Sounds of clashing wooden swords echoed at the roofed, outdoor dojo in the middle of the second running track inside the sixth training field.
Class 70's sparring sessions had been ongoing for around ten minutes now.
Instructor Talon was someone who took his job at the Southern Bladeborn Academy seriously, which was why only one pair sparred at a time.
He wanted to accurately gauge the level of swordsmanship of his students and rank them in an unofficial tier list, and this was the most efficient way to do it.
He would then give them their customized training regimen next week based on the results.
They were running short on time, so each sparring match would only last one minute and thirty seconds.
It would be up to the students to show everyone what they got in that span.
Six pairs have already finished, and the seventh is ongoing.
Naturally, everyone wasn't equal in skill, so while a few matches were exciting, the majority were quite average and boring.
To the novices who have awakened D- and E-tier swords, however, even these matches were very fun to watch, as they were on the said level and could feel various emotions while watching.
Some were ablaze, analyzing the movements of those who were competing; others could imagine themselves gloriously suppressing one of the competitors if it were them participating.
Only a few like Sylphina, False Witness, Silver Serpent, and Lionbreaker, felt genuinely bored watching the sparring matches of the common joes and janes.
As for Daru, he was in deep ponderment as usual, silently watching the battles with unusual seriousness for someone of his level.
Pairs came and went.
Before long, the first exciting battle between two of Class 70's most notable novice bladeborns was finally about to happen, capturing the attention of even those from Classes 67 and 68, who were in the other outdoor dojo.
Silver Serpent versus Lionbreaker.
Chummy as the two seemed on the surface, they were secretly competing against each other.
They believed that if they could somehow suppress the other for a few significant seconds, then perhaps Sylphina would look their way just a bit more, disregarding the other.
The winner of their sparring match, even if only by a narrow and insignificant margin, would naturally have a far higher chance than the other in capturing the talented young lady's heart.
B-rankers were up there, but they weren't unreachable.
This was why the female students from other classes, who only managed to awaken swords of a lower tier, were among those watching intently.
Perhaps if they used their charm, they could capture the heart of either Silver Serpent or Lionbreaker in the future, securing themselves a life of decent riches…
The C-ranker ladies were absolutely on fire with this idea.
But of course, first, they planned to see which one is the better prize, even if only slightly.
The two competitors naturally noticed the gazes but feigned ignorance.
Fighting spirit ablaze, both stepped inside the dueling area, cordial on the surface:
"Hahaha, no need to hold back, brother Bao. Let's enjoy ourselves."
"Haha, likewise, brother Dylan. I'll make sure to learn whatever I can from you."
"Me, too."
Silver Serpent and Lionbreaker then shook hands before separating an appropriate distance and assuming their combat stances.
The former held a slightly oversized wooden Kris, while the other gripped a claymore of the same material with both hands.
The difference in the sizes of their swords was like day and night.
If it would affect the results of the sparring match, however, was a different matter.
Both were still adjusting to their new swords, after all.
While a significant portion of their mastery with a simple one-handed training sword during their high school days would definitely transfer over, they would ultimately have to master their current weapons, and those watching in the sixth training field were about to witness the results of their first five hours inside the Myriad Sword Realm.
Who was able to adapt better?
"Begin!"
As soon as Lionbreaker heard Instructor Talon's signal, he charged forward, brandishing his heavier sword in a downward chopping motion.
Silver Serpent naturally chose not to block, skillfully stepping back instead before rushing in, attempting to catch his opponent before the guy could pull his sword back to defend.
To his surprise, Lionbreaker violently pulled his sword upward, almost hitting Silver Serpent on the chin, had it not been for the latter's quick reactions.
The claymore wielder definitely looked a bit better in that exchange.
Not only was he the aggressor, but he also didn't allow his opponent to strike back, showcasing his intelligence in combat.
Of course, Silver Serpent was inwardly displeased at the wave of "oohs" around him.
His gaze sharpened, and he charged first this time, impatient to avenge his slightly damaged image.
Defending from a stab was difficult, so Lionbreaker opted to dodge by leaning to the side, hoping to counterattack after.
But unfortunately, in such a range, the shorter and lighter sword was king.
Silver Serpent went on a fierce offensive, attacking his opponent with compact slashes and making use of the strange curves of his sword to try and touch Lionbreaker's cheeks with even just the edge.
It would be quite a significant win if he could do so.
However, the latter naturally refused to allow him, masterfully angling his heavier sword to defend, though it was hard to deny that while his defense was superb, it looked like he was being suppressed in the eyes of the others.
The fight was very equal and impressive in the eyes of Talon.
Yet, Lionbreaker still grew more desperate and infuriated, further losing his cool as dozens of seconds passed.
He would look bad in the eyes of Sylphina like this!
Unfortunately, no matter how he tried to reverse the situation, he could only defend.
Silver Serpent's current mastery of the Kris-type swords was enough to make him look bad.
The sparring match ended just like that, and as much as Lionbreaker wanted to explode in fury, he would look even more stupid if he did so.
He could only swallow the defeat, fake a smile, and shake his genuinely pleased and gloating opponent's hands.
"Hahaha, you let me win, brother Dylan."
"Hahaha, you're too humble, brother Bao. Your mastery with the Kris was superb. I'll just have to get you back next time."
The two were showered with cheers and applause by the lower-rankers due to their graceful display.
However, Silver Serpent wished for nothing more than to mock his "brother" after emerging victorious.
He could tell the guy was seething based on his trembling hands and slightly cracking voice.
It was a decisive mental victory for sure, despite what seemed to be a narrow swordsmanship victory on the surface.
Lionbreaker was now ranked beneath Silver Serpent in the minds of their classmates.