“All of you very much know, that these trials are based on your skill in combat, and your intellect. We will call upon several of you students to spar with each other. Basic sparring rules, you are only allowed to use one weapon, which will be the sword. I wish you all the best of luck, and I hope you succeed. But, only half of you will be able to become a swordsman.” The Instructor’s booming voice echoed across the massive gymnasium, in which 300 boys, all physically fit, wearing full battle armor, and holding huge broadswords, stood, riled at the enormity of risk this test will take. If you fail, you will have to do training all over again. A tense atmosphere hung over the students, and silence invaded the air, until the boys finally got into their divisions.

One of these 300 boys, carried a rapier. A rapier technically counted as a sword, but isn’t really effective against a boy with full battle armor, and a swinging broadsword. Or so the instructors thought. He was also wearing nothing but leather armor, steel gloves, wool boots, and a large smile on his face. He was a newbie from the Northern Lands, and seemed to have a different combat style from the others. So different in fact, that he trained by himself. He also, knew what he was doing. But, he was obviously a target for big, brawny bullies due to the Northerner’s differences. But they were stupid enough to throw a punch when their pride was battered by the newcomer’s sharp wits. It usually ended up with the Northern boy’s leg connecting to the side of the bullies face, spinning the all-brawn-but-no-brained child into Never Never Land. He was liked among weaklings, and hated among almost everyone else. Except the instructors. He was polite, and, in their instructors’ perspectives, a good child. But in combat, he would do all the dirty tricks needed to win a battle.

“Axonlage versus Ninkan!”

Surprised to hear his name called first, Ninkan picked up his rapier and stood on the wooden stadium. Axonlage appeared to be a medium sized boy, and he had the same armor as everyone else. But his sword gleamed in the light, and the hilt was covered in jewels. His eyes gleamed in chivalry and kindness. Ninkan sized up his opponent, and waited for the bell to ring.