The session ended with a pleasing number of slain goblins. My backpack was heavy with mana stones, making everyone's hardship worthwhile.
As we carefully made our way back to the dungeon entrance, Leo turned to me and said, "Today was a success because of you. Without your help, gathering mana stones would have taken us forever. Even though you didn't ask for anything in return, I want to offer you something."
He was a fair person with no tricks up his sleeve. This was good for me, as I could stop pretending, but bad for him, since in the awakeners' world, no honest person could survive easily.
"Thank you. This session was a huge help for me," I said sincerely.
Now that I knew about the potential of my abilities, I needed to find a way to grow stronger, as the stronger I became, the faster I could earn money and return to my previously calm life with my family.
We reached the dungeon entrance and exited as quickly as we could to head home... until something unexpected happened to me.
Buzz, Buzz-! My phone in my pocket started vibrating vigorously. No phone signal could pass through a dungeon entrance, so receiving notifications after exiting was reasonable, but the number of vibrations got me panicking.
I was about to pull out my phone and check the situation but was stopped by another person.
The agent approached me with a serious look. "Hello, awakener Ethan Hoarder. I'm Agent Gustave Bail from the Awakeners Association. Do you have a moment to talk?"
"Of course. Let me just check my messages first—"
"I'm afraid this can't wait. We need to talk now," he insisted firmly.
I sensed that everything he was going to say wouldn't be good for me, and I knew the messages I received were connected to the situation, but I couldn't check them. I took time to give the stones to Leo, then the agent and I went to an empty cafe to talk.
After we sat in the café, the agent remained quiet, without saying a word. I didn't say anything and instead ordered a refreshing drink, since I was exhausted after leaving the dungeon.
I waited and waited, but he was still quiet... until a noise came from his phone, and made him say, "I appreciate your patience. I was just waiting for the necessary permissions to come through."
"No worries. So, what's the situation?" I asked.
"I'm here about the D-rank dungeon in the Soiha District. Are you familiar with it?"
He was talking about the dungeon that Mark and his team entered. I knew this was bound to happen, but I wasn't sure how to reply. Telling the truth, although it seemed reasonable and safe, they wouldn't believe if I told them about a different world that I entered during the cleaning session... so I lied.
"Yes, I'm aware of that dungeon. I was actually supposed to join a cleaning session there as a porter, but when I arrived at the meeting point, the team wasn't there, so I headed back home."
In that session, after I talked to the guard, I never saw him again. Plus, I didn't notice surveillance cameras at the dungeon site, which was out of the ordinary, but I believed it was Sean's doing to avoid trouble after leaving the dungeon... yet, despite being so assured, I couldn't quite explain why I was so calm.
After a brief silence, he asked, "Can you explain your job as a porter, please?"
"Certainly. I'm an F-rank porter. My main tasks involve collecting and carrying items and monster byproducts. I've trained extensively to handle high-rank dungeons safely, as my record already told you," I explained confidently
The agent looked deeply into my eyes, which made me a little scared... but that wasn't because of his overwhelming presence. Everyone in the dungeon industry knew dealing with the Awakeners Association was harsh. Many awakeners had their licenses revoked just for talking loudly in the association building... so whatever I was doing could end my career as a porter.
"The team you were supposed to join was attacked in the dungeon, and unfortunately, none survived. Do you have any information that might help us?"
I paused briefly to think of an answer, then said, "I wasn't aware of that. I only knew about their classes and the leader's name. I wish I could offer more assistance."
"...very well, I believe this is as much as I can get. As per association protocols, and as the lead investigator, awakener Ethan Hoarder, I hereby forbid you from entering any dungeons while the case remains open. Thank you for your time," he said with a calm expression.
A shock ran down my spine when I heard his words. This wasn't going to be good for me. The end of the month was close, and I didn't have enough money to pay.
"I cannot do that! Dungeon cleaning is the only way I can support my family," I said angrily.
The agent stood up from the table and, with a calm expression, muttered, "the only reason you're not in custody is because of your low rank and the lack of evidence. The person supporting this investigation isn't kind, so I advise compliance. Have a good night, Mr. Hoarder," He then left the cafe.
I was speechless and didn't know what I could do to ease the situation. This was a huge problem for me, since the money I had was nowhere near enough for the hospital bills and the debt collector's payment.
Buzz-! In silence, my phone vibrated as a sign of receiving a message. I pulled out my phone and checked everything new. Many messages were sent by Kim Ji-soo, warning me about the association's attention... he was a good friend.
I replied to his message, telling him that I was okay and had met an agent... also, I mentioned my dungeon ban.
After that, I paid for the drink and left the café. The sky was dark, but the city lights were bright enough to seem like morning. I took a bus home to save money, though it wasn't very pleasant due to the crowded conditions.
While on the bus, I thought about what I should do about my money problem, and many ideas crossed my mind. I had connections and enough information to be valuable, so I could start entering dungeons through illegal methods, or open a dungeon training course for newbies... but deep down I knew that wasn't fast enough.
I entered my apartment, seeing the same unsightly scenery I had grown used to. I lay on the bed, knowing I wouldn't have much to do in the morning besides part-time jobs with low income... until I thought of an idea.
It was too risky and too unpredictable, but as far as I could think, this was the best possible way for me to hunt and also earn money.
With that thought in mind, I started packing. I pulled out my backup backpack, since I gave mine to Leo, and started putting my items into it. This was important, since I didn't know how long I would need to stay or how many items would suffice.
After getting prepared, I took a deep breath and stood in the middle of the room... then, I did what I wanted to do.
[ Skill "Dimensional Shift ⌜Max⌟" Activated ]
[ Teleporting the User to the Designated Location ]
I instantly transported back to the exact church room I remembered. The bed cover was left untouched since I had left the room, which was questionable. I looked outside and it was nighttime, with little sound coming in except nature's noise.
I had planned on returning to this world after getting more suited to it, but desperate times called for desperate measures. I knew this world had adventurers and monsters who could earn money by doing quests, so if I could adapt to the world, I could also work here.
"I need to know more," I muttered while standing.
Knowledge was key, and I, of all people, knew how much information could separate living from dying... the problem was time. I had less than two weeks to get the money for the end of the month, and if I couldn't understand this world, that would be the end of me.
I placed my backpack in a corner and lay on the bed. It was night, so going out was foolish for many reasons... so I used the time to sleep, with much hope for tomorrow.