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4.89% Zenith Online: Rebirth of the Strongest Player / Chapter 31: A Waste of Time

Chapter 31: A Waste of Time

Once the rays of the warm sunlight touched his face, Kieran's eyelids fluttered, opening a few seconds later.

As he sat up in bed and rubbed his face, Kieran groaned groggily and shook his head to dispel some of the fog in his mind. 

'It's so bright…' Kieran thought, raising his hand to block the sunlight. It was then that he realized how practical dark curtains were. 

Aside from the light's disruption, Kieran also realized that he slept like a log. Because his current body couldn't handle the effects of his H-COS, it required a deep coma-like state to heal the fatigue amassed by Kieran's actions.

One side effect was an episode of unfocused and sensitive vision, hence why Kieran reacted violently to the sunlight. 

Kieran soon swung his legs around the bed so that his back faced the dorm's windows. Only then did he lean forward and rub his face before wondering what time it was.

Tapping on his wrist, Kieran activated the holographic projector feature on his holo-phone wrapped around his wrist. The date was then read aloud to him.

Monday, May 20th, 2122. 9:05 AM

Upon reading this information, Kieran frowned. "How long did I sleep?!"

From start to finish, Kieran spent less than 10 hours within Zenith Online and logged in around midday. After adding up the hours, Kieran blinked blankly.

"I slept for almost 12 hours?"

This amount of sleep wasn't startling to people who valued sleep, but it was for Kieran. After earning his position as Golden Brigade's High Commander, he slept less than 5 hours a day, sometimes completely ignoring the need to sleep.

Even now, his average daily rest sat between 6 to 8 hours. This extra sleep was his body's natural way of correcting the issues it faced. As Kieran was in his prime years, his body's ability to heal from his H-COS flares wasn't terrible.

After noting the date and time, Kieran recalled a matter that led to a question. Was it necessary to continue with his university courses if Zenith Online's effects transcended the scope of ordinary human life?

The idea of mentally-augmented superhumans left Kieran questioning this matter. University would only take up his time, but then again, Kieran also couldn't ignore that primarily university students and professional gamers comprised the initial batch of players.

As Aspaira mentioned before, Zenith Online and gaming, in general, were seen as a form of stress relief.

Rather than make this decision now, Kieran chose to sit through one more class and make his decision accordingly.

At that moment, Kieran's stomach released a ferocious growl. Due to his exhausted state, Kieran ignored his previous pang of hunger and went straight to sleep, resulting in his current famished state.

After sliding out of bed, Kieran approached the fridge and attempted to raid it, but the lackluster selection of a university student's diet made him grimace. "For fuck's sake… you've got to be kidding me." Kieran said, exasperated. "Whatever."

Kieran found eggs, cheese, cold bread, slices of turkey, and a few vegetables. It was enough to whip up a decent breakfast, but it would all be gone afterward.

Once he finished eating roughly twenty minutes later, Kieran stood before the floor mirror and pinched his torso. "If I didn't know any better, I would have believed I was a skeleton. But, that was understandable given the habits of my past self."

Before entering Zenith Online in the past, Kieran's self-care wasn't the best, sometimes skipping or eating complete garbage while isolating himself, holing himself up in his dorm.

Despite his handsome looks, Kieran wasn't friendly at all during his adolescent to young adult years. Considering his past circumstances involving his parents' death and being orphaned, his closed-off nature was understandable.

However, Kieran didn't believe it justified letting himself go. Not when he sorely depended on his body to fulfill his aspirations. 'I don't have classes for another three hours, so it's safe to dawdle for a while longer.'

Within the next two hours, Kieran tidied up his dorm, organized his clothes, freshened up, and did some light exercise to get his blood flowing. As he felt that he was at the bottom of the social ladder, his wardrobe matched that of a typical university student.

Many blue or black shirts, a few tees, worn sweaters, and light coats. It was nothing special, but it also didn't scream poverty.

However, compared to his past massive wardrobe filled with luxurious clothing, his current setting left a sour taste in Kieran's mouth, which also humbled him.

'We all start from somewhere. I won't act like my circumstances are the worst, but they certainly aren't the best,' Kieran inwardly thought.

Once he finished setting up his dorm, Kieran dressed and stepped outside his dorm room. The campus wasn't small, but it wasn't obscenely large either. As long as students left their dorms in a timely manner, it wasn't difficult to reach many lecture halls.

Kieran's university was known as Metro University. It was a state university, so the tuition wasn't extremely high. It was also local and practical to many middle-class and lower-income students. Because of its flexible tuition and excellent course variety, it was New Metro's most reputable state university.

