Zenith Online: Rebirth of the Strongest Player

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Two hours later…

Ezrath escorted Kieran to the gates of the Vizcarra Kingdom's capital city, where his Zephyr Hawk hovered a few meters off the ground. "You should be safe inside the walls of this city, but I advise that you trust sparingly. Deceit can ambush you at any turn."

"I understand," Kieran replied, glancing toward the capital city. Unlike Aeredale, where the capital was Aeredale City, the name of this capital city was Carrian, named after the kingdom's treasured daughter.

"Godspeed, Aatrox, and safe journeys," Ezrath said.

A moment later, he patted the back of his mount and took to the skies, turning into a ray of azure light.

Meanwhile, Kieran turned around and approached the gate.

'Vizcarra can more or less be considered a haven for Lifestyle Players. From what I remember, it was responsible for the prosperity of several famous Lifestyle Players. Even now, it's one of the preferred choices.'

Such information was available to all players and has been that way since the beginning of the game. At the end of the character creation process, players received a list that noted the several Beginner Villages and what kingdom would be most beneficial.

The information didn't go into great detail, like hidden quests or classes, but it indicated which areas would yield the best results.

Kieran naturally ignored that information because it was embedded in his mind from his many journeys. Not to mention, his focus at the time was getting the Hidden Class he desired since the first time he witnessed it in action.

Unlike Aeredale City, Carrian City possessed a bustling atmosphere.

A line outside the gates spanned a few hundred meters filled with people of all ages. Many wore different expressions, which was most likely related to the entry fee.

Kieran wasn't sure what the entry fee would be, but he didn't necessarily care due to the funds he had on hand.

Though the line was long, it moved pretty fast. Some people were permitted entry if they could pay, but those incapable were directly thrown out. From what Kieran noticed, these guards were most likely Advanced Beings on the verge of Awakening.

'How lavish. The disparity in power is quite alarming. While Aeredale can't afford this extravagant expenditure, Vizcarra is rich enough to employ quasi-Awakened Beings as mere guards,' Kieran inwardly noted.

At the same time, he withdrew a single Gold Coin and flipped it through his fingers to curb his boredom.

Roughly thirty minutes later, it was Kieran's turn.

He stood before the two guards clad in dark silver armor that covered everything except their stern eyes and brows. One guard possessed two swords strapped to their back, and the other wielded a  halberd.

"The entry fee will be 2 Gold Coins. If you're incapable of paying the price, please step aside. We do not have any time to waste. Furthermore, if you cause any trouble within the city, you will be dealt with accordingly," the lead guard spoke.

Kieran lazily glanced between the two before giving a subtle nod. A second later, he flicked his finger, flipping two Gold Coins through the air.

The guards' were taken aback by Kieran's negligent attitude, but their expressions changed further when they looked at his hand that flicked the coin.

'A War Crest!' The lead guard inwardly noted.

His eyes were drawn to its presence, meticulously studying its design. Due to the complexity of the structure, the lead guard eventually realized that it wasn't a simple crest and stepped around.

"It is our pleasure to welcome an esteemed member of the War Deity Council. Please enjoy your experience inside our wondrous city."

The lead guard's demeanor did a complete 180 after realizing the identity of this apparently unknown person before him.

Kieran smirked because of this change, but he didn't respond outside of another subtle nod. 'How nifty. Is this what the vague note inside its description meant? Piggybacking on the War Deity Council's renown to avoid a headache isn't so bad. Although… it seems like the position of a Lord doesn't mean much in a kingdom like Vizcarra.'

Inside Aeredale, Kieran was treated respectfully due to his World Fame. However, it was considered a low-class kingdom where Lords were among the highest nobility present.

'This is why exploring certain places isn't advised until you have the qualifications. It is a fallacy to believe that one can venture anyway simply because it's an open world. Invisible restrictions and regulations exist,' Kieran thought.

While in thought, Kieran strolled past the two guards and entered the city, where the air seemed filled with magical byproducts. It resulted from several types of materials being purified in a vast abundance.

Upon entering the city, Kieran looked around before signaling out Merchant Association branch location in this city. The city's marketplace spanned an entire street and was organized based on the shop's best-selling commodity.

'This makes things easy for me,' Kieran thought.

His first objective was to visit the stores stocked with large amounts of inferior to superior herbs. The odds of his finding Epic and above herbs were slim because those items weren't sold to the masses.

