—-


    Although the party hade to a verbal agreement, it was different now that a binding contract was in y. As much as Kieran wanted to take their word at their bond, he knew the future was a mystery filled with uncertainty. Because of this, he didn’t feelfortable if he couldn’t at least anchor a portion of the unknown.


    On the other hand, the others didn’t need Kieran to tell them how intense the contract was because all the information rted to the Zenith Covenant projected directly into their minds after it appeared.


    Based on the information presented, this pact would be tied to their very being once the party members added their signatures. Because while Zenith Online made it nearly impossible to phish for people’s identities, all Zenith Online ounts were made using a person’s unique brainwaves. So even if a yer signed this agreement with their in-game name, it would be treated as them using their true identity.


    After all, the Zenith Covenant was a pact between rted parties that agreed to punishment by theplete manifestation of the system should any of the parties impinge on its contents.


    Considering that Kieran found certain proof that matters of Zenith Online could tamper with reality, he understood the gravity of the “punishment” mentioned in the many uses of the Zenith Covenant.


    Even if it wasn’t stated explicitly, Kieran couldn’t overlook the fact that one part of this punishment could very well be severe damage to one’s mind.


    If his ss was enough to seize his mind, and it was only a product of the system, what would happen if they received punishment from the manifestation of the system itself? That was an ordeal Kieran wasn’t willing to undergo.


    “T-this…”


    Everyone’s expression nched as they carefully scanned the Zenith Covenant’s information. Although Kieran didn’t include any heavily restrictive factors in terms of their independent activity, this scroll ensured they couldn’t walk away from the team with their belongings intact should they decide to do soter on._-.


    After all, whatever opportunities and fortunes they received would more or less be a byproduct of Kieran’s actions. He had already learned his lesson once and wasn’t insane, so repeating his experience was uneptable.


    “As I said before, if you pledge your loyalty and do so wholeheartedly, I’ll vow to be your protectors, and I mean that to the fullest extent.” Kieran’s tranquil and stern expression apprised everyone of his solemnity.


    The first to react was Sithik, gulping loudly before taking the pen from Kieran’s hand. “My life up until the time I met you has been mediocre. My parent looked at me as a failure, and I have been scorned by my peers my entire life. Although I made my mistakes initially, you only sought to help me, not break me down. So, why wouldn’t I agree to help you build your empire? I’m in, Aatrox.”


    With that, the first signature appeared on the Zenith Covenant. However, the tension in the atmosphere didn’t lessen by the slightest morsel; it was still palpable because everyone had a hefty situation on their hands.


    The next person to follow in Sithik’s step was surprisingly Cygnus. She grabbed the pen from Sithik and clutched it against her chest while looking at Kieran. “I’ve never thought about my future, but your guidance has made me feel like I have one with you. As Sithik said, your advice is always constructive, no matter how harsh. I can trust someone like that since they speak their heart with no qualms.”


    The second signature appeared on the Zenith Covenant. Kieran was frankly taken aback that the first two to agree were the ones that had received his harshest guidance against Hrulhar. Then again, after considering that the remaining people had the highest talents, he understood why this happened.


    ‘Talents have the brightest futures, leaving them with several options, unlike Sithik and Cygnus. Although I can mold them into something greater, their starting point and growth potential will always remain inferior to the rest,’ Kieran thought silently.


    Some disparities just couldn’t be closed no matter how much effort the inferior exerted.


    “From the beginning, you have acted like a free spirit, even during our first meeting inside the Fanged Forest. I’m sure you could have killed all of us right then if that’s what you wanted. But, instead, you deescted our aggression with the harsh truth. Could it be that you foresaw this moment?” Alice asked while extending her supple hand to Cygnus.


    “I don’t know about foreseeing, but yes—you have always piqued my interest,” Kieran admitted. At that time, Alice revealed an uncharacteristic smile that stunned the entire party. She leaned over the table and added her name to the Zenith Covenant.


    “And mine has been piqued as well. Cyr, Sera, Bastion—are we in this together or not? Surely we won’t separate the party who has traveled together for years.”


    “Absolutely not! Wherever you guys go, I go!” Cyr eximed before snatching the pen and signing after Alice. Sera followed quickly after and then the hesitant Bastion, who froze with the pen against the archaic parchment.


    “You won’t change, right? You’ll remain this trustworthy leader—I have your word?” Bastion asked. He needed reassurance before he made such a drastic decision.


    “Undoubtedly,” Kieran nodded. Even if he did change, that shift wouldn’t involve his allies—no, he would simply be a demon—a monster to his enemies.


