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1.57% Zenith Online: Rebirth of the Strongest Player / Chapter 10: Old Shack

Chapter 10: Old Shack

Ding!

〈System: You have received a quest. Do you wish to accept? [ Y | N ]〉

"Yes," Kieran answered. Afterward, the quest's information appeared before his eyes, giving him a decent grasp of what Scar excepted.

'Scar wouldn't have mandated that I choose Difficult or above if it were a simple quest. The grooming must have already begun the moment I completed his unique task,' Kieran inwardly thought.

His eyes glistened with excitement because the notion of triggering Scar's Hidden Quest in the future excited him. Unlike regular, repeatable quests, Unique or Hidden Quest could only be completed once.

Once complete, they would never surface again.

Of course, this restriction applied to Main Quest as well. Players would have to find different Main Quest Scenarios to complete and pray the difficulty didn't reach an absurd degree.

「 A Warrior's Next Step (Starter Quest)

Quest Rank: A

Recommended Party Size: 5

Recommended Party Level: 5-8

Objectives: Simply slaying monsters isn't enough to convince Scar of your strength. As the champion of his test, he believes that you have more potential to unearth and more power to realize.

- Clear a Lv.5 Dungeon on Difficult or higher. 0/1

- Clear the first objective without using Health Consumables. 0/1

Rewards:

- Level +1

- 5 Silver

- +50 favorability with Scar

Failure Penalty:

- Level -1

- Disappearance of Scar's favorability.

Time Limit: 24 hours

*Special Note: Certain Warriors have a different path from others. Therefore, they require early grooming to temper their abilities. 」

The quest's rank caught Kieran's eye but didn't worry him too much. Quest Rank wasn't the only matter that determined a quest's difficulty. The quest type—Normal, Starter, Main, Unique, Hidden, and Event—is also taken into account.

Furthermore, Main Quests were easily distinguished by a (+) mark. All Main Quests held high significance with dire repercussions if the quest holder failed, which was why such quests were sparse.

Scar observed Kieran, who seemed stuck in a daze. After a few seconds, Scar finally scoffed and shook his head.

"Don't tell me my demands are too much for you? How do you expect to register at the Adventurers' Guild if you can't handle this much? Such assignments become the standard after you join."

Kieran lifted his gaze from the quest window and chuckled amusedly. "Too much? Is that all the faith you have in me? It's far from too much. It's perfect."

Scar grew baffled by Kieran's comment, giving several absentminded blinks. "I see… What a strange little boy you are. I don't particularly appreciate that I can't get a read on your foolish expressions… FIX IT!"

"Fix it?" Kieran muttered with a thin smile. How exactly would he fix something out of his control? It wasn't his fault Scar jumped to conclusions.

"Bah!" Scar growled and waved his hands in frustration. "Regardless of your unusual face, your growth is quite good. I can sense a budding speed and force within you. Show me the superiority of a Warrior in full effect."

Kieran smirked slightly and even nudged Scar. "Oh, you're praising me, yeah? Then should I receive some type of reward from Mentor Scar? Wouldn't you say?"

Scar's expression went blank before a cold gleam flashed in his eyes. "Damned shameless brat, get out of my face and go do what I said before I throw you out of here!"

Because he was vaguely familiar with Scar's personality, Kieran could tell he meant business. Although he was serious about desiring a reward, Kieran begrudgingly hurried out of the Warrior Hall.

However, after Kieran left, Scar cracked a faint smile. 'At least he has the confidence not to withhold his desires. Regardless of his confidence, he hasn't shown me anything worth my undivided nurturing.'

A few minutes after leaving the Warrior Hall, Kieran stopped in the middle of the village. 

〈System: You have received a message from your friend, Altair. Do you wish to read its contents? [ Y | N ]〉

"Yes," Kieran answered. As a result, the message's contents appeared within Kieran's iris.

[Altair: Yo! The dungeon entrance to the Lv.5 dungeon has opened nearby, and countless people are crowding the lobby looking for parties. Should we do the same? I want to snag some rewards before the opportunity is snatched away from us.]

