Constantine Sword Style

8:23 Am.

Philadelphia, USA. 

2nd Dungeon Run. 

Shrriiiieeek—

The horde of giant rats approached.

Hans readied his stance before dashing towards the monsters. Holding a scimitar, he cleanly sweeps the monsters as he passes through. The heads of these rats began slipping out of their necks. 

The number began to decrease. 

Swish—

Hans leaped backward and glared at these fast beasts. 

'About 40 of them left.'

He could kill them with one powerful punch but Hans wanted to test something. A skill he didn't get to use in the previous dungeon. 

The long scimitar was raised on his shoulder. His legs spread apart sideways and his knees bent. 

Suddenly, the air became cold. 

'Constantine Sword Style…' 

At that moment, Hans swiftly dashed towards the rats. 

Swish—

"First Cut."

Shring—

As if a bomb passed through their bodies, the rats exploded in blood. 

Splat—

[Level Up!] 

[Level Up!] 

[Fuck, that was so cool!]

Hans ignored Plundy's fake admiration and immediately swiped the status screen up. A message was presented to him. 

Tri-ring 

[Constantine Sword Style: First Cut (B)

Proficiency: 0.5%]

'Proficiency?' 

This was the first time he saw this. 

[Proficiency is the measurement of how well versed you are in the skill. Usually, it only appears from selected skills but it's not rare.] 

"Oh?" 

He hadn't heard of it before. Plundy also added that proficiency increases the damage of the skill. 

Hans smiled widely. 

"I guess, I'm gonna spam this skill for quite a long time."

Aside from the 'Light of Judgment' and 'Holy Light', Hans already tried all of his available skills. But even then, he felt it was not enough. 

[Do you want to plunder the skill, 'Big Bite (D)'?] 

[Yes / No.] 

Hans clicked 'no' and darted towards his previously acquired skill.

[Umbral Step (C)] 

It was a skill that allowed him to hide in the shadows. Even in daylight, this skill could still be used. But the advantage didn't end there. It also gives night vision when active and works well in cave-type dungeons. Additionally, the increased movement speed helps him save mana as well. 

The skill was almost perfect if not for its low rank. 

[Level: 27.] 

Hans groaned in disappointment. Having killed that many monsters, he only leveled up by two. But even then, he still has many dungeons waiting for him to raid. No need to grumble. 

"If only I could kill the boss monster."

He raised his hand, closed the status window before dashing to the dungeon exit. 

Well, for now, this dungeon was a complete success. 

...….. 

8:58 Am. 

3rd Dungeon Run. 

'Umbral Step' 

As if he blended with the shadows, Hans vanished in a cloud of smoke. 

"Kuuuk?" 

Stab —

The next time he appeared, his weapon already pierced the goblin's heart. 

[Level Up!] 

With the newly discovered proficiency function, Hans' raid became faster. Spamming the sword style left and right was all he did. 

Sometimes he'd missed but even then the monster would always be killed in one shot. 

Swish—

Hans retreated to the dark corner until his figure couldn't be seen anymore. The Goblin tried to sense his position but by the time they moved, their heads fell on the floor. 

'Constantine Sword Style…' 

Seeing the same stance that killed their kin, the Goblins remaining began to flee. 

Screee—

'Constantine Sword Style…' 

Every time Hans used the skill, not only the damage increased but also his proficiency in the art of sword increased as well. The goblins would fall one by one at the speed of the cut. 

It was as if they were hit by a light-speed slash. 

Shring—

With the final slash, the last goblin fell on the ground. 

Thud—

Unfortunately, he didn't level twice like last time, but his exp bar was almost close to full. 

[Level: 26]

He didn't even bother to plunder the goblin's skill as he went straight to the side and collected the mana crystal. 

Judging from its amount, it should be more or less close to one million USD if sold. 

Overall, the dungeon wasn't difficult and can be considered a success. 

...... 

9:37 Am. 

4th Dungeon Run. 

This time the theme of the dungeon is tribe-like. The monsters were burly orcs, holding axes and shields on their hands like a trained warriors. 

