The exhibition pressed on with excitement as the students, pushing their limits, impressed both the crowd and the royal family watching. Among the best, Adam, Frank, Beatrix, and Cynthia stood out, their performances earning nods from the King himself.
Then, with a commanding presence, Commander Elijah stepped forward, his voice carrying over the crowd. "Alright, everyone! It's time for our top students to face each other in combat! For the first round, Beatrix Griffin will go against Cynthia Bert! The rules are simple—whoever yields first, loses!"
Cynthia's eyes widened, a flicker of hesitation showing. Her friends immediately rallied around her.
"Don't worry, you got this." David assured her with a grin.
"Yeah! Show her who's the real girl boss around here!" Mike shouted, pumping his fist in the air.
Cynthia managed a nervous smile. "Thanks, everyone. I'll do my best!" She glanced over at Adam, who gave her a reassuring nod, his smile warm and encouraging. She returned his gaze, feeling a surge of confidence as she stepped forward into the arena.
The crowd was silent as Cynthia and Beatrix took their positions. Both girls locked eyes, intense determination reflected on each face. They raised their swords, ready. A nearby counselor murmured, "Let's see if Miss Bert is as good with a sword as she is with a bow and arrow."
At the sound of the drumbeat, they sprang into action. Their swords clashed with a ringing force, echoing through the arena. The crowd cheered wildly, some chanting Beatrix's name, others rallying behind Cynthia. Victor, watching closely, silently rooted for Cynthia, his eyes following her every move.
Beatrix sneered slightly as they fought, speaking between quick strikes. "Your archery skills might be impressive, but you can't beat me in close combat!"
Cynthia smiled, unfazed. "I don't have to beat you—I just have to put on a good show!" Seizing the moment, she kicked up a cloud of dust that caught Beatrix off guard, blinding her momentarily. Cynthia swiftly used the opening to kick her opponent back, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
"Nice move!" someone shouted.
Beatrix steadied herself, dusting off her armor with a glare. "Not bad! Enjoy it—because you won't get another chance!" She lunged at Cynthia, and their swords clashed again, each blow resonating as both girls demonstrated skill and grit, earning impressed looks from the counselors and even the King.
The King leaned toward the commander. "It's remarkable how they fight with such precision and restraint."
Commander Elijah nodded, his gaze unwavering. "Our students are trained well, Your Majesty. They understand the balance between power and control. Careless fighters would have already injured themselves."
The intensity between the two girls only grew. Beatrix found an opening and swiftly tripped Cynthia, delivering a punch as Cynthia fell hard to the ground. The crowd gasped, and Cynthia's friends watched with concern as Beatrix approached her.
"Just yield, Cynthia. You know you can't win!" Beatrix taunted, her voice smug.
Cynthia wiped her face, determination flashing in her eyes. She scrambled up, picked up her sword, and met Beatrix's gaze with fierce resolve. "If you think I'll give up that easily, you're in for a surprise!"
"Go, Cynthia! Show her what you're made of!" Mike shouted, his voice carrying through the crowd, which erupted in cheers for her.
Beatrix clenched her jaw, clearly irritated by the crowd's support for Cynthia. With a mocking smile, she steadied her stance. "Fine. Let's settle this, then!"
The two launched back into their duel, trading punches and strikes in quick succession. Cynthia managed a well-placed punch to Beatrix's side, but Beatrix countered, seizing Cynthia's arm and kicking her knee. Cynthia collapsed to the ground, and Beatrix pinned her down, her voice sharp. "Yield!"
Gritting her teeth, Cynthia struggled beneath Beatrix's weight. "No!"
Summoning her strength, she pushed Beatrix off and delivered a punch to her face, sending her opponent stumbling back and dropping her sword. Cynthia charged forward, preparing her next move.
Beatrix's gaze flicked momentarily to the commander, searching his face, but his expression remained impassive. Her face hardened, and with a sudden burst of speed, she dodged Cynthia's attack, grabbing her arm and delivering a forceful blow to Cynthia's stomach.
Cynthia fell to her knees, gasping.
"Cynthia! Get up!" Mike's voice trembled with worry, and her friends watched with bated breath as Beatrix leaned over her, pressing her face down into the dirt.
"Yield!" Beatrix demanded, her voice cold.
After a brief struggle, Cynthia's voice, soft yet resolute, broke the silence. "I… I yield."
Beatrix straightened, lifting her sword high, victorious as the crowd erupted in applause. Commander Elijah stepped forward, raising his hand. "The winner is… Beatrix Griffin!"
Yet as Cynthia rose slowly to her feet, wiping the dust from her face, the crowd's cheers shifted in her direction, louder and more enthusiastic.
Beatrix cast her a lingering, envious glance before turning and leaving the arena.
Cynthia's friends quickly surrounded her, their voices a mix of praise and relief.
"That was incredible Cynthia! You almost had her!" Mike said, clapping her on the back.
"Yeah, you were so close! Well done." Frank added with a proud smile.
Cynthia managed a weary smile. "Thanks, guys. I gave it my all."
