Hektor sold off another set of Bullwaag stomachs and the venom sack that came with it. Hektor spent the remainder of the week on hunting, mainly just to replenish his used up souls. Though the profits were not that bad considering that he no longer had to pay for a place stay.
Souls: 35
Hektor moved into the dorms at the dojo two days before the end of the week. His training would begin after he settled and this month's batch of new students are finalized. For the new students to be chosen, they must first prove themselves in the entrance exam.
A small spectacle that multiple onlookers are willing to pay for. The evaluation being held consisted of two different tests, the first test is for those who have no experience with aura and its use. They were forced to take on grueling physical tasks such as carrying large boulders and running through an obstacle course.
The second test on the other hand was a small tournament, whether a person wins or not is not part of the evaluation. This was a test for the more advanced students, those that already have their chosen weapon and a martial art that complimented it.
Hektor watched the large boy from a couple of days prior. Physically speaking, the boy named Bert was far more gifted than him. "Yet he started late." He thought out loud before looking towards the batch of test takers that were in the "advanced" class.
Tarik, the swordsman, gave him a light bow. Hektor simply nodded in response. "Here to observe, my dear pupil?"
From behind the young spearman was a presence that he could barely detect.
"Yes, Master Bungcao."
The master stroked his beard and glanced at the scene. "Care to do a little exercise?"
"Hmm?"
"Who do you think is the strongest one in that batch?" The old man pointed to the direction of the advanced test takers.
"From what I can gather, it's either the tall one with a bandana or Tarik the swordsman sir." Hektor replied.
"Hoho, you have a good eye boy. You can join the instructors and the others up at the balcony to observe." Master Bungcao instructed as he headed down to the field.
The small tournament began. With the two test-takers that Hektor mentioned on the opposite sides of the bracket. Among the other test-takers no one caught Hektor's eye, It seems that both the sword and shield wielding stranger and Tarik are the only ones with real experience.
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The others were simply green-horns who have barely learned the use of their aura-infused strikes. Tarik made quick work of his opponents, overwhelming them with either a flurry of slashes or a fast empowered slash.
"Congratulations on reaching the finals, you two are now eligible pupils of our academy." The instructor, Faisal stated as he brought the both of them up to the podium.
"On my right, a swordsman that dazzles his opponents with speed. Put your hands together for TARIK!" Faisal was used to the role of announcer.
The stands were filled, this monthly spectacle often brought in a large audience. Cheers filled the grounds of the dojo.
"On my left is a warrior that loves to bash his shield on the heads of his opponents. Give it up for PAUL!"
The cheers got louder, Faisal took this as his cue.
"Begin!"
A sword and a shield, the standard weaponry for most infantry. A set of weapons that Paul used in an efficient manner. Their respective styles clashed greatly, Paul had a shield to block and aid in solidifying his defense whereas Tarik constantly moved to pressure his opponent to make mistakes.
Paul's style was a standard soldier's way of fighting. Well managed blocks and slashes, followed by either a quick dash to his fleeing opponent or a step back to give himself some breathing space.
Red met Yellow as their blades clashed. Paul took the opportunity to send a punch with his shield wielding arm but Tarik moved back just in time. The battle was heated, anyone could tell that the two were relative to one another in terms of skill.
While Tarik had the speed advantage, Paul made up for the lack of speed with his strength and durability.
A classic match-up between two clashing styles.
When one aims to go all in, the other resets the pace through his optimized use of the shield.
Due to their near equal levels of skill, clashes between the two of them were far more meaningful. As they learned and got used to each other's habits, nearly 10 minutes passed and the two of them were still trading blows.
Heaving, Tarik stared directly at Paul's eyes knowing that the next blow would end the tournament.
Red aura gathered onto Tarik's legs and sword. Hektor knew about what was coming next.
The bandana wearing Paul braised himself. Yellow energy began to swell from both his sword and the shield. Adrenaline pumped in his veins and he could only shout a few words as he prepared for contact. Bracing himself for the blow.
"Try me!"
The sound of a blade splitting wood.
A reddish flame engulfed the yellow aura from Paul and all they could hear were cheers. The battle was over, standing tall with a fist held high Tarik let out a victory roar.
Tarik looked to the balcony, staring directly at Hektor.
With a smile he mouthed the following words. "I'll see you in training."
Tarik passed out soon after.
---
"So, what do you think of the other disciples?" Master Bungcao asked Hektor while they headed off to the training grounds.
"Paul was slow and Tarik didn't pursue enough of the gaps that he opened up for himself." Hektor replied.
"In a match against any of the two of them, I have no doubts in your victory." The master then let a crow perch up on his hand. "Even without the birds."
"But do you think that you have a chance if they both attacked you at once?"
"I'd likely lose an arm, but I'd win."