Zenith Online: Rebirth of the Strongest Player

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As excited as Bastion was, Kieran's last comment drew his attention to the final item. Initially, Bastion dismissed this item as a material. And, because material manipulation was limited to production Professions, Bastion thought it was useless.

However, he was mistaken.

The item inside the chest wasn't a material despite its looks, which resembled a cross between a metallic ore and an anachronistic igneous rock.

「 Rune Stone - Fortitude Enchantment (Special Consumable)

Item Rank: Epic

Item Level: N/A

Item Usage: Once activated, this rune can improve the effect of skills up to S Rank Skills. The improvement varies on the user's latent «Soul Permanence». [Maximum Increase: Skill Rank +1.]

Description: A naturally formed rune stone imbued with mystical properties. Although its origins appear ancient, the energy contained inside is undiminished by the passage of time. �

'Fortitude Enchantment,' Kieran's brows raised in surprise. Afterward, his attention shifted to a matter he had paid little attention to before.

'Soul Permanence. Even though I have a Soul Trait, Soul Permanence has always been an elusive topic. I could barely find any information on it when I awakened in the past.'

Aside from Kieran becoming curious about Soul Permanence, he wondered if the system would unlock a distinct soul type for Bastion. Otherwise, the effect could be subpar if he used the rune now.

"Whoa! Every item inside that chest was tailored to Bastion's needs, but it didn't cover anything excessively overpowered. Is this the worth of an Epic Treasure Chest," Ezra muttered in awe.

Her eyes trembled when she thought about how fearsome someone as talented as Bastion would become once they accepted a Legendary Hidden Class.

"Yeah, just take a look at the treasure chest."

「 Epic Treasure Chest (Special Item)

Item Rank:

Item Level: N/A

Item Usage: Bestows up to 4 items valuable to the user. The grade of the bestowed items varies based on the user's circumstances.

Description: An exquisite treasure chest with mystical properties. The unique properties imbued in this chest can pierce through restrictions and obtain items precious to the one who opens it. (Account-bound item. Can't be dropped, sold, or traded.) �

"The item usage is kind of vague," Ezra muttered. "It says something about circumstances. Is it somehow related to how many feats the user has attained?"

"Possibly," Kieran shrugged.

No matter how much research players conducted in the past, they could never debunk the mystery of Treasure Chests and how it determined what was valuable to a player.

Nevertheless, Kieran had to commend Bastion for his outstanding luck. "It seems like a tiger has gained their wings. A Legendary Class, that's pretty huge. But, I should warn you. This means your Advancement will be catastrophic."

"Catastrophic? What do you mean?" Bastion frowned.

"Exactly what I said. The higher a class's rank, the more difficult their promotion quests because more is expected of you. Anywho, accept your class and let me see what happens," Kieran suggested.

"Understood," Bastion nodded.

He ripped the job change scroll in half, which created a monsoon of heavy pressure. Everyone except Kieran and Bastion was brought to their knees as if groveling before an ancient deity.

The pressure then converged into a single point before expanding into a prominent figure donning ancient armor that exuded the aura of a colossus. The figure's eyes flashed with a mystical light while gazing upon Bastion.

"You have called upon the Ancient Order of the Immovable to accept our Way of the Guardian? Are you worthy?"

Bastion glanced in Kieran's direction, but an unknown force drew his head back to the ancient figure slowly descending to the ground before Bastion. This size disparity created a heavy atmosphere.

The Ancient Defender's hulking figure was at least twice as large as Bastion!

Kieran's gaze flashed with an inquisitive light. 'Could this be someone from the Titan Race? Or, are they just large because they're an incarnation of their former self.'

While Kieran grew curious, the Ancient Defender's deep voice shook the lair. "An Ancient Defender and those who seek to claim this mantle never look away. Their gaze is forceful, their will tenacious, and their shield immovable."

"Do you have what it takes?"

"I do," Bastion resolutely answered. He clenched his jaw and gazed into the ancient figure's eyes.

"Very well. You will undergo my trial," the Ancient Defender determined. They waved their hand, and the heavy pressure bombarded Bastion's body, lulling him into a trance-like state.

"What's going on?" Altair questioned.

"Bastion is attempting his class change," Kieran revealed.

Altair scratched his head and looked toward Kieran for additional clarification. "You mean he can't just accept the class outright?"

"Nope. At least not with a Legendary or higher class. You must possess an affinity for the class to accept it. In my case, I was essentially boiled alive until the pain was no more. I wonder what Bastion's test will be."

"Boiled alive?!" Ezra gasped.

However, Nemean focused on another matter entirely.

"There's a class above Legendary?" Nemean blinked. His current Shield Enforcer Class was a Rare Hidden Class, so he couldn't fathom that something beyond Legendary Hidden Class existed.

