On a beautiful late spring day, students and instructors gathered around the main courtyard. Many of them had skipped the academic classes to watch the start of the combat team tryouts.

The main courtyard didn't have chairs, but it was designed to slope like an amphitheater for everyone.

Red robes gathered near the perimeter, closest to the main courtyard. The green robes surrounded the red robes, hoping to curry favors. The blue robes crowded together from the back like packed bottles.

Twenty-eight students stood in one neat row, waiting for the official announcement to start.

Jack dragged Vincent onto the courtyard 5 minutes before 2:00pm. Ashe followed from behind, carrying a drowsy looking Nico.

"Why do I have to attend?" Nico mumbled from the back of Ashe's shoulder. "It's not required?"

Vincent yawned from behind Jack's back. He also preferred to nap during the Academic classes.

Ashe and Jack had been trying to convince them to attend. In the end, they had decided to just carry them to the main courtyard.

A man with short hair and gray temples stood in the middle watched as all thirty-two students finally appeared.

All attention was on him as the clock tower struck 2:00pm.

He was known as Professor Clemson, a man who had led Windel Academy to one glorious victory in the Kinbarl Combat Tournament. One victory may seem low, but the amount of Academies who have won the tournament could only be counted on one hand.

"Congratulations to everyone who have made it onto the shortlist for the Windel Combat team," Professor Clemson announced. "We will have 16 individual matches today. The goal of the match is not only to overcome your opponent, but to display your skills. Even if you lose today, you will have the opportunity to display your teamwork ability for tomorrow partner round. The winner of today's match-up will select from the losing pool."

"A partner round tomorrow?" The crowd of thousands around the courtyard chattered.

"Oh wow, Professor Clemson is really going to focus on the team competition this year."

"Well yeah, the solo competitions are usually tougher and limited to the top five academies in Kinbarl. The team competition is a different beast, no one can predict what happens in the end."

Professor Tessa and Aseroth watched from the top of the clock tower.

"He's really going all out this year," commented Professor Tessa.

"President Noshemal is pushing for the team competition," Professor Aserorth folded his arms, flexing his muscular biceps. "He wants another win."

In the Academy, Deans were the law and Presidents were the enforcer.

"Why don't you assist Clemson?."

"I wouldn't have the time, I would rather take the Senior Varsity Combat Team." Professor Aseroth was the next in line for the Senior Varsity Combat Team.

Professor Aseroth had little interest in the junior division. However, if he took over the Senior Varsity Combat Team, it was likely that these kids were going to be of age when it was his turn.

As the names appeared on bulletin, everyone was shocked by the lineup.

Professor Tessa sat down on a cushioned chair. She didn't intend to stay, but the match-ups piqued her interest. "Although Clemson can be a bore, he's good at creating matches."

"Oh my god, there's something wrong with this day one match-up list, this can't be real!" The students rambled between themselves.

"This is going to be even better than the finals. Did Professor Clemson decide on all these match-ups?"

The selected 32 students were also surprised. Most of them was expecting an easy first round match-up or a complete slaughter.

Hobin Lancet vs Obi Conway

Prince Keras Kelsera vs Baron Randall Carrigo

Juliana Pinaton vs Corribal of Opel

Marcus Yulu vs Jack of Noshway

Norick Nomber vs Tokon of Marla

Princess Toria Gordon vs Ashe Hartley

Vincent of Renfield vs Sir Ian Camber

....

Nico of Rinlin vs Sir Fredrick Nocomo

Anya of Levershan vs Sir Lougram Mayley

....

These were the match-ups that would occur at the end of the tournament, not the beginning.

"Hey! I got that Fredrick guy," Nico cracked his knuckles, someone was going to receive a beating.

Looking at the list, Ashe wasn't surprised he was up against Princess Toria. They both had similar ranking as magicians.

"I can't believe you're up against a girl and I have to fight with this Marcus Yulu guy, who is he?" Jack grumbled.

"Marcus is one of the best scouts," said Ashe. "He specializes in the Shadow Walker skill. Although it isn't as impressive in fighting tournament, he has a better record than Hobin when it comes to hunting manabeasts. To put you up against him, it's like setting you up for failure. However, you wouldn't have done well with Toria either."

"How would you know?" Jack had been training extensively to fight magician fighters after he lost to Anya.

First round, the officiating instructor called Hobin Lancet and Obi Conway to the battle platform.

"Between Hobin and Obi, who would win?" The students asked.

"Of course Hobin. A foundation stage cultivator will win 90% of the time against a condensation stage cultivator in a head to head battle. The differences in power in too big."

"Yeah, I agree. Obi is the strongest physically within the condensation stage, but up against Hobin, it's nearly impossible."

"Is Hobin the top student?" asked Jack.

