The next day, the entire class was gathered on the training grounds.
The cracked stone floor stretched wide, still scarred with burns, cuts, and dried blood from countless past battles.
Otto stood at the front, hands behind his back, his voice echoing through mana amplification.
"Today, we will begin group sparring matches. Each team will face another in front of the class. Victory and defeat will shape your rankings, as well as determine who's considered an asset… or dead weight."
His words hung heavy as no one dared to laugh.
"First," Otto continued, his gaze sweeping the rows of students.
"Team Four versus Team Ten. Step forward."
A hush fell as two groups moved into the arena.
Gray leaned on his rapier, watching with half-lidded eyes.
[I got it~]
He didn't look interested at all, though Jasmine's words suggested she was already analyzing every movement.
Raven, of course, couldn't stay quiet for a damn second.
