Zenith Online: Rebirth of the Strongest Player-Novel



The cue for the interview's beginning was a drawn-out buzzing alarm using a frequency that couldn't be heard on air but was received by the holographic devices inside the building, more importantly, the individuals on that same floor.

A type of proximity alarm linked directly to the registered guests.

The alert was brief, evidently a sign that the broadcasting station's executives appreciated punctuality. Though, before Kieran could enter the velvet drapes separating the station set from the almost construction site-like entrance, he stopped.

Not because he was forced to physically but because he could feel several eyes locked on him from behind.

A pair exuded unconcealed malice, hatred, and even the intent to inflict harm. 

Another pair felt more curious than anything, filled with contemplative appraisal. 

And the last pair felt competitive. 

The sum of these unmet stares made Kieran smirk, lackadaisically slide his hands in his pockets and finally glance over his shoulder, meeting some of this "competition." 

Kieran's expression wasn't precisely smug but wasn't polite either. 

More than that, his eyes hid a disinterested light he couldn't bring himself to vanquish. Perhaps it was somewhat childish of him to stoop to this level, but he decided to glean the reasoning or maybe just the agenda of these surprise guests.

Calmly, Kieran acknowledged everyone that bore into him with varying gazes.

"Soulless… Daedric…" 

As for the final gaze, it belonged to a player that, while he didn't have much of an impression on Kieran in this timeline… lifetime or whatever complex phenomenon could describe his current situation, he knew of this individual's feats.

As infamous, cunning, and ruthless as they were.

Though, before Kieran could completely recount the rumors of this unassuming man before him, he took the initiative, offering up his identity along with some… information.

"Allow me to introduce myself. The name's Wendell Specter. It's an honor to finally lay eyes upon the one responsible for my organization's… boon."

Kieran didn't take Wendell to be the loose-lip type considering the rumors of his feats. Not only was he not the type to disclose much information pertaining to pressing issues, but he also didn't reveal connections to other organizations.

Unless… it was from a position of strength with the agenda to intimidate someone privately. Their current setting allowed for a sense of private oppression. 

There were no cameras, audio equipment, or anything else capable of generating tangible proof nearby.

The surroundings were designed this way purposely. It wasn't rare for many last-minute guests to polish their interaction in this area, briefly reviewing what could be disclosed.

More often than not, the information exchanged was sensitive as they determined where the boundaries should be drawn to avoid escalated drama beyond the scope of heated debate. 

With a silent, keen eye, Kieran inspected Wendell, looking him up and down. You wouldn't assume the man to be dangerous from his outward appearance. He was the kind of person that came off as ordinary, average, and austere at best.

His current attire matched that of a fledgling lawyer just starting out at their first law firm, scrambling to get ahold of their daily schedule. Rather than a well-tailored, tapered, expensive suit, Wendell's suit appeared manufactured, something accessible at even the cheapest shop.

The suit was a muted gray—dull and lifeless—as were his slacks. Some of the seams were frayed and threatened to come aloose. 

Yet somehow, they didn't, remaining to cling on by a thread, quite literally, in fact.

But Kieran knew. He knew all too well. Not to judge a book by its cover. 

This appearance was a tactic of not just Wendell, but any professional seeking to subvert watching eyes and throw them off the trail of excellence and precision.

Buried beneath Wendell's amicable bright blue eyes, currently covered by glasses, were the keen eyes of a hawk. 

  "A pleasure, I suppose," Kieran replied, shrugging.

For a moment, his attention shifted from Wendell to Soulless, who stood one or two paces behind the former. Their positions suggested inferiority in Soulless.

Kieran smirked faintly the moment he glanced in Soulless' direction. And it was because of what he saw.

Soulless's hateful gaze burned deep, but he clenched his jaw with the might of an Inhuman to keep the vitriol bubbling on his tongue at bay. 

'Should I?'

A rhetorical question to himself, no doubt. Because less than a second later…

"What is it? Cat got your tongue, Soulless?" Kieran chuckled, finally revealing a smug expression.

