Zenith Online: Rebirth of the Strongest Player
chapter-7

Aside from the slight decrease in the skill's cooldown and increase in numbers directly linked to damage, the skills' special effects didn't see much change. For example, the Armor Break effect on the Savage Break skill remained 15%. Nevertheless, this early on in the game, pure damage took precedence over large-scale debuffs.

After all, it was far too early to worry over those debuffs that usually applied percentage-based decreases. A small percentage coupled with small numbers led to otherwise insignificant advantages. Now, it'd be a totally different story if it was a class that applied debuffs based on a set number.

Unfortunately, the number of classes with said skills was extremely few. They wouldn't appear until more diversified classes with unique roles appeared.

"A skill that deals over two hundred percent of my attack power this early on? No wonder that guy turned out to be such a monster before... Granted, that's if these WERE the skills he received," Kieran murmured.

Most base classes at this level would only have access to E Rank Skills at most, which barely dealt more than 125% of one's Attack Power at Lv.1. Only people like Kieran, who completed a remarkable quest to gain a unique advantage, could come across these impressive skills.

With his current stamina regeneration rate, Kieran recovered to peak condition just over 18 minutes later. During that time, he picked up signs of increasing activity nearby. But, that was to be expected as more parties should have enough experience to start heading towards this place.

It was only a matter of time until the outskirts of the Fanged Forest faced an influx of players. Since the Lv.5 Dire Wolves only rewarded 50 Experience per kill now, he had long since determined to abandon this area. Thus, Kieran stored his Beginner Greatsword in his inventory before heading deeper into the forest.

However, Kieran slowed down suddenly as his ears twitched subtly. It was faint, but Kieran heard the metallic clangs of metal colliding with another sturdy surface. As a result, Kieran's expression changed slightly.

'Someone was confident enough to come this deep into the Fanged Forest even before I did? Factoring in the time to reach here, they would have had to reach here an hour before me to come this far. Just who is it?' Kieran wondered. Who else would seek to combat Lv.5 and higher monsters?

His curiosity soon got the better of him, compelling Kieran to walk forward warily until he witnessed a shocking sight.

A group of twelve wolves with burgundy fur coats surrounded a single slender figure. Based on their attire, Kieran knew this was someone who had taken on the Thief Class. Half of their face was covered by an ash-gray scarf that blended in with their dark gray hair. However, two piercing silver eyes shone through the gap between his long hair and scarf arranged to resemble a mask.

Although their identity was hidden, appearing as ??? in Kieran's irises, that didn't stop him from uncovering this character's identity. After all, this was a Thief with which he was all too familiar. While they were incomparable to the image in Kieran's mind, he could see a semblance of that ability shining through this adolescent display.

'No shot; I know those movements. So this is where you started? Although, it wouldn't be right to call you old... or a friend currently,' Kieran thought to himself with a nostalgic smile.

He recalled the countless spars he and this individual engaged in. At first, he even considered taking a step forward, but it soon dawned upon him that they were nothing more than strangers at the moment.

This individual was known as Altair, but it wasn't his name that was widely known. Instead, he was known for a terrifying moniker that surfaced due to his habits and playstyle. For one, this particular character was known as a lone wolf. But more importantly, he was known to take the assassin's path to the extreme.

Sadly, in his original timeline, more than one year separated the period in which Altair started Zenith Online and when Kieran did so. Thus, there was already an immense chasm separating their fame and levels by the time Kieran endeavored into Zenith Online more than a year after its launch.

Additionally, it took years before their first run-in. Now, it was different. Kieran was at no disadvantage, because this time around, he entered the game upon its launch.

Despite knowing the identity of this player, Kieran didn't make any sudden moves because Altair could mistake him for a hostile while locked in combat. Deplorable as it may be, it wasn't uncommon for players to kill-steal and even lead another player to their death to gain a level advantage. Being ahead of the pack led to immense benefits in these types of games.

Rather than interfere with the ongoing fight, Kieran silently spectated the battle from what should be outside of this player's detection zone. Coupled with his abnormally high movement and attack speed, Altair wielded two curved daggers famed for their lightweight properties.

Daggers possessed the undisputed highest attack speed of all the weapons accessible in Zenith Online, allowing for multiple attacks in the time it took a standard sword to be swung once.