Due to his languid pace, Kieran reached his lecture hall 30 minutes later, a few minutes before his class began. Like any other day before, Kieran sat in the furthest seat, a few steps from the exit. 

A minute later, the rhythmic clacking of heels echoed within the spacious hall as a beautiful woman with tied-up blonde hair and calm hazel eyes hidden behind slender frame glasses walked up to the lecture podium.

Many of the student's eyes brightened when they analyzed her frilly blouse and form-fitting skirt that clung to her supple legs. Whispers surfaced in the hall, but a clear, velvety voice calmed it down.

"Ahem, good morning. Have you all enjoyed your break from classes?"

"Oh, you bet. This new game came out, and ugh, it's so addictive, Ms. Arman," one of the students replied. Because of this statement, a conversation regarding Zenith Online was immediately sparked in the classroom.

Surprisingly, Ms. Arman didn't stop the conversation. Instead, she analyzed the room. Most students engaged in the discussion, but she noticed Kieran in the back, absentmindedly gazing out the window.

'Kieran… he's always alone, that isn't healthy for a boy his age. Although his grades are excellent, he's squandering his precious college years, which should be used to forge lasting relationships. It isn't ideal.'

Although Kieran was absentminded, pondering his current situation, Kieran tentatively listened to the conversation. 

Because of the heated conversation, Kieran gathered that a few of his classmates had reached Lv.9 to Lv.12. But, considering how much time had passed, it wasn't anything praiseworthy.

"Alright, class. That's enough. Let's drop the talk about this new Zenith Online and discuss today's lesson," Ms. Arman voiced.

While she began to mention the lesson, Kieran fell deeper into his thoughts. The topic was boring, so Kieran's vacant expression stared at the city streets outside. Several towering skyscrapers filled his view.

'New Metro is the home of several enterprises. Because of the bustling traffic, many wealthy families have taken root here. I wouldn't be surprised if I ran into familiar faces, but I must be wise. Without the means to protect myself, I'll be extremely vulnerable,' Kieran thought.

New Metro was the United States' second highest-grossing state, which is why it acted as the backbone of the economy. Of course, like any other state, it possessed its slum-like areas where most lower-income people hailed from.

One such person was Kieran. The reason he made it to Metro University was due to the stipend provided by the government.

While deep in thought, Kieran's eyes suddenly widened as he jerked his head to the side and snatched the air before his face. After opening his palm, a piece of chalk rolled back and forth.

Silently, Kieran averted his gaze from the window.

Ms. Arman stood before the long blackboard with her hands on her hips and her lips curved into a charming yet mischievous smile. "Is there something interesting out the window? I called your name three times, Mr. Silver but no response."

"Ah," Kieran responded dryly. 

As he looked at her, Kieran felt an instinctive annoyance. 'What a nuisance.' 

Out of instinct, Kieran flicked the chalk back towards Ms.Arman, but it carried some of the emotions that seeped into his mind.

The chalk began to spin like a rotating disk as it quickly approached Ms. Arman.

Upon realizing what he did, Kieran's expression plummeted. 'Crap…'

His action was not something an ordinary person could react to. Depending on where it landed, the opposing side would undoubtedly end up in a world of pain. 

However, at the last moment, Ms. Arman swiped her hand through the air.

Kieran's eyebrows jumped. 'This teacher… Ms. Arman, was it? There's something unusual about her.'

Similarly, Ms. Arman was astonished as well. 'As far as I'm aware, the boy has never joined in any extracurriculars, but my hand hurts! It was comparable to a throw from an ace football player. Why isn't he in any sports?'

After this situation, Kieran stood up from his seat with a distant gaze and approached the door. 'As I suspected, acting like a normal student would be pointless. Especially with an abnormal teacher like her.'

"U-uh… teacher?" Someone muttered in the front row.

"Just a moment, please," Ms. Arman answered.

Ms. Arman caught up with Kieran and tapped his shoulder.

"I didn't mean to offend you if that's the case. I just wanted you to pay attention," Ms. Arman sincerely apologized. 

However, she was taken aback when Kieran silently lifted her hand from his shoulder and dusted it off. "No offense taken. This place is merely a pointless waste of time for me when I can place my focus elsewhere."

"Waste of time?" Ms. Arman blinked in disbelief. After a second of repeating those words, she understood. "You're… not thinking of dropping out, right? That would be a real waste of time. You have only one more semester after this!"

"Meh, it's a sheet of paper. One I can do without. Besides, you shouldn't forget that you still have a class to teach," Kieran said with a soft chuckle.