Kieran didn't answer immediately. 

'Gena Village's Lv.5 Area Dungeon should be the Forest of Beasts. The rewards aren't bad for starting players. No, it's better to say there isn't any alternative,' Kieran mused.

He rubbed his chin in deep thought before sending a video call request to Altair.

Altair's half-covered face appeared on a small screen before Kieran within a few seconds. The screen was designed so only those participating in the call could see that special window.

It was an unusual yet practical function since the visual and audio information was fed directly to the players' senses.

Once Altiar's face appeared, Kieran opened the conversation with a question. "Have you seen anyone clear the dungeon's Easy difficulty yet?"

"No, but that's why I messaged you so we can do it first. I'm sure there should be something like a First Clear Reward," Altair replied. 

However, Kieran shook his head. "For an Easy dungeon? I don't think so. It'd be too convenient that an insignificant level gave decent rewards."

Altair's wrinkled his nose and pondered. "So, what do you suggest?" 

"I suggest we let someone clear the Easy difficulty first, and then we'll dive into the dungeon."

"Wait… you want a greater difficulty, don't you?"

Kieran didn't answer verbally, but he did give a meaningful grin that gained Altair's chuckle. "I'm game. It sounds like pure fun if you ask me. I'll keep an eye out and get back to you."

The video call ended soon after, leaving Kieran in a pensive state. 'Because of the Beginner Zone Handicap, not all dungeon difficulties are accessible. Someone has to clear it first.'

The restriction existed for the safety of players so they could familiarize themselves with the dungeon layout, monster attack and movement patterns, and understand how best to manage their resources like Health, Mana, and Stamina.

After remembering the restriction, Kieran eyed a run-down shack in a seemingly destitute part of Gena Village. Because of its appearance, every player walked past without sparing the ramshackle hut even a cursory glance.

It was similar to how most individuals walked past a homeless person on the street as if they didn't exist. 

Due to this past, Kieran was sensitive to run-down areas with faint signs of life.

However, Kieran also understood he couldn't travel in his current state or the same situation would happen again. Players would notice his armor and wonder why someone in a complete set of armor was walking into a run-down shack. 

To avoid such a situation, Kieran changed into a set of equipment every newbie possessed: a set of tattered leather garbs.

Once he changed, Kieran meandered through the village crowd without arousing any suspicion from his actions.

Upon entering the shack, Kieran had to cover his mouth. The air was filled with a dense cloud of dust that would tickle one's throat and make one cough if inhaled.

Aside from the thick layer of dust resulting from the lack of upkeep, the shack's overall condition wasn't bad.

As long as the shop received an extensive cleaning, it would appear as a simple antique shop with several old items.

But looks were deceiving. Kieran knew the items on the shelves were decorative at best.

Still, Kieran approached the counter before him and tapped his finger against the desk. 

The rustle of brittle bamboo straws and the sound of polished beads knocking against each appeared from behind the counter, revealing a hunched-over and extremely aged person shuffling towards the counter.

Kieran's expression sank when he witnessed the condition of this person. This elder's circumstances unsettled him and triggered some repressed empathy in his heart.


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
ApexPen ApexPen

Make sure to point out any spelling, grammar, or numbers/information errors.

I'll see to it that they are rectified in a timely manner.

Thank you for reading <3.

Chapter 11: Agatha

The old individual that appeared behind the counter was a hunched-over old lady with wrinkly, liver-spotted skin. Her arms were so thin, not to mention her scraggly fingers and protruding cheekbones.

It was clear the lady suffered from malnutrition.

Despite her state, she still presented a smile. "It's been so long since I've had a visitor. It is nice to have some company, young man. Tell me, did you come here to purchase anything? If so, it hurts my heart to tell you that nothing here is of use anymore."

Small tears pooled in her clouded, aged eyes. 

However, Kieran shook his head slightly. "I'm not interested in any of your items. I've come to deliver a service. It's not much, but perhaps I can make you more comfortable."

The lady's expression changed as she shook her head. 