    Bastion’s worries seemed to subside as he exhaled and finished signing. All that remained now was Altair and Nemean. Out of the two, Altair seemed the most conflicted as he looked at Kieran.


    On the other hand, Nemean showed signs of relenting as he raised his hand. “Seems like everyone has ced their trust in you. While I’m skeptical of doing the same, I don’t have any better alternatives. Even my old friend Bastion has agreed, and I’ve always approved his judgment. So, give it here.”


    Neman quickly signed his name beneath Bastion, leaving the Zenith Covenant void of only Kieran and Altair’s names.


    Unlike the rest of the party, Kieran gave Altair a smile filled with nostalgia and anticipation for the future. He had witnessed how great Altair’s destiny was, but he also sensed there were troubles afflicting his old rival and friend. Otherwise, why wouldn’t he agree to join Behemoth-level guilds that recruited him in the past?


    “Aatrox, I don’t think I’ll be able to join you like the others,” Altair said with a grimace. His usually mischievous demeanor was nowhere to be seen as his face seemed full of penitent emotions.


    “Why is that?”


    “Unlike you, my name and appearance can never appear in the open world… if it does, everyone will be put in danger. That’s not a risk I’m willing to take, especially because you are all good people,” Altair said.


    The others could feel his sorrow and grief but didn’t know how to console a person they knew nothing about.


    Still, Kieran took a step forth and ced his hand on Altair’s shoulder with a tight grip. “What did I vow in that oath beside us? I said I would be our protector, right?”


    “Right,” Altair nodded weakly. However, he knew all too well how frightening the reason for his dissent was. “But…”


    “No buts. There are terrors in this world, but those terrors exist for us to forge courage within ourselves. So what if your situation isn’t the best. We have time—time and potential. Together those two factors make anything possible. I’m willing to shoulder your burden if you’re willing to shoulder mine,” Kieran said. His earnest words consoled not just Altair but the entire party.


    “Do you know this name—Wiyan?” Altair asked in return.


    “I’m aware of that name,” Kieran nodded. “If that is where your troublese from, then we will weather the storm together.” However, deep down, Kieran couldn’t help but grimace. ‘Another issue has stepped across our roster.’


    Regardless of how he truly felt, Kieran didn’t disy those emotions. Instead, he grasped at the parchment, summoning another pen formed of pure Mana that he held himself. “Together?”


    “Together,” Altair agreed.


    Afterward, Kieran and Altair signed simultaneously,pleting all the signature lines on the Zenith Covenant. A strange phenomenon urred after all the signaturesnded on the page. Nine resplendent orbs of white and ck shades with faint silvery speckles merged into everyone’s chest and forehead.


    “The Absolutes of Impartiality,” Kieran muttered. That was the name of the white and ck spheres that entered everyone’s body. Their only purpose was to ensure all parties effectively carried out the Zenith Covenant’s agreements.


    Everyone breathed a sigh of relief once the spectacle subsided and took a seat with drained expressions. The first to speak up was Nemean.


    “What now?”


    “Well… now, six of us will embark on a quest together. The rest of you will continue to work on your fame. I need you all to reach the level of a Knight at the very least. The influx of yers will only increase our need to shine brighter than the rest in the eyes of NPCs,” Kieran said.


    “Only six of us? Who will be chosen?”


    “Well, the quest this time is something that should only happen once our average level is ten levels higher, but… it’s fine, I suppose. We have a Rare ss and a Hidden one in our midst; we aren’t the typical party. Those who will being along with me will be Sera, Altair, Alice, Bastion, and Nemean. Cyr, Sithik, and Cygnus, see if you can monitor the yer store attached to the Universal Currency Exchange Trading System.”


    “What exactly are we looking for?” Cyr questioned. None of the three had issues being left behind because they understood the limited spots on the quest. Every member chosen toe along could benefit the team greatly.


    “Start purchasing all inferior herbs, fruits, minerals, and metals beneath 8 Copper per unit. If you run out of money, message me [1], and I’ll resupply you all. If the volume of these items on the market decrease significantly, message me [2] and stop until I give the go-ahead,” Kieran directed.


    “Understood,” the trio nodded.


    Kieran’s actions were due for an eleration now that names like Eclipse were on the scene. Since their limited party members could only acquire so many items throughbor, Kieran would have to rely upon his coin advantage to steer his ns.


    The others were then instructed on a few other guidelines to operate within to fall under the radar of many unofficial guilds. For example, they would only focus on the bulk orders once all of the small amounts had disappeared. If it was done in reverse, people would soon realize the items were being brought out with an instant disappearance ofrge stacks, c