Zenith Online: Rebirth of the Strongest Player
chapter-30

Although there was no discernible information regarding the Zero Loss of Potential trait, its name stood out to Kieran. Most traits followed a single name basis and typically referred to something special about an individual that was especially heightened. However, one usually wouldn't be able to awaken any traits until after they completed a class promotion.

Only then could one be considered a stable part of Zenith Online. Before that, beginner classes and individuals were simply cannon fodder. Even the weakest of NPCs could easily squash a beginner character, including the stronger ones.

Kieran couldn't help but feel boundless excitement and dread towards the upcoming quest. For one, its rating was SSS. Meaning, at some point, the quest could become exceedingly challenging to clear. However, difficulty and reward went hand in hand. Kieran simply couldn't give up the chances of opening new routes involving his future.

But, this quest couldn't be tackled just yet.

First, Kieran felt he should be in peak condition before even thinking about venturing towards the Wildes. Let alone a beginner character, even someone with an Awakened Class might not necessarily make it out of that place in one piece.

Furthermore, the death penalty after entering that place grew frightening, which is why it was rumored to be an unsanctioned zone for most players. What's more, its general jurisdiction escaped the control of Zenith Online's leading powers.

'I wonder what type of individual Scar's master is. More importantly, what realm of power do they reside in? Could it be some type of Divine Being? Nah, no way… I don't think they're allowed in this realm,' Kieran thought while rubbing his chin dubiously. Although his knowledge regarding Zenith Online's lore and history was shoddy, he was sure about one thing—this plane they started out in wasn't the only one.

There were countless planes and realms one could venture to in the future once enough strength was required. One rule set in place by an unknown party was that beings above a certain power level were forbidden from entering this place.

This place where players spawned had many names, but Kieran understood that only two held some significance. The first significant name was Xenith—the true name of this world that Zenith Online surrounded. Secondly, upper characters usually referred to this place as the Transient Realm.

In other words, a place where only subjectively weaker beings could reside. This always puzzled Kieran, so if he got the chance, he would definitely delve into the reason for this mass realm separation.

Suddenly, Scar raised his hand towards Kieran, "You may meet him when you're ready. I advise you to be at your strongest and show your strongest traits. If you don't receive the master's blessing, I won't be able to help you. You and the Berserk Path just won't be fated for each other."

"You can take me at my word—I will be at my best when I meet the master. A lot rests on the line, so failure can't be an option for me," Kieran answered. The legacies, or classes of the Seven Mythical Heroes, lay at the epitome of the Transient Realm's potential legacies.

Kieran couldn't afford to give up such a valuable opportunity. Even at their base forms, these hidden classes were stronger than various rare, unique, and legendary classes. Additionally, they were unique in that they didn't require an individual to first possess any specific prerequisite intermediate class.

They could be accepted, or rather, they should be obtained when a character is a simple base class.

"Good. Just remember—my advice to you is do not falter. You'll understand what I mean once you meet the master. Additionally, I won't remain here for long. There are other matters I must take care of. If you fail, then I won't be here when you get back. However, should you succeed, I'll remain here until you accomplish what I seek of you. Do you understand?" Scar said in a tone that didn't allow one to question him.

Therefore, Kieran nodded with a solemn expression.

"Excellent. You've grown stronger but do not be complacent. It's always easiest in the beginning," Scar said. Afterward, he took a seat and waved his hand slightly. "Before you do anything, attack me. Let me test your progress with those skills I've imparted unto you."

Kieran's eyebrows knitted slightly. He truly wasn't in the condition to execute such attacks. However, he wasn't in a situation where he could disobey Scar's humble request. Therefore, Kieran dropped his shoulders and took a few steps back.

He first activated Warrior's Aura, which drew Scar's pleased nod. Then, he rushed forward and executed Savage Break with a stoic expression. However, Kieran's face blanched when he suffered the consequences of his actions.

Bang!

«Immune»

«Reflect»

-300

'Motherfu-...!' Kieran screamed out internally.

Attacking Scar was worse than running one's fist into a brick wall! Kieran felt like his left arm was on the verge of shattering. It was almost as if the force of his Savage Break was forced right back into his arm after failing to make even the slightest dent in Scar's defenses.

Conversely, Scar smiled. "The next one, there's still one more."

Kieran's eyes narrowed in response. He couldn't tell if this man wanted to kill him passively. If Force Slash deflected the same amount of damage, then he would undoubtedly kill himself. As a precaution, to hopefully avoid such a situation, Kieran activated Hardened Skin and calmed himself.

