The atmosphere in the sixth training field was extremely lively.
Sparring was naturally the exciting part in training, but having stakes, even if only one's life in a small class tournament, made things significantly more thrilling.
Today was a special day for sure.
At least for others, as Daru had long been used to the feeling of fighting in the finals of a tournament, and only strong opponents would rouse his enthusiasm now.
The afternoon swordsmanship classes proceeded as usual first, with the sparring sessions being replaced by the ranking matches.
It was finally time to clarify their positions in the class.
For most, that is, as others were unlucky enough to get matched with the B- and A-rankers on their first match.
This basically confirmed a first-round exit for them.
For those who planned to settle for a third-round exit in hopes of making it to the circles of the higher-ranking bladeborns, this was the worst.
As for Daru, he still didn't know who he was up against, though not for long, as False Witness and his goon squad suddenly approached him while he was practicing his form.
"Aihh, Your Highness Daru…You said you're confident of winning, yet your moves are this slow. Tell me, were you simply joking earlier?" Zach began with an annoying tone, his underlings quickly chiming in:
"Hahaha, Your Highness…who could've expected that you're such a great entertainer?"
"Come on, guys, stop messing with the prince. He's already going to lose later. Have some mercy on the poor guy, right, Jason?"
A tall and lean orange-haired guy with a burst fade hairstyle then stepped forward, bowing in an exaggerated manner.
"Your Highness Daru, allow me to introduce myself, since it seems you don't even care about a lowlife like me. I'm Jason Barroca, your opponent in the first round."
Daru, after finishing his final quick draw slash, wiped his face with a towel.
Only then did he turn to the goon squad.
"Sorry, I was focusing on my form earlier. What did you guys say?" he apologized, exhaling as he completed the motion of "sheathing" his tachi, even though he was only doing it for the form.
False Witness and his underlings' gaze turned a notch more unfriendly after hearing his words.
Some of them even gritted their teeth.
They couldn't tell whether this arrogant and delusional sword prince was messing with them or not, as the bastard seemed to have an earnest expression.
"Hey, hey, Daru Finnley, you don't even listen when others talk? How arrogant," responded Jason, who walked closer to him and was about to grab him by the shirt when Zach stopped him.
"You better pray you don't get far in this tournament, Daru Finnley. I'm not as forgiving as my underlings," threatened False Witness before leaving.
Daru was left frowning, completely puzzled.
He politely apologized and asked them to repeat what they said so he could react appropriately, but instead, they snapped and suddenly threatened him.
Also, forgiving about what?
Daru only shook his head for a moment before shrugging.
He found the motion of sheathing his tachi rather satisfying, so he shifted his attention back to it while waiting for his turn.
Meanwhile, in the middle of the training spaces of all four classes, the flames of competition burned.
The ranking matches have begun.
A chorus of clashing wood, competitive grunts, and cheers filled the air as the students gave it their all, unwilling to be struck three times, since that would mean defeat.
A majority performed better than they did in regular sparring.
However, there were also those who performed poorly, overwhelmed by nerves.
The first few matches didn't have notable individuals.
Students like Lionbreaker and Silver Serpent didn't fight until around the middle of the scheduled matches.
Unfortunately, it was only the first round, so the B-rankers didn't have too difficult a time, and the one who was unlucky enough to be paired with Sylphina was defeated in less than ten seconds,
Time and the matches proceeded like so.
Of course, by this time, the students of Class 70 already knew even the notable individuals in the other classes, and whenever these high-ranked bladeborns would fight, they would tune in to try and learn a thing or two.
Snowflower and the A-ranker, Darren Zillman from Class 69, won their matches as expected.
Around forty minutes later, only a few more matches were left, and it seemed that the instructors deliberately scheduled these spicy ones last so that everyone would remain enthusiastic and focused.
Daru's match with Zach's underling, Jason, was among these much-anticipated matchups.
A few more minutes later, Instructor Talon finally announced:
"Thirty-eighth and final match of the first round, Daru Finnley versus Jason Barroca."
The onlookers instantly erupted into a commotion.
A kind few wished for the Fallen Sword Prince to survive with minimal humiliation, but a majority wished for the utter ruination of his reputation.