Outworld: Awakening

One Week Later.

Although the sun had yet to illuminate the morning skies, hundreds of Varidan students trooped out from their dorms. Some couldn't contain their excitement, while others couldn't hide their apprehension. Meanwhile, a few students gazed at these select few with deep-seated envy. Today, those who had been deemed qualified by the combat and support instructors would finally receive their first mission.

Since Varidan Towers handled the dispatching of missions, all the students headed towards Varidan Towers. Being summoned to such a place excited and scared them at the same time.

Hendrix looked left and right while walking towards Varidan Towers. He walked at a slower pace compared to the other youths who strived not to be late.

'Where the hell is Adam? Is he really not going to show up? Were the rumors true?'

Since Adam disappeared a week ago, Hendrix hadn't seen him. Initially, he assumed Adam took some time off to familiarize himself with Dratol, but with each passing day, his apprehension only grew. Two weeks earlier, the news of Adam's brutal showing in the combat room had reached his ears, and he couldn't believe the usually quiet Adam had such a violent tendency.

That Adam opted to raid the dungeons solo during his first year gave Hendrix the greatest shock. He simply couldn't imagine Adam was the suicide type. Hendrix knew that no matter what he said, it wouldn't change anything, since Varidan Towers wouldn't allow a student change their decision until their second year. That is if they survived until then.

"Give it up already, Hendrix. Since he isn't here, it means the rumors are true. I know he was your roommate, but he is—"

"Don't say it, Fien. That rumor could be nonsense for all we know. Adam might just have something keeping him busy in the city. We don't know if he's dead yet," Hendrix interjected.

Despite knowing little about each other, Hendrix refused to believe Adam had died.

Fien, was one of Hendrix party members. Being petite, she looked like a dwarf walking beside Hendrix. An array of daggers lined the unique belt around her waist. Her curly black hair covered the left side of her face, but with her exposed left brown eye, she stared at Hendrix.

"How do you know it's not true? Mavis told me personally, and he got his information from Hamo. You know how reliable his information is, right?"

Pouting, Fien jabbed Hendrix on his back while looking away.

Over the last few days, news of Adam's demise had spread among the Year One Varidan students. Naturally, the news only stunned those in Adam's rank. The higher ranked Awakened didn't even know who he was, and they had no interest in finding out, especially after they heard he was only an E rank Awakened.

"But… Why would someone want to assassinate? The guy literally doesn't know anyone in Dratol—"

"You're so naïve, Hendrix. From what I've heard about that Adam, he looks like a proper troublemaker. How could he go as far as murdering fellow students? Do you know the number of people he pissed off with his antics that day? It won't surprise me if one of them hired someone to eliminate him. He might be stronger than them, but some of the people he humiliated have significant powers sponsoring them. How do you think they would react to a nobody harassing their members?" Fien interjected.

"But, he is a student of Varidan—"

"So what? Just pretend as if you never knew him, Hendrix. It's for your own good. Who knows if his death would satisfy the culprits. They migh come after his friends and associates, too. Be careful, Hendrix. We only started dating a few days ago, I don't want to lose you. Will you do that for me?"

Fein parted her hair, revealing her beautiful oval face. Her almond-shaped eyes stared at Hendrix, eagerly awaiting his response.

'The reason we went out that day was because of me. If I hadn't pestered him to escort me, maybe Adam would still be alive now. He even lied that he had something to do just to have an excuse to escort me. Damn it. I should have searched for him when he went missing. It's all my fault…'

Absorbed in his thoughts, Hendrix didn't year Fein's words.

"Hendrix? Are you listening to me? Will you do that for me?"

"Huh? Yeah. Of course I love you. Who wouldn't?"

Fein's countenance darkened, obviously, Hendrix hadn't heard her pleas. Pouting, she hurried in her steps. Not bothering to say a word to Hendrix.

'Damn it. What the hell did she say? Now I have to pacify her again. Why do I have to be sucker for petite beauties? Adam, I hope your safe. I refused to believe you are dead. After my first mission, I will definitely continue my search for you.'

Hendrix broke out from his pensive demeanor as he chased after Fien. Unbeknownst to him, the person he searched for walked a few meters away.

