"Rank 2!" Reed's voice boomed. William stood up and stepped out calmly, ignoring the whispers in the air. He reached the stage with a slight smile and confidently said, "Rank 1."
Ember stood up without any change in expression, calmly walking to the stage and positioning herself across from William.
William maintained his smile and attempted some light banter, intending to elicit a laugh from her, "Lady Ember, please take it easy with me."
However, Ember continued to stare at him without any change in expression, simply bringing out her spear. William's smile faltered when he received no response from her. He thought, 'Stupid bitch!' He proceeded to draw his weapon, a sword, and got into a stance.
"Begin!" As soon as Reed's voice rang out, they dashed toward each other with incomparable speed to what the third years had shown so far, engaging in a flurry of strikes and parries.
