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.The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñøv€l-B1n.
"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.
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.