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, obtaining a trait was difficult.
One way to obtain it was by clearing Hidden Quests, but one could also awaken it through physical actions.
'It isn't enough to draw a conclusion from, but I suspect this trait will be worthwhile given the quest's nature, rarity, and difficulty,' Kieran thought.
As Kieran's first SSS Rank Quest upon returning, Kieran held conflicted feelings toward the quest, but it was an inevitable situation.
'I have a week, so I'm not worried about rushing to the Wildes. I'll have to prepare first.'
Aside from this, Kieran returned to guessing the identity of Scar's master. He considered it to be someone on par with a god, but Kieran felt that assumption was foolish.
While his understanding of Zenith Online's lore wasn't the best, he was certain about one fact. Beings deemed to be gods couldn't interfere in this part of the realm.
'If I get the chance, exploring more of Zenith Online's ancient lore is on my to-do list,' Kieran decided.
This current world has many names.
Its original name—Xenith, and its epithets: The Transient Realm, The Lesser Boundary—but it was all synonymous with the lowest caliber of power.
Suddenly, Scar raised his hand towards Kieran, "When you meet the master, I advise you to showcase your strongest traits. Without the master's blessing, your fate with the Berserk Path will perish."
"You can take me at my word—I will be at my best when I meet the master. A lot is on the line, so failure isn't an option for me," Kieran answered.
Due to Kieran's awakened desires, he had no intention of yielding this opportunity to anyone else. It was his, and he would claim it.
"Good. Just remember—my advice to you is do not allow yourself to 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, I won't be here when you return. 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.
His current condition wasn't the best. After triggering a portion of his H-COS, Kieran's head continued to buzz like a swarm of bees orbiting his head. However, Kieran understood that he was in no position to disobey Scar's humble request.
After taking a few steps back, Kieran activated Warrior's Aura, which drew Scar's pleased nod.
'Not bad. His aura is thickening,' Scar inwardly noted.
A second later, Kieran dashed toward Scar while a dense savage aura coated his Novice Greatsword.
"Savage Break!"
Bang!
The outcome of this action made Kieran's expression blanche further.
«Immune»
«Reflect»
-300
'Motherfucker!' Kieran screamed out internally.
Kieran was blown back by the aftermath as a terrible pain shot through his sword-wielding arm. Attacking Scar was akin to ramming into a thick slab of reinforced steel.
Conversely, Scar smiled. "Now, show me your Force Slash. Don't cower now."
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 every ounce of his STR.
Boom!
«Immune»
Rather than allowing the force to ricochet from his body, Scar extended his left hand and opened it. The pressure was frozen and crushed once Scar indifferently closed his hand, dissipating into nothing.
"Your progress is commendable. Your proficiency with these skills is deepening, but you have a long way to go."
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."
"I see. What's your verdict, then? Am I ready to meet the master in my current state?" Kieran questioned breathlessly. His desire to log out intensified the longer he remained standing.
"No comment thus far. But, don't let the opportunity pass you by. Prepare well," Scar said.
"Mm," Kieran acknowledged Scar's answer and left the Warrior Hall with a wave of his hand.
After he left, however, Scar's expression changed, becoming difficult to read.
"I didn't bring it up with him, but I smelt that woman on him. To think Agatha would target the same boy as me. What was she thinking?! She must be partly responsible for his rapid growth. Unfortunately for her, I doubt he has the thirst for knowledge that she seeks," Scar muttered.
His understanding of the situation wasn't correct because Kieran wasn't as one-sided as Scar believed. There was more to him than what met the eye.
If there wasn't, Kieran wouldn't have felt pain in his heart after witnessing Agatha's transformed condition.
…
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 may 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 EXP modifier that was 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 any hassle. This cost was the equivalent of buying 5 Beginner Mana Potions, but it was worth it.
After entering his room, Kieran sent a call request to Altair, who answered very shortly after.
"Yo?" Altair nodded, looking at Kieran somewhat skeptically. He didn't expect Kieran to reach out to him so soon. Right after, he frowned when he noticed Kieran was lying down.
"Question. How much longer will you be online?"
"Probably for a few more hours. Maybe until midnight," Altair answered.
"I see. Well, I have something for you. It should help you level up. But, if I do this, you have to promise me that you'll owe me a favor or two," Kieran said. His offer intrigued Altair because it sounded as if Kieran had something extremely beneficial to him.
"That depends. What are we talking about here?"
"Nothing special," Kieran shrugged. "If I need additional people to run a dungeon with or other special events, I'd like it if you were available."
"If it's anything like today, then sure. I'm down to clear difficult dungeons and earn bragging rights," Altair agreed.
"Great. Check your mail," Kieran answered with a cryptic grin.
Baffled screams sounded on the other side of the call once Altair checked his mail. "You slick little piece of shit! This is how you accomplished that insane leveling speed? Do you know how much this is worth? And you're giving it to me?!"
"I'm aware. And no. I'm not giving it to you. The item is leased, and I'll return it to my inventory once the leasing duration ends," Kieran answered.
As Kieran was familiar with Zenith Online, he knew all the little tricks to secure his items without any risk.
Altair was left baffled and struggled to mutter a sentence. Kieran's luck had thoroughly astonished him. Not only did he obtain the Warrior's Unique Package, but he possessed a ridiculous item for characters Lv.20 and under.
…
The helmet on Kieran's head powered down and emitted faint noises before Kieran could take it off.
When he did, Kieran slumped in bed powerlessly, placing the VR Helmet on the nightstand beside his bed. Due to how tired he was, Kieran ignored everything related to Zenith Online and simply went to sleep.
He had no idea that his in-game name, Aatrox, had become an overnight sensation due to his actions.