4 Endless Plunder

"Hans Luther… potential SSS-Class."

This is what he heard the moment he got up from the tube-like tester that measures an Awakened potential. Potentials are the peak power an Awakened can get at his prime.

Hans closed his eyes gently, and slowly reminiscent everything he had experienced from the moment he Awakened.

He heard shouts and applause after his potential was announced. Scouts from guild and reporters immediately swarm him the moment he went out of the testing room. He was happy at the fact that he can realize his dream to become that Awakened who can defeat monsters.

It was 20 months ago when it happened. He can still smell the lingering scent of flowers from the balcony as he entered the garden like Training Camp of the new Awakeners.

He was 21 at that time.

The training camp serves as a trial for the new Awakeners to adapt to the dungeon environment much easier. Of course, they made the training camp almost the exact copy of the low-level dungeons using the abilities of those S-Classes Awakened.

That was his last memory of the time he's ever been happy.

After a month of practice in the training camp, he graduated and is now eligible to enter Red Dungeons/E-Rank Dungeons.

Together with his newly made friends from the training camp, they entered a red dungeon.

The dungeon was called the [Sleeping Place of the Spider Queen]

It was filled with green mist inside with green goo sliding from the sidewalls. The cave is pretty much what a normal spider hive looks like. Webs were laid everywhere while spider eggs were littered in the ground.

They easily handled the mobs as the team galloped through the cave and eventually reach the final boss lair.

And that was the start of everything.

Suddenly, Anna felt dizzy and vomit through the floor. The healer, Sully, immediately helped Anna by using her skill.

Shring—

Green light envelops Anna's body, as she felt soothing energy slowly removed her dizziness.

Sully, on the other hand, appears to have discovered something because, despite the fact that the healing was complete, she frequently touched Anna's stomach and occasionally asked Anna questions.

Little did the team know, Sully is a doctor. She is an expert in obstetrics and gynecology, which deals with pregnancy and female reproductive health.

"It seems like Anna's pregnant."

Sully voiced her thoughts in which earned quite a response from the team. Due to the unexpected circumstances, they made a voting decision if they will clear the dungeon or not.

"No, it's dangerous."

"I won't agree as well."

"That's a big no."

Fortunately, no one wants to endanger the child, so the team returned to the entrance. When a dungeon raid occurs, an awakened can enter and exit whenever he wants, increasing his chances of survival. Of course, there is a catch. This is only possible if the awakened did not enter the boss lair.

Step, step—

But it seems like fate has other plans for the team.

The moment the frontman attempted to pass the exit portal, he didn't pass through.

Bam—

Like a man attempting to enter that 'platform' from a train station, he was met with a loud thud.

He tried again.

Thud—

"Guys, it seems like we're trapped."

One by one, others awakened from the team attempted to exit the portal only to be bounced back.

"What happened?"

"Do we need to clear the dungeon?"

"If that's the only way then… "

Everyone's eyes shifted towards Anna, waiting for her response. Although they didn't really want to put the unborn child in danger there's no other option they can think of.

"We should clear the dungeon. Don't worry, you have me."

Hans spoke with confidence assuring the team that everything's gonna be alright. Of course, his real motive is to boost the team's morale so they wouldn't feel guilty about putting Anna in danger.

The words of an SSS-Class potential really works wonder.

"If Hans said so, then we're pretty much safe."

"Thanks, Hans. We'll leave our backs to you."

"Hahaha don't feel worried. Being in danger inside a dungeon was a normal thing the moment we entered. Plus, this dungeon is just E-rank so there's nothing to be scared of."

The other awakeners throw meaningful glances before finally agreeing.

"Let's go."

As the strongest in the team, Hans lead this time. Being a potential SSS-Class have perks as well, just like every time he levels up, the stats he received were doubled compared to others. His level limit was increased as well though the association doesn't know the limit because he is the first Awakened with the triple S potential.

Normally, an SS-Class level limit was capped at level 300 as for Hans he can only know after he levels up to 300.

Soon, the team reaches the dungeon boss lair. The team strategist debriefs everyone about their roles and plans as they take down the boss.

"Ready guys!?"

"Yes."

Hans pushed the large door. The dust hit their faces as they saw the insides of the dungeon. The ceiling was high, with spider webs hanging from everywhere. Hans turned his head behind Anna and gave a reassuring smile.

"Leave this to us."

"Un."

Everyone's gaze shifted towards the ceiling where a large spider was sleeping. Its body is black-green colored with 8 legs pierced towards 8 cocoons.

Hans didn't know what awaits them, or the situation he's putting the team in.

He's still a naive man after all. Although he had experienced the hardship of regular human life when he was a teen, his experience in dungeons and fighting monsters is pretty much subpar.

The tank wakes the boss and taunts it into an aggro. Their teamwork was started excellent as they slowly removed the boss monster's health.

Then suddenly, the boss attacked Anna in which shock and made the team pattern in disarray. Anna dodges but the small spiders still pounce towards her.

"Help Anna."

"I will go."

"Then I will go t—"

"Watch out!!!"

Dan turned around after hearing Hans's warning but unfortunately, he's too late.

Stab—

Kuk—

One of the spider's legs pierces his head. His figure slowly fell to the ground powerlessly.