He didn't wait for her response and simply walked away, leaving a baffled Ms. Arman while he headed towards the administration office.


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
ApexPen ApexPen

Make sure to point out any spelling errors, grammar errors, or numbers/information that wasn't properly updated so I can immediately rectify those issues.

Thank you, guys!

P.S: A LOT of game terminology will appear in the novel, because well, I'm a gamer. :shrug:

Chapter 32: A Shocking Surge of Wealth, Value of Information

In disbelief, Ms. Arman's throat juggled up and down as she stared at Kieran's departing figure. 

'W-what just happened? Did I just get dismissed by a student?! Furthermore, what was that? Brushing off my touch as if I'm some sort of plague or eyesore?!'

Kieran's actions naturally attacked her pride because she had spent her life being pursued by many. Some students ogled at her, and Ms. Arman noticed this but didn't react.

She expected as much from young men with raging hormones. 

Aside from revisiting Kieran's behavior, her frown deepened when recalling her own words. "It really would be a waste for him to leave now. But he is an adult, and the choice is ultimately up to him."

Once she realized she was powerless to change his mind, Ms. Arman turned to the door behind her. 'Zenith Online, was it? I'll have to test it out as well. I'll have them prepare everything for me. I wonder if it'll be as fun as they say.'

Outside the Administration Hall…

Kieran approached a desk staffed by a rotund, balding middle-aged man who watched a show on a tablet while eating his lunch.

After realizing a shadow was being cast from above, the man looked up while clearing his throat. "Yes?! What is it?"

"I'd like to make this visit as short as possible. I want to drop out," Kieran responded. 

"Drop out?" the man's expression deflated as he shook his head while sighing. "Tsk tsk, why do you young men lack drive these days? So many of you just up and quit after feeling a little stress from college work. How will you all survive in the real world?"

"Meh. Probably by getting a job that will ultimately have nothing to do with the degree we aimed for in the first place. I mean, come on, how many people actually land jobs in the field they desire? But, just help me drop out." Kieran shrugged indifferently.

The man sputtered with widened eyes. "Holy moly! What a cynical view of the world. Are you okay, young man?"

"I'm alright, but I'd be better off when you complete the process of complete unenrollment," Kieran responded. 

Kieran understood the older generation's views after interacting with many of them. However, he had no intentions of conforming to the close-minded limitation many of the older generation imposed upon youths. 

The gaming industry was a truly lucrative machine of wealth if one was talented enough.

'Trusting an organization is out of the equation. They operate using universal principles, so if you know one, you know all. Instead, everything now rests on my shoulders, which is why I need to focus.'

"Alright, whatever you say, kid. I just hope you don't regret your decision in the future. You can pass me your ID if you're done," the administrator said. 

Contrary to the administrator's expectation, Kieran did not hesitate to give him his ID Card. Kieran was officially done!

After inputting his information, the administrator's eyes widened in shock. "Young man, is this really what you want to do? You only need two more semesters of classes to receive your degree! Why stop now?"

"I have my reasons," Kieran responded. His tone insinuated his desire to drop the subject. Still, the fat man couldn't see how Kieran's decision was reasonable.

"Is it financial? If so, I'll personally help you resolve the problem. One or two semesters shouldn't be too expensive," the man said.

However, Kieran immediately shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but that's not it. I have a few matters that require my full attention, so I can't focus on school anymore."

Kieran took a short pause before evaluating the man before him. He wasn't unlikeable, and his offer was genuine, so Kieran offered some advice of his own. "If you have extra money lying around that isn't being utilized, I suggest you invest in Zenith Online for the ludicrous returns later."

"Zenith Online? That new game?" the administrator blinked.

"Correct," Kieran answered.

"I don't know. I'm too old for such things. I'm at a point in life where I must know my priorities. Also, since you have terminated your enrollment, you must vacate your dorms within a week."

"That won't be any issue," Kieran answered. 

Following that message, Kieran walked away from the administrator's desk with a slight wave. On the other hand, the administrator remained in a daze as he recalled the news filling all the news stations yesterday.

'Did he say Zenith Online? Is that one of the reasons he left? Maybe one of those guilds has extended an offer. I simply hope the young man's future is secured,' the administrator thought. 

Regrettably, he didn't take Kieran's advice to heart.

Disregarding Kieran's advice was partly due to skepticism, but it really stemmed from the man's bad experiences with gaming. He had suffered many losses in the past despite becoming a whale. Being overgeared oftentimes failed to overcome actual skill. 

