According to the Imperial tradition, the knights' tournament is conducted in a melee fashion.

A hundred knights battle each other in the vast arena until only the last ten riders remain on horseback, with rankings from 10th to 2nd determined by the number of knockdowns.

The first contestant to complete "ten knockdowns" becomes the champion of the knights' tournament, but if someone knocks the champion off his horse before the competition ends, they will replace him as the new champion; otherwise, the former champion loses qualification for the competition.

Luo Yan felt that this rule was actually quite interesting, as it divided "champion" and "top ten" into two different tracks.

Theoretically, if one is not chasing the championship, just surviving to the end can also earn a ranking.

However, if one aims for the championship, it is almost impossible for ordinary people to achieve victory.

As for the reason—

In single combat, mortals stand no chance against transcendent beings.

The fierce battles continued for half an hour amid cheers from the citizens, with riders armored like tin cans continuously falling from their horses, those who won did so gloriously, and those who lost displayed their bravery.

As the number of riders on the field dwindled, this knight tournament also finally approached its end.

The final result was exactly as Luo Yan anticipated; Marshal Laco's youngest son Arthur Aber became the champion without any suspense.

The blonde-headed young man stood in the center of the arena, his silver armor reflecting dazzling light.

His longsword was raised high, winning the most enthusiastic cheers and applause from the audience along with flowers thrown onto the field.

Arthur's strength was unquestionable—at just sixteen years old, he already possessed Silver Level strength, unstoppable in this tournament.

Watching that glowing figure, Frey, sitting in the corner of the audience, disdainfully curled his lip and muttered.

"Who dares to beat him, anyone who loses might have to leave the Holy City tonight."

"Indeed."

"That's the Marshal's son; winning is simply too easy for him."

The sycophants surrounding him echoed their agreement, although they secretly doubted Devor's statement.

Marshal Laco isn't your dad; he certainly wouldn't stoop so low.

Except...

Who could possibly best his son?

Even if a second son doesn't usually inherit all his father's strength, children born into the Aber family are definitely not ordinary souls.

An average adventurer might not reach Silver Level in a lifetime, but that person reached Silver Level with ease by routinely practicing swordsmanship and nurturing the "essence" in his body.

Not exaggerating, even if the remaining nine knights teamed up, Arthur could still beat them down with one hand tied behind his back.

Unless the number is multiplied by ten, there might be a bit of a chance.

This knight tournament itself is Marshal Laco's coming-of-age gift to his youngest son, possibly with the motive of aligning with Prince Colin's political goals.

As for the other contestants, they were sparring partners from the start, and second to ninth place are rewards given by the Aber family.

Apart from Arthur himself perhaps not being aware, most participants knew this in their hearts, only a select few fools wanting to impress Marshal Laco charged at Arthur with their riding spears, offering themselves as fodder, only to be knocked out like straw men...

There's no shortage of people in the crowd burning with jealousy like Frey, but the majority of citizens didn't mind, their cheers shaking the earth.

The reputation of the Aber family has always been good in the hearts of the Holy City citizens, and to bestow powerful strength on pure souls is their heartfelt desire.

On the field, the other nine knights gradually approached Arthur, dismounted, and stood firmly.

Among them, eight were Fine Steel Level Baron's second sons, although their strength was decent, they paled in comparison to Arthur, and now stood humbly behind him, showing respect.

In addition, one knight appeared to be a son of ordinary citizens.

At this moment, the young man was sweaty, his limbs trembling, breathing heavily like a cow.

This was not due to exhaustion, but excitement!

He could hardly believe that he was really standing here and soon would be bestowed the title of knight!

Everything before his eyes felt like a dream...

In the special seats, Prince Colin slowly stood up, causing the entire venue to quiet down, with all eyes focused on the most distinguished guest of the empire.

Feeling the gazes gathering on him, Luo Yan smiled slightly, glanced at the Marshal, and then looked at the entire arena, speaking in a loud and clear voice.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am incredibly honored to witness today's splendid tournament. Without a doubt, Arthur Aber has demonstrated bravery and power, proving he thoroughly deserves the champion's glory."

Pausing, Luo Yan's gaze swept over the remaining nine young knights, smiling with approval as he continued:

"And these nine brave knights equally deserve our respect. They will join Arthur and become the first batch of knights in the newly established Holy Temple Knight Order of the empire!"

The arena instantly erupted with tidal waves of cheers, citizens waving their hats in hand and throwing flowers into the air once again; the scene was extremely lively!

Luo Yan took up the longsword gifted to him by the Marshal and slowly walked down from the special seats, heading down the long staircase to the center of the arena.

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