The day had finally arrived, and the return of the "old system" ignited a wave of energy through the academy. The sparring arena buzzed with excitement as first-years and seniors alike gathered for the matches. It wasn't just about showcasing strength—it was about rediscovering the thrill of combat unrestricted by the limitations of wooden weapons. The anticipation of fighting with real weapons under the protection of the rune pendants and magical arrays added an edge of excitement—and danger.
Kalem observed from the sidelines as the matches began, his eyes narrowing with focus. The first few bouts featured newer students sparring against one another, many of them hesitant and awkward. Despite the pendants' protection, most of the first-years struggled to adapt to the intensity of real combat. Wooden swords couldn't prepare them for the sheer weight, balance, and sharpness of real weapons.
The first significant shift came when one of the senior students, a towering figure named Ralston, stepped into the arena. Known for his aggressive, almost ruthless fighting style, Ralston wielded a heavy halberd with an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. His opponent, a skilled but cautious first-year, wielded a rapier and attempted to maintain distance, relying on precision and speed.
The fight was over in moments. Ralston's strikes, amplified by the arrays, came down like thunderbolts. Though the rapier-wielding student managed to dodge the first few attacks, the sheer force of Ralston's swings overwhelmed him. A particularly devastating downward strike forced the first-year to drop his weapon and fall to his knees, clutching his chest as the pendant absorbed the brunt of the blow.
"Too slow!" Ralston barked as the crowd erupted in cheers.
Kalem's grip tightened on the wrapped weapons beside him. He'd seen enough fights to recognize that Ralston wasn't just strong—he was calculating. Every move was designed to dominate his opponent, leaving them no room to recover.
As more matches unfolded, a pattern began to emerge. Those with a more lethal, aggressive fighting style were dominating. The rune pendants might have prevented actual injuries, but they didn't negate the psychological impact of facing an opponent who fought with the intent to kill. Each clash felt more intense, more brutal than the last.
Clara, a senior known for her dual-wielding daggers, faced off against Darrin, a first-year with a longsword. Clara's speed and precision allowed her to close the distance before Darrin could fully react. Her strikes were relentless, and though Darrin's pendant absorbed the blows, his confidence faltered under the sheer ferocity of her assault. The match ended with Clara disarming him, her blades resting against his neck.
Mikhail, a first-year with a background in archery, attempted to keep his distance from Soren, a senior wielding a mace. However, the arena's confined space worked against him. Soren closed the gap quickly, using his brute strength to shatter Mikhail's bow with a single strike. The crowd winced as Mikhail fell back, his pendant glowing brightly to absorb the impact of Soren's finishing blow.
In another display of dominance, Ralston faced Livia, a first-year who wielded a spear with surprising skill. Though Livia managed to hold her ground longer than most, Ralston's sheer power eventually broke through her defenses. The fight ended with Livia pinned to the ground, her spear snapped in two.
By the time the matches for the day concluded, the atmosphere in the arena had shifted. The first-years were visibly more apprehensive, their initial excitement tempered by the realization of what real combat entailed. Meanwhile, the seniors reveled in the return of the old system, their experience giving them a clear edge in the brutal, fast-paced matches.
Kalem remained silent as he watched, his mind racing. The day's events had confirmed one thing: the old system was as much a test of mental fortitude as it was of skill. If he wanted to stand a chance in this arena, he would need more than just weapons and techniques—he'd need a strategy.
As the crowd dispersed and the arena emptied, Kalem stayed behind, his eyes fixed on the scarred floor where so many had fought. He could feel the weight of the matches to come, but there was no hesitation in his heart. This was a challenge he was determined to face, no matter the cost.