Return Of The Strongest Player

As the winds along Arthur's skin, he finally swung Skofnung, decapitating Elder Gabriel. Finally, it had ended. He stared at Gabriel and Feyright's corpses before turning to face Gargo Village, which was in ruins.

There was not a single survivor from the village, except the four men who had pursued Arthur.

However, they had disappeared. 

No matter how much Arthur searched after the battle with the two Elders, he could not locate the four men. Eventually, he was forced to give up. So much had occurred in a single day… And it was finally time to leave.

Approaching the hut in which he resided, Arthur grabbed his bag. He packed some rations before traveling towards the central part of the Residential Area of the First Floor, where he could leave the floor.

After a few hours of continuous travel, Arthur arrived at the city. 

Using his massive reserve of tokens, the crimson-eyed man entered a bathhouse to freshen up. After paying, he traveled across the hall, entering the bath with only a towel hung at his waist, Arthur descended into the lukewarm water.

'It's been a while since I've felt at ease,' thought the crimson-eyed man, enjoying the sensation of the water brushing against his skin. Arthur calmly gazed at the fumes that emerged from the water, zoning out.

A few minutes passed, and a conversation of three men a few meters away from him entered his ears. Arthur raised an eyebrow, shutting his eyes while focusing on the words that escaped their mouths.

"Gargo Village and Lijkao Village fell yesterday! Did you hear?"

"What the hell is that?"

"They're villages, Rob. They're on the outskirts of the First Floor, so not many are aware of their existence. However, it's known that Blood-Hand Feyright established Lijkao Village, while Death Spear Gabriel established Gargo Village."

"Wait, that one? Didn't the rumors of the Baron Of Death's inheritance originate from Gargo Village?"

"Yeah, but that was a load of bullshit."

"Obviously, dumbass."

"Why bring this topic up? Did something interesting happen?"

"Both Gabriel and Feyright died due to unknown causes, while their villages were found utterly decimated. Every single resident had died, except four people and a guy named Avalon. It's a widespread topic right now."

"Avalon? What kind of name is that?"

"I think it's a fake name. There isn't a way in hell that someone named their child Avalon unironically."

"I agree."

Arthur chuckled internally, leaning back as he enjoyed the sensation that ran across his body. His mind was finally at ease. But he couldn't help but wonder how the rumors had traveled so quickly.

The rumors were faster than his speed when going from the village to this city.

'Was there someone else there? How did the information travel so fast?' Arthur remained vigilant, continuing to eavesdrop on the conversation. However, eventually, one person glanced in his general direction.

As [Mana Sense] sensed the man's gaze, Arthur suppressed a laugh, opening his eyes to view the cautiousness on his face.

"I think we should talk about this later, guys."

"Why?"

"Yeah, why?"

"I don't know… Even the walls have ears."

The other two nodded, and after a few minutes of meaningless chatter, they eventually exited the bathhouse. Arthur was the only one who remained until the bathhouse closed, after which he headed towards the portal.

Paying a small fee, Arthur traveled to the Outer District, where he traversed through the streets, hiding his under a hood that was draped over his face. His facial features were unknown, but a few knew of his identity.

Arriving at an inn, he booked another room. After unloading and getting a good night's sleep, Arthur headed to Blaire's workshop.

Arriving before its door, Arthur knocked.

When visiting the smithy with Randy, Blaire had refused to give the two their promised "items," saying they weren't ready, yet. However, it was finally time to claim what rightfully belonged to the crimson-eyed man.

After a few seconds, the sound of hurried footsteps entered Arthur's ears. Following that, the door creaked open, revealing Blaire's nervous figure. However, as her gaze fell upon Arthur, a cold look appeared on her face.

"It's you…"

"That's not a very nice way to greet a guest," replied Arthur, shaking his head while pursing his lips. 

"You're anything but a guest," said Blaire, walking off. Arthur entered the smithy, coating his body in a layer of mana to endure the heat. He followed the woman into the actual smithy, taking a seat.

"I'm assuming you're here to claim that item?" Blaire asked, glancing at the crimson-eyed man from the corner of her eye. Arthur let out a chuckle internally, realizing she had conversed with Nux after their recent visit.

Nux had probably convinced her of the fact that Arthur did not know of his location, dispelling the seed of doubt in her mind. Since then, she was probably entirely antagonistic to Arthur, who had toyed with her feelings.

However, she couldn't abandon the project and failed to fulfill her promise to Nux. 

"Yes," replied Arthur, nodding.

"I've heard you surpassed Zeus during the First Floor's challenge," Blaire mentioned as if the thought had suddenly appeared in her mind. She turned to face Arthur with a speck of amusement hidden under her facade. "Is that true?"

Arthur realized he couldn't mask the truth, and simply nodded in response. Blaire did not have the capabilities to suppress him… or so he thought.

The woman simply formed an expression that held a subtle admiration for the crimson-eyed man. Then, she disappeared into a different room. As she searched through a pile of items, Arthur heard the clangs of metal.

'Where the hell did she stuff the item?'

A few seconds passed, and Blaire returned with a ring in her hand.

"I don't plan to marry anytime soon… You know that, right?" Arthur inquired, forming a skeptical expression. Blaire laughed, but not a single ounce of humor was present in her tone, causing Arthur to pout.

"Treat this item with care, and it will reciprocate."