Six fighters now remained from Adrian's track, each a step away from securing one of the three coveted spots.
The examiner went around to distribute each of them a parchment once more, and shortly after he called:
"First pair, step up!"
The opening fight pitted a sword-wielding boy against a girl with a staff. It was a gritty, unremarkable clash, both fighters pushing their limits but lacking the flair of the round's stars.
The boy's precise slashes met the girl's agile dodges, her staff spinning to deflect and counter.
They traded blows for minutes, sweat beading, until the boy landed a lucky strike to her side, forcing her to yield.
The examiner called it, "Winner, sword!"
Adrian watched the fight, but he had to admit that he had seen better fight. 'I guess luck is a factor too.'
He still had his mind focused on the next fight, as he knew it was bound to be something special.
The examiner's voice boomed again. "Second pair!"
