Edward stared at the sorry state of Edgar with a scowl on his face.

He had already discarded his previous shock and started shouting profanities at the unconscious Edgar being dragged away.

The other nobles were used to Edward's tantrums and he was already shouting, "What an idiot! Does he know how ridiculous this makes me look? How can he walk into getting himself knocked out!"

A few noble's eyes rolled at Edward's rants, they knew Edgar's ability wasn't actually that bad, he was a bit reckless in his initial charge however the move that the trainee set up showed far more ability Edward is making out to be.

From his words, the trainee was just lucky from Edgar's stupidity, yet anyone with a decent understanding of swordsmanship knew this win was no fluke.

'That trainee… there's only meant to be a few notable ones among them, but his reaction speed, agility and strength seem very good for a novice Warrior.' Just through watching the split-second duel just now, Alistair could straight away discern the peculiarity of the trainee who fought Edgar.

Although Edgar seemed to have underestimated him greatly, this was only because he was confident to be able to respond if the trainee was able to receive his surprise attack, however, what he didn't realise is the trainee was far stronger than he could have predicted.

All of the nobles here have already developed their foundation and have begun to cultivate Warrior Energy beginning to open up their essence pool channelling essence through their bodies, although most have yet to reach the standard of a Tier 1 Warrior, it meant they had sufficiently trained their bodies to support their cultivation.

It gave them a physique far above ordinary people and since most of the trainees lacked the background for training their bodies and having suitable nourishment the nobles should be above them in this regard.

Nonetheless the trainee Edgar fought seemed to have as good if not better of a physique than him, his agility was actually better, in the way he was able to effortlessly deflect his attack using Edgar's own momentum against him sending him into a thunderous blow to the head.

Staring at the other trainee Alistair suddenly smirked thinking, 'I don't know how you did it… but I'm betting there is going to be a big surprise displayed by all of them.'

Suddenly he turned back to Edward who had been a continuous disappointment since he had met him, 'I wonder how he'll respond when things go wrong… I'm assuming nothing like his Father.'

Edward actually admired the Governor it was only his recent actions since the King and Queen's death that had made him begin doubting him.

He knew the Governor was a big contributor to why the Kingdom was able to develop greatly commercially leading to great improvements to various aspects in the Kingdom.

Yet now the currency earned was no longer being re-inserted back into the Kingdom bettering the lives of its people but was filling the Nobles and his own pockets, he was doubtful, to begin with, that the Princess could have anything to do with it in her previous state due to the illness and now seeing Edward who had thrown away all pretences acting unrestrained since he knew his Father now owned the Capital his worry for the prospects of the Kingdom of the Father and Son duo was allowed to ascend continued to grow.

'I'm going to have to warn my Father about this… the old man has not been to the Capital in years and if he continues his current actions by the time he finally acts it may be too late…' Alistair thought his mind rapidly circulating as he processed the events which had happened in the past few days.

The duels continued to go ahead each of them ending in one way.

From the second duel onwards even with the noble's caution they ended up suffering repeated losses.

In most cases, they displayed superior swordsmanship compared to the trainees as a result of their upbringing yet for some reason each of the trainees carried great strength, agility and endurance.

Each of them came in with a great game plan, they knew beforehand the nobles would have an edge in swordsmanship so they negated this through using aggression and maintaining the duel at a high pace.

Since Edward wanted to ensure the nobles could thoroughly inflict a beating on the trainees, he ensured the use of wooden swords and said the duel would last until one was no longer to fight anymore instead of point fighting with a time limit like duels usually would be.

This now ended up backfiring greatly since it made the duels focus primarily on strength and attrition.

Since the trainees were willing to take a blow if they could land one of their own, even with the nobles using their swordsmanship skilfully to strike the trainees well it didn't play a factor since the trainees were able to be reckless and take risks because they had confidence in taking the nobles strikes knowing the nobles wouldn't be able to take them on blow for blow.

The nobles did also not use to such frantic and high-intensity battles, now the trainees were given a similar feeling to how Talia gave the trainees in sparing.

