45 Sir, you dropped something...

Shortly afterwards, 4 men wearing association uniforms arrive at the scene. They were tasked to guard the area against any unwanted visitors. 

One of the men, a sensor type, pushed them towards here. He said he heard engine noises directly from this place. Not sure if it's true, the four checked the place. 

In the end, they found no traces. 

"Ji, are you sure you heard something?" 

One of the men asked grimly. If what Ji said was true then someone might have sneaked into the gathering venue. Surely, it would be a disaster. Many powerful figures will arrive after a short while. Maintaining the safety of the guess is their number one priority. 

"Yeah, it's here."

Sniff—

"Hang on, can you smell that?" 

Bewildered, the four men inhaled the scent. 

Inhale—

The air smells like rusty iron. It blended perfectly into the air that it's even hard to detect unless they focused their sense of smell on it. Detecting something like this is not normal. 

The four men swept their gazes around the surroundings, finding the thing that might have caused all of this. 

Rustle—, rustle —

The bushes rustled as they spread to find any rusted metal. The moon lit the whole night so it's not difficult seeing in the darkness. However, being alone in an endless forest still felt weird and creepy. 

Ji was assigned in the north direction. His sense of smell is strong, probably the strongest of all his senses, so he could track where the scent was coming from. But although he knew, he did not tell anyone. 

"Heh, it might be a treasure if the scent is as strong as this."

Ji was selfish. He wanted to hog whatever that is for himself. As status windows have an inventory function, it's easy to hide something without anyone noticing. 

As he slinked through the tall grasses, Ji tripped into a green vine. His gravity became unbalanced and he fell to the ground.

Thud—

The dirt soiled his clothes however, his attention shifted towards the ground. 

'The smell is stronger here!' 

Is it buried underground? 

Thinking about a priceless treasure falling into his hand, Ji stood up, patted the dirt on his clothes, and took out a shovel from his inventory. 

He raised it and began digging the soil. 

Thuck—, thuck—

Halfway through his digging, suddenly, Ji felt an ominous aura. It wasn't powerful but it's evil. 

At that moment, green vines protruded from the soul. It wrapped around his legs until his torso. Ji tried to cut these vines but it's too soft for his sword to cut through. He screamed but was interrupted when vines wrapped around his neck and mouth. 

He can't breathe. 

'Damn it! What is this shit!?' 

The vines continued to roll throughout his body until no more of his flesh could be seen. Ji tried to cast a signal skill but his mana seemed to be chaotic. 

This has never happened before!

His mana is out of control! 

It's as if… it was being sipped out by the vines, turning into nourishment further strengthening these things. 

Ji struggled fiercely, and after a short while, the vines stopped shaking. It slowly unwrapped through the body before digging back into the ground. 

The soil on the side went back as well, covering the signs of someone digging through the soil. 

In the end, Ji's body became bones, until it gradually crumbled into ashes. 

The night went deeper. 

......….. 

The gathering is an event that grabbed the attention of the whole world. Powerful Awakened from many countries will join the banquet and exchange possible insights into what the future holds. 

Of course, there are also a few who just wanted to have fun. 

The first guest arriving got out of the service car. He wore a red suit and a small emblem on his chest. Reporters and photographers that were privately invited by the government captured the moment the man walked gracefully on the red carpet. 

Black hair and red eyes. His aura truly showcased his power and charm. 

"As expected, he's here."

Canada's S-Class, Eric Hill. 

The self-proclaimed 'Hero of Canada.'

Eric waved to the cameras but was quickly robbed of the spotlight when another car stopped behind. The door opened and a man stepped out wearing a dark suit with a black turtleneck in the bottom. 

Magic chains and magic rings showcased his filthy rich life. 

Russia's S-class, Nikolai Petrov. 

He was famous for surviving 7 days in a Violet colored dungeon and clearing it albeit all of his teammates died. 

Behind him, a woman followed suit. 

She wore a violet slit dress with a ruffled middle. The features that stand out above all were her heterochromia eyes; red-colored in the right and brown color in the left. 

She has the face of a model that's why the cameras immediately flocked towards the two. The woman nudged her hand around Nikolai's arms, indicating that they were partners for tonight. 

Russia's S-class, Karina Garin. 

