Fuuga stood in the midst of everyone as his eyes scanned everyone coldly before focusing on Kirito.
Fuuga: "Stop being such an embarrassment to the Earth Kingdom. Where are your manners?
Kirito stammered—trying to hide fear.
Kirito "But...Fuuga—they were the ones who started it.
Fuuga "Shut up, it annoys me that you'd lose control in a quarrel with children in another kingdom.
Kirito "Understood… I guess I was outta line I'm sorry.
Fuuga turned to Team E
Fuuga "I'm sorry about that. Forgive him—he has a rather arrogant attitude.
Aturia never took her eyes off Fuuga.
Aturia thought to herself "This guy has a nasty look, there's something off about him.
Fuuga glanced at her—perched on the tree behind him as a small sadistic smile came on his face.
Fuuga "Let's go. We didn't come here to play around.
Miki "Hold on a minute.
Alice "What is it?"
Miki "Judging from your clothes and your badges… it's obvious you're magic knights from another kingdom, aren't you? So—state your purpose.
Alice "Well… aren't you deceptive? Just as you said—we're from the Earth Kingdom and We came to Camelot to take the Rank 2 Magic Knights Exam being held here in your kingdom.
Seig "Rank 2 Magic Knights Exam?"
Alice scoffs "You really don't know anything, do you? "It means—if you pass the exam—you can become a Rank 2 from Rank 3 magic knight but it's mostly a competition between the five Kingdom and other minor lands Although not all kingdoms would agree to participate because of political trust issues.
Aturia "Hey—you there with the white robe and earring, Tell me—who are you?"
Fuuga: "I'm Fuuga, and I have an interest in you as well… silver haired girl, what's your name?"
Aturia smirks "Aturia Silva."
A sudden cold, quiet tension filled the air. The two locked eyes—until Seig broke it.
Seig "Hey—what about me? What about me? Don't you wanna know who I am to.
Fuuga: "I'm not interested in brats, get lost.
The three walked away and disappeared—leaving Team E to ponder.
Aturia "Things have sure gotten interesting."
Seig "who does he think he is—calling me a brat? We're basically the same age!
Meanwhile— during the meeting with the captains and the 4th king of knights
Julius "Now then—in conjunction with the beginning of the Rank 2 Magic Knights Exam—let us have those in charge of the Rank 3 knights step forward although one of the captains couldn't make it to the meeting because his team is still on an urgent mission.
So—are there anyone in your squad you wish to recommend for this exam?
Baka "I'm the Captain of Team E and I recommend that my team Aturia Silva, Seig Pendragon, and Miki Senji are qualified for the exams.
Mary "I'm the Captain of Team A and i recommend Finral Belmont, Toga Cross and Boa Yu
Wayne "I'm the Captain Team M and i recommend Nara Okotsu, Sora Hoshino, Mochito Oni are qualified.
Then suddenly the grand door burst open slowly
Lily "please wait a minute, forgive me for interrupting my knight king but if I may have something to say can I speak.
Julius "What's the matter, Miss Lily?.
Lily "My king—please forgive me, but I need to say one thing. This might be presumptuous… but as for the nine names given —I was in charge of them at the academy before they became Rank 3. I admit they all have talents… but it's too soon for them to take this exam. They should be tested after gaining more experience.
Baka scoffed "I became a Rank 2 magic knight when I was six years younger than Seig."
Lily "Seig is different from you!!
Baka "Well in all honesty I understand what you mean and I'm sorry if any of the recommendations upset you but i stand by it. They're not your students anymore so any attachment you once had with them is gone and you just have to accept that fact.
Lily "But the exam is…"
Julius cut her off.
Julius "Miss Lily—I understand your point. Therefore, I have decided to conduct a special preliminary exam for them."
The next day—Team E waited outside the normal spot for their captain to arrive, Seven hours had passed as the team grew furious and tired of waiting.
Seig "Hey—why is it that he's the one who always calls us out… and then makes us wait? It's getting kinda annoying.
Miki "That's right… you think Baka would be more disciplined once in a while.
Aturia scoffs "Why do these two always wake up feeling dramatic...
Baka appeared as he walked toward them reading a book in hand.
Baka "Good morning, team. Sorry I'm a bit late. I got a bit lost on the path of life.
The trio screamed in unison "As always you liar!!"
Baka "Oh well—so much for that. Anyways i recommended you three for the Rank 2 magic knights exams. So here—these are your applications.
He handed them the papers.
Baka "That being said—the exam isn't compulsory. You can choose if you want to take it or not it's entirely up to you I only recommend it.
Seig jumped in joy as he hugged Baka.
Seig "Alright! I love you, Captain Baka.
Baka "Alright—cut it out. Anyway—if you want to participate—sign the applications and come to the Academy, Room 400, six days from now.
He walked away—leaving them focusing on the book he was reading.
Seig "Rank 2 here I come! I bet lots of strong people will be there. If I pass this exam—i'll get closer to my goal of becoming strong enough to protect everyone's freedom.
Aturia's eyes were filled with determination and resolve hoping to get stronger for he own personal agenda.
Miki was feeling a bit anxious in thought "I don't think I can do this… I can't keep up with either Aturia or Seig. My healing magic would be useless if it's a combat exam. I guess I'll only be a burden to them.
Six days later—
On exam application day—at the academy—Seig and Aturia stood at the gates.
Seig spotted Miki approaching.
Seig "Good morning, Miki!"
Miki "Oh—yeah… sorry. Good morning, Seig.
Her mind was still anxious about the exam and mostly pressure from her family home weighing.
They entered the building and saw that the entire hall was filled with students as noise and chatter filled the air, the trio stood in line and handed their application papers to the teacher and took the stairs up to the next floor.
Aturia "Good grief… this Rank 2 Magic Knights Exam is full of monsters,that hall downstairs was filled with nothing but bloodlust.
She thought to herself.
As they walked toward the door in front of them they were stopped immediately by someone who's been following them all this time since they entered.
It was one of their classmates from the academy whose team just got back from a recent mission.
Levi "Aturia Silva hold on.
The trio turned back surprised to see him again after their academy graduation three months ago.
Aturia "Oh it's you what is it?
Levi "Will you fight me right here right now?