The battles continued, some were prolonged fights that lasted several minutes and ended with both disciples on their knees and others were the opposite, complete clean-ups.

“Haris Lawrence vs Roy Williams”

A serious look surfaced on the faces of the youths in the amphitheater and a silent ambience settled in.

The reason for so much seriousness sported a friendly grin and in a relaxed manner climbed down the steps to the centre of the amphitheater while at the same time a reclusive young man did the same with a surprisingly calm expression.

Soon both parties were standing a few meters across each other and Miss Julia was just about to give them wooden weapons when…

“I surrender.” Roy said, still sporting the same calm expression he had since the moment people took notice of him.

“Uh, are you sure you want to surrender? This is just a class, and you guys will be fighting with wooden weapons…” Miss Julia said with a frown on her face.

“Yeah I'm sure, there's nothing to be gained from a beating apart from a sore ass. Why should I submit myself to torture if the benefits dont outweigh the costs?”

Aegon, who had been distracted petting Kuros' fur, lifted a curious eyebrow and an interested look permeated his face.

[This guy’s interesting, if I don't remember wrong he was close to the last ranking…]

After a few seconds of pondering Aegon stood up and moved to another seat.

Meanwhile, Miss Julia was still trying to convince the young man to fight, to no avail.

“Fine, just go back to your seat.” Feeling a bit mad at the fact a disciple was not taking her advice and also displeased with his temperament she left one last comment in a low voice.

“Useless unambitious brat.”

Miss Julia said it in a low voice but not low enough, most students heard her and directed a mocking or superior gaze at the shy youth.

Roy, who was already climbing the stairs back to his seat, stopped with his back still turned to Miss Julia.

Everyone expected him to retort, be offended, scream, yet he didn't do any of that, he didn't even move and after a few seconds calmly resumed his climb.

He soon reached his originally empty seat only to find it occupied by an average looking young man with tanned skin, brown hair and an average stature, he would have been a very ordinary looking person if not for his distinctive blue eyes.

“Aegon right? How can I help you?”

Seeing him from up close Aegon couldn't help but be a bit jealous.

The person in question was already 1.80 meters tall with a lean muscular figure, he also had a clean face, with no acne or pimples to note as well as a pair of deep green eyes almost like emeralds.

[Another lady killer, well I still don't know him, he might be a cool guy but it won't matter even if he isn't. Back to the matter at hand.]

“I have a proposal.” Aegon said with his best friendly smile.

Roy took a seat next to him and waited silently.

“My cultivation technique requires me to use my muscles to, in a way, consolidate my progress, digest the energy I absorbed if you will. By using my muscles I mean using them in general, eating, walking and of course fighting.”

Aegon stopped a few seconds and noted a small frown in Roy’s face, he could practically hear his thoughts.

[Why should I care?]

But he didn't interrupt and waited patiently for Aegon to continue.

“So since you share my aversion for senseless suffering I thought we could be each other's sparring partners, I would get the benefits of training with my twin swords and consolidating my cultivation and you would be able to train your swordsmanship against someone stronger than you, what do you say?”

Roy pondered about the matter for a few minutes without saying a word. After what seemed like an eternity he asked:”Why me?”

Snapping back from his contemplation about the gender of angels, Aegon responded matter-of-factly.

“I already told you, It's because we share the idea that torture or suffering for cultivation isn't worth it.”

[Also judging from your rank you don't even have the ability to hurt me so I can be sure it will be absolute suffering-proof sparring.] Aegon thought but didn't dare say out loud or he might injure this guy's ego and lose a perfect sparring partner over it.

“During our sparring matches we could stay our hands and prevent any unnecessary injuries, do you think the others would give you the same courtesy?” He emphasized his question by looking towards the group of people who had laughed at him because of Miss Julia's remark.

Another round of silent pondering and contemplation of the mysteries of the world ensued.

“Ok.”

"Excellent, you can come to my room this afternoon for our first practice.” Without waiting for a response Aegon stood up and returned to his previous seat leaving behind a man with a sour look.

He noticed the change from Aegon using terms like partner while he was trying to sell him the idea to a tone of more authority the moment he accepted, he decided the time and place to his convenience and also called it practice instead of sparring, the word itself wasn't the problem but the way he said it…

[It's almost like you’re a teacher...]

Sigh

[Whatever, he wasn't wrong, I doubt I’ll find anyone else who shares my ideals, everyone here is a goddamn masochist!]

Resigned to his fate, the young man reclined on his seat and watched the last battles of that round.

“The first round of battles is over. You did well and I got a good grasp of your abilities, or at least of those who actually tried…”

A few laughs were heard but soon subsided.

“Now for the second round of fighting…” Looking once again at her sheet Miss Julia announced:

“Haris Lawrence vs Aegon Silver.”

“Oh for fuck’s sake.”