The park, where an F-class dungeon had emerged two weeks prior, remained crowded with squads eagerly awaiting their turn.
After nearly an hour of waiting, speculation filled the air among them.
"Is he still alive?" someone voiced.
"Seems unlikely."
All eyes were fixed on the portal, knowing that if he didn't emerge, it was a grim sign.
Manny, standing among them, held his breath and glanced at his watch. If the guy turned out to be dead, it would mean he'd squandered his time standing there.
A few of the Holders shook their heads and opted to scout for a place to sit, seemingly losing interest.
Embracing the inevitability of one's demise was a common mindset among the Holders. Hence, they were somewhat indifferent to the notion that the guy might now be a lifeless form.
As Manny too began to wane in interest, he was abruptly jolted by a chorus of exclamations.
"He did it!"
"Wow!"
Whistle!
Beside the portal stood a man.
It was Dante.
As Dante emerged, he was greeted by a cacophony of shouts and exclamations.
He tilted his head, taking in the amazed expressions of the Holders around him. Some had flaming hair, others had wisps of smoke escaping their nostrils, and a few were clad in full body armor. They all gazed at him in astonishment.
"What happened?" Dante inquired.
At his murmur, one of the guards stationed beside the portal regarded him with curious eyes.
"You just conquered an F-class dungeon, alone," he said, eyeing Dante curiously.
The guard assumed that Dante was likely a 2-star Holder at the very least.
Dante quickly grasped the situation and decided it was best to leave immediately.
'I shouldn't draw any more attention to myself. They don't know I made it out alive,' Dante ruminated on 'them'. It wouldn't take much for them to uncover his true identity if they decided to investigate the lone conqueror of the dungeon.
Even though they were undoubtedly impressed by his solo feat, they kept their distance. They understood the wisdom of not antagonizing someone with the strength to conquer a dungeon alone, a clear indicator of at least 2-star capability - and perhaps even 3, if the person was exceptionally talented.
Dante's mask also added an air of unapproachability to his presence.
As Dante made his way towards the exit, a few bold individuals attempted to approach him. They were dressed in ordinary suits, wearing smiles on their faces.
"Excuse me, sir? Would you mind if I ask you a question?" a man addressed Dante, who simply gestured for him to continue.
"You should consider joining our guild. There are numerous benefits, and we have 4-star Holders who can assist you in your training," the man continued, his smile unwavering and confident.
"Perhaps we could sit down at a nearby café and discuss it?"
"No." Dante curtly declined, striding past the man and leaving him standing there, speechless.
"As a member of our guild—"
"Step aside! It's my turn." As the man persisted in trying to convince Dante, he was pushed back by another guild agent who stepped forward to extend their invitation to Dante.
"Hello, we're from the Trinity Guild, would you be int—"
"No." Dante interjected once more, quickening his pace. This was his first encounter with such a situation, and while it was admittedly flattering, as Dante saw more guild agents converging towards him, he knew he needed to make a swift exit.
They all watched Dante as he strode away. The smudge of black around his eyes on the mask gave him an air of unapproachable coldness.
The noon sun beat down relentlessly. Manny observed the agents hurrying after Dante and couldn't help but feel he should join them.
"I won't lose anything if I try." Manny murmured to himself, and moved forward.
Initially, Dante felt a sense of gratification at their eagerness to enlist him into their guild. However, as time passed, frustration settled in as their recruitment efforts showed no sign of abating.
Even though some suspected he might hold the title of 2 or 3 stars, they persisted. This opportunity to recruit this unknown masked figure, "Eka," might be their only chance.
Dante had enough, he skillfully evaded their pursuit, moving swiftly through the distance. Once he felt he had put enough space between them, Dante ducked into a nearby corner.
Looking back, he let out a relieved sigh as he saw none of them had managed to follow him.
"I need to make my way to the City Center." Dante resolved, intent on selling his monster cores and dealing with the skill enhancement marble.
Certain dungeon sites provided designated areas for Holders to exchange their hard-earned spoils, including monster cores.
Heading towards the nearest bus station, Dante reflected on the fact that despite conquering an F-class dungeon, he still relied on public transportation. Perhaps it was time to consider purchasing a car. After tallying up the monster cores he'd acquired, he concluded that it was likely sufficient to cover the cost of a modest car, rent an apartment, daily necessities, and the equipment he'd need for future dungeon conquests.
Selling the Skill Enhancement Marble in addition would provide him with enough funds to sustain himself for at least a year.
Securing another apartment was imperative for Dante in his present circumstances.
'I shouldn't involve in anything that might compromise my identity.' Dante pondered about the future.
Lost in his thoughts, Dante continued to walk, oblivious to the frail-looking young man standing in front of him.
As Dante approached, Manny's body instinctively tensed. His choice to wait outside seemed correct, as he didn't spot any other agents accompanying Dante.
"M-Mr. Eka?" Manny stammered.
Dante was mildly surprised to see a young man before him. Judging by his attire, though a bit oversized, Dante deduced he was likely a guild agent.
"No!" Dante asserted before Manny can say anything, his tone more emphatic, as irritation creeping in.
"Ah, but we have -" Manny's words trailed off as he recalled his guild's current dire situation. There wasn't much they could offer to entice Dante.
Dante walked past him, leaving Manny's thoughts racing.
'If I can't recruit him into my guild, I need to at least leave a positive impression.' As Manny watched Dante continue on, taking note of the absence of a nearby car and the parking lot situated on the other side of their current location, suddenly he had an idea.
"I can give you a ride!" Manny called out, his heart racing and sweat dotting his forehead.
Dante turned around, studying Manny for a moment.
After a brief pause...
"Sure," Dante agreed. Manny's eyes widened in surprise; he hadn't expected it to work.
"C-Can you wait for me here? I'll just go get my car," Manny hurriedly requested, then dashed off. Dante waited patiently.
After a while.
"Vroo-.. Creak!"
Manny pulled up in front of Dante, the engine roaring more like a bark. As it came to a stop, a noticeable creaking emanated from the vehicle.
Manny emerged from his jeep. Its worn-out exterior and numerous scratches revealed its age.
"S-Sorry it took so long. Please, come in!" Manny motioned towards the passenger seat, a tinge of embarrassment in his demeanor. But he knew he had to put on a thick face.
Without hesitation, Dante entered, bringing a sense of relief to Manny as he took his place behind the wheel.
"Where to, Mr. Eka?"
"City Center."
"Okay!"
"By the way, are you skilled in boxing?"
"Huh? N-No, why do you ask, Mr. Eka?"
"Nothing."
Creak!! The jeep lurched forward with a characteristic groan.