It appears his opponents were apprentice guard members, just like him, and a noble’s heir.
“There is a mountain next to the tournament. Unexpectedly a number of participants were seeded. Amongst them was the successor of a Baron household.” (Paul)
Even so it doesn’t change the fact of him breaking through the second round.
Me, Erich-nii-san and Helmut-nii-san gazed at Paul-nii-san with a look of respect.
“As expected of our Baumeister household, the level is frightfully low…” (Erich)