The Knight Exam had no age restrictions, allowing knights of all ranks to participate in promotions. However, the competition was divided into categories based on age. Despite this, anyone could enter any category if they wished.
One evening, Chloe approached Alex. “The Knight Exam starts in a week. Are you going to participate?”
Alex shook his head. “No. Even if I enter, they won’t give a commoner like me a fair chance.”
Chloe sighed. “Yeah, you’re right… I wonder who will win this year?”
Alex smirked. “Chloe, if you have time, want to go to the arena with me?”
Chloe’s face turned red. “W-What?! You… want to go with me?”
Alex shrugged. “Only if you’re free.”
Chloe, flustered, quickly turned away. “Y-Yeah… Let’s see.” Then, without another word, she ran off.
Later that night, Lucian glanced at Chloe. “Chloe, why don’t you go and enjoy the festival?”
“But, Prince… how can I leave you here alone?”
Lucian smiled. “Don’t worry about me. Don’t suppress your happiness for my sake. Go and enjoy yourself.”
Chloe hesitated but then nodded. “Alright… I’ll bring back some gifts for you!”
Lucian chuckled. “I’ve also prepared a gift for you. You’ll receive it on the last day.”
Chloe’s eyes sparkled. “Really? Now I’m looking forward to it!”
The long-awaited day had arrived. The Knight Exam would take place during the day, while the festival continued at night. Excitement filled the air.
At the registration counter, a mysterious figure stepped forward. His face was hidden beneath a hood, his body wrapped in a dark cloak. A slender black sword rested at his waist. He approached the desk and signed up under the name Kyle.
Once registration was completed, all participants gathered in the grand hall. An officer stood before them, his voice firm and commanding.
“The Knight Exam is divided into four categories,” he announced.
- Category One – Ages 13 to 18
- Category Two – Ages 19 to 25
- Category Three – Knights seeking promotion
- Category Four – The Champions’ Tournament, where winners of the first three categories compete for a chance to meet the First Prince Novel or even be selected to train with the Royal Knights.
“You are free to enter any category, regardless of age. However, anyone caught using external enhancements—aside from their registered weapon—will be disqualified. In this exam, all are equal. Nobles, commoners… none of it matters. Only talent prevails.”
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His gaze swept over the crowd. “Understood?”
The participants responded in unison. “Yes, sir!”
“The exam starts tomorrow. You are all dismissed for today.”
As dawn broke, the participants arrived at the grand Knight Arena. A massive crowd gathered, their cheers echoing through the coliseum.
The officer stood before the competitors. “Let’s begin. You will see four different coloured lines—each representing a batch. Stand according to your assigned colour.”
Four examiners entered the arena. Each carried a bowl filled with folded slips of paper containing the participants’ names.
“Follow us,” one of the examiners instructed.
The participants obeyed, stepping onto the grand stage where their names would soon be called. The Knight Exam had begun.
The crowd roared. The battle for glory was about to unfold.
The examiner began drawing names randomly from the bowl, calling participants one by one. The tension in the air was thick with anticipation. Finally, Kyle’s name was called, and against him, the son of Count Doer—Jacob.
The examiner's voice rang out, “Both Kyle and Jacob, enter the ring! Take your positions and prepare to fight!”
Jacob smirked, cracking his knuckles. “Today is my lucky day. Fighting against you means my victory is assured!” he boasted.
Kyle remained silent, his eyes locked on Jacob. The moment the examiner signaled the start, Jacob charged with an upper slash, aiming to overwhelm Kyle instantly. But Kyle had already anticipated it. With a swift motion, he unsheathed his sword, the sharp metallic ring slicing through the silence, catching the attention of the entire audience.
Steel clashed as Kyle executed a flawless counterattack, deflecting Jacob’s strike with ease. Frustrated, Jacob roared and lunged at Kyle again, but in a blink, Kyle’s blade met his with such force that Jacob’s sword shattered into pieces. The crowd erupted in cheers as the fight was over in a flash—Kyle was the undeniable victor!
Thus, the first round concluded, and sixteen warriors advanced. The festival that evening was lively, filled with the stories of the day’s battles.
THE THIRD AND FOURTH DAY
The third day saw the start of the third-category participants’ trials. Warriors of all kinds clashed in spectacular duels, pushing themselves to the limit. Then came the fourth day—the long-awaited Knight Promotion Exam, where only the best of the best would earn the esteemed rank.
THE FIFTH DAY – SEMI-FINALS
At the start of the next round, Kyle faced Count Doer’s eldest son. The match barely lasted minutes—Kyle cut through his opponent’s defenses like a blade through paper, securing his place in the final. Other battles raged on, warriors clashing with fervor, but by the end of the day, only two combatants remained—Kyle and the son of Duke Balzac, Andre. The entire kingdom buzzed with excitement for the grand finale.
THE FINAL SHOWDOWN – SIXTH DAY
The arena overflowed with spectators, nobles and commoners alike, all eager to witness history. The ground trembled as the fighters stepped into the ring. Kyle and Andre—two warriors of unmatched skill, standing face to face.
“BEGIN!” the examiner bellowed.
The moment the fight commenced, sparks flew as swords clashed with unimaginable speed. Every strike, every parry was met with equal force. The audience held their breath, mesmerized by the intensity of the duel. Neither warrior backed down, pushing each other to their very limits.
Blades sliced through the air, echoing through the arena like a symphony of steel. The energy was electric—every movement so precise, so masterful, that even the most seasoned knights watched in awe. Sweat dripped from their brows, and muscles burned, but neither faltered.
And then, in a blinding display of skill, Kyle broke through Andre’s defense! With a decisive slash, Andre’s sword flew from his hands, landing outside the ring. The crowd exploded into thunderous cheers—Kyle had won!
Andre, breathing heavily, extended his hand. “That was incredible,” he admitted. “Next time, I will win.”
Kyle, with a respectful nod, shook his hand. “Let’s fight again someday.”
The cheers grew deafening, voices uniting in celebration. “KYLE! KYLE! KYLE!”
The examiner stepped forward, placing a golden medal around Kyle’s neck. The entire arena shook with applause.