Helmut: The Forsaken Child - H.F.C Chapter 60 (Part 2):

The overseer distributed sandwiches and milk to the examinees. Helmut took his share and immediately bit into the sandwich. It tasted familiar, likely from a place Alea frequented often. The fresh lettuce, savory bacon, and well-cooked egg combined with jam to create a harmonious and satisfying taste. Unlike Helmut, who enjoyed his meal, some didn’t even touch their sandwiches, their faces tense with the anticipation of the exam ahead. Anything ingested might cause trouble in their stomachs.

As Helmut felt a bit drowsy after eating, the overseer reappeared.

“The next test is a duel. You will display your swordsmanship under the observation of the swordsmanship instructors. The duels are one-on-one and will last 8 minutes. Regardless of win or loss, the duel will be stopped after 8 minutes. Each person will have two chances to duel, meaning two duels per person. After completing your duels, please wait here. The results will be announced 30 minutes after all duels have ended.”

The applicants murmured among themselves. A duel? It sounded like a test for mercenaries rather than an entrance exam.

“I have a question.”

Someone raised their hand.

“If someone gets injured in the first duel, wouldn’t that affect their performance in the second?”

“We have prepared healing magic scrolls. There shouldn’t be any problems.”

“What if someone keeps getting strong opponents and loses?”

“The instructors will take that into consideration. Show the best of your abilities.”

“Someone lucky enough to face this commoner fellow will have an easy time. Isn’t that unfair?”

Sabbat Rugal’s grumbling voice could be heard from a distance, presumably targeting Helmut. Helmut found it absurd. Just because he was a commoner, why did they automatically assume he would be weak? It seemed rather petty.

‘Mercenaries and nobles alike can’t seem to gauge an opponent’s strength.’

If he faced anyone in a duel, he could finish it in less than 5 minutes, 10 seconds even. That was true for anyone, not just Sabbat Rugal.

‘Sooner or later, there will be an opportunity.’

If that presumptuous fellow Sabbat Rugal failed the exam and couldn’t enter the academy, there would be no chance, but he seemed likely to pass. He appeared to be among the better ones here.

“Follow me when your name is called. Helmut! Andro!”

Helmut was immediately called. It was his turn first. The boy called along with Helmut followed the overseer, visibly relieved upon realizing his opponent was a commoner.

‘I won’t lose to some commoner.’

Though rare, there are prodigies among commoners. Being a commoner doesn’t mean one can’t enter the Greta Academy or achieve excellent grades. However, such cases are exceedingly rare.

Especially in swordsmanship, which doesn’t rely solely on talent like magic, the gap is evident depending on who, how, and when one was trained. This is even more pronounced at their age. Except for those with absolutely no talent, a trained swordsman beats a talented one.

Nobles and sword family members are surrounded by swords and knights from a very young age. They receive the best training and education through duels. A commoner who has haphazardly learned swordsmanship cannot be on the same level.

Once in the academy, it’s possible to bridge the gap through personal effort, leading to a softening of class consciousness. However, some noble students never mingle with commoners. After all, upon graduation, they revert to their societal status, making Sabbat Rugal’s reaction not unusual.

“This is the dueling ground. The swordsmanship instructors will observe from there. Please do your best.”

Helmut surveyed the dueling ground. The ground was covered with soft, firm dirt that wouldn’t cause slips or injuries from falls. He picked a wooden sword and turned at a sound, noticing three swordsmanship instructors arriving to judge the entrance exam. One of them was Ethan Kudrow. Helmut’s eyebrows rose; he hadn’t expected Ethan to be here. Probably, it would be considered unfair to mention it. He had no intention of acknowledging him. Helmut bowed slightly in their direction.

“Is that boy Ethan’s recommendation?”

“Yes, so the two of you will have to decide.”

“Has Ethan ever recommended someone before? He must be quite the talent then.”

“An individual who might find the Greta Academy lacking.”

Ethan’s bold statement made the other two instructors look at him in surprise.

“Is that so? I don’t want to pry, but he must have an extraordinary master. It’s usually tough for commoners. Can he overcome that with such an incredible master?”

Swordsmanship Instructor Patricia asked curiously. She was the only female among the swordsmanship instructors and came from a noble background.

Just like mercenaries who hide their past, some enter the academy concealing their identities for reasons such as potential danger or opposition from hostile family members within the academy. Everyone should have equal opportunities for learning. The Greta Academy’s walls are strong, protecting all its students and their secrets.

However, the instructors were curious.

“Yes, indeed. You would be surprised to learn about it. It’s hard to keep such a secret.”

“Then we have no choice.”

Patricia gracefully stepped back, smiling. The other instructor, Alan, spoke up.

“We look not only for talent but also for how well that talent has been realized. I hope he meets our expectations.”

“The truth may reveal itself through his swordsmanship. After all, the sword sometimes speaks the truth.”

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