The entire hall fell into absolute silence amid a clash of absolute ferocity.
None of the spectators-the gifted young men, the ladies accompanying them, the Viscounts and Dukes, or the Red Pattern Knight Commanders-looked away or even blinked. They were afraid of missing a moment of this fierce hand-to-hand contest.
"What a rare sight..." Soxia stood against the wall at the back, making no attempt to hide the admiration in his eyes. Their light was more vivid and substantial than the Roselight above the vaulted ceiling.
"Your eye is as sharp as ever. Nobody's perfect, after all. We each have our strengths and weaknesses," Qidunston said beside him with a hint of envy. His judgment truly was not as keen as Soxia's.
"Heh, exactly. The first time I met that boy Nameless, I knew he wasn't ordinary. But he's surpassed my expectations far sooner than I imagined. You simply wouldn't believe a person's potential could reach such a terrifying level. Nameless... he really is the most promising youngster I've ever seen."
"How does he compare with your proudest pupil?" Qidunston asked teasingly.
"They seem about equal..." After some thought, Soxia added more precisely, "They seem about equal now, but the gap will only grow wider."
"Heh, know what I think? Exactly the same thing."
Soxia had to stop watching the fight and turn toward him. "Wait a moment. I remember you making it quite clear years ago that you wouldn't take any more pupils. What's this? Surely you're not thinking of...?"
"Yes, I am. Besides, that was why I came here in the first place, wasn't it?"
Hearing that, Soxia turned back toward the fight. His voice softened, calm and unhurried. "Yes, that was why you came. If it's him, he really would be the one you'd be most satisfied