One-Month Plan
At Arthur's residence in Pasay City.
A mansion glimmered, overcasting the nearby mansions that boasted an identical appearance to his residence.
Despite having similar mansions with 150,000 square meter area to his neighborhood in this Engranda Subdivision, Arthur's mansion was richly decorated with luxury cars and 24/7 security personnel stationed at each corner.
The subdivision primarily leases to prominent individuals and distinguished awakened, guaranteeing high-level security.
On the rear of the subdivision, there was a space for private jets where lessees could depot their jets for convenient departure in case of unexpected monster invasions.
For this reason, the jets were ready for departure at any time.
Arthur skipped going through his mansion and directly headed to the depot, hopping off his limousine right after.
'January 31, 2033. 10:03 in the evening.', Arthur checked the time.
Every month, a key fragment would appear somewhere on the Earth. Its location varied every month and there was no means to predict its next location.
It could only be found by fate or could never be discovered at all.
And now, on the February 1st, the first S-grade key fragment would appear.
'In Dufan at Jakarta, Indonesia. I should get ready to face a returnee soon.'
As its discovery was a widespread event, Arthur expected a returnee to come after the key fragment as well.
After all, no S-grade portals exist at the present.
Securing the key fragment guaranteed a safe dungeon hunting ground thus a faster leveling pace.
For that reason, he departed early on and planned to get the item right after its appearance.
"Young master, the private jet is ready to depart.", Echo strode towards his way upon scanning the private jet and calling for a pilot.
"I have also prepared the herb as you requested.", Echo added.
As he had no means to fight against the other returnees with raw power yet, Arthur could only hope to trick his way into obtaining the item.
"We will depart by 10:20", Arthur added as he then proceeded inside the private jet.
Echo followed suit after contacting the office of Arthur's father. He relayed about Arthur's sudden flight which was a norm for Arthur.
"Yes, the Young Master once again wishes to have a trip to another country. The awakening must be too intimidating to the young master."
"The place? The young master wants to visit an amusement park."
-----
A minute after their departure, Echo filled the glass of Arthur with a Mojito of little alcohol content. A small serving of rice and adobo viand was placed on his neat table.
Arthur ate his dinner, drawn into the palatable savory, bringing out his harsh times during the Ten Countries Era when cooking and condiments were relatively luxurious.
With survival on the line, they never had time for indulgence.
Looking at Arthur satiating his hunger, Echo relayed the response of the office of his father.
Apparently, his father was locked in his basement for a week now.
"He is busy crafting another item again, isn't he?", Arthur asked.
"That is right, young master. But don't worry, I have relayed your intention to acquire the SS-grade item, Blood Burst.", Echo responded.
Arthur expected much from his Father.
Before regression, he was engrossed in crafting items, making the Arthur before to dislike him.
'But that rather insensitive of me'
After undergoing 8th tribulations, Arthur realized the necessity of higher-grade items. And his father who was renowned to be the strongest blacksmith was highly sought after.
He never stopped crafting items, with SSS-grade product goals in mind.
'However, he never reached such a goal.'
Having fully grasped the situation, Arthur nodded his head in affirmation.
'He is not dismayed?', Echo pondered as in pure contrast to his expectation, Arthur was quite accepting this time.
Before, slight dismay involuntary plastered in his face. Echo ensured to assert himself that Arthur was now 18 years old, he was no longer the child he was.
"Sorry, young master.", Echo bowed his head, loathing himself for treating Arthur like a child.
Arthur just tilted his head and before he could speak, Echo began delivering another news.
It was mainly about his delaying of his awakening which triggered an eruption of dismay and loathing from Filipino citizens.
Arthur just brushed it off.
In his mind, his goal was set. He didn't want to waste time on nuisances.
Even before regression, he had received three hostility and death threats. The child he was, he battled tooth with tooth.
"Enough with trivial things. Take a rest, Mr. Echo.", Arthur urged Echo to relax in his seat after clearing the table.
Arthur himself went to his private room and indulged in his goals.
"First, I must recall the notable dates in the future.", Arthur then marked the calendar app on his phone with crucial dates to remember.
"In a month, the third challenge would happen. I don't have that much time to prepare..."
Arthur felt at ease by the fact that the third challenge was relatively easy to survive as long as one knew the areas to avoid.
Recalling the forceful establishment of the guild in the future, Alab knew that he had to secure the strongest awakened.
With that, as reluctant as he might be, he needed to secure the strong and only SSS-grade support in the existence of humanity.
"The 11th ranker, Alicia."
She was the same human who died during the monster stampede in the Ten Countries Era in the blade of the speed-type SSS-grade humanoid monster.
Support-type awakens are also rare in nature. There was no other S to SSS-grade awakened support past his regression.
If something, her foul mouth made Arthur reluctant to scout her.
"However, having her in a guild guarantees a top spot in the guild battle... Even securing the victory", Arthur muttered.
Steeling his mind to scout her, Arthur kept in mind to ask Echo to locate her coordinates.
"I don't know where she lives but it could only be in one of the 10 countries remaining in the Ten Countries Era.", he murmured.
Arthur then began drawing his plans on the whiteboard before him.
There comprised his one-month plan as preparation for the third challenge, along with his plans fo the upcoming years.
There was also a list of SS-grade and S-grade awakened who survived and became renowned in the 6-8th tribulations.
And lastly, Arthur took note of his pressing opponents...
"The other returnees..."
Arthur scrambled through his mind to remember their whereabouts, power, strengths, and weaknesses.
He also took note of their scouting prowess, aiming to assess measures against them...
"After all, they will be scouting the talented individuals as well... Encountering them might be closer than I imagined.", Arthur reckoned.
At this point, a gentle knock resounded on his door.
Alab took a picture of his notes and then cleared the whiteboard with any marking.
Satisfied with his preparation, Arthur pulled open the door.
"Young master, we have arrived at our destination.", Echo greeted Arthur with a light bow.
Peeking through the glass pane, a cheerful amusement park in a close distance filled his sight.
Two hours went unnoticed since their departure.
The moment the clock hit midnight, a worldwide announcement greeted the citizens of Earth.
[The first S-grade key fragment has materialized on Earth.]
The battle for the S-grade key fragment now commenced...