'Did Hendrix get another girl again? This guy is really living the playboy life.' Adam's brown eyes trialed Hendrix as he chased after Fein.

Instead of returning to Varidan Academy, he changed his mind at the last minute. He returned to Bricteva's tavern, spending the next few days relaxing and training. During his stay, he tasked Igor to retrieve all they had on Raventhorn and the Armstrong family.

News of the assassination attempt on Dominic's life naturally reached his ears. Adam also found out that the other members of Klein's group had disappeared from Dratol. Adam knew they didn't escape; rather, their guild captured, tortured and presented them to the Armstrong family.

Thieves of the Night, being an organization which specialized in a myriad of activities and had deep connections in the underworld of Dratol, Igor informed Adam of the bounty placed on Klein's head.

Adam couldn't stop himself from laughing as he received the information. He also got news that Dominic survived his injuries, however, he would have to spend a long time bedridden.

The most important piece of information Adam received, was on himself. Igor informed him that the Armstrong family had sent their people to confirm if he had really died. They wanted to know if Adam had hand in Klein's betrayal. Adam thanked his lucky stars he didn't return to Varidan Academy.

He knew the Armstrong family spies had spread word of his demise in Varidan Academy as a bait to tempt him out of hiding. Since they knew nothing about his identity or background, it didn't bother Adam. Because he would soon start receiving missions for the academy. Hence, it would limit his presence in Varidan territory. He would only need to report back when he had completed his missions. Instead of staying in his dorm, Igor and Bricteva had concluded plans for his housing. Since it wasn't compulsory to live in the dormitory, Adam would remain hidden. With Manipulator active, he could change his body features as he pleased, and no one would detect the slight trace of his presence.

One hour later.

Adam and the other students stood in a spacious, well-illuminated hall. They could see hundreds of statues carved in heroic poses. One need not tell them it represented the most excellent students to have graced the four corners of Varidan territory.

"Hey! Is that the statue of Sasha Gill, the Poison Queen?"

"Wow! That's the Goliath, Dustin Hays!"

"Look! It's the statues of The Reverent. He went to Varidan, too?"

"Isn't that Rhette Reeves? Wait, there are over twenty statues from the Reeves family alone."

Adam gaze lingered on a particular statue as the students discussions reached him.

'Reeves? If I remember correctly, Vicar's last name is Reeves. Is this where he's from?' Adam's eye darted around, searching for any statue that resembled Vicar or Adelaide.

However, he couldn't find any statue in the duo's image. From his brief observation, Adam noticed that most of the statues were fairly recent, and none of the people it depicted had exceeded the age of thirty.

'I don't see any statues of heavyweight Awakened. Although these guys are powerful and famous, I don't think they are the cream of Varidan's graduates.'

Unlike the other youths who gawked at the statues, Adam only stared at them him passing. Although he had only heard small tales of their deeds, he knew the strongest of them wouldn't exceed a Rank B Awakened.

Some of the Rank A students didn't even spare the statues a glance. They hissed dismissively at how the lower ranked Awakened behaved. To them, praising such people was beneath them.

"Silence! Do you think this is a market?!"

The students flinched as they heard Dean Hensley's voice. Within seconds, an eerie silence covered the hall.

"I won't waste time congratulating you on making it here. I'm sure you can recognize some of the people these statues represent. They were once students like you. They stood in this very hall. Just like you, they waited eagerly to distinguish themselves. If you prove yourself worthy, one day, the next generation will admire your statue and sing your praises."

The eyes of the youths shown with determination, Dean Hensley's words had triggered their competitive spirit. Who wouldn't love to have attain such fame and recognition?

Only Adam was unaffected by Dean Hensley's words. He couldn't be bothered. Of what use was fame and glory, he thought.

"However, Varidan does not condone mediocrity. Only those who truly distinguish themselves will be immortalized. With that said, four portals will open soon. Rank A Awakened, please step into the blue portal. Rank B Awakened, please step into they gray portal. Rank C Awakened, please step into the yellow portal. Lastly, Rank E and D Awakened, use the colorless portal.

