Next day we went to arena, build in the capitol. There were three such buildings, smallest for small tournaments, middle sized for more important ones, and biggest, for great fights or races.

Streets near the coliseum were full with merchants who sold food, and things that in my world would be souvenirs. Trevor and Luara left earlier. As a fellow student, Luara was chosen to support the Trevor - help him with putting on armor and tend to him between the matches.

Myne and me could only be spectators. Until now in the capitol most of the time I spend in Magic academy, and usually only used familiar streets that led to Adventurers guild, gates and few taverns that we used. I was so occupied with my studies and dungeon hunts during rest days, that we never even walked around the capitol. This was also first festival that I attended. Only festivities were in the small area around coliseum, but it was still a town celebration. We bought some food, and went to coliseum. Luara warned us, that seats are limited, and we arrived earlier to make sure that we get inside. We paid a silver coin for the entrance and found us seats, closer to the arena. I looked around. There were simple wooden seats, but also alcoves for richer audience with decorated chairs, small tables and roofs that protected them from sun. The coliseum had enough seats for more than a thousand people. Right now around the third of them were occupied, but more and more people were arriving.

According to Trevor there were two stages to determine the best academy, between Adventurers and Knights academies. First the strength of a group and then individual abilities. First stage of competition was battle between ten students from each academy. They faced each other in single combat and the students who won the most fights were declared victors. In case if every academy had five victories, it was declared a draw.

Then remaining students drew lots and fought each other until the final victor was determined. For last ten years the Knight academy was the winner of the competition, and almost all champions asked for king's recommendation to join Magic academy. In the past, some of such students received Spellsword job, later in their lives, which was equivalent of Heroes job.

We waited for almost an hour, until the beginning of tournament. By then all seats were occupied and several people were able to get inside, but had to stand between seats. Only few seats for rich viewers were occupied, but most of them were empty.

Tournament was overseen and judged by a royal knight. Also there was a mage near him, his job was to cast protection spell on participants and heal them in case if they received wounds. Victor was determined by a blow, that would be deadly in real life. Also it was not important if sword hit the armor or flesh. Even hit to the cuirass, as long as it was to the place where heart was located, was considered a win. The participants could also win by disarming the opponent. Breaking the opponents weapon, also counted as victory.

During first day of tournament ten adventures will face ten Knight academy students, next day were fights between winners of these fights, and on third day two remaining warriors, fought for the champions title.

The royal knight declared the beginning of tournament, and on both sides of arena gates opened. Ten students from both academies entered arena and faced each other on the other sides of the arena. They had to fight the opponent in front of them, to make sure that they faced as random opponents as possible. I noticed Luara and few other adventurer students, peaking through the gates, that they fellow students used.

According to the rules, students were allowed to use armor and weapons that were their property, with no help from academies or other benefactors. Most adventurers had leather armor or no armor at all, and from what I saw, simple steel swords. Trevor was an exception, wearing light armor. All his weapons and armor were made from pure adamantium, but they looked like steel ones, thanks to similar color of both metals.

Students from Knights academy had decorated armor and swords, and also some jewelry. Probably at least some of their equipment were artifacts, that enhanced their stats or gave them other advantages. That was one of the reasons why Knight academy students were superior to low ranking adventurers.

Trevor and Luara shared with as some of the rumors about Knight academy. Students there learned only battle related skills. One of skills that all students had to learn was Knight skill. It was equivalent of Weapons master skill taught in Adventurers academy. Both skills needed minimum two years of studies. Difference between them was that Weapons masters fought with all kind of weapons, but usually did not wear armor. Knights fought in heavy armor and also fought on horsebacks. In exchange they used limited amount of weapons, which included swords, spears, shields, maces, flails and battle axes. They could chose to learn the Knights skill first or last, and freely chose other battle skills that they wanted to learn. If I would have to guess, I would say that almost all of students participating in tournament chose to learn Swordsmanship skill first.

Royal knight put up his hand and declared first match of the day.

* * *

First two students entered arena and saluted with their swords. Knight was armed with shield and sword, while adventurer had only a short sword. Mage casted a spell and barrier of light appeared around them. I recognized the basic Shield barrier spell, just its stronger version, thanks to mages higher rank.

