Clash of Blades
Ludenberg Lavante swung his sword lightly, reviewing his swordsmanship. Every motion flowed smoothly, the tip of his blade unwavering as it advanced. Yet displaying the techniques he'd unleashed in the world of trials still strained him. The vitality that had swirled strangely within him back then had clearly enabled it. Still, since his body had fully internalized those forms once before, he would wield them effortlessly as his physique grew stronger.
I've definitely grown by leaps and bounds.
Finishing his check, Ludenberg couldn't help but think so. No matter how he sliced it, this wasn't growth possible in a mere two months.
But that doesn't mean I can slack on practice. Variables can pop up anytime, anywhere. No room for complacency.
He began practicing by mirroring the sword styles of the students he'd just observed. Imagining how attacks might come at him, what stances his foes might take. Completing that, Ludenberg finally focused on Eden Asta's style, swinging his blade accordingly.
His momentum was off the charts. It wasn't that intense even right before the evaluation... He must've absorbed divine power from a sacred relic or something. No other way he could've powered up that fast.
He considered every possibility. Houses like Duke Altis and Marquis Asta had the resources to supply stray sacred relics aplenty. Especially Altis—they'd been excavating them for years. Eden had likely benefited handsomely.
Even so, I'm still far stronger. Just stay sharp. I've already memorized every foundation of his swordplay.
Eden wielded three divine powers: Mare, Celioum, Terra. Fluidity, speed, solidity. Combined, they'd send his body twisting in bizarre paths, unleashing strikes at Ludenberg. But he could handle it. After facing countless erosion beasts, no human's tricky maneuvers fazed him. And crucially... the gap in their skills was vast. No sacred relic could bridge it.
Ludenberg swung a bit more, then ended practice and left the training grounds.
Day three of evaluations: the interpersonal duels began.
Professor Hainkel Hereis gazed at the assembled first-years on the training grounds.
"As you all know, the second evaluation is interpersonal duels."
Tension hung over the students' faces, much like the first evaluation. If anything, it was stiffer—having to duel directly under everyone's eyes probably didn't help. Especially since losing to someone they deemed weaker wasn't impossible. That amped the nerves.
Amid those rigid expressions, only Ludenberg remained calmly focused on Hainkel's words.
"The rules for duels are simple. Don't kill your opponent. Avoid injuries that sever limbs. Sheathe your sword the instant they signal surrender. Follow those three, and you're good. Break them, and you're out of the evaluation. Got it?"
"What if we can't sheathe in time?"
"See the knights beside me?"
As Hainkel spoke, several knights had taken position next to him while the students focused ahead.
"These are knights from Solemnute Adem's enforcement division—your seniors, now serving the imperial guard. They'll assist in evaluations. If you can't stop, they'll force it. Don't hold back out of worry."
The enforcement knights' presence was imposing enough to ease the students, who responded with spirited voices.
"Understood!"
"Good. Let's begin. Matchups are posted here—check your opponents ahead of time. Note: duels run three rounds per pair, drawn up by faculty judgment. Same ranks or different, no panicking."
Ludenberg checked the list. His opponents: Cletta Peliche, Leb Heinz, Eden Asta.
All inferior to him—or so it seemed from his vantage. In truth, each topped their ranks. Cletta had surged since his guidance, no longer a basic Abyss. Leb was Ador's best barring Gawin Greta. Eden led all Innocence save Ludenberg himself. Fair matchups.
Hainkel unfurled a large bracket beside him, waiting as students confirmed.
"All set? We'll start now. Called names, step forward and prepare. Others, watch and wait."
He began calling pairs. Students stiffened, advancing one by one.
"Finally: Ludenberg Lavante, Cletta Peliche! Front and center."
Unlike the others, Ludenberg's face stayed serene at his name. Unshakable confidence.
Cletta despaired seeing Ludenberg as her first opponent.
How am I supposed to win...? Why this matchup? I've improved, sure, but against him?
She pictured clashing with him: utter defeat without a fight.
But she shook her head, banishing the negativity.
No. Give it everything. Dueling higher ranks means bonus points for effort. Just do your best.
Steadying herself, she raised her sword straight. His pointers and the Solemnute raid had honed her sharply. Her stance now solid, she faced Ludenberg.
He mirrored her, poised and staring back. That alone crushed her with heavy pressure.
Then Hainkel signaled.
"Begin!"
Cletta charged rather than wait. If he struck first, she'd have zero chance. Better lose fighting.
She cloaked herself in Terra's divine power and stomped the earth.
Thud.
Her fierce advance bore no trace of her old Abyss bottom-ranker days. Gasps rose from the crowd.
Ludenberg watched her rush, a smile tugging his lips. She'd shed her novice clumsiness, now a proper swordswoman.
As she closed in with a refined strike, he stepped forward in kind, swinging to meet her.
...!
Cletta gaped. His blade reached her faster than hers had swung—unbelievable. She'd known the gap, but not this wide. First or second strike, no winning.
Their swords clashed briefly.
Shing.
Like slicing soft flesh, a smooth rasp echoed. Her blade sheared clean, clattering down.
His sword at her throat, Cletta felt an insurmountable wall.
"...I yield."
"Winner: Ludenberg!"
Hainkel declared instantly. The expected outcome stung Cletta, darkening her face.
But as they descended together, Ludenberg spoke.
"You've improved a lot. Keep pushing, and you'll get way stronger."
"...Yeah?"
"Night and day from when I first checked your form. Near-miraculous."
"Thanks."
"Not praise. Fact."
"Same difference. Anyway, got it. Beat the others—not you—and maybe I'll climb a bit?"
"Up to you. Do your thing."
"Yeah."
Ludenberg nodded at her renewed spark, then headed to Ashytara Solenute.
His gentleness stemmed from two reasons. First, he hated seeing someone he'd coached flop or quit. Second, she'd sparked his reconciliation with Ashytara. Without that incident, they might still be at odds.
Ashytara greeted him.
"Cletta's come far. How was she?"
"Solid. Keep that up, she'll hit Ador fast—no Innocence, but close."
"Really? Good..."
Ashytara beamed. She'd approached Cletta to quash Ludenberg rumors at first, but Cletta's steady kindness had made her a true friend.