Return Of The Strongest Player

Once dinner was complete, Arthur and his family headed out. Night had fallen, and the stars, in all their glory, shone bright. The scene was mesmerizing, and symbolized Arthur's last day on the planet.

"When will you be back, big brother?" Lily asked as tears streamed down her face. Arthur's family was traveling to the entrance of Heaven's Spire along with the crimson-eyed man, but Lily couldn't help but feel empty inside.

Arthur gently wiped her tears, wrapping her in his arms.

"One day, Lily," said Arthur in a hushed voice. "You guys can come visit me if you get the time. Perhaps when you're all grown up. Mother and father, you have yet to enter the tower, right? Perhaps I can invite you."

"That's a great idea," replied Magnus, but Anna was a bit hesitant.

"Perhaps when Lily grows up," said Arthur's mother, letting out a deep sigh. She believed it was too dangerous, but she couldn't allow her personal feelings to affect the bond between Arthur and Lily.

Plus, she was aware she would miss Arthur dearly. The crimson-eyed man's family were the only people who offered him unconditional love.

Arthur glanced at Gregorio, who shrugged. However, after gazing into the former's eyes, the latter was forced to nod hesitantly. It wasn't easy to secure admissions into the tower, and Arthur would most definitely ask for an escort, too.

When the time came, Gregorio would be forced to clear his schedule and refuse a few worthy applicants their spot. But it was worth it, considering what the crimson-eyed man had done for him.

Arthur revealed a satisfied smile.

Finally, the carriage arrived before a massive palace in the middle of nowhere. The palace was forged using silver bricks (not actual silver), and was lined with pure gold bars (actual gold). It towered over the planet, reaching out almost until outer space itself.

Passing across a marble pathway, the carriage halted its advance in front of the palace's gate.

The students of Arcadia Academy who were supposed to enter Heaven's Spire would be entering tomorrow, so the entire palace was empty. Except, of course, for the guards and the caretaker of the palace.

The caretaker was similar to a priest.

Many people were waiting for Arthur as he exited the carriage alongside his family, Jake, and Gregorio.

Evan, Alisha, Mason, Cecilia, and, of course… Melzer.

"I'll miss you," said Lily, hugging her brother for the last time. Arthur wrapped his arms around her, and the siblings shared their last hug until they met again. The crimson-eyed man comforted his sister, before she finally pulled away.

Then, he bid farewell to his parents, who also weeped.

As Arthur headed towards the palace, his path was obstructed by two former students of Arcadia Academy. They were Evan and Alisha, who both seemed saddened by Arthur's departure.

"I have no idea what happened after I left, but I heard you helped destroy Arcadia Academy," explained Evan. "You were planning it the entire time you were in the Academy. So, I ask you this… did you ever consider us friends?"

By 'us', Evan was referring to Caroline and Gary, too. Although Gary turned out to be a spy, had the crimson-eyed man ever considered him a friend?

"Yes," replied the crimson-eyed man without hesitation. "Although I was planning Arcadia Academy's destruction, I never considered you guys anything less than friends. Also, I'm sorry about Gary."

"It's fine," said Evan, hugging Arthur lightly. "Farewell."

"Farewell."

Then, there was Alisha.

"I'm going to surpass you someday," said Alisha, holding up her index finger. "Also… uh, thank you for saving me."

"You're very welcome," said Arthur. They shook hands as a sign of diplomacy. As Arthur walked forward, he was met with Mason and Cecilia, who seemed a bit too close to be mere business partners.

""We wish you luck,"" said Mason and Cecilia simultaneously, to which Arthur nodded.

"Thank you."

Finally, came Melzer.

"Don't forget to pay me back for the nectar I gave you," said Melzer, letting out a chuckle. Then, he stuffed his hands into his robes before pulling out a rusty weapon. "This is a falchion… the one I used during my tenure as an Elite Ranker affiliated with Asgard."

Silence.

Melzer extended his arms, holding the falchion within them. It was a one-handed, single-edged, curved short sword. "It has the hacking power of an ax and the versatility of a sword… it's quite useful."

Silence.

Suddenly, Melzer's cheeks reddened. "Just take it."

Dropping the sword in Arthur's hands, he wrapped his arms around the man. Then he whispered, "Good luck on your journey. Become what you did before your death. Regain your glory."

"No," Arthur replied. "That's what I want to prevent. The mindset I had before my death."

"Then achieve that level of strength," said Melzer, pulling away. "Think of this falchion as an old man's legacy. There is no one to inherit my legacy anymore, as I have always been alone on my path. If you don't wish to carry my legacy, think of this weapon as a starter weapon."

Arthur strapped the falchion to his waist. "Does the weapon have a name?"

"Feel free to call it whatever you like."

"What about… Skofnung?" Arthur asked.

Suddenly, a smile blossomed on Melzer's face. "Yes."

*

"You can enter," said the priest, escorting Arthur towards an amethyst, swirling portal. It was connected to a gate forged using marble, and was facing North. The priest stood before the portal before motioning for Arthur to enter.

"I have a question," said Arthur, turning to face Gregorio.

The latter raised an eyebrow, motioning for the crimson-eyed man to speak his mind.

"Why exactly were you so persistent in ending Arcadia Academy's reign?" Arthur asked, narrowing his eyes. "You had no enmity against them, and no matter how much I searched, they hadn't wronged you, either. So why?"

A short silence reverberated across the hall.

"Do you see anyone else on this planet bearing the surname Dune?"

"I have my answer," said Arthur, nodding. He then waved goodbye to everyone before calmly walking into the portal.

After that, his vision darkened.