"Goddamn, you!" Soulless snarled. "You-…"

Soulless undoubtedly had more to unload, but he quieted down so fast one would assume his lash-out never occurred. His sudden silence resulted from Wendell lifting one hand, a few of his fingers lazily curling.

To others, it seemed like a simple gesture. But, to those aware of his organization, that signaled his waning patience. Otherwise, he would have extended his fingers with purpose and vigor.

"While it was a pleasure to meet with you, mister…."

"Aatrox," Kieran replied.

"I see. That is what you're known by. But do you not have a proper name? That isn't a name, say, the government? Would find inappropriate."

"I'm sure they wouldn't find the existence of your organization appropriate either. Yet here we are," Kieran replied, indifferently shrugging his shoulder.Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on Noᴠelꜰire

Something harsh and cold flashed in Wendell's eyes briefly, but it was concealed by a lightly amused chuckle. 

"As amusing as it is to go back and forth with you… I'll be cutting this little interaction short. Sure, your reputation within Zenith Online is stellar. But just remember… out here… we do not know you," Wendell intoned.

Upon receiving a signal from Wendell, Soulless followed behind him, shooting Kieran a venomous glare in passing. Within that gaze, it was clear Soulless found some truth in Wendell's words. It gave him confidence as well as an idea.

Meanwhile, Kieran remained in place, watching those two walk beyond the curtain, calmly crossing his arms. 'Ah, I'm being underestimated. However, is that such a bad thing? I don't think so. I don't have any good reason to overextend myself and expose my current capabilities.'

Sure, compared to other powers that be, Kieran was inconsequential. But that was only in terms of the breadth of influence. As it stood, Kieran only had part of the forces he wished to acquire at his backing.

Despite this, Kieran simply adjusted his attire, straightening out the kinks any suit would acquire after repeated movement, then approached the curtain as well. 'Let's discover why so many surprise guests are in my so-called exclusive meeting.'

…

Crossing the boundary of the newstation's interview set, Kieran was greeted by an assortment of light shining in his direction. 

Whether they were aware of his approach or it had been positioned that way for quite some time, Kieran didn't know. But he didn't bother himself with a minute detail like that.

Once he entered, the lights followed his approach, which was accompanied by a small but effectual round of applause from the panel on stage. The set wasn't obscenely large, but it was by no means small or even modest.

Because it was the main staging area of the RBC—Riveting Broadcasting Channel—headquarters, the set was designed to accommodate a large gathering of people. 

All while being seated comfortably on the available chairs.

"Welcome, Mr. Silver," a man said politely, gesturing from Kieran to take a seat on the stage attended by Wendell and the others.

Intrigue flashed in Wendell's eyes when the reporter greeted Kieran in this way. Obtaining a piece of information previously unavailable was always a welcomed gift.

"I appreciate the warm welcome," Kieran replied. 

Following his reply, Kieran glanced around the room, soon identifying his friends standing outside the camera shot, right behind the seats on the set's periphery. 

'Has the seating meant for my entourage been taken?'

With the question tickling his mind, Kieran looked in the direction of Allan Peters, bearing an inquisitive expression.

Careful not to interrupt the beginning interview, Allan Peters cautiously mouthed the word "no" for a good reason. He was well aware of Kieran's reputation for reckless retaliation.

His proclivity to reap destruction, wreak havoc, and annihilate opposition was astonishing. However, Allan Peters feared that the most because this was not the environment to invoke that penchant.

Amidst their exchange of glances, signals, and wordless suggestions, a pleasant voice echoed around the set. Exhibiting punctuality and professionalism to their utmost degree, the lights dimmed on the exterior but remained untouched on the stage, enhancing the focus.

"We are live in 3… 2…"

"Hello, ladies and gentlemen. I want to begin this night special off by saying I hope you're having a fantastic night. Now this is a treat for those big fans of Zenith Online, so I hope you have kept your eyes peeled because, as we announced in the earlier segment led by my peers, we have several extremely talented and well-known gaming personalities."