Even if there was a disparity in swordsmanship the trainee's ability to continuously come forward throwing powerful strikes was able to overwhelm the nobles who struggled to adapt to the pressure.

There were also some genuine displays of skill from some of the stronger trainees who had good swordsmanship but just lacked a suitable foundation to battle the nobles on equal footing, these victories were even more humiliating since the nobles lost cleanly to an opponent who suppressed them in all aspects, even the swordsmanship they prided themselves on was bested.

With the losses racking up, Edward's face turned a deeper and deeper shade of purple as time went by, whatever pride he had at the beginning was long thrown away.

Beginning to grow desperate knowing despite showing up with high spirits they have yet to win a single duel, he turned to the three beside him.

Edward was going to use these three nobles as a means of showing off his influence to Alistair.

Each one of them was a Tier 1 Warrior and were considered a good talent in the Kingdom.

He knew even with the impressive display the trainees put on they had yet to show anyone who had the strength to battle a genuine Tier 1 Warrior who could infuse Warrior energy into their attacks and bodies.

The task of defeating not only a higher tiered Warrior but for someone without Warrior energy to defeat one was considered almost impossible.

'My Father told me not to rely on Alistair if necessary… I'll just save face by declaring myself the winner by winning the three most meaningful battles' Edward thought a sly grin forming on his face making up his mind to cheat his way out from suffering a loss.

"Now the real duels begin! Edmund, Adam and Louis will battle the three strongest among you! This will declare the winner!" Edward announced declaring his change of the rules in one sentence.

Initially, the trainees felt the need to raise up a protest at the arrogant nobles' clear way of trying to wipe away the previous heavy defeats of the nobles through just one battle.

However, they soon calmed down as they turned to look back at the figure of Talia waiting for her reply, showing they look up to her as their leader.

Alistair's eye widened in amusement as he thought, 'Mmm. The look of dependency in their eyes, what have you done to possible make this group look up to you in such a way in a short amount of time?'

Nonetheless seeing Talia who initially seemed taken aback at being collectively viewed as their leader, an air of authority soon filled her gait and stance, her cold blue eyes stared directly at Edward with a piercing glint, her voice seemed to have a magnetic charm to it as she said, "You want to play it that way? Fine, Ritson, Ben and Oscar, I know each of you has more than what it takes to beat those three, now let us end this and leave no doubts who's superior."

The trainees responded with great enthusiasm to Talia's comments as they roared with confidence as cheered on Ritson, Ben and Oscar.

They already knew those three were the best among them and with the potion's aid they have become even more fearsome.

None of them was fools they clearly felt the dangerous aura coming from the three nobles beside Edward, in order to bet everything on this battle, he had to have the confidence to do so believing he had an overwhelming chance of victory.

By changing this to a group battle, a 3v3, Edward was making sure there were no doubts this time, he believed that in such a little group of trainees there may be one figure capable of giving the three a challenge.

And learning from his previous losses if the possibility of that person defeating the nobles was slim he wanted to ensure his victory by dragging this into a group battle with three of the strongest nobles on his side present apart from Alistair.

Alistair sat on the side looking at the situation he thought, 'Seems I underestimated him, making the trainees have to put forward three individuals of a Tier 1 standard seems impossible effectively trapping them to defeat even with the previous display from earlier… however could it really end that simply?'

He smirked at that thought as his eyes fixed on the arena staring at the three nobles and trainees eyeing each other.

'This is far more entertaining than I thought it would be, who thought watching those unfavourable fellows get beat up continuously would make such great entertainment?' Alistair thought ensuring he maintained his cold appearance, he was afraid he may ruin his image if he ended up bursting into laughter every time one of those nobles got beat up pitifully by those trainees.

Ritson, Ben Oscar eyed their opponents across from them, the three nobles Edmund, Adam and Louis emitted a far more dangerous pressure than anyone they had fought before.

The feeling they gave was slightly similar to Tier 1 Warriors they have met in the past making them realise they were facing genuine Tier 1 Warrior.

It also meant the three across them were genuine talents to the Kingdom and would already be considered elite combatants with their Tier 1 status.