"No, no. Don't let this old woman here trouble you. You're a strapping young man, so use your time wisely and aspire to be a strong adventurer. Your pure heart will carry you a long way."

'Pure?' Kieran thought to himself silently. 

Kieran knew better than anyone that his heart was far from being pure. The circumstances of his rebirth alone filled him with resentment. However, he was human enough to know when to set aside his resentment to do what was right.

Besides, he appeared in this place to claim an opportunity.

"I'll do that soon enough. For now, I only wish to help you," Kieran said. 

Afterward, he walked around, examining the shop's condition before picking up the cleaning utensils off to the side. If any player saw his action, they'd label Kieran a fool. 

What idiot entered a game to clean?!

Of course, Kieran would ignore such a comment. All his actions possessed a distinct outcome. 

'Seeing as how the state of this shack matches the description mentioned in the past, this is definitely the way.'

After confirming the similarities, Kieran diligently cleaned up the shack.

The items were dusted, the floor was swept, and the shiny yet antique items were polished. Because of the shack's small interior, Kieran finished cleaning in just over an hour.

While far from stellar, the shop experienced a major improvement from its initial condition.

As a result, the old lady appeared extremely grateful for Kieran's actions.

"Young man… I don't know how I should repay you! Although I expressed that it wasn't needed, you did it anyway." 

The old lady's eyes filled with indescribable emotion as she cupped her hand over her mouth. "If it's not too much of an issue, would you mind sharing a cup of tea with me? It isn't much, but I would love to repay your kind gesture."

Suddenly, a notification appeared before Kieran's eyes.

〈System: Your relationship with NPC, Grandma Agatha, has become «Hospitable».〉

Generating favorability with NPCs wasn't easy, much less reaching a Hospitable relationship in a single bound. However, Grandma Agatha's unique situation defied the struggle to acquire favorability.

One benevolent act opened the floodgates of favorability.

However, Hospitable wasn't the highest favor one could have with an NPC, and Kieran intended to max it. Since Altair had yet to contact him. It was clear no one had cleared the dungeon.

Considering the dungeon required mapping and several test runs, it was understandable. It wouldn't be unusual if it took several hours before the first Easy clear occurred. 

"I'll happily join you," Kieran said with an amicable smile.

"Follow me, young man," Grandma Agatha instructed. 

Her aged hand parted the makeshift curtain of beads and bamboo, revealing an area similar to that of a fortune teller's abode. 

Furthermore, this part of the shack was pristine and devoid of the slightest speck of dust. A pleasant aroma consisting of herbs, spices, and fruits permeated the air.

Despite his keen senses and extensive knowledge of materials, the origin of these scents was lost upon Kieran. For that to happen, it'd require a Mythic or above material since he was familiar with most Legendary and below materials.

Kieran looked around, taking in the breathtaking sight and serene atmosphere. 'Although it's unfamiliar to me, this place carries such a pleasant scent.'

Grandma Agatha stood over two small pots, stirring their contents while glancing at Kieran's astonished expression. "Is the fragrance to your liking? If not, I'll find a more agreeable one for you, young man."

As she spoke, Grandma Agatha sprinkled a pouch of sparkling blue dust that made Kieran's nose flare.

Although he wasn't familiar with the scent, the potency of its smell was a testament to how amazing these herbs were. 

'The forum revealed that this lady isn't simple, but it disclosed nothing of her background. How did she come to possess the incredible items?' Kieran wondered. 

After pondering this question, Kieran answered Grandma Agatha. "No, it's fine. Don't inconvenience yourself trying to please me. I'm only here to accompany you."

Unbeknownst to Kieran, Grandma Agatha revealed a joyous smile with her back turned to him. 

It wasn't long before Grandma Agatha turned around while holding two small teacups. After giving one to Kieran, she set the other cup on a small table located in front of Kieran.

"This recipe has been in my family for generations. Sip the one in your grasp before following up with the second cup. Let your body enjoy the pleasant warmth."

Kieran didn't realize that when Grandma Agatha sat across from him, another teacup magically appeared in her hands. He was too busy examining the mystical blue specks swirling in the tea.

