44 To the Gathering (2)

Fortunately, the dungeon was enough to push his levels to the max, or else he'd be stuck at Level 49.

Hans stood in the mirror and tidied his clothes up. 

Without being told, he opened his status window. 

Tri-ring—

[Name: Hans Luther

Age: 23                 Level: 50      

Race: Human (81%), ??? (19%)

Potential: ??? 

Strength: 154          

Agility: 100

Stamina: 95

Mana: 128

Unused stats: 64

Talent: Unlock at Level 100

Innate Skill: [Endless Plunder (C)] 

Plundered Skill: [Body Enhancement (B)], [Mind's Eye (E)], [Acrobat (D)], [Hide (C)], [Berserk (C)], [Lurk (E)], [Dragon Kick (A)], [Turtle Shell (B)], [Fire Control (B)], [Light of Judgment (B)], [Holy Light (C)], [Hardened Skin (C )], [Constantine Sword Style: First Cut (V)], [Umbral Steps (C)], [War Cry (D)], [Stealth (D)]

Skill: [Mirror Clone (B)]

Mana Property: Evil.] 

'Sigh, so many skills.'

He didn't even use some of them and was just staying at his status window as a display. 

From leveling 8 more times, Hans got 64 unused stats. Without wasting any time, the stats were divided into his four attributes. 

For strength and mana, Hans gave them 20 each. The remaining 24 were divided equally to agility and stamina. 

[Strength: 174        

Agility: 112

Stamina: 107

Mana: 148.]

If his stats were calculated, it should be similar to Level 135. Of course, it could have been more if he consumed the blood of those monsters but because of the 'one per species' restriction, Hans wanted a stronger version of those monsters instead. 

The only regret he had was not being able to go to the trial dungeon. He didn't know what was waiting for him there. Hence, Hans decided to postpone it for a while. 

This gathering would be more important after all. He can't just leave Freya hanging when he promised to come. 

As he prepared to leave for a salon, he noticed his hair was already half violet and half blonde. His race already reached 19%, but for sure, once it reaches 20%, he would be able to gain another power. The only reason he's postponing it was because Plundy said so. 

He was about to wear his watch when suddenly, a piece of headline news made his brow furrow. 

Curious, he sat on the couch and clicked the article above. 

[Yellow Dungeon Massacre, who is the culprit?] 

Hans did not even need to check to know what was going on but still a sudden urge pushed him to read the rest. 

Shortly, afterwards, Hans closed his eyes and sighed. 

According to the authorities, the culprit is blonde and well over 6 feet. Although there's no lead solidly pointing to him, Hans was bothered. Elvin James, the father of Jason, was also conducting his own investigation and it seemed much more effective. 

It wouldn't take long before he would be exposed. 

'Should I kill him?' 

No, this method, he'd just save it for last. Hans did not know Elvin's set of skills. Additionally, the James Corporations is big, just approaching the target would be one hell of a difficulty. There are many trained guards he needs to face if that happens. 

'How about I bait him?' 

But his thoughts were interrupted when his watch rang. 

Ring, ring—

A familiar number. 

"Hello." 

—"Hello, is this sir Hansel?" 

The voice was polite and good. 

"Ah, yes, yes, I am."

The woman on the other line responded heartily. 

—"Oh, thank god."

After a short pause, the woman continued. 

—"Our latest customer has already backed out. Would you like to move your time sir?" 

"How about now?" 

—"No problem sir, we can prepare now and just wait for you."

"Thanks."

Tut—, tut—

Hans took a deep sigh and checked the time. It was 2:11 pm. The salon wasn't that far from his house so he decided to just run it off. 

Freya told him the location of their meet up and he had to arrive there at 5 pm. He had 2 hours left to prepare. He had to look different. 

......... 

"So you want a haircut and dye your hair in blue-violet color? How about another suggestion sir."

Ava, the hairstylist, commented on his style. Her assistant picked up a book and presented many styles the man could choose from. As the man flipped the book pages, Ava leaned close to his co-workers and whispered. 

"Girl, look at him. So handsome!" She placed her hand on her chest and screamed inwardly. 

Ava's co-worker who was being pushed around was also stunned. Indeed, after the man removed his face mask and hoodie, almost all workers in the salon cocked their heads. 

Otherworldly features and unstoppable charm was seemingly blended into this man's body. 

"B-but I heard handsome men have… small… thingy."

"Huh?"

The man who was busy browsing the book frowned. He turned towards them with sharp eyes. 

"I already picked what I want."

Ava immediately walked away and entertained the man, not forgetting to stare at his face. But even then, the man seemed unfazed.

"I see… alright sir, shall we start?"

"Yes, do your thing."

.........….

Somewhere in Philadelphia. 

In a small simple crib, the sound of laughter could be heard. 

Freya took her clothes off and tried the various dresses she bought last week. The gathering was of formal attire so she needed the ones which would stand out. Her friend and guild member, Gia, helped her pick up the dresses. 

"Stop throwing these things away!" Gia grumbled as she looked at Freya. 

However, Freya just smiled and didn't take it to heart. She lifted her chin and caressed the emerald necklace her friend gifted. 

"It's gorgeous."

The design wasn't grand yet it's elegant. Freya quite likes it. 

"Speaking of who, who will be your partner?" 

Gia asked as she prepared the makeup kits and hairstyle tools. Fortunately, Freya already did her nails so the job's not really hard. 

"Fufufu~, secret."

"Ahh, who is it!!! Do I know him?" Gia held her chin and continued, "Is it, Michael?" 

Freya's brows knit and narrowed her eyes sharply, "Oh, that guy? No, it's not him."