Kieran couldn't help but be mystified while watching Altair use phantom-like evasion patterns to kite a dozen wolves. Although it appeared that Altair and the wolves' movement speeds were identical, his movement patterns made it impossible for the wolves to touch a single one of his leather armor pieces.

What's more, Altair seemed to periodically disappear from sight and move two meters without producing a single sound. Naturally, this was the Conceal and Swift Step available to the Thief who acquired their class first in the Beginner Villages. It wasn't to be mistaken for the strengthened versions―Stealth and Shadow Strafe.

In the next moment, numerous lacerations appeared on the wolves' bodies as Altair strangely brandished his weapons. Blood leaked from the countless wounds, which in turn translated to a constant health drain. Since this was a one vs. many scenario, Altair didn't fully commit to any foe in particular. This kept his senses in prime condition to read the next incoming attack.

In the end, the wolves all fell in a ring surrounded by puddles of blood that soon dissipated. A golden light encompassed Altair's body as he gazed in a particular direction. Though his gaze was locked on that position, he still walked around the bodies and collected the dropped coins.

"Are you a friendly party, or are you trying to find the best opportunity to strike?" Altair suddenly said in a cold voice. Naturally, this question was aimed at Kieran since he was the only person within Altair's detection range.

'Oh? Could he have acquired the Enhanced Senses passive already? If so, then it wouldn't be unusual for his detection range to expand this far already,' Kieran thought. Since he had already been located, Kieran appeared from his hiding spot and stood face to face with Altair.

Altair showed some visible surprise. He could sense that the person before him shouldn't be an inexperienced or low-level player based on the uncommon-grade equipment he saw. What's more, he hadn't detected Kieran until a few minutes after he appeared. To avoid his senses for that long already spoke volumes of this individual's capabilities.

"Nah, I have no intention to kill-steal you. I found your playstyle to be interesting, so I thought I'd watch for a moment," Kieran shrugged nonchalantly.

Altair was silent for a moment because Kieran seemed unfazed by the fact he kept his daggers within his grasp. 'Is he not scared of my retaliation? How can he be so relaxed before a Thief?' Altair wondered.

However, before he could ask another question, Kieran led with his. "You seem quite used to the combat pattern of a Thief. Did you only main Assassins in other VRMMORPGs prior to this one?"

"I mean… yeah. It's the only class that holds some appeal. The rest are just boring in my opinion," Altair responded. His expression became awkward because, for some reason, he didn't feel any hidden intentions coming from this other party. Usually, this friendly display was a facade used to trick unsuspecting characters into falling victim to some underhanded scheme.

Yet, Kieran appeared genuine. Of course, this was only true because Kieran was fully aware of Altair's interests.

"I see. Well, don't mind me. I'm sure this part of the forest is spacious enough for us to coexist for the time being," Kieran said before waving his hand. Initially, he wanted to head towards the inner part of the forest, but Altair appeared before him with a gust of wind.

"Wait, how high is your Defense?" Altair asked. As much as he enjoyed leveling alone, waiting for his skill cooldowns was loathsome.

Sadly, Kieran shook his head since he knew what Altair was implying. "I'm not looking to party right now. Maybe another time."

"Ah... I can understand that. Anyway, if you level up fast enough, I think we could tackle a dungeon together. Of course, this is provided that your damage output is up to par," Altair offered.

Since it was offered to him, and Kieran was familiar with Altair's personality, there was no reason for him not to accept.

〈System: Lv.5 Thief, Altair has sent you a friend request. Do you wish to accept? [Y / N]?〉

"Accept," Kaiden answered. At the same time, he inwardly praised Altair. 'Lv.5 already? I guess the extremely high DPS of a skilled Thief is not just for show.'

〈System: Altair has been added to your friend's list. [1]〉

On the other hand, Altair felt some surprise as well. 'Lv.3? And he's been watching me for some time? That means he has the potential to be on the same level as me if he didn't dawdle here. Cool.'

Kieran eventually left and ventured towards the area littered with higher-level monsters. It didn't take long for him to come across a decent amount of similar wolves. His presence triggered a response from the wolves the moment he stepped within fifteen meters.

Compared to the earlier wolves, these monsters were much stronger, but one consistency was their ranking.

「Lv.7 Feral Wolf (Normal)

Beast Type

Health: 500/500 (100%) 」