Jason's Offer

Kyle was a C-class Tank, a man whose job was to tank attacks and taunt the enemy. 

The Dark Knight's mount could trample shields and barriers whenever it wanted to. It was natural for him to curse as he'll be left passive, unable to utilize his skills at all. 

"Huh? I thought it was a strong monster. Kyle, why are you frowning? Are you afraid perhaps?" 

Hearing Jason's words, Kyle's face turned red as he held back his light anger. If not for the Dark Knight being a counter monster for tankers, he wouldn't need to stand idly like how Hans was doing in the back. 

Although he sensed the change in Kyle's attitude, Jason didn't care about it, but instead immediately pounced on the charging monster. 

Shring—

Shuck—

Hans' eyes widened, unable to understand what was going on. 

'What happened?' 

Jason pulled his sword in a quick draw and the moment he blinked, the Dark Knight's head already decapitated. No blood came, just its head fell to the ground. The mount didn't even get to neigh as its skeletal body was sliced into pieces. 

Jason appeared behind these monsters, his blade slowly going inside its sheath. 

'It's… fast.'

So fast that he couldn't even see what happened. Hans knew himself that his stats were not yet at B-class, probably just slightly above C, but even then, he could confidently say that he could kill a B-rank monster alone and can also kill a C-class monster in one strike. 

But as fast as this. 

'Is Jason already at max level B-class?' 

Aside from that, Hans couldn't ponder any conclusion to this insane movement speed. A speed even faster than any he fought. 

"No way! you sliced it like cake dude." 

Everyone dumbfounded stared at the bone remnants with a hint of admiration etched on their faces. Even Kyle had his mouth agape, amazed at the clean killing spectacle. 

'So this is what a true B-class looks like.'

Hans thought B-class Awakened is just so-so after killing the Naga monster back at the trial dungeon. But now, his viewpoint has changed. Jason was so strong that it gave him cold shivers. 

However, the person in question was completely unbothered. Jason raised his hand and signaled the team to move forward. 

"That was clean, man."

"It's nothing much."

"You tryna be sarcastic? My C-class rank was hurt by your words." 

Shortly, 7 more Dark Knights appeared in the dimly lit place. This time Jason didn't make a move and just let others kill these humanoid monsters. 

First, the tanker taunts the 7 monsters. Although their purpose was pretty much useless, the tanker still has a skill for taunting. 

Kyle and Wayne held their own grounds, their shields up above their chin. Kyle calmly waited for the moment when the monsters were focused on them before signaling his teammates to blow their full firepower. 

The start of counterattacks. 

"Ice Chains!!!" 

"Ground break!!!" 

"Whirlwind Slash!!!" 

Now begin the real hunt. There's no turning back. 

Kyle roared with a powerful taunt. 

"COME HERE, YOU SKELETON BASTARDS!!!" 

In response to his cries, the 7 dark knights swarmed towards his position. 

Neighhh—

Neighhh—

The horse splashed the water on its way towards the team. After arriving at Kyle's range, the dark knights trusted their lances, trying to kill the humans who invaded their land. 

But they were met by a barrage of magic skills. The team's firepower rained upon their souls. 

Kkkuuuaahh—

Neighhh —

The Dark Knights roared in pain and agony of their souls burning to ashes. As part of the agreement, Hans watched the battle from behind. The teamwork was unorganized but they somehow managed to make it work. And Kyle, he's the real MVP in this battle. 

"I'll lure them to the side!!! Prepare a stun skill before they hit me!!!" 

"Yes, I got it!!!" 

"I need 10 seconds for 'Ice Lock'!!" 

Hans stood in the rear frustrated as he imagined himself fighting those dark knights by himself. 

'But at least I'm receiving exp.'

All people inside the dungeon would automatically be connected. Once a monster was killed the exp would be divided depending on the number of contributions. Even though he's just standing there, Hans was still receiving a small amount of exp. 

'Sigh—, damn, I wish I could fight too.'

Although pushed by his desire, Hans suppressed the urge to join the hunt. Fortunately, he completely stopped himself, or else he'd just join in the fun. 

'Kyle seemed to be giving his all.' 

