HEX: Aspect Of The Void

[City Of Lamar, Dungeon Zone]

Multitudes of people made camp within the Dungeon Zone, even spreading beyond. The crowd engaged in exciting talks and amused themselves with laughs and interesting gifts on the Adventurers within the massive structure overhead them.

The Adventurer's Guild already placed officials around the Dungeon and its anchors to ensure no one interfered with the bulky building, but not a single person even dared to do so in the first place.

"It's less than a day now... It'll soon be time..." One of the many excited mobs said.

"I know right? I can't wait!!! Let's hope Garan brings back some goodies for us!" Another said.

"Do you think 'he' will remain number one after this raid?" A voice asked.

"Welp, who knows... Number two could overtake him soon, considering how the gap lessened in just the last Raid"

"That's true. It's a good thing I bet on him then" 

Every year, after Adventurers ventured into the Dungeon, the masses who were excited about this marvelous event, but couldn't challenge the dangers that lay within, would make camp before the Dungeon and await the valiant return of the brave ones who went within.

This has been a tradition of Lamar since the Vanishing Dungeon Raid became a popular occasion.

"Six more hours!" Someone yelled out.

Within a short period, they would see the champions of the Dungeon Raid. The results of this would change the hierarchy of Lamar. If an Adventurer is lucky, he could shoot up to the top of the echelon. Unlucky ones could lose their lives or limbs in the process.

"Who did you bet on?"

Betting made its debut a long time ago when business-oriented employees of the Adventurers Guild decided to make even more profit from the 'Raid Conquest' and also boost the participation of the masses.

Through betting, individuals choose who to place their expectations on, guaranteeing the success of the Adventurer. If the Adventurer succeeds, depending on the odds, the better wins an immense amount of profit.

It is a risky venture since one can never be guaranteed of the state of their chosen Adventurers in such a dangerous place.

Still...

"The number one, of course! Who else?" 

"Number three is looking like he has a lot of prospects..." 

"Weeeelll... I like playing it safe!"

"True, but the stakes are not really in your favor since the majority would bet on him."

"..."

"What about those new ones... The Ranks 7-10... I heard they're a Party. Wouldn't they have a higher chance of surviving since they are all Platinum Ranks?" 

"Pfft, is that what you think? I heard rumors among the Adventurers. Those punks are just rich brats who probably want to get famous in Lamar. They most likely bribed the Adventurers Guild to give them that Rank."

"Oh? That's possible... But the Guild doesn't work like that. My cousin works there and he-"

"Hey, I don't know the details. Maybe it's something they couldn't avoid. Besides... The Guild probably didn't need to worry much. After all, if they're posers, they'll drop off the ranks soon enough... If they're not killed first" 

The crowd smiled and waited for the results they staked their resources on.

"Ahh, this year will be so-"

>BOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM!!!!!<

A loud and devastating explosion suddenly halted all conversation among the crowd as they all looked above them, to see the cause of destruction.

A portion of the Vanishing Dungeon had been blown away, sending the large particles away from the structure.

Falling debris of the mysterious material of the Dungeon scattered from above, falling on the ground among the numerous crowd.

"Arhhh" Screams filled the air.

>BAM!< >BOOM< >KPAT<

The ground shook as a result of the massive chunks of stone that impacted the ground, sending pieces of flesh and splatters of blood flying all around.

The Merry mood filling the air suddenly changed, replaced by the feeling of dread and an atmosphere of death.

"W-What the hell is going on!?!" They yelled in confusion.

After a while, the falling rocks ceased, leaving a fearful crowd, injured individuals, and countless deaths.

Instinctively, those who still drew breath looked above them, wondering what could have caused the disaster and bloodshed enveloping them.

Their eyes bulged with both shock and fear as they witnessed a monstrous figure emerge from the going hole made on the Dungeon walls.

With two horns protruding from its head, long flowing hair, and glowing skin, the humanoid monster looked upon the petrified mob as it flew with its large wings.

"Foolish Humans... The time is finally here. After millennia of being sealed within this invincible prison, I have been freed at last!" The demonic monster laughed in excitement.

"N-No... W-What is that?!" 

The legs of the people gave up strength and they fell to their knees.

