Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons - Chapter 203

Chapter 203: Training Plan
Arthur headed to the gym after the call with his sister.

Donald had once again “ordered” him to take care of his body, and for now, Arthur decided to comply.

If nothing else, working on his physical body wouldn’t be a waste of time.

As he stepped inside the large building he felt something change.

He could feel several stares settling onto him.

Arthur ignored them.

It was expected—after what had happened last time, people were bound to be curious. He had no interest in entertaining them though.

Without hesitation, he made his way toward a large digital screen stationed near the back of the gym.

From Jacob’s previous tour, he knew what it was.

‘An analyzer.’

The machine scanned an individual’s body composition, muscle density, and overall fitness, then generated a personalized training plan.

‘Alright, let’s see what it will give me.’

Reaching the screen, Arthur pressed the start button.

A mechanical voice rang from the speakers.

“Scanning initiated.”

Thin blue rays swept over his frame, passing over him from head to toe.

Arthur stood still, waiting.

A few seconds later, the results came in.

[Body Analysis Complete]

Overall Strength: Below Average

Endurance: Poor

Agility: Moderate

Reflexes: Slightly Above Average

Muscle Density: Low

Recommended Training Plan: Issued

Arthur’s eyes flickered over the results.

No surprises.

He had known his body was weak. He had known that, outside of Armageddon, he was nothing but a normal human being—no, weaker than normal. It was a fact he had accepted.

But something about seeing it spelled out so plainly still irritated him.

Not for long.

A scoff sounded from behind him.

Arthur didn’t turn. He already recognized the voice.

“Still as weak as ever, huh?”

Ryker.

Arthur inhaled slowly, forcing his irritation to settle. “Something you need?”

Ryker smirked. “Nah. Just wanted to check if you’d changed at all.” His gaze flickered to the screen, taking in the results. A low chuckle rumbled from his throat. “Looks like you’re still the same weak little Arthur.”

He could feel more eyes on them now, the quiet stir of interest spreading across the gym. Some of the beta players had witnessed their last interaction. Others were just intrigued by the rising tension.

Arthur calmly tore the printed training plan from the machine and turned.

“Even though I am weak, I’m still more important than you will ever be. You are nothing but a large piece of meat.”

Ryker’s face darkened.

“What did you say, little rat? Have you forgotten your place? Should I remind you of it?”

Arthur didn’t flinch. He was weak for now. But that wouldn’t last forever.

“I know my place very well. But it seems like you don’t,” Arthur said, his voice sharp as steel. “You will always be second-class material, no matter how strong you are or how tough you look.”

The words struck deep. Ryker had always prided himself on being superior. He had always been the one standing over Arthur, looking down. And yet, now, the cousin he had tormented for years was standing tall—mocking him.

A vein pulsed in Ryker’s forehead as he took a step forward.

Before Arthur could react, Ryker’s hand grabbed his collar, yanking him forward so they were nearly nose-to-nose. His grip was tight, his biceps flexed with restrained aggression.

Arthur met his gaze, completely unshaken.

“I suggest you lower your hand,” Arthur said coolly. “Otherwise—”

“Otherwise what?” Ryker cut him off, his lips curling into a smirk. “You gonna cry? Gonna run to your little first-class dorm and hide behind the rules?”

Arthur’s eyes flicked to the security cameras positioned across the gym.

Then, he smiled.

“You’re laying your hands on a superior,” he said, voice calm. “See those cameras? I’ll make sure you get punished.”

Ryker’s grip tightened, his knuckles going white.

Then, slowly—reluctantly—he let go.

The moment his fingers left Arthur’s shirt, it felt like the whole gym exhaled.

Arthur straightened his collar, adjusting it as if nothing had happened.

Ryker’s jaw clenched. He had expected Arthur to flinch, to cower, to back down like he always did. But this Arthur… he was different.

“You think you’re above me now?” Ryker sneered, stepping closer, his voice low but laced with frustration. “You think being in Class One makes you special?”

Arthur dusted off his collar, completely unbothered. “It does. And the fact that you’re not makes it even more special.”

A flicker of pure anger flashed in Ryker’s eyes, his fists twitching at his sides. His entire life, he had been told he was superior—bigger, stronger, better. He had trained, fought, and crushed the weak underfoot.

And yet, the cousin he used to mock, belittle, and humiliate was now standing over him.

Arthur watched the emotions flicker across Ryker’s face.

“Hit me.”

Ryker blinked, caught off guard.

