As they prepared for the second round, the two pairs decided to switch partners. Kent and Sain exchanged a stern nod, while Lyn and Astrid smiled at each other with eagerness.
Kent sternly looked at Sain and said. "Don't let your guard down. Remember, we're here to spar, not to chase skirts."
Sain chuckled and replied. "Relax, Kent. I know when to focus. And besides, it's not every day we get to spar with such lovely lady."
Kent shook his head and muttered. "Sometimes I wonder how you became a knight."
Lyn watched the exchange with amusement before turning to Astrid. "So, what's your strategy for this match?" She asked.
Astrid grinned and said. "I'm thinking of testing your technique and endurance. See how you handle it."
Lyn nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a challenge. I'm ready for it."
As Lyn and Astrid stepped forward to face each other, the energy in the arena seemed to intensify. Lyn was eager to test her skills against the enigmatic prince, while Astrid's eyes glinted with amusement at the prospect of facing his own pupil.
Lyn drew her sword and took a defensive stance, her eyes narrowed in concentration. Astrid, meanwhile, stood tall and confident, his own sword at the ready.
The two began to circle each other, searching for an opening. Lyn was quick and agile, darting in and out of Astrid's range with ease. Lyn had seen Astrid's fluid, unorthodox style in action during the first round, and knew she would have to be prepared for anything. But he seemed content to let her come to him, his eyes flickering with amusement.
Astrid, for his part, was intrigued by Lyn's quick reflexes and aggressive approach. He had watched her fight from the sidelines during the first round, and had been impressed by her skill and tenacity.
The two combatants clashed, their swords ringing out with a wooden thwack. Lyn launched a flurry of strikes, each one aimed with precision and speed. Astrid countered with a series of acrobatic moves, dodging and weaving around Lyn's attacks.
Lyn was fast and nimble, but Astrid's movements were calculated and precise. He seemed to anticipate her every move, countering her attacks with ease.
"You're good." Lyn said, panting slightly as they broke apart.
"But not good enough." Astrid replied with a smirk.
Lyn gritted her teeth and charged forward again, her sword flashing in the light. Astrid parried her strike effortlessly, then countered with a swift strike of his own.
Lyn stumbled backward, her sword arm shaking from the force of the blow. But she quickly regained her footing and launched another attack.
Astrid analyzed every move Lyn made, offering guidance and feedback along the way. "You're telegraphing your attacks too much, Lyn."
Astrid said as he dodged one of her swings. "You need to keep your movements more fluid and unpredictable."
Lyn nodded and adjusted her stance, taking Astrid's advice to heart. She charged at him again, her movements more controlled and precise this time. But Astrid was not one to be underestimated, and he easily parried her blows with his own sword.
"Good form, Lyn." Astrid said with a smirk. "But you still have a lot to learn."
As the two continued to spar, Sain and Kent were in their own match, their clashing swords echoing through the training grounds. Sain's roguish nature was on full display as he taunted Kent, trying to throw him off his game.
"You know, Kent, I think you could use a little more excitement in your life." Sain said with a smirk. "Maybe a few more ladies, a little less rule-following?"
Kent's expression remained stoic as he countered Sain's attacks. "I'll have you know that following the rules is what keeps us alive on the battlefield, Sain." Kent retorted. "You would do well to remember that."
Despite their different personalities, both pairs were evenly matched, each taking turns gaining the upper hand before the other countered with their own tactics.
As they moved around the glade like dancers, graceful and elegant, Astrid's analytical mind was constantly working, observing every move Lyn made and calculating the best course of action. Despite her natural talent for swordsmanship, there were still areas in which she could improve.
"You have a natural talent for swordsmanship." Astrid remarked, breaking the flow of their movements. "Where did you learn it?"
Lyn replied. "From my father. He was a nomad chief. He taught me everything he knew."
Astrid nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Your father must have been a great teacher. You move with the ease of someone who has been trained from a young age."
Astrid thought self-deprecatingly. 'That's amazing. My father was a king. He taught me nothing at all.'
They resumed their sparring, their swords clashing against each other once again. Astrid moved with agility and finesse, expertly dodging Lyn's attacks and landing his own blows. Despite his skills, however, Lyn was a fierce opponent, and Astrid was impressed by her quick thinking and adaptability.
Astrid continued to analyze Lyn's movements, offering advice and encouragement along the way. "You're doing well, Lyn." he said. "Just remember to stay focused and don't let your guard down."
