Return Of The Strongest Player

In the evening, the practical exam for the final exams was to be conducted. The stands were filled with families of the first, second, and third year students. Unlike during the beginning of the year, the students seemed much more mature.

Their gazes contained a sense of solemnity, but also confidence; confidence in their abilities and confidence that their opponents were nothing but fodder before them.

Unlike the children who'd entered, they were now adults. Not cubs, but tigers.

The first years, second years, and third years stood in a horizontal line. The first years were at the front, second in the middle, and the third years stood at the back. All students had a smile or smirk plastered over their faces for the occasion.

They were all in casual clothing, considering the nature of the event.

As Arthur gazed at the crowd, his expression froze. In the stands, on the top left corner sat a child and two adults. Dressed in lavish suits and dresses, they had smiles etched over their faces.

The child squealed in joy.

'Gregorio, what the fuck did you do…' thought Arthur, peeling his eyes away from the three, who were, in fact, his family. Magnus, Lily, and Anna Solace.

But he believed something was amiss. Instead of the tears Arthur left them with, the crimson-eyed man's family only displayed happiness as they cheered for him. It was nothing like their parting a few months ago. Arthur wasn't certain why that was.

Ignoring them for now–since he couldn't outright greet them–Arthur waited for the principal of Arcadia Academy, Athanasia Arcadia to emerge from the entrance a few hundred meters away from the students.

Alas, she didn't.

"Um… uh…" The announcer struggled to find the correct words. Suddenly, Ms. Gomez grabbed the microphone, shooting the announcer a quick glare before plastering the kindest smile on her face for the parents.

"Our principal is dealing with an emergency situation right now," s" explained Ms. Gomez. "She will not be here for the ceremony. We will be initiating the practical exam without her presence, as per her orders."

A few murmurs floated within the crowd, but everyone came to accept this. Well, it wasn't like anyone could argue, considering the sheer terror Athanasia Arcadia's name exuded. She was a figure one could not disrespect.

Moreover, she was the principal of the school their students were studying in.

"The students of all years can return to the stands," said Ms. Gomez. "For the ones who have been living in the dormitories, this is your chance to reunite with your family after many months. Use the time wisely."

The students nodded simultaneously before returning to the stands. Arthur decided to sit beside Jake, while the others sat beside their family. The dirty-blonde-haired man's family had not come.

Although Jake wasn't particularly sad about that fact, he wasn't glad either. 

"What about your family?" Jake asked, leaning backwards before crossing his legs to find comfort in the seating. Jake glanced at Arthur, who didn't display a significant reaction. After realizing it wasn't a sensitive topic, Jake persisted. "Why didn't they come?"

Silence descended upon the area.

Arthur shook his head. "You wouldn't believe it even if I told you."

"Try me."

"Nah, I'm good," said Arthur, peeling his eyes away from Jake and staring at the arena, in which the announcer stood nervously. The crimson-eyed man recalled his first encounter with the announcer, when the latter told him about the arrogance of the Garcias and other families.

It was true. 

But not in the way the announcer explained it. Only the superiors and executives of such families were worthy of displaying their arrogance, because they had sufficient power to back it. The descendants, who hadn't made a name for themselves, couldn't speak with arrogance to those who had.

It wasn't like a cliche, young master situation.

The announcer introduced himself to the crowd. Then, he announced that the first practical exam will be for the first years of Arcadia Academy. 

"For the first battle, Caroline Dereks will be facing Evan Smith," announced the announcer before leaving the arena. 

From the left emerged a blonde-haired girl, and from the right, a black-haired man. The two had smirks plastered over their faces. They both often competed for superiority in the dorms, so this was the perfect chance to settle their differences.

"Those are your roommates, right?" Jake asked, nudging Arthur.

"Yeah," replied Arthur, shaking his head as he let out a chuckle. "Things are about to get bloody."

"Aren't they friends?"

"Friends, yes. But if they're pitted against each other, they'll rip each other's flesh out."

Caroline and Evan walked forward. The latter brandished his sword, while the former remained barehanded. Usually, in a closed space such as the arena, a close-combat warrior would have an advantage.

But Caroline was unlike other mages. On track to become a great mage in a few decades, she was the epitome of magic. Of course, that was figurative. However, her skills could not be undermined.

With immaculate proficiency in mana arts and the blood of a great mage (her father), she was powerful. Very powerful.

But, on the other hand, Evan wasn't any less. He originated from a family of commoners, but had managed to make a name for himself through his sword. Each strike was merciless and precise.

He was nothing like his former self, who'd almost died to the Invisible Venom Lizard.

After that incident, Evan honed his swordsmanship to the peak. Putting his blood, sweat, and tears into every strike that he took, he had morphed into someone respectable. His might was unquestionable.

The announcer stood within the pavilion, holding the mic near his lips.

"Begin."

At that moment, Evan shot forward, while Caroline backed away. They both made use of their footwork skills. Evan's feet were more powerful, allowing him to perform complex maneuvers. On the other hand, Caroline's massive mana reserve provided her with more explosive power.

Then, after a few seconds, came the first clash.

The most important clash.