Package

The people halted in their works as they glanced at their television, phones, watches, and other digital devices. 

Even websites and forums were plunged by people as a massive influx of users read every article and headlines popping up from time to time. 

'Breaking News' 

[The Dungeon Of Trial located at Philadelphia Collapses.] 

[Philadelphia's Trial Dungeon, Solo Cleared!] 

[Who is this man? Potential 17th SS-Class Awakened.]

[The next strongest Awakened?] 

The secluded, the sleeping, all of them awakened  to this suddde news. Not just humans, but even those creatures living in the shadows of the world turned their faces. 

What is the meaning of the 17th SS-Class Awakened? 

For humans, this might have sparked hopefulness after the devastating defeat from the monsters, continuously plunging the world into chaos. But, for the beast, this was a major issue enough to cause endless problems. 

Forums and social media were bombarded with tweets and posts about this newly appearing protagonist. 

—Username420: Yosha! Another SS-Class in the making!

—BongcloudOpener: LOL! This might be fake news! 

—MilfHunter: This is a mistake! Why would they tell the whole world!? They are asking that guy to die! 

—PawnsGambit: It's not a mistake, It's a masterpiece. 

Some of them have varying opinions about this topic while few believed the news wasn't real at all. Of course, most of these people were just civilians, and their words wouldn't truly matter. 

......… 

Washington DC. 

National Awakened Association, Main Headquarters. 

Inside a certain office, a man seated on his comfy chair narrowed his eyes lightly. The cigarettes burning into smoke blended with the wind as the clock ticks. A glass slab lay on his desk with his name carved in a cursive font. 

[Director Thomas D. Reed.] 

Looking at the news, Thomas leaned forward and held his chin. 

"Misha, what do you think?" His deep voice carried authority and command as he asked his secretary standing beside the door. 

Misha shook her head, "I don't know Director."

"Is the DM department already dispatched?" 

"Yes sir. Currently, 5 B-class have been tasked to investigate the place. We could have sent more but we're lacking manpower as of now and…" 

"And?" 

"... and Sir Felix is nowhere to be seen."

"Hmm… is that so?" Thomas lightly smacked his lips. Beside him, there's almost no Awakened above B-class in the headquarters. 

'This is a headache.' All of his strong personels were in New York State. It seems like he'd need to find someone to do the job. What's more, there are probably hundreds of organizations coveting this newly arising Awakened. Thomas could vaguely sense that. 

"Can't you contact Felix?" Thomas asked again as he grabbed the cigarette. 

Felix was one of those guys who he couldn't move no matter how much pressure he put into him. Due to his massive achievements and merits including his strength, Felix is basically untouchable. Fortunately, Felix still followed the rules but still his constant slacking off greatly irritates Thomas. 

"I'm sorry Director, but Sir Felix is not answering calls."

"Haaah—so there's really no one?" Exhaling the smoke from his mouth, Thomas sighed deeply, "If I can't get someone till tonight, I might just have to head out myself."

"But Director, the offic—" 

"No, it's fine. Tell them I'm just stretching my old bones. But until I get back, you'll be in charge here."

"Yes, Director."

Thomas nodded and threw his cigarette onto the pot. No matter what happens, he needed to secure the Awakened who cleared the trial dungeon before someone scouted him first. 

'But should I really do it myself?' 

Leaving the headquarters might be a bad option, after all, their enemies were just waiting somewhere out there to launch attacks. As he was pondering on his thoughts, Thomas subconsciously glanced at Misha. 

'Hmm…' 

His eyes lit up. Misha was one of the few people who studied combat and strategic abilities before becoming his secretary. 

"Misha, what class are you in right now?" 

Although dumbfounded by the sudden inquiry, Misha still responded, "Currently at A-class, Director."

"Huh? You're not S-class yet?" Thomas's brows furrowed as his face crunched in confusion. Misha's a potential S-class but it's been 10 years since she first awakened. That's enough time to level up from E-class to S. No, even 5 years was enough. 

Now, what's happening? 

"I haven't been into a dungeon since I became a secretary, Director." 

"Ohhhh!" Thomas' eyes slightly widened before nodding in realization, "I see. I'm sorry about that."

Misha displayed an understanding smile and lightly bowed her head. 

"I have a job for you." Out of nowhere, Thomas spoke hoarsely. The knitting of his forehead indicated that he was serious this time.

"Pardon?"

"Cough, you'll be the one finding that guy in my stead."

"Ehh? M-me?" Misha's eyebrows constantly blink. She raised her hand and pushed her glasses up, seemingly falling to her nose. 

"Uhuh, you heard it right."

"But—" 

Seeing Thomas' deep complexion, Misha swallowed her words and nodded. 

"I got it, Director."

"Very well, I'll leave it to you." 

Misha bowed her head once again and hurriedly got out of the office. The faint fragrant scent of perfume lingered as she walked down the hall before entering the elevator. 

"Haah—, another tiring day. I can't even get a decent rest." 

She leaned on the elevator side and closed her eyes for a short moment. No thoughts were needed. She just had to focus on her task. But for now, a good rest would suffice. 

...…. 

The news became the talk of the world. Guilds and organizations also began to send their representatives in hopes to find this mysterious Awakened. If they could rope him to their group, it would be like adding a future strong man to their command. 

But unfortunately, the protagonist of the topic was still asleep and had no idea that his trial dungeon clearance had cause disturbance to the outside world. 

....... 

8:00 PM

Hans woke up energetic after a long day of sleep. After tidying his bed, he went to the bathroom and prepared himself a meal. 

[Why are you cooking steak?] 

Hans flipped the steak to the side, humming a song as he continued to cook. 

