----

Once the portal widened and connected to a dark entrance where Kieran couldn't perceive even a hint of information inside, he was further alarmed. Instead of responding to the voice, Kieran silently inspected its condition with watchful eyes.

'Is it possible for what resides inside there to step outside?' Kieran wondered. The voice that called out to him seemed archaic, containing an unknown power. However, Kieran also noticed a tone he was all too familiar with—the pain of looming death present when one's body was weakened beyond repair.

There was an inconspicuous pleading undertone inside the voice. Still, Kieran remembered that some demons used such methods to lure players to their side. Bearing that thought in mind, Kieran understood there was absolutely nothing to gain by siding with any demon currently. Not to mention, they were incredibly untrustworthy.

Nevertheless, the voice again called out to Kieran, "Young man.. I sense your reluctance, and it is understandable. But where is your courage? Are you frightened by darkness, or are you scared of what may reside in that darkness?"

Gradually, Kieran began to frown. The more he listened to the voice, the more it couldn't be a demon. It was far too soft to belong to one of those dark creatures. Be that as it may, their choice of words unsettled Kieran.

'It's almost like they're very desperate. Wait.. could this have something to do with my current quest?' Kieran inwardly asked.

After all, he was supposed to meet some unknown figure before the Wildes. Although he was still quite some ways from reaching the Wildes' entrance, if that individual was as strong as Kieran presumed, crossing 500 kilometers in an instant would be a simple task.

In fact, it would be an effortless one!historical

Of course, Kieran couldn't allow his speculations to completely take over his reason. A guess wasn't enough reason to blindly enter a portal he couldn't even see into. Thus, he took a single step forward cautiously while surveilling his surroundings.

Upon noticing that nothing else seemed to be in the vicinity, Kieran lightly touched the portal. Finally, it revealed information. But even then, it left much to be desired as far as the owner went.

〈System: You've made contact with a ?Planar Rift?. Do you wish to enter? [ Y/N ]〉

〈WARNING! The ?Planar Rift? leads to a ?Dissociated Space?. None of the current rules will apply to that area. Caution is advised, but it is ultimately up to your own discretion.〉

Kieran's eyes immediately widened upon reading the alert and warning. "A damned Planar Rift?! What the hell is that doing here?"

As its name sounded, Planar Rifts were weaknesses in Xenith's Dimensional Barrier either caused by strong experts with a high understanding of Spatial Principles or naturally occurring due to historic events that transpired nearby. In this case, because it was linked to a Disassociated Space, it should be the former.

It was a rift someone willfully created. However, Kieran understood that this was a feat only someone in their Third Awakening Phase or above could muster. Xenith's Dimensional Barrier possessed exceptional durability. Even someone of Scar's caliber would find it difficult to puncture and separate a portion of space!

If that was the case, Kieran could only cautiously step back again. He had zero business even coming close to a portal requiring power thousands of times his current capacity. Furthermore, based on the smooth portal edges and the stable fluctuation inside, this portal's creator had extremely high Spatial attainments.

'Enlightened?' Kieran muttered to himself. Suppose this was indeed the result of an Enlightened Individual; it wouldn't be good for him. In that case, his freedom of choice could very well be snatched away!

Then again, judging by how weak the voice sounded, Kieran doubted they could unleash all of the faculties granted to an Enlightened Presence.

"Are you related to the Berserk Path?" Kieran questioned.

"Berserk Path? The path birthed by the Barbarian Race? I have nothing to do with such a practice, but I am knowledgeable about its origins. However, I am not at liberty to discuss that since its creator is much stronger than I. I would much rather live out the rest of my life in desolation than perish by their hand."

While the other side spoke, Kieran could hear their voice inherently tremble—a clear indication that they felt genuine fear towards the individual mentioned. 'Fear? If that's the case.. then maybe I'm not in as much danger as I previously thought.'

Suddenly, the voice sounded from within the portal again. "Is that what brought you to this troubled land—you wish to traverse the Berserk Path?"

"Correct," Kieran answered truthfully. He was no longer as apprehensive as he previously was because now, he was particularly fascinated with learning about the Berserk Path's creator. At the very least, he should be able to squeeze some semblance of information out of this unknown character.