Every now and then, Kyle's deep but loud voice would just suddenly reverberate. Hans scanned each Dark Knight's movement and detected several weak spots the group could have attacked. Unfortunately, no one noticed as they were busy channeling their skills. 

"What do you think of their teamwork Hans?" 

It was Jason. He leaned sideways as he spoke. 

"Hmm, they are good."

"Better than your former team?" 

"..." 

"Alright, alright, I'm just kidding."

The battle continued its show until it reached the grand climax. 

"Wayne, let's combine our taunts!!! Hendrick, protect the mages!! Farah, Caleb, don't hit it in the body, hit its head!!!" 

"Got that!!!" 

"Ada, Roy, get to the rear!!" 

"Yes sir!!" 

"Dan, you're wounded! Get behind the healers!!!" 

"Kyle, it's just a small wound. I can still handle it." 

"You think we're done here!? These are not the only monsters we need to fight!! Don't be fucking stubborn and start obeying orders!!!" 

"Fine."

Hans had seen many types of leaders who varied in techniques and styles. Kyle, however, was one of those guys who seemed like a veteran on giving the right orders. Compared to the chaotic styles of the individual Awakened, these teams can be said to be pretty decent at least. 

'Kyle, I didn't think he had this talent.'

Hans looked over to the three close combat fighters attacking the right side. Due to the aggro being focused on the tanks, their job was pretty much easier than any other here. The three sliced the leg of the mount and swung their sword to its head. 

'Their swords are at least B-class quality.'

Aside from having a good set of skills in the arsenal, good equipment was also a factor to determine whether one is strong enough. An A-class holding an SS-rank item can probably kill an S-class Awakened. 

[Uhh, Hans, can I ask something?] 

Hearing a familiar voice in his head, Hans mutteringly replied, "Go on."

[Why are they using swords?] 

"Huh? Swords are good, you know." 

[No, I mean… there are many practical weapons out there like for long reach they could have used a spear or bo staff for better control.]

Hans' eyes flickered confusedly, "Haah, how am I supposed to know? Swords are awakeners favorite." With a wave of his hand, Hans blocked the small rock flying to his position, "Besides, swords are cool and people also seem to love them." 

[It just… it hurts my eyes seeing those 3 fighters swinging their swords without slight coordination.]

As if he wanted to confirm Plundy's words, Hans observed the three. Their movements are swift but their stances are truly subpar. 

[Their stances are utter garbage. I don't know what those sword grandmasters would think if they saw this.]

Indeed, Plundy's right. After observing them meticulously, Hans knew the problem. It's like they were hacking something instead of cutting it. 

'Well, I have no right to judge. I don't use swords after all.'

As if sensing his gaze, the three moved their eyes to Hans and gave a smug smirk. Hans giggled at their antics. 

'They might have mistaken my gaze as a sign of amazement.'

Unfortunately, he's not astonished at all in the slightest but rather he's getting frustrated he couldn't kill those monsters instead. 

Yielding under their prideful gazes, Hans returned a small but polite salute. Hopefully, they'd stop staring at him now. 

Neigh —

Kuuuaahhh—

Nonetheless, the battle was nearing the outcome. Three control skills captured the remaining dark knights. It was followed by a quick and clean kill coming from the other damaged dealers. With that, the battle has come to an end. 

"Haah—, thank god." 

"Pant—, pant—, should we, haah, rest first?" 

"My mana reserves were only half. Let's rest here first."

Hans and Jason exchanged affirmative glances before nodding in agreement. They walked towards the panting group and offered bottles of water. 

"Everyone did a good job."

Jason complimented their battle as he stood with a smile, his hand rested on his hips. 

"Hehe, it's nothing much compared to you."

"Then we'll take your compliment."

"Anyways, can I get another water? I'm very thirsty."

Watching the team rest for a while, Jason approached Kyle. 

"Man, why didn't you say you're a talented leader?" 

"Hmm?" 

"You commanded the team like a veteran."

"I take that as a compliment."

Jason caressed the hair falling to his eyes, "No, I mean you're good but it would be cooler if you were further trained."

