The matches proceeded one after another, and the most outstanding students quickly distinguished themselves.

Iona achieved three consecutive victories in the shortest time, placing first, followed by Baren, who had good luck with the draw and didn't encounter any strong opponents. Although Mick also won three matches, his first fight against Ray was too difficult and consumed a lot of his stamina.

Solyn suffered one defeat but barely made it to the second round with two wins.

"The champion should emerge from among these four," Viscount Xuefeng stroked his small mustache and had the maid serve cool tea.

Being close to mountains and grasslands, people in the southern part of Regas preferred chilled tea over scalding hot tea.

"Aside from Iona being the undisputed favorite, which one does Scholar Hyde think will take second place?"

"I never make predictions in advance," Scholar Hyde shook his head with a smile.

"However, I have high hopes for Mick and Solyn."

"Haha, indeed, those two work much harder than Baren," Viscount Xuefeng also nodded.

While the two were talking, a new round of matches began. After the first round of eliminations, five people entered the second round: Iona, Baren, Toss, Mick, and Solyn.

In the rest area, Sylutia helped Komea sit beside Karen, letting the two lean back in their chairs to watch the remaining matches.

"If Solyn wasn't so difficult to deal with, I would have made it to the second round by now," Komea said somewhat discontentedly.

"Alright, just behave yourself for now," Sylutia comfortingly patted Komea's head.

Although Phantom Eye was powerful, with Komea's current strength, she could only use it twice a day at best. Moreover, Solyn wasn't an unprepared ordinary person—he was already highly vigilant during the match. Komea expended tremendous energy to defeat him, and if she had faced others afterward, she wouldn't have had the strength to use Phantom Eye again.

"How about you, Karen? Feeling better now?" Sylutia brought more water and fed it to her classmate who could barely move.

"Better," Karen, who had been pale earlier, had improved considerably.

The three sat on the bench watching the fights on the platform.

Currently, Baren was defending his position while Mick challenged him, and the two were locked in a fierce battle.

After several exchanges, Baren began to tire. His Breathing Technique was only at the first stage, while Mick relied on the second-tier Breathing Technique, clearly surpassing him in endurance.

Baren was now breathing heavily, gripping his sword with both hands, his eyes fixed intently on Mick as he slowly circled the platform, avoiding direct confrontation.

How did this guy become so strong? he thought to himself, then glanced at Solyn below the stage and that golden-haired figure.

He couldn't wait any longer. If he delayed further, he might miss his chance. Baren moved his wrist, one hand leaving the sword hilt to reach for his collar.

That was...

In the rest area, Sylutia saw an invisible light spreading from Baren's chest, the ripples and sensation exactly like what she had witnessed back in Lindenwood Village.

Sure enough, after being affected by the ripples, Mick, who had seized the opportunity to advance, suddenly changed expression. His previously rapidly operating Breathing Technique was instantly suppressed, feeling as if an invisible hammer had struck his chest and tightly clamped his blood vessels.

His movements faltered, but Baren didn't stop. Seizing this rare opportunity, he knocked Mick's weapon away with one sword strike, then swung back, hitting Mick's shoulder and cutting into the inner layer of his leather armor. In pain and with his movements distorted, Mick fell backward onto the ground. He tried to move his body to avoid further attacks, but Baren didn't give him time, instead stepping on his shoulder and pressing his sword against Mick's neck.

"Admit defeat," he panted, revealing a hint of triumph.

"Pfft," Mick spat and turned his face away.

"Baren wins," the referee soon announced the result, and applause came from the spectator stands.

Most ordinary people were completely unaware of the method Baren had used, with only a few noticing something amiss.

"Boring," Iona shook her head disdainfully and turned away.

After defeating Mick, only three people stood in Baren's path to first place. Toss, also a noble, had a good relationship with Baren and knew his own skills were inferior, so he wasn't in a hurry to step up. Iona also remained seated below, somewhat disdainful of fighting Baren.

"So, it's my turn now," Solyn picked up his sword and slowly walked toward the high platform.

The two had been fighting since the first day of school, becoming archrivals—one leading the noble students, the other leading the commoner students. During their time studying under Scholar Hyde, they had been competing openly and covertly, constantly comparing themselves to each other.

In secret history classes, Baren, with his solid foundation, far surpassed Solyn. However, Solyn, having trained with his father since childhood, exceeded Baren in physical strength and combat skills. Overall, the gap between them wasn't large, and Scholar Hyde was pleased to see this healthy competition and didn't interfere to stop it.

Approaching noon, the light was somewhat dazzling. Solyn adjusted his breathing, focusing his mind on the upcoming match.

Having been previously forced into unconsciousness by Komea's Phantom Eye, he was still suffering from aftereffects, his head feeling somewhat heavy.

Although he wasn't in his best condition, Baren's early use of his trump card had alerted him, so he wasn't completely unprepared. This made the two somewhat even.

"Baren versus Solyn, begin!" the referee loudly announced.

Neither attacked immediately; instead, they cautiously circled the platform, testing each other, occasionally feinting to provoke a reaction.

Baren needed to defeat Solyn to make a good impression in front of Iona, so he was very cautious. Solyn, meanwhile, hoped to secure a ranking to gain Viscount Xuefeng's appreciation and make a name for himself in Scorchstone City. His background wasn't as privileged as these noble youths, and if he couldn't seize rare opportunities, he might remain obscure.

After several rounds of testing, both their patience and concentration were nearly exhausted. During another one of Solyn's feigned attacks, Baren didn't react quickly, and this time Solyn shifted his footing, turning it into a real assault. He almost activated his Power Burst ability while charging forward, making his speed extremely fast. Baren had no time to activate his trump card before Solyn closed in.

The swift sword blade swung in the largest arc, fully accelerated and powered, then swung down in a spinning downward slash. The violent force directly knocked away Baren's blocking sword and struck his arm.

With a slight cracking sound, Baren's arm fractured, pressing against his face, then his body involuntarily knelt, breaking the wooden boards.

After this move, Solyn was nearly exhausted, while Baren clutched his arm and knee, groaning in pain on the platform, his face contorted.

Seeing this scene, many watching noblewomen let out soft gasps, and then the referee announced.

"Solyn wins!"

The subsequent matches ended quickly.

Although he defeated Baren, Solyn's condition worsened further. His entire body ached, and he couldn't use his Breathing Technique, so when facing Toss, he was easily defeated by his opponent who took advantage of the situation.

Finally, Toss faced Iona. He also admired this golden-haired noble lady, but since Baren had been ahead of him, he felt he couldn't compete and hadn't shown it.

Today, not only had Baren suffered a humiliating defeat, but his recovery would undoubtedly take time. As the noble student with results second only to Baren, Toss immediately sensed an opportunity. Biting a fresh red thorn rose, he stepped onto the high platform.

Facing Iona's sword, he didn't fight back at all but instead offered her the rose, expressing his admiration.

Such a romantic act drew applause from the noblewomen and young ladies in the stands. Unfortunately, Iona wasn't moved and immediately turned away from the combat platform.

The final results: first place Iona, second place Toss, third place Solyn.

Although Solyn was defeated, he still brought honor. Many present recognized his strength and potential, and some wealthy young ladies even secretly developed affection for him.