The overwhelming aura of the monster made everyone tremble on the ground as they watched it grin malevolently.

"Do not bother resisting. Your lives are all mine to dispose of. You sure had your fun killing my subordinates within my prison. Now then, as the final boss of this Dungeon... I will dispose of you filthy lot, right here and now" It spoke with its terrifying voice.

The people were confused. They did not know how they were able to comprehend the words of a monster, but the absurd nature of its conversation was the least of their worries.

"I-I can't move... W-Wha-"

The powerful aura of the monster above them suppressed their mobility, paralyzing everyone within range.

The thousands of citizens and tourists remained on their knees and helplessly awaited death.

"N-No... I-I don't want to die! Please... Someone... Anyone... S-Save us! Save me!!!"

Suddenly, a flash of lightning erupted, making the entire crowd tremble in its wake.

"You beast... What the hell are you?!" A loud voice emerged.

Everyone's eyes widened. They recognized the sound of the one who spoke. It was none other than...

"V-Vice G-Guildmaster!!!" The terrified folks yelled.

Out of the seething smoke came forth a middle-aged man, fully donning a gold armor, radiating in splendor.

He had smooth golden hair, and his smooth skin added beauty to his glamorous outfit.

Standing on one of the devastated platforms, he stood majestically, attracting the awe of everyone around him.

"This is as far as you go, beast!" The man yelled.

"You... How are you not affected by my aura?" The boss monster asked, narrowing his eyes to reveal the crimson glow within.

"I have no obligation to answer a beast!" The Vice Guildmaster said with a scowl, preparing to fight from where he stood.

Immediately a pair of golden wings emerged from his armor, launching him into the sky at a rapid rate.

>WHOOOSH<

The air current parted ways as his speed swept everything away, reaching Wrath's height in an instant.

"Master Rai is here now... We're saved! Finally... Keukk, thank the gods!" One among many yelled, relieved by the sudden appearance of salvation.

The crowd slowly drifted from their despairing state and cheered for the gold-plated man.

His smile broadened as their cries reached him, looking at the opponent with a confident demeanor.

"Oh? It seems there exists at least one among you with a spine. I suppose I will play with you for a bit" The acclaimed final boss smirked.

"Know your place, monster. This will be over in an instant!" Rai, Vice Guildmaster of Lamar's Adventurer's Guild responded with authority.

Revered to be a former Platinum Ranked adventurer before retiring and becoming a Vice Guildmaster, Rai possessed an enormous amount of authority and respect in Lamar.

"Heh, even among the others, I have the highest number of Relics in my possession!" He smiled to himself.

Everything he covered himself with was a Relic. From his attire, to his ornaments... Even his hair. They all contained immense amounts of power and Divine Energy.

"This monster is basically naked. What can he do against me?" Rai smirked, observing the enemy whose chest was wide open.

"Become my stepping stone, you vile creature!" He declared, bringing out a massive burst of golden energy.

Immediately, beasts of several shapes and proportions appeared, all projected in a golden aura.

"My Relic, 'Ring Of Summons' allows me to summon spiritual beasts to fight on my behalf." Rai smiled.

Of course, he was aware of the high power the monster would possess, since it claimed to be the final Boss of the Dungeon. 

"No one has ever reached the top before. It gets phenomenally more difficult the higher one climbs. If this bastard's statement really is true, then I have to be careful while facing it."

Using this as his rationale, Rai stood at a safe distance and decided to gauge the strength of his enemy before going all in.

This demonic being was able to break through the indestructible walls of the Dungeon and was also able to stop the movement of everyone around.

"It is definitely not ordinary... And what's with its language?" Rai muttered.

For the first time in his life, Rai was witnessing a monster who could clearly communicate in the human tongue.

The monster even looked humanoid in a sense. 

"My Relics don't pick up much concentration from him, so he's not on the level of a Special Grade monster... Still, I'll be cautious!" Rai reasoned.

He raised his left hand, showing the glowing ring which summoned his astral projections, and released his several dozen beasts to attack the monster.

"If I win... Then I'll be the first to have ever performed this feat. It won't be a dream to aim for the position of Guildmaster!" Rai grinned excitedly.

"Victory is mine.