He's dead.

"Ahhhh!!!"

"Kuuuuk!!"

"Arghhhhh!!"

One by one, Hans watched his friends die in front of him. The team of 15 was now down to 3.

Hans, Anna, and the healer, Sully.

Sully, on the other hand, was injured, which is why he told her to stay still and leave the rest to him. Anna, on the other hand, offered assistance, which Hans accepted. She only needs to run around with Sully whenever they are attacked.

The fight began again with Hans striking first. He mercilessly cuts the spider down fueled by his superior strength and rage.

Fighting monsters was his dream but his first experience made him numb from the pain. He won't forget the grief of losing someone he made a bond with.

Crack—

Although Hans is strong, he's alone. That is why he can't help but only watch as the spider pierce Sully in her heart, killing her.

That's when Hans realized the cruel world of Awakened.

But his suffering didn't end there. As he realized this reality, Hans immediately went beside Anna. This decision was flawed and now he's in a passive position.

"Hans, don't worry about me! Just finish the boss."

"You think I only worry about you?"

To be honest, he's more concerned about the child.

At that moment.

Shring—

A piercing attack came towards Anna. Due to the tiredness, she can't move anymore and only watched the attack slowly come to her.

Stab—

Drip, drip—

Hans coughed blood as he stopped the attack by using his body. Like a cockroach he is, he didn't die. Contrary to other people's beliefs, Hans already awakened his innate skill which normally awakens when one reaches level 100.

It was a skill that used anything considered as his possession, as a fuel to launch an attack.

Using this he burned some of his lifespans together with his stats, and all of his items to launch a devastating blow.

In the end, he won and the dungeon was cleared.

...…..

"You're trash now Hans."

That's what he heard the moment he tried to form a party. Due to that dungeon incident, Hans lost everything. From his potential, friends, colleagues, and even the privileges of being an Awakened. Though he still retained the right to enter the dungeon, no one wants him in a team thus he became a porter.

Buoyant by the dream of being an Awakened, it quickly shattered like a fragile glass.

This was no dream or imagination. He even received the 'special F-Class' only for him which sounded like a mockery but Hans ignored it and continued his hard life.

That way he became known as F-Class Failure.

He adapted to it as time goes but of course the humiliation still happens from time to time. Adding to the situation of his grandma's health, Hans could only ask for help from his ungrateful sister.

S-Class Awakened, Queen of Frost. Though she was called that way, her real name is Hannah Luther.

"Our grandma is in the hospital right now. We need money, Nana (Hannah)."

"Oh, so your grandma is sick? What does this have to do with me?"

Ah, that's right. In other terms, she is not Hans's sister at all. When she was a baby, his grandmother adopted her to the family, but when she awakened her powers at 15, she left them and became… a bastard.

"You!!! Don't you have any conscience at all!!!??? After everything, we have done for you!!! You ungrateful bitch!!!"

That was the last time he saw her as her guards stopped him from meeting her ever since.

He could only grit his teeth and continued being a porter.

Hans wanted his grandma to live longer so he worked harder than anybody else. He rarely even get asleep and only think of how to earn more money.

He was already satisfied with this life. As long as he is alive, the hope is still there.

...….

"So why!? Why did God forsake me!? You're unfair. Why are you unfair!?"

Hans uttered his thoughts, tears streaming down his cheeks, and he even forgot the agony of having his limbs severed. Because Allan was temporarily dazed by Hans' sudden outbreak, he stopped the blade midway.

"Oh look at baby Hans, he's crying. Do you want mommas milk?"

Allan gestured with a mockery.

Hans's red teary eyes were burning with rage as he look towards Allan.

The pain, regrets, suffering, humiliation echoed from his head as the scenes of his life played back in a loop.

He wants to fight back but he's powerless.

Shu—

Then suddenly the figure of his grandmother appeared in his sight. She laid her hands on Hans's cheek, caressing it softly.

"Everything happens for a reason, Hans. Just like how leaves fall from a branch, the branch generates another leaf to nurture until it bears fruit."

"Grand…ma?"

"Your parents, they were a strong couple. Although you didn't meet them, they left the only thing they can pass to you. So get up my dear, didn't you promise that you'll beat the hell out of your sister in my stead?"

Chuckle—

"Chuckle— that's right."

"..."

"..."

"This is the end of the road for me, Hans. I'm sorry for being a burden to you and thank you for taking care of me. You… are my pride."

The figure of his grandmother gradually disappears together with the silent wind.

"Grandma!!!"

Hans shouted hoarsely. It felt like a needle stabbed his heart after seeing the only person he has disappeared. He didn't want to think of the worst scenario.

Clack—

But Allan didn't have time anymore.

He grabbed Hans's hair, lifted him in the air before he was kicked flying back towards the wall.

"Hahaha, look at you… you're pitiful."

The dust settled revealing Hans's figure. His head was down while his dark hair blocked his face.

"Hehehehe, I would like to play with you more but I have some jobs that need to be done as well. Sigh— it was a fun experience, Hans…"

Swish—

Allan threw the large sword with his mana attached to it. The gust of wind produces a loud swish due to the force attached to the sword.

Swish—

At that moment.

Hans slowly raised his head...