The place was somewhat cramped, but it had a cozy feel to it. An array of drinks was sheltered on shelves, and next to it a small cooler. The wooden beams from above had fluorescent lights buzzing with power.
Plop!
A leather pouch tied with a string was now perched in front of me. I gently untied the pouch and rummaged through its contents, finally pulling out what I wanted. A blue crystal the size of a golf ball gleamed in the ambient lighting.
"Fascinating as always, isn't it?" I muttered to Rockafur.
Torqinite... an energy source filled with mana. Not only is it able to power almost anything and is long-lasting, but once you consume a small piece of it, you gain a sizable boost to your Stats. While it may sound all nice and dandy, too much consumption of it will lead to health deterioration, and eventually, death. Enticing as it is, there is also another secret about Torqinite, and I'll be using it for that purpose.
"Rockafur, how is our promising new recruit?" I purred, packing the crystal back inside the pouch.
"...She failed her assassination attempt," Rockafur nervously answered.
"Failed, you say? Hm..." Tapping my fingers on my chin, I was contemplating what to do with her. "Call off the assassination against The Six Hunters. For now."
"...Excuse me?"
I was hoping to hold this off for as long as possible, but now is a great time to leak 'it'. The world will flip once they get a hold of this information...
****
Click!
The big monitor was turned off as Mr. Reed stared us all down, his face grim.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, this moment here will prove that The Six Hunters are the real deal. This is the highest-ranked Dungeon the world has ever seen; A-Rank. Not only that, but its size is also incomparable to previous Dungeons."
"Why is that, Mr. Reed?" I interjected.
The man sighed and closed his eyes. "It's a multi-entrance Dungeon. The first of its kind. It appeared in the U.S.A, China, and Greece."
"A-Amazing..." Leo said, slack-jawed at the news. The rest of the members darted their eyes back and forth with each other, awaiting further information.
"After much investigation, and communication with China and Greece, we have agreed that all three of us will commence a joint operation in conquering this Dungeon. We cannot take any risks. If a Dungeon Outbreak were to occur, massive destruction awaits." Mr. Reed said.
The atmosphere in the room turned cold and heavy. No one spoke a word or made a sound.
"This operation will consist of The Six Hunters, Murim, and the up-and-coming Olympus guild."
Murim and Olympus? Powerful guilds will be participating this time. This will be a good chance to gauge their capabilities and strength with my own eyes.
"The Dungeon first arose in Greece, so the Greeks were the ones to name the Dungeon."
He paced around the room for a while and sat down on his chair, throwing each of us a red folder.
"Read the contents. Everything you need to know will be on there. I'll let you know once the expedition will begin," Mr. Reed ordered.
On the front of the folder was the name that Greece has given the Dungeon. It was a name that I recognized and knew that hell awaited us if they chose this name of all things...
****
The Six Hunters; I, Camila, Darion, Leonard, Sophie, and Sam all stood in front of The Labyrinth all geared up and ready to go. The Dungeon's portal was simple in design, just a mass of violet goo that shimmered sporadically. Even then, its size was nothing to scoff at, its ambiance reminding me of a cathedral. It was odd, but fitting. Maybe because it was inside a church. And that the portal was ten feet long and three feet wide!
"H-How did anyone miss a portal this big," said Sophie, trembling at the massive scale.
"Only explanation I can think of is that it was purposely hidden…" Leo replied. "I mean, it's literally on the outskirts of a highly populated urban settlement."
I clapped my hands together to get everyone's attention. "Alright. Huddle up."
At my command, we were all in a small circle.
"Well, it's time to go over the briefing before we head in. The other guilds have probably already entered the Dungeon. Our job is to find out the clearance details of the Dungeon and complete it together with Murim and Olympus. Failure is not an option, understand?"
My teammates nodded their heads. I continued.
"The last time we entered a Dungeon together was when there were no other capable superhumans. I know you haven't forgotten our team composition, but I'll say it anyways. Sam is our tanker and will be on the frontlines with our two attackers Darion and Sophie. Leo is the rear-guard assisting everyone with his magic, and Camilia and I will be in the middle, supporting both sides."
"What if we're separated upon entering?" Darion was the one who spoke.
"…If we're separated, then we'll notify each other of our positions with the watches."
After extensive testing inside Dungeons, watches powered by Torqinite worked fine. Electronic devices were a dud once inside.
Since no one else had any more questions, I broke away from the team huddle and fiddled with my watch, informing Mr. Reed that we are now entering The Labyrinth. He will make the necessary preparations in case things go haywire, but it won't come to that. The Six Hunters will make sure of it.
"Let's go." I said firmly. One by one, each member set foot into the swirling portal that seemed to beckon us to enter if we dare. Fully submerging myself, the feeling of dropping from the sky itself encompassed my very being.
Thud!
The sound and feeling of landing on a hard surface had me open my eyes. I was then greeted by the System.
[Welcome to The Labyrinth]
[Defeat The Minotaur That Is Trapped Within]
The Minotaur? I'm sure that's the creature that had the head of a bull and the body of a man.
"Since this is an A-Rank and we have to defeat a Minotaur, its strength must be unimaginable…" I mumbled.
"Wait a minute…"
I was too busy thinking about the objective that I haven't fully realized where I am. Looking around, I was in a narrow passageway that was as wide as three humans. The space was cramped. The rugged ceiling was an estimated twelve feet tall. This place is not suited for group fights, it's almost as if it was built for two person duels. The floor beneath me was of cobblestone, and the stone walls were cold to the touch. The air was moist, and the area around me was cracked.
"Swinging my axe may be a problem. Darion would have the most trouble with his spear, and my teammates are nowhere to be seen. We must've been dropped off at different destinations." I whispered.
Coming to that conclusion, I raised the watch strapped to my arm and tapped on the screen. However, no matter how many times it was touched, the screen never came on.
"You gotta be kidding me… it doesn't work in this Dungeon? Is there something interfering with the watch? This has never happened before!"
Screw it. Right now, my top priority is regrouping with The Six Hunters. Sure, they are clever and proficient on their own, but you can never be too careful.
Hisss…
Behind me was a sound like gas leaking from a faulty pipe. Turning around and peering into the darkness using [Night Vision], a group of large snakes the size of sheep slithered. Their green scales and forked tongue sent shivers down my spine. On their heads were horns, some with two, the others four.
"Greeting me already? You shouldn't have…" I joked, pulling out my axe. The snakes hissed fiercely in retaliation.
"Sorry, but I have somewhere to be soon."
Before I could charge at the reptiles, a sword came flying from behind, instantly cutting them into ribbons. After confirming the monsters were dead, the sword was then returned to its sender. A masculine voice then spoke out.
"You're an American, aren't you?"
Whirling my body, I spotted a person stepping out of the shadows.
"Hello there!" They greeted me warmly. It was a young Asian man who looked to be in his twenties, his black hair slicked back. He was wearing a long-sleeved red tee, shoes, and white jeans. He had a huge smile on his face as his sword was relaxed on his shoulder.
"Why don't we get to know each other, huh?"