I Don't Need To Log Out

Chapter 17 Clue

The towns and villages of Trion always had someone influential, a figure respected by the community even if they didn't officially hold power. In Istarra, it was Charon; in Oceina, Edrich. These individuals weren't rulers, but their words carried weight, and their guidance helped keep the towns stable.

In times of peace, towns sometimes formed councils or elected individuals to act as leaders, addressing issues as they arose. This structure ensured that while the towns weren't directly governed, chaos didn't take root.

However, this was during the peacetime. They weren't left out at the frontline during wars, especially since they were the closest to the warzone. There were administrators responsible for these frontline towns and villages. If manpower was needed, they prepared soldiers and sent them. If money was needed, it was also sent.

---

Arlon hadn't worn the Sentinel's Legacy Set yet. First of all, he didn't want to attract the attention of the other NPCs. Even though it was a low-level set, its origins were tied to the heroes of the past, and the NPCs could realize that.

This was also why Edrich thought Arlon's attire wasn't for the rich.

But now, alone and preparing to face the unknown, Arlon pulled out the set and equipped it. He couldn't afford to take chances in the cave.

He had expected nothing more than a hollow in the cliffside, but the structure stretched deeper as if carved deliberately.

The darkness inside didn't faze him; with a flick of his wrist, he cast Light Orb, illuminating his path. The tunnel opened into a naturally formed chamber slightly larger than a typical garage.

In the middle of the room, though, a tiger cub lay curled, asleep.

Arlon froze and instinctively hid. The cub's breathing was steady, but even the faintest disturbance might wake it. A normal tiger posed no threat to someone of his level, but this was obviously no ordinary beast.

Activating the Eyes of *****, Arlon checked the tiger cub.

***

Durant (Level 99)

HP: 10,000

Skills: [Claw Attack], [Roar]

"An unintelligent Keldar on the verge of evolving. Its strengths lie in its speed and powerful claws."

***

'More information than usual,' Arlon realized, his brow furrowing. 'Is it because I leveled up and the seal is loosening?'

Typically, Eyes of ***** revealed only a monster's name, level, and basic details. Now, it displayed HP, skills, and even its condition. But one word stood out: evolving.

Then he remembered;

In the past timeline, the starting towns were destructed all at once. It wasn't possible to save them all so Trionians tried to save only the most important towns.

But how had Keldars done it? He didn't know the details since he also thought this was a scripted game mechanic back then, but he remembered the general pattern. Also, he was close to one of the starting towns and he went there to see that "global event".

First, there was a server-wide notification announcing an event. Players flocked to the nearest starting towns, eager to take part.

There was one boss monster and a lot of smaller monsters under the boss' influence in the towns.

The fight would be over before it began.

The tiger cub, Durant, stirred as Arlon approached, its ears twitching. Its glossy eyes snapped open, glowing faintly in the dim light. A low growl escaped its throat as it crouched, ready to strike.

Arlon didn't wait. He activated Lightning Feet and closed the distance, swinging his Wandsword.

But, to his surprise, Durant dodged his swing.

'Faster than I expected,' Arlon thought, pivoting to avoid the follow-up swipe. Durant's claws slammed into the wall.

Arlon had dodged instinctively, but he didn't want to change his habits. He wouldn't have the immunity for the existences higher than level 100.

He didn't go for another sword attack and instead, chanted his new spell; Lightning Bolt.

Magicians generally went for one element only to have one strong magic instead of multiple weak magics. Agema mentioned them as "idiots" in her book.

Why not be strong in all of the elements? Arlon thought she was just crazy, thinking that everyone couldn't be as strong as her. But, he still tried and managed to cast a spell from another elemental tree.

Of course, he could already use Fire and Light spells. But the Light Orb was not even a beginner spell, so everyone could cast it.

The Lightnin Bolt hit Durant, paralyzing it. He didn't wait and approached the monster and cut its throat immediately.

It was an easy fight. But Arlon didn't have time to celebrate. So he ignored the notifications, took the loot it dropped, and left the cave.

He had a clue that could save the starting towns.

---

Shirl froze as the knock on her door echoed through the room. The crystal in her hand dimmed, and she quickly tucked it away. She was hesitant to answer. The Keldar's threats were fresh in her mind, but she couldn't afford to seem suspicious.

"Who is it?" she called out.

"A messenger," came the reply. "From the Council."

Her heart sank. She opened the door cautiously, revealing a young woman clad in the official robes of the Magus Council. The messenger's expression was stern and her eyes sharp.

"Administrator Shirl Delvi?"

"Yes."

"I bring orders from the Council. You are to return to Kelta immediately for reassignment. Your current duties in Oceina are to be transferred to another administrator."

Shirl's blood ran cold. Reassignment? The Keldars would never allow her to leave Oceina without completing her task. The Council's sudden involvement complicated everything.

"I... I can't leave just yet," she said. "My work here is not complete. Also, I always take my assignments from the government and not the Council."

The messenger raised an eyebrow. "Your duties as 'Administrator of Watering' do not justify extended stays in towns like Oceina. I don't know which government assigned you here but your reassignment is effective immediately. The Council insists."

Before Shirl could respond, the messenger added in a lower tone, "And Administrator Delvi, the Council is aware of your recent... communications. Be careful where your loyalties lie."

Shirl's breath caught in her throat as the messenger turned and walked away, leaving her trembling.