Kieran required a Premium Membership with the Merchant Association to gain access to those materials.

Unfortunately, his current membership was a Standard one, which simply gave him access to a large amount of somewhat accessible herbs. Nevertheless, Kieran was satisfied with what he could currently purchase.

The Standard Membership let Kieran purchase a hundred times the amount of material someone without a membership could. Within minutes of shopping, Kieran depleted upwards of 50,000 Gold Coins and filled up half of his inventory.

He kept the fact that he required precious metals, stones, and other minerals to attract Forgers alongside Alchemist. After considering the matter, Kieran also viewed the fine gems inside the shop.

Lapidarist were just as important as the two former Professions, but they were difficult to cultivate because the price of crude gems eclipsed typical metals and stones.

Only the rich or perhaps foolish would choose the Profession.

However, Kieran understood they were the leading force in manufacturing valuable accessories.

'Outside of Forgers, Alchemist, Lapidarist… are there any other Profession I should target? I suppose Enchanters are also a good choice, but how many people can successfully enter the Mystic Sanctum and learn the Ways of Enchantments?'

As mentioned before, the Mystic Sanctum, which was responsible for a few Professions, was problematic to locate and would only appear to those of satisfactory talents in the mystical ways.

The Mystic Sanctum bore some relation to the Wykins, but many believed that was only true due to humans stealing some of the Wykin's traditional arts in the past. Some felt the Mystic Sanctum's solitude resulted from a curse placed upon them by the Wykins.

However, Kieran was aware that this was somewhat incorrect.

The Mystic Sanctum wasn't secret because of a curse that forbade its presence in the world; the organization was a mystery because of its bizarre practices.

It was an organization that frequently attempted to pierce the world's secret. Its secular presence had to be severed to realize such daunting tasks.

'If I'm not mistaken, visiting the Mystic Sanctum can lead to a World Quest of unimaginable importance. It was hinted that someone began the quest in the past, but it's a shame I never could learn of its effects. Perhaps… maybe I should explore the outcome myself.'

After collecting items that could be pivotal in his coercion, Kieran's interest in another World Quest deepened. His appetite was voracious despite the fact that he had so many things to juggle on his plate already!

Setting aside his Quest Log, Kieran had two upcoming trials to partake in, the creation of his guild, a dungeon run, and an audience with the Wykins. Could he genuinely fit trying to spur additional World Quests on his plate?

If not for losing time in the War Deity Council, Kieran would have taken time to explore the city properly, but it didn't adhere to his current schedule.

After acquiring everything he needed, Kieran extended his hand in the center of the street. A portal appeared before him as he triggered the Bloody Hero Symbol.

…

Inside the Hero's Sanctuary…

Kieran stepped through the portal and glanced at the Gatekeepers of Teleportations with a faint grin.

"Greetings, Gatekeeper," Kieran said.

"Young Bloody Inheritor," the Gatekeeper of Teleportations remarked.

The Gatekeeper of Teleportations examined Kieran briefly before glimpsing the crest on his hand. "I see you've been busy in the time you've been gone."

"I have, but unfortunately, I don't intend to stay long," Kieran admitted.

Although he considered asking Isadora for help, he didn't forget her last words, which were not to appear before her until he possessed the items she requested. Seeing as Isadora was a being of great power, Kieran felt it was best not to disobey her.

Besides, Kieran felt his soul injury was healing rather quickly despite its tricky nature.

The Gatekeeper of Teleportation glanced at the gate beside him with a meaningful expression. "Aren't you an innovative young fellow? To think you'd be so bold as to turn the gate into your means of personal transportation."

Kieran naturally grimaced after having his intentions seen through so quickly. The Bloody Hero Symbol was to be used sparingly, but Kieran saw it as a means to travel between inconvenienced places quickly.

"Like master, like student," the Gatekeeper sighed, powering up the gate. "Aeredale?"

"Actually, no," Kieran shook his head. "I'd like to visit Waikrune, specifically the Shrouded Valley."

Kieran's request shocked the Gatekeeper of Teleportation, causing a slight change in his expression. "Are you sure you want to visit that place?"

"I must."

"Very well. As long as you understand the risks," the Gatekeeper of Teleportation commented. He had no intentions of stopping Kieran because it wasn't his place to dissuade him.