Kilin's voice rang out, commanding the attention of the trainees. "To the surviving pairs, well done. To those who lost, take a little rest. For the Final Stage, it will be a duel, you will pick a weapon of your choice in the table in front of all of you. It's alright if you use your weapon that you already have, but I suggest picking one. Don't worry about injuring your opponent heavily, these weapons only have a fragment of its true strength. After that, My brother will take over for now. I want every single one of you to follow my brother's instructions. Your opponent is randomized, it might be your partner or not. Now!"
As the trainees chose their weapons, Haruki's eyes fixed on a gleaming sword. Roderick, standing nearby, opted for a shield paired with a sword, while Lila confidently claimed a staff. Kilin's brother, Krim Kreilun, introduced himself, setting the tone for the upcoming battle.
"My name's Krim Kreilun, Kilin's brother. After you pick your weapons, follow me. All of you will be in a special tent for trainees in the crowd. If your name is called out, step out and go to the battle field, if you face your pair, don't worry, those weapons only have a fragment of its power."
Haruki, curiosity piqued, wondered aloud, "I wonder what powers does this sword have?" In an instant, the sword's description flooded his mind. He read it with growing excitement. "Sword... Description? Strike, Block, Sprint, Sensory, and Teleport?! That's this sword's skill? But mine... I haven't checked it."
Upon inspecting the sword gifted by Aria, he found it lacking in special abilities. "So this is just an ordinary sword? Well... It's just a good start for me," he mused, settling down alongside the other trainees.
Kilin's voice cut through the air again. "I will call out name and who will be their opponent for the final stage." The tension in the crowd palpable, names were announced, battles waged, and camaraderies formed. Lila, armed with a staff, faced off against another elf mage, determination in her eyes. She summoned her newfound strength, a beam of light striking her opponent, securing her victory.
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Roderick, ready for his turn, faced a mirror image: a trainee with sword and shield. He grinned and quipped, "Same as mine? Well then, let's have a good time shall we?" The response was silence, unsettling and intense. The fight unfolded in a blur of steel, Roderick's calculated strikes proving decisive. He stepped back, realizing the true power of his weapon. "Oh... I think I did it too much. This sword and shield really are dangerous, that's why it only has a fragment of its original strength." Roderick's empathy shone through as he assisted his opponent, carrying him back to safety.
Finally, it was Haruki's turn. His opponent shrouded in mystery, he couldn't recall ever encountering this figure before. "I've never seen him once before... Was he part of the training? I'm gonna use the Sensory Skill of my sword and check him," Haruki thought, activating the skill. His eyes widened in shock at the overwhelming aura of power emanating from his foe.
"What an extreme amount of power, he should have not been here. But I have no choice, but to face him," Haruki resolved, charging forward. His opponent proved formidable, teleporting and striking with precision. Haruki fought valiantly, enduring pain and exhaustion. As the crowd held its breath, Seraphina's voice pierced the tension. "Don't lose! Haruki......!!!" Her plea galvanized him, and with a single, resounding punch, Haruki emerged victorious, the crowd erupting in cheers.
Lila and Roderick rushed to Haruki's side, embracing him with relieved smiles. "I was so worried for you Haruki, I knew that you'd knock out that guy!" Lila exclaimed. "Me too! I'll use a healing magic for you, it's not a strong healing magic but it'll ease your injuries," Roderick added, casting the spell. Haruki felt the relief wash over him, and together, they made their way to the nearby house for further care.