"I slept so well last night," Aster rubbed his eyes before letting out a big yawn.
"Same here. I ate so much dinner that I passed out as soon as I lay down on my bed!" Simon exclaimed out loud afterward, earning a few laughs from them.
"I also slept nicely last night," Rufus muttered with a small smile on his lips.
"How about you, Lionel?"
"Me?" Lionel stretched his hands and put on a big smile on his face. "It was one of the best sleeps I had."
The four of them lightly laughed. They walked through the forest, and the morning sunlight was already up high in the sky.
"I can't believe today is the horse-riding event," Simon muttered after a while.
"Well," Aster shrugged, "it is the academy's favorite event. Almost all the nobles here were basically trained to do that."
"Yeah, you're right." Simon sighed. "I only hoped I'm not the last one."
"Oh well, you'd better pray for that." Aster playfully smiled.
Simon made a face while they continued walking. It has only been a day, but their bond with each other was slowly forming.
It was different back then. Lionel remembered that in the past, after losing, they would barely talk to each other. When they did, it was only because they were teammates. But now, it was nice to see them actually being okay with one another.
Soon, they arrived at the lower valley of the forest. In there, they saw a wide-open space perfect for the day's horse riding tournament.
A crowd of nobles and instructors had already gathered. On the side, the horses were being taken care of by soldiers. They were neighing softly while stamping their hooves on the ground.
Professor Darius was standing in the center. He was wearing his riding boots and a more formal cloak than yesterday's. He waited until nearly all the nobles had assembled before lifting a hand.
"Good morning, students!" Professor Darius called out. He smiled at everyone and said, "I hope you all slept well and are ready for today's event!"
The nobles replied with a few positive remarks to it.
"Welcome to the second day of the academy's field tournament," Darius formally announced after. "Today's main event will be the horse-riding tournament, which will take place across several circuits set up within the lower valley and the surrounding forest."
Some nobles straightened with confidence with that.
"This time," Darius continued, "the competition will be individual. You will be graded based on your performance alone. Not teamwork, not group coordination, but only your own skill."
The sound of excitement from the student followed. In their minds, it was finally their time to show their skills!
Darius nodded to one of the instructors, who unrolled a large map behind him showing the various circuits that they created.
"The tournament will proceed in rounds. Each round increases in difficulty. Those who complete the course within the required time will advance to the next. Those who fail…" He paused for effect. "Are eliminated from the day's event."
"If you are eliminated," Darius added kindly, "you may return to your tents to rest, or stay here to watch the remaining participants."
Simon nudged Aster. "See? We just need to do well."
Aster just sighed. He looked to the side and saw that both Rufus and Lionel were not reacting.
Oh well, I guess they don't need to worry since they're good. Aster thought.
"Prepare yourselves. The first round will begin shortly." Professor Darius clapped his hands once.
And just like that, the nobles scattered around to get ready.
From across the field, Cassian mounted his own horse with an effortless grace. His teammates, who were surrounding him, had their confident grins plastered on their faces.
Cassian's eyes looked around the valley, then he spotted Lionel. He gave a small and polite wave to his beloved cousin.
Lionel glanced up and returned the gesture with a soft smile, though it quickly disappeared as soon as he turned back.
The nobles began moving toward the horses provided by the academy. Each participant approached their assigned horses and mounted them. They checked the reins and did a little test ride to be more familiar with it.
Lionel sighed as he climbed onto his horse. He shifted slightly, adjusting his posture. Even if he had been very good at riding before he died, at this age, his horse-riding skill had never been that impressive.
He was at least decent. He was able to ride without falling, but this was a competition, and he knew he wouldn't be able to match the likes of Cassian.
He glanced at the course ahead. He knew that it would be hard for him to complete this. And so he realized why bother trying to win first place when it would be impossible?
As long as I am placed in the middle, then it will still be good for me. He adjusted his grip on the reins as the horse walked.
Either way… it doesn't really matter how well I do today. He shook his head slightly. Actually… I need to get eliminated early.
His eyes flew toward the opposite side of the forest, where the hunting activity will be held in 2 days.
There's something I need to check there…
He exhaled slowly.
Alright, I guess I need to eliminate myself early… or maybe not too early.