Abnormality

[You have killed a Gnoll.] 

[You have killed a Gnoll.] 

[You have killed a Gnoll.] 

The interior of the 2nd layer wasn't different from the previous layer. Even the monsters here were the same as well. But there's also a big difference if one looks at it from a different perspective. Although the monsters were just the same, the strength of the 2nd layer Gnolls compared to the 1st layer were far apart. 

[You have killed a Gnoll.] 

[You have killed a…] 

[You have killed…]

Hans went on a complete rampage, slaying gnolls here and there. Even though their strength was already nearing C-class, it still wasn't enough to be considered as a worthy enemy. 

'The 3rd layer might be a challenge.'

Since the monsters seemed to get stronger layer by layer, he needed to take advantage of this opportunity to hone his combat experience. 

'Just perfect for me.'

Swish —

Agility also boosted his reaction time, coupled with his enhanced perception, Hans easily evaded an arrow. As time went by, he felt the world in his peripheral vision suddenly slowing down. It was to the point where even moving dust could be captured in his line of sight. 

...That is why dodging became as natural as breathing to him.

"Two gnolls behind…" 

Having anticipated the attack, Hans responded with a quick slash as he turned around.

"Above?" 

Another group of gnolls besieged him from above. Hans tightly clenched the dagger and slashed the necks of these monsters instantly. He dashed through the dim corner sweeping the monsters in his range. 

As he sliced through the gnolls neck, the system prompted in his head. 

[You have killed a gnoll.]

[You have killed a gnoll.] 

—

[You have passed the 2nd layer in under 30 minutes.]

[Rewards will be received after clearing the 5th layer.]

'Haah—' 

After confirming the message, Hans groaned in relief. The mobs on the 2nd layer were cleaned up faster than he expected. Hans sheathed his dagger and slid it behind his torso. It looks like it's time to ascend to the next layer now. 

But before that Hans checked his status window first. 

'Status' 

Tr-tring—

[Name: Hans Luther

Age: 23                 Level: 20 (LOCKED)      

Race: Human (94%), ??? (6%)

Potential: ??? 

Strength: 84                

Agility: 55 

Stamina: 50 

Mana: 63

Unused stats: 0

Talent: Unlock at Level 100

Innate Skill: [Endless Plunder (D)] 

Plundered Skill: [Body Enhancement (B)], [Mind's Eye (E)], [Acrobat (D)], [Hide (C)], [Berserk (C)], [Lurk (E)] 

Skill: No skill.

Mana Property: Evil.] 

Although the stats didn't show it, his strength was currently at 168 right now. Even a seasoned C-class didn't have that much. But his gain after the battle was his increase in control. The acrobat skill increases his body control and coordination, nonetheless its rank wasn't enough to carry that amount of strength. 

'I need more control.'

Or else, he might accidentally even kill a human. 

'Hmm, I should go.'

If what he guessed was correct, then surely the monsters on the 3rd layer should be at C-class. 

'Fuu—' 

After taking a deep breath, Hans took the staircase and ascended to the 3rd layer in a flash. 

... 

Dungeon of Trials, 3rd Layer. 

Even though the path is wide and open, Hans didn't let his guard down. Having many experiences in this thriller type of place, he knew every movement he did was already being watched. 

As he slinked through the dark corridor, Hans was met with a giant well. The sound of bubbling water only increases his anxiety. 

'This is making me mad.'

In preparation for the next 3 layers, Hans even delayed his time at the 2nd just so he could condition his mind. Even after all those briefings, the worry and restlessness still washed over his countenance. 

'Calm down.'

It was said that each Awakened has different trials once they enter the dungeon. Well, unless they formed a party, these trials will vary in themes as well but the 5 layer rule will remain. But it seems like his trial was at hell difficulty. 

Hans slapped his cheeks. 

'Come on, I'm better than this.'

It's normal for an Awakened to be anxious in these types of dungeons. Even those SS-Class prayed for their lives the moment they conducted a raid. 

'Haah—' 

For now, his current condition was just enough to maintain his combat readiness. 

Holding the dagger in his hand, Hans dashed forward at high speed. 

Swish—

The eerie and gloomy vibe of the area assaulted his senses as if trying to scare him to death. 

'Damn, where are the monsters?'

This was the type of moment he hated most. For others, this might be thrilling but for Hans, it was horrifying. Thinking about a ghost abruptly showing in his sight, cold sweats oozed from his brow. It was different from fighting a monster and killing it. 

Gulp—

His throat went dry. Although the lighting in the surroundings was much dimmer than the first 2 layers, he had no trouble galloping around at all. 

'Seems like I would prioritize mana stats next huh.' 

