Zenith Online: Rebirth of the Strongest Player

While standing beside Agatha, Kieran had a pensive expression as he rubbed his chin, examining the effect of the Momentous Pioneer title.

Just like the Mystic Light title, it was considered a Sole Title, which meant that only one player could hold this title at a time.

After reading through the effects, Kieran understood why it was deemed a Sole Title. After all, it wasn't something every player could obtain. 

A pioneer was an individual that paved the way. If they were responsible for paving the way, how could someone replicate their accomplishments? At most, that person would only become a flawed copy.

「 Title Name: Momentous Pioneer

Title Rank: Legendary (Sole)

Effect(s):

- The effects of First Bloods and First Clears are doubled. (You must be present during the clear for this effect to apply.)

- Ensures the exclusive item drops on a dungeon's first clear if the dungeon is attempted on the highest difficulty. (This effect only applies if your first run of the dungeon is at the hardest possible difficulty.)

- The rewards from World Announcement feats are automatically increased by 50%.

- Increases the number of rewards for World Announcements by 1.

- Increases the success rate of first attempts at a new creation. (This effect applies to all probability-based circumstances but varies depending on your knowledge regarding the attempt and difficulty of the current situation.)

Description: A title given to the individual responsible for claiming several "first-type" feats, becoming a trailblazer seeking perfection. The momentum of a pioneer should continue to be set ablaze, paving the way for many underlings to follow. (This title is capable of being upgraded.)

Upgrade Requirement: 0/10 World Announcements Feats. 」

'Oh! This title is quite ridiculous!' Kieran screamed out in his mind. Without a doubt, his mind was amazed by the effects of the title.

First Bloods and First Clears were already responsible for greatly increasing the worth and the number of rewards one received from either slaying a truly problematic Boss Monster or clearing a Dungeon.

If the rewards were doubled once more, it would result in a truly astonishing situation. Definitely one that Kieran couldn't begin to fathom, but welcomed nonetheless.

Aside from that fact, Kieran paid close attention to the second effect, which was a double-edged sword in a way. Though the effect ensured that the hot item would drop, it mandated that he attempted the hardest difficulty to trigger its effect.

It went without saying that most players would despair over this effect. After all, as their levels increased, more difficult dungeon modes appeared, some of which shouldn't be attempted without first familiarizing themselves with the easier difficulties.

Nevertheless, Kieran wasn't alarmed by this stipulation. 'This title is more or less perfect for my current situation. However, if I want to capitalize on its effect and form a monopoly, I'll have to ensure Bastion is strong enough.'

When it came to tanking, Kieran focused more on Bastion rather than Nemean. Even though he never mentioned it, Kieran sensed greater potential in Bastion than he did in Nemean. Though the difference was somewhat negligible, Kieran couldn't ignore its presence.

Thus, Kieran decided it was more practical to focus on tempering Bastion's mindset for the time being.

'An inferiority complex… the best way to challenge that is to have him face multiple situations that'll lead to him cultivating true confidence. He must learn that placing a limit on one's self is the precursor to forever remaining in the shadows of others,' Kieran thought.

Aside from the title, Kieran also took a look at the effects of his other rewards. After understanding their use, he immediately devised a fitting use for them.

'Their worth will become apparent both now and some time down the line. In the meantime, I must take care of a few matters.'

At that moment, Kieran received a notification.

〈System: You are receiving a video call request from your friend, «Khaos». Do you wish to answer? [ Y | N ]〉

"Answer," Kieran commanded.

A second later, Khaos' somewhat drained visage appeared on the screen. "Sorry to bother you, Aatrox. However, before I get to the matter at hand, allow me to congratulate you on your recent feat."

"Much appreciated," Kieran succinctly replied. Although he didn't explicitly state his feelings, Kieran's eyes conveyed a simple message: please get on with it already.

"I won't beat around the bush. I'm letting you know that I'm ready to attempt the dungeon on my end. I'm simply waiting for you."

"Understood." Kieran nodded. "Speaking of which, there's a slight hiccup on my side of things. I'm down a DPS. I can replace them, but their caliber won't be up to par. Do you have someone that can fulfill the role? If not, that's fine."

Khaos' expression remained unbothered as he expressed his willingness to adapt to the circumstances at hand. "It's not an issue. I can call another DPS to fill in for the missing spot. Do you have any preferences?"

"Not necessarily. As long as their damage is up to par, it should be fine," Kieran answered.

