One of the overseers brought out a circular medallion with rune etchings on it then he tossed it on the floor. “Release”. A dim flicker light of four colors glowed. After a few seconds, a small black obelisk with a height of 20 feet formed.

“This is the ‘Quadra Potentia’ this magical device will measure your potential in all four aspects, mainly the Body, Blood, Soul, and Mind. Each of you must possess at least an excellent rating in one of the four areas to be able to pass. Let’s begin.”.

One of the applicants stepped forward to the obelisk. “Now place your hand” the overseer instructed. As the applicant’s hand touched the obelisk, magical runes glowed in all 4 sides of the obelisk with varying heights.

The overseer looked at the obelisk. “Excellent body, Average blood, Weak soul, Average Mind”. The overseer nodded to the applicant. “Pass”.

“What do those ratings mean?” Azrael asked. “Seriously? You didn’t know?” Phaeton shot a startled glanced.

“Why would I ask you, if I knew”.

“Okay okay, I understand. Let me explain”. Phaeton pointed to the obelisk. “Can you see the 4 sides of the obelisk? They each represent an aspect and each has its own quality rating. In ascending order it's Weak, Average, Excellent, Perfect and Transcendental. My cousin told me that there are a few more levels but its rare.” Phaeton explained.

“I see, do you know what Cygnus’ rating is?” Azrael asked curiously. He wanted to know what level of potential knights has. “Cygnus has a ‘Transcendental’ rating in Mind, apart from that I don't know much more. Don’t be too shocked, all Knights have a Transcendental quality rating in one or more aspects.”

“I wonder what my rating will be?” Azrael thought excitedly.

“Fail!”. The exam started with 39 people but was now slowly dwindling. Unsurprisingly Phaeton easily passed. The examiner called out. “Number 25!”. Azrael walked to the obelisk and slowly placed his hand. The magical runes hummed and the runes in each side one by one lit up.

The examiner looked with disappointment as the results were slowly revealing itself. “Weak body, Weak blood, Average Soul..”. However, as the last side of the obelisk begun lighting up, the examiner gasped in surprise and slowly muttered. “Perfect Mind... Number 25 you pass!”.

The crowd in the room focused their gaze to the Obelisk, seemingly unable to believe the results.

“That’s the guy that fired off a large-scale light magic right?”

“Yeah, he’s the only one who was able to injure that soldier at the entrance.”

“Holy hell! You might have really bad ratings on the other aspects but your Mind is on a whole different level, I’m really looking forward to fighting you.” Phaeton said while nodded approvingly.

“You might lose you know,” Azrael smirked. “Is that a challenge?! Haha very well brother, you’re on!!”. Phaeton said (exited).

Finally, the 1st exam was over. A total of 16 people passed from the original 39, the requirements were indeed very strict. Apart from Azrael and Phaeton, the significant people who passed were the Eridanus Clan members. “I will begin drafting the tournament bracket, the ones who passed, proceed directly to the Main Stadium.” The overseer said.

Azrael and Phaeton then proceeded to the main stadium. As they were walking, a group approached them. It was the Eridanus clan members, they were comprised of 2 males and 2 females. They were led by a woman with long silver braided hair.

“You’ve been ignoring us this whole time Phaeton, why don't you introduce us to your friend.” Phaeton frowned as he looked towards the long braided woman. “Isabelle.. What do you want?”

“Quite the temper... Fufu, my father sent us told us to attend the enlistment here, unfortunately, we weren’t the only ones who caught wind of royals. I see you’re trying to win the good graces of the prince. Don’t embarrass yourself this time.”

“Fufu anyway, we were just wondering what the competition looked like and it may prove interesting after all.”. Isabelle then glanced at Azrael with a wry smile. “Goodluck in the matches. Let’s go”

“That arrogant little…” Phaeton said as stomped his foot.

“What's with her” Azrael asked. “We had a minor scuffle during a party in the capital. Truth be told she isn't really an issue, it's her brother that's the problem. These noble parties have these sorts of segments where the families show off their Magic. Me and Isabelle sparred and I sort of injured her well not really it was just a burnt hair, I don't hold back as you well know. Her brother didn't take it too well and challenged me just because of the stupid hair, so I accepted of course because no Man should ever reject a challenge.”

“Let me guess, you lost,” Azrael said.

“I wouldn't have necessarily lost if it wasn't for that damned restriction! Besides he was way older than me, we’re 5 years apart and he’s already an officer in the military.”

“So you did lose.”

“Are you listening to me dammit?!”

_____________________

The group arrived at the open stadium. It was a circular dome shape Stadium. The spectator stands were divided into four areas. In the lower portion of the West Wing, an observatory platform was located. In the observatory platform the were 2 people already seated, General Escariot and the city governor.

“That’s one hell of a defensive formation! The security is not messing around” Phaeton exclaimed as he observed the rune markings etched on the perimeter of the observatory platform.

“Those defensive runes are emanating a lot of magic You need to a strong power source to maintain such a defensive formation.” Azrael surmised that this must have been what the military officer used the High-grade magic stones for.

There were multiple stands surrounding the fighting stage. The dome was packed with people. At the center Of the Stadium, there were eight fighting rings. They were floating midair supported by a gravity spell.