Gia stopped in her tracks and deeply pondered. Many suitors are pursuing either her power or love but none of them can take Freya's heart. As Freya is the guild master of Dark Guild, other groups throughout the UK tried to make friends with her. However, Freya just ignored them. 

'How did she find a partner though?' 

As if sensing her confusion, Freya chuckled, "Hahaha, he's just a new friend."

Gia didn't buy it. 

"Really?" 

"Uhuh, he's a rather weird friend, I suppose."

"Really?"

"Why are you always suspicious?"

Gia cleared her voice and spoke, "Your mom tasked me to protect you from all men."

"Tch, that's why you don't have a boyfriend."

Gia was about to yell when a call abruptly interrupted their conversation. She picked up the watch and passed it to Freya, who's already done picking which dress she'll wear. 

"Hello, this is Freya Taylor."

—"How are you doing?" 

Just hearing his voice made her frown. However, the man on the other line is seemingly unaware of his actions.

"I'm good but you ruined it, Michael." 

The man, Michael burst into laughter. 

—"Ohohoho, I'm worried about you and you can't appreciate it. That's unfair."

Nonetheless, Freya had enough of his antics and went straight to the point. 

"Why did you call me? I'm busy."

—"Yes, I was wondering if you wanted to be my partner. Don't wor—" 

Freya interrupted his words.

"I already have a partner so back off."

—"..."

"..."

—"Who's that guy?" 

This time Michael's voice became cold. 

"You don't have to know."

—"Tell me his name."

Freya straightened her back and glanced at Gia before signaling her to leave the room. 

"Michael, I'm telling you this now. Don't touch him or I will kill you myself."

—"Huh? Yo, yo, yo, stopped right there. I'm just kidding! How about you tell me where he liv—?" 

Freya did not bother to listen anymore and threw the watch on the wall breaking it to pieces. Soon, violet mana surrounded her hand before vanishing as if it didn't exist. 

If Hans was here, he would definitely recognize it. 

...….. 

5:00 PM. 

Philadelphia, USA. 

Inside a private hotel. 

Hans trudged through the room where Freya and he were supposed to meet. Seeing no other presence beside him, he went by the mirror and tidied himself. 

For the Gathering, he wore a slim fit dark-colored tuxedo, maroon tie, and brown shoes. His long blonde hair was neatly cut into a perm hairstyle, dyed with a blue violet color. He also wore glasses for style and slight makeup to hide his mole and scar. 

The men's perfume added to his allure but there's no one in the room to appreciate it. 

"What do you think?"

[Hmm… basic formal attire. No finesse or charm. It looks like I'm seeing a man going to an interview rather tha—] 

"Tch."

Hans sat on the soft couch and waited in the room for 5 more minutes before the door opened. 

"You're lat—" 

The moment Freya entered the room, Hans halted in his steps. He's not stunned but rather just overwhelmed by the charm she emitted which made him speechless. 

Freya, followed by another woman, entered the room silently. It looks like they teleported to the door. 

As she walked towards the living room, her dress fluttered with the air. She wore a light blue casual ruffled dress that reached her knees. For Hans, it was a simple dress but he did not complain. With this, they wouldn't stand out. 

"How are you doing?" Hans asked cheerfully. 

As she was uncomfortable having her friend watch to the side, Freya answered stuttering, "I-I'm good. You look different." 

"Am I? Well, look at you, gorgeous."

"I-is that so?" 

Hans' eyes darted towards the other woman who seemed to be looking at him with razor sharp eyes. 

'Why does she look mad?' 

This should be their first time meeting. 

The woman leaned to Freya and whispered something. Freya gradually smiled and stared at Hans with a sultry grin. 

Feeling out of the conversation, Hans shifted the topic. 

"So Uhm, when are we gonna leave?"

Even now, Hans had no idea where the Gathering would take place. It was said it would be announced once it starts so the participants would be able to arrive at the venue much safer. 

"Six, I guess." 

As they waited for an hour, an old man suddenly teleported in front of them. Instinctively, Hans raised his hand and took a defensive stance out of habit. 

Freya, meanwhile, was calm. She already sensed that space spell from 60 miles away. What's more, this old man was too weak to be a threat to her. 

"I am the one task for sending Miss Freya and Mr. Hansel to the venue."

Freya looked at Hans and assured them it was okay. She stared at the old man and leaked out some of her mana.

"You appear here without telling us. Don't you think it's rude?" 

The pressure was so intense that Hans could even feel the space being bent. But even so, it's not as heavy as what the old man was experiencing right now. 

The old man fell on his knees and struggled to get up, "Ms. Taylor, m-my teleportation device failed. My apologies."

Hearing his words, Freya shifted her gaze back to Hans. Meanwhile, Hans rolled his eyes as if he didn't notice her. 

"You have the same reason as that guy." Freya pointed at Hans who's whistling in embarrassment. 

"Sigh, don't do that again if you want to prolong your life."

The old man nodded. The sweats on his forehead won't stop oozing down. He's an A-class Awakened but he can't even lift his head towards this woman. 

What a terrifying existence indeed.

"Y-yes ma'am." 

......…. 

6:21 PM. 

Broooom—

5 motorcycles parked 2 miles away from the venue. They lifted their helmets revealing 5 men wearing demon masks. 

One of the guys pulled a red plain stone from his inventory and signaled all of them to start. 

They formed a circular position with the stone in the middle. 

Together, they chanted. 

The words that came out from their mouths sounded gibberish, but even then, the stone suddenly moved by itself. It emitted a short peach colored light before it was buried underground. 

The five men exchange meaningful glances before proceeding to leave. The sound of engines roaring throughout the place immediately disappeared together with the five men.