My Charity System made me too OP

While Leon and Luna were busy raising their strength in the dungeons, back in the city, someone else was facing a troubling setback.

"Where is it?" Rex growled as he stomped through the dim, foul-smelling sewers. His voice echoed off the walls, filled with frustration. "Didn't you say there was a new dungeon here? One that would surely grant us great items?" He glared back at one of his men, who was nervously shifting his weight, avoiding eye contact.

"Uh… I-I thought it was… here," the man stammered, backing up a step as he felt the weight of Rex's gaze.

"Thought?" Rex's voice grew colder as he took a step closer, towering over the man. With one swift kick, he sent him stumbling backward, crashing into the damp stone wall. The man whimpered, pressing his back to the wall, too terrified to make another sound.

"I told you—if you're going to bring me this sort of information, make sure you've actually seen it first," Rex hissed.

But suddenly, something caught his eye—a faint mark on the wall, almost hidden in the shadows. He moved closer, narrowing his eyes as he inspected it. The wall showed signs of a recent scuffle, with deep scratches and small chunks missing from the stone. "Someone was here…" he muttered, his frustration giving way to cold calculation as he traced the markings with his fingers.@@novelbin@@

He glanced back at his men, his gaze sharp. "Whoever raided this dungeon is already long gone," he said, piecing together the clues. "But the tracks suggest they came from the city and left on foot. That means they're still near."

He straightened up, his eyes glinting with intent. "Let's go. We've got prey to hunt." A dark glow began to pulse from his sword, a sinister energy crackling along its edge.

Like Luna, Rex was also a variation of the Assassin class, known as a Dark Ranger. And now, this Dark Ranger had caught the scent of his quarry.

One of his men stepped forward hesitantly. "You really think we can track them, boss?" he asked, glancing at the tracks with uncertainty.

Rex's grin widened, cold and predatory. "Oh, I don't think. I know. They left just enough of a trail for us to follow. Stay close, keep your eyes sharp, and let's move. This will be quick work."

After a moment, his eyes lighting up with an idea. " And Not just track them. Whoever got here before us is carrying items of real value." He clenched his fists, excitement mingling with his anger. "We're going to hunt them down and take what's ours."

The men exchanged uneasy glances, but they nodded in agreement. Rex's fierce reputation wasn't just for show; they knew better than to question him when he had a plan.

"Spread out. Look for any sign of their tracks leading out of here," Rex ordered, his voice calm but filled with steely resolve. His men moved without a word, scanning the sewer passages carefully, their eyes darting over every inch of the damp, darkened corridors.

Rex leaned against the wall, his mind racing. Whoever beat him to the dungeon was skilled enough to clear it fast—but if they thought they could escape unnoticed, they were wrong.

As Rex's men fanned out, scouring the area for any signs of a trail, he took a deep breath to steady his thoughts. He had never been bested when it came to hunting down his targets; whoever had dared to take from him had a hard lesson coming.

One of his scouts returned, pointing down a narrow, winding path deeper into the sewers. "Boss, there are fresh footprints leading out this way. They're light, quick… and recent."

Rex smirked. "Good. They can't be too far ahead." He motioned for his men to follow him as he took the lead down the path, his footsteps echoing softly in the darkness.

The sewers stretched on, twisting and turning through damp, narrow corridors. As they moved, Rex's mind worked over the possibilities. If these intruders were strong enough to clear the dungeon, they must have been holding something valuable. Dark magic amulets, enchanted weapons, rare spellbooks—each possibility only fueled his determination.

After nearly twenty minutes of tracking, they came to an open chamber where the sewer tunnels split off in multiple directions. Rex scanned the floor and walls, looking for any clue to point them in the right direction.

"There," he whispered, spotting faint smears of mud leading down one of the tunnels. He could see traces of magic residue, glinting faintly in the dim light, as if whoever passed through had a powerful aura lingering around them. "They're trying to cover their tracks… smart, but not enough."

The men followed silently, staying close to Rex. The path led them up a short flight of stone steps and then out through a grated entrance, into the moonlit outskirts of the city. The chill night air hit them as they emerged, but Rex's eyes were only focused on the faint, tell-tale tracks leading off toward the forest beyond the city walls.

