I Don't Need To Log Out-Chapter 81: Rewards

It was Friday when Arlon finally reached Kelta.

Initially, he had planned to avoid the players’ questions until Monday, giving himself time to come up with a better excuse.

But he quickly dismissed the idea; delaying his responses might only arouse more suspicion.

Instead, he decided to address the others that same day. However, his priority was to claim his quest reward first.

"Here they are!" Zephyrion declared.

He motioned toward a pedestal behind his desk, where two remarkable items rested. The first was a sword that radiated an aura of both power and versatility.

Its blade was a deep obsidian, shimmering faintly with streaks of silver light that seemed to pulse like a heartbeat.

The hilt was wrapped in soft black leather, and its guard bore intricate runes etched in gold.

"This," Zephyrion began, "is Aetherion’s Edge. A weapon forged in the time of the old heroes, it was wielded by one of their most cunning leaders. And one from the Royals."

Arlon stepped forward, entranced by the weapon. Zephyrion continued, "Aetherion’s Edge is not just a sword. It channels both physical and magical power. Its blade can cut through the toughest defenses, and with a touch of mana, it serves as a conduit for spells."

Arlon hesitated for only a moment before grasping the hilt. The weapon hummed to life in his hand, a wave of warmth spreading through him.

He gave it an experimental swing and felt its balance—perfect as if it had been forged specifically for him.

"It suits you," Zephyrion said with a grin. "But that’s not all."

He gestured toward the second item, a gleaming set of armor resting on a polished mannequin.

Its silver plates were adorned with faint blue glyphs that pulsed rhythmically, like a heartbeat. The armor radiated an unmistakable sense of ancient authority.

"This is the Eclipsera Regalia," Zephyrion explained. "Another one of the Royals. However, this is not for you to keep."

"I understand," Arlon said.

---

Let’s go back to a few days earlier.

Arlon had made two specific requests from Zephyrion. One of them was the Eclipsera Regalia.

In truth, Arlon would have been fine with any piece of equipment belonging to Royals.

This request came up when he was explaining the future to Zephyrion. However, the reason behind it stretched even further into the past.

When Arlon was in Portal Town, Morealis, he had encountered Vulwin.

Although Vulwin had given Arlon a set of enchanted equipment belonging to the heroes of the past, he didn’t ask for anything in return.

Instead, Vulwin had assigned Arlon a quest: Bring back a piece of Royals equipment.

But what were the Royals?

In gaming terms, one could call it the "Royals Series," referring to the pinnacle of endgame equipment from the era of the old heroes.

The equipment found by players in the past timeline, and even those discovered by Arlon in this one, were mostly training remnants.

They were crafted as the heroes honed their enchanting skills. Though impressive, these items were merely stepping stones toward their true masterpieces.

When the heroes of the past reached their peak, they created their ultimate gear: the Endgame Series. These were the legendary tools they lived and died with.

But the Royals Series was different. These were the endgame equipment of the leaders among the heroes, the greatest "players" of their time.

Truly godly in their craftsmanship, these items had been collected and safeguarded by the authorities of that era.

Over time, the Royals became a symbol of unmatched power. However, they weren’t suited for war in Trion since they were too strong.

Instead, they remained in the possession of the ruling powers, preserved as symbols of legacy and strength.

Now, these items belonged to the Trionian government. Even the best players couldn’t dream of acquiring one. Not even Zephyrion dared to wield one for himself.

But Arlon’s merits were undeniable. And Vulwin’s quest required only an analysis of a Royals item, with the promise that it would be returned afterward.

Thus, Zephyrion had agreed to Arlon’s request and provided the Eclipsera Regalia. When Trion faced external threats, such items could be used.

As for Aetherion’s Edge, that was a direct reward from Zephyrion.

He handed it to Arlon without consulting anyone because the Magus Council would have likely opposed it.

But Zephyrion knew Arlon needed it.

This is the only sword that functions as both a blade and a staff, he thought.

If he hadn’t given Arlon Aetherion’s Edge, Zephyrion feared Arlon might never again risk sacrificing his weapon for Trion.

Of course, this assumption was wrong. But such cautious thinking befitted a wise ruler.

---

Now, back to the present.

"Arlon, don’t forget, we need Eclipsera Regalia back in one piece. Even I can’t do anything if something happens to it."

Arlon saw Zephyrion be timid for the first time. It didn’t look good on this Tiger Beastman, but he understood.

This kind of equipment wasn’t something to laugh at. The sword he received was the pinnacle of the swords, it was much better than his own endgame gear in the past timeline.

"I understand," he answered calmly.

Arlon glanced at the armor, then back at Zephyrion. "When do I deliver it?"

"That’s up to you," Zephyrion replied. "But I’d advise you not to hurry and wait until after the training ends. Since you saviors have an inventory, it should be safe there."

Arlon stepped back, his gaze lingering on both the sword and the armor. Aetherion’s Edge felt like an extension of himself already, but the weight of responsibility tied to the Eclipsera Regalia was equally palpable. He had gained much in this moment—both power and duty.

"Thank you, Lord Zephyrion," Arlon said, bowing slightly. "I won’t take this lightly."

With that, he put both of the rewards into his inventory. He would check them later with the Eyes of K****.

For some reason, Zephyrion didn’t ask about the egg and Arlon didn’t talk about it.

---

While leaving the Citadel, Arlon decided to eavesdrop on the whispers around him once more.

Last time, he hadn’t learned anything of importance since he wasn’t alone, but this time, he could afford to linger.

While everyone was still looking at the egg in his hands, he started listening.

"Did you see Lady Rael’s dress? She was stunning as always."

"Ahh! These are so heavy. At least help me with half of them!" Enjoy exclusive content from novelbuddy

"It seems like some saviors are preventing others from leveling up."

Arlon paused. That last line caught his attention.

Two men stood nearby, chatting casually. Their conversation seemed like typical water-cooler gossip.

"And why is that? Aren’t they here for the same purpose? They should be helping each other," one of them said.

"Hehe! It seems like you don’t understand ’hümans,’" the other replied, smirking.

"Hmm? Of course, I don’t. They already died a long time ago."

"Ehh! You’re boring. Anyway, hümans don’t seem to like each other much."

Arlon wanted to scream ’it is not hüman, but human’ but he stopped himself.

"Not so different from what Trion used to be, then."

"I thought the same, but my brother, who works in Isope City, told me something interesting. It seems like they argue and fight constantly. And do you know the worst part?"

"What?"

"According to my brother, they’re actively preventing each other from leveling up to maintain superiority."

Arlon stopped listening. He’d heard enough to understand the situation.

It seems like the company guilds are already here. If I don’t interfere, this will set us back at least six months, he thought grimly.

In the past timeline, companies had created guilds that monopolized leveling spots, charging players to train there. Some even restricted access to guild members only.

Of course, this system hadn’t lasted long. Players grew tired of the exploitation and drove those guilds out.

But by then, the damage had been done. The first guilds had leveled their members enough to secure dominance.

Updat𝓮d from freewēbnoveℓ.com.

They simply changed their names and rebranded as company representative guilds once everyone forgot who they were.

And the biggest of them was NinKel...