Reincarnated with SSS-Rank Trait and Unique Ability-Chapter 28: Return

Ares stared at the glowing text hanging above the dead monster, his heart still pounding from the battle.

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[ Extract Soul Weapon? ]

[ Yes ] [ No ]

***

His brows drew together. "Extract a Soul Weapon... from a monster?" That didn’t make any sense. As far as he knew, only humans could leave behind Soul Weapons. Monsters weren’t supposed to have them.

Ares hesitated for a moment, uncertainty gnawing at him. Then, with a quiet breath, he answered "Yes" in his mind.

A sudden warmth bloomed in his abdomen. He could feel it instantly—the weapon materialising within, as though it had always been there, waiting. He took a quick glance to confirm that Selene and Lucian were still speaking with the instructor, and with a flicker of intent, Ares summoned the weapon.

The massive Cleave, once towering and heavy, had shifted to match his frame. It now rested neatly in his small palm, scaled down but still carrying the same edge, the same weight of power. Faint energy shimmered along its blade, pulsing in time with his heartbeat.

He stared at it for a long moment, then let it vanish into thin air, dissolving in a swirl of spectral mist.

Without a word, Ares turned and approached the instructor, who now met his gaze.

But before either could speak, a sharp zip cut through the air.

A shimmering panel of light burst into existence out of nowhere. It hovered in midair, framed by translucent energy. The surface rippled like a pool of liquid starlight, shifting between violet, cobalt, and emerald hues. It looked identical to the teleport gate they’d entered with—except this one hung unsupported, suspended by some unseen force in the center of the chamber.

The instructor turned to the group. "Let’s go." ƒrēenovelkiss.com

One by one, they stepped through. Ares was the last, his body tingling as he crossed the threshold.

In an instant, the stone walls were gone, replaced by the open air and the scent of pine.

They emerged into a dense forest, where sunlight filtered through high canopies and birdsong echoed in the distance. The portal behind them flickered once, then died, leaving behind nothing but a stone arch carved into the side of a moss-covered mountain. Weathered and ancient, it looked like it had been there for centuries—its purpose now hidden behind layers of rock and time.

There was no light, no humming sound, just eerie stillness.

Ares stared at the stone arch for a moment, the silence pressing in around him. So much had happened in such a short time inside the Dungeon. It felt like another world entirely—one that had already begun to fade behind them.

He turned to his group.

Selene glanced at him, then quickly lowered her gaze. For a brief second, something flickered across her face—guilt, maybe even sorrow. But Ares didn’t dwell on it.

Instead, he closed his eyes and drew a long breath, letting the crisp forest air fill his lungs. The scent of pine and earth grounded him, and the breeze that brushed against his skin felt like a gentle reminder that they were back—alive.

The others seemed to do the same. For a few quiet moments, they simply stood there, letting the weight of the Dungeon fall away.

Then, breaking the calm, the instructor spoke. "We should head back. Mana Beasts will be drawn to our scent soon."

Just like that, the moment was over.

They began walking again, making their way back to the outpost. The forest floor grew muddier with each step, and soon the distant shapes of wooden huts broke through the trees, signalling their return.

As they entered the outpost, heads began to turn.

Glances. Whispers. Wary eyes followed them as they passed—some curious, others cautious. It wasn’t every day a Dungeon group returned, especially with a story worth talking about.

Once they reached the main courtyard, the instructor turned toward the students.

"Selene. Lucian. Return to your chambers. I’ll speak to you both shortly." His voice was calm, but firm.

Then he turned to Ares. "You and I will speak to the Chief about... what happened."

Ares gave him a steady nod. "Understood."

Selene and Lucian lingered, clearly reluctant to part ways. But after a brief, meaningful look from the instructor, they turned and left, their footsteps quick and uncertain.

Ares and Viktor continued toward the main hall—a solid brick building nestled at the center of the outpost. The soldier at the entrance gave Viktor a respectful nod, recognised instantly, and without question, opened the door for them. A soft knock against the polished wood signalled their arrival.

"Come in," came a voice from within.

The Chief looked up from his desk, his expression bored—until his eyes landed on the two who stepped inside.

"Viktor?" the Chief blinked. "What are you—wait... why is one of your students here?"

He studied the two of them, confusion etched across his face. Viktor exhaled slowly, stepping further into the office before lowering himself onto the couch. Ares followed silently, standing beside him.

"We were attacked," Viktor began. "No—betrayed. By the two soldiers you assigned to our group."

His tone was calm, but the weight behind his words was undeniable.

The Chief’s eyes widened. "What?! I—"

"They were from the Guild of Assassins," Viktor said, cutting him off. "It seems they’ve infiltrated the outpost."

A heavy silence fell over the office. The Chief looked between the two, stunned, his thoughts racing.

Then, after a pause, his voice returned—quieter, but no less urgent.

"But... why is one of your students here?"

A shadow passed over Viktor’s face. He leaned forward, elbows on his knees, his voice low and serious. "The headmaster’s sons are dead. And the headmaster himself—he’s sponsoring the Guild."

The Chief staggered back into his seat as if struck by lightning, his face draining of colour. His mouth opened, then closed. Finally, in a whisper, he spoke again.

"You... killed the headmaster’s kids?"

Viktor’s lips parted to speak, but before he could utter a word, Ares stepped forward.

"I did."