Arthur’s voice was calm, cold. “Go ahead. Give it your best shot. Break my nose, throw me across the gym, prove to everyone here how much stronger you are.”

The other players murmured amongst themselves.

Ryker’s fingers curled into a fist. His muscles tensed, rage bubbling beneath his skin.

Arthur tilted his head slightly, his gaze never wavering. “What’s wrong? You were ready to remind me of my place just a second ago. Do it.”

Ryker knew he couldn’t.

Not here.

Not under the watchful eyes of the cameras.

Not under the scrutiny of the other beta players.

Not when Arthur was right.

If he attacked, there would be consequences. And Arthur would make sure of it.

Gritting his teeth so hard his jaw ached, Ryker took a step back, forcing himself to scoff.

“You’re still weak, Arthur.” His voice lacked the same venom from before. “No matter what tricks you pull, you’ll never be strong.”

Arthur smirked. “Then you have nothing to worry about, do you?”

Without another word, Arthur turned and walked away, leaving Ryker standing there, fists clenched at his sides, seething.

‘Arthur…’

…

Arriving back in his dormitory room, Arthur took a shower.

Although he felt slightly better about making Ryker angry, that feeling didn’t last long.

He didn’t have time or energy to waste on him.

Ryker’s time will come—but not now.

The warm water cascaded down his back, but it did little to soothe the growing storm in his mind.

His sister was in danger.

Arthur didn’t doubt that they were treating her cancer. But something else was happening. The way she acted, the way she smiled too much, the way her responses felt slightly off—it wasn’t Charlotte.

He gritted his teeth, pressing his palms against the cold tile wall.

His fists clenched.

They think I won’t notice.

They think I won’t do anything.

Arthur exhaled, forcing himself to stay calm.

Right now, in the real world, he was powerless. The military had eyes on him. He was trapped

After stepping out of the shower, Arthur dried himself off and stood in front of the mirror. Water dripped from his hair, running down his face in slow, uneven trails.

His reflection stared back at him—calm, collected, but with a storm raging behind his eyes.

‘I need more information.’

Arthur tossed the towel aside, dressed quickly, and lay on the bed.

There was no time to waste.

He logged in.

…

Arriving in his dormitory room inside Armageddon, Arthur stepped out.

He didn’t waste time. His mission outside the academy needed attention.

As he made his way toward the gates, he noticed the academy grounds had become significantly livelier.

Students were flooding in.

When he had first arrived, the academy had been nearly empty—but now, groups of young warriors, mages were around.

The atmosphere had shifted.

The academy year would begin in less than 24 hours.

Arthur paid it no mind. He continued toward the gates—

Until a voice called out.

“Azarel.”

Arthur halted, turning to the source.

Lucas Ashencroft.

The instructor stood a few feet away, his piercing gaze locked onto Arthur. Even in casual posture, his presence demanded attention.

“Yes, Instructor?” Arthur responded calmly.

“Come,” Lucas said. “I want to talk to you.”

Arthur gave a slight nod.

Without another word, he followed.

Arriving inside Lucas’s office, Arthur took a brief glance around before stepping forward.

The space was minimalistic—practical. A large desk sat in the center, papers neatly stacked beside a few open books. A single bookshelf lined one side of the room, filled with tomes ranging from combat theory to historical records.

Lucas gestured toward the chair opposite him.

“Sit.”

Arthur complied, maintaining his composed demeanor.

Lucas leaned back slightly, studying him with sharp eyes.

“I saw that you initiated a mission at Gilderhaven Guild.”

Arthur raised an eyebrow.

‘Was that just a coincidence, or is someone trailing me without my knowledge?’

His mind quickly cycled through possibilities. The mission wasn’t exactly a secret, but for an academy instructor—especially this instructor—to bring it up meant there was more to it.

Still, he kept his expression neutral.

“Yes, Instructor. I’m looking for land to buy.”

Lucas nodded, tapping a finger on the desk.

“Would you mind telling me what you plan to do with it?” He paused. “I might be able to help.”

Arthur met his gaze.

For a moment, silence settled between them.

“I want to open a guild, Instructor.”

Lucas raised an eyebrow, genuine surprise flashing across his usually unreadable expression.

“Open a guild?” He leaned forward slightly. “Do you know what that requires?”

Arthur nodded, his expression unwavering.

Inside Armageddon, even the natives couldn’t just start a guild on a whim. Without a Guild Token, it was nothing more than a glorified group of mercenaries. A true guild required the token’s authority—without it, managing finances, securing quests, and gaining official recognition would be a nightmare.