"Although that is the order set by Varidan Towers, you're free to enter any portal of your choice. Each portal corresponds to the level of difficult you're expected to face in the dungeons. Irrespective of the mission you accept, you're free to keep whatever you find in the dungeons. That's all. The instructor at the respective portals will relay any further information. I wish you good luck."

Before the eyes of the students, four portals opened in midair. Despite them having freedom to enter any portal of their choice, none of them attempted to bite more than they could chew.

Although only one rank separated D from C, it would be suicidal for any Rank D Awakened to accept a mission in a Rank C Dungeon.

"Hahaha... See you losers later!"

A smile donned Adam's lips as he heard the familiar voice.

Helias walked with a swagger in his steps as he approached the portal. Only his fellow A ranked Awakened could take offense at his words.

The others, however, remained quiet with their heads lowered. No one wanted to trigger a calamity before entering the Dungeons.

Little by little, the number of students in the hall dwindled. Most of the students went in groups, with only a few entering alone.

"I guess it's time I made my move. Let's see what's so special about the dungeons," Adam muttered.

He removed a brown half mask from his pocket as he slowly approached the colorless portal.

"Friend, wait a minute."

Adam paused, turning his head to the side.

'Who is guy?' Adam thought.

"Friend, my name is Hamo. I haven't seen you around before. What's your name?"

Adam's gaze shifted between Hamo's smile and his outstretched arm.

"Can I help you?"

Although Adam had heard about Hamo's business and his rank, he truly didn't have time for nonsense chitchat.

"Hahaha... Straight to the point. I like that." Hamo smiled whimsically.

He retrieved two gray books from his uniform, waving them in front of Adam.

"You might have not heard about me, but I love to gather information. In these two books, you will find a detailed overview of the types of beings you can expect in a E or D ranked dungeon, and how to kill them. Friend, you might be asking how I expect you to memorize all of these at a go, right?" Hamo said.

However, Adam said nothing. In fact, there were no changes to his expression.

"Friend, for a special discount, I will added a memory-way if you buy the two books. You have heard of a memory-way, right? You can only find them in the magma pits in the snowy North. Forged from lightning With it, you can instantly memorize the contents of the book."

For the first time, Adam smiled.

'Finally! There is no way he can resist such a sweet deal. This will be the twentieth copy I have sold this week. The Memory-way always gets them interested. I'm going to be rich.'

"Friend, you can have this all for three hundred—"

"Thanks. I'm not interested. Good day."

"Huh? Wait a..."

As Hamo's words trialed off, Adam jumped into the portal.

'Is that guy an idiot? Does he think I was offering him fake goods? Who would have thought I would fail to make a sale? He definitely looked like the type to buy this kind of thing. Hmmm... But why can't I remember his face? I have memorized the faces of all the E and D ranked Awakened, how come this is the first time I'm seeing him? Does he live outside Varidan? Well, there is no point fussing over it. I will get my network to find out everything about him. By the end of the day, I will even know his favorite color of underpants.'

"Friend. Yes, you. Might I interest you in something special? My name is Hamo, nice to meet you..."

Meanwhile, Adam appeared in a vast grassy field. Although he couldn't see anyone or anything in the distance, he wasn't scared. He remembered he had come to a similar place before he attending the combat class.

[Student Profile]

[Student 009]

Name: Adam.

Year: One.

Blessing: Weapon Manipulation.

Level: E.

Class: Attack (Manipulator).

Supporters: None!

Rank in solo category: 490/490.

"Please choose from the following locations; Wehan, Lurin, Cemil, Wriathriver, Targarth and Bealan. Irrespective of the location chosen, your mission would remain the same."

"Targarth."

Adam didn't even waste time to think before making his declaration.

An item suddenly appeared on the ground.

"Please keep your map safe. It contains the details of your mission. You have chosen Targarth."

A portal opened after the instructor's declaration.

"Please step into the portal. Remember, Varidan can't help during missions. Once you have completed your mission, please search for the nearest Varidan Guild representative in the area. They will prepare a portal for your return. Everything you need is indicated on the map. Good luck, Adam. We have high expectations of you."

