Haruki stood among the participants, anticipation coursing through him. As Kilin counted down, his focus wavered. A figure with long, violet hair and gleaming armor stood at the gate, an unexpected spectator. In that fleeting moment, Haruki mistook her for a knight.

When Kilin's countdown ended, he realized he'd lagged behind. He sprinted after the others, stealing a quick glance at the woman. It cost him. He misjudged a log, stumbling and falling. Just in time, Roderick's strong grip yanked him back to his feet.

"Thanks, Roderick. My mind wandered for a moment," Haruki confessed.

Roderick shrugged it off, saying, "No problem. We all get lost in our thoughts."

Together, they pressed on, crossing the finish line. Haruki cast one more look towards the gate, but the woman had vanished. He shrugged it off as Kilin announced the next stage.

"Alright, everyone. We're moving on to the third stage. Brace yourselves, for you'll face formidable opponents. Follow me."

Anxiety rippled through the crowd at the mention of monsters. Haruki turned to Roderick, seeking insight.

"Monsters? What's Kilin talking about? Roderick, you've done this before, right? Give me a clue on what to expect," Haruki inquired.

Roderick shared, "Well, they're big, and they're strong."

"Are they creatures from the forest near the empire?" Haruki pressed.

Roderick shook his head. "No, they hail from much farther. The first one's a Giant Crab. But the second, a Giant Direwolf, is even more fearsome."

Haruki nodded, remembering an encounter with wolves during his forest training. "Ah, I've met a pack of wolves before. They're clever and powerful."

Roderick looked puzzled. "How did you survive? Weren't you training back then?"

"I met the King's daughters and their bodyguard. Surprisingly, they were quite friendly," Haruki explained.

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Roderick's eyes widened in amazement. "You spoke to them? You're lucky, especially to chat with the 'beautiful' princess. By the way, we'll be paired up in the third stage. We need a plan, and don't forget, Kilin and the Army Captain will be watching."

They strategized, taking into account each other's strengths. When Kilin announced the pairing, they found themselves with an extra participant, a short, red-haired female elf.

"Hey, what do you think, Roderick? She's alone. Should we invite her to join us?" Haruki asked.

"But Kilin said to pair up. If you think it's a good idea, then I'm on board. Why not?" Roderick agreed.

Approaching the elf, Haruki extended an invitation. "Hey, want to join us? I'm Haruki, and he's Roderick. Even though we're already paired, we'd hate to see anyone left out."

The elf didn't hesitate. "Thank you, I'm Tiriara Haell. Just Call me Lila. Nice to meet you both, Haruki-san, Roderick-san."

They discussed their battle skills and formed a plan. Haruki took note of their capabilities, organizing the best strategy for the upcoming fight.

Ten minutes later, Kilin signaled the start of the third stage.

"Time's up, everyone! Prepare for the third stage! I'll indicate the pairs one by one. Step forward when it's your turn!"

As they stepped into the arena, Haruki marveled at the surrounding crowd. He spotted a special area for spectators, where the violet-haired knight, along with Seraphina, Elara, and Garrick, observed the matches. Seraphina waved, and Haruki returned the greeting, refocusing on the task at hand.

The Giant Crab loomed before them. Haruki, Roderick, and Lila launched into action. Haruki charged, landing a blow, but the creature retaliated swiftly. Roderick's shield blocked the attack, but it shattered. They regrouped, and Haruki called for a change in tactics.

"Thanks, Roderick. Okay, new plan. Lila, can you heal and shoot your bow simultaneously? Do it. Roderick, keep it distracted while I wait for the right moment to strike, got it?"

They executed the plan flawlessly. Roderick diverted the crab's attention, while Lila fired arrows. Haruki waited for the perfect opening. When Roderick charged toward him, Haruki slid under the crab, severing it in half. Cheers erupted from the crowd, and even Seraphina applauded. The violet-haired knight smiled and departed.

Exiting the arena, they took a moment to rest.

"That was intense. Thanks, Roderick. If you hadn't intervened, I might've been sent flying," Haruki admitted.

Roderick shrugged off the gratitude. "I just paid attention to the crab's movements. It was going for you, so I acted. Unfortunately, my shield didn't make it. Guess I'll need a new one."

Lila chimed in, "Don't blame yourself, Roderick. You protected us. And you, Haruki, your timing was perfect." They shared a laugh.

Then, the violet-haired knight approached them, joined by Seraphina, Elara, and Garrick, engaging them in conversation.