It wasn't located in a cave this time but rather in a sunlit jungle. 

Field Dungeons. They were dungeons with a different field terrain like a forest or desert.

Dungeons that were located in this geographical place give the monsters a slight terrain advantage. 

Hans jerked his head up and took a glimpse of the burning sun. Due to the sun shining in the center, it was hard to blend in the shadows. Hence, Hans walked his way to the tribe. 

Soon, he reached a bridge that stretches for over 30 meters. On the side, monsters with large physiques glared at his position. With the dangerous aura leaking on his body, the monsters retreated in fear. 

Hans slinked through the bridge. 

Unlike cave-type dungeons, field dungeons have a distinct feature that differentiates them from others. The boss monster wasn't jailed in a large room. It was either on the tribe's location, overseeing things like a king or just hiding in the dark like a lone predator. 

But either way, according to the rules, killing it wasn't allowed. So this time, the battle would be a little annoying. 

Swish—

Hans clenched his fists and aimed at the group of orcs. Red hue began to surround his arms. 

'Fire Control: Flame Fists.'

Swoosh—

He dashed towards the monsters and… 

"Burn!!" 

BOOOM—

The air became humid, the land where the Flames fist traverse was burned to craters. 

[Level Up!] 

Every time his fists connected to its target all that was left was the black ashes. Hans kicked the ground and sprinted towards the final monster. 

At that moment, a thrown ax went his way. 

Swish—

Caught off guard, Hans had no option but to stop. Unfortunately, the momentum from his run couldn't be halted and all he could do was to block it. 

'For some reason, it's too slow.'

The ax seemed like it was falling deep into the ocean. 

[Concentration Increases.] 

[Proficiency increases by 2%]

[Constantine Sword Style Variation Unlocked.]

[First Cut: Flowing Water.]

'What is this?' 

Hans jerked in surprise and immediately pulled the scimitar behind his torso. With his instinct guiding his body, he swung the blade around. 

'First Cut: Flowing Water.' 

As if his blade became a part of water, it suddenly turned flexible. The ax collided with the blade and yet he didn't feel any impact. 

It's as if… as if the ax lost its momentum. 

Shring—

Thud—

"Haah—" 

Leaves crunched on his feet as the wind brushed his clothes. Hans cocked his head and stared at the ax punctured at the tree. 

'The ax fends off.'

The orc boss trembled. This human killed its kin while he was busy fighting a mere clone. When the clone died, it immediately realized that the main body might have done something to others. 

On his way, it saw orcs littered around. All beheaded. 

Seething with rage, he opted to find the culprit. But the ax it threw did not even hit the human. 

"Oh, the boss orc. You're very lucky."

Hans shook his head before dashing towards the dungeon exit leaving behind a trail of wind. The leaves flew chaotically as if a typhoon passed by. 

Soon, Hans reached the exit, stepped forward, and vanished. 

The 4th raid was a great success. 

[Level: 27]

[Plundered Skill: War Cry (D)] 

[Constantine Sword Style: First Cut (B) 

Proficiency: 5.2%]

......…..

Hans appeared on an empty lot. He raised his watch and checked the time. The clock's hands were pointing at 10:12 am. The 4th Dungeon took him about 30 minutes to clear due to unfamiliar paths and the terrain is also a hassle.

Finding the orc's location took him about 20 minutes. 

"So this is why almost no one raids a field dungeon." 

Number one cause. No mana crystals. Aside from the exp from killing the monsters, there are no other items or spoils that can be brought out and sold. What's more, once a party was formed, the exp would be shared. If not for his overwhelming strength, Hans wouldn't be able to clear it in 30 minutes let alone hog the exp for himself. 

Guuurg—

Hans' stomach grumbled. Looks like he needs to eat first before raiding once again. Fortunately, a restaurant still operates nearby despite the location being close to a dungeon. 

As Hans stepped inside the glass door, the savory aroma of foods tickled his nose. 

Inhale—

"Haah, there are people?" 

Aside from the tables at the back, the tables near the counter were pretty much occupied. Students, workers, Hans even sensed an Awakened, all of them have dined as if the dungeon nearby was not a threat.

