Clark House.
The Clark family mansion was one of the most powerful estates in the city. As the ruling force behind the renowned 'Clark Group,' a Guild officially registered under the Global Awakening System, the Clarks held immense influence not only within the city but also across neighbouring regions.
Powerful and loyal masters protect the family, and the Clarks command both fear and admiration from the city's citizens.
At the helm of all was Master Alexander Clark, the Clan Leader and father of John Clark.
Cold, calculated, and formidable, Alexander was a man feared throughout the Loen City. His reputation alone was enough to keep most threats at bay, but even more intimidating was the fact that he was also the father of Tyler Clark, the city's most powerful awakened being for the past two years.
The Clark mansion was usually still and silent, with only the sounds of wild animals breaking the silence. But today, the main room was unusually bustling with activity.
It was rare for the family to receive guests in this place since most interactions were handled through the Clark Group itself. However, the information brought today was urgent and needed to be attended to with the utmost care; at least, that was how Alexander Clark saw it.
"Are you absolutely certain about what you're saying?" Alexander asked, his eyes fixed on the group of people kneeling before him.
"Sir, I'm sure," one of them replied with conviction. "Elliot Clark must have awakened. Our leader died at his hands."
"Also, there's something suspicious about the disappearance of Elliot's previous boss," another added. "The last time he was seen, he was knocking on Elliot's door."
"In addition to that," a third said, "the report we received from the Association confirms that Elliot sold hundreds of rat corpses within the last few hours—and he has also been spotted hunting in the rat area."
As the various envoys and spies of the Clark Family shared their versions of the events, Alexander's attention drifted toward the man who remained quiet. Something about him seemed familiar.
"You used to be friends with Elliot before, right? You're working at the Association—you must know what they're talking about."
The man nodded solemnly.
"I'm Ruth's older brother—she is a close friend of Elliot's. She told me the following: Elliot has awakened. And…" Suddenly, he fell silent.
"And what?" Alexander's voice hardened. "Finish talking."
The man swallowed nervously before speaking. "It seems he has entered the E-Rank Arachnid Boss Dungeon. For the second time. In less than 72 hours."
"What?!"
Alexander shot to his feet, sending the heavy armchair behind him skidding back.
He then stormed over and grabbed the man by the neck, lifting him effortlessly off the ground.
"You'd better not be lying to me," he growled, his eyes burning with fury. "I will blow your head off if you are."
If this guy turned out to be talking nonsense, he would not hesitate to do what he had just said.
The man nodded quickly, trembling in fright. "Sir, I swear, it's just like what I said. My sister doesn't tend to tell me lies—she even sold things to Elliot Clark. He managed to clean out the E-rank dungeon before, and he did it in a short time. He went in a second time this afternoon."
Alexander finally released his grip on the man's neck and stepped back with a frown.
He leaned back, glanced at the antique clock hanging on the wall, and realized it was 5 p.m.
'The dungeon normally opens at 1 pm every day. And lately, no one has been challenging it due to the lack of newbies in the city, so he should still be inside. But that doesn't make sense. Elliot Clark's birthday is on September 3rd… It's been barely four days since then. How is he strong enough to challenge that dungeon twice in a row in less than two or three days?'
It didn't make sense.
But there was a way.
If he had been hiding his awakening, and only now that he was strong enough did he plan to show himself...
'It can only be that, there is no other explanation.'
But the real question now was: how strong was he? And when exactly did he awaken?
Turning to one of his subordinates waiting on the side, Alexander barked, "Bring John. Something urgent has happened; we have to act."
"Yes, sir."
While waiting for John to arrive, Alexander extracted every last piece of useful information from the kneeling envoys until they could give him nothing of importance, and only then did he allow them to leave.
A few minutes later, John Clark entered the room.
"Father, what's going on?"
"John, have you been keeping track of Elliot's recent movements?"
"Elliot?" John cocked his head in doubt. "He's been going to the martial arts center and the gym frequently. But I already ordered them not to let him in either place. So you shouldn't worry about him seeing something he shouldn't. Besides…" John smirked. "I have already sent assassins to kill him; maybe he's already dead."
Alexander frowned. "Trained assassins?"
"Yes, father."
Suddenly, Alexander sighed and shook his head.
"The leader of the trained assassins contacted me and told me that he had lost contact with all of them. It's possible that they are already dead."
John stiffened. "What? Impossible, father. They are…"
"You don't understand, John," Alexander cut in. "There's a 90% chance—or more—that Elliot Clark awakened two years ago."
"Wh-what?! That's impossible!"
"No, it's not," Alexander replied calmly. "I recently received intel that he's been doing things that only a powerful awakened can pull off."
John's mind suddenly buzzed, unable to believe his father's words. "A-Are you sure?"
"Not completely," Alexander admitted, "but think about it. A Misfit can't even handle rats, let alone clear the Dungeon of the Arachnid Boss. That's why I'm almost certain—he has awakened."
John stumbled back a few steps, fear creeping into his eyes. "The Dungeon of the Arachnid Boss? Impossible! I saw him just a few days ago—he barely looked like he could put up much of a fight. How could he be that strong? Even I struggle getting through that dungeon."
"He may have had a good party too," Alexander said, narrowing his eyes. "But regardless of all that, the signs point to one thing—he has awakened. And that's why I want you to…"
Suddenly, the door slammed open, cutting him off. One of Alexander's subordinates rushed in, breathless.
"Sir, Elliot Clark has just been spotted at the martial arts center." This one had rushed in since he was one of the subordinates who had listened to the informants talking. He held out his phone, showing a photo of Elliot with the time and date on it.
Alexander frowned… 'So fast? He cleared that dungeon already? Is he that strong—or does he have a powerful team?'
His chest tightened with unease, and he felt that the intrigue was killing him. The thought of one of his most dangerous enemies growing stronger—and potentially uncontrollable—wasn't something he could tolerate.
After frowning, his eyes sharpened as he thought of the best possibility: 'It's the perfect opportunity to kill him.'
He then turned to his son.
"Challenge him through the system and kill him at once. If we give him time to register with the Association first, there will be problems when we want to kill him."
John rolled his eyes at that moment, completely doubting what his father was saying.
Should he challenge him personally? Wouldn't that be lowering his rank and giving that trash some unnecessary fame?
The idea felt ridiculous. Challenging a man who had the reputation of being the weakest misfit in town!
But his father's stern gaze left no room for argument. Gritting his teeth, he gave a reluctant nod.
"Fine. I'll do it. I'll get rid of that bastard once and for all."
Alexander nodded in approval. "It's good that you understand quickly. Come on, I'll accompany you."
John nodded, although this put some kind of invisible pressure on him. If his father was going to come along, it meant there was no room for failure.
Although that made one thing certain: Elliot Clark was going to die today, one way or another.