I Don't Need To Log Out

Chapter 61 Zephyrion

Two blonde boys, around the age of 10, walked side by side. Their almost identical looks made it clear they were twins.

The children had the appearance of nobles, but only one of them had blue eyes. The other one had red eyes.

Upon spotting a blonde-haired, blue-eyed woman, they broke into a run.

"Mom, we're back!" they exclaimed in unison.

"Welcome back, my sons," she said warmly, kneeling to embrace them. Yet, as she hugged them, her gaze lingered on the red-eyed boy, filled with a hint of sadness.

Arlon woke up. A strange heaviness settled over him, as if he'd forgotten something important, again. He tried to recall it, but the memory remained elusive.

In the end, he also forgot that he had forgotten something.

Today was the day of the meeting.

---

Arlon had spent the previous week at the training grounds, experimenting with various magical devices.

Well, it was already Wednesday evening when his copy came, so he could visit the training grounds for the next two days only.

The reason was that he had to pretend to "log out" every evening and on the weekend.

By Monday, excitement filled him. This would be his first time meeting Zephyrion, the most powerful Trionian.

Arlon planned to attend as the player while bringing his copy as the guide.

During the week, he had honed his Doppelganger spell, lifting the weakened status.

Now, the copy was indistinguishable from him in functionality. The copy would perish if it was killed, but otherwise, it could even fight.

If the copy was injured, it would bleed and heal as if it were alive. The only downside was it only had 70% of Arlon's power— more than enough for most tasks.

***

As soon as the log-in time arrived, all the players connected, brimming with excitement. Even though this was a game to them, meeting the ruler of the world felt significant.

Lady Rael and Nora stood outside the inn alongside Arlon the guide, waiting for the group to gather.

Since the players had separate rooms, they usually logged out there, making the inn entrance a convenient meeting spot.

Once everyone arrived, Lady Rael began briefing them while leading them toward the carriage.

"Everyone," she said, "remember, you're meeting the ruler of this world. Please don't be disrespectful."

The players were fascinated by the sheer scale and complexity of the Citadel as the platform carried them ever closer to their destination.

After ascending for two minutes—much longer than the elevators on Earth—the platform finally reached the top floor.

Before them lay an open area adorned with vibrant flower beds and a variety of blooming flowers.

This was far from what they had expected when told they would be visiting the workspace of Zephyrion, the strongest being in all of Trion.

Even Arlon, who was usually composed, had imagined something like a gym or a training ground.

Instead, the floor was strikingly minimalistic. Apart from a single desk, which likely belonged to Zephyrion, there was little furniture in sight. The massive floor was divided into two sections, and the half they stood in was one expansive room.

The view was breathtaking. Windows replaced walls on all sides, offering an unobstructed panorama of Kelta. The only wall present separated this spacious room from what must be the other half of the floor.

Simple brown flower pots were placed in various corners, but the sheer size of the room maintained a sense of minimalism despite the decorations.

However, the most striking feature wasn't the room itself. It was the towering tiger Beastman standing behind the desk, his piercing gaze fixed on them.

The Beastman had a menacing scar slashing across his right brow, and his eyes carried an intensity that was... unsettling.

The players couldn't help but gulp. Though it was only their imagination, they thought they could see a red aura emanating from him, amplifying his intimidating presence.

"Welcome!" Zephyrion greeted them in a booming voice.

The players flinched, their bodies stiffening at the sheer force of his words.

Meanwhile, Arlon's gaze lingered on Zephyrion, his thoughts racing. Once he had believed he might have surpassed Zephyrion's strength in the past timeline.

What a joke, Arlon thought now. It was clear that Zephyrion's power exceeded anything Arlon had reached.

Looking at him now, Arlon wasn't sure he could defeat the final boss in his past life if he hadn't died.

Even Nora seemed like she was about to faint.

Contrary to the players and Nora, Lady Rael slowly approached Zephyrion and bowed her head.

"Lord Zephyrion, I have brought the players as well as the guide named Arlon, who helped Trion greatly, upon your request," she said calmly.

Hearing Lady Rael, Zephyrion immediately turned his gaze to Arlon the guide. But after a brief moment, he shifted his focus toward Arlon the player.

Arlon knew he was caught. He had known it even before Zephyrion looked at him.

He had already lost when he assumed Zephyrion wouldn't be this perceptive or strong.

But Zephyrion simply smiled and said, "So, it is like that..."