Upon hearing Princess Aurelianne's identity, Hilda immediately dropped her relaxed smile. Her expression turned solemn as she slightly bowed her body, giving Aurelianne a warrior's salute of respect.

The Kingdom revered the strong, and when it came to their neighboring Empire, what the Kingdom's people knew most was their invincible Emperor. Now, facing this princess who was that Emperor's offspring, they naturally showed the same reverence.

Aurelianne was slightly surprised by Hilda's sudden gesture. She nodded, composed herself, and said calmly, "Hello."

Hilda straightened up and continued speaking to the King with a serious tone: "Today is when the academy evaluates students' abilities. Most fifth and sixth-year students will gather in this arena for combat assessment and scoring."

The Star Academy conducted regular combat evaluations every two weeks to rank their students' strength. Students had to undergo assessment during the evaluation period, which lasted three days for each segment.

It started with first and second-year students, followed by third and fourth years three days later, until finally evaluating fifth and sixth-year students' abilities. The entire academy strictly implemented a six-year training system.

Listening to Hilda's explanation, the King raised his eyebrows: "So an evaluation is in progress?"

"It seems I've come at just the right time."

The King looked around, his gaze finally landing on Viktor and Aurelianne, and said, "Everyone, shall we go observe the academy's evaluation?"

"Perhaps we might see some interesting students."

...

The black steel circular arena stood majestically in the center, its magnificent walls almost entirely formed by marble integrated with perfect craftsmanship. The marble surface was held by a thick layer of steel chain mail, with steel barbs like giant beast fangs encircling the entire arena.

The spectator seats descended layer by layer from the arena's perimeter until the final row was completely level with the fighting platform.

Dust floated above the vast arena platform, with a large red square drawn in the center of the solid marble ground.

The judging instructors had already taken their seats in the review area, with a curved metal table in front of them and thick score sheets neatly arranged.

The spectator seats were packed with young students in school uniforms, pressing against each other, their eyes blazing with intense enthusiasm. They all seemed eager to demonstrate their skills on the arena platform.

Lower grade students were especially eager, craning their necks to watch their seniors' performance.

The restless students fell silent without warning, each holding their breath, afraid to make any noise that might disturb the two people on the arena platform.

Two uniformed students stood in the center of the arena, their swords swaying gently in the wind.

The male student was muscular, with a greatsword strapped to his back. However, he seemed nervous, his gaze unsteady. It appeared that facing the girl before him had shattered what little confidence he had left in victory.

In contrast, the female student facing him appeared composed, her gaze determined, her sword arm steady as rock. Her gray-black long hair danced in the wind as she breathed evenly, her posture dignified like a noble knight.

"Begin the battle!"

At the instructor's command, swords clashed together, the sound echoing throughout the arena.

Upon receiving the signal, the two moved like hunting leopards, circling along the arena's edge.

Soon, the male student launched his charge, his footwork fluid as he swiftly crossed the arena toward his opponent.

Whoosh—

A phantom flash passed as the male student instantly appeared before the female student, his arms swinging back, exposing his entire chest.

The massive silver blade tore through the air, creating powerful currents that made the female student calmly sense the danger.

She quickly lowered her body, avoiding the air currents, sliding slightly backward to dodge the descending giant blade.

The blade crashed into the arena ground, creating an enormous shockwave.

When the shockwave dissipated, the person before him had vanished.

The male student panicked slightly, desperately searching for the female student's position.

Until he felt a cold sensation at the back of his neck, he hurriedly turned to defend, holding his sword horizontally in front of him.

But in the next second, the female student suddenly changed her attack's direction.

The sword tip instantly shifted, striking upward against his blade.

With a slight force and clever technique, she swiftly knocked the male student's huge sword upward.

Clang—

With a ring, the greatsword was embedded in the arena's edge.

The male student sat on the arena floor, completely disarmed.

His elbows propped against the ground as he stared motionlessly at the sword point before his face.

Only when the female student sheathed her sword and gracefully left the arena did the match end.

The entire process had taken barely five seconds.

The instructors nodded to each other, picking up their brushes to write scores:

"Another point for Joanna."

"""

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