On the day of the assessment, everyone arrived early at Viscount Xuefeng's training ground, which was also filled with many noble family members who had come to watch the evaluation. Among them were quite a few elderly and children, probably treating today as some kind of outing activity and gathering.

"Isn't this Sister Moran? How have you been lately?"

"Ah, it's Sanna, long time no see." Several noblewomen gathered together, discussing recent current events.

"I just returned from Valley City, the art exhibition there was truly wonderful. Especially a work by a new painter called 'Red Lotus in Water' - that lotus on the canvas looked like it was burning. A master commented that this painting of his has already touched the professional threshold, and in a while, that painting will gain the 'Blazing Sun' Aspect."

"Wow, there's such an amazing new painter? I originally thought you could only see that in White Cliff City."

"That's what makes it surprising. They say that new painter is only eighteen years old, a real genius."

"Who knows how many girls at the scene were captivated by his paintings, many were competing to marry him."

"If I were ten years younger, I'd probably be crowding around him too. If I could just touch those painting hands of his, it would be a wonderful memory for a lifetime."

"Such painters are even rarer than knight masters, probably not appearing even once in ten years." The others nodded in agreement.

Today's competition was divided into two rounds. The first round had students compete based on drawing lots, fighting three matches each. Those with two or more wins would advance to the second round, followed by arena challenges to determine the final winner.

There were fifteen students in this session, so the actual time required wouldn't be too long.

"Komea has to go on stage too?" Karen saw Komea also preparing.

"Yes." Komea gripped her sword, waving it in her hand to get used to the feel.

"You're really going?" Karen still found it somewhat unbelievable, as Komea had never participated in combat training.

"I have my own secret winning method, Karen will find out soon." Komea spoke mysteriously.

"Alright." Seeing Komea so determined, Karen stopped her. She thought Komea was very smart and must have a plan.

"Eh, no way, is Tia going up too?" This time it was Komea's turn to be surprised.

"Well, no matter what, since everyone has come, I can't retreat at the last moment either." The girl's response made the two think she definitely didn't want to be special by not participating.

"Whoever draws Tia is lucky." Both knew Sylutia never participated in sparring practice, so her going on stage could only be to make up numbers.

Apart from the three of them, the other students had now all arrived. Some were warming up and preparing, others were putting on protective gear to prevent injuries, while some more bold and confident ones still wore dress-like clothing.

Iona stood in the best rest area, which was usually reserved for distinguished knights, but since no knights were appearing today, no one questioned her using it.

Her golden short hair was partially tied up with a red hair ribbon today. She wore a deep brown formal fitted jacket on top with a row of exquisite buttons on the chest, and below was a skirt suitable for movement. This outfit came from White Cliff City's Royal Academy, though unfortunately after leaving there, she could no longer wear the Royal Academy badge.

The single-handed sword with gilded hand guards hung at her side, its scabbard bearing a sparrow bird pattern - that was Viscount Caren's family crest.

Her gaze swept over the noblewomen and socialites on the viewing stands holding parasols in twos and threes, and Iona felt inexplicably irritated. If this were her family territory, she would definitely make these noisy people get out.

But for now, she could only take deep breaths and suppress the frustration in her heart.

Start quickly already, finish the competition and go back, she wanted to properly soak in a hot bath. Standing here made her feel like a layer of dust had settled on her.

More than ten minutes later, Viscount Xuefeng stepped onto the platform, briefly introduced today's assessment competition, then had a knight guard preside over the entire competition.

Going to the cool private box viewing stand, Viscount Xuefeng sat down and appreciated today's matches with Scholar Hyde beside him.

"First match, Ray versus Mick!"

Having to face an acquaintance in the very first match? Mick stood up, picked up the unsharpened broadsword at his side, and stepped onto the platform step by step.

Under the scorching sun, the two stood five meters apart, momentarily silent.

Though not some life-or-death battle, having two people with good relations face each other in the first match was really unlucky.

"Come on, Mick." Ray lifted his hammer, holding it horizontally in front of him.

"Hah."

Mick stopped hesitating at this point, gripping his broadsword and stepping forward as the two began to exchange blows.

The iron broadsword was held with both hands, his movements full of power yet with some flexibility to spare. As the blade swung, Mick's footwork changed, making his attacks harder to predict. This excellent technique made knowledgeable audience members quietly applaud.

"Though I don't know his name, this child is already a qualified warrior."

On the other side, Ray used his substantial strength to swing the large hammer with whistling sounds, suppressing Mick's attack routes and forcing his opponent to stay away, making it difficult to close in.

The two had sparred many times during normal practice and knew each other's tactical styles well, making it hard to determine a winner for now.

Blades occasionally clashed, deflecting the hammer's attacks, or merely blocking momentarily before disengaging. Ray's hammer smashed into the platform, splintering wooden boards.

This back-and-forth exchange gradually heightened the audience's excitement, with many starting to cheer for their chosen side or making bets with each other.

"I bet on the big guy winning. He's strong enough, his movements aren't clumsy - he's a rare strongman. In low-level fights like this, the advantage of strength is too great."

"I'm more optimistic about the smaller one. As long as he keeps calm, continuously harasses and consumes the big guy's stamina, he can find an opening to break through."

"Fine, shall we bet 50 silver?"

"No problem." Two nobles agreed on their bet on the viewing stand.

Down on the platform below, Mick and Ray's battle reached its climax. By now there were many pits on the platform from hammer strikes, and Ray was forced into a disadvantageous position - with smashed pits behind and beside him, making it difficult to change stances or retreat to face the enemy. He could only choose to attack head-on at this point.

The hammer calculated Mick's attack route, sweeping to block.

Unfortunately, Mick had anticipated this. He pushed off hard with his feet, barely avoiding Ray's attack, then advanced from an unexpected angle - Ray's left side where it was hard to generate power.

The broadsword slashed down fiercely, striking the leather armor on Ray's shoulder and shaking up dust. At this moment, Mick quickly retracted his sword, circled forward again, arriving at Ray's completely undefended back, and pressed his sword against the other's spine.

"Good, I lost." Ray set his hammer on the ground and conceded defeat.

"Lucky win."

Mick also put down his sword, his chest heaving violently, taking quite a while to recover from the side effects of the Breathing Technique.

"First match, Mick wins!" Applause sounded across the venue.

The first match had started things off well, making everyone look forward to the upcoming fights even more.