Return Of The Strongest Player

Upon the peaks that shattered through the misty, pristine, white clouds draping over the paradise known as the 99th floor, an existence engulfed in a heavenly light sat, its body curled into a meditative position and levitating atop a platform.

The existence was widely known as Seraphiel, the Angel Of Balance.

With long, silky, white hair that cascaded down to its bottom, along with dark, hazy pupils that were suddenly revealed as he opened his eyes, Seraphiel was a peerless beauty among peerless beauties.

With his dark pupils emitting a strange, eccentric light Seraphiel jerked his head back, peering into the vast compendium that held all knowledge one could ever possibly want or need. If knowledge was power, Seraphiel was unparalleled.

'The cogwheels have begun turning.'

An angelic smile blossomed upon Seraphiel's face.

'The Wheel of Time has turned after long.'

'Change will occur very soon.'

Seraphiel flicked his wrist, causing his eyes to suddenly exude an emerald light.

'It is only Time that has been influenced.'

He conjured a peculiar expression, stroking his chin while appearing thoughtful, as if in deep contemplation. 

'Perhaps it is a slow bloomer.'

*

'It worked,' Arthur celebrated, observing the wary glances of many players glued to him, wondering why his face displayed a strange smile. 

"Is that who I think it is?"

"Yeah, I think it is! It's that lunatic!"

"Oh, it's him? I could've never guessed. Gee, thanks!"

"Ay, fuck you, Gregory!"

Arthur glanced at the dim, damp cave, running his fingers through the rushing water as he stood up, releasing a sigh. An expression of pure elation hung at his lips, while his glittering eyes made him seem eccentric.

Suddenly, Yolk appeared, flashing a similar expression as last time.

But before the Guardian could speak, the world suddenly turned gray. Ripples rushed across reality, making it seem like a calm lake on a sunny day. It felt as if someone had thrown a rock, disturbing the calmness of the water.

Arthur felt his body stiffen. 'It seems I can't move while time is stopped, either. At least, for now.'

With an awkward smile, he watched a translucent, blue window manifested before his eyes. 

[Name: Locket Of Divinity (Time)]

[Grade: Immeasurable (Broken)]

[Trait: Able to turn back time to the user's choice. The amount of time depends on the user's total mana and the condition of the artifact. Artifact is broken. The recovery process may vary depending on usage.]

'Hm, so it's not like a divine treasure,' Arthur nodded. 'It still far surpasses anything I had in my former life.'

'So perhaps…'

'No, I can't think of those things right now.'

The ripples dulled, while the color recovered its vibrant hues, resuming the rushing of water and Yolk's rather annoying voice.

"Welcome to the twelfth floor, Mr. Solace," Yolk greeted, bowing while displaying a polite smile with a hint of helplessness. The players snorted, wondering why Arthur was receiving preferential treatment.

The rumors about him being the son of a Guardian thickened.

But Arthur was unbeknownst.

"I can take the Spectre King," Arthur announced. "Start the Trial, please."

Yolk raised an eyebrow, wondering how the crimson-eyed man was aware of the obstruction. However, his expression turned helpless. "I apologize, but we cannot do that. It will be unfair for these players."

"Increase the reward."

Yolk stroked his chin, contemplating. 

"What is the penalty for delaying a trial, Yolk?"

Silence.

"Start the damn trial."

"Okay, we'll start it. The Twelfth Floor includes a race. All participants will race to the end of the cave, with spectres and each other as obstacles. The one who reaches the end first will be considered the winner."

"As for the leaderboards, that will be decided according to the time in which one reached the end of the cave."

Yolk glanced at Arthur, just like last time.

"Now, let's begin."

As the players lined up, Arthur didn't forget to sneak a glance at Kyler, who seemed to possess a shrewd expression comparable to his former/future appearance. As the two locked eyes, they both laughed.

But only one of them knew.

"What're you lot waiting for? Go."

[00:00:01]

[00:00:02]

Arthur and Kyler collided, releasing shockwaves that pushed back the other players. The two rushed forward, their eyes glowing with intensity as enmity formed between them. It was much more intense than previously.

"So I was just your target?" Kyler inquired, twirling his body as he passed from above Arthur, practically falling forward before quickly regaining balance. "I can't say I'm not honored to be noticed by Arthur Solace."

"Shut up," Arthur replied, smiling viciously.

With a mad grin, he unsheathed Skofnung, patting its blade before infusing it with all the Sun Energy he could muster.

Bam! Bam! Bam!

The cave shook, flooded by a blinding light that caused the eyes of all the players to sting, after which tears welled up in their eyes. The rays of the Sun were simply too powerful, and it seemed Arthur had no intention of stopping.

Bam!

Arthur released a strike in Kyler's general direction, to which the latter replied by extending his arm. Many particles with vibrant hues condensed, forming a thin barrier before the future Magic Emperor.

As the strike and the barrier collided, a deafening noise permeated across the cave, following the formation of several shockwaves.

At that moment, several spectres appeared before Arthur and Kyler, causing the two to shift their attention. Before long, the cave was empty of all spectres, with only the players and the Spectre King remaining.

As four players approached Arthur and Kyler, the two glanced at each other, slicing the heads of their foes within milliseconds.

"You're no joke," Kyler commented, wiping the sweat from his forehead, which seemed a bit redder than usual. His legs ached, while cramps continued to appear in his abdomen, causing a wave of pain to rush across his body.

Arthur didn't respond, sensing the tremors that passed from below him. Suddenly, he grimaced, looking at what lay in front of him.

[00:01:34]

[00:01:35]

"The Spectre King."