After dropping the girl on the infirmary, which was right next to the heavily guarded(currently) hall containing the main gate, he hurried over to the outside. The appearance of a Possessed wasn’t a small thing in a low-level dungeon. Ray couldn’t stop frowning.

There exist a certain chance where a monster’s consciousness would invade a Raider’s mind and take over him. After that happens, the volatile magic of the monster’s soul would corrupt the raider, turning him into a delirious being that only knows killing and destruction. The only way to stop a Possessed is to kill the host.

After walking past the gate, he came into a large hall that had seen better days. The whole place was in a mess, filled with broken debris and other things. Big and small holes filled all over the tiled floor covered in blood splotches. Aside from the staff and a few Raiders, no other person could be seen.

‘What is this? Just what happened while I was inside?’ There was a gloomy atmosphere persisted among the remaining people in the hallway. The clean-up crew was busy cleaning the place while Raiders were coming and going as if nothing happened. But Ray was sure they were feigning calmness.

“Oi!! Ray! Here!!” Suddenly he heard a very familiar voice calling his name, with a heavy north-eastern accent. Ray turned around to see a man around his age trotting over. He had a headful of red hair, a trait unique to those hailing from Sarbata Island.

“Marcus! What are you doing here?” Ray was mildly taken aback to see him in this place. Unlike him, who was a porter, Marcus was a real raider. His job was Spellcaster, one of the rarely seen jobs around. He was a level 3 Raider and had an illustrious status. Funnily enough, he used to be a Porter until three years ago. Ray knew him from those days. They had even joined forces on many occasions before Marcus’ awakening.

“Ray! As expected, you are still alive.” Marcus patted Ray’s shoulders, nearly making the latter tumble to the floor. “Some guys are spouting nonsense here that you were dead. Hah! I knew someone like you could never die in a place like that.” Ray peeked at Marcus’ face when he said that and smiled. This friend of his, Marcus, was of a kind. Back then, they used to hand around because both of them worked as Porters. After awakening and shooting to fame overnight, Marcus still hadn’t forgotten about their friendship.

“Honestly, I thought I was a goner for a second there.” Ray laughed, rubbing the back of his head as he did so. Had it not for his ‘???’ ability, he would really have died inside that place. Just then, Marcus’ earlier words registered into his brain. Narrowing his eyes, he leaned over to his red-haired friend and enquired in a whisper, “someone told you I was dead? Who was that?”

Ray had his suspicion and wanted to confirm.

“Hmm! It was a middle-aged man and had this really eye-catching goatee.” Marcus frowned as he struggled to recall the appearance of the man who reported Ray’s demise. “The place was in chaos due to the appearance of that Possessed. I was too busy rescuing people and only catch a quick glimpse.” Marcus shrugged his shoulders and smiled at Ray, “I’m glad that bastard was lying.”

Ray gave a hollow laugh. It was as he had expected. That man was indeed alive. Perhaps, he had also sacrificed his other two teammates to run away, as well. What happened inside that room, he didn’t know. But, people had died.

“Oh yeah, Marcus, since you are here, come with me. I want to lodge a complaint about that man.” Ray had decided he wouldn’t let the matter rest. He would have died today if not for his ability. In fact, in a way, he had died. He would try his hardest to peel a layer of skin off that man.

“Oh!? Alright.” Marcus was a smart man, as well. He quickly caught on to Ray’s plan as a frown found its way to his face. “That bastard! Had I known, I would have broken his legs!” Just then, his eyes landed on the red sword in Ray’s hand. An intrigued look flashed on his face. “That’s a fancy sword you have, brother. How much did it cost?”

“This!?” Ray smirked as a nasty look appeared on his face. “It’s a spoil from that bastard’s hunt.”

“Heh! Sucks to be him! Anyway, let me see that sword.” Marcus reached for [Wyvern’s Breath] curiously. Ray let go of the hilt as Marcus grab held of it. The moment he did, the sword flashed red, making the latter’s eyes widened. He could feel the magic power rolling off the weapon as well as a faint trace of an ability.

Seeing the changing facial expression on Marcus’ face, Ray smiled smugly, “How is it?”

“This thing- it’s a two-starred weapon!” Marcus gripped the handle tighter and continued to inspect with interest. He channeled some of his magic into the sword, making it glow red while giving off an intense aura. Their surrounding warmed up a little. “It also has a powerful flame-related ability. As expected of a two-starred weapon.” Marcus cut off the magic supply, returning the sword to its initial condition before handing it back to Ray.

“Good luck! I bet it might not long before you can be a Raider too.” Marcus smiled, patting Ray’s back, he leaned to his ears and whispered, “How about you join my party?”

“Heh! I’m only a level 1 Porter, you know! I still have a long way to go before I could reach level 3.” Ray smiled bitterly as he said that. Marcus had joined one of the prestigious guilds in Antera Town. The minimum requirement to join that guild was at least to be at level 2 and a combat-oriented job.

At present, he didn’t satisfy any of those two requirements.

While talking, they arrived at their designated office. Raider’s Burow. An office solely dedicated to controlling affairs related to Raiders. Ray looked over to Marcus as they both nodded at each other before entering.