Since the stage possibly could not handle all the battles together, the third test started with four participants fighting in four different corners of the stage, much like in the previous test.
However, unlike the previous test, where many of the participants were too nervous to display any of their skills or talent, they were able to display their skills in this round.
Of course, it was because the squires were allowing the examinees to activate their skills to gauge their accurate abilities, or else given their fighting experience, defeating the greenhorns was an easy task.
The third round allowed the audience to witness the skills of the participants, causing them to shout in cheers, which in turn increased the participants' morale.
Of course, being in high spirits was one thing, and defeating a half knight was another. The third test was even more brutal in the way that all the attacks and skills thrown by the participants were easily deflected or blocked.
Their movements read, and their weaknesses being taken advantage of.
In a matter of minutes, many of the participants were thrown off the stage, bruised and battered. This was no battle, but a one sided beating.
At least in the second stage, some of the participants could drag out an even battle with the monsters. However, with the squires as their opponent, this was not possible.
Even many of the level 3s were beaten black and blue before being thrown out of the stage. That said, the statement wasn't true for all participants.
Level 4s were a different case; they had already stepped into the level that many of the squires of the knight order are in. That is to say, they were on an even level as their squire instructors.
.
"I'll be your opponent. From the Temple of Light order, I am Rolan. Girl, state your name."
As chivalrous orders, it was proper etiquette for a knight and those aspiring to be one to state their names before fighting an opponent.
"Gwen… Gwendolyn Elvina Odessa" the girl introduced.
The next second, she straightened her sword and charged forth. She was so fast that Rolan had no time for unnecessary thoughts and had to defend hastily.
CLANG… the sound of metal clashing against metal echoed. The clash between Rolan, a seasoned squire of the Temple of the Knight Order, and Gwen, a young yet highly skilled aspiring knight, was a breathtaking display of martial prowess.
The arena buzzed with excitement as the two combatants faced off. Gwen's movement was a blur of grace and precision. Her lithe body weaved through the air with dance like elegance.
She aimed for weak points, exploiting gaps in Rolan's stance with rapid thrusts and sweeping cuts. Her speed was dazzling, forcing the crowd to strain to keep up with her movements.
Looking at her, no one would think that she was inexperienced when it came to combat. In fact, in some way, she even had an upper hand in this battle.
On the other hand, as a veteran, Rolan held his ground with composure. While his opponent's agility pushed him to his limits, his superior stats gave him an edge in endurance and reflexes.
With calculated precision, he dodged and deflected her relentless attacks. Every time a blade came dangerously close, he narrowly evaded, using his experience to predict her rhythm.
"You're good," he admitted, "But experience counts for something!".
Gwen was better than he thought; not only was she used to fighting, she clearly had done some form of combat training. Realizing that her speed could overwhelm him if the fight dragged on, Rolan decided to shift tactics.
He feinted a high slash, baiting her into an aggressive counter. As she committed to the move, Rolan sidestepped and retaliated with a low strike aimed at her balance.
"[Aqua Step]"
The next second, right before the blade could draw near her, Gwen activated her skill and swiftly dodged the attack. She left faint ripples in her wake, gliding across the ground with extreme speed as if she were surfing.
"[Water Fang Strike]" Next, she combined her movements with her attack skill, creating sharp, blade-like arcs of pressurized water that extended her range and kept Rolan on the defensive.
Rolan grunted, activating his own skill in return.
"[Heroic Shield]" A light shield created from his shout of valor blocked the attack.
The two looked at each other, eyes sparking with the light of determination. Rolan sighed, loosening the grip on his sword. From their exchange, he knew that the both of them were nearly equal in strength and if the battle dragged on, the win could go to either party.
As a proud squire of the Temple of the Light, this was something he could not afford. Losing to someone who was not even a squire yet would bring dishonour to his order. Something he wanted to avoid at all costs.
"I guess I have no choice but to use that," saying that to himself, Rolan looked at the girl.
"Miss Gwen, you are indeed extremely talented, far more than me. With your talent, you will become a menace to the demon army soon. However, only the strongest order can bring out your full potential. I am not trying to recruit you in the middle of our battle or anything; instead, it is a warning and a closure. This fight will end soon".
"Huh? What are you saying?"
Gwen tilted her head. From what she could see, their fight was far from over. They both still had energy to spare.
Rolan did not keep her hanging for long.
"With this next skill of mine, I will end this. I caution you to take plenty of care since I recently learned this skill and I cannot control its power. Although this is nothing compared to the original, witness the skill taught to us by the Commander".
After announcing his intent, he flashily extended a hand up to the sky and made a fist. Then, imitating Reinhardt's movement, he brought the fist down.
At the same moment, Gwen's senses rang alarm bells in her mind, and she hurriedly used [Aqua Step] to create some distance between them.