Solo Dungeon Runner

Alexander was standing on the stage, arms crossed on his chest while he stared in the distance, his thoughts dancing in his head.

It had been a few hours since his opponents had won their previous fight, they would be on very soon.

A one versus six, something that raised no emotions in him.

He could see Nagano in the stands, with Sunder and Titan sitting next to him

Alexander's death stare seemed to have no impact on Sunder's mood, who kept clapping and cheering as if nothing happened.

This is the last fight before finals, deciding if I win the E-tier tournament. After that, it'll be onward to phase 2.

[ Level up! ]

[ Your stats have increased! ]

[ Your companions grow stronger! ]

Really? That's the fourth level today…

Fae had been in a great mood, the previous day. They had spent quality time together, despite not doing much.

The fact she was willing to continue farming dungeons, despite how badly injured he had been the previous day was a miracle. Without her, however, he wouldn't progress so quickly.

He reached level 40 a few hours ago, receiving yet another spell, [ Unwitnessed ]. He was excited at first, but this must've been the first spell not so useful in a fight.

Despite its cryptic definition, it essentially stopped monitoring from a distance. Using spells to spy on him, or even technology was useless if it was activated. It didn't stop people directly watching him, but since he could feel people's gaze anyway this new spell would make him a hard target to track.

I doubt I'll need it in any fight. I'd still rather have it than not, however.

He watched as the opposing team slowly walked on stage. He recognized the team leader, the assassin archetype who sacrificed himself for the win. Despite how badly injured he was hours ago, he was in perfect shape now.

His whole squad looked in high spirits, still feeling the high from their victory. They had an assault-heavy team, most likely focused on pushing forward rather than holding ground.

They had several fighters and casters but no tanks, which meant no matter what, they would focus on an oppressive offense rather than defending the backline.

That's exactly what they had shown previously.

"You're going down, cultist," said the leader lifting his dagger toward him.

Alexander shifted his weight on his other leg, while slightly tilting his head.

"You're out of your depths. You fought well, earlier, but it doesn't mean you're suddenly above humility. I'll force you to remember that in a moment."

The announcer was speechless, on the side of the stage.

The two teams had exchanged lines that were pure content. Riding that momentum, he went in a frenzy in his microphone, all the cameras pointing at the two leaders on each side.

"On one side, the guild 'Forward' with an amazing record and brilliant display of strategy from earlier today! Known to only move in one direction!"

The crowd cheered, while a short music bit hyped the moment even more.

Once the song stopped, the announcer continued.

"On the other side, our cuuuultist!"

The crowd lost it, the cheers even louder than before, while the music loudly boomed through every speaker in the stadium.

"While reckless, his tactical mind is unparalleled! Easily winning a one versus four against one of the top E-tier contenders from the guild Havoc! He made his next opponents crumble with a single glance! Will those new opponent fall at a single breath? We'll find out!"

The crowd was out of control, even Sunder was clapping rapidly with a child-like expression on his face.

"We've tirelessly looked for more info on our favorite cultist during the past days. An anonymous informant, one of the highest ranking S-tier dungeon runners came forward with never-before-seen information.—"

Alexander's ice-cold eyes went directly toward Sunder, who started fake-whistling while Titan visibly sighed while shaking his head, next to him.

I'll need to have a word with him.

"Apparently, Veil has already cleared what could be considered a B-tier dungeon!"

The crowd's shock was considerable, while some people kept cheering a lot of chatter took over as people discussed the new information dropping in.

"Now, I know what you're all thinking—he must've had quite the team to pull this off! Well, you better fasten your seat belts, because he cleared those dungeons alone!"

The cheers and chatter turned into a cacophony of amazement paired with cynicism.

The Forward's team leader's face had gone slightly pale, his team tried to keep a straight face and show confidence but their doubts flooded through their faces.

"Yes, yes. I hear you. How could a new, E-tier dungeon runner complete a B-tier dungeon?!"

Alexander's gaze went to Sunder once more. The dungeon was C-tier, high C-tier at best. His accomplishments were exaggerated, and all this praise was fake on top of being unnecessary.

That dungeon wasn't an accomplishment, it was an assassination attempt.

"Well, it turns out—Veil has a companion!"

Confusion swept across the public, some people wondering how that could be true.

"For those of you who don't know, classes that make use of companions are famously known to only be considered strong when in their presence! Companions, whether they be beasts or summons, sometimes amount to more than 50% of the dungeon runner's strength!"

Alexander could see the zoom on his face, reflected on the big screens around the stadium. The way he stood still, waiting for the announcer to move on.

"Well, dear viewers at home, and those of you in the live public, this can be seen two ways. First, you could consider this proof of his overwhelming power! Able to sweep through the early stages of the tournament without bringing forth his companion shows he's not to be messed with!"

The cameras then panned out to the Forward guild.

They looked better than they did moments ago, their spirits slightly raised.

"Or, you could see it the way they probably are right now! As an opportunity to fight a weakened cultist that doesn't have his companion around!"