I'm a Immortal Tavernkeeper, But My S-Rank Daughter Doesn't Know That!

As the candidates were called up one by one for their hand-to-hand combat tests against the instructors, Bel watched the fights closely, trying not to get too nervous. But maybe that only made him more nervous, because he was slowly becoming convinced that he wasn’t as good as he thought he was.

Each of the contestants had their own peculiarities, and some fighters showed frightening dexterity and skill, yet didn’t even qualify for the next stage.

Because of this, the atmosphere became more tense than ever.

"Why are they being so hard this year?" A man in formal attire watching from the stage asked a man next to him.

"I don’t understand either. The kingdom is preparing for something, and they want to raise the level of selection?"

A brown-haired woman leaned against the wall next to him, also watching the tests, but she couldn’t help it when she heard these two nobles theorizing. Then she said:

"No, they’re not preparing for anything. This is just the normal level of demand for the annual selection here in Klento."

"Normal level of demand? And why on earth should this ’level of demand’ be higher here than elsewhere?"

The woman smiled with the corner of her mouth. "There are five squadrons of knights with different purposes in the capital. But what about Klento? In Klento there aren’t several squadrons, just one, focused and united, the Coastal Squadron. To fight the pirates and face the dangers of the sea, only the best join the Coastal Squadron, which protects the entire eastern coast of the Kingdom of Athína."

The men were speechless and had no way to respond, so they just mumbled something and turned away.

Soon number 40 was called. Young Jonas of Lamía walked leisurely to the center of the chamber, as if he were strolling through a garden rather than preparing for a duel. He wore simple, unadorned leather armor, but there was something about his calm that caught the attention of the others.

The people who noticed it couldn’t tell if he was a fool who hadn’t realized the situation, or if he was someone very confident.

"Jonas!" Sir Reinhart announced. "Prepare for hand-to-hand combat."

Jonas bowed slightly to Sir Reinhart and stood in front of the instructor, a young knight with a stern expression on his face.

"Are you ready?" the instructor asked, placing the wooden sword in front of his back.

Jonas raised his head and asked in a respectful tone: "Mr. Instructor, are you allowed to use advanced sword techniques?"

A murmur went through the crowd of candidates. Advanced techniques in fencing were usually reserved for more experienced fighters, so it was inconceivable that Jonas, a boy between 18 and 19, would know any advanced techniques.

The instructor raised an eyebrow, clearly curious.

"Yes, it’s allowed," he replied. "Let’s see what you can do."

Jonas smiled slightly and took a guard position. There was a brief silence, and then he began to channel his magicules.

Bel’s eyes widened when he saw what was happening, but he couldn’t explain it.

Victor, watching from above, noticed what the blond boy was doing.

Jonas was using a strengthening technique known as Dragon Blade Fortification. His wooden sword began to glow with a bluish light, and the surrounding air seemed to vibrate with the intensity of his concentration.

"Are you ready now?" The instructor asked.

"Yes, now." Jonas replied.

"Begin!" Sir Reinhart declared.

The instructor stepped forward with a hard punch to show Jonas that using advanced techniques would make no difference if he didn’t master them, but Jonas, with surprising speed, easily dodged. In a quick counterattack, Jonas struck a blow that hit the instructor’s wooden sword. However, the impact was so powerful that the instructor’s sword broke in half and flew into hundreds of pieces.

An even more absolute silence overtook the field. Everyone was stunned.

The instructor looked at his destroyed sword with an expression of disbelief, still frozen in the same position as when he attacked. He had never seen a fortifying technique so well executed by an aspiring knight.

Jonas maintained his posture, breathing calmly as if this were something trivial. He looked at the instructor with respect, waiting for his reaction.

Sir Reinhart, who had been watching the fight with great interest, stepped forward. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"Impressive, boy," he said, his deep voice filled with approval. "Jonas, you have demonstrated not only skill, but control and respect for the art of the sword. You have passed the test of close combat with flying colors."

The crowd murmurs, some in admiration, others in disbelief.

Jonas bowed slightly to Sir Reinhart and then to the instructor, who nodded in recognition, but was still in shock.

As Jonas retreated from the combat area, Bel felt a mixture of inspiration and trepidation.

The bar had been raised, and he knew he would have to do everything in his power to impress, just as Jonas had.

The fights continued, and the pressure only increased. After Jonas, no one else wanted to hide their cards, and each fighter brought something new to the arena, making the variety of styles a spectacle in itself.

Finally, number 46 left the chamber, eliminated. Then it was Bel’s turn. He took a deep breath and walked into the arena, his heart pounding in his chest before he was even called.

"Bel Selvarum, number 47!" Sir Reinhart announced.

"I’m here." Bel said, already pushing his way past the first row of spectators around the melee area.

"Prepare for hand-to-hand combat, Bel."

Bel adjusted his red armband and brandished his wooden sword. The instructor waiting for him was an experienced knight with a noble bearing and a sharp gaze. Bel knew this was going to be the toughest test of his life. He looked up and saw Victor watching him intently, so he knew he couldn’t do badly.

"Are you ready?" the experienced instructor asked, his eyes fixed on Bel.

"Yes, sir!" Bel replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Begin!"