"Mythical. However, they're extremely limited. I'm one of those Mythical Classes," Kieran said.

The lair fell silent after Kieran's revelation.

While they knew Kieran's class was powerful, no one expected it to surpass a Legendary Hidden Class. Wouldn't that mean Kieran's body could potentially become more robust than a Legendary Item?!

"And now Bastion is taking on a Legendary Class... this party is about to become even more monstrous," Luna breathed. Her heart palpitated when she read the details of Bastion's items.

"!!"

Suddenly, everyone's eyes widened as a cerulean tornado spiraled about Bastion. Piece by piece, the armor on his body cracked and fell to the ground as if incapable of handling this mystical energy.

...

Inside Bastion's mind...

Bastion stood in what seemed to be an ancient altar surrounded by numerous waterfalls and broken pillars. When the water hit the ground, it felt like a tidal wave smashed against Bastion's body, sending him flying.

"Young man, is this all your will amounts to? How can you accept my mantle if you can't withstand one impact from the Overflowing Will Torrent of Galvan?"

"Galvan? Is that your name?"

"Correct, I am Galvan the Ancient, Holder of the Immovable Shield. If you fail here, you will never receive another chance to accept my mantle."

Whoosh! Bang!

Bastion was once more forced to his knees by a wave of pressure.

Although Galvan told Bastion to withstand the force, it was easier said than done. Every blow contained Will powerful enough to affect Awakened Beings.

Galvan looked to the side dubiously. "I've found something interesting. That boy beside you possesses a Will strong enough to resist the Billowing Will Whirlwind. If that's the case, he should be a strong contender for my mantle."

Hearing Galvan's comment, Bastion shuddered. Only one person stood beside him when he accepted this job chance opportunity.

"Don't! This is my chance," Bastion exclaimed.

Galvan turned to Bastion with an imperious gaze. "I sense a fire in you. Do you seek the approval of others? A shred of envy has seeped into your mind. One who seeks power to gain approval will never become strong with their vain drive."

Bang!

Bastion pounded the ground furiously. "I know it is cowardly to compare myself to others, but you don't understand. My entire life, I've been judged by everyone and compared to those who are more talented, successful, and under better circumstances. You don't know what it's like to have crushed confidence."

Galvan crossed his arms and suddenly teleported before Bastion. "Wrong. I grew up with nothing, impoverished and shunned by everyone. But, the difference between you and me is I never gave in. My desire to survive sustained me."

Galvan lifted his palm, which produced a scene depicted with a unique Mana application.

Bastion watched as he experienced Galvan's life. Countless scenes of struggle trumped some of the more glorious scenes. Bastion witnessed Galvan struggle to find food, sleep in mud, and resist bitter cold with little warmth.

Despite the various scenes, however, one detail remained consistent--the adamant and indomitable light in Galvan's eyes.

"One mustn't seek strength for approval. Approval should only be a byproduct of your glory. You should aspire to uphold, prosper, and protect. Find a new focus, a new raison d'etre to devote yourself to. Only then will you gain a spirit willing to endure. Now, tell me--do you desire this mantle?"

"I want it!" Bastion shouted.

"If so, get up and prove so with your action."

Galvan waved his hand up, bringing Bastion to his feet.

Afterward, another torrent fell. This time, Bastion gritted his teeth and remained standing. Another overflow appeared in rapid succession, but it knocked Bastion down.

Despite that, Bastion rose.

Once...

Twice...

Ten times...

Time soon became a fleeting concept as Bastion gritted his teeth and rose again after being knocked down countless times.

Praise filled Galvan's expression hidden by his helmet, but he didn't relent. On the contrary, he amplified the force of the downpours.

"Do not falter. Do not yield," Galvan commanded. He didn't yell, but his voice filled the entire area.

Bastion stumbled to his feet with a stubborn look in his eyes. 'I am not inferior. I will prove everyone wrong. No! I will prove to myself that I am worthy. I will not let anyone put me down.'

The water beneath Bastion's feat rippled as light blue energy thrummed around him.

'Yes. Without a Will Awakening, resisting these torrents are impossible.'

"Show me your resolve!" Galvan bellowed. The entire altar trembled, threatening to crumble to pieces, but Bastion remained stable.

Bang! Bang! BOOM!

The cascades became more violent like a cloudburst, bombarding Bastion's body, but a sharp light shone through the dense deluge.

Whoosh!

A nascent pressure shattered the waterfall, revealing a panting Bastion. "I can take more!"

"Correct, you can. Even when you believe you can't, there is always a last stand," Galvan said.

...

Inside the underground lair...

Kieran's expression lit up when Bastion's eyes closed and reopened with an archaic light shining within.

BOOM!

The walls in the underground lair cracked as Bastion's armor shattered.