On the day of the assessnt, everyone arrived early at Viscount Xuefeng's training ground, which was also filled with many noble family mbers who had co to watch the evaluation. Among them were quite a few elderly and children, probably treating today as so kind of outing activity and gathering.
"Isn't this Sister Moran? How have you been lately?"
"Ah, it's Sanna, long ti no see." Several noblewon gathered together, discussing recent current events.
"I just returned from Valley City, the art exhibition there was truly wonderful. Especially a work by a new painter called 'Red Lotus in Water' - that lotus on the canvas looked like it was burning. A master comnted that this painting of his has already touched the professional threshold, and in a while, that painting will gain the 'Blazing Sun' Aspect."
"Wow, there's such an amazing new painter? I originally thought you could only see that in White Cliff City."
"That's what makes it surprising. They say that new painter is only eighteen years old, a real genius."
"Who knows how many girls at the scene were captivated by his paintings, many were competing to marry him."
"If I were ten years younger, I'd probably be crowding around him too. If I could just touch those painting hands of his, it would be a wonderful mory for a lifeti."
"Such painters are even rarer than knight masters, probably not appearing even once in ten years." The others nodded in agreent.
While the noblewon and city's socialites chatted and laughed, down in the training ground below, the students entered one by one.
Today's competition was divided into two rounds. The first round had students compete based on drawing lots, fighting three matches each. Those with two or more wins would advance to the second round, followed by arena challenges to determine the final winner.
There were fifteen students in this session, so the actual ti required wouldn't be too long.
"Koa has to go on stage too?" Karen saw Koa also preparing.
"Yes." Koa gripped her sword, waving it in her hand to get used to the feel.
"You're really going?" Karen still found it sowhat unbelievable, as Koa had never participated in combat training.
"I have my own secret winning thod, Karen will find out soon." Koa spoke mysteriously.
"Alright." Seeing Koa so determined, Karen stopped her. She thought Koa was very smart and must have a plan.
"Eh, no way, is Tia going up too?" This ti it was Koa's turn to be surprised.
"Well, no matter what, since everyone has co, I can't retreat at the last mont either." The girl's response made the two think she definitely didn't want to be special by not participating.
"Whoever draws Tia is lucky." Both knew Sylutia never participated in sparring practice, so her going on stage could only be to make up numbers.
Apart from the three of them, the other students had now all arrived. So were warming up and preparing, others were putting on protective gear to prevent injuries, while so more bold and confident ones still wore dress-like clothing.
Iona stood in the best rest area, which was usually reserved for distinguished knights, but since no knights were appearing today, no one questioned her using it.
Her golden short hair was partially tied up with a red hair ribbon today. She wore a deep brown formal fitted jacket on top with a row of exquisite buttons on the chest, and below was a skirt suitable for movent. This outfit ca from White Cliff City's Royal Academy, though unfortunately after leaving there, she could no longer wear the Royal Academy badge.
The single-handed sword with gilded hand guards hung at her side, its scabbard bearing a sparrow bird pattern - that was Viscount Caren's family crest.
Her gaze swept over the noblewon and socialites on the viewing stands holding parasols in twos and threes, and Iona felt inexplicably irritated. If this were her family territory, she would definitely make these noisy people get out.
But for now, she could only take deep breaths and suppress the frustration in her heart.
Start quickly already, finish the competition and go back, she wanted to properly soak in a hot bath. Standing here made her feel like a layer of dust had settled on her.
More than ten minutes later, Viscount Xuefeng stepped onto the platform, briefly introduced today's assessnt competition, then had a knight guard preside over the entire competition.
Going to the cool private box viewing stand, Viscount Xuefeng sat down and appreciated today's matches with Scholar Hyde beside him.
"First match, Ray versus Mick!"
Having to face an acquaintance in the very first match? Mick stood up, picked up the unsharpened broadsword at his side, and stepped onto the platform step by step.
Under the scorching sun, the two stood five ters apart, montarily silent.
Though not so life-or-death battle, having two people with good relations face each other in the first match was really unlucky.
"Co on, Mick." Ray lifted his hamr, holding it horizontally in front of him.
"Hah."
Mick stopped hesitating at this point, gripping his broadsword and stepping forward as the two began to exchange blows.
The iron broadsword was held with both hands, his movents full of power yet with so flexibility to spare. As the blade swung, Mick's footwork changed, making his attacks harder to predict. This excellent technique made knowledgeable audience mbers quietly applaud.
"Though I don't know his na, this child is already a qualified warrior."
On the other side, Ray used his substantial strength to swing the large hamr with whistling sounds, suppressing Mick's attack routes and forcing his opponent to stay away, making it difficult to close in.
The two had sparred many tis during normal practice and knew each other's tactical styles well, making it hard to determine a winner for now.
Blades occasionally clashed, deflecting the hamr's attacks, or rely blocking montarily before disengaging. Ray's hamr smashed into the platform, splintering wooden boards.
This back-and-forth exchange gradually heightened the audience's excitent, with many starting to cheer for their chosen side or making bets with each other.
"I bet on the big guy winning. He's strong enough, his movents aren't clumsy - he's a rare strongman. In low-level fights like this, the advantage of strength is too great."
"I'm more optimistic about the smaller one. As long as he keeps calm, continuously harasses and consus the big guy's stamina, he can find an opening to break through."
"Fine, shall we bet 50 silver?"
"No problem." Two nobles agreed on their bet on the viewing stand.
Down on the platform below, Mick and Ray's battle reached its climax. By now there were many pits on the platform from hamr strikes, and Ray was forced into a disadvantageous position - with smashed pits behind and beside him, making it difficult to change stances or retreat to face the enemy. He could only choose to attack head-on at this point.
The hamr calculated Mick's attack route, sweeping to block.
Unfortunately, Mick had anticipated this. He pushed off hard with his feet, barely avoiding Ray's attack, then advanced from an unexpected angle - Ray's left side where it was hard to generate power.
The broadsword slashed down fiercely, striking the leather armor on Ray's shoulder and shaking up dust. At this mont, Mick quickly retracted his sword, circled forward again, arriving at Ray's completely undefended back, and pressed his sword against the other's spine.
"Good, I lost." Ray set his hamr on the ground and conceded defeat.
"Lucky win."
Mick also put down his sword, his chest heaving violently, taking quite a while to recover from the side effects of the Breathing Technique.
"First match, Mick wins!" Applause sounded across the venue.
The first match had started things off well, making everyone look forward to the upcoming fights even more.
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