Reinforcement

An unknown object hovering above the skies will certainly arouse people's attention. Well, before the 'apocalypse' even began, this mysterious object will be labeled as UFO.

That's right. The spaceship of the so-called aliens with a green body and large eyes. Well, as time goes by, the UFOs might just be real at all.

Shu—

Hans raised his head, dazed at the massive size of this UFO thingy. If put into words its diameter is enough to cover all of his eyes' peripheral vision.

'About more than 50 miles wide?'

It might be a little exaggerated in his opinion, even Hans can't believe what his brain is telling him.

"L-look!!!"

"Huh?! Wait, why is it getting dark?"

"A-above!!! I-it's"

As if following his actions, everyone in the vicinity stiffly raised their heads above. Just like how Hans' reacted, the people also displayed surprised expressions on their faces.

"What is that?"

"UFO?"

Although seeing the massive object floating mid-air, none of them panic. If one is an Awakened, seeing supernatural phenomenon is like a normal and daily occurrence. Though civilians aren't included as almost all of them began running away in sight.

Even though supernaturals are quite common in today's era, the anxiety still couldn't be lifted on their shoulders.

Who wouldn't be afraid of the unknown?

Hans watched this in trance before shifting his gaze towards the floating window in front of him. Since the object is not moving, it is better to look at his status first.

[Level: 5]

Since he leveled up to 5, he got 32 unused stats. As expected, he got twice as much as a normal awakener can get.

'How do I distribute this?'

It might be too much if he put it more in the strength stat. Also, his gut feeling tells him not to put it there.

'Forget it, I'll just divide it equally.'

After deciding on where to invest these points, Hans reflexively lifted his hand and tapped the '+' button beside where his agility and stamina stats are.

[Agility: 10 > 20

Stamina: 10 > 20]

'And…'

As for the remaining 12, Hans distributed all of it to his mana. This way, his skill would last much longer.

[Strength: 30 Agility: 20

Stamina: 20 Mana: 22]

'Much better.'

Strength corresponds to physical power but for some reason, Hans felt bothered by this simple explanation His senses are telling him there's more to it than he knows.

Back then, these 4-dimensional attributes were explained thoroughly. They say it's a simple thing; strength, stamina, agility... Hans can basically get the gist of it.

As for why he's in dilemma? When he fought the coated woman yesterday, the pain which should have immobilized him didn't work. She's a bonafide peak D-Class already nearing at C. At first, Hans thought that the woman is going easy on him but he gradually realized that his body seems like a rock. Hans tried pondering any possible answers until he came to one plausible conclusion.

'Strength not only strengthen power but also my body's natural defense.'

This is why Hans concludes that the other 3 stats might be the same. Thus, he divided all his unused stats into each. But it was still hard to tell the difference between before and after.

It felt nothing at all.

Unlike what he expected, he didn't feel the overflowing energy that will make him say 'I feel like I can punch a mountain' or 'This my first step to invincibility'—something like that.

"Novels and movies really exaggerated."

Hans couldn't help but chuckle in his remarks. If one looks at Hans's face, he'll also see the disappointment written all over his face.

'Sigh— Well, I'll just discover it on the way.'

Unfortunately, there is a commotion currently happening that's why he hadn't had time to observe any other changes. Hans gave his status window one final glance before closing it immediately.

'Now, why is it loud?'

Due to the loud noises ringing to his ears, Hans forced his stiff neck to turn, to see what this is all about. Hans' vision caught one guy chattering nonsenses, his eyes fixed on the object hovering above their heads.

"G-guys, am I the only one who can see that this thing is moving down?"

"Hah— You're tired, dude. Rest first."

"B-but."

Hearing the man's problem, Hans' pupil constricted. Now that Hans knows what they're arguing about, he tried raising his head to confirm this. His eyes concentrated on the sole object, not bothered by the increasing voices of the people.

Hans silently alternated his gaze between the mysterious object and the ground before slowly stepping backward.

'It's moving!!'

And it's not moving slow. Perhaps it's because the object is too high and almost covered his vision, he assumed it's not moving at all. He looked around the area, trying to find if there's any escape route he can run unto.

Then suddenly, a loud metal sound ring in from above. Hans didn't bother to look at it and proceeded to run for his life.

[Body Enhancement]

Hans added the skill resulting in increased speed and stamina. Thankfully, he ran sneakily, or else others will be surprised at how fast he can run.

But unfortunately…

'It's too far.'

The area where the object wouldn't hit is like 25 miles away. Although his speed might have increased, it's not enough to outrun this thing.

'We're finished?'

Even the B-class Awakened, Johnny, didn't bother to escape and just quietly waited for death to come.

'Why did New York become a survival game?!!'

He thought angrily. Knowing that it's pointless to escape anymore, Hans running figure gradually slowed down. He flopped down to a small rock near a broken car and placed his hand inside his jeans pocket.

Sigh—

'Ha, haha this time I have this.'

Hans carefully observed the box and sadly gave out a small smile. It was a box of tobacco.

Well, now he wouldn't have any regrets right?

After pulling out a box of tobacco from his pocket, Hans picks up one piece.

"I told you it's moving!!!"

"W-we're going to die!!!!?"

"Ahhhhhhh!!!!"

"Kuuuuuaaaahhh!!!"

