The Trial Begins

Day 112, year 3000.

The Honorable Knight Academy of Eleyphis. A place of intrigue amongst the nobility and factions that serve the council.

Prying one look towards the stands in the temporary but aesthetically pleasing arena, anyone that wasn't aware of the occasion would mistake this to be a place holding a secret high-stakes auction. Colorful seats were designed with the attendees' interests in mind, men and women dressed in their gaudiest attire with added artifacts in the form of family insignias, and a constant air of gossip among acquaintances willing to place wagers on the outcome of the tournament.

A list of competitors had been circulated amongst the audience a few minutes back. The academy was acting as the house in this situation, making sure that the bets were fair and 'legal'. It is said to be a tradition that attracts the nobles to visit the academy for the trials in the first place.

"Tomoe, 1000 gold."

The old man that made this bet was different from the other nobles that were attending this competition. He was dressed in a simple black kimono, and his features were unimpressive. The only thing special about him was the insignia on his outfit.

A Purple-Horned Oni.

Some of the attendees that were seated behind the man were curious about his identity after this ridiculous bet. As soon as the insignia came into sight, they all instantly realized who this was.

"The Yoshinaka Clan Elder..."

Known for his disdain of the spotlight, he continued to ignore the glances from everybody and handed a huge pouch filled with gold to a nearby attendee.

"Anyone else?"

Others remained silent. No one would dare bet against him. When it comes to him, their meager offers of 100–200 gold coins make them look like misers in comparison.

"Very well. 1000 coins in favor of the Ares Clan seed Tomoe, versus the academy matching the minimum standard of half the value of the wager. If she wins, the esteemed guest gets his money back plus 500 coins. If lost, the academy takes 1000."

With a reserve of 700,000 gold coins provided from the donations for this special occasion, the academy had no problems satisfying singular bets.

He remained indifferent to the declaration. The attendant bowed and left.

Others looked towards the arena. The first match of the day was

"Group A. Tomoe Yoshinaka versus Herman Ilbert."

Thanatos vs. Ares

Tomoe walked out from the left side of the arena. Her long hair had been tied up into a singular, long braid with a white ribbon tied up to the end, and a blue uniform that accentuated her body features, along with an icy gaze in her violet irises, that enveloped her in a completely different aura from her usual look. She had a sharp longsword in her left hand that was disproportionate to her size, but she was still able to keep it in the air without any difficulties. Everyone with the appropriate experience could see a battle veteran in her. This made people stop wondering why the Yoshinaka Clan elder would bet so much money on her.

Herman Ilbert was an unseeded newcomer who was optimistic about his chances as he entered the arena. Amongst the first years, no one could have said with confidence that they knew what Tomoe was capable of, which made him think that she wasn't all that impressive.

Standing face to face with his opponent, however, made him realize that his underestimation was an idiotic decision. He took a deep breath and looked around, only to find that everyone else was enchanted by his opponent's demeanor.

The officiator of the duel arrived shortly after to explain the rules of the duel.

"You gain points according to the decisiveness of your attack, with the highest points attainable with a single strike being five, which is a killing blow. The first to reach 5 points automatically wins one round, and the first to win 3 rounds is the winner. No attack should connect with your opponent. A fatal injury to the opponent with your weapon will lead to immediate disqualification, which would further lead to extreme consequences according to the intent behind the attack, which includes solitary imprisonment. Do you understand?"

They both looked into each other's eyes and said,

"Understood."

The officiator extended his hand between the competitors.

"Get in position."

The iron falchion was a lightweight weapon, weighing less than 1 kilogram. It was easy to wield with one hand. Herman raised his sword with his right hand with ease.

'I have the advantage of speed and mobility.'

Tomoe brought the tip of her sword in front of her and grabbed the grip with both of her hands.

'I'll have to go for quick, low scoring points.'

Both of their muscles tightened.

'All-out attack.'

Herman got into motion, while Tomoe stood still.

"Begin! "

The officiator raised his hand, and Herman found himself closer to her.

'Her shoulder.'

He slashed his sword from the left side, which Tomoe prepared to intercept. Pulling his falchion before it could make contact, he used a feint to transition into an overhead strike aiming for her right shoulder.

'At least two points.'

'Clink.'

Like a flash, Tomoe raised her sword and moved it in front of the attack. Herman had no time to think, and he pushed forward with his strike to push her back.

'This isn't a block.'

Everyone in the stands could see what she was going to do, except for Herman.

Her move wasn't over yet.

'Swoosh!'

A flick of her wrist. The perfect parry, destabilized his footing, forcing him to take a few steps backward.

Herman managed to balance himself out of the tumble.

"5 points!"

Before he could even make sense of the situation, he found a sword right around his neck. In the entire arena, he was the last person to know that he had lost.

"First round, Tomoe Yoshinaka!"

The officiator turned toward the crowd and declared.

'As expected.'

Some of them clapped, while the others remained silent. The Yoshinaka elder simply closed his eyes. To him, this fight was not worthy of his praise.

Tomoe herself was expressionless, walking back to her position almost immediately after the declaration. Herman, on the other hand, was rooted to the spot. The officiator came to him and asked,

"Are you willing to forfeit?"

This was a seeded competitor. He stood no chance. Simply staring at his falchion, Herman said,

"I-I... forfeit."

He wasn't taken by surprise. He was the first person to move. He was fairly certain of his methods.

But even with a lighter weapon in his hand, her speed and combat IQ were miles ahead in comparison. His mental fortitude had been torn apart. To move forward against that, would be an act of futility.

"The competitor has forfeited."

"Winner, Tomoe Yoshinaka!"

She lowered her weapon and walked back to the arena entrance in silence. To her, this wasn't a real fight.

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