"The second stage of the assessment begins now: actual combat!"
Commander Li's powerful voice echoed over the Martial Training Ground. The crowd, which had still been murmuring among themselves, instantly fell silent and turned toward him as one.
"Twenty-five people are taking part in this assessment."
Commander Li stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping over everyone like a blade.
"Your opponents will be decided by drawing lots. Winners advance, losers are eliminated, round by round."
He paused, then continued, "There will be four rounds and four draws in total, determining the final rankings and the four promotion slots."
His words immediately stirred a low buzz of discussion through the crowd.
Some frowned as they weighed their chances, some rubbed their fists and flexed their palms, and others looked anxious, silently praying they would not face those exceptionally formidable fighters in the first round.
"Quiet!" Commander Li pressed a hand downward. Only after everyone had quieted down did he continue.
"Anyone who draws a bye advances directly to the next round. Luck is part of strength, so don't complain about unfairness."
He paused, sweeping his gaze over the crowd, and added with greater emphasis:
"Also, elimination doesn't mean you're out of chances. Once the final four have been decided, everyone previously eliminated will have one chance to challenge one of them. If you win, you take their slot."
At this, several manor guards who had already begun to despair perked up, hope rekindling in their eyes.
Commander Li took in all their reactions and said no more. With a sweep of his hand, he declared, "Begin the draw!"
He took a black cloth bag from inside his robe. It held twenty-five bamboo slips, each engraved with a different number at one end.
Everyone stepped forward in turn