After an hour, Julius went back inside; however, he was not alone this time. With him were three individuals that exuded unique auras that made the members of the Violet Class impressed.
"As I mentioned before, The South Celestial Academy Violet Class is aching for a win. In the past half-decade, we have observed that due to the lack of competition between Black and White Classes of each academy, the other branches were inviting their Black Class Students to participate in the Violet Class competition. Therefore, our own institution is also implementing the same strategy. Introduce yourselves," Julius said.
"Good evening, everyone! It is a pleasure to meet all of you. I am Knight Henry from the Knight Order, Libertia. It is my great honor to fight alongside all of you, especially the Crystal Stream, Lady Lea," introduced the man with a muscular physique, befitting that of a veteran knight. He had gold hair and azure eyes which coupled with his flawless decorum and ethics, made him seem like a "knight and shining armor."
"Tsk, what is the honor in mingling with these insects? I still don't understand why the chief made me do this," the other man beside him said in scorn. He had two draconic horns on his forehead which prevented his long red hair from dripping to his face, and piercing red eyes that seemed to emit endless bloodlust.
"Be nice," Julius said with a smile that sent fear down the heart of the man who just spoke.
"Tsk. I am the great Dragonoid Yndrei, pull your weight in the upcoming event," he unwillingly introduced.
"Ho? Somebody who is not even a dragon is putting on airs here? How brazen," Z said while looking at Yndrei with disgust.
Yndrei got visibly angry because of the comment. It had always been a sore spot for Dragonoids that they are not real dragons, so he could not help but be triggered. "A mere human like you dares comment on my lineage!?" Yndrei said in a low but powerful voice while gripping his fist so tight that it revealed his scales.
"Students, let us get along," Julius reminded with another smile.
'I feel like he will kill me if I disobey,' Z thought after seeing the look on Julius' face.
"You have a knack for angering people," Lea whispered.
The tension immediately disappeared after the remaining one of the three spoke. She had an ephemeral aura which was further exemplified by the white veil she was wearing. She had a long white gown fully engraved with Runes, and the only visible feature of hers was her seemingly empty white eyes and long silver hair. "Ashe. It is pleasant meeting everyone," she quietly said. Everyone fell silent for a moment after she spoke. It was as if none of them wanted to stop her from talking.
After a while, Julius broke the silence and said, "The three of them will join the Violet Class, meaning 3 of you would have to go."
The faces of the seven students who knew that they were most likely to be the ones to get eliminated turned pale. No matter how talented they were, they were certain that cannot compete against three Black Class Students.
"Do not worry, you will still attend the Violet Class; however, you will be exempted from the competition six months from now," Julius assured which caused the students to sigh in relief. "Consequently, the ten who will be involved in the competition will undergo specialized training in addition to your ordinary classes, so be prepared."
After some further deliberations, three of the Violet Class Students were dismissed before they continued their discussion. "So, the leaders are Lea and Oshi. Does anyone have any qualms about that?"
"I do. I completely understand Lady Lea as a choice, but this green boy is not suited for that position," Yndrei scoffed. Oshi could only lower his head as he understood the situation fully well.
"I will forgo my title and propose that Sir Yndrei take it," Oshi said with a soft sigh.
"It is good that you know your place," Yndrei sneered.
Julius turned the other cheek at what happened and continued, "Let us decide the members then."
"I would take--" Yndrei could not finish his statement as Z interrupted him.
"We will take Sir Henry and Lady Ashe," Z said with a smile.
"You!" Yndrei said while glaring at Z with burning eyes.
"If you do that, your team will completely overpower the other. Would it not be nice to balance it out?" Julius politely disputed Z.
"Well, I am just assuming, Sir Julius, but am I not correct to assume that the winner of the competition would be a single team? If so, then it would be in the best interest of our academy to create a powerhouse team," Z argued.
Julius slightly nodded, but Yndrei spoke first, "Why is it that you and that white-haired guy should belong to the powerhouse team? Don't you think weaklings like you should just stay low?"
"Says the one who cannot even be a dragon," Z smirked. Yndrei stood up and slammed the table as he emitted a strong killing intent toward Z, but the latter just calmly sat while mocking him with a smile.
"Let us take it easy," Julius reminded.
"Sir Julius, I greatly respect this academy and wish for it to prosper, but as a proud Dragonoid, I cannot take these insults lying down! Allow me to challenge him to a duel," Yndrei said while looking at Julius with eyes full of conviction. Julis then looked at Z, waiting for his opinion.
"Sure, but let us do a fun one. How about we do rock, paper, scissors? The winner will get his way. Of course, assuming Sir Henry and Lady Ashe would be willing to join our team," Z said with a smile.
"Tsk, you are too afraid to face me head-on? Fine! Have it your way, I will win either way," Yndrei said with a proud smile.
The two then faced each other head-on. The room became tense as they positioned their fists for the battle. Julius was facilitating the duel, so he asked if both contenders are ready, "Fire it when I say, draw."
"One."
"Two."
"Draw!"