He bolted forward, stepping under the rotting bones as they crushed under his feet. He sprinted through as if he could see his surroundings. 

'Why are there so many wells?' 

Cautiously strolling around, he came across two wells 5 times larger than the previous ones. Between these giant wells is a large platform, surrounded by 8 stone poles plunged into the ground. 

'What is this?' 

Could it be that the enemy this time wasn't a gnoll but something else? 

These strange wells further added to his confusion. It was like a scene from a movie, something might suddenly pop up there. To confirm his doubts, Hans took a step forward. Following the previous algorithm, the monsters should only be at C-class. 

'Hmm…' 

Strangely, his perception couldn't sense any life living under. Bewildered, Hans crouched down and picked up a small stone from the floor. He awakened his now purple-red mana, covered the stone, and threw it to the well. 

Plack—

'Huh?' 

Hans narrowed his eyes and threw a stone inside once again. 

Plack—

'Am I hallucinating?' 

No, that's not right. That sound would only be produced when a stone hits another stone. 

'... no water?' 

Hans proceeded to throw stones on the other wells too but all of them also didn't have water inside them. 

'How am I supposed to fight monsters when there are no monsters at all?' 

Unable to know what to do, Hans sat on the ground, his feet crossed in boredom. Perhaps, the monsters were kind of delayed in their arrival because he arrived early. 

'Yes, that must be it.'

And just like that, time passed in a blink of an eye. 

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

No signs of lifeforms showed up. 

"Oh, goodness. How will I get out of here?" 

Hans raised his fingers and circled them on his aching forehead. If not for his self-control, he might have already thrashed around and rampaged from frustration. 

At that moment, a voice rang in his head. 

[Hans, why aren't you advancing?] 

"Hello there, status window." Hans' lifeless voice responded. 

[...] 

"What?" 

[I'm the Endless Plunder, not the status window.] 

"Okay, Plundy."

[...] 

"..." 

[So why aren't you advancing?] 

Hans' heavy shoulders sank low, "Can't you just read my mind?" 

[It would be awesome if I could do that.]

"Sigh—, it's like this."

Hans began narrating the weird event from start until now. 

"... And here, I have been waiting for 30 minutes." 

[... You can't see that?] 

Hearing Plundy's words, Hans' ears perked up. 

"The what?" 

[There, on the platform.] 

Hans immediately turned his head, his gaze wandered around. 

"... Uh, there's nothing here though…"

[Hmm… I see a door there.]

Hans displayed a surprised expression. Perplexed, he got up from his seat and strutted towards the ample platform. When he arrived, an eerie chill wrapped around his shoulders and he shivered. 

"Hey, there's no door here." Hans felt for the air with his arms. 

[It's in front of you.]

"But there's no—" 

[Do you know the word invisible?] 

"Oh."

Hans's lips plucked in embarrassment. Indeed, once an object became invisible, it would be difficult to detect it. 

But this one… 

"Uh, why can't I touch it?" 

[I don't know.]

Hans waved his hands and the air. 

'It's intangible too.'

When suddenly… 

Kacha—

The clicking sound of the invisible door jolted him awake from his trance. 

'Wha—' 

Shruuum—

The platform vibrated intensely. Bits of rocks bellowed underneath as if seeking freedom from the ground. Hans attempted to stabilize his footing, but the shaking was so powerful that it almost fling him from the ground. 

Shruuum—

Soon, the earthquake halted. Hans kicked the rubbles and shifted his gaze towards the now broken platform. 

'Is that…' 

Though the dust obscured his vision, the huge door couldn't be blocked from his perception. It was embroidered with silver lines on the edges, while a golden ring hung to its center. Just above the knob, a symbol gradually came to view. 

'That's….' 

Hans' eyes bug out. 

'... a human head?' 

Hans retreated subconsciously. The aura given off by the door was at least strong enough to make his skin crawl. 

"Hey, Plundy. Any idea what's this?" 

[I'm not an encyclopedia.]

"Oh come on…" Hans put the dagger in a reverse grip, "... at least give me a hint."

[... Snake.] 

Suddenly, something crawled out of the door. Its hands squeezed the door edges, pulling its whole body out of the door. 

Hissss—, hisssss—

"A naga!?" 

Swish—

At that moment, the snake shot out towards Hans. 

Shriii—

'Fast!' 

Hans leaped high, clenched the dagger tightly, and stabbed it to the Naga's neck as he fell. 

Clang—

His eyes widened. 

'What?!' 

Although it was a very precise attack, enough to kill a C-class gnoll in one strike, for the Naga, it didn't even leave a scratch. Hans leaped to the ground once again, before he stared at the blunt tip of the dagger which seemed to be a little bent now. 

