7th of Janviay, 0000 A.C.

Afternoon

Drazone Outdoor Stadium, Ravissant Brotherhood

After the History paper, the examinees were taken to the location of the one-on-one battles, and were given a random number.

Assorted into different groups, Jacques found that he had to fight against the son of another noble.

Stepping into the ring, his opponent, Anarax Khine Tuthe, bowed his head. “Let’s have a fun match,” he grinned, and Jacques smiled too.

The bell rang, and Anarax launched himself at Jacques. Effectively side-stepping the attack, Jacques performed a Knife-edge strike, which Anarax also easily evaded.

Anarax laughed. “You’re pretty good at this.” Jacques acknowledged the compliment by descending into the Guarded Cobra stance.

“Let’s get serious.”

Fifteen minutes later, they were still going at it. Ferociously, they launched devastating attacks, only to be blocked and countered with frightening speed.

Finally, the bell rang, and the match was declared a draw. Sweating profusely, Anarax shook Jacques’ hand.

“That was a great match!” he exclaimed enthusiastically. Jacques, who felt extremely drained, wondered how he had that much stamina left.

The next match was between Jeanne and a muscular martial arts student. The entire judging panel was bamboozled though, when Jeanne floored him with several carefully placed hooks.

Anarax, seeing the display of strength, laughed nervously. “Your friend is quite frightening,” he winked.

8th of Janviay, 0000 A.C.

Noon

Northern Forest, Outskirts of Ravissant Brotherhood

The team event was about to begin. The candidates were instructed to form groups of three. Jeanne went in search of Jacques and his new friend, and found them near the entrance gate to the forest, preparing their survival kits.

“Hey guys,” Jeanne smiled sweetly at them, and they greeted her back. “Want to form a team with me?”

They happily accepted. Having finished packing their kits, the team went to the entrance, where other teams had already assembled. Each team was given a small numbered flag.

“The objective of this test is to keep your flag safe, and take as many flags from other teams as possible,” the instructor announced. “Of course, weapons aren’t allowed. You’re only allowed to rely in the forest, and your martial arts skills.”

Opening the gates to the forest, he shot the starting pistol, “BEGIN!”