Somewhere above the arena, in the instructor's viewing platform, a conversation was taking place.
"Did you see that?" A younger instructor leaned forward, staring at the unconscious boy being carried off on a stretcher. "He beat him."
"I saw it." Instructor Aldwin's expression was unreadable. "Though I'm not entirely certain what I saw."
"The boy's got technique. That sword style... I've never seen anything like it."
"Neither have I." Aldwin frowned. "And Thomas Greaves is a veteran. He's failed the exam twice before not because he lacks skill, but because he's been too old to start. This was supposed to be his last chance."
"And he lost to a broken-nosed kid who can barely stand."
Aldwin was silent for a long moment, his eyes on Jin's unconscious form as healers worked over him.
"Make a note," he said finally. "Jin Raith. Priority observation for remaining trials."
"Sir?"
