Zhao Si was somewhat reluctant to enter the arena. He was still completely confused by the rules this time. The hardest part was understanding what "keeping to the drumbeat" meant.
According to the staff, this so-called drumbeat referred to the military music that would play on the battlefield. Drums and horns were used to boost morale or relay orders.
Music composed on that basis could stir people's spirits. It sounded quite fitting for a holiday atmosphere, and suited the Combat Festival well enough.
Then he would need to follow the sounds to perform actions such as marching, retreating, attacking, defending, and so on.
Zhao Si understood none of it.
"This is just bullying." Zhao Si felt that his journey through the Combat Festival had truly been full of obstacles.
This was entirely designed for insiders. How could an outsider possibly understand any of it? Even proper knights needed lengthy training, including those who had actually been on a battlefield.
The staff explained, "Since this is the first time we've used these rules, the Tree Sentinel isn't familiar with them either. So the rules won't be enforced too strictly, and the judges will score you according to the circumstances."
"Oh, right, I almost forgot. I still have a powerful opponent to deal with, even if he is using wooden safety weapons." Zhao Si held his forehead. "Look at the Tree Sentinel's build, then look at mine. And you're calling this fair? What a joke."
The staff offered no comment on that. They knew Zhao Si was a Tarnished who worked for the Two Fingers. In other words, he had the Two Fingers backing him. Perhaps even talking about Radagon right under his nose would not cause much trouble.
But other people were not so lucky.
"Please hurry and get your equipment