Lyn nodded and charged at him again, her movements more fluid and unpredictable this time. She swung her sword in a wide arc, trying to catch Astrid off guard. But he was too quick, sidestepping her attack and countering with a swift strike of his own.
"Nice try, Lyn." Astrid said with a grin. "But you still have a long way to go."
As they continued to spar, Lyn grew more and more frustrated. Astrid seemed to be holding back, not giving her a real challenge. It was as if he were toying with her.
The battle raged on, each fighter pushing themselves to their limits. Lyn was determined to prove herself against Astrid, while he was equally determined to show her the full extent of his skill.
In the end, it was Astrid who emerged victorious. With a final, decisive strike, he knocked Lyn's sword out of her hand and disarmed her. She smiled graciously, acknowledging his skill and congratulating him on his win.
Sain and Kent were facing off against each other on the other side of the glade, each holding a wooden practice sword.
"You're too tense, Kent. Loosen up a bit." Sain said with a chuckle.
"I don't see what's so amusing, Sain. This is serious business." Kent replied curtly.
Sain rolled his eyes. "Oh come on, Kent. It's just practice. No need to be so uptight about it."
Kent huffed, clearly not amused. "I take my training seriously, Sain. If you can't do the same, you shouldn't be here."
Sain's smirk faded slightly at the remark. "Hey, I may have a reputation for being a ladies' man, but I take my duties as a knight just as seriously as you do."
Kent raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Is that so? Then prove it."
Kent's movements were precise and measured, but lacked any flair or creativity. Sain, on the other hand, was more fluid and unpredictable, occasionally throwing in a flashy move or two just to keep Kent on his toes.
As they continued, Astrid and Lyn watched from the sidelines, with Astrid occasionally offering Lyn some advice on her technique.
"Remember, Lyn, don't just react to your opponent's moves. Anticipate them." Astrid said, his eyes fixed on the two knights. "Study their stance, their breathing, their eyes. Every detail can give you a clue as to their next move."
Lyn nodded, her gaze following Astrid's. "I see what you mean. It's like reading their minds before they even act."
"Exactly." Astrid said with a smile. "You're a quick learner, Lyn. I have no doubt you'll become an excellent warrior in no time."
Meanwhile, Sain and Kent's match was heating up. Sain was now dodging and weaving around Kent's attacks, occasionally landing a strike on his arm or leg.
Kent, however, was unfazed. "You're too reckless, Sain. You're leaving yourself open to counterattacks."
Sain grinned. "That's what you think, old man."
Suddenly, Sain lunged forward with a lightning-fast thrust, aiming for Kent's chest. But Kent was ready. With a swift move, he parried the attack and countered with a quick strike to Sain's side.
Sain grunted in pain but managed to dodge the blow. "Nice move, Kent. You're not as stiff as I thought."
Kent didn't reply, his attention focused on his opponent. Sain, however, was still grinning, clearly enjoying the fight despite the pain.
The spar continued for a few more minutes, with both knights showing off their respective strengths and weaknesses. In the end, Kent emerged as the victor, but not without a few bruises and scratches from Sain's unpredictable attacks.
Sain grinned and said. "Hey, at least I made you sweat a bit, right?"
Kent rolled his eyes and said. "Just focus on the mission, Sain. We have work to do."
As they gathered their breaths, Astrid and Lyn walked up to them, both impressed by the display of skill.
"Excellent job, both of you." Astrid said, clapping them on the shoulders. "You're both skilled fighters in your own right. With a bit more practice and strategy, you'll be unstoppable."
Sain and Kent looked at each other, a hint of camaraderie between them. Despite their differences, they both shared a passion for the art of swordsmanship.
Astrid continued, "Kent, your form is excellent. Your movements are precise and controlled. However, you need to work on anticipating your opponent's moves. Your defensive tactics are impressive, but you can't rely solely on them."
Kent nodded, taking Astrid's advice to heart. "Thank you, Astrid. I will work on improving my offensive skills."
Sain chimed in, "And I need to work on being more focused during battles. I tend to get distracted easily by my surroundings."
Astrid nodded, "Yes, Sain. You need to hone your concentration. Your agility and flexibility are impressive, but you need to be more strategic in your moves."
Sain and Kent looked at each other, both feeling a sense of respect for the young warrior in front of them. They knew that with Astrid as her mentor, Lyn would become a formidable opponent in battle.