'The food must be delicious here.'

Hans strode to the backside where the chairs were empty. He sat on the table near the window and swept his eyes around the vicinity. The restaurant has this vintage atmosphere. It gave this strange vibe that makes it look like he's living in the 80s. 

The design wasn't old though, it's not fancy either; just enough to make the place more warm and vibrant. The small chandelier on the center flickered in yellow light seeing another customer coming in. 

"Good Morning sir, here is our menu."

Hans jerked his head up and received the menu chart from an old man. He combed the resto once again and determined that the old man was the only waiter. 

"Thank you."

Shortly afterwards, the old man went back and took his order. Bored, Hans watched the news on the television. 

'What in the living hell.' 

As the news continued, Hans' face gradually grimaced. It showed the destruction of empire state building and the fall of the statue of liberty. It's not just Hans, one by one, everyone turned their heads towards the television. 

"Man, what an unfortunate month."

"Yeah, we already lost New Jersey and now New York is on the verge of collapsing too."

"Eh? I heard the association dispatched all of their S-class Awakened?"

"Tch, it's not like they could stop it. Can you even see a silhouette of them in the news? None, right?" 

"It looks like the association wasn't even trying to recover New York. Maybe, Pennsylvania would be next. Who knows."

Hans listened to their gossip. Indeed, even he was already hopeless seeing the state's condition. Even if the association recovered it from whoever the attacker is, the damage had been done. 

'Could it be the Dhampir race?' 

The Dhampir woman he encountered back then asked if he knew the 'King'. Maybe this 'King' was the one terrorizing the place. 

[Why don't you just go there yourself?] 

'Huh? What gives you the impression that I want to go back there?' 

[Exp.]

"..."

Stronger monsters equal more exp. 

'Hehehe… '

Indeed, it looks like the destination he needed to go to in the future was already set in stone. 

The waiter carefully placed the food and Hand gobbled them after. 

The thought of hordes of monsters offering their exp to him made his eyes shine in anticipation. 

....... 

11:34 am. 

Hans arrived at an old abandoned hospital. He's a little late as he stopped by the association store first and sold the mana crystal he got from the previous dungeon runs. 

Of course, he only sold mana crystals worth below 10 Million USD to avoid the ridiculous tax cut.

As he prepared his mental state, he arrived at an empty space where the dungeon portal was located. 

Hans pulled his collar up before the dungeon swallowed his figure. 

...… 

Washington DC, USA. 

National Awakened Association Headquarters. 

Director Thomas massaged his temple after hearing the news in New York. 

'It's hopeless.'

Although they got to hire two SS-Class, it's already too late. Not only did they waste money but also their objective wasn't fulfilled as well. He was about to light the cigarette set in his mouth when suddenly, a call made him perk up. 

It was Jay.

"Jay?" 

—"Director, I have news for you."

With her words piquing his attention, Thomas straightened his back. 

"Oh, have you found that Awakened?"

—"No, Director but I found something instead."

Thomas deeply groaned and held his chin. Jay was tasked to find the Awakened who cleared the Trial Dungeon so what could this news be that it even made her call this case. 

"Tell me."

Hearing his cold voice, Jay's words stuttered. 

—"I-it's about dungeons sir. I-In Philadelphia, almost all Orange Dungeons were rented privately."

Thomas jolted and surprised and immediately yelled on the other line. 

"Who the fuck would dare to rent dungeons!!?" 

Dungeon buying and renting were prohibited after many failed raids. Thus, the association opened it free for all as long as safety and requirements are met. Of course, there are also guilds owning dungeons but it's still free for others to enter albeit 20% of the total loot amount would be cut off by that guild. 

Now, someone is renting dungeons and it's not just one. Thomas' eyes narrowed sharply. 

—"T-this is why I called you, Director. The one who rented these dungeons is… It's Freya Taylor, Director."

Hearing her answer, Thomas gasped in shock before turning into a chuckle. 

"Ha, haha, Are you… kidding me?" 

An SS-Class Awakened raiding an orange dungeon? Might as well tell him that the sun rises to the south.