"Oh look someone, unaffiliated managed to clear the round." people around the crowd murmured.
This place is not only a Competition where, the competitors could show their prowess, but also attract , the eyes of various powerhouses all over the continent.
And it's relatively much easier to poach an unaffiliated swordsman, rather than someone who already has an Affliation.
Soon the list entered, the stage of top 100, and various names from several powerhouse kingdoms and academy were mentioned.
Name :- Ian Nafferton
Age :- 19
Affliation :- Azure Dragon Academy.
Rank :- 100
Name :- Mesha Giesal
Age :- 21
Affliation :-Vulcunus Sword Academy.
Rank :- 99
Name :- Gary Kaisar
Age :- 19
Affliation :- Holy Sword Academy.
Rank :- 98
While looking at the magic screen Samuel made a confused look, before inquiring it with Hemdall.
"Master, Aren't they the students of three major Academies, shouldn't they be ranked much higher."
" Shut up, you stupid brat. stop asking such moronic questions, do you really think these are the only students in that list "
" Isn't there any limitations for the numbers of participants, for each organisation. "
" That's what the first round is for, which separates real geniuses from the rest of the group."
"To be honest, I am quite surprised Bane managed to clear it." Hemdall added.
"But Bane is definitely talented , why are you surprised ?. " Samuel inquired.
Hemdall immediately shook his head.
"Yes, there's no doubt about it, but it's not nearly enough in this place., He must have been either extremely lucky , or has some kind of trump card up his sleeves".
Hemdall said while having a bright look on his face, full of anticipation.
Soon the list entered in its late stage and various famous sword familes, Empires,Kingdom and Academy affliated names were mentioned.
Name :- Alex Hebrion
Age :- 20
Affliation:- Hebrion Empire
Rank :- 10
Name :- Alicia Chronos
Age :- 20
Affliation :- Chronos Empire.
Rank :- 9
...
...
Name :- Greta Grese
Age :- 20
Affliation :- Azure Dragon Academy.
Rank :- 6
...
...
...
Name :- Hector Berlin
Age :- 20
Affliation :- Demon Extermination Squad.
Rank :- 3
Name :- Ryan Vasamund
Age :- 21
Affliation :- Leonhart Empire, Vasamund Family.
Rank :- 2
Name :- Nathan Leonhart.
Age :- 20
Affliation :- Leonhart Empire.
Rank :- 1
"Haah !, the top 2 spots are taken by the Leonhart Empire, Luckily the eldest son of Vasisth Dukedom is still 15 years old, or who knows they might have even swept all the top three spots." One of the spectators murmured.
"According to the rumors he is even more talented than Nathan Leonhart and Ryan Vassamund, It is said , he might surpass them in just a couple of years"
Samuel kept his ears open as he listened to his surroundings and though ' Eldest son of the Vasisth Sword Family, he is almost the same age as me, we might meet in the next Competition'.
As Samuel was in a deep thought, he noticed Hemdall making wierd faces and grumbling sound, clearly being unsatisfied of something.
"Is something wrong master." Samuel quickly inquired.
"Why are none of the students from Vulcunus Sword Academy not in the Top 10." Hemdall growled.
To be honest Samuel noticed that too, but decided to keep quite about it not to disturb his master.
"tsk, what the hell are those idiots doing?, How is this kind of performance acceptable from one of the major Academy?" Hemdall clenched his fist and said " I am going to prepare a special training regime for you so be prepared"
Samuel could only blankly stare and think 'It seems I'll have to receive the brunt for the failure of the Academy'
The first round of the Tournament came to an end, the next round is supposed to take place,a week from now.
Samuel and Hemdall got up and left the arena and went to Inn they booked.
"Master, When will we get to meet Bane?" Samuel inquired.
"He will come and find us if he wants to, Enough about him, I am leaving for a while, to make some preparations for you training. "
Hemdall left leaving Samuel in the empty room alone.
Soon a week passed by and the second round of the tournament began.
It was a simple one on one fight, against the remaining participants, where the one ranked highest would fight the one lowest.
This process continues until only 4 of them remain. And those four are given the title of
' Four Continental Geniuses' representing four different directions. and the winner would be granted any one of his wish from the Association. and as long as the wish doesn't contradict with their basic morality, they will try their best to fulfill it.
The matches took place simultaneously, as the matches almost all the matches ended in a instant in just couple of sword strikes.
Hemdall who was sitting quietly beside Samuel finally opened his mouth.
"See this is the difference I was talking about"
Samuel quickly nodded his head as he saw a complete annihilation of those swordsman who were at the bottom of the Ranking by those on the top.
It took just couple of minutes, as the matches ended simultaneously one after another.
"Ahh!, it's gonna be Bane's turn soon " Samuel quickly exclaimed.
Bane Curtis VS Greta Grese
Rank :- 251 Rank :- 6
These words were displayed in huge bold words on the magic screen, as both the competitors went inside the arena and took their swords out and pointed at each other. Soon the referee who was standing outside the arena, signaled and the duel began.