—
The question Kieran asked himself eventually left his mind after frowning. What reason did he have to explain himself? Nothing he had done thus far, relating to people, was out of the ordinary.
It was Bastion’s misconceptions that led to his strange opinions.
Regardless, Kieran didn’t have time to waste clearing up silly misunderstandings.
“Gather everyone. I’ll guide you on what you’ll be doing for the time being, and then I have to go,” Kieran said.
Bastion scratched his head with a questioning expression. What was so important that he needed to leave? “Where are you going? We just got here, and you’re already ditching us?”
“I’m not leaving the facility, you nincompoop. I need to log back into Zenith Online for a special event. Speaking of which....” Kieran rubbed his hands together with an eager grin. “Keep your eyes peeled on the Gamer Republic platform. I’ll be going live shortly, and you’ll understand why I had to log in.”
Although Bastion wasn’t too sure about Kieran’s upcoming move, something told him it would be unusually large. “Leave it up to the boss to come across some shocking quest.”
“Well, it’s not a quest, per se. Speaking of which, don’t you have a legacy item to locate? You can’t be gone too long, or you’ll stifle my plans, so don’t take too long. Is there anything you need?”
“Err, maybe some extra Gold. I need to visit something called the Hidden Shield Grotto. It’s located within the Terran Empire.”Gét latest novel chapters on nov(e)lbj/n(.)c/om
Kieran blinked and looked at Bastion silently before giving him a bitter smile. “You... may have to hold off on embarking on that journey. The Terran Empire is on the Western Continent of Waikrune. It’s impossible to venture there at your current level.”
Bastion’s expression sank after hearing Kieran’s words. Had he gotten excited over nothing? He thought he could claim a mighty item as soon as he accepted his current class. Alas, it seemed he was sorely mistaken.
Kieran understood Bastion’s frustration, so he helped appease his mind. “Don’t frown. We’ll get there eventually. In fact, I’ll personally help you complete your journey once it’s possible. Is that fair?”
“It’s fair, boss,” Bastion nodded.
“Besides, that gives you extra time to learn and perfect your class. I doubt obtaining a Legacy Weapon is an easy feat. Before you attempt to claim it, you must first prepare for a challenging journey,” Kieran added.
According to a few players who succeeded in accepting Legacy Items, they were not only challenging to obtain, but they also required subjugation.
A Legacy Item, in a sense, was a bleak replica of a Soul Armament, meaning they possessed some semblance of an Ego.
Depending on how strong the Legacy’s creator was, the Ego could be feeble, or it could be abnormally solid. Considering Garrian’s strength, Bastion’s situation most likely fell under the latter.
If Kieran’s speculations were true, he advised that Bastion wait until he was stronger.
Kieran patted Bastion’s shoulder and wandered into the training area, where the others looked around in stupefaction. It possessed everything they could ask for, such as strength training equipment, endurance, flexibility, and other useful apparatuses.
“We need one of those of our own,” Altair muttered. A tinge of desire welled up within his eyes as he viewed the training room.
Despite the background of his surname, Altair came from humble beginnings, so he wasn’t used to extreme luxury.
On the contrary, it was enjoyable. At least Kieran felt that way.
‘Training with Scar has undoubtedly increased my pain threshold, whether it be mental or physical. If this happened before I completed my training, adjusting would have taken some time.’
“I’m going back in,” Kieran said.
However, before he could log in, Dr. Riley approached him with a concerned gaze. “Don’t forget. You must be careful because you are amassing mental fatigue without resting. Although the X-hancers may rejuvenate you, they aren’t perfect. At some point, you’ll crash and require an unnatural amount of rest.”
Kieran considered Dr. Riley’s point while nodding. Without the X-hancers, his time spent inside Zenith Online would be greatly reduced. But, the X-hancers weren’t a magical solution. It was only delaying the inevitable.
“I can’t slow down until our advantage is secured. When, and only when that happens, I’ll rest,” Kieran said. His lips curved into a grateful smile. “I appreciate your concern, though.”
A moment later, his body relaxed as his mind delved back into Zenith Online.
...
Kieran’s eyes opened inside Mayor Lowe’s office with a light gasp. Upon looking around, he noticed several guards walking back and forth carrying the gold-filled chest.
Despite Mayor Lowe choosing the strongest guards to assist him, they strained themselves to pick up the massive chests.
At first, Kieran considered helping them, but a message appeared before his eyes, alerting him that he could do no such thing.
〈System: Your «Lesser War Crest» has emitted a summoning signal. [This is the third alert. Please make way to the War Deity Council lest you forfeit your involvement in the Gladiator’s Coliseum event.]〉
During the time he was logged out, the Lesser War Crest had emitted two signals. The first signal signified the upcoming start of the event, while the second was an indication to make their way to their respective branches.
This third signal was the final one, so those who didn’t appear within the allotted time would forfeit participation in the event.
Kieran had no intentions of forfeiting this opportunity.
So, after leaving Mayor Lowe’s office, Kieran’s body released a burst of sanguine energy.
Whoosh!
A gust of crimson wind swept through Aeredale City as everyone saw the blurred crimson figure moving at breakneck speeds with widened eyes.
“What the hell was that?”
“No idea; I couldn’t see it. But, I presume it was a person.”
...
Ten minutes later, Kieran stormed into the War Deity Council, coming to a grinding halt while simultaneously deactivating Blood Mania.
The crimson winds dispersed as Kieran gazed upon Harlan and Alythia, who stood amongst a few other people, including Captain Liam.
‘Is the Gladiator’s Coliseum such an important event that even Captains come to bear witness?’ Kieran wondered.
“Aatrox!” Harlan clapped his hand merrily after seeing the final person.