Of course, the question remained—was Kieran crafty enough to get this ancient figure to verbally misstep?

"Mm.. I implore you to step inside this portal. No harm will befall you. I was attracted by your spiritual fluctuations, so I would like to uncover whether or not you are worthy.

"Worthy of?" Kieran countered. Words alone weren't enough to move the overly prudent Kieran. What use was being worthy for another character if he already has his eyes set on a clear destination?

"My mission," the voice answered in a matter-of-fact tone.

Upon hearing this, Kieran's eyes brightened. A mission? This was another term denizens of Xenith used in place of quests! If this was indeed an Enlightened Presence, then the quest they held was by no means meager.

However, after his lack of reply for quite some time, the voice misunderstood the silence.

Finally, a light sigh came from within the portal. "You're very cautious. But, should you cross that boundary, I'll destigmatize some of the general dislikes of the Berserk Path you chose."

"Destigmatize? No need. It's not a path to be ashamed of, but embrace instead."

Afterward, Kieran pressed his hands against the portal once more. The same alerts appeared, but Kieran instantly accepted the consequences, allowing his body to pass through the spatial block.

Kieran was plunged into an unusual area for a few seconds, seemingly plagued by death, destruction, and strife beyond anything he had seen before. However, the space was soon replaced by a space devoid of all basic living structures except an altar.

Upon that altar, a cloaked man with only half of their face visible.

Stranges markings that escaped even Kieran's knowledge filled the visible part of the individual's face. These markings seemed completed different from the Barbarian's hierarchy markings. They exuded a mysterious presence linked exclusively to the soul.

"This.." Kieran muttered in surprise. He had never come across such an NPC even in the past, so he had no explanation for what he saw. There was a gaping hole in the person's chest with iridescent light radiating from the egregious wound!

Despite the presence of that dreadful wound, the cloaked individual stood tall while analyzing Kieran. The soul he sensed earlier engendered his thoughtless action of reaching out to Kieran.

"Is it my wound that startles you? Pay it no mind. It is something I received millennia ago. However, it is also the source of my request. While it is saddening to hear that you'll be traveling the Berserk Path, that doesn't mean you can't strengthen your soul throughout that journey. After all, I sensed the required traits from you. Tell me, would you be interested in accepting my mission? A mission that, in the end, should reward you handsomely."

"Millennia?" Kieran repeated with a baffled expression. If that was true, then at the very least, this was a character on par with Heroes. "Who are you?"

"My name? That is something inconsequential and possibly lost to time. However, you may address me as the Arcane One."

「NPC Lv. ??? Arcane One (Ancient, Dying)

Class: ???

Health: ??? (1%)

Affiliations: Arcane Dominion (Unstable) 」

'Only 1% of his Health remains, yet it still appears as unknown? I wonder how this individual compares to the leader of the War Deity Council,' Kieran thought.

"I know that you are seeking someone to accomplish your mission, but I'm sure you can tell my current grade of power. If it's a mission intricately linked to you or your past, I'm afraid that's something beyond all of my capabilities."

"I'm aware of this and have prepared contingencies. Should you accept my request, not only will you be handsomely rewarded upon completion, but I'll personally reward you now as well," the Arcane One answered.

His steadfastness intrigued Kieran. "Why go so far for a simple request?"

"Why? The reason is simple—I will not tolerate betrayal and allow those who partook in the betrayal to continue benefitting from my misfortunes. As I am unable, I need someone capable of realizing my wish—the downfall of my own kingdom!"

After a moment, the Arcane One's frown subsided, adopting its former neutral expression. "I sensed emotions in you that were analogous to mine, invoking a kind of kindred spark from the depths of our beings. If not you, who would it be?"

"I see," Kieran nodded slowly. His expression was difficult to gauge because this explanation alone warranted Kieran's immediate acceptance. He understood precisely what betrayal felt like and how bad he wanted to exact his revenge. If that was true, this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

"I'll do it. I'll accept your request," Kieran said with an adamant expression.

"Sensational," the Arcane One said while smiling genuinely. An orb of pure iridescent energy appeared in his palm, while a notification appeared before Kieran.

〈System: The SSS Ranked Special World Quest, ?The Arcane One's Zealous Request? has been accepted!〉