Reawakening: SSS-Rank Villain's POV

Up in his suite, Lucian sat cross-legged on the floor, the spoils of battle from the second floor lay around him like a mountain.

He nodded his head and was about to reroll the items when a soft chime broke the stillness. It was the hotel's communication system, a gentle intrusion that pulled him back to the surface.

He rose smoothly to his feet and crossed the room to the sleek panel embedded in the wall. With a tap, the image of the elven receptionist flickered into view, her expression as composed as ever.

"Mr. Morningstar," she began, her voice smooth and professional, "there is a gentleman here who wishes to see you. He claims to be the leader of the Green Dragon Guild and says he has an urgent matter to discuss."

Lucian's brow lifted slightly. The Green Dragon Guild, one of the guild he saw in the city while coming here to the hotel.

He hadn't expected such attention so soon after his arrival. The skirmish with the thieves in the merchant district must have spread faster than he'd anticipated. Or perhaps it was something else.

It could be his name etched into the Primordial Codex but he didn't care in the least.

"Very well ," he said after a moment's pause. "I'll come down to the lobby."

The receptionist nodded, and the image faded. Lucian adjusted his cloth, pulling a fresh cloth from his inventory.

The legendary Titanic Breastplate remained equipped beneath, its subtle glow hidden under the fabric. He ran a hand through his crimson hair, smoothing it back, then made for the elevator.

…

They waited in silence, the tension thick enough to cut. After a few minutes, a soft chime emanated from the device. The secretary read the encrypted reply, her eyebrows raising slightly.

"They acknowledge the target," she reported. "But... they recognized the name. Lucian Morningstar. His entry on the Codex has apparently garnered significant attention in certain circles." She paused, glancing at Darius. "They've increased the standard fee. By ten times."

"Ten times?!" Urus choked out, eyes wide with disbelief.

Darius's jaw clenched so hard a muscle jumped in his cheek. A wave of crimson flushed his neck. Ten times the standard rate was an exorbitant sum, enough to fund the guild expedition for weeks.

It wasn't just highway robbery it was highway robbery with rape!

But the Shadow Guild was good at what they do and their organization was so wide they have people even in the 50th floor! And the price... it only confirmed how dangerous, how valuable, they considered Lucian to be. It solidified Darius's decision.

He grit his teeth as he spat out."Damn vultures,"

Taking in a deep breath he force down the rage and spoke. "Fine. Agree to their terms. Transfer the funds immediately."

The secretary nodded again, her fingers flying across the interface. A significant portion of the Green Dragon Guild's liquid assets flowed into the abyss of the Shadow Guild's untraceable accounts. The confirmation came back moments later.

[Contract Accepted.]

…

Back in the luxurious suite, Lucian was oblivious to everything. He had dismissed his encounter with Darius as an annoying encounter.

His focus was entirely on the mountain of loot spread across the carpet before him.

Armors, greaves, gauntlets, heavy axes, long spears, sturdy swords, their edges still keen.

Skillbooks pouches overflowed with glittering gems of varying sizes and colors, Mana Crystals, Strength Shards, Herbs, dried and pungent, lay in neat bundles, likely ingredients for potions or alchemical concoctions. Several sturdy blueprints, drawn on thick parchment, detailed designs for traps or minor enchantments. And amidst it all sat five high-grade treasures chests!

Lucian knelt amongst the treasures, a focused intensity in his eyes. It was time for the Reroll system to work its magic – or its mischief. He picked up a Rare-grade steel sword, its blade reasonably sharp but unremarkable.

"Reroll," he commanded inwardly.

[Reroll Activated: 1 Use Consumed | Remaining Rerolls: 31]

[Target: Steel Sword (Rare)]

[Rerolling...]

A faint shimmer enveloped the sword. The light pulsed, shifting from blue (Rare) to a deeper purple (Epic).

[Reroll Successful! Item Upgraded!]

[New Item: Shadowsteel Blade (Epic)]

[Properties: +35 Agility, +20% Attack Speed, Passive: Shadow Strike (10% chance on hit to inflict 3 seconds temporary blindness)]

A satisfied smirk touched Lucian's lips. A good start. He moved on, picking up item after item.

A set of Uncommon Leather Greaves became [Windstrider Boots (Epic)], granting increased movement speed.

A basic [Skillbook: Power Strike (Uncommon)] rerolled into [Skillbook: Sundering strike (Super)], a technique designed to shatter defenses.

A pouch of dull [Agility crystals (Common)] transformed into [Concentrated Swiftness Crystals (Legendary)], offering a more potent stat boost when consumed or used in crafting.

As for the treasure chests, Lucian decided to open them before he reroll them.

He was quite regretful of not opening the treasure chest at the auction as he knew whatever it brought, he could eventually roll them into something good if his luck was good.

The treasure chest yielded a mix of potions,

crafting materials, a rare accessory [Ring of Minor Fortitude], and a surprising amount of Relic Gold Coins. He immediately rerolled the ring.

[Reroll Activated: 1 Use Consumed | Remaining Rerolls: 26]

[Target: Ring of Minor Fortitude (common)]

[Rerolling...]

[Reroll Successful! Item Upgraded!]

[New Item: Guardian's Embrace (Epic)]

[Properties: +100 Physique, +15% Max HP, Active: Bulwark (Creates a temporary shield absorbing 500 damage, Cooldown: 5 minutes)]

"Getting better," Lucian frowned but murmured. He continued the process, his pile of rerolled items growing.

He picked up a gleaming [Titanium Shield (Rare)]. "Reroll."

[Reroll Activated: 1 Use Consumed | Remaining Rerolls: 18]

[Target: Titanium Shield (Rare)]

[Rerolling...]

[Reroll successfull ! Item Regressed!]

[New Item: Dented Iron Buckler (Common)]

[Properties: +5 Physique, -5% Movement Speed (Poor Balance)]

Lucian stared at the pathetic piece of metal that had replaced the sturdy shield. The veins in his forehead throbing. "Damn it!" He threw the shield at the wall.

It was one reroll chance gone just like that.

The pattern continued. Out of the roughly forty-three items he attempted to reroll (including individual gems and herbs, not just equipment), the results were a chaotic mix:

Around 15 items successfully upgraded, jumping multiple rarity tiers.

Around 18 items remained the same rarity but gained slightly different or improved stats/effects.

A frustrating 10 items regressed, turning potentially useful gear into vendor trash.

But the successes were spectacular.