Return Of The Strongest Player

Several hours, perhaps a day, passed in an instant.

The darkness in the atmosphere remained stagnant, and the illusory origin of the desolate world's illumination was still unknown but had grown brighter as the group stepped into Level 2. Their speed was rapid.

The temperature of their surroundings rose gradually, pushing a total of fifty to sixty centigrade. The mana wielders were fine, but Randy was sweating continuously. His body was growing warmer by the second, and a disease was almost inevitable.

Hyperthermia, perhaps.

However, he persisted, determination vivid in his eyes. Through hellish training, his physical body had been pushed to limits unknown to mankind without the use of mana. His constitution, too, was much more powerful than other newbies.

Even Arthur's constitution fell short.

He huffed and puffed while maintaining a specific speed, gathering gemstones easily by murdering and sabotaging other newbies. To be fair, they weren't any better than the anomaly, but the group did not pursue heroicness.

Harry had practically lost hope in humanity, finding murder to be nothing more than a daily occurrence. Jenny had been apathetic to it ever since Arthur's lecture, refusing to empathize with Harry any longer.

At that point, Harry could only accept reality.

'Around 10 people should have reached the core of the world by now,' thought the crimson-eyed man. Through the combined efforts of both Heather and Neon, alongside Arthur and the others, not many newbies remained to compete.

The entire batch had almost been wiped out due to the relentless sabotage and massacre. This provided Arthur and the others with plenty of time to gather gemstones, solidifying their position while amassing resources.

Gemstones weren't only required to become a player.

They could be traded in for 'Tokens', the currency on which the economy of Heaven's Spire was based, along with other items. The Tower Administration–although they would thoroughly deny the notion–had planned such a bloody outcome.

So, amassing a large number of gemstones during the second trial was beneficial to the future players.

After a while, the group approached Level 3.

Level 3 was separated by an almost ethereal barrier, encased in a moat of bamboo plants and translucent glass, which was fogged. The temperature had risen to an insane eighty centigrade and was approaching a boiling point.

However, Randy was still persisting due to his immaculate conditioning. His bones were as tough as jade, while his tendons were as durable as steel. With ice-like muscles, the heat was but an inconvenience.

At least, those were the words he used to console himself.

In reality, the stinging sensation was unbearable. In his subconscious, the heat seemed to melt his skin.

The trial was truly not meant for those without mana.

However, those with access to mana weren't faring any better. Sweat encompassed their bodies, while their expressions were grave. No one was able to focus on gathering gemstones, symbolizing the conclusion of their prolonged hunt.

If they couldn't conserve their strength, they were leaving themselves vulnerable to attack.

As they passed through the translucent barrier, the core of the desolate world came into view. But the temperature rose again.

'If Nux himself got involved, this matter has to be related to one of the other High Guardians,' thought the crimson-eyed man, stroking his chin intently while walking forward with much difficulty.

Ever since the unusual end to their battle, Arthur had been contemplating the reason for Nux's appearance. Also, what was Heather's background? The crimson-eyed man was not aware of her identity, as he hadn't crossed paths with her during his former life.

However, she had caught his interest, now.

Attracting the High Guardian Nux and forcing him to act was a great feat. Even he, the Lord of Sins, wasn't able to strike Nux's interest. In fact, he and Nux had never met, as the High Guardian usually remained behind the scenes.

Most of the remaining High Guardians acted from behind the scenes, refusing to step into the spotlight and accept credit. Since their strength surpassed the top dogs of the tower, they would tip the fragile balance, resulting in chaos.

The exact chaos Arthur's existence caused in his former life.

His existence caused a disbalance in the power of each high-ranking clan. He, himself, was an anomaly that put the entire tower in a tough spot. His power threatened the transcendents up above.

That was what led to his downfall.

The High Guardians' power was unknown, but it was suspected that a single one could wipe out a high-ranking clan. If that was truly the case, they absolutely could not be allowed to meddle with the affairs of the tower.

They were like existences that existed in the sky, able to be seen but incapable of being touched or surpassed.

Similar to the transcendents.

'She possessed the powers of an administrator, which makes it seem like she was related to a Guardian,' thought the crimson-eyed man, realizing he may have struck the surface of the true matter.

However, he was still in the dark. Blaire… if Arthur's memory served correctly, the former was a weaponsmith, and usually fixed weapons. She had long retired from forging weapons and ran a tiny shop on the outskirts of the Outer District.

Considering Nux himself had recommended her, it seemed Blaire possessed some skill, and was ancient, too.

'I'll have to check her shop out,' thought Arthur. He was definitely interested in a professional whom Nux acknowledged. Perhaps he could sign a contract with her to stabilize the matter of his equipment repairs.

Also, Nux mentioned something about receiving a few items from her shop. If she truly possessed skill, the items Arthur and Randy would receive would be of tremendous quality, and might surpass Skofnung itself.

[The Demonic Blade 'Skofnung' advises you to vanquish such preposterous thoughts from your mind.]

[The Demonic Blade 'Skofnung' scoffs at its wielder's narrow-minded thinking.]

[The Demonic Blade 'Skofnung' mentions that its wielder hasn't witnessed its true power yet, and cannot decide without evidence.]

Arthur let out a chuckle, viewing Skofnung's indignant thoughts.