The nobles began moving toward the horses provided by the academy. Each participant approached their assigned horses and mounted them. They checked the reins and did a little test ride to be more familiar with it.
Lionel sighed as he climbed onto his horse. He shifted slightly, adjusting his posture. Even if he had been very good at riding before he died, at this age, his horse-riding skill had never been that impressive.
He means he was at least decent, but this was a competition, and he knew he wouldn't be able to match the likes of the people around him.
Hmm…
He glanced at the course ahead. He knew that it would be hard for him to complete this. And so he realized why bother trying to win first place when it would be impossible?
As long as I am placed in the middle, then it will still be good for me. He adjusted his grip on the reins as the horse walked.
Either way… it doesn't really matter how well I do today. He shook his head slightly. R-Right! Actually… I need to get eliminated early.
His eyes flew toward the opposite side of the forest, where the hunting activity will be held tomorrow.
There's something I need to check there!
He exhaled slowly.
Alright, I guess I need to eliminate myself early… or maybe not too early.
- - -
*Trrruunnnnng!
A few moments later, the sharp sound of a horn echoed in the forest to catch everyone's attention.
"The first round will begin now!" Professor Darius announced.
The nobles immediately readied.
*Trrruunnnnng!
After the second horn, the horses quickly moved and surged forward. The horses' hooves pounded on the ground.
In no time, the nobles arrived at the first course, where they would be challenged. Since it was just the first, it wasn't that hard yet.
Wooden markers were placed along the forest to lead the riders in a gentle curve before pointing them toward the edge of the forest. And in there, what's waiting for them was a path with a series of wooden bars that were spaced evenly apart.
Each bar was set at a different height. The first was low, the second was a little higher, and the third was the tallest of them all.
This course might look simple, but it tests the nobles basics knowledge in riding. It's because without enough momentum, the horses would hesitate or fail to jump over the bars.
*Mehhh
*Mehhh
*Mehhh
One by one, the nobles urged their horses to run faster. The sound of their neighing grew louder as the horses broke into a run.
The first jump was easy for everyone. Most horses cleared it without trouble. The second jump demanded more force, but it was doable.
However, the third jump was the true test. The bar was set high enough to make even skilled riders tense up. In this last bar, horses had to run fast and leap with confidence. That's when a few nobles failed because they hesitated and slowed down before the jump.
"Oh… this is quite challenging," Lionel, who was one of the few who were last, sighed.
He might find it challenging, but he was surprisingly calm. He guided his horse calmly, feeling the rhythm of the movement beneath him. His tightened just slightly on the saddle, and with his guide, his horse surged ahead, springing into the air.
For a heart-stopping second, it seemed like they were about to fail. But Lionel was confident enough that they would clear it. He just closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, his horse had already cleared the bar perfectly.
"Woohh…" Lionel exhaled lightly before a small smile formed on his face. He had passed the first course without a single mistake.
Around him, other riders were finishing as well. By the time the round ended, five nobles were eliminated.
"Ahhh! No! My horse!" one eliminated noble groaned before slapping his palm against his forehead.
"Blast it, I had this one, but my horse didn't jump!" another cursed out loud, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he dismounted.
The eliminated nobles muttered complaints and cast frustrated glances at those who were still riding. Some shook their heads, while others tried to console their horses, who were already breathing heavily.
A few chose to leave the field immediately, walking back toward their tents to rest. While 3 out of 5 lingered to watch their friends.
They took a rest for a few minutes before the horns sounded again.
"The second round will begin now!"
Trrruunnnnng!
The horn sounded again, marking the start of the second round.
The horses moved forward once again. This time, the course led them deeper into the forest. Unlike the first round, the path was narrow, allowing only 4 riders at a time.
Tall trees were planted close together, and thick roots twisted across the ground. There were also low branches that were hanging overhead, forcing the riders to duck or steer their horses carefully.
Some nobles rushed ahead, but their speed worked against them. A few horses stumbled on the roots. While others slowed down too much after nearly hitting the branches.
Lionel stayed calm. He was thinking of getting eliminated, so he just guided his horse at a good pace.
For some reason, his tactics worked perfectly for him because those who rushed around mostly lost their balance. By the time the course ended, five more nobles were eliminated.
"I'm still in the game?" Lionel looked and made a face. He was planning on falling voluntarily to lose, but he never got the chance. The others had failed too quickly before he could even try.
"The third round is just straight ahead. Go there and be find ouut what it is!"
*Trrruunnnnng!
The nobles barely had time to catch their breath before urging their horses forward again. The people around just told them to go straight. And after a few minutes of riding, they encountered a lake.
"Huh?"
"Are they joking?"
The water was clear, but it was obviously deep. A narrow route marked by flags showed that it was really what they had to cross.
"Oh no…"
"A lake?"
"That looks deep…"
"It's fine, guys. That's just a lake." Cassian proudly muttered. Among the hesitant crowd, he confidently guided his horse and was the first one to take the road.
"I guess we have no choice…" One by one, the horses stepped into the water.
*Splaaash
Cold water splashed as the horses entered the lake. Some horses snorted and slowed down, clearly uneasy at the sudden challenge, while others pushed forward, creating waves that splashed onto their riders.
Cassian crossed without much trouble. His posture was steady, and his horse moved with confidence. His teammates also followed closely from behind.
Following them was Lionel.
Lionel could feel the coldness of the lake's water. Lionel kept his grip loose, letting the horse move on its own. He actually had no plans on crossing.
This is it, he thought calmly. This is the perfect chance.
Halfway through the lake, Lionel shifted his weight slightly, just enough to throw off his balance. At the same time, he loosened his grip on the reins.
He was planning to just slowly fall down. However, the horse suddenly jolted as one hoof stepped into a deeper spot.
"Woahhhh!"
*Splash!
Lionel was thrown off the saddle as he flew high at the sky. Water burst upward as his body hit the lake. The cold swallowed his body fully, soaking his clothes in an instant. His head even went under for a second before he resurfaced, gasping for air.
Shit!
"Lionel!"
"He fell!"
"Someone help him!"