"Heh, I know where you are going, Jason." Kyle sat on the floor and leaned at the large tomb, "I'm sorry but I refuse." 

Jason sat beside him as well, "You're offended earlier, right? Is it bec—" 

"No, no, not that." Kyle hastily denied him, "I don't want to be bound to a guild for now. I like this carefree lifestyle."

"Is that so? What a pity." Jason frowned upon his reply, prompting him to shake his head. 

After a 15 minute break, the team began to move. And as they venture deeper, Jason kills the enemies on the way most of the time. Of course, it's so that the team wouldn't be delayed. 

Other than that, the raid was going well. 

Clack, clack—

Footsteps continued to ring to the ears as they reached the path midway. 

"That's weird."

Hendrick, who had been silent until now, voiced rather odd words. 

"Since this place is abandoned by a necromancer, how strong do you think that necromancer would be?" 

"A-class probably? Why even ask?" 

"I'm curious."

"Dungeons have history but this one shouldn't be complicated. Perhaps the necromancer thinks his summons are just weak or maybe he's bored?" 

Hans listened idly to the rear. As Hendrick already said, even Hans was quite bothered by this. He once saw on television a dungeon history unfold. Sometimes, experts even used this as a clue in how to measure the dungeon's difficulty. 

'But why is it abandoned? Could it be…' 

From the strange movements of those dark knights all the way to the enemies they killed along the way, pieces of bricks slowly build inside his mind. A smirk formed on his lips. 

If what he guessed is correct, then he already knew what to expect. 

'Seems like the fun is not over yet.'

As long as everyone makes a wrong move, this team… will surely be wiped out. 

"Now, now stop asking questions and shut up."

In the meantime, Hans was inside his own world when suddenly he felt someone nudged into his elbow. 

"Why are you smiling like a crazy bum?" Kyle asked. 

"No, I just remembered something fun."

"Oh really? Tell me. I'm getting bored walking."

Hans shook his head and displayed a 'if you say so' expression, "Hmm… what would happen if a cat mother abandoned her kittens in the middle of the jungle."

"Err, the kittens became an orphan?" 

[Bruh.]

"Bruh."

"I mean nothing will happen right?" Kyle broke into a soft giggle. 

"Sigh, I'm just using a substitute. Never mind you wouldn't understand."

"Then tell me some clues."

"They'd sought revenge."

"Oh, I see… revenge tropes huh?" 

"Nevermind, it looks like we're here."

The team arrived in an ample space much larger than any they have seen. In the center of the place stood a large door covered in green vines and spider webs with a large skull hanging on the top. 

"This should be the boss."

"You mean the boss is inside?" 

"You think there's no boss inside?" 

The group exchanged words as their eyes swept around the surroundings. Hans, however, remained indifferent. His eyes were looking at the moving corpse in the shadows. But he didn't need to move as it seems Jason also noticed. 

"Ada, throw a light there."

Ada nodded, generated a ball of light from her hands before throwing it to where Jason was pointing his finger. 

"Holy!!" 

"Shit… what was that?" 

Everyone jolted back in surprise. 

A corpse was walking staggeringly at their location. But the only thing they were surprised about was… 

"Is that… a human?" 

The corpse was clearly a human. Although it's hard to indicate if it's a man or not, nonetheless, it's still a human. 

Jason raised his hand, signaling his teammates to halt in their tracks as he slowly approached the corpse. 

Shring—

Slashing his sword to the corpse's head, Jason made a quick kill. The headless zombie fell to the ground powerlessly. 

"Seems like it's a false alarm."

"Damn, haha, my anxiety was at its peak."

"Whew, I thought it was a strong one. But seriously, why is there a human here? Did someone come before us?" 

"Now, now let's go inside the boss room. There's no point staying here."

"We might as well do that."

Jason walked to the door and placed his hand on top of it. He scratched his neck, turned towards Hans, and spoke. 

"Sigh, Hans, the boss monster will be dangerous for you."

The team nodded their heads in agreement. 

"... So I suggest, why don't you stay here for a while while we kill the boss monster inside? Don't worry, I'll give you 2 Million after the raid."