"Yeah, and he's been the top student since he entered the Academy," said Ashe. "His Dark Sword spiritual root is very tricky. His Night Blade Slash is very difficult to dodge. When he execute the move, you will see."

"And who's the Obi guy?"

"Obi is Prince Keras right hand man and also General Tairun son," Ashe replied. "He will likely join the military after he graduates from the Academy. A Metal Hammer spiritual root is very powerful. It is on the slow side, but the heavy damage more than makes up for it."

Obi looked at Hobin. "Looks like we're up first. I honestly didn't think it would be against you." Obi already knew his fate.

"Same," Hobin responded.

"I can't say I'm excited though. A better match-up would have been between you and Ian, but Professor Clemson probably wanted a weapon based spiritual root against another weapon based spiritual root."

"But then you would likely be paired against Vincent."

"Yeah, I don't know who's worst." Obi prepared his hammer.

Hobin unsheathed his single edged blade, the Obsidian Edge, a sword imbued in darkness.

An instructor readied the signal for the first match. "Go!"

Hobin and Obi both charged.

Hobin evaded Obi onslaught of attack. Obi was strong, but the weight of his hammer slowed him down enough for Hobin to eased out of the way.

They fought several bouts with no clear sign of the winner.

"Your highness, what are Obi chances? The matches are taking longer than expected," Prince Keras's servant, Nial asked.

"Hobin is gauging Obi's strength to see if it has improved from last semester," Prince Keras responded. "Once he gets into rhythm, he's going to unleash his attack."

Obi swung the hammer toward Hobin side. Hobin leapt above and onto Obi's hammer. Hobin swiftly cut across with his blade. The force of the blade rippled into the air.

Clang! Clang!

Hobin's blade slashed into Obi's barrier.

"But Sir Obi has one of the strongest hammer attacks," Nial was still hoping for a miracle. "Over the two months break, he had been training his Iron Smash Hammer. If he can get a clean hit, there's a chance!"

Hobin enhanced his sword with shadowy spirit. He then slash toward Obi again.

Obi countered back with his Iron Smash Hammer. Obi's arms and chest flexed, and his veins popped from exerting all his energy. The hammerhead levied above Obi's head and slammed directly toward Hobin.

The hammer Hobin slashed back with his shadow enhanced Night Blade Slash.

Both were forced back, but Hobin recovered faster and attacked.

Clang! Clang!

Obi backed away and swung his hammer, forcing Hobin back. Hobin jumped on top of the hammer head, and attacked once more.

Clang!

Obi's barrier indicator cuff turned white.

"S***!" Obi had known he didn't have a chance against Hobin, but to lose so quickly was not a good image.

Hobin won.

"It's not an unexpected battle," commented Ashe.

"He's very powerful and strong." Nico noticed that Hobin was leading the entire match, but the worst thing about Hobin was his calm demeanor.

Ashe nodded. "His combat sense is good and an all around great fighter, very well balanced."

"Well balanced? I'm like that too!" Nico boasted.

The next match was between Prince Keras and Baron Randall.

The instructor prepared the next match-up between Prince Keras and Baron Randall. Prince Keras stood in position and surveyed Baron Randall. Out of all the opponents, Baron Randall was the trickiest. However, no matter how tricky he was, Prince Keras was well aware of his tricks and won't easily fall for them.

"There's some irony to this match-up, both are highly influential people and powerful magician," the students commented.

"However, Prince Keras specialize in magical offensive spells, while Baron Randall specialize in magical defensive spells."

"So it's an offensive vs defensive spells match-up?"

"Well, it would be if Prince Keras wasn't a foundation stage powerhouse. Although Baron Randall has extremely strong Body Aura, he's going to be dodging a lot."

As predicted by the students, the fight between Prince Keras and Baron Randall consisted of Baron Randall running around and dodging the powerful fireballs thrown at him.

Prince Keras fireballs were slightly stronger and faster than Nico's fireball talisman. However, it took Prince Keras around a minute to recharge.

The fireball flew to the left, seemingly missing Baron Randall, but then curved back as though it had a homing ability to hit the target. Baron Randall cast a round magical shield.

"So that's the Turtle Shell Barrier," Xavier explained. "It can block any type of spell. It's like having another body aura."

The turtle shield floated on the right side of Baron Randall, only moving when it had to. Whenever a fireball flew toward the Baron, the shield moved to block the attack.

Prince Keras used his magician staff and fired three rounds of fireball toward Baron Randall. Baron Randall dodged out of the way, but the third fireball hits the turtle shell. The turtle shell broke apart.

"As expected of the Prince," Baron Randall praised. "Just one shot was enough to break my barrier."

Baron Randall began his counter attack, using his own staff to cast two earth spikes. The two spikes spread out, but then curved toward Prince Keras. Prince Keras leapt into the air and then charged directly toward Baron Randall.

