Zenith Online: Rebirth of the Strongest Player

The Illusionist Class was a unique variation of the Mage advancement path.

However, unlike typical Mages, which interacted with Mana to formulate spells of varying kinds, Illusionists employed a special kind of magic inaccessible to most, unless they stumbled upon an opportunity to build a relationship with those skilled in Spirit Manipulation.

Seeing as the Wykins were a race capable of awakening the Spirituality Hidden Attribute within Kieran, it wouldn't be too far-fetched to believe that they were capable of such a feat.

After all, while rare, it wasn't difficult to accomplish.

As Kieran looked at the effects of Agatha's illusion, he glanced in her direction momentarily. "Their state is quite interesting. Can you tell me more about what you did?"

"Naturally, I put them under the Crossed Reality Illusion. But if you want me to be more specific…" Agatha's voice grew quieter as her expression became slightly mischievous. "Perhaps I should leave the explanation for your training."

Listening to Agatha's words, Kieran couldn't help but groan and suppress the urge to question why he'd need such an ability in the near future.

After all, truth be told, thanks to his Soul Manifestation, Kieran didn't really require another illusory ability.

Though tempted, Kieran restrained himself and sighed, instead asking a composed question. "Ah, we don't need to do that, do we? I thought there was barely enough time to teach me some practice that'll assist me in our journey to meet the Elves?"

"Ah…" Agatha murmured, deeply considering Kieran's comment. "You're right. Still, there will come a time when you must be familiar with all the abilities of a Mystic Runemaster. You'll naturally need to explore the legacy in greater depth."

In response, Kieran nodded.

However, he didn't reply verbally as Agatha resumed talking seconds later.

"Since you've asked, the illusion they've been placed under is similar to the veil that exists inside the Ancient Rune Oasis. However, unlike the one in the Ancient Rune Oasis, the scope and effect have been modified by my actions. In their eyes, it's as if they're listening to you rambling on and recruiting them," Agatha revealed.

As she disclosed more information about the illusion, Kieran's brow rose, intrigued by what he was hearing. Though he had voiced his intentions and what he required in the Godhand Bazaar, he didn't expect Agatha to realize them so perfectly.

Wasn't being trapped in an illusion where nothing appeared to change a truly frightening situation?

Perhaps Agatha made the task too difficult for the gathering of people.

Upon noticing Kieran's change in expression, Agatha felt she should clarify the scope and effect of the illusion further.

"They're not in any real danger, nor will it take much mental fortitude to shatter the veil. It's been purposely designed to produce some discrepancies that logical people will grasp shortly."

As Kieran listened to Agatha's words and looked around, he noticed that some people had stopped talking and regained a blank look.

When he looked to Agatha for the meaning of this, she simply smiled in return, giving him a meaningful nod.

'Hmm, so it would appear that those who enter a trance-like stupor are in the process of breaking free from the illusion. I suppose that would make them the most logical. Furthermore, they shouldn't be as driven, or rather mindlessly swayed by their desire. In theory, it should be easier to reason with them.'

Rather than look for someone who blindly followed their dream, Kieran required people with a balance of aspiration and grounded views. During times when their aspirations seemed bleak, those grounded views could anchor their faith and loyalty.

On the other hand, one who was solely led by their aspirations would be crushed once they realized it wasn't as straightforward or as easy as they believed it to be.

These were the types of people Kieran wanted to steer clear of.

Though they weren't impossible to deal with, Kieran had no intention of babysitting and molding people's character. That was far too time-consuming of a task for someone in his position.

If it did occur, Kieran would most likely delegate the task elsewhere.

Minutes later, people gradually began waking up from the illusion.

However, rather than stare at Kieran in awe, they looked at the woman beside him—Agatha—with gazes of abject horror.

Cold sweat seeped down their back as their foreheads perspired.

Anyone capable of creating such a complex illusion with a wave of their hand had to be of immense power, being almost unfathomable. Once they learned of this ability, their respect for Kieran deepened.

Wouldn't his relationship with such a character be a clear indication of his skill? Not to mention, from what they saw, his relationship with this female NPC should be quite good.

The number of people awakening over the course of an hour continued to increase until approximately 30% of the people present woke up. Considering that over 5,000 people had gathered before Kieran, this meant that over 1,500 people managed to rouse themselves from the trance-like state.

Unsurprisingly, among those who succeeded, Kieran found a number of Forgers, Tailors, and other Professions that required acute focus during certain steps in their production process.

