Because Kieran and the others were no longer pressed for time, the journey back to Aeredale City happened at a languid pace, especially after clearing the Desert of Treacherous Sands.
Although the atmosphere was cordial during the journey, Bastion was unusually quiet as he read through and familiarized himself with all of his skills. After his class change, Bastion received a decent number of Skill Points to freely distribute amongst his skills.
Additionally, any skill deemed useless to an Ancient Defender was purged, returning all Skill Points invested in the Skill Tree.
Everyone noticed Bastion's silence, but his pensive expression stopped anyone from bothering him.
'The Fortitude Enchantment would be best used on Guardian's Bulwark. I wonder if it'll receive any changes after I use it,' Bastion inwardly thought. Guardian's Bulwark, before his class change, was his undisputed best skill.
Bastion withdrew the Rune Stone, which held a strangely clunky symbol in the center. The character escaped most people's knowledge, but every Enchanter understood the practicality of runes.
The Rune Stone evaporated slowly, fading into a mystical light that pierced Basiton's forehead. After deciding to bolster Guardian's Bulwark, the energy assimilated with the skill's rune structure in Bastion's mind.
"Cool," Bastion muttered after reading through the changes.
The previous A Rank Combination Skill had become an S Rank Combination Skill! There were other minute differences, but Bastion couldn't discern them until he tested it out in combat.
Over half a day later, everyone finally returned to Aeredale City, where they decided to split ways.
"Thank you for the opportunity, Aatrox. If possible, I hope there are greater adventures in our future," Ezra said. She graciously extended her hand with a warm smile.
Thanks to Kieran's efforts, she secured a substantial fortune to supply the guild with.
Kieran grasped her hand and smiled back. "It was a pleasure. As for teaming up again, well, only time will tell. I intend to take time and digest everything before making additional large moves."
Ezra beamed while gazing at Kieran. "Wise decision, especially since your tank will be departing soon. Although you're strong, I doubt you want to act without a sufficient tank."
They finished saying their goodbyes before Luna bowed slightly. "Thanks again, Aatrox. You've truly helped me obtain the potential to realize my dream."
"Likewise. It was a pleasure to be in your company. However, I think you've kept Luka and Zafir waiting long enough. They may have become restless."
"That's… fine," Luna chuckled. "Luka is my cousin, so he understands how serious I am about this."
"Ah, I see," Kieran remarked with lifted brows. He wasn't aware of the relationship between them.
Luna soon ran off, leaving Kieran and his team.
Now that it was just them, Kieran raised a point he introduced to Altair. "Are you all interested in meeting? If so, I can book your flights to my location. Something to note, though, if you meet with me, it'll mark the beginning of your formal training."
Aside from Altair, everyone else was taken aback. The fact Kieran would foot their bills didn't bother them. It was naturally something they should become accustomed to if his future role was their Guild Master.
Still, they were amazed by Kieran's confidence.
"You… aren't afraid that your true identity will leak once we meet?" Nemean muttered.
"Not at all. I've grasped your characters quite well. The Zenith Covenant is a safety measure, but you're all trustworthy. And, as I said before, I'm all in. Either we do this, or we don't."
Everyone could feel Kieran's passion and decisiveness. How could they say no after hearing Kieran's genuine impression of them?
Alice started pacing back and forth. "If that's the case, I need to pack!"
"Oh, but I have an important question. We're all above the age of 18, right?" Kieran squinted while passing his gaze through the party.
Nemean held his head up high. "Duh!"
"Do I look younger than 18?" Bastion blinked.
"Yeah," Alice nodded.
"Over 18," Altair commented.
"Umm, I just turned 18 not too long ago," Sera squeaked.
After learning everyone was of age, Kieran breathed a sigh of relief. It could be a real hassle if he had to ask for parental consent.
Everyone parted to carry out the necessary preparations for their upcoming trip.
Different from the rest, Kieran approached the Mayor's Office.
Because of his equipment, Kieran's presence garnered several small comments, some of marvel and some filled with envy.
"What level armor is that? The Item Level has to be pretty high, no? I'm guessing it's something like 50!"
"I would give my left kidney to have that armor. It looks absolutely sick! That guy is like a wild beast in human form. Do you think he'll bite if I approach him?"
"Dude, I wouldn't advise that. He looks unfriendly. It'd be best to mind your business."
Kieran ignored the comments although he could hear them due to his sharp senses. Amidst the remarks and amazed gazes, Kieran soon vanished into the Mayor's Office.
Once inside, Kieran received a subtle scare.
