Her Graceful War Song (Carissa Sinclair)

Chapter 821

On the day of the assessment, Carissa ordered that all leaders of the Mystic Army, even if they were just captains, had to be present unless they were on duty.

At first, Alistair thought this was a direct dig at him. After a long rant about Carissa to his wife, he finally stepped out the door.

Women could be so petty! With someone as small–minded as Carissa in charge of the Mystic Army, who knew how many troubles were going to arise in the future?

When he arrived at the Capital Guard headquarters, he quickly learned that the day’s assessment wasn’t just about him–it was tied directly to the Civil Department’s evaluations.

That realization made him nervous.

He had offended Carissa. If he performed poorly today, he could face penalties like a salary deduction or even a demotion. If he had known, he would have prayed more before leaving the house and sought blessings from his ancestors.

Barrett was also there, but he wasn’t participating in the assessment since he had just taken office and wasn’t required to undergo evaluation yet. Having witnessed Carissa’s skills on the Southern Frontier battlefield, Barrett knew that Alistair stood no chance against her. Alistair could only hope to survive a few exchanges.

Carissa wasn’t in her official uniform today. Instead, she wore a blue brocade attire and a crown, exuding a scholarly air instead of an authoritative one.

Standing on the stone steps of the training grounds, she called out, “I will personally assess you today. Feel free to show me everything you’ve got. The deputy commanders must last at least 50 exchanges under my hand. If you can’t, you’ll all face special training. The other captains need to last 20 exchanges, and if you can’t manage that, you’ll face special training as well.”

Her voice echoed clearly in everyone’s ears. Some people laughed, while others furrowed their brows. Those laughing clearly had never witnessed Carissa’s martial prowess, while those frowning included Alistair, Barrett, and a few other deputy commanders.

Lasting fifty exchanges against her was impossible.

In other words, attending this special training was unavoidable.

“I’ve also arranged for your special training instructor,” Carissa said, casting a cold glance over the crowd. Once everyone fell silent, she called out for Violet.

When everyone turned, they were surprised to see a beautiful woman in red.

She was here to be their special training master? A woman?

Violet gestured for a chair to be brought out to the front. With a graceful sweep of her feet, she settled into the seat, her posture casual yet haughty.

She scoffed inwardly. She was here to accept apprentices today.

Naturally, Alistair was not pleased. He asked, “Commander Sinclair, you just said you would personally assess us. Are we supposed to take turns fighting you?”

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Chapter 821

“That’s right!” Carissa affirmed.

“What weapons are we using?” Alistair asked, wanting to clarify first. He knew Carissa was proficient in wielding a spear.

Carissa replied, “Unarmed. It’ll be about your techniques, footwork, and reactions.”

Alistair was overjoyed. “Really? No backing out now.”

Men were naturally stronger than women, and their reflexes were faster. Without weapons, lasting fifty exchanges with Carissa should be no problem. At most, he could win through sheer strength. After all, there was no way she could handle that many opponents at once.

Just as he was plotting to have the twelve captains wear her down one by one, Carissa called out, ” Michael, you’re up first.”

Michael stepped forward and respectfully said, “I look forward to your guidance, Commander Sinclair.” Inside, he was thrilled. He had witnessed Violet’s skills on the Southern Frontier battlefield–she was impressive. If she could offer him guidance, his own martial arts skills would surely improve.

He steadied his stance, his fists raised in a defensive position.

“I’ll let you have one strike!” Carissa declared. “Everyone will have the same opportunity.”

Michael took her at her word. He spread his fists like claws and lunged for Carissa’s shoulder. This move was meant to aim for the heart, but since Carissa was a woman, he couldn’t do that. Instead, grabbing her shoulder would be enough to flip her over.

Michael was quick, but Carissa dodged effortlessly as his claws came in for the grab.

He spun around and swung his fist, and the two exchanged blows at a pace so fast that those watching struggled to count the number of moves that had passed.

However, Violet was counting. “Seven, eight, nine…”

Just as they reached the forty–second exchange, Michael finally caught hold of Carissa’s shoulder.

He was elated!

But to his shock, she shook him off, causing his hands to tingle with numbness. He immediately released her and attempted to leap back, but was just a second too slow. Carissa landed a punch to his chin; as he stumbled backward, she followed up with a series of swift, angled kicks that sent him flying.

It took him a moment to gather himself as he got back on his feet. He rubbed his chest and suppressed the pain, then bowed and said, “I’ve lost.”

He knew Carissa had been merciful. Considering their previous sparring matches on the Southern Frontier, there was no way he could have lasted more than 40 exchanges against her!