Since he was pressed for time and his spots in the Union were limited, even if he used the special item in his possession, Kieran decided this one-hour mark was the perfect guideline.

If they couldn't break free within this time, then they simply weren't destined to join him for the time being.

As a result, Kieran looked at Agatha and gave her a slight nod.

Once the gesture was given, Agatha raised one hand with two fingers extended and swiftly wrote in the air before pressing her palm against it.

Soon, a serene character, gargantuan yet intangible in nature, passed through the area affected by her earlier mystical undulation.

A few seconds later, everyone's eyes went blank, followed by them quickly recovering their wits.

"Wait, what? Did something happen? Aatrox was talking to me one-on-one and then suddenly it froze. It's as if someone paused my goddamn favorite television show!" Someone grumbled in the audience.

It was clear they were severely affected by the illusion if they believed Kieran was talking with them individually. This was a sign that this particular individual thought too highly of their aspirations to the point it blinded them.

'A muddled view is too dangerous in the beginning stages where there is no foundation. Sadly, I can't allow even the shakiest of stones to comprise our foundation,' Kieran thought to himself.

Afterward, Kieran clapped his hands.

"There are many of you who have successfully passed the examination, and we know who you are because my colle-... friend has marked you with a special character. Nevertheless, before I extend you a welcome into my Godhand Consortium—"

"Godhand Consortium?! That name is sick…!"

"Wow… that name is truly… lofty."

"Based on what we have seen from him thus far, I can see why Aatrox opted for such a name."

Kieran's announcement was quickly interrupted by murmurs related to the Union's name. After all, the World Announcement didn't mention anything regarding the name of the Union. That was kept hidden until now.

But knowing the name meant nothing when its current presence was essentially nonexistent. Who could target him simply because they knew the name?

This was both the strength and weakness of being unknown.

At first, Kieran considered being somewhat forceful when it came to quiet the crowd, but he decided against it simply because it was a reaction spurred by his naming choice.

Instead, when everyone noticed Kieran waiting to continue his announcement, the crowd eventually grew quiet.

"Though it is unfortunate, I must bid farewell to those that failed to awaken within the time limit given. Perhaps there will be a chance for you in the future if you learn to control your desires and not let them control you," Kieran voiced.

As Agatha snapped her fingers, just under 1,600 people were illuminated with a mystical glow. These people were naturally those who awoke in time, but Agatha took it a step further, giving them a varying intensity.

The faster one woke up, the more intense the glow around their body.

'Ah, sometimes she truly is an indispensable help,' Kieran thought.

Though discontent and disgruntled, most of the people present feared the NPC by Kieran's side. So, rather than suffer a possible death, they chose to disperse peacefully while continuing to monitor the forums for news of the outcome.

Meanwhile, Kieran looked over the crowd before him, taking out a scroll and unraveling it. As he moved his hand and pressed his palm against the center, a message appeared before him.

〈System: The use of a «Union Expansion Order» has been detected.〉

〈System: The rating is evaluated to be at the Bronze standard, do you wish to continue? [ Y | N ]〉

"Use it," Kieran commanded.

With his response, the scroll was torn in half by an unknown presence, vanishing soon after. But in light of the scroll, Kieran received confirmation.

〈System: The Union Member capacity of the «Godhand Consortium» has increased from 800 to 1,200.〉

'Hmm, a 50% increase isn't too bad. But, that's only because of the level of the union. If it was higher, I wouldn't be surprised if the expansion amounted to no more than 5 to 10%,' Kieran thought.

Since he had warned the players of his finite spots, Kieran announced that he would only be accepting 1,000 players at most. This was naturally to leave room for any truly skilled individuals he recalled.

Maxing his capacity right now would not be ideal.

Now that it had come to the final stage of the recruitment, Kieran waved his hand, delivering identical Zenith Covenants to all of the people present.

"This is a race against time because once the capacity is reached, the opportunity will vanish. It's up to you to decide if you wish to follow me or not. However… once you read the terms, you will realize that I don't tolerate betrayal or duplicity. If you're truly one of my followers, you should be aware of how I react to things."

Listening to Kieran's words, many gulped. The gravity of Kieran's two massacres weighed heavily on their minds.

Not to mention, he had clashed with several NPCs and emerged victorious!

Thus, the area became pin-drop silent as everyone considered the contract before them.

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