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"That's good. I look forward to your great performance in the competition."

Several other trainees arrived at the camp one after another. Linsel noticed that he did not recognize these trainees; they were all unfamiliar faces. The trainees originally trained by the old instructor, including Tovan, did not show up.

"Tofan and the others have been arriving at this time every day for the past few days."

The old instructor answered Lindsay's question: "They've gone to prepare for the competition. It's a competition that only happens once every two years, so we have to take it seriously."

"Broken Arrow" arrived at this moment, came to Linsset's side, and answered first.

"Instructor, is there any need to prepare for this? I think just maintaining my current form is enough."

Old Toth crossed his arms: "Each student's situation is different. Some tend to rely on their families, while others fight alone."

Family? Lindsay noticed this key word in the instructor's words.

It seems that "Round Face" Tofan and those other well-dressed students all have family backing. It's difficult to improve one's own strength in the last three days. I just don't know what their pre-match preparations are.

In short, the weapons I currently know how to use are one-handed and two-handed swords, spears, great axes, crossbows, and shields, which should be enough.

With that in mind, Linsel decided to make good use of the last three days to practice with his other weapons besides his two-handed sword, so as to keep his skills sharp.

Although weapon proficiency won't decline because I have my own panel, I still need to practice. I just don't know if the competition requires a specific weapon or if I can choose my own.

The old instructor went back to his deck chair to rest, while "Broken Arrow" patted Lindsay on the shoulder.

"Captain, what are you thinking about?"

"Nothing much. By the way, is Claire training at camp today?"

"I don't know, but Captain, you should know whether the 'Phantom' is coming or not before I do."

Lindsay was indeed not very familiar with Claire's movements, as she had not been at the camp for the past few days.

However, I asked her about it a few days ago, and she replied that it was a personal matter, which was probably about the orphanage.

"Broken Arrow": "Captain, I feel like you're hiding something. Something about that question just now didn't seem right."

"Actually, I'm thinking about which weapon to use in competitive matches."

"Broken Arrow" was taken aback when he heard Lindsay say this, then smiled and explained, "Does this need to be hidden? It's okay, I actually participated once before. Although I lost the first match, the first battle was similar to your mock battle with that 'Round Face' before."

The competition will take place inside the training camp, but the venue will need some decorations. Look, these are the guild members who have come into the camp now.

Linsel looked in the direction the "Broken Arrow" was pointing and saw several men dressed in guild attire who had somehow entered the camp in the very center.

They were moving the wooden fence separating the practice area, while going in and out, carrying benches and boxes.

"Are you starting preparations so early?"

"It's getting late. Although it's only the preliminary round, there are still quite a few spectators. At least all the benches they brought can be filled."

"As for what you just said, Captain, about choosing weapons, see that wooden rack in the arena? All sorts of weapons will be placed on it, and you can freely choose the one you're best at."

I see. That solves the problem. It seems I can choose based on the weapon my opponent is using.

"By the way, Brinnan, you've participated in competitive tournaments before, why didn't you say so sooner?"

"Broken Arrow" scratched his head: "This... Captain, you didn't ask. But my memory is really not good. I shouldn't have forgotten. I just remembered it."

Anyway, with the captain's skill level, winning the first match shouldn't be a problem at all. As for what happens after that, I'm not too sure.

……

Three days passed quickly, and the competition began as scheduled. In the early morning, after enjoying a salad at the tavern, Linssey and "Broken Arrow" arrived at the camp entrance on time.

He saw that more than a dozen flagpoles had been erected overnight on all four sides of the training camp, decorated with colorful horizontal stripes, creating a great atmosphere.

Many people entered the camp to watch the match, creating a noisy and chaotic atmosphere. It wasn't just adventurers; many citizens also came to watch. Of course, there were also guards to maintain order at the scene.

Lindsay saw Claire waving to them from the doorway.

"Linse, you're here! It's so lively here!"

Seeing the familiar figure of the female vagrant made Linsel feel very relieved.

The three followed the flow of people into the training camp. They arrived near the gazebo, where all the participants were waiting for the day.

Old Toth was registering people in a booklet. The adventurers who were participating had already formed a long queue in front of the old instructor's pavilion, and Lindsay and his two companions immediately joined the last line.

Registration was quick, and old Toth was very satisfied when it was Lindsay's turn.

"Good, you participated on time."

"Instructor, why do you say that?" Lin Sai asked casually.

"Some people tend to give up on this day, and quite a few of them do. It's all a matter of mindset, which is a pity."

After all, there are many spectators at the adventurer's arena, so having a strong mental fortitude is also very important.

As he spoke, old Toth took a wooden plaque from the box at his feet and handed it to Lindsay.

Linsset looked at it and saw that the number three was clearly written on the wooden sign.

"Now you know the rules, right? In the first match, number one will fight against number two, number three will fight against number four, and so on."

I didn't expect my turn to be the second match; it seems my opponent will be number four.

"Broken Arrow" and Claire, who were ranked later, drew numbers fourteen and thirty-two respectively.

"Broken Arrow" was very excited: "Captain, it seems our turn is later, so we'll watch your match first. I'll cheer for you!"

Lindsay noticed that Claire's expression was blank, which was unusual.

Something's not right. Could something have happened?

But that's not the point right now. The important thing is my own game. I'll pay attention to my teammates' situation after my game is over.

After all the participants had registered and the order had been confirmed, the entire venue suddenly fell silent.

"Why is there suddenly no sound?" Linsel asked "Broken Arrow" beside him.

"Captain, look at that platform in the center of the arena. That's a magical device that isolates the sounds from inside and outside the arena."

Linsel looked closely at the center of the playing field and saw a strangely shaped wooden device that looked a bit like a large horn, seemingly continuously releasing some kind of airflow.

Linsset saw that the spectators sitting on the outside of the arena could only move their mouths, but he could not hear them making any noise. The only sounds that could be heard were the conversations between the contestants inside the arena.

"Quiet down." A loud voice rang out from next to the soundproofing device; it was the bald guild leader.

"I am the guild master of the Adventurers' Guild of Wind and City. The tournament is now beginning. Number one and number two, step forward!"