Adam stepped forward, gently resting a hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
Cynthia's cheeks flushed slightly, and she nodded. "Yeah… I'm alright. Thanks." His warm smile made her feel lighter, the sting of defeat fading in his gaze.
As the crowd began to disperse, murmurs of Cynthia's fierce display continued to ripple through the arena. She'd lost the match, but her courage had won her admiration from friends and strangers alike.
The Commander strode forward, his voice echoing over the arena. "Now, for our next battle! Adam Spencer versus Franklin Hills!"
Frank turned to Adam with a grin, a glint of anticipation in his eyes. "Well, well. Looks like it's our turn."
Adam chuckled, adjusting his grip on his sword. "Don't expect me to go easy on you, Frank."
Side by side, they made their way toward the center of the arena, the crowd's cheers and shouts surrounding them like a rising tide. Jason, standing a little way off, clenched his fists in silent support. "You've got this, Adam." He muttered under his breath, his gaze steady on his friend.
As Adam and Frank reached their positions, silence fell over the crowd. Everyone leaned forward, holding their breath, waiting for the drum's beat to unleash the action.
The drum sounded, and in an instant, Adam and Frank were upon each other, swords colliding with a fierce clang that echoed around the arena. Their blades flashed in the sunlight as they maneuvered and countered with a precision that had everyone captivated. The King watched Adam intently, his eyes narrowed with interest, while the counselors leaned in, studying every move.
One of the counselors turned to Counselor Charles, who sat with a hint of pride in his eyes. "Spencer's reputation precedes him. I've heard he's the best among them."
"Yes, but Frank is also exceptional. Your grandson never disappoints." Another counselor noted.
Charles nodded confidently. "They both carry their training well. Let's see who comes out on top."
On the battlefield, Adam and Frank were locked in a seamless exchange of attacks and blocks, their movements so fluid it was as though they had rehearsed together. Every attack was matched with a counter, every strike met with deflection. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, murmuring in awe.
"Wow! Those two are in a league of their own!" Mike said, his eyes wide with admiration.
"Yeah, they're practically equals." David replied, shaking his head in disbelief.
"I wish I were as good as they are," Ben mumbled, shyly glancing at his own sword.
After several long moments of back-and-forth, Adam saw his opening. With a swift kick, he struck Frank in the side, knocking him slightly off balance. Seizing the moment, Adam grabbed Frank by the shoulder and pulled him to the ground. But Frank wasn't out yet; he quickly tripped Adam, hitting his chest and making him stumble. They exchanged a grin, a silent acknowledgment of each other's skill, before springing back up, their blades clashing again.
Then, in a sudden twist, Adam ducked forward, ramming his head gently but firmly into Frank's chest. Frank staggered, and before he could react, Adam followed up with a swift punch, sending Frank sprawling to the ground.
Adam stepped over him, sword poised. Frank, still catching his breath, managed a smirk. "Alright, alright. I yield!"
The crowd erupted in applause, their cheers echoing through the arena. Adam reached down, clasping Frank's hand and pulling him to his feet before lifting his arm in a gesture of camaraderie. The two exchanged a warm smile as the King rose from his throne, applauding their display of skill and sportsmanship.
Commander Elijah stepped forward, raising his arm. "The winner is… Adam Spencer!"
Jason, watching from the sidelines, grinned and gave Adam a thumbs-up, which Adam returned with a nod and a smile. As he and Frank walked back to join the others, they were greeted with excited voices.
"You two were incredible! Honestly, I didn't know who was going to win!" Mike said, eyes alight with admiration.
Frank laughed, clapping Adam on the back. "That was a great match, my friend."
But the Commander's voice cut through the conversation, capturing everyone's attention once more. "Thank you, everyone, for your cheers and support! And now, we come to the final event of the exhibition! All final-year students, please come forward for your last challenge!"
As if on cue, all fifty final-year students walked with pride toward the center of the arena. The crowd murmured in anticipation as a line of knights began placing crystals around the battle area. A faint shimmer enveloped the field, creating a transparent dome that shielded the crowd while leaving the students enclosed within.
"What do you think is going on?" Ben asked, his eyes widening in curiosity.
Frank's head suddenly begins to ring loudly, causing him to cover one of his ears.
Then, Commander Elijah's voice boomed again. "Release it!"
A low rumble sounded, and a massive gate on the far side of the arena creaked open. From the darkness, a hulking shape emerged, its scales bright red. The crowd gasped as a massive dragon prowled forward, its eyes glinting with rage. Smoke curled from its nostrils as it surveyed the group of students with a predatory gleam.
"Wait—are we seriously fighting a dragon?!" Ben's voice was a mix of fear and disbelief.
David raised his sword, his expression both wary and determined. "This is… unexpected."
Adam's gaze never wavered. Instead, a smile crept across his face. "Buckle up, everyone! Things just got more interesting."
The students gripped their swords and shields, each of them acutely aware that this was no ordinary opponent. The dragon loomed before them, its wings spreading wide as it prepares to attack. The crowd leaned forward, holding their breath, as the final challenge of the exhibition began.