Inside the training facility, the same place where yesterday Noah and the others had their sparring session.
This time, no instructor was with them, but for students to have duels against each other or challenges, there were always staff members appointed to the training facility at the training ground.
Joran, who was one of the working staff, came with them. He was a middle-aged man with dark brown hair and gray eyes.
"Take this and wear it on your hands, both of you." Joran handed Noah and Edward black-colored bands.
"The duel would be concluded if one defeats the other by holding a sword at their neck or by any other clear victory condition."
"And if it doesnât end like that, and you continue to fight, then at one critical hit or when your health becomes low, you will be automatically teleported outside the ring."
Noah and Edward listened to him silently.
Testu and Richard were standing slightly away from them.
They were near the sparring platform to watch their duel.
Noah and Edward put on those bands.
"So, you two are ready?"
"Yes, I am."
"Yes."
Both of them climbed onto the platform, standing on opposite sides.
Just then, some figures entered the sparring hall.
Noahâs gaze went in their direction, only to widen his eyes in shock.
âWhy are they here?â
They were none other than Damien and the other main characters.
Lyria, Arisha, Kaelan, Emma, and Leonard. All of them were here. Following them quietly was Mary.
Mary and Damien being here was understandable, since they were having a quarrel earlier. But Damienâs friends? Why were they here?
"Well... whatever. They must be curious about this battle," he muttered under his breath.
---
Meanwhile, on the main charactersâ side.
Lyria and the others had no interest in watching the spar of low-ranking students, since both Noah and Edward had lower ranks.
But because of Damienâs insistence, they followed him.
Mary was the reason why he offended Edward, so she also followed them.
With a curious expression, Leonard observed Noah, his left hand rubbing his chin.
"Who do you think will win this duel?" Leonard asked as he observed Noah. Curiosity was clearly written on his face.
With a bored expression, Kaelan scoffed from beside Leonard, his blue eyes uninterested.
"Who cares? They are just weaklings. No matter who wins, it doesnât matter."
With a light chuckle and a relaxed expression, Emma spoke.
"Well, I am here because Damien said so. Otherwise, I would not have bothered coming here." As usual, she had tied her brown hair in a single braid that rested against her shoulder.
With an indifferent expression and her golden eyes glued to the sparring platform, Arisha spoke calmly.
"I wonât deny it... I wanted to watch this battle. Mostly to see Edward get beaten. Though Noah is no better than Edward... I will be on his side for today."
With a gentle smile and calm expression, Lyria spoke softly. "Come on, guys. Since we are here... we should enjoy it." Her pink eyes then turned towards Damien.
"What do you think, Damien? Do you think Noah can defeat Edward?"
With a thoughtful expression, Damien looked at the sparring platform before answering.
"Well... I have seen him fighting Leonard... he is not strong... but I donât know anything about Edward. If he is stronger than Noah or not... so letâs see... even though I donât like Noah... this time I hope he wins."
Then Damien turned towards Mary with a calm expression.
"Do you think the same?"
With a slightly nervous expression, Mary nodded softly.
"Yes... I hope he wins." She then glanced at the man who was preparing for the fight, who was dragged into this for no reason.
---
Back to Noah and Edward.
This time Noah chose a spear. A silver-colored spear appeared in his right hand. The blade on top was blue in color. The bottom of it rested against the metal floor.
The spear oddly matched Noahâs appearance. His soft snow-white hair and ocean-blue crystal-like eyes. He was truly handsome.
On the opposite side, Edward pulled out his greatsword.
âNice!â
Noah had sparred with Leonard yesterday, and he used a greatsword. Now Edward was using the same weapon. And obviously, his sword skills would be low compared to Leonard.
Joran stood in the corner of the platform, in the center area.
"When I say start... you will start fighting."
Both Edward and Noah took their stances.
Joran raised his hand slightly and looked at both of them.
"1..."
Both Noah and Edward tightened their grips on their weapons.
"2..."
They leaned forward slightly, muscles tensing.
"3... Start!"
The moment the word left Joranâs mouth, both Noah and Edward kicked off the ground and dashed toward each other.
Clang!
The greatsword met the spear with a loud metallic sound. The impact echoed across the training hall.
Both of them pushed against each other for a moment before jumping back.
Edward attacked first.
He raised his greatsword and did a powerful vertical slash.
Noah quickly lifted the shaft of his spear and blocked the attack using the middle part of the spear like a staff.
Clang!
The force was heavy, but Noah held his ground.
âHeâs stronger than I thought.â Noah thought with narrowed eyes.
Edward immediately followed with a horizontal slash aimed at Noahâs waist.
Noah quickly ducked under the blade, feeling the wind pressure of the sword pass just above his head.
At that moment, Noah thrust his spear forward.
Edward twisted his body slightly and the spear barely missed his shoulder.
They separated again.
Edward clicked his tongue. "Not bad."
Noah didnât reply. His eyes were focused and calm.
âBut not enough to beat me.â
Edward then smirked and suddenly his body released a faint aura.
Mana.
He started using mana to reinforce his body.
Seeing this, Noah also focused.
He could feel the mana moving from his core to all over his body, flowing through his veins, strengthening his arms and legs.
His grip became stronger. His legs felt lighter. His vision sharper.
Edward dashed again, this time much faster than before.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Their weapons clashed again and again.
Edward swung his greatsword heavily, each attack carrying powerful force.
Noah used the spear to deflect, block, and redirect the attacks rather than stopping them directly.
Edward did another heavy vertical slash.
Noah stepped to the side and used the spear shaft to redirect the blade downward.
Edward immediately spun and did a wide horizontal swing.
Noah jumped back just in time, the blade barely missing his chest.
The distance between them increased again. Both of them were breathing slightly heavier now.
Edward smirked. "Letâs see how long you can keep defending."
He rushed forward again.