Adventurer tried to use his mobility, but knight successfully protected himself, using his shield. Finally knight used advantage of his longer weapon and stabbed adventurer in heart. Shield barrier protected student from deadly wound and attack left only a scratch on him.

Royal knight declared victory and crowd cheered, congratulating the victor. Rest of the fights went similar. Most knight won, thanks to their superior armor. From what I could judge, their sword skills were similar or even superior to mine.

Most adventurers relied on their agility, but some of knights were faster than adventurers, even in their armor. Among them one of the knights excelled in speed and technique. He was around seventeen years old in winged helmet and gold decorated armor. That was probably Graig, son of the archduke.

By the end of the fights only three adventurers were victorious. Trevor was one of them. His years of training showed themselves in excellent sword technique and his skills and stats helped him to easily defeat his opponent.

Royal knight declared the superiority of Knight academy in their teachings, and declared that tournament will continue tomorrow. We waited for Trevor and congratulated him on his victory. He thanked us, but seemed depressed.

- What's wrong? - asked Myne.

- He is worried, that he won't win the tournament, - answered Luara: - Apparently he doesn't believe that he has any chances of defeating the archduke's son.

If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it's taken without permission from the author. Report it.

We tried to cheer him up, but were not too convincing, since we saw the abilities that Graig demonstrated on the arena. He may not have been good enough for Magic academy, but his sword skills with were apparent.

* * *

Next day we again arrived earlier, but almost half of the seats were already occupied. Second day of the tournament attracted more attention.

By the start of the tournament all seats were occupied, this time even more expensive ones. People in expensive clothing accompanied by their families and in some cases guards, occupied them. Probably family members of the Knight academy students, or other people connected to them. I noticed Mortana and her friends in one of the alcoves.

Students already drew lots, and first of them came to arena. One of them was Trevor. His opponent was a knight dressed in red cloak. Judging from its looks, it was most likely an artifact. Just like Trevor he used shield and sword, but his sword was one handed blade. It was thinner and lighter than Trevor's, but just as long.

As soon as royal knight declared beginning of the match, knight moved with inhuman speed and launched series of attacks. Trevor managed to hide behind his shield and used his first opportunity for heavy downward strike. His opponent laughed and block Trevor's attack with his sword. That was a mistake. Trevor's sword broke thinner blade in pieces and struck his helmet. Knight stepped back, momentarily disoriented.

Royal knight loudly declared Trevor's victory and we loudly cheered for him. Most of people, who watched the tournament, were commoners and they hoped that one of them will be the champion, instead of the knights, so Trevor received a lot of applauses.

In second and third matches also participated adventures against knights. Both adventurers lost. In third match adventurer faced Graig who took his time humiliating his opponent, by striking his body, and only developed finishing blow after adventurer fell helplessly on the floor. He used all his strength and managed to cut his head even through the barrier. That was first time when mage had to cure someone. Second two matches were between knights. Then Trevor again stepped on arena.

His opponent was the victor of second match. Unlike the rest of the knights, he used sword and mace in his left arm. His technique was not very good, instead he relied on brute force. Trevor protected himself with his shield and when knight showed an opening struck his heart. His opponent stepped back. He was unarmed, but strength of the blow, pushed him away. Crowd loudly cheered and angry knight left arena cursing and throwing angry glances at Trevor.

Next victor was Graig, and then Trevor had to fight his last opponent for the day. His last match lasted longer. Trevor's opponent was skilled fighter and Trevor missed two attacks, that struck his shoulders. Luckily for him, they were not deadly, and Trevor could continue.

Then Trevor manage to hit knight's leg on the side of his knee, and when his opponent fell on one knee finished attack by striking the side of his neck.

People in spectators seats cheered as loud as they could. Everyone started to lose hope for Trevor's victory when he missed first two blows, and were glad to see their new hero defeating the knight.

Trevor was heavily breathing, but he smiled and waved to people. Royal knight summoned Graig, and declared that two students will face each other tomorrow, for this year's champion's title.

Myne hugged Trevor when we meet him on the street, and I also happily congratulated him. We were on our way to tavern were we stayed last days, when we run into Mortana and her three friends.

- Oh, isn't it Myne and Avone, - smirked Mortana: - What are you doing with this adventurer?

