As Vivian donned her armor, she felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. She'd trained rigorously for this moment, but the reality of the trials was sinking in. Surrounded by larger, more experienced knights, she couldn't help but feel a pang of doubt.
The grandmaster, a stern figure with a booming voice, stepped forward. "Welcome, recruits," he announced. "Today, you'll be tested to see if you have what it takes to become knights of this realm. Your trials will be arduous, and many of you will fail. But those who persevere will be rewarded with the honor of serving your king."
The grandmaster outlined the trials: a sword fighting tournament with wooden swords, a grueling obstacle course, and a final swordfight with real steel. Additionally, those without swords for the final battle would be permitted to borrow one. Nervous glances were exchanged among the recruits.
"You will be divided into groups," the grandmaster continued. "The last two standing in each group will not fight today, but face off in the final battle. Good luck, and may the goddess be with you all."
The recruits were divided into groups of five and placed in a large, open arena. A crowd had gathered in the stands surrounding the area to watch the spectacle, their faces filled with anticipation.
Vivian found herself matched in a group with a burly knight named Boris. Towering over most opponents, his bald head and jagged scar added to his intimidating aura. Renowned for his brute strength and ruthless tactics, Boris was a formidable foe. Vivian knew she would likely face him in the final round.
The tournament began with a chaotic free-for-all amongst each group of five. The recruits clashed swords, their cries and grunts echoing through the arena. Vivian fought with all her might, dodging blows and striking back with precision. She managed to defeat an opponent, but the competition was fierce. Boris alone had taken out two of the members of the group by himself.
As the tournament progressed, the number of recruits dwindled. Many had been injured or knocked out. Vivian found herself facing Boris, the last remaining opponent in their group.
'Maybe he doesn't know our match is over?'
"Don't think you can get away with coasting off my victory weakling." Boris taunted as he lunged at her.
'Or he just doesn't care.'
Vivian dodged the blow and counterattacked with a feint and thrust. Boris was relentless and powerful, when he saw a break in her stance he lunged again aiming for her head. With a sudden burst of speed, Boris lunged, his wooden sword aimed at Vivian's head. She parried the attack, the force of the blow sending a shockwave through her arm.
Desperately she tried to find some sort of open point, watching his movements she noted that his size made him slightly slower than her. She used this advantage to strike with swift, precise movements, but even when she landed a hit it seemed to do little damage.
"No matter how many times a bug strikes, it doesn't change the fact that it's a mere insect," Boris scoffed.
Vivian ignored his taunts, focusing on the task at hand. She knew she had to be patient, to wait for the perfect moment. And then it came. With a well-timed sweep of her leg, she tripped Boris, sending him crashing to the ground, a cloud of dust enveloped the two. The crowd erupted in cheers. Looking around Vivian noticed they were the only two still fighting.
"Why don't they stop this?" Vivian muttered, pulling up the visor of her helmet. She walked over and extended a hand to help Boris up, but he took the opportunity to throw dust in her eyes.
Stumbling backward, she heard Boris jump to his feet. Fear shot through her as she struggled to regain her vision. Boris struck her with a powerful blow to the head, and she heard a ringing in her ear.
Just then, someone pulled her back, shielding her from further harm. "Are you okay, kid?" Gerald asked, removing her helmet. When Vivian finally opened her eyes, she saw Boris arguing with the recruiters and Crystal being held back by Lynn as she swore and attempted to kick at him.
"He started it first!" Boris insisted, pointing at Vivian.