2 Dungeon Pass

"Your ambitions may look irrational, but I don't believe I have the authority to pass judgment on your choice." Everyone has a life goal, but achieving it is dependent on our own individual effort." Amon said in a solemn tone, as if reminiscing over something.

"The only issue is that you are still too weak, everyone in Regan is still too weak to acquire Kansas recognition," he remarked after a brief pause and a heavy sigh.

 To earn Kansas recognition, one's awakened strength has to reach the C level at the very least. Aside from the rankings, there were still some additional basic requirements.

No awakener in Regan has been able to attain the C level in over a thousand years. This wasn't because they lacked aptitude or because fate had conspired against them; the major reason was the dungeons' Rank in the city.

There were plenty of dungeons in Regan. In fact, as compared to other cities of equal size, Regan had a disproportionately large number of dungeons. The issue was that not all of these dungeons were active when they were created. "In-active dungeons" were dungeons that didn't have any monster outbreak.

Many of Regan's dungeons were Inactive. The handful that was active were all low-level dungeons, specifically E and D rank. However, what should have been a favorable occurrence turned out to be the foundation of their downfall.

After years of ardent battle with these monsters, those cities and provinces with high-level dungeons also got their fair share of fortune as they were able to produce high-rankers due to the level of resources obtained from the bodies of the monsters.

"I know."

Karan was unfazed by Amon's words. Even though he knew what he stated was accurate, it didn't stop him from making his decision. He was someone who had always aspired to reach greater heights.

The incident that happened ten years ago helped change his view of life. Karan could still recall vividly, that fateful day. There was a reported dungeon outbreak at Lymhurst city. Monsters rushed out endlessly from a nearby dungeon. It was said to be an in-active dungeon that suddenly became active for unknown reasons. The city awakeners sprang into action and acted in unity to defend the invasion.

He could still remember the jubilant cries of the numerous citizens that day, as they celebrated the hard-earned victory. Most importantly, the unexpected horror that came afterward would be forever etched in his memories, haunting him for the rest of his life.

Even after the dungeon outbreak had been resolved, there was an unexpected change in what was supposed to be a B-rank dungeon. It first happened that the skies turned brick red, bringing in an ominous feeling. The earth shook, and chains of lightning interlocked in the sky above the dungeon.

All awakeners were gathered in front of the B ranked dungeon, with solemn looks on their face. They noticed, something seemed wrong. They could feel something emerging from the depths of the dungeon and fear rose from the bottom of their hearts.

"ROOOAAAAARRR"

With a thunderous roar, the foundations of the entire city were shaken. Karan witnessed the towering figure of a dragon-like monster that came vividly into view from several miles away while he innocently feasted on a parcel of bread by the window of his room.

Seeing this scene, he almost jumped out of his skin in shock. He could still remember the image of the monster as it viewed the entire city with eyes filled with great elegance and disdain.

Seeing this scene, the awakeners of the city knew that they were up against no ordinary foe. Even though there were some B-rank among them, they knew that the greatest battle of their lives was about to occur. They were doing this for the city, at least that was their duty, they all thought in unison. They then proceeded to launch a round of attack at the god-like beast, while maintaining a precise formation.

To cut the story short, none of them survived. In fact, the once prosperous city that had managed to produce B-ranked awakeners was leveled to the ground that very day.

Karan and his adopted mother and sibling along with some members of the city managed to escape with their lives when they noticed that the situation wasn't looking too optimistic.

What caught his attention that day was the fearless look in the eyes of the awakeners, even when they knew that they stood no chance against the dreadful monster. They gave their lives for the city. Neither did they bulge or fret even when face to face with certain death. That has always been his inspiration in life. While fleeing, he vowed under his breath to attain a great height and avenge the fallen heroes.

Silence pervaded the air as Karan thought deeply with a sad expression. Amon observed him for a while and then reached for a small pouch around his waist. He took out a small token with the letter 'D' engraved boldly on it.

"Here. Guild-master asked me to give you this." He said handing it over to him.

The token was actually a dungeon pass awarded to each member of their guild 'the front liners', as they were announced earlier as the fifth-placed guild in the tournament.

Due to the limited number of D-ranked dungeons in Regan, demand for the dungeon pass was high, and not everyone was able to participate in the dungeon raids.

Of course, there were several advantages to raiding a dungeon for an awakener. Aside from the monsters' bodies, which were rich materials for enhancing strength and refining artifacts, there were also valuable minerals known as dungeon stones, which varied in rank and were very important to awakeners.

"Have they set a date for the raid?" Karan questioned quietly as he took the token from him.

"Not yet." Said Amon with a trace of dissatisfaction on his face.

They had gotten tired of participating in E dungeon raids, and none of them had ever raided a D rank dungeon, so there was very much to look forward to in the coming raid.

Karan gave a light sigh. He had his own anticipations too. And as someone who aimed for a high ranking, every step was crucial.

"I'm heading to my family's home, so inform the rest of the guild members that I won't be at the guild house for some time." Please notify me as soon as the date is set." He said as he got up from the spot where he was sitting.

The two exchanged an embrace, before leaving the scene.