Return Of The Strongest Player

A few hours passed, and the intelligence and knowledge test results were revealed to the applicants.

A signboard in front of the faculty offices revealed the scores and the rankings for all three years. Arcadia Academy offered scholarships to the highest scoring examinee from each year. Of course, the scores included both the intelligence and knowledge test alongside the practical test.

However, it was widely known that the practical test outweighed the intelligence and knowledge test in terms of importance.

Obviously, like most rumors, it was true.

*

"Big brother… you're dumb," Lily muttered, paling as she viewed the scores of the intelligence and knowledge test. Although the tests for first years were easy, Arthur couldn't even land a place in the top ten.

His previous words simply seemed narcissistic once the results were revealed.

"Do we have enough to pay tuition, dear?" Anna inquired, gazing lovingly into Magnus's eyes. Although her words were about financial concerns, they didn't seem like it to Magnus, who was captivated by her expression.

Arthur stared blankly at the results.

[1. Alisha Mason Ainsworth: 492]

[2. Jack Vanguard: 467]

[3. Sarah Grace: 466]

[...]

[13. Arthur Solace: 312]

Although his scores weren't low enough to be considered 'bad,' Arthur was aiming for a scholarship. Although he hunted almost every day and saved up to pay for the tuition, it wasn't enough.

If he didn't manage to gain the scholarship, his plan to return to Heaven's Spire would be delayed significantly. Then, he would have to return as a second year in Arcadia Academy as a nineteen-year-old.

He wanted to advance as quickly as possible. Although a tiny delay would be acceptable, an entire year could not be wasted.

'I answered all the questions correctly…' Arthur thought, racking his brain to recall what he did wrong. 'And that bitch… she got first place.'

Although it didn't concern him, it caused a sour expression to appear on Arthur's face.

Arthur simply sighed, wondering if receiving first place in the practical exam would be enough to disregard his score. He knew the importance of the practical test, and began calculating the scores.

'If I get first place, I can overtake Alisha,' thought Arthur. His only competition at this point was Alisha. Every other person on the rankings scored within an acceptable margin, but her score was only deducted by eight.

She was much better than the other students. By a vast margin, too.

"Big brother," Lily said, tugging on his shirt. Arthur turned around before leaning in. Lily brought her lips to Arthur's ears before whispering, "Isn't the girl in first place the big sister of that boy? The one we met at the cafe?"

"You remember?" Arthur inquired, genuinely surprised. "Alisha Mason Ainsworth… it's a difficult name to forget, I guess."

"Quite a mouthful."

"Look at you, using phrases," Arthur praised, patting her head gently. "Yeah, that's Jamie's sister."

Lily giggled at the praise.

*

A few minutes passed, and the practical exam was announced. Apparently, it was being held in the school arena behind the main buildings.

Hundreds of students and parents attended the event. They flooded in batches of a few hundred, occupying almost all the seats in the area. That was saying something, considering the arena was large enough to fit fifty-thousand people.

'How many people want to attend Arcadia Academy…?' Arthur wondered, genuinely surprised by the amount of spectators.

The rankings of the intelligence and knowledge test only displayed the top hundred examinees, so it was difficult to discern the precise number. Also, not all examinees had their exams on the same day or in the same classroom.

'The academy sure knows how to handle this well,' Arthur commented.

"Arthur, you better get first place," Anna said. A flame was ignited within her pupils, and it felt like she was the one participating in the test instead of Arthur. "It's combat… your forte. Just… don't get hurt."

"I won't, mother," Arthur assured, plastering the most gentle smile he could muster. 'I'm still not used to this… familial bond.'

Anna sighed in relief before patting Arthur's head. "You've grown well."

"Well, whose son am I?" Arthur responded, letting out a light chuckle. The solemn atmosphere faded, and was replaced by a wholesome one. Lily, as usual, dozed off in Magnus's arms once the first battle was announced.

"Match one, Sarah Grace versus Felix Cavil!"

The announcement was quite loud and almost awoke Lily. Fortunately, Magnus reacted quickly and covered her ears using his palm. Arthur and Anna sighed in relief once Lily had entered a deep sleep.

A few seconds passed, and the two contenders emerged from opposite sides.

On the right was a muscular man dressed in a classic school uniform. His skin was dark, and he carried himself with a gentle yet confident smile. His hair was brushed to the side, and carried a lot of hair gel.

His sleeves were rolled up, and his hand was a long, silver spear.

On the left was a curvy girl dressed in similar clothing, a school uniform. With a solemn expression on her face, she looked like an ice queen. She rocked blonde hair which was tied in a bun for convenience.

In her hand was a long, thin sword.

'A katana,' thought Arthur, gazing at the weapon in her hand. 'I haven't seen many of those, even in Heaven's Spire.'

A katana was an Earthly weapon and was usually avoided by people of other planets due to its terrible durability. But Arthur knew how dangerous of a weapon it could be if used correctly. Its slashes could slice boulders as if they were butter.

Suddenly, Arthur was reminded of a former rival. 'The Jewelry Queen…'

Although she had an edgy name, the person Arthur rivaled in Heaven's Spire was a weapon fanatic, and her favorite weapon was the katana.

'She was a force to be reckoned with…'

Although Arthur didn't have many hopes for the practical exam, it seemed he would enjoy spectating. Also, it was a good opportunity to memorize the fighting styles of enemies, as he could potentially engage in the battle with them in the future.

'I can't be too ruthless in front of my family, though.'