He paused for a moment before raising another important matter. "Also, I must warn you now lest I forget. When I get there, we won't be attempting anything besides the hardest difficulty. Please tell me now if you have a problem with that."

Listening to Kieran's words, Khaos finally showed a change of expression, a hint of trepidation flashing in his eyes.

Since he had nothing better to do, he attempted to clear the dungeon once on Insane Mode, but he was forced to back out of the dungeon and suffer the withdrawal penalty.

The dungeon was simply too complicated and filled with perverse enemies!

"Aatrox, I'm not doubting your skill here, but I must urge you to reconsider. The Hidden Laboratory is no laughing matter," Khaos warned him.

Kieran shook his head, making his stance on the matter clear.

How could he not abide by the restriction of the Momentous Pioneer title after just having acquired it? He wanted to know what double the rewards would amount to.

"I'm aware, but I'm not too concerned. After all, I've been inactive for quite some time. Also, if it isn't a problem with you, I'd like to broadcast our run."

Khaos perceived the confidence in Kieran's tone and thought back to his accomplishments thus far. "Very well. I'll place my trust in you once more and make the necessary preparations."

Upon going over a few matters, which involved Kieran reminding Khaos to acquire as many Health and Mana Potions as possible, Kieran eventually terminated the call.

After giving the matter some thought, Kieran relayed a message to all of his direct team members to prepare to meet at the gates of Aeredale City.

Kieran didn't await any response before bidding Stockholm farewell, leaving the premises with Agatha by his side.

"Hehe." Agatha giggled softly. "It would seem little Aatrox is preparing to cultivate his forces. I suppose your ties with the Wykins and the War Deity Council isn't enough."

"Correct," Kieran said without turning his head. "It's far from enough."

It didn't take a genius to understand that the archived Hidden Realm Quest transcended the abilities of the War Deity Council. Since that was true, it meant that having the Council as an ally was far from enough to weather the future storm.

While Kieran intended to cultivate his personal force after being reborn, the presence of the Hidden Realm Quest greatly reinforced that desire. Perhaps only players, who were supported by the effects of the game system, could acquire the strength required to tackle this quest.

This thought was responsible for precipitating many of Kieran's current actions. Sure, the player backlash could be potentially alarming, but it didn't trump going against the outcome of failing the quests in his possession.

'Speaking of quests, there's the matter of the Arcane Dominion. I must begin collecting the Realm Fragments to prevent that invasion. I only hope the enemies aren't as frightening as the Arcane One in his prime,' Kieran thought. 

If his concerns bordered anything near the truth, dealing with the looming Arcane Dominion would require strength beyond Kieran's former prime. 

'An Enlightened Being could essentially be described as an untouchable existence unless confronted by one of equal or greater strength. But my question is… why is the level beyond an Enlightened Being seemingly obscured?'

This was a question that Kieran had posed to Hekaina in the past. However, she decided it was best not to answer. After all, allowing Kieran to become privy to this information could be detrimental, especially if he somehow managed to trigger the event recorded in the fragmented Forgone Chronicle he possessed.

To Kieran, the partitioned image was indecipherable, but to Hekaina, who channeled the abilities of the Hecate and Eni to a greater extent, it was a truly devastating sight. One ominous enough to make her weep.

Then again, who could endure such pain and not become overly emotional?

Because Kieran was so deep in thought about his current circumstances, he didn't realize that he had come across the Mayor's Office so quickly. It was only when Agatha tapped his shoulder did he realize.

Unlike usual, Mayor Lowe was at the front of the Mayor's Office rather than in his personal area. Seeing Kieran, his expression instantly lit up.

"Aatrox!" Mayor Lowe merrily exclaimed.

Kieran greeted him with a faint smile. "I hope you have been well, Mayor Lowe."

"I've never once felt this lighthearted and it is all thanks to your efforts," Mayor Lowe responded. "What brings you here? Is there something I can do for you? Is it related to the upcoming auction?"

"No. I require your assistance regarding this," Kieran said, pulling out the Prime Property Deed.

"Oh! As our Great Benefactor, it's only fitting that you own a piece of land to call your own in this city."

Mayor Lowe didn't hesitate at all, signing the Prime Property Deed with a gracious expression. "With that, it is final. You are the proud owner of a fine establishment!" 

Ding!

Kieran didn't have to look to understand that the gaming world would undoubtedly be thrown into a terrifying uproar.