"Into the forest," he instructed. "Keep alert. They'll be more dangerous here."

The thick trees cast long shadows under the moonlight as they entered the woods, the silence amplifying every twig snap and rustle of leaves. Rex's men moved cautiously, glancing nervously around. This forest was known for its dark creatures, and their presence only grew stronger the deeper one ventured.

But Rex's focus was laser-sharp. He could almost feel the presence of their targets nearby. His instincts told him that they were closing in.

A sudden movement up ahead caught his attention. He raised his hand, signaling his men to stop and wait. Squinting through the darkness, he caught a glimpse of two figures—Leon and Luna—resting near a small campfire, unaware of the pursuers approaching.

Rex grinned, his fingers itching with anticipation. "Got you," he whispered.

****

Meanwhile, Leon and Luna sat by the fire, unaware of the impending danger. Luna carefully inspected the new artifacts they'd acquired, marveling at the dark magic properties on the amulet she now wore. "This Shadow Lord Ring really has a powerful aura," she murmured, admiring its faint glow.

Leon nodded, poking at the fire to keep it bright. "It'll be useful. We're bound to face stronger foes if this dungeon was any indication. The next one might even be more challenging."

Suddenly, Luna tensed, her eyes narrowing as she glanced around. "Leon," she whispered, her voice barely audible, "we're not alone."

Leon straightened, his hand instinctively reaching for his weapon. He scanned the shadows around them, his senses alert. "How many?" he asked, his voice barely above a breath.

"More than a few," Luna replied, her voice steady but low. "I can hear them—steps trying to mask themselves. Whoever they are, they're experienced."

Leon's eyes flickered, his mind working quickly. "They must've followed us from the dungeon," he muttered. "Probably here for our loot."

He grinned, his pulse quickening with the prospect of another fight. "Well, if they want a fight, they're going to get one."

Luna smirked, sliding her daggers into her hands. "Good. I was starting to get bored."

After raiding so many dungeons, both Leon and Luna had grown significantly in strength. Luna had advanced to mid Tier III from her previous Tier II level, and Leon had reached Tier II himself. With their newfound power, they no longer feared Vice City Lord Rex. They felt ready to take back the city that was rightfully theirs.

However, they continued their dungeon dives, collecting valuable resources and honing their skills. They knew that taking down Rex was just the beginning; a much larger threat was tied to him, one they would have to face soon.

There is the Monster tide too, that is just five month away.

They rose from their resting positions, eyes locked on the darkened forest around them. Leon extended his arm, channeling his magical energy, creating a faint, protective aura around them both. Luna crouched low, her senses sharp, waiting for the slightest sign of movement.

From behind a thick tree, Rex and his men watched, waiting for the right moment to strike. Rex's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Now!" he barked, signaling his men to rush forward.

The night exploded into action as Rex's group charged into the clearing, weapons drawn and aimed directly at Leon and Luna.

But Leon and Luna were ready.

Leon extended his arm, sending a pulse of dark energy toward the oncoming attackers. The blast knocked back two of Rex's men instantly, sending them sprawling to the ground. Luna, quick on her feet, lunged forward, dodging between trees and shadows to flank the attackers.

Rex sneered, his sword gleaming in the moonlight as he closed in on Leon. "Think you're tough, kid? We'll see how long you last."

Leon met his gaze, his expression calm. "I don't just think it—I know it."

"Leon, he is Tier III" Luna reminded him as he looked at him and nodded "indeed you are"

"What, got cold feet, kid?" Rex asked, looking at Leon with a smirk.

Leon nodded, his expression steely, as if stating the fact.

Rex fell silent, momentarily speechless by Leon's calm response. The atmosphere shifted as Luna moved into position, preparing to take on Rex herself, while Leon dealt with the other mobs around them.

Luna's legs were poised, ready to strike, while Leon took swift action against the oncoming enemies, his focus unwavering. Rex stood there, his confidence shaken for the first time, as he realized that Leon and Luna were not to be underestimated.