Stage Two of the Ascension Trials was combat evaluation.

The arena was already crowded when I entered. Students from all four houses filled the viewing galleries, their voices mixing with the sound of boots against stone and the occasional cheer from the competitors warming up.

The rules were simple. Three opponents. Three consecutive fights. No weapons, no killing blows, and no outside assistance.

The panel would evaluate technique, control, adaptability, and endurance.

I had trained for ...