The long-awaited battle for the title of chief student had finally arrived. It was a significant event for every grade, offering numerous benefits: extra credits, scholarships, free elective courses, private tutoring, and more.
Luciel had no doubts—this was a fight he intended to win.
He didn't believe anyone in the third grade could pose a real challenge to him. Even Knight Lawrence, the famed third-year chief student and supposed genius, didn't stand a chance.
The competition required students to sign up voluntarily, but Julian had already taken care of that for Luciel. However, Luciel's true objective wasn't merely becoming the chief student. To him, this battle was just a stepping stone.
"Ms. Julian," Luciel said calmly as he approached his mentor. "I want to apply for a grade-skipping assessment once the chief student test is over."
Julian nodded approvingly. "Applying to skip a grade? That makes sense. Your strength is already beyond the third-grade level. I'll submit the request for you."
He watched Luciel with pride and expectation. As someone who knew Luciel's swordsmanship talent better than anyone, Julian had always believed Luciel was destined for greatness—but even he hadn't expected such rapid progress.
The Tournament Begins
The third-grade chief student battle was held in a training arena slightly larger than usual. Students and instructors gathered one after another, eager to witness the competition.
Luciel stood quietly in a corner, yet his presence was impossible to ignore. Countless eyes were drawn to him, as if he were a beacon of intrigue and expectation.
"This is going to be interesting—Luciel versus Lawrence. Who's the strongest in the third grade?"
"Luciel, obviously. He even defeated a fifth-grader who was an eighth-level apprentice knight."
"I wouldn't be so sure. Lawrence is strong too."
"Maybe, but Luciel's swordsmanship has already reached the third stage of mastery. I doubt Lawrence can match that."
The crowd buzzed with speculation, with all discussions centering around Luciel and Lawrence.
Suddenly, a commotion erupted as someone shouted, "Lawrence is here!"
All eyes turned toward the entrance. A tall, broad-shouldered young man strode in, exuding confidence and power. His imposing figure commanded respect, and the crowd instinctively parted to make way for him.
Luciel met Lawrence's gaze, and for a brief moment, the two locked eyes before shifting away. There was no need for words. The battle was inevitable.
The Competition Unfolds
More than thirty students had signed up for the competition. The tournament consisted of four rounds, with each match carefully arranged by the instructors to ensure fairness. There were no rigged outcomes—only the strongest would emerge victorious.
Participants had ample time to recover between rounds, making sure every duel was fought at peak condition.
Luciel's first opponent was a stocky, dark-skinned student.
"My name is Hans," the boy said earnestly, offering a knightly salute. "It's an honor to face you, Luciel."
Luciel returned the gesture.
At the referee's signal, Hans let out a battle cry and charged like a raging bull. His swordsmanship was heavy and forceful, resembling a blacksmith's hammer crashing down with brute strength.
Luciel analyzed Hans's abilities in an instant.
"Strength, speed, and physique—about the level of a fifth-level apprentice knight…"
Without counterattacking, Luciel calmly dodged each strike, observing Hans's movements. His mind activated a silent command: Record and store target's actions.
Recording…
For Luciel, this tournament was more than just a battle—it was an opportunity to analyze and collect swordsmanship techniques. Even lower-level techniques had their uses, contributing to the database that would help refine his own style in the future.
To ensure Hans demonstrated his full skill set, Luciel continued to evade without counterattacking. Given his speed as a ninth-level apprentice knight, dodging was effortless.
The match dragged on for ten minutes before Hans finally stopped, his breath ragged. He drove his sword into the ground in frustration. "I can't even land a single hit on you."
Luciel blinked, surprised by the unexpected surrender. He hesitated for a moment before asking, "What's the name of your swordsmanship?"
"Rolling Stone Swordsmanship," Hans answered.
A mechanical voice rang in Luciel's mind: Rolling Stone Swordsmanship stored.
Hans let out a weary sigh. "The gap between us is too big. I'll go back and train harder."
He sheathed his sword and walked off the stage, visibly disappointed.
The Growing Gap
The spectators exchanged glances, stunned by the outcome.
Luciel had won without even drawing his sword.
Hans was no weakling—among the third-grade civilian students, he was considered a top contender. Yet, against Luciel, he hadn't even been able to force a single move from him.
"That was like watching a cat toy with a mouse. They're not even in the same league."
"Reminds me of how upper-grade students used to bully the younger ones…"
"Luciel's swordsmanship is on another level. It's not just talent—it's genius."
Luciel, unfazed by the murmurs, continued observing the matches, recording every sword technique he had yet to learn.
By the end of the day, he had cataloged five new low-level sword techniques. Though incomplete, they were valuable additions to his growing database.
Then, he finally witnessed Lawrence in action.
One strike.
That was all it took for Lawrence to defeat his opponent.
Luciel narrowed his eyes. "He's about as strong as a seventh-level apprentice knight…"
Lawrence was indeed a recognized genius—already stronger than most fourth-year students. But was he strong enough?
Luciel would soon find out.
I've refined your chapter for better readability, flow, and clarity while maintaining the original tone and intent. Let me know if you'd like any further adjustments!