Return Of The Strongest Player

[Error! User's mana channels are being obstructed.]

'What?' Arthur's eyes widened as he stared at the translucent, blue window before his eyes. Suddenly, he felt like his body was being torn apart. His mana circulation slowed before shutting down.

The mana density in the atmosphere couldn't be felt, and the pressure weighing down on Arthur increased severalfold. The sheer strength of gravity was now weighing down on Arthur. 'Is this how Randy feels at all times?'

Endurance was key.

Arthur recalled his thoughts, finding Randy to be the representation of his ideology. The muscular man must have suffered quite a lot to be able to resist such pressure without a change in expression.

The mana he conserved until now was useless.

More than that, the crimson-eyed man was worried about Heather's capabilities, After that stunt, it was quite obvious that she was the anomaly. However, Arthur was not aware of the extent of her power.

She could control systems and access teleportation without the use of mana. Her physical prowess was unrestrained, and judging by her meditative stance and bodyguard, she hadn't unlocked her true capabilities.

Her power was on an entirely different level. It was something Arthur doubted he or any other newbie could compare to. However, the restriction of mana and the system provided an area of growth.

Cooperation.

Usually, if one possessed raw power, they could demolish their enemies. Numbers were useless against true power. However, in a setting where the power of each was almost equal, numbers mattered quite a bit.

Arthur was quick to regain composure. Although he was initially stunned, he did not fear what was to come. However, the others weren't as adaptable, judging by the expressions of utter fear plastered over their faces.

Only Randy, whose system message did not matter, was calm.

Jenny's body trembled, while Dino's eyes were wide. Harry continued to shift his gaze, blinking rapidly.

For them, this was the day of their death.

But not for Arthur and Randy.

'Know thyself, know thy enemy,' Arthur said internally, shutting his eyes for a split second to sort his thoughts. 'A thousand battles, a thousand victories.'

[A/N: Quote by Sun Tzu.]

Heather's demeanor accurately displayed truly how calm she was. However, Neon contradicted her behavior, as displayed by his eyes, which were overflowing with vigor. Mana practically spilled from his body.

His muscles were tensed. He was akin to a dog, awaiting his master's orders in order to make his first move.

Suddenly, Arthur's body trembled. Tears welled up in his eyes, and the sheer fear corroding his body was distinguishable. His body was as stiff as a wooden stick, while his eyes were plastered on the system message.

His sudden shift in demeanor caught the eyes of the others, who suspected the crimson-eyed man had only now processed the situation, and was scared shitless by the situation.

And that was entirely true.

Once he finally figured out the origin of Heather's powers, the crimson-eyed man couldn't help but be stunned. What followed was fear. The fear of dying, the fear that he wouldn't regress again, and the fear of letting down his family.

'Am I never going to meet them again?'

What had caused such a shift in demeanor?

The fact that Heather was a system administrator.

Guardians were the employees of the Tower Administration, as well as employees of the tower itself. They had limited control of the system itself and could manipulate its settings to a certain extent.

Only a few Guardians had such capabilities.

They were called System Administrators.

It was unknown how Heather came to possess such an ability, but the realization caused shivers to shoot down Arthur's spine, and for fear to corrode his mind and body. A System Administrator couldn't be defeated by a newbie.

There was simply no way.

"Could we… negotiate?" Arthur inquired, slowly approaching Heather. However, his path was obstructed by Neon, who extended his arm, punching the crimson-eyed man in the abdomen. The latter was sent flying back.

As Arthur collided with the crimson soil beneath his butt, blood escaped his lips.

His constituion wasn't powerful enough to resist mana-infused attacks.

"A negotiation…" Heather muttered, gazing at Arthur. The crimson-eyed man was truly on his knees, groveling before Neon. His demeanor shocked his comrades, who believed he had lost his marbles.

Heather tapped the soil rhythmically, allowing an amused smile to blossom over her face. "What kind of negotiation are we talking?"

"I'll offer servitude," said the crimson-eyed man, clasping his hands together eagerly. He glanced at his comrades, forming an expression of disgust as he swept his gaze past them. "You can kill them all."

"What!?" Jenny shouted in rage. Unable to endure, she charged towards Arthur, preparing to beat him up. However, a fist suddenly appeared before her eyes. It connected with her nose, crushing it while sending her flying.

Blood spilled from the wound.

"Do you mean it?" Heather inquired, standing up. A powerful aura followed her as she approached the crimson-eyed man. Each footstep seemed to cause an earthquake, instilling fear and admiration into the hearts of those who watched.

She squatted before Arthur, caressing his cheek gently. Yet, her palm emanated a chilly aura that permeated across Arthur's body, sending shivers down his spine. It was the touch of a serpent.

Arthur nodded hesitantly, gulping.

"Good," said Heather, turning around to instruct Neon.

At that moment, a devilish smile appeared on Arthur's face. His cowardly behavior faded instantly, and he bared his fangs.

'Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance,' thought Arthur internally.

[A/N: Quote from Sun Tzu.]

Drawing Skofnung with a swift motion, Arthur glanced at Randy, who nodded in response. Then, the crimson-eyed man thrust his falchion towards Heather's heart but was immediately blocked by his enemy's weapon.

"Did you really think I would let down my guard and let you attack?" Heather asked, viciously grabbing Arthur's throat. She hissed like a serpent.

Still, a smile remained on Arthur's face. "No, I didn't. But I'm only answering the latter part of your question."

Stab!

Heather's eyes widened as a greatsword penetrated her back.

"An excessive display of emotion causes doubt. Eradicating such doubt causes a build-up of arrogance. Arrogance causes mistakes. Mistakes cause death."

Said Arthur.