SSS Awakening: I Can Steal Attributes-Chapter 4: Entering The Dungeon

A swirling black mass of fog came into view.

It was three meters tall and had a width of about two meters. The shape was irregular but appeared more like a sphere.

This was a dungeon portal, or a dungeon gate.

With this kind of size as well as the intensity of the black fog swirling around it, it was considered an F-Threat Dungeon.

A few meters around the dungeon gate, a makeshift barrier was made to prevent unwanted people from getting close.

Outside the barrier, Desther saw some Awakened Professionals wearing the green uniform the same as Teacher Rosa.

Teacher Rosa went forward and began talking to one of them.

Not wanting to meddle in anything, Desther began to adjust the leather armor that he was wearing. Fortunately, he was wearing a loose hoodie, so he was able to wear the leather armor underneath it. The bracer, on the other hand, was fitted directly on his arm, hugging the sleeve of the hoodie tightly.

As for the dagger, it was now hanging on his waist.

His preparation was already thorough.

Still, compared to others, it seems that he was a little bit lacking.

In fact, he also has some classmates that are considered wealthy in this day and age. Most of them had Awakened Professionals in their family and hence would be able to buy them necessary equipment for the upcoming awakening ceremony.

Some were wearing metallic armor, some had long shiny swords, while one of them even had the guts to bring a gun.

The gun was, of course, inspected thoroughly by the teachers and would only be given to the student the moment they entered the dungeon.

Even with the current time being termed as the Age of Awakeners, guns and bullets still possess considerable allure and threat.

Of course, as far as Desther knew, their price has also become more expensive due to more demand but lacking supply.

’Well, there’s only so much I can do with the government allowance I receive each month. Too bad it will soon stop after becoming awakened. Sigh!’ Desther grumbled to himself.

Like any other orphan, he was also included in the subsidy program provided by the government.

Although not too much, with his stay-at-home nature, the amount was actually enough for him to spend and leave some extra for savings. He was even able to buy his phone and a computer set due to it.

After awakening, though, he would be considered a Professional, hence, the subsidy would end as he would be deemed someone who could now earn a living with his talent.

His dream of leeching off the subsidy for life could never be realized, and it was also because of this that he must take this awakening seriously.

Or else, how could he pay for his internet as well as his novel subscriptions?

Out of habit, Desther continued to observe everyone discreetly, noting what kind of weapon or equipment they brought.

Although he already had an idea after a month of observation, he also took note of who were likely to form a group and who were close friends with each other with their recent interactions.

Being cautious and observant was a habit that he got during the great escape.

When one is always tense due to the danger lurking around, and when one does not know who are friends and foes, one will be able to learn a skill or two.

After all, the chances of your friend betraying you were small, but never zero.

Not to mention, these were just classmates he knew for just a month.

Anyway, he did not interact with any of them before, so how could they betray him if they did not even know his presence?

...

Teacher Rosa came back a few moments later.

She clapped her hands to gather everyone’s attention as she announced, "Get ready, everyone! Awakened Professionals are already stationed in the gathering points."

"The moment you enter the dungeon, immediately identify your location using the map and hurry towards the nearest gathering point. You must ensure that you get to the gathering point within three hours, as after that, the Awakened Professional assigned to that gathering point will lead you to complete your First Kill."

Seeing everyone nod, Teacher Rosa smiled and beckoned for everyone to follow her.

Desther and the others obediently followed behind her.

He deliberately positioned himself at the edge of the group.

Looking at the dungeon gate up close, Desther and the others could hardly hide their emotions.

Awe, rage, and solemnity were ever present on their faces. None dared to talk and merely waited for Teacher Rosa’s go signal.

In truth, this was not the first time that Desther saw a dungeon gate or portal.

There were a lot of referenced pictures on the internet, and he saw some during the great escape a few years ago as well.

There were also private dungeons lying around the city, but this was the first time that he had come this close to a gate or portal.

To say that he was not impressed and felt fear and anger looking at it was an understatement.

This kind of gate was, after all, what caused the world to become what it is today.

"Alright, good luck everyone. May you be blessed with a powerful talent to accompany you and your dreams!"

"One last reminder. Be safe, and prioritize your safety over anything else."

"Now, enter the dungeon gate two at a time. See you all at the gathering point!"

With that, the students gripped their respective weapons and entered the dungeon two at a time.

They were already prepared and were even educated on what would happen inside a dungeon.

Now, as long as they paid attention to class, none of them would get into trouble at all.

Not wanting to draw attention to himself, Desther left the edge and quietly merged into the middle of the group as they entered the dungeon.

As he stepped into the dungeon gate, the person beside him suddenly paused. She suddenly moved back as another person replaced her at the last minute.

When Desther stepped inside the gate, only soft words entered his ears before his vision blanked out.

"Help me!"

________

A/N:

Look forward to his awakening on the upcoming Chapters.