Return Of The Strongest Player

The battles continued, with the more experienced fighters usually dominating the battlefield. A few situations similar to the first one occurred, and Aryan was elated by the results. 'I'm a great teacher,' he thought.

It was partially true.

Although his teaching did cause growth, it wasn't solely due to it. The stronger fighters gave the weaker ones goals, which the latter chased wholeheartedly. The stronger fighters also served as pseudo-teachers.

As the day progressed, it was finally Arthur's turn.

'Fate is a funny concept. It lurks in the shadows, masking its presence. However, at times such as these, it peeks through the veil of uncertainty, subtly revealing its presence and secretly making its move. Us mortals are simply the pieces on a massive chess board.'

Funnily enough, as the wheel of fate turned, Arthur was uncertain whether it was for the greater good, or for devastation.

His opponent was Oscar Rune.

The crimson-eyed man wasn't certain whether it was the product of good luck or bad luck. He wasn't certain if Aryan had noticed the sneaky glances Oscar directed towards Arthur the entire time.

But here he was, unable to alter the match-ups.

However, Arthur wished for some revenge. Although he couldn't be too brutal, Aryan wouldn't mind if the crimson-eyed man shattered a few bones, right? Tore a few tendons… damaged a few organs…

Arthur let out a sigh, controlling his emotions. He wanted nothing more than to brutally murder Oscar on sight, but he was not in a position of authority. One should always consider the consequences when making moves.

Oscar approached Arthur, forming an expression of apology. "I didn't get a chance to properly introduce myself. I'm Oscar Rune. Sorry again for the mishap yesterday… I wasn't thinking straight and was stressed."

Arthur nodded in good faith. "It's okay."

Oscar replied with a nod before returning to his position. Unbeknownst to him, Arthur was weaving a web he would never be able to escape. A dungeon he would never be able to navigate, a battle in which he would be lucky to not have his corpse desecrated.

As the two faced each other, the barrier materialized.

"Begin," said Aryan. His eyes darted across the battlefield as the two shot towards each other. They were both wielders of a powerful constitution, and had performed greatly during physical training.

Considering the conversation Aryan had with Arthur, the former expected much of him. His wisdom struck Aryan as impressive. The latter had formed a good expression, causing Aryan to wonder about Arthur's true power.

Although the two combatants were permitted use of mana, it would still be an interesting battle, considering they were both experienced in physical combat and strength training. 

Arthur closed the distance between him and Oscar within seconds, propelling himself upwards as he evaded a jab. Then, the crimson-eyed man twisted his body to the side to avoid yet another strike.

As his body fell to the ground, Arthur was able to nullify the impact by extending his palm and then swiftly rolling. He stood up instantly, evading a kick. Arthur gritted his teeth, trying to find an opening to escape the defensive stance he assumed.

Oscar's strikes were both precise, destructive, and aimed at Arthur's vitals. The former was focusing on defeating the latter with the least force and time necessary, forcing Arthur into a tight spot while rapidly attacking his weak spots.

'He's good…' Arthur thought. He wondered when Oscar's downward spiral had begun, considering when the floor was destroyed, Oscar had already sacrificed everything. He had nothing left at the time, and had to start from scratch.

But that doesn't seem to be the case currently. 

Oscar was displaying signs of tremendous experience, and judging by his focused expression, he wasn't flustered by the fast-paced battle. Instead, he seemed to be enjoying it. However, he still managed to maintain his composure.

However, Arthur had decades of experience under his belt.

Overturning the situation at such a point was risky and would require utter perfection. But that was why it was perfect for Arthur. Such a tactic, although difficult to implement, was also difficult to resist.

Once someone put it into motion, it was only a matter of time before their enemy folded under pressure. 

Arthur extended his arm, grasping Oscar's wrist. The latter twisted it, attempting to reciprocate. However, Arthur suddenly twisted Oscar's arm before he could grab hold of the former's wrist, resulting in the arm bending in an unnatural direction.

Taking advantage of the split second in which Oscar drowned in pain, Arthur used his other elbow to strike down on that arm, bending it further. It was only a matter of time before it shattered completely.

However, that would be considered brutality.

Instead, Arthur released his grip, taking advantage of Oscar's pain. He straightened his palm, using its edge to strike the side of the latter's abdomen. His body bent in the opposite direction, and Arthur grabbed hold of Oscar's neck.

Then, with a swift motion, he brought his other tricep above Oscar's neck before pushing his body down to the ground. Oscar landed face-first into the fertile ground, tasting the disgusting dirt beneath.

Once Oscar began struggling due to loss of breath, Arthur finally lifted his head from the mud. The medics arrived at that moment, shaking Oscar out of Arthur's grip. The former had suffered grievous injuries, not only in his arm but also his neck.

Arthur didn't regret it one bit.

Instead, he enjoyed every second. Watching Oscar squirm in his grip was one of the most joyous moments of his life. As he felt Oscar's breath turn shallow, Arthur's heart beat rapidly, enjoying the sensation.

'I have to wait until the second tutorial, now,' thought Arthur, clicking his tongue.

As he returned to his position amidst the crowd, a sea of onlookers watched his every gaze. Some looked on with disgust and fear, while others seemed interested. It seemed he had caught the fancy of many other fighters.

'It's going to be a long month.'