“It looks like the fights will occur simultaneously. ” Phaeton said.

A soldier then appeared at the center of the stadium. “My name is Col. Draug. We will now begin the proceedings of the tournament. Some of you might be wondering why we are conducting a tournament. Normally the military enlistment never had this practice before, however, we are graced by a special guest and we do not want to disappoint. All of you here at this very moment is now officially soldiers. Win or lose, you will still be soldiers. However! The top 2 will have special rewards given to them. Now before we start I would like everyone to welcome her royal highness Princess Ave Hildegard Emperius.”

“I was sure that it was prince Johann that was coming”. Phaeton said.

The crowd erupted in cheers and yelled praises for the princess. In the observatory platform General Escariot and the city governor stood up in ceremony with a partial bow. 2 people in the observatory platform of the stadium walked forward and slowly came to view.

The woman had deep blue eyes, long blonde hair extending up until the waist. She had a slender build and was adorned by a small golden tiara together with an immaculate white garment. The princess had a serene appearance about her. On the contrary, the man beside him, Demetrius, was standing at nearly 7 feet tall, clad with full silver heavy armor and greatsword even longer sheathed at his back. He exuded a dominating presence.

“So that’s the princess, she is really beautiful,” Azrael said. Phaeton chuckled “Don’t let her looks fool you, she is stronger than most military officers, anyway forget the princess you should be more focused on the Demetrius. That man rarely leaves the Royal Castle, it would be nice if the prince would order him to demonstrate or something. I really want to see him fight.”

“So he’s really strong?” Azrael asked. “Are kidding me, he’s a King’s guard. That man is probably the most famous person in the kingdom, he’s a war hero. Do you really not know him.” Azrael starred toward Demetrius. “He certainly looks the part, but I can’t help but feel that the princess is more dangerous”. Every time he would gaze at Princess Johann he would feel and explicable sense of pressure.

“I thank thee, citizens of Regraud for extending a warm welcome despite my sudden appearance. It brings me great joy to witness the very people who would defend our people and become the pillars of this kingdom. We will be eternally grateful for your contribution and sacrifice towards a better future. In light of this, I will personally bestow reward to the victor of this tournament”

The Col. Draug then revealed the Tournament matchmaking.

“Hahaha, brother it’s a good thing that we won’t be meeting in the first round. Do me a favor will you, if you get paired with any of the nobles make sure to teach them a lesson in my place. Be sure to survive until the end.” Phaeton said. “Naturally, that goes for you as well. Azrael said

_____________________

In the observatory platform.

Princess Hildegard sat after she delivered her speech. “At ease, all of you.”. “Thank you, your highness”. General Escariot and the City Mayor sat down. “You’ve certainly taken great preparations in receiving me.”

“I am humbled by your praise. We have heard from the capital that it was Prince Johann who was coming here, I didn’t expect it would be the princess, if I knew, I would have done much better. I am curious though, what brings you to this place”

“My father didn’t allow Johann to go, you know how doting he is with my baby brother, hence I am here in his stead. There is a particular individual that interests me.”

“Is it one of the applicants? The nobles? Or perhaps are you talking about ‘that’ boy.” General Escariot asked.

“That is quite perceptive of you general, indeed I am. “

“We conducted a test in the first part of the exam. However, there was nothing special about the result. He might very well be eliminated in the first round.

Princess Hildegard looked towards the participants. “Be that as it may general, I prefer to see things for myself. We need to bring as many talented individuals into the fold.”

_____________________

Outside the Stadium.

Cygnus and his squad were currently patrolling the perimeter. “This is preposterous, I can't believe we can’t even watch the competition. This is all your fault captain.” Marcus sighed as he dragged his feet while walking

“Dammit Marcus! How many times do I need to apologize?”. Cygnus said as he looked at Marcus. He then turned away to look at the stadium entrance. “Ave, if I knew it was you who was coming... ”

As the patrolling continued, Cygnus noticed that there were soldiers standing guard in one of the entrances. “Hey, Marcus, who are those guys. Aren’t we the only ones who are supposed to be outside the stadium.” Cygnus asked. “Come to think of it, I don’t recognize any of them,” Marcus replied.

Cygnus walked towards the soldiers. “Who is your commanding officer?” The soldiers stammered to answer period and saluted to Cygnus.

“Its captain Luke Sir.”

“Really Luke? I was at the meeting but I didn’t see him. Ah, no wonder you’re outside as well if that's the case we’re are all in the same boat haha.” Marcus said.

_____________________

The tournament proceeded smoothly.

During the first round, There weren't any significant matchups apart from Phaeton incessantly showing off as he deliberately overpowered his opponent. Azrael, on the other hand, took a more careful approach he only used the appropriate amount of magic to defeat his opponent.

“How would you lose against a mere commoner. You're bringing shame to all of us!” Isabelle huffed as she scolded her companion.

“I’m really sorry, but he was really weird, I never could figure out what his magic was. Before I knew it I have already exhausted all my strength. It wasn’t my fault.”

“What are you looking at?” Isabelle glared at Phaeton. “Nothing, nothing” Phaeton replied mischievously and walked away with Azrael.

“Serves them right haha. I didn’t see the match but it looks like we have another person to watch out for.”