Return Of The Strongest Player

"If I may ask, sir," the first son of the Garcias, Feyrith Garcia, spoke in a mild-mannered tone. His tone contradicted his actions, which were akin to the devil's. His strikes were precise and destructive. Flames raged in all directions as he passed by, leaving nothing but wastage to everything. "What is the purpose of recruiting that boy?"

Mason glanced at Athanasia and Kevin, who also seemed curious. However, they couldn't display it, and continued battling restlessly. The battle was what would decide their fate, not a pointless discussion. However, they couldn't help but anticipate what Mason would say. Feyrith had asked the right question.

"To end Arcadia Academy once and for all," replied Mason, glancing at Gregorio for an unknown reason. Suddenly, a smile blossomed over his face. Mason then turned to face Athanasia before revealing a devilish grin. "And, to wipe that stain from this planet."

"The principal of Arcadia?" Feyrith asked, tilting his head. "What did she do?"

"I have no right to respond to that," said Mason. "You'll have to ask the person she has wronged. Other than that, Arthur's purpose is to do what has never been done before. The Arcadia Family has lived for too long."

"You cannot kill me…" Athanasia began, but the color gradually drained from her face as she was faced with realization. Her movements slowed, resulting in the forming of several cuts on her silky skin. However, she couldn't care less about wounds. She was more worried about what Mason was planning.

Kevin also seemed to have realized, and Gregorio knew from the beginning.

"Kevin, order your men!" Athanasia screamed.

"They're battling the rest of the Ainsworths…" Kevin muttered. His eyes were bloodshot, and his face had rage etched over it. Athanasia was no better, and flailed around angrily, seemingly throwing a temper tantrum.

"What is going on, sir?" Feyrith asked, scrunching his eyebrows at Athanasia and Kevin's strange behavior.

"Feyrith, my boy… it's only a matter of time until the Arcadia lineage ends."

*

Arthur descended into the darkness of Arcadia Academy's basement. He was blinded by the absence of light, but managed to navigate through the use of mana. However, his mana was still draining at a tremendous rate.

A few minutes were left.

He had to complete what he had set out to complete in mere minutes. With the fragments in his hands, however, it wouldn't be too difficult… right?

The fragment was the root of the Arcadia Family. It was something that symbolized their humble beginnings, but also something that could destroy not just their prestige, but also their entire existence.

It was also the key to Arcadia Academy–the school's–destruction.

'Gregorio never told me how they achieved such a feat, though…' thought Arthur, passing through the numerous hallways that led to a single point. The basement was enormous, yet the way to reach the place was quite complicated to navigate through.

Finally, after a few minutes of searching, Arthur spotted light.

He quickly walked across the hallways and into the room in which there was light. There were tubes and wires connected to pods and cells. It was a prison and science lab simultaneously… It was quite peculiar.

The scent of smoke lingered in the area, tickling Arthur's nostrils. However, he suppressed the urge to sneeze, and simply plucked his nose to avoid the feeling. Then, he observed the scenery while traversing through the massive space.

He suspected the entire basement was several kilometers long and wide.

Finally, he spotted a silhouette. The shadow belonged to Mr. Slovenio, the mana theory teacher at Arcadia Academy. Arthur's expression distorted, but he let out a sigh to contain his raging emotions.

He walked forward before actually seeing his entire body… that's when his eyes widened.

The dark aura…

His expression…

The object in his hand…

The words he spoke…

Arthur's mind raced, and he thought of potential reasons. Was Flecker imprisoned? He couldn't be doing this out of free will, could he?

The dark aura… it belonged to a demon. The same demons that sat on the 99th floor; the transcendents Arthur vowed to kill. Flecker's soul was linked to one such being… Arthur didn't know who.

"Mr. Slovenio…" Arthur muttered, unable to stop his voice from cracking. The person whom he spent most of his time at school with… the person who was one of the few who would miss him as he entered Heaven's Spire.

The person whom he had shared his knowledge with. The person whom he considered a friend…

A demon?

Flecker hurriedly turned around, and his eyes widened to the size of saucers. He struggled to find the words… it was like his throat went dry as soon as his gaze fell on Arthur's crimson eyes. They were terrifying.

Even the demon who was possessing him felt an unknown feeling.

"Flecker…" Arthur muttered. His voice was dangerous. His eyes flashed a deep shade of crimson, and a bitter chuckle escaped his lips. The chuckle soon evolved into boisterous laughter.

It was preposterous.

The person whom he valued was related to people whom he vowed to kill. 

"Arthur, what are you…"

A lump formed in his throat. Arthur didn't seem like a student at that moment. He seemed like a predator, threatening to swallow Flecker if he didn't shut up. Chills shot down his spine, and fear corroded his mind.

"A demon, Flecker?" Arthur asked, walking forward as he unsheathed his longsword. "You have brought this upon yourself."

Although his tone was unwavering, Flecker could sense the raging emotions in Arthur's mind. He was in pain.

Flecker shut his eyes, and a tear streamed down his face. 

"I apologize to you, Flecker," said Arthur. "Not to that demon within you, but to you. Those hideous creatures cannot have my apology. However, I apologize for having to do this… but it is my life's purpose."

The wind swept by, and Flecker's head fell to the floor. The tear fell to the ground, unable to be shed by Flecker in this lifetime. 

He had already died by the time it touched the floor.

But, it was truly a pity.