Chapter 18: The Attendant

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Chapter 18: The Attendant

Drip!

Drip!

Water droplets fell steadily onto the cold floor, coalescing into a puddle. In its rippling surface, a face emerged – blonde hair, blue eyes, marred by a swollen cheek, a missing tooth, and a battered nose, caked with dried blood.

Splash!

The puddle met an untimely end under the weight of a heavy step.

Lucius was shackled, his hands suspended from the ceiling, leaving him suspended above the ground. His body bore the cruel marks of burns, some so severe that they revealed glimpses of bone.

Before the slumbering Lucius stood a man clad in the attire of a "Holder's House" attendant. His features were strikingly average, so unremarkable one might suspect they were crafted. Though this assumption would prove accurate.

Lifting his hands, he brought them close to Lucius' chest.

Bang!

A small explosion erupted before him, intensifying the searing pain in Lucius' chest.

"ARGHHH!" Lucius jolted awake, his screams echoing through the underground chamber.

Irritated, the man picked at his ear and delivered a forceful punch to Lucius' face. But Lucius's cries continued unabated.

"P-ple-ase... St-stop," Lucius managed to say, though his words were scarcely intelligible. Upon closer inspection, tears streamed down his swollen face.

"Where is it?" The man's voice dripped with icy impatience.

"I... d-don't kn-ow," Lucius stammered, his speech strained. The man raised his hand again, this time directing it towards Lucius' face.

Bang!

Lucius thrashed violently, unable to produce a scream as his entire face and throat seared in pain.

As Lucius writhed before him, screaming silently, the man's eyes betrayed his growing frustration.

"If you won't talk now, we'll keep doing this every day," the man declared, reaching for a bottle filled with crimson liquid. He hurled it directly at Lucius without bothering to open it.

Upon impact, the glass bottle shattered, drenching Lucius in the liquid. His burned body suddenly emanated a radiant glow, and when it faded, the wounds had vanished, replaced by an intricate web of scars that now marred his entire form. His former handsomeness was obliterated, leaving behind only a grotesque tapestry of scars, particularly on his face.

Beep!

"Sigh, another dungeon collapse. I hope my next relocation is still to an F class," the man muttered to himself. Sensing Dante's presence, he looked up, meeting Dante's gaze.

"Ah, sir! I was just about to discuss something with you, but feel free to ask if you need assistance first," the man said.

Dante deduced that he was now prepared to conquer a D class dungeon. While he could still conquer F class dungeons, they were limited, including the available slots. It was only sheer luck that allowed him to revisit a dungeon this evening. Moreover, as his level increased, so did the amount of experience required.

"Can you tell me the requirements to conquer D class dungeons and above?" Dante inquired, albeit confused of what the man wants to discuss with him .

"A-aren't you a 2-star? Or perhaps 3-star?" The man asked, puzzled.

"I don't have a medal yet." Dante replied.

'If he hasn't earned a medal yet... a newcomer capable of soloing a dungeon nearly at D class.' This revelation left the man profoundly astonished. After all, he had assumed that this white-masked Eka was a 2 or 3-star holder, a belief shared even by his superior.

After the initial astonishment, the man wasted no time in outlining the fundamental prerequisites. Dante could have easily looked this up on the Holders website, but he was feeling too indolent for that.

"You must possess a Medal as evidence of your rank," the man stated, emphasizing the pivotal requirement. Observing Dante's face concealed behind a mask, the man recalled the orders from his superiors when Dante had been clearing the dungeon.

"Recruit him if he succeeds in conquering this dungeon. If he's already affiliated with a Guild or another organization, entice him to our side. If he really doesn't want it, at least make a good impression."

"You can apply for the Medal at any time, but you'll need to present a document verifying your identity. However, sir, you could consider joining us at The Holder Association. We can safeguard your identity. While other organizations also extend this privilege to protect their Holders' identities, we offer superior benefits that are bound to meet your satisfaction," the man explained, preparing for his next statement.

"Do you want me to join with the Government?" Dante inquired, his brow furrowing, and a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice. He was doing his utmost trying to evade them because if they discovered his identity, it could severely limit his future actions, especially when he planned to seek revenge. Dealing with the influential families behind them, in case of retaliation, would be challenging.

"No, sir, you've misunderstood," the man clarified, somewhat embarrassed. "Many people misunderstood our association due to its ties with the government. While most of our operations require government approval and cooperation, we are an entirely separate entity. I can't divulge many details because my knowledge is limited."

Dante fell into silence, carefully weighing the pros and cons of joining their association. He was well aware of the Holder's Association's role in managing Dungeon-related issues, with the government playing a significant part as well, as evidenced by the two guards silently monitoring their conversation. Furthermore, the Holder Association kept a close watch on guilds throughout the country.

These three powers held considerable sway in the current society.

"Let me think about it."

"Alright! Here's my business card. Feel free to reach out if you require anything!" The man extended his card.

Dante accepted it and departed.

The man, along with the few Holders who were still present, watched Dante go, their eyes filled with admiration. Clad in a white suit, he exuded an air of nobility, reminiscent of a knight.Alll latest novels at novelhall.com