As if enthralled by the cup, Kieran brought the cup to his lips and sipped it steadily.

However, once he picked up the second cup a few minutes later and sipped it, Kieran felt the world around him blurring as an ancient language spoken in a strange tone entered his ears.

'W-what… is Grandma Agatha rambling about?'

Eventually, Kieran fell into a trance where none of Grandma Agatha's utterances made sense. Yet, despite his strange state, Kieran continued sipping the tea like a malfunctioning doll stuck in one setting.

〈System: You have consumed «Enriched Mystic Tea».〉

〈System: Your mind is being washed by the mystical chant: «???».〉

〈System: Perception has risen by 1 point.〉

〈System: Perception has risen by 1 point.〉

〈System: Perception has risen by 1 point.〉

〈System: Perception….〉

Kieran wasn't sure how much time had passed, but when he awoke from his trance, he saw Grandma Agatha staring at him with a doting smile.

Aside from Grandma Agatha's smile, Kieran immediately noted the changes he felt. The most important one was his Perception had undergone an unusual change.

Not only did it increase from 30 to 50, but his mind and senses felt incomparably sharp like an unassuming veil was removed. Although he was still a Starter Character, Kieran felt he could utilize his instincts to a deeper extent.

'I don't know what rank that Enriched Mystic Tea was, but given its effects, it's something many Enchanters could only hope to brew,' Kieran thought to himself.

Sadly, Kieran couldn't stay much longer because he noticed Altair sent two messages during the period of his trance.

"Grandma Agatha, I hate to leave so abruptly, but I have others waiting on me," Kieran said.

Grandma Agatha waved her hand with a contented smile. "You're joking. I truly enjoyed your company. I hope the tea helps you on your journey."

"This is for you. Sell the fangs and keep a few pelts to make a nice coat or blanket for the harsh winter."

Kieran suddenly retrieved 5 Silver Coins and the wolf pelts and fangs he picked up.

"I can't accept this! This is your livelihood!" 

"I insist; I won't take it back," Kieran said while shaking his head.

Seeing the adamant nature of the young man before her, Grandma Agatha finally accepted it with a heartwarming smile. 

However, her acceptance of the items was not without a reciprocated act of kindness.

"I'm saddened that everything has lost function, but there is one thing left in my possession that should help you flourish as a young adventurer. I hope you'll be kind enough to accept it."

〈System: Your relationship with Grandma Agatha has increased to «Indebted».〉

Grandma Agatha placed an item in Kieran's palm and patted his shoulder. "Now go. If fate wills it, we will meet again once before I am to leave this enchanting world."

"It'd be my pleasure," Kieran answered before leaving the old shack and rushing towards the Forest of Beast dungeon.

Meanwhile, Grandma Agatha looked at the two cups. "Although I used basic ingredients sprinkled with hints of my dust, he was incredibly receptive to the mystic scripture. His soul is strong."

She then continued after a moment, "What a pleasant young boy. Though his heart leaks vengeance, it still displays kindness. It's unfortunate that he'll face his fair share of troubles along his path. At least it is like Ariadna said; his soul is excellent and extremely robust," Grandma Agatha muttered.

Once Kieran left, her image changed completely. 

Her hunched back straightened, and her cheeks became flush and rosy while her wrinkled skin tightened, revealing bright eyes that contained a vivacious spirit. 

This younger version of Grandma Agatha wore a tight black dress with a long slit down her thigh and indigo lipstick that complemented her plum-colored hair styled into a knotted bun and her sangria-colored eyes that gazed into the distance. 

She seemed to become absentminded while touching a set of mystic jewelry.

However, what was stranger than the change in her appearance was her identity shift.

「NPC Lv. ??? Agatha, ??? (???)

Class: Mystic [Redacted]

Health: ???

Affiliations: ??? 」


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
ApexPen ApexPen

Make sure to point out any spelling, grammar, or numbers/information errors.

I'll see to it that they are rectified in a timely manner.

Thank you for reading <3.

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