Aldrich, along with others, was taken into the castle where there were exam papers placed on each table. The subjects ranged from consumer arithmetic to battle strategy. After the written exams came the practicals. The invigilators evaluated each person first on their pure mesmer application across different applications covering combat to health and lastly marksmanship, with either a gun or bow depending on the applicant’s preference and lastly the combatant arts which evaluated, swordsmanship, martial arts or use of alternative weapons. Aldrich smoothly progressed through the other evaluations and then he had his combatant evaluation which had him go to a closed off sparring ring where he picked up two wooden swords from a weapons rack.

Aldrich concentrated, his Oculux’s activating. Throughout the time that he had trained with Declan he developed the ability to be conscious using his ocular ability. The invigilator cleared his throat bowing,

“I am Sir Francis P’ar Chavdar, a Knight Commander of the Parastin Knights, Ace Rank Combative and Virtuoso Rank Enthral. I will be in charge of your examination and swear by the Aeonians and my honour to judge you with impartiality.”

Aldrich bowing replied,

“I am Aldrich P’ar Spitfrost, I accept your pledge and vow to uphold the rules and traditions of the sword and enthrals, I swear by my honour and may the Aeonians be my witnesses.”

The two crossed swords and waited, a man called out,

“Let the examination begin!”

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

The once stationery opponents were now blurs of motion. Both used dual swords skillfully and at first Aldrich was able to keep up but sensing that Aldrich’s skill was quite high, Sir Francis increased the difficulty. Aldrich grunted as an especially solid blow connected with a block he had prepared, pushing him back several feet. Aldrich continued analysing Sir Francis’ moves, eventually to the point that he was capable of predicting some of his moves. It came to the point that Aldrich knocked a sword out of Sir Francis’ hands Aldrich froze though, as Sir Francis retreated, catching his sword and taking a different stance.

Aldrich put up his sword to defend himself as Sir Francis became a blur, reappearing at the other end of the ring. Aldrich grunted as the blow finally registered, pushing him back and completely shattering the swords in his hands. He spun around and cladded his hands with flames, blocking Sir Francis’ strikes with explosive blows and using fire that he would ignite at his feet to manoeuvre more freely. Aldrich was moving in movements that flowed into the next using the momentum to create greater and stronger blows. Eventually the wooden swords that Sir Francis had, became burnt messes and he threw them away, Sir Francis threw punches and kicks in retaliation. Both blocked each other's blows though Aldrich was struggling to continue to block each of Sir Francis’ strikes which had a great amount of strength behind them.

Aldrich felt growing pain in his arms and just as Sir Francis was about to throw another kick when Aldrich said,

“Evade.”

At that Aldrich teleported a meter away from his position, completely dodging Sir Francis’ attack but Sir Francis grinned as he, in a fluid motion, reoriented himself connecting a kick to Aldrich’s abdomen, sending Aldrich flying to the edge of the sparring ring. Through gasps Aldrich raised a hand and managed to say,

“I…yield.”

Sir Francis bowed and Aldrich was taken to the infirmary by Lady Emery.