"They don't cooperate at all!" one of the students whispered.
"They fight each other more than they fight the instructor!" another laughed.
The two sat panting, glaring at each other, as the instructor announced:
"You both failed."
Silence fell. Then suddenly... Ragnar raised his aura again, even more powerful than before, aiming it directly at Lucien and Saroto. The ground shook, and the students fell to the ground one after another. Lucien barely managed to stay on his feet, while Saroto remained standing, his gaze fixed on the instructor.
Ragnar lowered his voice but made it clear for everyone to hear:
"You have only one week. If you don't change the score and learn to cooperate... you'll be expelled from the academy. There's no place for losers here."
The students erupted in laughter and mockery, their voices tearing through the air:
"Ha! The Ice Heir failed! With Ami!" "Even together they can't keep up with the Master!"
Lucian's anger flared. He turned to Saruto, his face contorted with fury.
"This is all your fault, you filthy commoner! If you'd just gotten out of my way, we'd win!"
Saruto replied coldly, "No… it's because of your weakness. Don't you dare blame me, understand?"
In an instant, the two unleashed their auras. The arena filled with a deadly black and icy energy. Their weapons regenerated, and they lunged at each other with all their might.
But before they could collide, the Dragon Family heir, Rhyn, leaped in and grabbed Saruto, while Kyle, the Storm Family heir, held Lucian. They were practically bursting with rage, struggling against the human restraints that tried to stop them.
Suddenly… the Master appeared almost out of nowhere, with imperceptible speed. With two precise blows to their necks, the two fell unconscious instantly.
Ragnar stood over them and said sternly,
"These two are a danger to the Academy. If they don't learn to control their anger, I will expel them myself. Take them to the Academy Hospital."
The students whispered amongst themselves, some in shock, some laughing. The Star Princess stared at Saruto as he was dragged away unconscious, a mixture of concern and hidden admiration shining in her eyes.
The two were carried out of the courtyard, leaving behind a fire that still smoldered.