Chapter 821
On the assessment day, Carissa ordered all Mystic Army leaders, even captains, to be present unless on duty. Alistair initially perceived this as a personal attack. After complaining to his wife, he reluctantly departed. He grumbled about women being petty and worried about the army's future under Carissa's leadership.
Arriving at Capital Guard headquarters, he discovered the assessment was linked to Civil Department evaluations, making him anxious. He'd offended Carissa, and poor performance could result in salary deductions or demotion. He regretted not praying and seeking ancestral blessings before leaving home.
Barrett, recently appointed and exempt from the assessment, was present. Having witnessed Carissa's skill on the Southern Frontier, he knew Alistair stood little chance; survival was the best Alistair could hope for.
Carissa, eschewing her uniform, wore blue brocade and a crown, projecting a scholarly rather than authoritative demeanor. From the training grounds' stone steps, she announced the assessment: deputy commanders needed to withstand at least fifty exchanges; captains, twenty. Failure meant special training.
Her declaration elicited laughter from some and frowns from others, including Alistair, Barrett, and several deputy commanders—those frowning having witnessed Carissa's martial prowess. Fifty exchanges were impossible; special training was inevitable.
Carissa, after silencing the assembled officers, announced Violet as their special training instructor. The beautiful woman in red surprised everyone.
Alistair, displeased, asked if they would fight Carissa in turn. She confirmed this. He then clarified the weapons; Carissa specified unarmed combat, focusing on technique, footwork, and reactions.
Alistair, overjoyed, believed his superior strength and reflexes would allow him to easily surpass the fifty exchanges. He planned to have the twelve captains wear Carissa down.
However, Carissa called upon Michael first. He, thrilled at the prospect of learning from Violet (whose skill he'd witnessed on the Southern Frontier), prepared for the assessment.
Carissa granted each participant one initial strike. Michael attacked, aiming for a shoulder grab to flip Carissa, but she easily evaded his attack. Their ensuing exchange was rapid. Violet counted the exchanges: “Seven, eight, nine…”
At the forty-second exchange, Michael grabbed Carissa’s shoulder, elated at his success. But she effortlessly broke free, leaving his hands numb. Before he could recover, she delivered a punch to his chin followed by swift kicks, sending him sprawling. He admitted defeat, recognizing Carissa's mercy; he knew he could not have lasted more than forty exchanges against her under normal circumstances.