My Charity System made me too OP

Chapter 184 Battle Arena II

As Leon entered, Alric looked up from a stack of documents and adjusted his reading glasses. His deep-set eyes gleamed with recognition, followed by a warm smile.

"Leon... It's been a long time."

Leon nodded, stepping forward. "It has, Director."

Alric gestured toward the wooden chair in front of his desk. "Sit. I assume this isn't just a casual visit?"

Leon smirked. "You always were sharp." He took a seat, resting his hands on his knees. "I want to give back to the orphanage—donate supplies, credits, anything you need."

Alric's eyes flickered with interest, but he remained composed. "A generous offer, but why now?"@@@@

Leon leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful. "Because I can. And because this place gave me my start. Without it, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Alric studied him for a moment before nodding. "I see. Well, we always need more funding. The number of orphans hasn't decreased, and the resources from the city are limited. If you're serious about helping, I won't refuse."

Leon smiled. "Good. I'll transfer funds and supplies soon."

Alric exhaled lightly, leaning back in his chair. "You've changed. I can see it in your eyes. The Tower does that."

"What do you mean?" Leon asked as Alric gestured for him to sit. Leon nodded and took a seat.

Alric sighed. "I remember all the kids in this orphanage. After all, I see myself as their father, even if they don't see me that way."

"That's why I carefully watched each of them, and you were the most peculiar among them. Most children just played, studied lightly, or trained without much thought. But you... you always seemed to know what was needed for the future."

"You were a hard worker, and perhaps that's the reason you never made many friends. While others played, you often refused them, choosing instead to train or lead them when necessary. Some even came to you for guidance."

Alric's gaze softened slightly. "You might not have noticed it back then, but there was always a lonely look in your eyes, as if no one truly understood you. But now... now I see something different. You seem more at ease, no longer lonely. It looks like you've made some real friends in the Tower."

Leon smiled faintly and nodded. "Yes, Director, I have."

Alric nodded in satisfaction before changing the topic. "Since you're already here, how about participating in the Battle Arena?"

Leon raised an eyebrow. "What is the Battle Arena?" he asked, intrigued.

Alric chuckled at Leon's curiosity. "The Battle Arena is a city-wide competition for Ascenders below the age of 20 and under level 300. It's an annual event where young Ascenders test their skills, battle each other, and gain recognition. Many influential figures, guilds, and sponsors watch the tournament to scout promising talents."

Leon listened attentively as Alric continued.

"It's not just about fighting, though. The competition has multiple events—duels, survival rounds, and even team battles. The winners get valuable rewards, and the top participants often receive invitations from elite factions, organizations, or even nobility."

Leon leaned forward, intrigued. "So, it's more than just a tournament—it's a chance to gain status and opportunities."

He continued to donate some of his tems to getting back better as rebates.

And so, the three days passed quickly, and the day of the tournament arrived.

Leon, along with the other participants, boarded the tournament-bound bus. Alric was leading them to the event, ensuring everything was in order.

The tournament was set to take place in the City Arena, under the guidance of the City Lord. All the city's academies, as well as other orphanages, would be present, making it a highly anticipated competition.

As the bus moved through the city's bustling streets, the atmosphere inside was filled with excitement and nervous anticipation. Some participants were chatting eagerly about their strategies, while others sat quietly, focused on their thoughts.

Leon, however, remained calm, gazing out the window at the towering structures and the distant arena. The City Arena was an enormous coliseum-like structure, capable of holding tens of thousands of spectators. Flags bearing the emblem of the Ascender Council fluttered atop its massive stone walls, symbolizing the authority overseeing the competition.

Upon arriving, the participants were directed to a waiting area where they would register and receive their match schedules. Alric patted Leon on the shoulder.

"Do your best out there," he said with a small smile. "This tournament is more than just a competition—it's a chance to make a name for yourself."

Leon simply nodded, his expression unreadable. He wasn't here to impress anyone—he was here to gain experience and test his abilities against other young Ascenders.

Nearby, Venessa, Ragnar, and Aeron stood together, sizing up the competition. Their eyes met Leon's, and for a brief moment, an unspoken challenge passed between them.

Leon, however, walked toward them as they looked at him.

"Hello," he said.

Venessa nodded back in acknowledgment.

"Finally got the time to meet us?" Ragnar remarked, crossing his arms.

Leon simply shrugged. "I have something for you," he said, bringing out the Mystic Eye Orb, Frost Moon Staff, and Titan Knuckles.

"All for you," he added, handing each item according to their respective affinities.

"Why?" Venessa asked, frowning slightly, while Aeron simply took his gift without hesitation.

"We're from the same orphanage, besides... I'm a merchant now, so you guys can pay me back later," Leon said with a smirk.

"What's the cost?" Venessa asked again, narrowing her eyes, already wary of any hidden conditions.

"By staying alive," Leon simply replied, offering a small smile before turning and walking away.

The three of them stared at him, stunned by his words.

"That bastard always wants to play the big brother," Ragnar snorted, but there was an undeniable smile on his face.