Zenith Online: Rebirth of the Strongest Player



No introduction was needed for this unannounced speaker because anybody who was a somebody, and even those who weren't, knew of her name. 

The leading media personality—the belle of RBC and goal of many young men, an icon of attractiveness mixed with unattainability—Jezabelle Welsh. 

Many people may not be aware of the significance of that name, but Kieran was not one such person.

That last name meant something, and it was highly significant.

Seeing that she would handle this interview, Kieran's expression changed subtly, his gaze becoming more focused, his posture altering to portray his present attention.

All of these changes happened for a good reason. The Welsh Family was also regarded as the foremost media giant. A family that singlehandedly could determine any media company's rise, fall, or longevity.

In other words, the Welsh Family was the Extreme Magnate Family of this industry with a hand in every pot. Even if there was no paper trail to prove these rumors, Kieran knew those claims were accurate and authentic. 

If there was one thing Extreme Magnate Families knew how to do, it was to dictate matters with an iron fist but do so from the shadows, relieving them of all responsibility yet maintaining the profits of an overboard partner.

More precisely, it was their specialty. It was why the collection of their upper echelon was often called The Unseen Hand.

Kieran wondered, studying the girl from afar. 'Possible nepotism?' 

It only took a few additional seconds for him to shake his head. 'Who am I kidding? It's absolutely nepotism. When in doubt, assume the worst with those folk.'

After getting through the initial sequences of the segment, Jezabelle shifted her focus to the show's guests, as did the cameras, transitioning from her stunning countenance, evidently enhanced with make-up to accentuate her selling points, to the group of highly acclaimed players… and Wendell.

"Here with us, we have a few guests. Sure, I could introduce them myself, but I fear inability with words will fail to do their reputations justice and fault them in the process. And so, allow me to be polite. Introduce yourselves, gentlemen," Jezabelle insisted, her honey-dipped smile never once slipping.

Wendell gestured toward Kieran, likely a premeditated decision, calculated and intentional. But, not to his surprise, Kieran waved his hand. 

At this moment, he was checking something important.

The segment, or rather the channel's overall ratings and audience. He wanted to understand the specifics. 

Unlike the others, he had a lot of catch-up to play. Catch-up that required evidence, and what better opportunity was there than to conduct it in real-time.

Though not at an all-time high, because of Zenith Online's popularity and the station's prudent and expertly placed advertisement, those that generally spurned the news, wholly disinterested in the propaganda it spewed, tuned in. 

They had to see it, had to witness it, and had to dream about those that they desired to be like. This was a popular trend involving any entertainment endeavor involving the masses.

There were bound to be viewers that aspired to be like what they viewed, listened to, or experienced in awe.

"Since the guy's clearly too chicken shit to go first. Allow me—a man of greater stature and station—to go first. The name's Joshua Dread, but as most of you know, I go by the name Daedric," Daedric confidently and smugly announced.

"Ah yes, the same famous Daedric that went on a clearing spree of several tough dungeons, right? Acting as the main tank and bulwark of every guild lucky enough to experience your assistance?" Jezabelle questioned,

Feeling elated and reinforced by Jezabelle's comments framed as questions, Daedric swiped his nose and nodded. "Correct."

"So it's safe to assume you're a free agent with no ties to larger and more… influential entities, then?"

"No. That isn't entirely true," Daedric denied.

And because of this denial, Kieran switched his attention to him, meticulously analyzing the man. There were no signs of deceit in his words or mannerisms. More importantly, the way Jezabelle worded her question suggested something important.

Most, if not all, members of an Extreme Magnate Family would only refer to someone or something as influential if the subject in question could gain their approval. Only a Magnate Family, equally affluent or better, possessed the capabilities to make that possible.

The faster his mind worked, the quicker Kieran connected the dots. 'So his stunt paid off. Broadcasting the superior defensive capabilities of his class, mixed with his fair mechanical skills as a player, has gained the attention of the big boys.'

Factoring in everything Daedric had accomplished to date, his prospects shot through the roof. And it was the result of one person… Kieran.

In Kieran's original timeline, that stunt on the streaming platform never occurred. At least… it wasn't something Daedric performed. But because of Kieran's nigh unstoppable momentum on the platform, Daedric felt challenged, requiring him to do something drastic and without precedent.

Well, in his mind, at least.

"So, what are you saying, Mr. Daedric. Are you in bed with some players that we don't know about? But if that were true, why would they allow you to employ your services to benefit other guilds?"

A pregnant pause occurred between Daedric and Jezabelle while the former attempted to compile a suitable response. He at least understood he couldn't mouth off in his usual fashion; otherwise, he'd come off as an uncouth, cocky fool without etiquette.

Besides, he truly feared some of the people he sat down with secretly.

"Could it be you did this without authorization? Maybe you felt the permission of someone else wasn't needed? After all, you are a sovereign mind, wouldn't you say?"

Being hammered by a bombardment of questions, Daedric exhaled and gathered his thoughts. 

"Hold on now. There's no need to get so vicious with your questioning. There's no scoop here. I did not act without authorization and please… don't try to corner me into saying something I'd regret because I'm not as talented with my words. But what I am,  is a talent nonetheless."

"So… you should receive preferential treatment that others shouldn't because you are um… quote-unquote a talent?"

It was at this point, that Kieran started to look at Jezabelle as competent. Because even if she was the spawn of corporate nepotism, she wasn't a figurehead insertion. How she crafted her questions and timing, bore all the signs of a well-trained snake. 

A serpentine tongue with a knack for twisting information. 

"I had to show off my uniqueness in some way, shape, or form! I told them that I would deliver, and so I did. That's precisely why my recruitment with the Apocalypse is underway."

"Apocalypse, is it? It has been rumored that a large name is recruiting a promising talent. Well, congratulations to you. You've managed to step into a Behemoth. I hope you fare well."

Though she congratulated Daedric, Kieran viewed her words as empty. As sweet and affable as Jezabelle made herself seem, Kieran felt a hint of vanity that couldn't be scrubbed from her mannerisms.

Plus, it felt like a taunt.

Next, Jezabelle moved her attention to Soulless, though she momentarily looked at Kieran thoughtfully. And at that moment, Kieran felt… no, he swore that he saw something playful surface in her eyes.

But just before addressing either of them, Jezabelle gazed into Wendell's eyes. "I'm sorry, but I don't have the pleasure of knowing anything about you. The only information I have on you is you're well connected, mister…."

"Mr. Wendell Specter," he corrected. "Well, you see. I'm not currently a part of Zenith Online, but I visited here today to consider whether stepping into the playing field is worthwhile."

The moment he revealed his name, Jezabelle's expression lit up, containing adoration but also intrigue and something more elusive. 

"Wendell Specter? Oh my? I take back what I've said. It wasn't that we didn't have information on you. It was simply impossible to attach a face to the mysterious name. That said…"

"Apologies, let me stop you there. There's no need for us to be to prattle. What was the saying? Loose lips sink ships? Well, I'd like my ship without a hole so that it may brave the turbulent waters it is about to enter."

Despite being told to politely shut her mouth and being abruptly cut off, Jezabelle didn't reveal any signs of being offended. A rare occurrence considering the elitist circle she hailed from. But that only spoke volumes of Wendell himself.

Evidently, he was not a character to be trifled with.

Left without a path of advance in this conversation, Jezabelle abandoned it, returning to her previous plan.

Her initial goal was to address an event that had already occurred. And despite being "yesterday's news," it was still one of the hottest topics.