It was a few days after the incident with the Eastern Dormitory.

The boys of the Northern Dormitory were sitting in the dining hall at their wits end.

They had found out later that this was something of a tradition between the two dorms. Five boys would be chosen from each dorm, and they would show off their swordsmanship before the various Division Leaders.

However, it was something decided between the actual knights themselves and was by no means public. For this reason, the Northern Dormitory boys hadnt known about it.

As for how they were faring with this news

they could only be described as terrified.

Why are they matching up the Northern and Eastern Dormitories? The difference is just so

Its like all of the talented people from our cohort are gathered there. Once you let five whole members up, its basically a dream team

They all grumbled complaints.

To begin with, why the hell did they place six of the top twelve over there.

Doug used to be there too, so its really seven. To compare we only have Gorms

That they were a collection of losers had a grain of truth to it.

And as if that wasnt all, some information gathering with their seniors had led to some unwelcome news.

They said that it isnt true that the losers are gathered in our dorm but apparently the coordinator for the Eastern Dormitory When he was a knight apprentice, he lost three times in a row to the Northern Dormitory and has quite a grudge about it. Since then, hes been snatching up the best talents for his one.

Not only that, but for some reason, hes weirdly fired up this year and wants us to suffer three defeats in a row

What the hell!

Hes barking up the wrong fucking tree!

Shouting began all across the room.

And what the hell is our own dorm coordinator doing

You know him. Whats important is how hard you try once you get in. Thats why hes

So its just our bad luck?

By now, the boys had just about realised their situation.

I mean, I get that the training were putting in now is just as important as anything, but does that really mean they have to throw all the talented guys over in the Eastern Dorm?

Honestly, its really only Gorms and Doug that have any chance.

Apparently our success rate is like 10%

I hear we werent even supposed to know about it until now, but those guys got told in advance.

I bet theyve been training for this.

No matter how much further it was discussed, things still seemed bleak.

Aahh Were done for I so dont wanna fight

What if I get called a shame to all knights in front of my Captain or something

Ill pass on that, thanks

And so, the boys all continued slouching in despair.

But in one corner of the room, Gorms spat,

Keh! Running scared before even fighting? Youre all fucking pathetic.

Remi gave a troubled smile and tried to soften the blow.

But I can understand how they feel. Lots of them train at the same dojos and have been in the same competition as those guys, so they know just how much stronger they are.

The apprentice knights were certainly acting pathetic, but they had plenty of reason to.

The boys of the Northern Dormitory had trained reasonably hard these past few months, but it was by no means enough to catch up to those elites.

That doesnt fucking mean I have to accept whatever those Eastern Dorm bastards want to say to me. Im going there to win.

Yeah. Well help however we can.

The three of them agreed with Gorms. Although neither Slad, Gheith, nor Remi had enough strength to win, they were still good, considerate kids.

Yeah, cheers! Id really appreciate that. Still, the first thing we gotta sort out is the participants.

Guys guys guys! How about me!?

Hm, Gheith is injured, so he cant compete. That leaves one spot.

Sorry I couldnt help

No worries. Well make it somehow!

To be honest, they wanted to gather everyone in the dorm and pick the best candidates, but nobody else wanted to compete.

Thats why they currently only had the enthusiastic Gorms and Doug, as well as the cooperative Remi and Slad. Because of Gheiths injury, they were short one member.

Despite how willing they were, it was impossible without 5 members.

Hey hey! Gorms! What about mee!?

What about Zerius? If we ask him, hell definitely agree.

Well the day of the match is also his grandmas birthday, so apparently hes going back home

Choosing your family over trying to impress the knight captains? As always, that guy is manly as fuck

Gorms! Me! Mee!

With no other choice, Gorms and the others could no longer ignore the mysterious voice

The boy who was standing next to a rather nervous looking Doug

Urged on by the silence, a grave-looking Gorms rubbed his temples before addressing Heath.

Heath You do understand your grades in sparring, right?

Yeah! I havent lost the last ten matches! Thats almost as good as you, I think?

Ive never seen a more convenient interpretation! Your latest results were 2 wins, 10 losses and 33 draws! Youve lost five times more than youve won!

The sparring in the Northern Dormitories was done on a round robin system, and only Fii had such ridiculous results.

Incidentally, Dougs record was 44 wins and 1 draw (his opponent was Fii), while Gorms came second at 44 wins and 1 loss (his opponent was Doug).

Fiis records certainly was impressive in a manner of speaking, but unfortunately, her tactics werent viable in proper matches. As for why

It doesnt matter in our spars because theres no referee, but in a proper match, youd be given a warning for showing no intention of attacking, Remi explained. You lose after two warnings, so I think itd be pretty difficult for you.

How Fiis fight usually went was she would initially fight with her opponent, but once she felt the pressure, she would focus entirely on evasion. It was hardly unexpected, but going head-on with boys was a bit much for her body.

She was an expert in toying with others though

Its fine! Im going to try and win this time! she declared as she confidently thumped her chest.

Just where the hell do you get your confidence from sighed Gorms.

Unfortunately, the fact was that they had few alternatives.

Oi! Weve got one spot left! Any of you gunna fight!? he roared back at his dormmates.

Aaah! My sword! Wheres my sword gone!?

Uwahh, not again I dont wanna be beaten down in three seconds once again

A light I can see a light

Gorms was met only with despairing moans. Apparently a lot of them were traumatised from their experiences with the Eastern elites.

Faced with these pathetic boys, all Gorms could do was sigh in resignation.

No choice! Just do your best, Heath!

YAAAY!

Fii jumped into the air in delight.