"I believe we can do this brothers, I already feel my strength can somewhat match a Tier 1 Warrior with the effects of the potion and I believe you agree, but we need to demonstrate the Princess was right to put her trust into us, we can't be the ones who decided her defeat here today!" Ritson voiced.

Oscar chuckled as he said, "I agree! And besides, we have faced Talia in numerous training sessions, I don't believe those three can be scary as her! If we can spar that monster I don't think those three are anything much compared to her!"

Ben laughed in agreement, "Now let's put an end to this, no more excuses from them, I'm ashamed that our families are linked together as nobles, but we must demonstrate to them we are united as a group, upbringing, status doesn't matter we all apart of one Kingdom."

"Agreed brother, now let's fight!" Ritson said before facing the three nobles who huddled together for a discussion beforehand.

The officiator stepped in once again his beady eyes flicking between the two trios, he said, "Let this be known, as Edward said this will be the decider, winner takes all!"

At that moment the fancy military official winked at him making him change his words.

"Unless… special circumstances happen" Seeing how quickly he changed his mind due to the look provided by the military official the trainees stared at him with blatant disdain, even the nobles seemed a bit embarrassed by such blatant favouritism but the officiator took no notice of it as he prepared himself to signal the beginning of the match.

With the officiator signalling the match the duel began swiftly.

The three nobles moved forward swiftly in practised movements, they were in sync with each other showing the familiarity they shared with each other.

Ritson, Oscar and Ben on the other hand had a different approach.

Ritson was the one to move forward first, as the one with the burliest figure amongst them boasting the best physique, making him 'tankier' than the other two.

Oscar and Ben played to their strengths. Being nobles themselves, they received rigorous training from a young age on swordsmanship, they were skilful and slick with their blades and with the potions enhancing their physique considerably they were able to display far more power.

Edmund straight away swung his blade, swinging with the intent to take Ritson's head off.

Beside him Adam thrust his blade across aiming for Ritson's large torso, giving him no means to block both strikes at once.

Louis had a defensive approach feinting an attack on Ritson whilst secretly guarding against Ben and Oscar who approached behind Ritson.

Sensing danger Ritson leapt to the side moving with great grace for a man of his size, Edmund as a tier 1 Warrior was able to adapt to this change as he switched the trajectory of his blow however Ritson who was now in a more advantageous position was able to forcefully block his attack and throw one of his own as he landed a hard punch with his free hand making Edmund take a few steps back from the blow.

Adam knowing Ritson was now out of range due to evasion already pulled his attack as he and Louis went to engage Oscar and Ben who had already begun clashing swords with them.

After a few exchanges, the nobles felt notably shocked.

They did not receive any damage as a result of being protected by Warrior energy, but they were amazed that their opponents were able to handle their attacks infused by essence.

Ritson, Oscar and Ben also had a clearer understanding of the effects of Warrior energy from this exchange.

Due to their education, they understood it was a means of bolstering your attack power and was also capable of coating the body in a protective layer increasing the resistance to attacks.

It was what made it difficult to fight a Tier 1 Warrior since it made them very durable, it is also why the Tier of a Warrior was a large indicator of strength since every ascension meant the quality and capacity of your essence improves, bolstering their Warrior energy.

A Warrior of a higher tier can directly crush a Tier 1 Warrior protective coating because their attacks held a higher quality of Warrior energy yet to them who is relying completely on their physical bodies since they had yet to become a Tier 1 Warrior it made it even more challenging to beat them.

The duel continued. Edmund continued to clash heavily with Ritson, Edmund had superior swordsmanship, yet even with the infusion of Warrior Energy in his attacks, he found it difficult to match the intensity and strength of Ritson.

'What is this guy made of…' Edmund wondered, he had been infusing his Warrior energy into his opponent's body in an attempt to injure him but found he was incredibly durable.

*Swoosh*

Edmund barely ducked out of the way from a sneak attack from behind by Ben who had managed to deceive his opponent giving him the opportunity to interfere in another battle.

