The Genius Mage Was Reincarnated Into A Swordsman Family

Chapter 57 - 57

The remaining trainees, their breaths ragged and eyes unwavering, clung to the vestiges of their fighting spirit. Each inhalation echoed the trials they had just weathered, while their focused gazes lingered on the now-vanished illusionary world that had thrust them into a relentless struggle against their Alter egos. Despite their perseverance, a collective sense of failure hung in the air, as the surreal battleground dissolved, leaving them grappling with their better selves.

Little did all the participants, including those who had emerged victorious, know that neither of their two instructors harbored expectations for a successful completion of the test in under three hours. Such a feat was deemed extraordinary for ordinary trainees, yet Klaus, Nicholas, and Alex defied these preconceptions, surpassing the skill levels of even seasoned swordsmen.

Rick’s proclamation brought a surge of joy to those still standing. However, for the trainees who had quivered in fear, confronting the haunting landscapes tied to their deepest traumas and nightmares, an overwhelming urge to cry manifested. These individuals, reminiscent of vulnerable children, not only confronted their darkest fears but also bore witness to the shattering of their dreams to become Lionhart swordsmen. Those dreams lay exposed before their families and the stern patriarch, their aspirations shattered on the Lion Arena.

"The objective of this test transcended the physical. It sought to unveil the inner qualities that make a good swordsman—someone capable of representing the Rikxia Empire in the face of perilous battles where lives are at stake. Regrettably, most of you have demonstrated that you lack the essential qualities to be called a Lionhart swordsman," Rick declared, casting a disdainful gaze upon the trainees who had relinquished their swords, their defeated forms curled on the ground. In Rick’s discerning eyes, weakness was the most loathsome of traits.

Out of the initial four hundred and one trainees, only ninety-five emerged successfully from the first test. Five managed to traverse to the other side of the fog, their resilience evident, while the remaining trainees found themselves ensnared within the intricate Aequalis Array when the three-hour mark had elapsed. The numbers, stark and revealing, mirrored the harsh reality that not all possessed the mettle required for the revered title of Lionhart swordsman.

For those who succeeded, the journey was arduous but triumphant. Klaus, Nicholas, and Alex, having shattered the instructors’ expectations, became beacons of inspiration. Their prowess, eclipsing even that of seasoned swordsmen, left an indelible mark on the Lion Arena, a testament to the extraordinary potential dormant within each trainee.

With a gesture from Rick, a group of men maneuvered small chariots into the arena. Covered in black veils, the devices on these chariots remained concealed from view. Twelve men synchronized in unloading the mysterious devices, the resonant thud of their impact echoing through the air, indicative of their substantial weight.

Rick then signaled for the removal of the black covers that obscured the devices. The men executed the order meticulously, revealing twelve translucent rocks, each standing at an impressive six meters in height. Most trainees regarded the rocks with puzzled expressions, prompting Rick to promptly commence his explanation of the unusual elements present in the Lion Arena.

"These rocks are called Mythril Crystals. Every time you hit them, their colors change depending on the amount of power you infuse into the strike. Allow me to demonstrate," Rick explained, stepping forward toward one of the Mythril Crystals. With a subtle infusion of mana to his finger, he casually flicked the rock.

TAC!

The Mythril Crystal illuminated in a vibrant red hue. After a brief moment, the color subsided, and the crystal reverted to its original translucent state.

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"If you strike the crystal with all your might and it only manages to turn red, regardless of the shade, you will be disqualified. To pass the second test, you need to make the crystals change to at least a dark yellow hue," Rick elucidated, setting the standard for the trainees. The Mythril Crystals stood as vibrant gauges, ready to reflect the power and skill each participant would unleash upon them.