[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/WHXxiGX.png[/img][/center] [hr] Sifting through the crowd proved a bit difficult for the thin framed boy, it also didn't help that as time passed the grounds filled with more participants. The stands even began to roar with life with every second as citizens from different backgrounds filled the stands. It was hard to stay trapped his mind as the excitement within the grounds grew. Zenshin clenched his chest as he made his way to a good viewing spot, trying to temper his own excitement, a smile even began to creep up on his face. Zenshin made sure to get as close to the stage as possible, using his length and thinness to his advantage to fit in tight places. Once the young Valeforian was settled in with a great view of the stage, he heard trumpets sounding up showing that they would be starting soon. The announcer would then take center stage and give a speech about the noble tradition of Grayle's knighthood, a speech that many people seemed not too much interested in. Zenshin on the other hand was indulging in the experience as a whole. A wide grin, ear to ear, plastered on the boys face. This would surely be a day he would never forget. The second part of the speech explained the rules for the duels that would take place. [color=f7941d][i]One-on-one fights with weapons and relatively low level offensive spells, okay...I can do that[/i][/color]. The boy was a bit nervous that he would be center stage for everyone to see but still excited at the same time. He would be able to take the stage and put his skills on display for Grayle to see! Zenshin clenched his chest once more as he was apart of the first batch of young men to be called up. [color=f7941d]So much for watching, guess we are diving into the deep end first.[/color] Before stepping onto the arena, He took a moment to observe the crowd and just how many eyes were on him. He could see what he made out to be the four knight captains in attendance was well. Even the sparkling coming from nobility within the stands made his heart race. [color=f7941d]Time to make an impression[/color] he said as he prepared to take the stage. "Select your weapon of choice before heading up" [color=f7941d]"O-O-Oh, sorry about that!"[/color] he said with panic before taking a detour to the quartermaster's table. [i]How could I forget that this was part swordplay. I don't even know what exact weapon to pick.[/i] Zenshin stood stood flustered as he watched as a boy with light grey hair selected the longsword way bigger than themselves, throwing it across the shoulder with ease and comfortability. [color=f7941d][i]Hmm, looks simple enough[/i][/color] he thought to himself before grabbing the wooden longsword. Despite being a training sword it was his first time holding a sword in general. He was quite fascinated in how it was built as it was not what he had expected. Zen shrugged before slinging the blunt weapon over his shoulder, caught off guard by its density, Zen felt his begin to shift sideways. Soon he would feel his body crash into the weapon rack, sending all sort of wooden equipment falling to the ground. His face flushed with blood, as he quickly rose from the rack, his arm a bit tender. The arena roared with laughter and gossip at his blunder. Zen turned to the quartermaster whom had his face was in palm at the time. "Perhaps a regular sword?" [color=f7941d]"Yeah, I think that'll be good."[/color] Zenshin would shortly take his place on the arena with a comparatively smaller and lighter weapon in his hands. His opponent had been waiting for him with a smug look. Keros was his name, a young lad with a shock of brunette hair atop his head stood tall with his weapon in hand, he was comparatively shorter than Zenshin standing at 5'5. He possessed a standard build, his hands a bit warn from rigorous physical labor it seemed. Keros sported patchy clothing with scuffed boots, it was easy enough to see that he wasn't of nobility. [color=39b54a]"Lets make this quick and easy."[/color] Zenshin didn't reply to Keros which seemed to anger him, Zenshins attention was instead fixated on the crowd of participants at the edge of the arena watching him with a shit-eating look on their faces. In their eyes, the Valeforian boy was nothing but an easy ticket into the knights. Some even heckled at the young Valeforian, pleading with Keros to switch opponents. Zenshin's confidence had quicky plummeted and his nerves took the better. The attention of the arena truly fell upon his match with comedic anticipations. Zenshin gripped his sword weakly, even a novice could see he lacked overall physical strength and training with a martial weapon. Expectations were looking pretty low for this match.