Known for her outstanding feat of defending a blue-colored dungeon break all by herself. She's also the first woman to prevent such a thing that could have killed a million people approximately. 

"Do I look good, Niko?" 

"Hahaha, should have asked that earlier."

As the two walked through the red carpet, Eric shrugged his shoulders and left. Soon, he reaches a grand hall layered with rune magic protection. 

'They sure prepared huh?' 

Tables were set on the side with chairs circling them. 

As he reached the first seat, a hand suddenly grabbed his shoulder. 

"Eric."

He turned around and saw the man. 

"Looks like we're the first ones to arrive."

It was Nikolai and Karina. 

"Err, I just wanted to laze around first."

"Why don't we talk for a while?" Karina suggested. 

"Well, since that's the case then let's take a seat."

Meanwhile, outside the grand hall, the reporters and photographers were already elated. Three S-class Awakened just passed by before their very eyes. 

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Never in their wildest dreams, they would be able to see such a spectacle. As S-Class Awakened only raids higher dungeons, it's rare for normal people and even those low ranking Awakened to see one in person.

Now, there are three and there are more to come. 

........

7:12 pm. 

The car engine gradually slowed down as they reached a narrow curve. Hans and Freya sat beside each other while Gia sat on the front seat. 

Earlier, due to safety reasons, they were teleported exactly where the car was. The old man explained that the car would be their service towards the Gathering venue. 

From a distance, Hans could already see flickering lights from time to time. But for some reason, his perception couldn't penetrate the place. It was as if a wall was blocking it.

"Is this really a hidden place?" Out of curiosity he couldn't help but ask. Freya answered with a giggle. 

"Maybe? Fufufu~" She looked at the window and sensed the world outside, "Space is distorted here too."

'Space is distorted?' 

Hans closed his eyes and pondered. According to his past research, there's an article that the inside of a dungeon is distorted. Short teleportation would be possible but for long distances, it was close to unachievable. 

'Plundy, do you know where we are?'

[Hm… not gonna lie but your bitch is right.]

Hearing Plundy's words, Hans almost blurted the word in surprise. Freya looked at him suspiciously. 

"I… just choked, cough—" 

The atmosphere returned to calm once again but Hans was already screaming in his mind. 

'Why would you say that!?' 

[I mean she's right about the space distortion.] 

Hans held his temple and massaged it. Since no one wants to answer, maybe he'll figure it out by himself. 

For now, he'd focused on the Gathering first as it looks like they're here. 

"So many people already?" 

Just from the window, the crowd of reporters and photographers and some Awakened already blocked the view. From the front, luxury cars stopped in the middle of the red carpet one by one. 

Suddenly, his eyes widened. 

"Are you nervous?" Freya asked, however, Hans just smiled. 

"No, I just found that this event wasn't boring at all."

Although confused, Freya didn't ask further and stepped out of the car. The moment she appeared in her blue fairy-like dress, the people shifted their attention to her. 

"F-Freya Taylor!" 

"S-she's here too!?" 

"Wow, she's really a goddess among women."

Hans stared at her graceful figure before deciding to go out. After a short pause, he tightened his tie and proceeded to exit the car. Seeing a man accompanying the famous magician, all eyes are on him. 

Hans buttoned his blazer and let out a dazzling smile. 

He stood beside Freya and offered his arms, which she accepted happily. 

"N-no way!" 

"W-what about Michael?" 

"Who cares about that guy? Can't you see that man is more good looking than him?"

As they walked through the red carpet, Hans felt powerful gazes falling on him. He didn't cower but instead, felt that their power gap is gradually getting closer and closer. Among those gazes, he even felt murderous intent and some… horny intent?

'What the fuck?' 

On the outside, Hans maintained his calm demeanor to prevent others from thinking he was weak. 

'Now that I see it.'

The place was huge. As they reached towards the grand hall, Hans could clearly describe the interior as magical and elegant. No words can interpret what he saw. 

The golden chandelier was hanging in the very center carved with flower-like designs. Tables were set on the side while the foods sit comfortably on the giant table. 

It was like a castle. 

Hans swept his gaze around the people casually talking to each other. He could even recognize some of them too. 

India's S-class, Yash Khatri. 

Nigeria's S-class, Emmanuel Ibrahim.

South Korea's S-class, Jung Hyuk. 

Of course, there are also the famous ones. The ones who stood above everyone else. 