A gale of wind surfaced around Kieran's blade as he roared and released a Force Slash fueled by everyone ounce of his strength.

Boom!

«Immune»

However, instead of allowing the force to ricochet from his body, Scar extended his left hand and opened it. An instant later, he gently clenched his fist. The pressure created by Kieran's attack was utterly destroyed due to this action.

In return, Scar rubbed his chin while pondering his own evaluation. "It's not bad. Both of the attack skills appear to be growing well. As for the aura, it's becoming powerful. But, I'm more impressed by your willingness to unleash an attack that would potentially end yourself. At least you present a sliver of resolve."

"So? What's your verdict?" Kieran said breathlessly. He was genuinely exhausted at this point, teetering on the verge of logging out.

"No comment thus far. Anywho, go and prepare. Don't let the opportunity pass you by," Scar said.

"Mm," Kieran nodded before turning around. Once he left, however, Scar crossed his arms with a peculiar expression hidden by a faint smile.

'Did that old hag try to snag my catch? I smelled her on him, and it was quite strong. She should have given him some assistance for him to grow this fast. Either way, he isn't suited for her path. I doubt he has a thirst for knowledge that she seeks,' Scar thought.

Naturally, the woman he mentioned was Agatha, the only other NPC Kieran had any interaction with. The only matter Scar got wrong was his perception of Kieran. He wasn't as one-sided as Scar believed. There was more to him than what met the eye.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have felt a tinge of pain in his heart when he first saw Agatha's projected condition. Nevertheless, the window to accept any hidden quest regarding Agatha had long passed because she was no longer present within Gena Village. It'd now require ample work to receive any benefits from her. But... that only remained true if one could locate her, to begin with.

…

Outside the Warrior Hall…

Kieran looked towards the shabby, run-down inns available in Gena Village and approached one of them. Once inside, Kieran's view was filled with many wooden tables and stools, followed by a large wooden desk towards the back.

A lovely woman with a headwrap and clean but worn-out rags smiled at Kieran when he entered. "Hello, welcome to the Humble Inn. How many I help you?"

"May I have a basic room, please," Kieran requested.

Many rooms were available, but the most basic one would suffice for Kieran. He didn't need the meager experience gain granted by resting in a more luxurious inn room. He simply needed a place to log out and gain the temporary passive attained by relaxing in a good sleeping environment for a set amount of time.

"That'll be 25 Copper Coins," the innkeeper replied.

Kieran passed her the coins without a hassle. It was comparable to buying 5 beginner health or mana points, but it was worth it.

Afterward, Kieran went up to the room. But, before logging out, he sent a call request to Altair, who answered very shortly after.

"Yo? Why did you send me all of this damn equipment? Are you trying to keep me from leveling or something? Are you mad?!" Altair exclaimed. Right after, he frowned when he noticed Kieran was lying down!

"Shh shh, stop complaining so much. How much longer will you be online?"

"In regular hours? Probably until midnight," Altair said after estimating how long it'd take to sell most of the equipment then continue level up in the deep center of the Fanged Forest.

"Since you're doing me a solid, I'll return the favor. Check your mail in a moment. I'm gonna log out, so you make use of this for the time being."

Afterward, Kieran pulled up a special function known as the Leasing System. It allowed a player to lease pretty much anything for a set duration and price. In this case, Kieran waived any fee and set the lease period for 24 hours.

A second later, the Medallion of Growth disappeared from his inventory.

Baffled screams sounded on the other side of the call once Altair checked his mail. "You slick little shit, this is how you amassed that insane leveling speed? Do you know how much this is worth? And you're giving it to me?!"

"Of course I do, and no, I'm not. As you saw in the message, it's leased. It'll automatically return to me once the duration expires. Anyway, make use of it now. See ya," Kieran waved, selecting the log-out button.

Altair was left baffled and struggled to mutter a sentence. He just couldn't understand how this guy was so lucky! He doubted that anyone else had their hands on an item like this already.

…

The helmet on Kieran's head powered down and emitted faint noises before Kieran could take it off. When he did, he found himself lying in bed powerlessly. All he could think about was getting enough sleep. So, he placed the helmet on the desk by his side and rolled over.

He didn't even think to check on the situation surrounding his stream and the reaction caused by limiting the ways to access his "guide".