- He is the member of our party, - proudly said Myne. I sighed in my mind. This will led to problems.

- Is that so? One more commoner, ha. You do now that you have no chance to defeat my brother? - she turned towards Trevor. He already realized, that she was Graig's sister, and nodded.

- Your brother is excellent swordsman. From what I saw he is the strongest member of the tournament. I may lose to him, but I won't give up and fight as good as I can.

- That won't amount to much. But at least you realize how inferior you are. Let's go, - she left, and her friends loyally followed her.

- Geez, what a brat, - grimaced Luara, after they were far away and could not hear us.

- Don't worry so much, - said Myne: - I believe that you will definitely win.

- Me too, - agreed Luara.

- Sure, me too, - I added, but unlike Myne, we did not sound convincing enough.

* * *

Next day we arrived even earlier than usual, to make sure, that we could get inside coliseum. Streets were full of people. Rumors spread, that for the first time in years a student from Adventurers academy, will fight in final match, for the champion's title, and people were eager to see the fight.

When Trevor entered arena people loudly cheered for him. He managed a smile and waved to his supporters. Graig received only few welcome cries. I noticed Mortana, waving at him, but Graig ignored his sister. Mage again used Shield barrier spell, and royal knight declared beginning of the match. Both opponents carefully approached each other and exchanged few blows, testing each other. Soon it started to show, that even in his heavier armor, Graig was slightly faster and stronger than his opponent. Their sword skills might be similar, but Graig had an advantage. Trevor had to go on the defensive. Unable to counterattack he barely managed to protect himself. He missed hit to his shoulder, but barrier and his armor protected him.

Graig attacked him several more time, but Trevor used all his experience to stay in the fight. Graig grew more impatient and his attacks grew bolder. Trevor missed strike to his leg, but was still in the fight.

Graig cursed and threw away his shield. He took his sword in both arms and pointed it at Trevor. Trevor carefully observed him, behind his shield. Then Graig launched series of quick and powerful attacks. All Trevor could do was hide behind his shield and slowly retreat. Then he tripped and fell on the ground. Graig laughed and continued hitting him with all his strength. That was not against the rules, but people in spectators seats, screamed in disappointed and whistled at Graig.

Graig continued his attacks, loudly laughing. At this point it was a matter of time till Trevor will lose the fight. Then after one of the heavy sword strikes, Graig's blade broke into pieces. Pieces of steel flew to all sides, and surprised royal knight entered the arena. He examined Graig's broken blade, and had no choice, but to declare Trevor the winner of the tournament.

Graig screamed something in protest, but royal knight shook his head. Rules of the tournament were clear. When Graig's sword broke, he lost the match. The only reason for it was Trevor's adamantium shield, which was superior to any steel weapon, but Graig did not knew that. Angry Graig threw handle of his broken sword at the knight and left arena.

* * *

We celebrated Trevor's victory in the Adventurers guild, were most of the adventurers and guild personnel, congratulated the rookie hero. Even guild master came down and tapped Trevor's shoulders. Three days later Trevor attended the celebration in his honor in king's palace. According to the tradition, Trevor could ask king's favor then as a victor of the tournament. Next morning we impatiently waited for him in adventurers guild. Myne smiled widely and we all waited for good news. Ordinarily, at best we could see the king from afar, and for a commoners like us, seeing the king up close and even talking to him was a dream come true.

Trevor entered the hall and joined as at the table. He looked slightly depressed, and we got the feeling, that things did not go as good as we hoped.

- What happened? - asked Luara: - Did king refuse you?

- Not exactly, - shrugged his head Trevor: - King was surprised by my request, but at least he wasn't angry. I told the king about master Evan and my request. King confirmed that one of the mages, who served him, could indeed help master Evan to get his hand back. But currently that mage was suppressing monster stampede in kingdom's west, and it will be a while until he comes back. Also one of the mages told me, that such powerful spells could be used only few times a year. For that reason, it couldn't count as a small favor, that king grants to the victor of the tournament. After consulting, king decided that I will receive his final answer only after I graduate from Adventurers academy and get the Weapons master skill.

- At least he didn't say no, - tried to calm him down Myne. But we all were a little depressed. Trevor's dream was not fulfilled, and we all tried to convince us that it still could come true.