After leaving the hall, Kieran shifted his attention to Zenith Online's forum. The first ten posts were filled with comments regarding his stream, especially the fight against Grifear, where he exhibited pro-level mechanics.

This feat alone resulted in many guilds leaving messages wanting to get in contact with him. Unfortunately, it was to no avail since Kieran disabled all messaging systems.

Only players on his Friend List could message him now.

However, center entities like the staff of the Gamer Republic Corporation could bypass these actions. 

"I have caused a huge disturbance. I guess doing what I did on the day could be considered abnormal. But, at least I managed to achieve my intentions," Kieran muttered to himself.

The increased gossip of Zenith Online meant more people would flock to the game faster, and the game's popularity would rise. If he were one of the leading causes, it naturally wouldn't go unnoticed.

Since he decided he wouldn't rely upon any other guild, Kieran required the backing of another gargantuan entity. 

After browsing through the forum, Kieran removed the Do Not Disturb mode from his phone and linked his streaming and Zenith Online accounts to his holo-phone. The moment he did this, his holo-phone buzzed nonstop for ten minutes straight.

By the time it stopped, the notification bar had read 9,999+.

"You're kidding me," Kieran muttered in disbelief.

The notifications numbered well over 9,999, but it had reached the max. The reports included increased followers, comments on his stream recording, messages on the GRC platform, and finally, sales of the Dungeon Manual.

'I suspect the manual was mostly purchased by third-class, second-class, and gradeless teams. They're the ones who would benefit from its information the most. First-class can also benefit, but that's only true if they purchased the premium information,' Kieran thought.

Once he noticed this fact, the urge to check his earnings and purchase ratio overwhelmed Kieran, compelling him to sift through the information on his streaming channel.

┌───────────────────

«Stream Analytics» -

Recent Streams (1-week duration): 1

Maximum Viewers: 72,498

Total Views: 516,905

New Followers: 84,550

New Subscriptions: N/A (0)

Stream Time: 2hrs 13 mins 49secs

Donations: 777 ($69,777)

Stream Earnings (Estimate): $270,488

└───────────────────

After reading the stream's total revenue, Kieran froze in the middle of the sidewalk. The ad revenue of the channel was insane. While it sucked that he couldn't get any subscription because he had yet to become a platform partner, his earnings from a single stream were massive!

Furthermore, Kieran hadn't even checked the breakdown of the Dungeon Manual yet!

┌───────────────────

«Miscellaneous Sales» -

Basic Version: $2,000,000

Standard Version: $2,100,000

Premium Version: $1,750,000

Total Earnings: $5,850,000

Net Earnings: $3,919,500 (Disbursement Status: Ready)

└───────────────────

Kieran almost suffered a mini heart attack. This had become a massive opportunity for him. With the sale of simple universal information, his situation changed from a nobody to a young man with considerable wealth!

If anyone learned that he generated more than $6 million of profit in less than a day of playing the game, surely minds would flip, and hearts would stop. Because no one else was confident enough to stream their content, Kieran monopolized the beginning hype!

'Selling information is a goldmine! But, if I do continue down this path, I must be wary of the information I distribute.'

Money wasn't everything. Some opportunities should be kept to himself in case of severe butterfly effects or deviations from his intended path.

Aside from amassing more than $4 million that was immediately payable to him, Kieran noticed an email that caught his eye.

[E-mail: Hello, this is the Chief Partner Advisor from the Gamer Republic Corporation. We're reaching out to you to extend the opportunity to partner with the platform. If you're interested, we can set up a virtual appointment to address any questions you may have. Otherwise, I hope to see you on the official roster of our partners! You have the potential to be great.]

After reading through the email, Kieran grinned. He was essentially a cash cow right now. How couldn't his actions garner the attention of the GRC? Kieran responded to the email and set up a meeting to happen in the coming days.

Once he finished with that, Kieran withdrew his earnings totaling over $4.25 million. Since he could no longer remain in the dorms, he needed a place that he could call his own. 

Additionally, he also needed to prepare the proper medical appointments now that he wasn't in Zenith Online.

Kieran entered a nearby cafe before preparing appointments to view vacant apartments within New Metro City. As a vibrant city, people constantly moved, and the real estate industry was bustling.

Eventually, Kieran booked a few viewings with an available broker.


CREATORS' THOUGHTS
ApexPen ApexPen

Make sure to point out any spelling errors, grammar errors, or numbers/information that wasn't properly updated so I can immediately rectify those issues.

Thank you, guys!

P.S: A LOT of game terminology will appear in the novel, because well, I'm a gamer. :shrug:

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