Cheering starts coming from all directions.
Announcer: Well then! Our first battle will be between Ren Torvain from Norwyn and Darin Korran from Velros! Please enter the battleground!
The first to enter is Ren Torvain.
Announcer: Remember the rules! If either of you breaks even one of them, you will be disqualified from the exam.
Announcer: Now… begin!
Just as the announcer gave the signal, Darin made the first move without a second thought. Everyone expected his art style to be Water or Wind, based on his short-type katana but to everyone's surprise, he stabbed his katana into the ground in a vertical stance and yelled:
Darin: Art Style: Earth First Form: Life Stone
Within seconds, the ground began to shake. Massive spikes erupted from below but Ren was no beginner when it came to Earth-type art styles. Without hesitation, he activated his own art style.
Gripping his katana lightly with both hands, he calmly yelled:
Ren: Art Style: Air Second Form: Skyglass
That form created an invisible barrier made of glass super strong and nearly unbreakable. While Darin was distracted by Ren's barrier, Ren made his move. He instantly changed his stance, switching to an offensive posture by sliding the katana back toward his wrist, with the blade facing backward.
Ren: First Form: Sky Rend!
Darin fell to the ground.
Announcer: And just like that Ren Torvain wins the match!
Some people didn't even catch what had happened but among the crowd, those with sharp eyes understood it clearly. The moment Ren called out Sky Rend, a fast wind blade was launched at Darin and slashed him. The blade was so fast, Darin didn't even see it coming.
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The crowd is buzzing with excitement.
Person 1: Whoa! Did you see that wind slash?! That was insane! I didn't even see Ren move!
Person 2: Tch. Flashy, sure… but Darin was wide open after that Life Stone move. He practically asked to be cut.
Person 3: That's what he get for Underestimating his opponent
Announcer: With that, Ren Torvain wins the fight! Now, on to the next battle!
Four more matches take place.
Person 3: Don't get too excited over these earlier fights... Look who's coming in next.
Announcer: And with that, we enter today's final fight! The next person to step in… I don't think there's a single soul here who doesn't know his name! Please welcome one of the descendants from the Five Noble Lucien Valehart!
Everyone's attention turns toward the battlefield as Lucien Valehart enters.