Jack glanced to his side, sizing up his opponent. James stood rigid, his eyes barely concealing the simmering rage beneath a calm façade. Jack chuckled inwardly, 'He's stubborn. Telling him no won't cut it. Fine, I'll pair with him—but I'll need to stay sharp.'
"Alright then," Jack said nonchalantly, as though the decision had no weight.
The two strode to a corner of the class hall, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor. Their gazes locked, the air between them brimming with unspoken tension.
Meanwhile, Kurt stood fuming nearby, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. "Damn it! That church rat beat me to the punch!" he muttered, casting a venomous glance at James. Forced to find another partner, Kurt reluctantly paired with a red-scaled beastman who towered over him.