Hans set his jaw and stared at others having a panic attack and in disarray.

'Probably 10 seconds.'

He then lift his lighter and lit the cigarette in his mouth.

Puff—

The white smoke covered his face as the cold wind caresses his pale cheeks.

'So then, I guess that's it.'

Woosh—

Soon, his vision gradually became dark as the object finally hits the ground.

BOOOOOMMM!!!!

...…..

'Can you breathe if you're dead?'

It took time for him to realize that death is not beside him. Hans's eyebrow fluttered as his blocked sight slowly opened. The gleaming light of the sun hit his face with the cigarette continuously emitting white smoke in the cold air.

He's alive. No, not just him, others also survived.

No matter how confused he is, Hans stayed silent. Since he had thought about his choices for a long while, he has become accustomed to death following wherever he goes.

Though others were not like him.

"W-we didn't die!!!!??"

"Oh thank god, thank god!!!"

"Honey, we're alive."

Everyone's eyes were filled with tears as the heavy weight on their shoulders was finally lifted. Who wouldn't be happy to be alive? Even Hans let out a sigh of relief knowing that he lived for many tomorrow's to come.

No one would have thought that all of these people already experienced what death feels like.

What's more, they successfully escaped it.

"Looks like you're all doing well."

It was then, a voice interrupted their thoughts.

"I'm sorry for the ruckus. Well, I have no choice…"

It was Aegeus. He lift his hand and scratched his neck in embarrassment.

'Damn, this guy is late.' Hans inwardly said.

Now that he thinks about it, Aegeus seemed different. Hans swept his gaze from top to bottom and confirmed his suspicions.

'Tattered clothes, bloodied knuckles, and a large cut on his knee…'

Almost all of them can tell he came freshly from a battle. His hidden aura remained silent as if a beast is waiting for his prey. Not only that but he was also equipped with a black-colored hammer on his right hand.

'Hammer!!?'

Wait, is it possible that…?

Hans's pupils quickly narrowed in this inkling feeling. That is why he raised his head and couldn't help but voice his thoughts out.

"By any chance, is the object from the sky…?

"Oh, it was my hammer."

Hans's eyes bug out in surprise. Although he already expected it, hearing it directly was a different experience.

"Then how did we survive?"

Hans asked once again. This time, a little politely. What if he suddenly angers this man? Moreover, he also wants to know how can they be alive after that massive hammer hits the ground.

Shouldn't they be squashed?

"Ah, this?" Aegeus raised his weapon slightly, "My hammer is special, you see." before letting out a cheeky grin.

At the same time, he threw the hammer with force towards Hans's face.

Swoosh—

'Wha—'

Caught off guard, Hans subconsciously blocked his face with his hands. His eyes reflexively closed in trepidation, waiting for the hammer to hit.

But no strike came.

"Haha, frightened?"

Hans opened his eyes with a rueful expression etched on his face. He looked behind him and saw destroyed cars and buildings which was thrown away by the strength of the hammer.

"You see…" As if waiting for something, Aegeus stretch his hand out.

Shu—

The hammer went back to his palm.

"…my weapon doesn't hit anyone I don't consider an enemy."

"…"

"Anyways, we should leave now. It's too dangerous out here."

Aegeus firmly ordered as he signaled his hands to wave. Everyone exchanged meaningful glances, relieved at the fact that Aegeus was here now.

Shortly, everyone started galloping towards the highway as they headed to the nearest safe zone, Aegeus know.

Though it would be a long walk, as long as this guy is here everything's gonna be okay, right?

Only Hans was left in there, slowly contemplating about life.

'Man, he looks like Thor in the myths.'

Hans giggled silently.

...

Nowadays, awakeners make money by raiding dungeons and finding relics in forbidden lands.

Then how about those S-Class and SS-Class? What if no dungeon can accommodate their needs? After all, blue-colored dungeons (A-class) were rare, let alone an indigo (S-class) one.

Well, sometimes they do sponsorship, commercials, and other forms of entertainment where they appear on TV.

But their favorite job is doing freelancing.

Accepting orders like mercenaries are their specialties. Not only it makes more money, but they also get to have special privileges as well.

That is why they are here.

... though this time, it's for a different reason.

....

LaGuardia Airport.

A private plane with azure lotus designs on its wings successfully landed on the ground. The closed door made a swishing sound as it opened slowly in elegance.

Step—, step—

A loud step rings from the stairs revealing a figure of a tall man. His hair is gray, with large tattoos attached to his shoulder. He's wearing nothing in above and long blue pants together with black-colored shoes.

Next behind him, are a man and a woman. Though they seem identical which will make other think that they were twins.

Well, technically they are twins.

And lastly, a woman steps outside the plane. Her long azure hair extended to her back partnered with her graceful body and almost perfect sculpted face. She stood there elegantly wearing a short light blue dress with a small lotus design attached to the back.

This woman carefully steps down from the stairs leaving a trail of cold breeze from behind. The woman lowered her eyes and hastily inquired.

"Is he in Manhattan?"

"Yes, ma'am."

After hearing her guard's response, the woman halted her steps and shifted her gaze to where Manhattan is located.

Only her gorgeous blue eyes remained in warmth; her entire body slowly freezes the wind as it swiftly vanished into the cold air.