Chapter 198

Chapter 198: New Star Competition

A few days passed after that. During these days, Lolan Hill took time out to tutor Cafra’s studies. She split her teaching time between Class One, where Lohil was, and Class Ten, where she herself was studying. Fortunately, the classrooms of the two classes were far apart, so the students from both classes wouldn’t run into each other.

Since they were currently taking main courses together, the class and classroom were fixed. In the future, when they started taking various elective courses, the classrooms and students would be mixed up.

The darkroom combat event to promote new students’ training and fighting skills was announced during these days. The bulletin board on the first floor of the dormitory building was filled with large words.

[New Star Battle]

In the darkness, journey forward endlessly, exploring the realm of battle. If you desire to hone yourself or are uncertain about your strength compared to your peers, hoping to become a new star of honor, then please sign up for the competition.

—Exclusive event for new students. Sign up and receive excellent weapon rewards.

Champion New Star: 10 points of honor credits, a [Crystal-grade] extraordinary creation.

Runner-up: 6 points of honor credits, a [Crystal-grade] extraordinary creation.

Quarter-finalists: 3 points of honor credits, a [Gold-grade] extraordinary creation.

Round of sixteen: 1 point of honor credit, a [Gold-grade] extraordinary creation.

Passing the preliminary round: a [Silver-grade] extraordinary creation.

Sign up: a [Bronze-grade] extraordinary creation.

This event’s rewards were quite generous, especially for students from poor backgrounds who might not have owned any extraordinary creations before. A [Bronze-grade] extraordinary creation could be exchanged for money outside, enough to support a small family for a year.

The rules for the competition were similar to what Alena had mentioned earlier. It was individual combat indoors with no spectators. There would be judges and medical staff, so there was no need to worry too much about injuries.

—

In the central school building, within the courtyard for combat training.

The courtyard was square-shaped, with a wide grassland in the center. Two rows of wooden dummies were placed on one side. Students first ran around the courtyard to warm up their bodies. Afterward, they were taught sword techniques uniformly.

Although many students might not use swords as their primary weapons in the future, this was still a basic skill everyone had to practice. Swords were the most common weapons and easy to carry. Your enemies would most likely use swords, and you could easily find one for self-defense.

Familiarizing oneself with basic sword techniques, understanding oneself and the enemy, and learning fundamental combat matters would be beneficial in the long run.

Occasionally, the sound of wooden swords clashing echoed through the field. Some new students practiced sword techniques against wooden dummies, while others engaged in duels. Some stood by watching others fight, nodding and thinking deeply.

A young man in white clothes stood with one hand behind his back and the other holding a wooden sword. He let other new students attack him, blocking their strikes while explaining their strengths and weaknesses.

“Not bad. Attacking from this angle can indeed catch the opponent off guard, but it lacks subsequent changes. You should think about varying your attacks to make it harder for them to defend,” he said, swinging his sword to block the opponent and encouraging him afterward.

“Thank you, Senior!” The new student retreated excitedly.

“Next!”

The young man in white continued. This was a fourth-year student named Bu Yudao from the East, known as the famous figure of Fortess Academy by the lakeside. His style was known as the ‘Flowing Stream Sword Technique.’

A teenage boy with dark red hair approached, holding two slender swords seriously.

“Rock has come to practice with me today. That’s rare,” the senior observed the student and sighed, then allowed him to attack.

Rock had been learning the rapid style from the senior in red clothing, characterized by its fierce and unpredictable nature. Even a slight misstep could exploit the opponent’s weakness and secure victory.

On the empty ground of the courtyard, Rock wielded two slender swords, rapidly approaching and then spinning his blades in the air, making it hard to predict. The sounds of rapid clashes followed, attracting students to watch the exciting duel.

“Lolan, look! Rock and Senior Yudao’s practice, it’s amazing!”

Alena excitedly pulled Lolan Hill, who was practicing sword techniques slowly nearby. Lolan reluctantly agreed and walked over to watch.

The two continued their battle on the field, Rock attacking while Senior Yudao defended. The swordplay was swift and dazzling, like shadows.

Among the students, not many used dual swords; generally, they used only one. Dual swords were difficult to master. Under the same amount of practice, single swords were easier to handle and more powerful.

Single swords were easier to control in terms of force, direction, and balance. Using dual swords improperly could lead to interference, difficulty in maintaining balance, and weak power, unsuitable for most people.

Amidst the students’ exclamations and cheers, the practice duel gradually came to an end. A sword flashed, striking Rock’s wrist, causing his slender sword to vibrate and fall from his hand. The same move repeated, sweeping the other sword to the ground.

“Not bad. You’ve improved a lot. Among the new students, you’re probably one of the top ones,” Bu Yudao praised, then explained further, advising Rock not to be too anxious. He was already very capable and could focus on improving his extraordinary sequence rank afterward.

“Thank you, Senior.” Rock, not good at flattering, bowed deeply and stepped back. At this moment, the new students nearby erupted in loud congratulations and discussions.

“How impressive!”

“So strong~”

“Rock must be the strongest in our class.”

“That may not be true. Letis is also very capable, though she excels more in magic than swordsmanship.”

“The girl from the neighboring class, Ye Ling, is also very impressive. I saw her easily defeat several strong classmates.”

“I heard the New Star Battle has started signing up. I wonder how many of us will make it to the round of sixteen.”

“There are sixteen classes of new students. About one per class?”

“It’s hard to say. Each class has different strengths. The teachers say this year’s batch of new students is the best they’ve ever had.”

“He says that about every class, doesn’t he?”

“Oh! Really? I was so excited and worked hard every day.”

“Forget I said that. Keep going, okay.”

“Have you signed up? We can do it together.”

“No, no, no. Fighting isn’t my thing. I’d rather learn something softer, like healing, herbalism, or alchemy.”

“But no matter which academy you go to, the advancement assessment requires combat results. Even the Temple Academy, which has the lowest requirements, demands a rating above average.”

“Ugh, why is that?”

“Sorry, Miss Spoiled, we rough-and-tumble folk are embarrassing you.”

“Get lost, puke out the cake I treated you to yesterday.” Laughter followed.

As the combat training ended, Alena and Lolan Hill walked back together, chatting.

Alena, hands behind her head, walked casually, looking at the sunset scenery and chasing students in the distance. Turning to Lolan, she asked, “Lolan, have you signed up?”

“You mean the New Star Battle? I’ve already signed up,” Lolan replied, carrying her book bag and slightly lifting her head.

“I haven’t seen you fight anyone yet. You always practice alone. Are you confident this time?”

Lolan looked at the figures chasing in the sunset, smiling faintly. The sun’s rays and the tilted shadows of trees cast a golden hue on her black hair. Softly, she said, “I guess I have a little confidence.”

—

Thank you, Bāoyún Zǐ, Héxiāng, and Qìmíng, for your generous gifts.