The receptionist leapt out of her seat in fright after seeing Kieran. "Ah—! Barbarian! What are you doing out of the Wildes?!"
Barbarians were indigenous to the Wildes and rarely ventured outside. In their eyes, the Wildes possessed everything they desired, primarily an area devoid of Mana. Many, if not all, Barbarians forsook Mana in pursuit of a more fitting power, one Bastion had recently become acquainted with.
Mana wasn't almighty, so Barbarians felt it was an imperfect source. Instead, they valued power within themselves by embracing the Wildes' dreadful environment.
Kieran was amused by her reaction but thought little of it.
'Oh? Does she believe I look like a barbarian? Truthfully, she's not wrong. Agrianos' attire did resemble what I now wear. But…'
"It's me, Aatrox!"
The wide-eyed receptionist gasped. "Oh my goodness! I couldn't even recognize you! If you're here to see Mayor Lowe, he has been awaiting your return. I'm sure he'll be pleased to see you."
While the receptionist clutched her chest with bated breaths, Kieran walked past and strolled into Mayor Lowe's private office.
Unlike before, the door was propped open by a door stopper. Through the slight crack, Kieran saw Mayor Lowe massaging the bridge of his nose while nodding off.
'The poor guys must have had many sleepless nights awaiting the good or terrible news.'
"Knock knock," Kieran uttered while pushing open the door.
Mayor Lowe sprang to his feet after hearing this familiar voice. "Sir Aatrox— No. I suppose it's more fitting to call you Lord Aatrox now. Your renown deserves this level of respect."
The change in how Mayor Lowe addressed Kieran was naturally a result of his increased World Fame.
"I've completed the task. The Desertborn Brigands are no more. You shouldn't experience any troubles in the immediate future," Kieran stated proudly.
However, Kieran used an ambiguous phrase like the immediate future because he couldn't promise anything about the distant future. Until he ultimately resolved the matter, a slight threat would always exist.
〈System: You have completed «Brigand Eradication»!〉
〈System: You have received 2x «Rare Grade Treasure Chest».〉
〈System: You have received a «Unique Grade Treasure Chest».〉
〈System: You have received the Title: «Aeredale's Savior».〉
〈System: Congratulations, you have leveled up! [Lv.42→Lv.45]〉
〈System: You have received 36 Unassigned Attribute Points and 24 Skill Points.〉
〈System: You have reached max Favorability with Mayor Lowe.〉
"Outstanding!" Mayor Lowe exclaimed after watching Dusvim's lifeless head roll across his office desk. "Also, this is for you."
Mayor Lowe extended his hand with a card resembling a credit card. It possessed a large 'M' and 'A' in a fancy font surrounded by a coin logo and numerous crystal images.
〈System: You have received a «Standard Merchant Association Badge».〉
'A membership card will come in handy when dealing with the Association. But…'
A Standard Membership was far from ideal. With enough donations, even an ordinary citizen could obtain it. Kieran's sights were set on a VIP Card at the very least. Only then would he possess the credentials needed for his plans.
"You have done great work. You are truly Aeredale's Savior. The Royal Family will hear of your contributions. Perhaps an audience and reward could be possible."
"I like your enthusiasm and optimism, but that's highly unlikely. You know the Royal Family views themselves as above common folk. Why would they agree to your suggestion?"
"That's true," Mayor Lowe muttered with a bitter smile.
"Nevertheless, the threat of the brigands has vanished. Your job has become a tad bit easier." Kieran said.
While speaking, however, he glanced at the last objective. He wondered if the quest detail could be completed before he collected evidence. Unfortunately, the possibility of his actions creating needless anxiety deterred Kieran from going through with his thought.
'It's probably better to alert Mayor Lowe of the situation after I've identified the true mastermind.'
"Once again, I am in your debt. Don't be afraid to ask if you ever have a request within my capabilities. As the savior of this city, assisting you will be the least of my gratitude," Mayor Lowe expressed.
A genuine smile filled with graciousness appeared across his face.
After receiving Mayor Lowe's praise, Kieran didn't idle for much longer. He bid his farewell and walked through the city's bustling streets in deep thought.
'There's so much for me to do. I've completed the War Deity Council's assignment, so I owe them a visit. I also must meet with Scar because I have a few questions. However, I can't ignore Isadora's quest for much longer….'
Now that he was Lv.45, Kieran wasn't interested in leveling up further. Before leveling became a priority again, he needed to implement a few key aspects of his plan.
'I think it's time for a solo journey,' Kieran inwardly mused. The others weren't permitted when it came to the War Deity Council.
