The Damned Lost in The Fire

 "Now, what should we do about this mess?" David asked, "Wouldn't it be best to leave this dungeon and report everything to the association?" The healer asked, "We need to close the dungeon first," Winter explained, "W-wait! Are you planning on fighting the boss on your own?!" David asked, outraged that someone like Winter would do that, but then he remembered what had just happened, "Well, now that I've seen your skills, I won't stop you," he calmed down significantly. Bodies littered the floor, and bloody puddles in the rocks were everywhere, as if it had rained blood for the past few minutes. "I do wish we could give all these guys a proper funeral. How unfortunate," David sighed, looking around. Winter pulled his dagger out from Kang, and began to accept his rewards. "I've obtained Kang's skill? I hope I can do this with everyone I kill," Winter thought to himself, quite excited to get more skills. "Winter, Jean and I will head out first and contact the association," David explained, "We'll be waiting for you outside, please be quick," she added. "It won't take long," Winter replied, sighing in relief.

 Defeating the hobgoblin boss wasn't much of a challenge, David and Jean left the dungeon first to tell the surveillance agent about the recent events. When she realized that there had been a major accident, she immediately notified the high-ups. With impressive timing, senior agents arrived at the scene. "How long has it been since the dungeon was cleared?" River asked, fixing his tie. "About twenty minutes, sir," The young agent replied. "Forty minutes left... That should be enough for our investigation and retrieving the bodies," River turned to his partner. "Did the survivors clear the dungeon?" He asks, "Yes," she replied walking beside him, now. "So that bastard Kang was contracted to kill all other raiders? If what we've been told is true, then the raiders would've tried to leave behind the dead bodies. But, instead, they purposefully sealed off the dungeon," River thought to himself. "That means they have something to hide," he added, walking up to the three survivors. "Winter Jr. Throndsen?" River thought, noticing Winter just standing around with his hoodie up. "Is he really the same person in the pictures? He's changed so much in a few years," River thought to himself. "Winter, we will meet again," he warned. "Ah, you're the agent from-" Winter began- "Yes, my name is Agent River. I'm the manager of the surveillance team," River explained, "It looks like one of our agents caused a major problem. We'll issue an official apology once we've gathered all the facts and evidence. A thorough investigation will be conducted by the investigation team, not the surveillance team," River explained to the three.

 "This is no time to feel proud of myself for defeating Kang, a B-rank agent," Winter thought to himself," I didn't realize this until now, but this guy is strong," He added, seeing the fire-like aura River possessed. "As a surveillance agent, I came down here to ask you all a few questions about what happened," River calmly stated. "He's definitely A-rank, or higher," Winter thought to himself. "At your current level, you wouldn't stand a chance against him," Ultima warned, "Would that be okay? With your cooperation, we'll be able to get to the bottom of this matter quickly," River explained, "Yes, we'll cooperate," Winter nods. "Then let me be straightforward. Who killed the B-rank agent, Kang?" River asks, bluntly. "I can't hide the fact that I've grown stronger any longer. This might become a problem with Cyrus," Winter thought, sighing. "It was me," David stepped forward. "I'm the one who killed Kang," he spoke first, "Pardon me for asking, but what is your rank, sir?" River asks, "I'm a C-rank," David explained. "How did a C-rank like you defeat a B-rank?" River asked, confused. "Can't you see who's standing behind me?" David asked him, pointing at Jean. "I suppose you could've beaten a B-rank if you had support," River mumbled, "Kang was an enigma to all of us on the surveillance team as well. Compared to the other B-ranks, his skills were exceptional. Is a c-rank mage, a b-rank healer, and an E-rank mythic really capable of beating a guy like that?" He thought to himself. "Anyway, please come with us. You'll be helping us write up a report on this case," River continued with protocol.

 "Uncle David, why did you lie?" Winter asked, catching David several minutes after his talk with River. "Winter, I trust that you have reason for hiding your true strength. Should I not have lied?" David asked, looking over his shoulder at Winter. "Either way, the investigation can't be avoided. This is the least I can do for my family," he explained, smiling warmly at Winter. "Winter, I highly doubt an E-rank like you was able to defeat a B-rank like Kang," River explained, walking up to Winter. "I don't think it's helpful to suspect you again of being an evolver. However, I'm just letting you know since you won't last long if you're not careful," he added as he pulled his sunglasses off, "Sorry? What do you mean by that?" Winter asks with a tilted head, "The incident where Bobby's squad was wiped out. You were the only survivor, but the problem is, Bobby's younger brother, Billy Bob. Chances are, you now have a target on your back," River warned, "Are you talking about the S-rank Mythic?" Winter asks with wide eyes, "Yes, I have no interest in what actually happened. What's important is that you, Winter, were the only survivor of a shady raid," River began, "We cannot enforce the law on S-rank Mythics," he continued his warning, "They are both miraculous and catastrophic beings," River explained. He slipped his sunglasses back on his face, "I suggest you lie low, because a monster feared by other monsters might be on the hunt for you-" he warned- "If possible, it might even be a good idea to leave the country along with your loved ones," River suggested. Three hours later, during the investigation into Kang's murder-for-hire case, David turned himself in and their actions were deemed as self-defense.

 Winter began his long drive home, getting late into the afternoon. "Now, I have another reason to become stronger," Winter thought, squeezing on the wheel of the car. "S-rank Mythic, Billy. I have to hurry up and become even stronger. That's the only way I'll survive," he thought, as the clouds passed over him. The next day came, and Winter had already begun raiding instant dungeons, and normal dungeons alongside each other. With frightening efficiency, he grew at least 5 levels in each dungeon. Deeper within the city, another building was at work. A man sat at his desk and typed away at his computer, a middle-aged man with pronounced cheekbones, brown eyes, and a friendly face. Business attire, "T-take a look at this, sir!" A man rushed up to his desk, showing papers to Sangmin. "What?! How is one person taking all the C-rank dungeons?" Sangmin asks with surprise. "They've been buying it despite our bids going up to at most half a million dollars!" The first man explained, "We still have some, but every new dungeon that's opening up in the mountains is being bought by this one guy," he continued, showing the certificates on one document. "The rights' holder is Winter Jr. Throndsen? Never heard of him before," Sangmin turned to his computer screen. "I think he's the third son of Winter Throndsen's EWR chairman," the first explained, "We can only imagine why he's buying so many," he continued, "But why would an E-rank be doing that? Using the money in EWR to buy most of the rights. Some kid, taking his hobby too far," Jonah commented. "Chul, isn't Winter Jr. Throndsen the guy who took over EWR's previous chairman?" He asks the other man, "Yes it is," Chul replied. "There's something fishy about this," Sangmin thought to himself. "Everyone, stop what you're doing. Bring me all the information you can find on E-rank Winter Jr. Throndsen! Right now!" Jonah asked on his floor.