"Am I not allowed to?" 

[But what's the occasion? You usually eat canned food at this time.]

Hans sat on the seat next to the kitchen and wiped his hands with a clean white cloth. 

"I have money. I thought it would be good if I treated myself to a delicious dinner. Why? Envious?" 

[Huh? Where did that idea come from?] 

"..."

After sharpening the knife, Hans sliced the steak into pieces. Just from the touch, he could easily tell that it was tender. Juices oozed from its sides as the knife did the work. 

"Just the salt and… we're done." 

Hans lifted the plate and brought it to the table. He took a seat beside and shuffled his hand with an excited look. 

"Man, it's been ages since I last ate a steak."

After taking a bite, he decided to browse the web. Even though he's chilling at his house, Hans knew that his trial dungeon clearance would be a big issue for this country. Of course, he had no idea that what he had done caused ripples from all over the world. 

"Speaking of myself, the clones did an adventure huh?" 

[What do you mean?] 

"The clone's memory."

[Oh, the feed back?] 

"Yeah, kinda awesome…" Hans tapped his watch and activated the laptop mode. It's much convenient using it like this, "... But it's just sort of uh uncomfortable having unfamiliar memories but familiar at the same time."

[I see, I understand the feeling. Must be unpleasant right?] 

"Uhuh…" Hans opened the internet browser and searched "Awakeners Forum." It was the site where Awakened related activities were being posted real time. Of course, this site can only be accessed using the watches available for Awakeners. There are also different servers to avoid other countries from interfering with each other. 

Hans chuckled as soon as he saw the pinned post on the forum. Various articles related to it were pinned to the top as well. He knew by just reading the first two words whether it's about his fiasco or not. 

The only problem is… 

[Why would they flaunt your dungeon clearance like that?] 

"It's been 20 years since the last time it happened so you know…" 

[But isn't this asking you to die? I mean if they found out your identity, we'll probably meet Hades after a couple of days.]

Hans's brows knit and nodded in agreement. 

"You have a point…"

Knowing his true identity, the enemies of humanity would surely dispatch their representatives to kill him before he could grow into an obstacle. . 

"Plundy, you're smart." 

[So you know how to compliment people huh?] 

"But, you're a skill." 

[...] 

Hearing no replies, Hans shook his thoughts and focused his attention back at the forum. 

'I don't know what their reaction would be if they found out my identity.'

In these past few days, he did not waste time and did all he could to grow stronger. Working hard from F-class to now having the ability to kill B-class monsters wasn't an easy feat. 

What's crazy was that he did all of this in just a week. Surely, this would even be a bigger news. 

"Thankfully, I hid very well." 

The Awakened forum is very lively. Although there were some other dungeon related posts, almost all Awakened interest was focused on the sole existence who cleared the trial dungeon. After all, he might become the 17th SS-Class Awakened in the whole world.

An existence they could only look up to. 

Up until now, the issue of the Earth's land being occupied by monsters was still a big hurdle for humankind. Another help coming from a rising star might rekindle their hope of regaining the other half of the Earth's land. 

'I didn't become Awakened to save the world though.'

Also, one of the reasons why Hans wanted to browse through the forum was to gather information about the New York State crisis. He hadn't been there for almost 2 days now so naturally he wasn't aware of the current situation in this period of time. Even if he did, it was vague. 

Unfortunately, it seemed like those posts were already buried by thousands of articles suddenly popping out every time the page refreshed. 

'Sigh—, I guess I'll wait for another time.'

As he read through the pinned posts and articles, which were basically about himself, Hans clicked the one where the title intrigued him enough. 

[Dual Swords Guild wants to recruit the Trial Dungeon clearer.]

As he read through the article, his gaze led him through the comment section. 

—IllegalLoli: Is this legit? Lmao. 

—Diamonds0987: LOL shout out to the ones who thought this is real. 

—SmallPP123: Don't listen to him, this is legit guys. The guild master even filed a statement about this. 

—Scientistism96: No way! Even the Dual Swords Guild would actually publicly recruit? Lmao

—StepBro12345: You can check the Earthtube. They were live-streaming earlier. 

The reaction was expected. 

Different comments streamed throughout the channel. The click count was already nearing 5 Million. That is how famous the Dual Swords Guild are. As one of the strongest groups formed, their reputation stretched outside their own country so it should be an honor just being part of this guild. 

In fact, not just them. As Hans browsed articles after articles, he came across other groups recruiting him as well. 

Green Dragon, Holy Temple, Basilisk… and many more. 

Not even a day has passed and he's already as famous as most celebrities. 

'This isn't good.' 

Fortunately, he somewhat anticipated this scene but he just didn't think it would escalate this much. Hans ignored those invitations. He had no intentions of joining guilds or organizations. Even If he did, he'll probably just join 'Lotus' as it was a perfect organization for someone like him. 

'... Or I create a group myself.'

He wanted to become a free Awakened, not belonging to anyone. It was the best option since he likes working alone. Hans deeply sighed, contemplating his decision before he turned off his watch. For now, what he needed most was Exp and skills, not a guild. 

"... I lost my appetite."

Hans put the steak aside as he pushed the chair out. But before he could get up, the doorbell rang from the outside followed by a door knock. 

'Huh? I have a visitor?' 

Could it be the old lady next door? 

"Hello!? I'm from Gap Express. There is a package delivery for Mr. Luther. Is there anyone home?" 

Hearing the voice from the other side, Hans' pupils narrowed.

'I haven't told anyone of my address yet.'

He stood up and immediately grabbed the knife from the kitchen. Spreading his perception, Hans strode towards the door.