Adam's brows creased, however, he said nothing. He knew that even if he asked how the the instructor could recognize him, he knew wouldn't get a suitable answer.

Adam picked up the map, before heading into the portal.

His vision distorted. Within seconds, he lay on a barren ground. He still hadn't gotten used to the feeling of being teleported yet.

'Is this the place?'

Adam used his hands to block the blind light from the sun.

"Oh? A Varidan student. Hahaha.... It's been a long time since one came here. Boys, it seems a good treasure might turn up in the dungeon today."

Adam's gaze landed on a burly middle-aged man cladded in thick armor. Six men of varying ages who also wore the same silver armor surrounded him, and they each donned smiles as they stared at Adam.

'Guild members?'

To the left of the seven man party, Adam could see a group of ladies clad in sultry outfits. Although they revealed a great deal of skin, Adam could sense a murderous aura around them.

Meanwhile, to the right of the men, he counted over twenty Awakened cladded in gray trenchcoats. He didn't know what guild they belonged, but of the three guilds, they looked the most menacing. Unlike the seven men earlier, they didn't even glance at Adam.

Instead, their eyes lingered on a majestic ruin in the distance. At the center of this ruin, they could see a cylindrical gray tower which stood over twenty feet.

Adam smiled underneath his mask as he saw the tower. Unlike before, he had deactivated Manipulator, so his hair had turned white and his irises blue.

"Hmmm... Kid? Where is the rest of your party? The Dungeon will open soon?"

Adam turned his gaze towards the burly middle-aged man. He flashed a smile as he stroked his beards.

Rising to his feet, Adam ignored the man. Instead, he approached the ruin in light steps.

"Are you deaf? Didn't you hear the question? Do you think you're special because you're from Varidan Academy?"

A young man blocked Adam's path. He hung his spear over his shoulders, while glaring at Adam.

[Establishing Connection to The Omen...]

[Connection Successfully Established.]

"Kade, leave him be. Don't give our guild a bad name."

Only after the middle-aged man words did Kade back down. Unbeknownst to him, Adam was seconds away from forcing his his spear down his throat.

With Kade no longer blocking his path, Adam continued unimpeded to the ruins. His actions turned him to the center of attention.

"Commander Sigvid, what's that brat doing?" Kade said.

Sigvid, stroked his beard but said nothing.

"Sir, isn't it strange his party members haven't arrived? Do you think he came here alone?"

Sigvid couldn't stop himself from laughing. Who in their right mind would raid a dungeon solo?

"Isi, what the hell are you saying? Even those bastards from Stormlight and Oleander wouldn't dare raid this dungeon solo. Unless their B ranked Awakened make an appearance, but why would they do that for a mere D ranked dungeon?" Sigvid said.

Stormlight were the guild who wore trenchcoats. Meanwhile, the women clad in sultry outfits belonged to Oleander.

"You're right, commander. Maybe the other members of his party are yet to arrive. However, this dungeon will be cleared by our guild, Silvertop," Kade declared.

Members of Stormlight and Oleander turned towards his direction, however, they ignored his words. They couldn't start a fight now, especially when the dungeon had yet to open.

"Kid, stop staring at the dungeon. It won't open no matter how much you stare at it! You look like a f.u.c.k.i.n.g amateur. Wait until tomorrow like the rest of us!"

Despite Kade's demeaning words, Adam didn't even spare him a glance. He had no time for a random bully. Instead, he placed his hands on the dungeon's walls.

'Despite the heat, it's so cold. It's not even as tall as most skyscr.a.p.ers on Earth, yet it has its own world in it. Who created them? And what purpose do they serve?'

[Establishing Connection to The Omen...]

[Connection Successfully Established.]

[You have found a dungeon! Would you like to enter?]

'Huh? This is interesting. Yes, let's see what inside.'

"Kid, stop embarrassing yourself and Varidan..."

As Kade's words trialed off, his jaw dropped open. Adam had disappeared into thin air. Members of Stormlight, Oleander, and Slivertop couldn't believe what had just happened.

They too had touched the dungeon before, but something like this have never happened.

"The Goblin Lair has opened!"