Chapter 88.2 - The First Year at the Academy - Harvis Razefal (2)
The main event proceeded smoothly, and as most people expected, Radikell won in the third year, while Harvis secured victory in the 4th and 5th years.
Radikel often made remarks that showed his awareness of Harvis, but Havis remained indifferent and paid no attention to those remarks.
It seemed to bother Radikel.
Even when he tried to provoke Harvis directly, Harvis casually brushed it off.
"We'll see on the final day."
And now, the martial arts tournament reached its last day.
Compared to the chilly start in winter, the past few days brought the sense of spring.
Under the faintly warm sunlight, the usual group had gathered.
"So, how did it go?"
Elphimia, seated in the audience, inquired with a confident pose, arms crossed.
Elphimia and Lola hadn't attended any matches since Harvis's first battle.
While Lola's lack of interest in combat made sense, Elphimia aspired to be a court mage.
Given her collaboration with the knights, she needed to watch, even if she anticipated the outcome already.
"Setting aside Harvis's victory, Tobias made it to the quarterfinals. It was quite a fierce battle."
"Are matches with known outcomes interesting?"
Mercilessly cutting into the topic again.
"You can't judge based solely on reputation. You shouldn't rely too much on [Basic Appraisal]."
Even with my ability to use [Appraisal], I had misjudged the Goblin Leader's strength.
Appraisal systems were convenient.
But they couldn't read an opponent's thoughts or tactics.
"Alter's right. Besides, today should be enjoyable.
It's Harvis against Radikel."
Lambert chimed in, scooping up the surface topics.
However, Elphimia's expression was far from cheerful.
"That might be true, but…,"
After some vague words.
"It's all too apparent, that person."
"What about Harvis?"
"Half and half, I suppose."
I see.
The criteria weren't clear, but [Basic Appraisal] treats Halvis and Lislia equally, while Radikel was categorized as part of the rest.
When I [Appraised] Lisila during the emergency council, I decided to go all out.
I was prepared for the possible deaths of several council members.
Expecting us to anticipate a battle against such a monster, where everything is laid bare, might be asking too much.
Perhaps noticing our secretive behavior, Lambert gave us a probing look.
"I'm feeling a bit peckish. Seems like the young lady desires a drink."
"Well, alright. Since you desire it, I'll buy it. Lola, are you coming?"
"Yes."
We left the arena and headed toward the stalls.
Upon returning with makeshift hot dogs containing thinly sliced sausages, the two opponents were entering the arena.
While seated, I observed the two of them.
Both held one-handed swords and shields.
Their equipment lacked uniqueness.
In response to the loud cheers, Harvis bowed and Radikel proudly waved his hand, elegantly bowing towards the guest seats.
There, Radikel's father, Baron Veshil, stood.
When Radikel secured victory in the 3d year, he delivered a pompous congratulatory speech.
The referee confirmed the prohibited actions again and moved away from the two.
Amidst the roaring cheers that shook the arena, the two competitors faced each other.
Radikel wore a smile and said something.
The moment Harvis responded, his eyes widened.
I wondered what they were talking about.
It seemed like some kind of argument.
I couldn't hear a thing.
Looking at Elphimia, she seemed disinterested, sipping on a fruit-infused water of Mele.
Even with those large ears, she couldn't make out their conversation.
A lesson learned in eavesdropping.
As I entertained such impolite thoughts, the final event of the martial arts tournament, a mock battle between the top performers, began.
At the signal, Radikel launched an attack with an expression of anger. Swords struck down one after another.
Lambert's endorsement was justified; the swordsmanship was splendid. His [One-handed Sword] skill must be around 4 or 5.
I understand if he becomes arrogant.
However, Harvis was superior.
He remained still from the starting point, skillfully parrying with his shield. Impressive.
With such skill, the shield would last long.
I wished Gemma and Nails could see this. Especially Gemma, who blocks head-on and ends up breaking his shield quickly.
Woodworking is fun, so it's okay.
I kept facing forward and called out to Elliot.
"Watch closely. That's how you use a shield. Teach everyone."
"Yes."
He's turning his attention to the match.
Unlike Ted, Gemma and Nails probably thought it was only natural to lose to me.
Engaging in discussions with Elliot would likely contribute to their growth more than if I were to teach them directly.
The relentless onslaught and the one-sided defense.
Initially, the audience was thrilled by the intense offense and defense, but gradually they realized that Harvis hadn't moved an inch.
The murmurs shifted from intense combat to praises for Harvis.
Was it Radikell's responses or his frustration at his tactics not working?
Suddenly, Radikell raised his sword to the high guard position.
In an instant, the sword sliced through the air.
The arena resounded with a smooth metallic sound.
The cheers quieted in the face of such purity.
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