China's SS-Class, Gu Lian. Known as the Dragon Slayer for slaying the Red Dragon, Hong. A famous boss who terrorized the country. 

He was surrounded by his fellow friends and guild members. Just 2 tables from his right, a man sat in peace. 

Egypt's SS-Class, Urs Hassan. As Hans continued to inspect this man, he saw a spectacular sight. Eyes seemingly coming from another plane was looking at him. 

'So he's the Legendary Necromancer huh?' 

Commanding the dead and the seemingly endless stamina and life. These are the famous traits he possessed. According to conspiracy theorists, Urs Hassan might have been blessed by a God of death. Even in Egypt he was hailed as a God. 

'Hmm…' 

Urs sat alone. Perhaps it's because of his gloomy and unfriendly aura that no one wants to approach or talk to him. Of course, there's also someone greeting him from time to time but all of it is just out of respect. 

Fortunately, Freya seemed to be greeting her friends, so cautiously inspecting the room wasn't a suspicious action as long as no one noticed. 

[Oh, a destined envoy!] 

However, Plundy seemingly wanted to say something. 

'Huh?' 

[The guy who has countless souls attached to his body!] 

'Urs Hassan?' 

[Is that his name? Well… hmm.. That's right… he's an envoy so he must be worthy of that power.]

'What is an envoy?' 

[...] 

"Sigh." 

 Sometimes, he blames himself for putting himself on these cliffhangers. Plundy wouldn't even provide a single clue. 

At that moment, Hans was awakened in his trance when he felt someone nudged on his elbow. 

"Where are we sitting?" 

For the first time, Freya asked his opinion. It was hard picking a seat as almost all other tables were already occupied but not all chairs. Hans looked in Urs Hassan's direction and decided. 

"Why don't we sit with him?" 

"Okay." Freya smiled cheekily indicating she agreed. The gazes constantly falling on them didn't make either Freya or Hans uncomfortable. Freya grasped his arms so tightly that he even felt those soft mounds touching his elbows. 

Shortly, they reached Ur Hassan's seat and Hans politely asked. 

"Would you mind if we sit here?" 

"No, I don't mind," Ur responded with a deep but calm voice. 

"Thank you, I'm Hansel by the way."

"Urs."

Based on observations, Urs seemed to be in his 40s but his appearance covered up his age. Due to his pale face, it's hard to tell what his real age is. 

The three sat on the chair, awkwardly conversed and waited for others to arrive. Currently, there are only 3 SS-Class present in the grand hall. 11 agreed on the gathering invitation so this event wouldn't start unless those 8 arrived. 

Suddenly… 

"Michael, don't start a fight!"

"I'm not going into a fight."

"Then why are you leaking your Mana!?" 

Hans felt the mana pressure and cocked his head behind him. A man dressed in a red suit approached their positions and slammed his fist in on the table, breaking it in the process. 

"Hello, Freya."

Freya, seemingly annoyed, slowly leaked her killing intent. 

"Don't bother me, Michael."

"Is it because of this pimp?" Michael shifted his attention to Hans and his eyes narrowed, "Boy, you look really cool in your fit but I'm not impressed."

However, as if Hans heard a clown, he just grinned. Meanwhile, Michael took it as a sign of an arrogant man. 

"Are you mocking me? Who do you think you are?" 

Michael took a brief look at Hans mana and determined that this guy is just as strong as an A-class. 

So what right does he have to talk back to him? 

"Are you ignoring my warning Michael?" 

Freya's killing intent intensified. 

"I'm not ignoring you. I'm mad!" 

"Then get out of my sight!" 

Michael snickered and burst into laughter, "Ha, haha, fine, fine." With a flick of his finger, a small-sized mana ball was secretly aimed towards Hans. 

But before he could fire it, a large hand grabbed his arms. 

"Who!" 

His eyes widened. He tried to pull his hand out but it wouldn't budge. He turned his head. 

Urs Hassan, stared at him with his deep eyes as if… as if looking at a dead man.

 Slowly, Urs raised his arms, handed something to him and spoke in a cold voice.

"Excuse me, sir, it seemed like you dropped this." 

Michael vomited blood and stared widely at that bloodied thing. 

'What in the—!?'

No doubt, the thing beating fiercely in Urs hand was his heart.