Chapter 250 An Embedded Fear, A Friend of the Ignis

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After returning to the medical facility, Kieran turned toward everyone and examined how inebriated they were. Because Nemean and Bastion were of a larger frame, they held their alcohol incredibly well.

“Bastion, Nemean–do me a favor and lead Sithik and Cygnus back to their rooms,” Kieran directed.

“You’ve got it, boss,” Nemean answered. He swung Sithik’s arm over his shoulder and walked the extremely tipsy boy upstairs.

“Y-you know what, Nemean? You’re a solid guy. A big burly, sweetheart,” Sithik slurred his words and hiccuped.

Although the residual energy of the X-hancers had neutralized some of the alcoholic content, Sithik didn’t possess enough to counteract the number of drinks he had.

“There you go, little guy. Small steps. Take it easy because if you hurl on me, I will turn on the security system and toss you into it,” Nemean said, patting his chest.

Afterward, Bastion extended his hand like a gentleman and guided Cygnus up the steps two paces behind Nemean and Sithik.

Upon confirming they had made it up the stair without incident, Kieran turned to Alice. “Are you alright?”

“Just a bit lightheaded,” Alice said in a breathy voice. Despite coming from an Affluent Family, she didn’t drink often, so it felt good to celebrate with friends. Due to the occasion that seldom came to pass, he truly outdid herself.

“Altair, can you assist Alice?” Kieran asked.

“That’s no problem at all.” Altair walked beside Alice and extended his elbow in a hook shape so she could hold on to him. Before leaving, Alice spared Kieran another glance with a radiant smile.

“Thank you, Kieran.”

“No problem, Alice. I enjoyed our night out,” Kieran responded. His voice was low akin to a whisper, because he felt that Dr. Riley’s breath had softened as if she were nodding off against his arm.

Kieran understood that Dr. Riley worked herself harder than she cared to admit. The number of times he logged out and saw her passed out over her research numbered more than a few.

Soon enough, only Kieran and Dr. Riley remained in the facility’s outer corridor. Unlike the others who walked up the left staircase, Dr. Riley’s room, which was more like an entire apartment, could only be reached through the opposite set of steps.

Kieran moved his hand and tapped on her cheek. “Lillian.”

“Mm~?” Dr. Riley’s response was a cross between a moan and a groan. She lifted her watery bluish-green eyes and gazed at Kieran.

“I’ll carry you to bed,” Kieran said.

Contrary to Kieran’s expectation, Dr. Riley immediately opened her arms like a toddler asking an adult to carry them. Kieran knelt and swiped her leg, hoisting her up in a princess-style carry, which made her cling around his neck.

Her breath was warm and filled with notes of a fruity scent and light traces of an aromatic alcohol scent known to sting one’s nose. However, it was mellow and overpowered by Dr. Riley’s natural aroma.

Inside Zenith Online...

Kieran’s eyelids fluttered a few times before his eyes opened. As he sat up, Kieran noticed that the pain in his mind had reduced by 20%.

Although his current condition paled compared to his peak state, Kieran was satisfied that he didn’t suffer from a mind-splitting headache anymore.

Upon exiting the healing chambers, the guard outside stopped him.

“Commander Ezrath stopped by not too long ago. He asked that I relay to that they’ll be waiting in the first lounge area,” the guard revealed.

The first lounge area was located near the main entrance and could only be accessed by formal members of the War Deity Council. One could reach it by taking the left path instead of the middle route that led toward the building’s depths.

“Thank you.”

After leaving his thanks, Kieran retraced his steps while withdrawing the unknown stone from Lord Veradin. A tinge of familiarity rose in Kieran’s mind the longer he inspected the item in his palm, but it continued to elude him.

Perhaps the sparse information was buried in the depths of his mind, but Kieran failed to confirm the source of this gnawing feeling.

‘Lord Veradin advised that I take it to the Wykins, so I’ll have to take my chances and venture there.’

Kieran had his reason for his reluctance.

The Wykins were known to be masters of several mystical arts, some of which could inflict a True Death upon players. If he overstepped, there was a possibility that he could lose his account.

Such an outcome was far from desirable. There were too many extravagant items and impressive quests in Kieran’s possession to lose his account to issues caused by the residents of Xenith.

Nevertheless, it wasn’t something he could avoid. If he wanted to visit the Emplenan Few, gaining the favor of the Wykins was a must due to their amicable relationship.

A few minutes later, Kieran arrived in the first area and noticed Zerim and Ezrath awaiting his arrival.

“Excellent,” Ezrath exclaimed. “It seems my grandson has made his first friend, even going as far as to invite him into our revered homeland.”

“Please don’t spoil my image, grandfather,” Zerim muttered with a slight grimace. His grandfather had an uncanny ability to embarrass him indirectly at every turn.

Ezrath released a peal of hearty laughter as he led the two boys outside, where he placed two fingers in his mouth and released a deafening whistle.

A squawk sounded as a gigantic figure dived toward their location from the skies above.

Bang!

When the dust cleared, a colossal bird resembling a hawk with azure eyes bowed its head before Ezrath. Intelligence flashed in its gaze as its massive wingspan cast an immense shadow.

‘A Zephyr Hawk? And it seems to be an Awakened Beast,’ Kieran thought. ‘It’s an incredible mount.’

“All aboard,” Ezrath commanded, lightly tapped his foot. Kieran and Zerim followed, taking a seat on the hawk.

A few seconds later, they were jolted by the Zephyr Hawk’s abrupt acceleration. Kieran instinctively clutched a few of its feathers.