"Prince Keras is planning to use physical attack!?" Some students were shocked, but others were confused.

"I don't get it," Jack commented.

"Turtle Shell Barrier is an ability that reduces magical attacks by 20%, but physical attacks are reduced by 50%," Xavier explained.

"So the turtle shell is stronger at preventing physical attack?"

"It is. However, look at Prince Keras's Sunray Staff."

Everyone turned to look at the glowing green light emitting from the staff.

"Prince Keras probably knows that the turtle shell is weak against Green type attacks," Xavier continued to explain.

"Why are the colors so important?" Nico noticed that different colors work better on certain beasts.

"Scholars aren't exactly sure, but depending on the color, skills may reflect, penetrate, absorb or even enhance certain spells and barriers," said Xavier.

Nico knew of the most basic color sequences, black> red> orange> yellow> green> blue> purple> white> black. Black could beat out red, but white could beat out black. The cycle was the most well known, but there were also exceptions and unique colors like crimson and cyan.

Prince Keras's attack clashed into Baron Randall's shield.

Everything had a weakness, and Prince Keras knew of his opponent's weakness. Prince Keras continued to attack.

Baron Randall backed away quickly, sensing his Body Aura was collapsing. His magic recharged, and he cast three giant spikes toward the prince.

Prince Keras dodged each of the spikes, closed in on Baron Randall and attacked.

At that point, no one was surprised. Prince Keras was trained by all the knights, so his physical combat was naturally stronger than most magician.

Prince Keras's Sunray Staff had rays with narrow blades that could pierce and slash.

Slash! Slash!

Baron Randall cast a barrier to block. The Sunray Staff physical attacks were very weak, but it was enough for Prince Keras to distract Baron Randall and he cast a green lightning bolt to attack from behind.

Zap! Zing!

After several bouts, Baron Randall's barrier indicator cuff turned white.

"That was a good fight," Baron Randall remarked.

Prince Keras nodded. It took him longer to take out Baron Randall than he had expected.

Obi watched as Prince Keras to the side.

"Prince Keras?"

"He doesn't care about the combat team, he's just playing around," Prince Keras glanced at Baron Randall.

The next round between Juliana and Corribal was barely a match. Juliana quickly shot out several arrows. After the 4th hit, Corribal's body aura was down.

"The goddess is amazing!" The students all gushed over the new student.

"She's amazing!" The students were amazed. "This match ended so quickly!"

Corribal's friends patted him on the back. It wasn't that he was weak, it was that Juliana had strong magical arrows.

The instructor called Marcus and Jack to the stage.

Jack slowly walked up the steps and onto the main courtyard. He prepared his Bowie knife and although he tried to hide it, he looked unsure of himself.

"It feels odd to see Jack looking all nervous," Ashe said.

Anya didn't want to comment, she was feeling nervous herself.

After the signal to start, Marcus and Jack both cautiously evaluated the opponent. Neither wanted to make the first strike.

After another moment, they both charged in to attack. Jack held his ground, but he was mainly in defensive position. His blade deflected the quick slashes of Marcus's daggers.

"The kid isn't bad, but he is completely out of his league," the students watched as Jack flipped and dodged Marcus attacks.

Marcus flung two hidden knives toward Jack. Jack evaded one, but the second broke a bit of his force barrier.

Jack force barrier wasn't strong, so he knew evading was the only way he could survive the match.

Marcus continued his strategy of dodging and attacking. Jack did the same. Although they both had very similar style, Marcus was more experienced.

Marcus movement changed. It became difficult to see where he was attacking from.

"Is that the Shadow Walker skill?" asked Nico.

Xavier nodded. "Yeah, it looks like he disappears, doesn't it?" asked Xavier.

Marcus movement skill was a mixture of footwork and shadow illusion. It was difficult to trace his exact location, but if a person maintain focus, it was possible to pinpoint him. Unfortunately, Jack was too inexperienced.

Marcus won in the end.

Jack stepped down from the courtyard, looking a bit dispirited.

"You lasted longer than I thought," Ashe attempted to cheer him up.

"You have improved a lot!" Nico chimed in. They had been training together, so he knew how much Jack was improving.

Vincent patted Jack in the back.

The instructor called the next competitors, Norick and Tokon. Nico watched as Norick easily won the match against Tokon.

"I didn't expect him to be so strong," Nico remarked.

"Norick is the strongest pure tanker," said Ashe. "His attacks are easily evaded, but his counter attacks are deadly and nearly impossible to evade. The worst thing about him is his patience."

"For a tanker, he's unusual though," Xavier added. "Tanker works well as the core of the team and with a partner. Norick always prefer to be alone."

Ashe took the stage as the instructor announced the next match, between him and Princess Toria Gordon.