Return Of The Strongest Player-Novel

Chapter 4: Scholarship

"But how are you going to enter the tower?" asked Magnus once the atmosphere had reverted to its original state. Although the tower was well-known in all dimensions and universes, it was difficult to access for commoners.

It was an amazing feat to reach the first pedestal of the tower. Many retired and returned to their home planets by the time they arrived at the 10th floor. The difficulty of the Heaven's Spire was unimaginable to some.

Also, once one retired from the tower, it was impossible to return.

That's why access was hoarded by the powerful organizations on each planet. For the planet Arthur resided on, access was split between the Jester Organization, Arcadia Academy, and the Millers.

"I plan to attend the Arcadia Academy," explained Arthur. Anna turned pale yet again, while Magnus's eyes widened in shock. Lily simply tilted her head, unable to understand the significance behind Arthur's words.

It was understandable, since Lily was only 7 years old.

"Arcadia Academy?" Arthur's parents asked simultaneously. They were baffled that their son even suggested an idea which seemed unattainable for their family.

"Are we talking about the same thing, son?" Magnus asked, unable to believe his ears. Arthur had always been invested in earning money to support his family. He didn't believe in ambitions, especially unattainable ones.

That had changed, since their Arthur wasn't the one in the malnourished body they witnessed.

"Yes, we are," affirmed Arthur. "I will attend Arcadia Academy for one year, and then act as a mercenary to enter the tower on a scholarship."

"A scholarship…" muttered Anna. She was still surprised and believed it was too dangerous, but as she locked eyes with her son, she could understand his feelings. He was desperate for something.

It wasn't easy to notice, but she was his mother. It wasn't too difficult for her, either.

There existed something Arthur hid behind a closed door, unable to reveal it to Anna and Magnus. The feelings he revealed weren't ones he hid behind the veil he cast on himself. They were different.

They were meant to please Anna and Magnus, while his actual feelings were hidden behind a cloak.

So, even if it was dangerous, Anna couldn't let Arthur bury his real intentions and feelings. "Go, son. If you think it's possible, go ahead. Your father and I will not hinder you, and will only cheer you on and assist when we can."

"Me too!" Lily chimed in. Arthur smiled before stroking her head gently, making her giggle.

'I wish I could stay here forever,' commented Arthur inwardly before sighing. He wanted to live his entire life with his family, but he couldn't. Perhaps, he could invite his family to reside with him in the Heaven's Spire.

It would be a long shot, but it was certainly possible in the future.

He at least wanted Lily to live a lavish life. The gap that had formed in his heart was being healed rapidly, but it would soon revert to its original state once he entered Arcadia Academy, and then the tower.

"Thank you," said Arthur before pulling them all in for a hug. While in his arms, Lily suddenly formed a dirty expression.

"Brother, how long has it been since you washed yourself?" she asked. She then gagged, causing Arthur's mother and father to break out in soft laughter. Their daughter was truly the cutest.

"I… don't remember," replied Arthur shamelessly, but as he smelled himself again, he gagged, too. Immediately, he took his shirt off before exiting the house. He ran towards the lake with a bar of soap in his hand.

*

'My first weapon,' thought Arthur. His first weapon in his past life was a dagger, a makeshift weapon he'd used to fend off a horde of wolves. It was during an expedition in his first job working under the Jester Organization.

It was also how he entered the tower.

His weapon couldn't be memorable this time, either, since he'd borrowed three bronze coins from his father to afford it. It was the last of Magnus's savings, but Arthur's father didn't regret it. The money was being used towards fulfilling Arthur's goal.

He could simply work extra hours once he found another job.

"Haven't seen you in a while, Arthur," said a plump woman with long, auburn hair. She stood behind a wooden cart that said, 'buy the lemons while they're fresh.'

She wore revealing clothes and carried a gentle, motherly smile on her face regardless. She held a few lemons in her hand, while a tight tunic hugged her body. She waved at Arthur, beckoning him.

Arthur couldn't remember who she was, but approached her regardless. If his memory served correctly, his mother had had a short conversation with the woman, which Arthur had noticed out of pure accident.

"Yes?" Arthur asked in a polite tone. It was difficult to be polite, considering he'd ordered people around his entire life. He never cared much about manners, unless it was from his subordinates.

"I heard you're going to apply to Arcadia Academy!" said the plump woman. "Your mother told me! You'll be the second one from our village you manage to get in! If you do, don't forget Aunt Edna! Here's a lemon!"

The woman, who addressed herself as Aunt Edna, shoved a lemon in Arthur's hand before giggling in pure ecstasy. Arthur thanked her with a blank expression, but a single sentence that exited her mouth caught his fantasy.

'The second?' he thought to himself. "Was there someone else who entered Arcadia Academy from our village, Aunt Edna?"

"Ah, old Melzer did," said Aunt Edna in a disgusted tone. "He retired after becoming an Elite Ranker in the tower."

Elite Ranker… the terminology wasn't supposed to spread in the outer world. The organizations associated with the tower often hid information about the Heaven's Spire. It was difficult to even find out the name of the tower.

That meant old Melzer revealed secrets he shouldn't have.

Arthur was interested.