“Huh? Strong? Well that I am plenty! So, it’s—

“Uh-uh, nothing’s decided yet, let’s see… within the club I am aware of your ranking but outsiders are another story. How about you challenge the ones coming for the trial classes? Some of them do have a background in martials arts, if there’s no one left to challenge you to a duel amongst them, then I’ll think about your proposal.” Rose explained as she eyed one person in particular entering the studio among dozens of others.

“You’ll just think about it? That means you’ll go on a date, right? Cool! It’s a promise then!” Brad said quickly before dashing off.

Rose blinked a few times in confusion. “Huh? Wait! I didn’t mean a date- oi- Brad!” She called but to no avail.

“Woah, look so at these people, I never knew they were having so many applicants.” Nova said surprised.

Alex, “Yeah, I wonder how many would actually join…”

After a short while, the instructors began to introduce themselves and address the things the trial classes were meant to tackle. Once that was over, a short competition was suddenly held. Every trial class student was invited to go one on one with the club members, just to see how good they can hold up against them. Of course, it was simply a friendly spar and the instructors choose students who were skilled enough to not injure their opponents.

Many of the students declined. Though there were some who were curious to see how they stand against the practicing club members. Even those already with some martial arts experience stepped up.

Alex looked at the club members participating. He spotted Rose, easily knocking down students, much bigger than her.

Miracle, ‘Hm… I have to admit, though an insect that girl has really good control over her body movements. Guess some insects do have claws.’

Alex rolled his eyes at Miracle’s comment as he looked around and found Brad. He had to admit, Brad was somewhat impressive. If Alex, didn’t had Miracle’s support, he had no doubt that he didn’t have a tiny chance against him.

“Hey, guys!” Rose greeted the two as she approached them. Apparently, the flux of male students trying to have a spar with her quickly dwindled once she began one shotting her opponents.

“Oh, hi Rose.”

“Hi.”

Alex and Nova greeted back.

“So, you guys are going to spar right?” Rose asked.

Nova’s head might have shaken in disagreement a dozen times before he replied, “I want to live a few more days.”

Rose blinked her eyes in confusion before she nodded. “I see… what about you Alex? Surely you can try right?”

“Well… I am also not much keen. I’d prefer watching.”

“Oh… I see…” Rose said inwardly dejected as she gave a slight smile.

‘Well, I didn’t account for him to refuse to fight… guess he doesn’t want to show off.’ Rose thought to herself. She had assumed that Alex might take part since he can employ the soul beast’s power in his soul holder.

*Thud*

“Haha! You alright there?”

“Yeah… you’re pretty good man.”

One of the trial class students said as he shook Brad’s hand. Apparently, he had knocked another one.

“Oh? Isn’t that Nova? The baseball star, Tom’s lackey! Come on, Nova, I’d like to teach you some moves, what do you say?” Brad asked pointing towards him.

The surrounding students, attention was pulled towards him. Nova instinctively backstepped out of fear.

“Come on, now? It’s not like we haven’t scrapped here and there before?” Brad said smirking.

“Sorry man, we’ll just watch.” Alex intervened.

“Hm? You are… 5 minutes, aren’t you?” Brad asked.

This time more than just a few heads turned around. Everyone knew about the famous 5-minute joke. It was something which Alex had said to the Warden in his sleep during roll call. That began to be equated with his sexual capacity. This struck a nerve, as that news was almost on the verge of being forgotten. But not anymore it seems.

“Hm? 5 minutes? What does he mean?” Rose asked.

“Uh… Well, it’s a long story.” Alex said scratching the back of his head.

“Yeah… and a funny one too.” Nova commented holding back his laughter.

“Oi—

“A funny one? I’d like to hear it.” Rose said genuinely interested like an innocent girl.

“I’ll tell you sometime.” Alex said revealing an awkward smile clearly having no intentions to do so.

A small giggle escaped her mouth, as she nodded.

This of course didn’t do unnoticed by Brad.

“Yo, 5 minutes, it’s a bit rude to ignore someone isn’t it? I also heard you were quite athletic during a PE session? Let’s see if it was all talk.” Brad baited.

The students began to murmur amongst themselves. They suddenly began to remember the hot topic regarding, the handsome boy- Blake having a “fiery” Lock and Key battle.

‘This guy… fine, since he wants it so bad.’

“Alright then, looking forward for your guidance.” Alex said as he got on the mat with Brad.

“Alex…” Nova said silently shaking his head.

“It’s alright, I know what—

“No, it’s not that… I- You have my respect for putting life on the line.” Nova said saluting him.

Alex had a doubtful expression as to whether he really believed that he had voluntarily stepped up to get martyred.

A few moments later, the match began!