The Cornflower Witch Chapter 28

Chapter 28: First Month Assessment

On the day of the assessment, everyone arrived early at Viscount Xuefeng’s training ground. Many aristocratic families had also gathered here today to watch the assessment. Among them were many elderly and children, who probably treated today as an outing and a gathering.

“Isn’t that Sister Moran? How have you been recently?”

“Ah, it’s Shanna, long time no see.” Several noblewomen gathered together, discussing recent events.

“I just returned from Valley City. The art exhibition there was truly wonderful, especially the work of a rising artist, ‘Red Lotus in Water’. The lotus on the painting seemed to be burning. A master commented that his painting has already reached the threshold of a professional, and after some time, it will attain the ‘Blazing Sun’ attribute.”

“Wow, is there such an amazing new artist? I thought only Whitecliff City could produce such talent.”

“That’s why it’s so surprising. It’s said that the new artist is only eighteen years old. Truly a genius.”

“Many girls at the site were mesmerized by his painting, and many were vying to marry him.”

“If I were ten years younger, I’d probably go after him too. If I could just touch the hands that painted, it would be a beautiful memory for a lifetime.”

“Such artists are rarer than Knight Holen; probably one wouldn’t appear in ten years.” The others nodded in agreement.

As the noblewomen and socialites talked and laughed, the students in the training ground below entered one by one.

Today’s competition was divided into two rounds. The first round had students drawing lots to compete in three matches. Those with two or more wins would advance to the second round, where a challenge arena would determine the final winner.

There were a total of 15 students in this session, so the actual time spent would not be too much.

“Komia has to participate too?” Karen saw Komia also preparing.

“Yes.” Komia grasped her sword and swung it to get a feel for it.

“Are you really going?” Karen was still a bit incredulous, as Komia had never participated in combat training.

“I have my secret winning method. Karen will know later.” Komia spoke mysteriously.

“Okay.” Karen, seeing that Komia had said so, no longer obstructed her. She thought Komia was a very clever person and must have a plan.

However, to their greater surprise, Hylial also came to the training ground today, with a training sword resting on her lap.

“Oh, no way. Lia is going too?” This time it was Komia’s turn to be surprised.

“Well, everyone else is here, so I can’t back out now, can I?” The girl’s answer made the two of them think she probably didn’t want to be seen as special, which is why she participated.

“Whoever draws Lia is lucky.” Both knew that Hylial never participated in sparring practice and was only there to make up the numbers.

Apart from the three of them, the other students also arrived one after another. Some were rubbing their hands in preparation, some were putting on protective gear to prevent injuries, and some were more daring and confident, still wearing clothes that resembled ball gowns.

Iona stood in the best resting area, typically reserved for esteemed knights. However, since no knights were present today, no one questioned her use of it.

Her golden short hair was partially tied back with a red ribbon. She wore a dark brown fitted formal top with a row of exquisite buttons on the chest, and a skirt that allowed for easy movement below. This outfit was from the Royal Academy of Whitecliff City, but unfortunately, she could no longer wear the Royal Academy’s emblem after leaving.

A gilded gauntlet held a single-edged sword at her side. The scabbard bore the pattern of a Black-Crowned Magpie, the family crest of Viscount Kalun.

Her gaze swept over the ladies and socialites chatting in twos and threes under their parasols in the stands. Iona felt an inexplicable annoyance. If this were her family’s territory, she would surely have these noisy people thrown out.

However, at this moment, she could only take a deep breath and suppress the irritation in her heart.

“Let’s start quickly. After the competition, she would take a hot bath. Standing here, she felt as if a layer of ash had settled on her.”

More than ten minutes later, Viscount Xuefeng stepped onto the stage, briefly introduced today’s assessment competition, and then let a personal guard knight preside over the entire competition.

Arriving at the cool private box in the stands, Viscount Xuefeng sat down and enjoyed today’s duel with Scholar Hyde beside him.

“First match, Lei against Mick!”

Would he have to face a familiar person in the first match? Mick stood up, picked up the blunt broadsword at his side, and walked onto the stage.

Under the blazing sun, the two stood five meters apart, a moment of silence.

Although it wasn’t a life-and-death battle, it was rather unlucky for two people with a good relationship to face each other in the very first match.

“Come on, Mick.” Lei lifted his hammer, holding it horizontally in front of him.

“Heh.”

Mick no longer hesitated, grasping his broadsword and stepping forward. The two began to engage.

He wielded the iron broadsword with both hands, his movements powerful yet agile, allowing for swift changes. As the blade swung, Mick’s footwork changed, making his attacks harder to predict. This excellent technique drew quiet applause from the discerning audience.

“Although we don’t know his name, this boy is already a qualified warrior.”

On the other side, Lei used his formidable strength to swing the great hammer, making whistling sounds, suppressing Mick’s attack routes, and forcing the opponent away from himself, making it difficult to advance.

The two had practiced many times and understood each other’s fighting styles, making it difficult to determine a winner for a while.

Swords occasionally clashed, deflecting the great hammer’s attacks, or merely delaying them for a moment before disengaging. Lei’s hammer smashed into the high platform, sending splintered wood flying.

This back-and-forth confrontation gradually heightened the audience’s excitement. Many began to cheer for their chosen side or wager against each other.

“I bet the big guy wins. He’s strong enough, and his movements aren’t clumsy. He’s a rare powerhouse. In these low-level battles, the advantage of strength is too great.”

“I’m more optimistic about the smaller one. As long as he keeps his cool and constantly interferes, wearing down the big guy’s stamina, he’ll find an opportunity to break through.”

“Alright, shall we bet 50 Silver Coins?”

“No problem.” The two nobles settled their wager in the stands.

On the high platform below, Mick and Lei’s battle had reached a fever pitch. There were now numerous craters left by the great hammer, and Lei was forced into a disadvantaged position. Behind and to his sides were damaged craters, making it difficult for him to maneuver and retreat when facing an enemy. At this point, he could only choose to forcefully attack head-on.

The great hammer accurately anticipated Mick’s line of attack, blocking it with a sweeping motion.

Unfortunately, Mick had already anticipated this. He kicked off the ground with force, narrowly dodging Lei’s attack, and then, from an unexpected angle, rushed in from Lei’s left side, where it was difficult for Lei to exert force.

The broadsword slashed down fiercely, hitting Lei’s leather armor on the shoulder, kicking up a cloud of dust. Mick then quickly retracted his sword and circled around to Lei’s defenseless back, pressing the sword against the center of his back.

“Alright, I lost.” Lei dropped his hammer to the ground, stopping the fight and conceding defeat.

“A fluke.”

Mick also put down his sword, his chest rising and falling violently. It took him a while to recover from the side effects of his breathing technique.

“First match, Mick wins!” A round of applause erupted in the arena.

The first match got off to a good start, making everyone even more excited for the battles to come.

(End of Chapter)