Return Of The Strongest Player

The days passed in an instant, and eventually, the first day of school arrived.

The Arcadia Academy, the most prestigious school on the entire planet. People from all around the world visited the school for their education, and the most influential figures on the planet were graduates.

Many people entered Heaven's Spire through Arcadia Academy. Since the tower was monopolized by many influential parties, academies were the fastest and easiest method of becoming a player.

"Student ID," a guard dressed in black at the front of the school extended his arm, waiting for the crimson-eyed man to provide his Student ID.

Arthur dug into his pockets and quickly retrieved a white card with stripes, on which a certain number was written. Student IDs were like social security numbers, in the sense that they represented your existence.

If one did not have their card or their ID memorized, they weren't permitted to enter unless they could prove their admission into Arcadia Academy.

It was a strict system, but Arcadia Academy was a prestigious school. They couldn't have people committing identity theft, as it would only serve to tarnish their reputation in the long term.

"Welcome, Arthur Solace," said the guard in a fairly hospitable tone. "Your scholarship has been provided, and you have been placed in Class A of the first year division. Please report to your class before 8 AM."

Since it was currently 7:45 AM, Arthur did not have much time. He quickly nodded in acknowledgement before grabbing his backpack and sprinting towards his classroom. It was quite a long journey.

The school's layout was quite intricate.

On the left were the faculty offices, lined up in an order Arthur did not understand. Then, in the middle, there was the main school building, while on the right, there were the student and teacher dorms.

Arthur would be staying in one of those dorms after classes ended.

After a few minutes of sprinting, Arthur arrived at Class A. He gently pushed the door open, and a flying projectile approached his head at terrifying speeds. Arthur quickly identified it to be a piece of chalk.

Swoosh!

Arthur tilted his head, the chalk passed by his head. It collided with the wall behind him, causing a dent.

"Mr. Solace," a brown-bearded man said, crossing his arms. His lips twitched, and the fake smile he crafted threatened to fade. He then pointed to the entire class. "Do you think you're better than them?"

"Yes…?"

"Wrong answer, Mr. Solace," the brown-bearded man replied in slight frustration. "Although you have received a scholarship, you are no better than any other student that has managed to enroll in Class A."

"I doubt that," replied Arthur, heading to his seat. "Can any of you jump off a cliff and survive?"

Faced with the rather unusual question, none of the students replied. They simply murmured undecipherable words. When no one dared to answer his question, Arthur turned to face the brown-bearded teacher.

"You have your answer, teach."

"You're quite cocky," said the teacher, revealing a faint smile, displaying his amusement. He was originally pissed when Arthur arrived at the class late, but judging by his demeanor, he wasn't an ordinary man.

Arthur didn't respond, and simply turned to face a dirt-blonde-haired man in the distance. "Sheathe your dagger, Jake. I have no qualms in pursuing a rematch, but not during class. I'm sure our teacher is pissed, too."

Jake didn't display a change in reaction, but his hand moved slightly to sheathe the poking dagger.

"Sit down, Solace," the brown-bearded man ordered, to which Arthur complied.

Once everyone had settled, the brown-bearded man approached the chalkboard before jotting down his name.

"Welcome, students of the first year," said the teacher. "I am Mr. Slevonio. It's a pleasure to meet you all. This class will be your homeroom, and I will be teaching you mana theory for the year."

Mana theory was a field of research based around mana, the base of nature. Some students hadn't yet unlocked their mana circuits, so Mr. Slevonio assisted in that process, too. And, he also explained the principles of mana.

Mana theory was an abstract concept that not many researched or found interesting. Yet, it was the root of knowledge.

"For today, we will be expanding upon our knowledge of filtering mana as it enters our body," said Mr. Slevonio. "Although that may sound like a subject that should be pursued in the mana arts class, I assure you it has much more to do with mana theory. Now, for the first example, I need two volunteers."

Several people raised their hands.

However, before Mr. Slevonio could pick, the door to the classroom swung open. Mr. Slevonio's forehead creased, and he turned to look with frustration etched upon his face. But his expression crumpled instantly.

"Ms. Ainsworth?" asked Mr. Slovenio, gazing at the cyan-haired woman who'd just entered the classroom. "I wasn't notified of your admission to my classroom. I assumed you were in Class B."

"Do I look like a mediocre student, Mr. Slovenio?" Alisha asked, tilting her head innocently.

"N–No… I didn't mean that," replied Mr. Slovenio, realizing his mistake. Students were divided into classes based on their performance. The best ended up in Class A, while the others were simply fodder.

Arcadia Academy was quite a feudalistic school, in the sense that hierarchy was a major component of the structure. Classes were divided, and so were teachers. Even activities were divided.

Arthur watched in confusion. Considering their battle a few days ago, Alisha should have been placed in a lower class. However, despite that, she was placed in Class A, and the only seat available was…

Beside Arthur.

'What is Gregorio planning?' Arthur wondered. Considering the matters involving the Ainsworths were usually handled by their executive, Gregorio, he had to be the one who persuaded the superiors of Arcadia Academy.

It couldn't be a coincidence, could it?

After greeting the teacher with a rather scary greeting, Alisha headed towards her. Passing by her admirers, she smiled warmly at Arthur before sitting beside him.

"It's been a while, Arthur."

She said with the most warm smile she could muster.