Information about the format and their assigned sparring partners was included in the message sent to every individual scheduled to have a match that day.
The senior students of the Academy took it a step further by posting the list of matches on the notice board outside, ensuring no student could miss their match due to ignorance.
The commoners didn't pay much attention to their matchups, while the nobles reacted differently. If they were matched against someone from an influential family with a strong bloodline, they despaired. Conversely, if their opponent was weaker, they assumed an easy victory.
Even if they lost, the academy wouldn't interfere with the results, adhering strictly to fairness. But winning against someone from a stronger family would likely jeopardize their own family's future growth. Stronger families would not allow weaker ones to tarnish their reputation, even in a mere spar.
As students made their way toward the academy's battlegrounds, where the spars would be held, they saw four massive stages, each about 1000 yards in diameter, separated by 200 yards. The stages formed a circular formation, with plenty of seating around them, including two VIP seating areas. However, the only spectators present were senior academy students, eager to see the abilities of their future juniors.
Five instructors stood nearby, overseeing the event. The moment everyone arrived, one of them stepped forward.
"I welcome every person here for the Entrance Examination. I am Yasura Megumi, the Vice Headmaster of Regia Nevaris, and I will be overseeing the battles today." She gestured toward the large stages.
"These battles will be held in the four stages before you. Though they are meant to be simple spars, you are allowed to go all out. We have some of the best healers present, ready to treat any injuries you may suffer." As she spoke, two healers appeared beside her.
"Without further delay, let's begin," she ordered, disappearing and reappearing in one of the VIP seats to oversee the event.
"The students whose names are called, please step into Stage 1," announced one of the instructors, a mature woman, as she took out an information orb.
"Amamiya Rika and Mizuno Akari," she called.
A young male with a strong build and a lean female stepped onto the stage.
"As mentioned before, I will drain all your mana. You may use spells if you recover enough during the match. The battle will end when one of you is either unable to continue, pushed out of the arena, or forfeits," she instructed before turning to the participants.
"Will you be using any weapons or artifacts?"
"A spear," Akari answered.
"An axe," Rika responded.
"Take them out," she ordered, inspecting the weapons briefly before stepping back.
"3...2...1...Start!" she commanded.
The moment the instructor gave the signal, Rika charged at Akari, a wide grin on his face. He swung his axe with full force, aiming to either knock away or destroy her spear, intending to end the match in a few moves.
Akari simply shook her head. With swift precision, she caught his axe with her spear and redirected it toward the ground.
*Boom!*
Rika's axe was lodged into the ground. Seizing her chance, Akari quickly repositioned her spear and struck at his chest, aiming to deliver a serious blow.
*Swishhh!*
The spear strike cut through the air as Rika crouched and, using all his power, yanked his axe from the ground, attempting to slash at her legs.
Akari leaped backward, creating distance between herself and Rika. She knew better than to fight at close quarters when she had the advantage in a ranged confrontation.
Gripping her spear with one hand, she took a throwing stance and, using the mana she had gathered, hurled the spear toward him.
*Clang!*
Rika knocked the spear away with his axe. Using his mana to steady and propel himself, he rushed at Akari, intending to overpower her with his body now that she was disarmed.
*Grunt*
Before he could get close, the spear he had knocked aside returned to Akari's side, slashing at his shoulder. She had been controlling the weapon remotely.
'So, that's why she didn't move,' Rika realized, cursing his carelessness. And as if the situation couldn't get any worse, Akari closed the distance and launched her assault, not giving him any breathing room.
Bleeding heavily and now only able to use about 60% of his strength, Rika struggled to defend himself as Akari relentlessly attacked. She mixed in kicks and palm strikes, forcing him to expend more energy with each exchange. Weakened from blood loss, he began to falter.
*Ack!*
Rika grunted in pain as Akari's spear penetrated his defenses once more. Seizing the opportunity, she kicked his chest, sending him flying across the stage.
*Thud*
Rika's body hit the ground with a heavy impact, and he lost consciousness.
"The spar is over.
Winner: Mizuno Akari."
Cheers erupted from the academy students watching the match, impressed by Akari's performance.