One after another the interested students continued to get interviewed by Aron, some slightly above average while others slightly below. All in all it wasn't a bad group.
"So, What do you think?" With the interviews done Jin turned to Aron and asked for his opinion in general. It was time they selected those who qualified to be in his faction.
Meanwhile in the hall outside the lecture room, Jagu remained standing by the door while numerous students waited anxiously for the results. Only two in particular seemed slightly calmer than the rest, Xavier and Claudia.
The two were standing not two far from each other in complete silence. Claudia stood straight and had her arms crossed under her bosom while Xavier was leaning against the wall while occasionally glancing at the beautiful woman near him curiously. 'Have I seen her somewhere before?' He thought to himself not quite able to guess where he'd met her.
"Have we met?" Unable to contain his curiosity, he turned to her and asked casually. Claudia's mouth curved into a slight frown as she heard this question and turned to Xavier. "We met at one of the youth banquets when I was younger, though I suppose you and your friend's were far too important to notice the average looking seventh daughter that didn't stand out." Claudia answered with slight irritation in her words causing Xavier to show an awkward smile.
He was about to go on the defensive but he felt that would probably only make this situation worse. "I was young at the time and not quite matured so I apologize for any disrespect I may have shown you." Xavier pulled away from the wall and faced Claudia before giving a small bow, however she simply scoffed.
"No need to apologize, the same way I don't notice simple people is the same way you didn't notice my younger self. No need for further discussion." Claudia remained indifferent despite Xavier's sincerity causing him to sigh inwardly.
Before Xavier could attempt to speak further, Jin walked out of the room with a piece of paper in his hands and looked at the students waiting anxiously in the hall. "Let's make this quick shall we, the students who've qualified to be part of the faction are...", Jin began to announce the names of those who made the list, in total they numbered a mere fifteen.
Those who hadn't made the list left dejectedly while some tried to plead, the sight of an irritated Jagu however was more than enough to deter them.
As for those who made it, they gathered in the lecture room for a short briefing from Aron. "I'll skip the pleasantries as there is nothing really worth celebrating." Aron's opener resounded in the hall causing all attention to focus on him, for many this was the first time they heard the illusive number one speak.
His presence was much more intimidating and domineering causing many who were showing smiles to frown as he continued to speak. "Despite making it, none of you are particularly special. Thinking that you are will only lead to your crushing defeat so I advise each and every one of you to strive and become better versions of yourselves, my faction has no place for people who've reached their limit. Fail to meet expectations and you'll be abandoned." Aron did not mince his words and caused many of the students gathered to feel a certain pressure weigh upon them.
Most had perhaps expected an encouraging speech that would promise them great rewards or boost their confidence, yet Aron told them plainly that they were not good enough. To some who worked hard to pass the journey, they were a bit angry hearing those words but what could they say to refute the number one who outperformed them all.
Silence continued to fill the room as if waiting for Aron to speak once more. His gaze had been wandering the room from individual to individual as if checking for something.
"Let's end here, for now associate with others since you'll all be working closely together. If you have any questions feel free to ask Jin or if it's urgent myself." With that said Aron left the room in complete silence.
Jin and Jagu who stood at the front glanced at each other a bit unsure of what to do next. Jin didn't know much about organizing groups while Jagu knew even less. But as if fate heard their concerns, Claudia raised her hand.
"Yes you, the busty noble." Jin looked at her and nodded, completely ignoring the look of displeasure she had from the manner in which she was addressed.
"My name is Claudia Yesbern. I wanted to ask if Sir Aron was open to suggestions, I know of all the best ways in which a proper established faction should run." Claudia confidently declared with a straight face. Jin glanced at Jagu a bit unsure but Jagu simply shrugged. 'Real helpful aren't you.' Jin sighed and shook his head towards Jagu before turning his head towards Claudia.
"Aron is busy of late so I've been left in charge of building up the faction, I'm open to suggestions and ideas so feel free to speak your minds." Jin replied in a friendly manner causing many to feel more at ease, unlike Aron and Jagu he gave off a carefree and gentle aura most of the time which made him much approachable.
"Thank you, there's quite a lot so please feel free to ask and I'll elaborate. As a faction for starters we have no name, no crest, no defining cloaks, no personal meeting venue, no hierarchy system, no clear instructions... " Like a chain reaction had been set, Claudia began listing numerous upon numerous ideas and problems she had noticed.
Since Aron's faction was new, she always planned to voice her ideas not because she wanted to make the faction better but to gain recognition. She knew she wouldn't stand out much once combat was the focus, so for now she wanted to show her value in any way she could.
This onslaught of knowledge was like too much for Jin to take in and he showed a wry smile while Jagu remained neutral as he didn't even pay attention. Not letting her finish, Jin raised his hand and cut her off. "Hmm, that's quite a lot of ideas, tell you what. Stay behind after this meeting is dismissed and we can properly look into the ideas and how to tackle them." Jin suggested and Claudia nodded in satisfaction.
Meanwhile Aron, who was still within the academy, was standing in front of two large wooden doors. As he prepared to knock, a voice resounded from the other side. "Enter."
Having been granted permission by the gentle feminine voice, Aron opened the doors and walked into the room behind them.
It was a fairly large office adorned with large bookshelves, paintings and a few sculptures. At the northern end of the office in front of Aron was a large desk with a single chair behind it but it was empty.
The source of the voice had come from his left near one of the bookshelves where two sofas and a table were arrangedneatly. On one said sofa sat Lady Uva the arch mage who showed Aron a small smile upon seeing him.
"Welcome, please have a seat."
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