'Ridiculous defense.'

But Hans had no time to be impressed as the snake monster glared at him with a piercing gaze. Although the dagger didn't hurt it, it might have been annoyed by his sudden attack. Hans turned around. 

'Hmm…' 

The Naga's feature was a combination of snake and human. Its upper body appears like a woman while it's supposed to be feet was that of a large snake. Its scales were green, making him wonder if it's poisonous. 

According to the monster's book, a normal Naga was a bonafide B-Class monster. Even a group of B-Class Awakened struggled to kill a single one. Up until now, Hans expected the final monster at the 5th Layer to be B-rank at best.

But now…

"A B-class monster at 3rd Layer."

This also means the final boss at the 5th Layer will be at A-class guaranteed.

'Still, to think that my mana-enhanced dagger would just bend like this…'

Its resilience, speed and defense were off the charts. Hans gulped his saliva and inspected the Naga meticulously. Aside from the lower body being a snake, the upper part is not different from an ordinary human. On its left hand, a silver spear was held. Also, since it's scale couldn't be pierced, his fists would probably not work too. Either way, he has no option but to fight, or else he'd be trapped here forever.

" I have no choice…"

Hans threw the dagger and ripped the jacket off his sleeves, "Plundy, how do I activate my red form?"

[Will it.]

"What does it mea—?"

As Hans inquired for the possible card of victory, meanwhile the Naga charged forward with an explosive speed. The ground cracked from where it stood and in an instant, closed the gap between Hans.

Swish—

Hans clenched his fists. His mind chanting mantras like a spell.

'Red form activate!!! Red form, I command you!! Red form!! Damn it!!'

Soon, a sharp spear thrust towards his head. Focusing his every muscle to his foot, Hans evaded it with ease. Thankfully, agility works best for dodging. 

Seeing Hans dodge its attack, the Naga followed it with a quick spear slash. Hans turned his attention towards his body, maneuvered himself behind the Naga's neck, and smashed the monster with a drop kick.

Slam—

It's futile though…

Swish—

Seeing Hans mid air, the Naga's tail fling him to the cave wall. Bits of rocks covered him as he landed with a broken finger. Fortunately, it was quickly healed by his insane regenerative capability.

Hissss—

The Naga, knowing that its strike connected, issued a rather strange shriek. It squeezed the spear tightly before launching another attack.

Swish—

As the dust settled from the wall, its expected prey already vanished.

"Shrrriiieek!?"

It tilted its head sideways, trying to find its prey. Its sights led to the ample platform where it appeared.

Shu—

A red colossal aura slowly condensed on the now healed Hans. To his feet up until his head, it engulfed his body. At the same time, Hans' pupils turned red. Red lines mixed in purple began appearing on his skin.

Tap, tap—

[Hans, are you still there?]

Hearing Plundy's voice, Hans halted in his step.

"Yes… I am."

Swoosh—

Hans' figure instantly showed behind the Naga's head and slammed his fist towards it.

Smash—

Swish—

Baaam—

Crack—

Not only did it fly, its skull surely cracked as well. It raised its head in alert, but its sights didn't even capture a spec of Hans' shadow.

"Are you looking for me?"

The Naga's pupil trembled.

 .....

Woooosh—

Woooosh—

In a large place with dilapidated buildings, many awakened suddenly began appearing.

"What the hell is happening?"

"Damn, we were kicked out?"

"Look!!!"

Hearing a yell from one of them, everyone followed where he was pointing and their eyes led to the dungeon of trial.

"T-this!!!?"

"The dungeon… is breaking?"

"But there's no boss monster inside right!!?"

Together with their dumbfounded surprise was the gradual collapse of the large portal. Henry stood from the side, his sword raised in alertness. 

'What happened?' 

The dungeon of trials is collapsing. 

'It can't be…'

His eyes widened in realization. 

From what that guy said, it's almost impossible to clear the dungeon of trial. Because the only requirement to do it was to attack it solo.

And if that solo attack becomes successful, the dungeon will collapse.

Meaning...

"S-someone s-solo cleared!!?"

A circumstance where the trial dungeon was cleared. It would be a global shattering news. Not only for the humans but also for the monsters occupying half of the Earth's land.

......…

[You have killed the Boss Monster Naga.]

[You have cleared the final test of the Dungeon of Trials.]

[Rewards will be distributed shortly.]

Hans pulled his hand out of the Naga's pierced heart. Green blood tried to burn his hand but not enough to get past his defense. 

[Haah, finally… it's over.]

"..."

[Hans?]

"..."

[Hans!!!? What happened.]

Still, no response came.

[Hans, you!!!] 

For the first time, Plundy's voice sounded nervously. 

[... you are…!!]