However, despite Edmund getting away from Ben it now left him open to a direct attack from Ritson who swept his legs from under him taking him to the ground.

Edmund was taken by complete surprise not expecting such a move at all.

He attempted to swing his blade at Ritson from his back but this proved to be ineffective as using his superior strength he abandoned his own weapon, deciding to tare the weapon from Edmund's hand and like a barbarian begin pummelling him from a mounted position.

The crowd stared in complete shock wondering how a sword duel turned into what looks like some bar fight you'd find in the street.

However, their eyes were soon drawn to the other occupants in the duel, Adam who had let Ben get away due to Ben showcasing superior footwork baiting him out of range leaving him an opening to help Ritson had a scowl on his face knowing he was at fault for the embarrassing display.

Furiously he threw a strike at Ben who had faced away for when he attacked Edmund infusing a great deal of strength in his blow intending on taking Ben out of the fight with one powerful strike.

Ben using nimble and sleek movements escaped the attack at an improbable angle leaving Adam who had fully committed to that strike in a vulnerable position.

Making another move which seemed to be ridiculous to the onlookers Ben actually full-on tackled Adam who was left unbalanced due to the attack to the ground, and began throwing repeated strikes to his body and head.

Adam gave up on using the wooden weapon began trying to leverage himself to better defend himself, but Ben peppered him with blows.

Having protective Warrior Energy defending him, he was unafraid of what little damage a wooden sword could do, but this was different, Ben who had an advantageous position was able to land plenty of strikes on his body each with good strength.

Edmund was also in the same situation with Ritson, but he was in more danger as Ritson packed a punch with his blows, even being Tier 1 Warriors if they let themselves be hit like this continuously by individuals possessing physiques as strong as Ben and Ritson, even they'd find it troubling.

Initially, they thought with there not being genuine weapons, they wouldn't have to fear receiving attacks at all from the trainees.

Powerful enough warriors were even able to remain unafraid of steel weapons relying on their protective energy coating, but now they were involved in a situation they did not see themselves being in.

Louis who was now cautious not to be left in a state like his colleagues was currently defending the attacks from Oscar.

Since Louis has been cautious from the start and had not left himself in a position to be taken advantage of, Oscar was left battling him fairly evenly, Oscar knew that Louis's strikes were more powerful and held more dangerous intent since he was a Tier 1 Warrior, but since he was a well-rounded fighter he was able to migrate his weaknesses during the duel making it a standstill.

Edward was watching on with evident frustration at watching his three most reliable aids failing to defeat their opponents.

"What are they doing? Why aren't they crushing them already?" Edward said irritably.

The smarter nobles on the side just remained silent thinking, 'Those trainees are clearly more capable than you think! Just from the start how they were able to receive an attack from a Tier 1 Warrior shown they are unordinary!'

The duel finale continued and ended up being anticlimactic in the end.

Since Ritson and Oscar possessed a stronger physique than the nobles, even if they were Tier 1 Warriors, a lot of their strength was negated without a suitable weapon to harness there might turn them into meat shields who could just take a beating.

In reality, if they held steel weapons, Oscar, Ben and Ritson would have suffered greatly during this duel, as their only advantage was their physique, the nobles were able to increase theirs infusing Warrior energy into their bodies but Ritson who had a superior physique compared to the average person beforehand was, making him even more monstrous now allowing him to be able to overpower them when he was in an advantageous position.

With the two eventually taken out they were able to overwhelm the remaining noble, Louis, handing the nobles another official loss.

And this time it was three top talents of the Kingdom, three Tier 1 Warriors!

The trainees cheered once again in celebration, Ritson, Ben and Oscar were treated like heroes by the trainees who were in awe at their display in defeating genuine tier 1 Warrior.

Whereas on the nobles the atmosphere seemed bleak and depressing, all of their confidence evaporated in the instance that even the strongest amongst them were left a defeat.

They had failed to even take down one trainee.

Edward's face turned incredibly dark at the moment, having no options he could only turn to one more person.

"Alistair…" Edward said pleadingly causing the cold youth to turn his face to him.