Return Of The Strongest Player

Once the students had entered and settled down, the illusion of a crowd faded. There were a lot of students, but they could easily fit in the banquet hall. It seemed the school had tested the hall for space.

Or, perhaps, it was a spatial spell.

The banquet continued peacefully, allowing the students to mingle and chat. Several groups were formed, after which a seating area was opened. Then, a dance floor was opened, allowing the students to dance to their favorite music.

After a few minutes, however, the lights dimmed.

The spotlight turned on, and a stage came into view. From behind the crimson curtains, a feminine figure emerged.

The hall turned silent. Even the sound of a dropping pin would echo across the hall, ringing in the ears of the students and faculty. The feminine figure was the culprit behind the speechless students, who'd been awed by her beauty.

She had stark black hair that fell down to her lower back, and a few bangs falling down to her forehead. Her expression was emotionless, as if her heart was colder than ice. She carried herself with elegance.

With soft footsteps, she walked forward on the stage before halting her steps at the edge.

She wore a black dress with a bit of her thigh exposed. Her face was naturally pale, but her cherry red lips compensated for the lack of color. 

A microphone was clutched between her fingers.

"Welcome, students of Arcadia Academy," her soothing yet authoritative voice echoed across the banquet hall, striking the hearts of all the men. The women held reverence for her in their heart, gazing upon her majesty in awe.

Paying no mind to the students' lovestruck gazes, she continued speaking.

"I am Athanasia Arcadia, the principal of Arcadia Academy, and the rightful heir to the late Arcadia Family," announced Athanasia. She then extended her arm, and a wine glass manifested in her palm. She clutched it with her fingers, and wine appeared within it. "We come here to celebrate the end of the school year, and to commemorate those who will enter the tower this year."

Rounds of applause resounded across the hall, but it faded as soon as she shot a glare to the crowd. The students shook under her fierce gaze, uncertain of what to do in such a situation. It was like they were on thin ice.

"I would like to offer a toast to our future players," announced Athanasia. Her expression smoothened, and a faint smile hung at the corner of her lips. "I understand how difficult it is to survive within the tower. As a former Elite Ranker who cannot compare to her peak, I remain as a retiree. Yet, I have no qualms with my current state. I have served this planet well, and contributed to its development. That is all I wished for."

This time, the students raised their wine glasses.

[A.N: All students are above 18 years of age. It is fine for them to drink. The youngest first year is nineteen years old.]

"Good luck to future climbers," said Athanasia, nodding once before stepping off the stage. She then engaged in a conversation with a faculty member. Her expression immediately smoothened, which meant she was putting up a facade during her concise speech.

However, the students returned to their mingling. 

They drank booze endlessly, using mana to prevent themselves from becoming too drunk. After the banquet, they would be able to go to class for two weeks, but it was not mandatory. So, it was basically the last day of the year.

Since that was the case, friends bid goodbyes, while the third years bawled their eyes out.

It was the last year for the third year students, and they would be entering society after the banquet. It felt unreal, but it was reality. Some would enter the tower, but most–at this point–would simply inherit their family's forces or begin work.

Some would pursue jobs in the hunting sector, while others would opt for manufacturing or research. Others would simply focus on their power, and enter Heaven's Spire through a different source.

But they wouldn't be able to return to their student lives.

"Are you guys entering the tower?" Arthur inquired, taking a sip of his wine while continuously breaking down ethanol in his liver to prevent getting drunk. Also, he consumed wine slowly, so that his liver had enough time to break the components.

"Perhaps in the future," replied Jake, glancing at Arthur knowingly. The crimson-eyed man nodded, as if it were understandable. 

"Same answer as Jake," said Alisha disinterestedly, chugging her wine down as if it were water. She seemed drowsy, as if the effect of the wine had already faded. "Ian is being a little bitch and decided not to inherit the family head position. There are a few people ahead in line, but they aren't qualified."

"So you're going to become the head of the Ainsworths?" Evan asked, raising an eyebrow. "Cool."

"Not cool. The job sucks. My dad is buried in paperwork all day. I think I'll just run away from home one day."

Evan, Arthur, and Jake turned silent. Alisha was incredibly drunk, and it wasn't wise to provoke her at that moment. Her eyes were bloodshot, but her body was quite relaxed. She staggered as she attempted to maintain her balance.

Jake quickly interlocked his arm with her's, stabilizing her body. However, the cyan-haired woman kept moving.

"I just want to stay in this moment… Arthur! Thank you for the other day! I love you, cat!"

Her words were undecipherable, and Jake calmly placed her on a chair after forcefully lifting her in the air. Immediately, she fell asleep with her head on the table.

'Gregorio definitely didn't tell her about the plan, and how it's supposed to go…'

Arthur shook his head, massaging his forehead.

At that moment, a shriek echoed across the banquet, and all eyes turned towards the origin of the shriek.

Screams resounded.

Caroline was dead.