Return Of The Strongest Player

"Three bronze coins," said the merchant. "Take it or leave it."

"I'll take it," replied Arthur before handing the obese merchant the three carcasses. Although they were worthless to him, the fur could be used to make blankets while the flesh to make meat. It was worth quite a lot in the eyes of a merchant.

"Pleasure doing business," said the merchant as Arthur waved slightly. He then stuffed the coins in his pocket before heading home.

It was already nighttime.

While heading home, Arthur's steps were light, and not a single trace of exhaustion remained on his body. It was due to the unexpected invigoration he felt after unlocking the system. Now, he could truly begin preparing for the tower.

He only needed to unlock access to mana, and he could begin regaining his former skills.

Suddenly, as Arthur passed a dark alley, he felt a watchful gaze observing his actions. He immediately turned in the direction from where the watchful gaze originated. His senses were strengthened enough to determine that.

"Who's there?" Arthur spoke in a firm tone. However, the presence he felt suddenly disappeared, as if it had never existed. 'Is it old Melzer?'

Arthur couldn't imagine someone else with the capabilities of escaping his senses, even if they were weakened due to his regression. Only old Melzer, who used to be an Elite Ranker, had the capability of fooling his senses.

However, could an Elite Ranker force their presence to disintegrate so quickly? It would've taken a considerable amount of mana to force such a reaction.

Had someone from Arcadia Academy come? Was it an unaffiliated person who'd retired from Heaven's Spire? Arthur's brain calculated possibilities at a rapid rate while maintaining his guard for an assault.

Fortunately, the person didn't make a move, and once Arthur determined it was safe to proceed, he headed home.

*

"Mom, brother's home!" Lily called out to Anna, who was busy in the kitchen. The former then approached Arthur before grabbing his things. "I'll help out."

"Thank you, Lily," thanked Arthur before stroking Lily's head. She smiled gently before shooting off quicker than Arthur's eyes could follow.

However, she came running back just as fast. "Beware of mom today. Dad got caught talking to Aunt Edna today."

Arthur's eyes widened as he nodded. He was sure his father hadn't cheated. His mother must have gotten the wrong impression. Also, Arthur didn't think his father would downgrade from his mom to a fat lady.

Lily quickly ran off, and Arthur entered the house as if he were walking on eggshells.

As soon as he neared the living room, Arthur chuckled at how correct Lily was. His mother seemed to be scolding his father about a certain subject. He wasn't sure, but he believed the matter hadn't died down yet.

Gently pushing open the door, he entered with soft footsteps. However, despite his attempt to enter silently, Anna's gaze shot towards him at once.

"Arthur Solace," his mother's stern voice stopped him in his tracks. Arthur paled considerably, while his father sighed, as if pitying the man who was about to suffer a cruel fate.

It was truly unfortunate.

Arthur hadn't lived a fulfilling life, but it would soon end.

"Sit," said Anna. "I heard you went out to fight wolves today, and when you returned, your entire body was covered in blood."

'How the fuck…' Arthur wondered how she discovered what he did. It had barely been a few hours since he'd fought the wolves. How rapid was her information network?

"The dagger on your waist… it's covered in blood… you did!" Anna complained. "You told us you would join Arcadia Academy, but what good is it if you get hurt before you even get there?"

'Plenty,' said Arthur inwardly, but didn't dare voice his thoughts. It would be a declaration of war, which he couldn't afford with his limited resources and allies.

Even his father wasn't an ally, but a middleman attempting to console his mother. He couldn't choose one over the other.

"Answer me, young man," Anna's voice shook Arthur out of his train of thought. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

When Arthur remained silent, Anna clicked her tongue. "You and your father are the same. He refused to answer, too."

"I did answer, though," commented Magnus.

"Not the truth," replied Anna, imitating Magnus's deep voice.

"I was talking to her about lemons, not flirting!" Magnus complained, raising his voice a bit to deepen the impact of his words.

"I stand by what I said two seconds ago," replied Anna before giving Magnus the death stare. It basically translated to, "you're sleeping in the living room today."

Suddenly, as Anna turned to face Arthur, she realized he wasn't in his previous location. Then, she felt two arms wrap around her body lovingly, and her expression softened. She placed her hand on one of the arms.

"I… I'm worried, Arthur," said Anna in a wavering tone. She teared up.

Arthur suddenly had a thought. What had happened to his family once he entered the tower? For twenty-four years, he'd been away from home without a prior warning.

'Mom must have been suffering,' thought Arthur. He then retrieved three bronze coins from his pocket. "I have to return this."

"Why?" Anna asked. "Didn't you use it to buy your dagger?"

"I hunted enough to get the money back," replied Arthur warmly. He then grabbed Anna's hand before stuffing the coins into her palm.

He then closed her hand. "You guys should never run out of savings."

Suddenly, Arthur felt two arms embrace his body. "Dad?"

His dad's arms were tough and warm, and they provided him with warmth in his chest. Arthur relished the feeling before it went away.

Magnus remained silent, and the three of them shared a hug. Suddenly, the door to the living room burst open, revealing a wild Lily.

"Hey! Don't hug without me!"

On that night, laughter resounded across the village from a specific house in particular. One that had regained its luster.