Boisterous chatter immediately ensued when everyone heard Roran's invitation. The man evidently had the charisma of a leader. His eloquent speech abilities and proven fighting skills, combined with his influential family background and support, made many acolytes admire him.
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Loud claps suddenly resounded in the air, followed by a figure stepping forward until he reached a few steps away from Roran. The sudden clap startled everyone, as they realized it was Anas the Kaleos acolyte, who clapped with a smile on his face.
"That was a very nice speech, Roran. But let me tell you, your idea is not realistic." Anas uttered.
Upon hearing that, Roran immediately turned his body towards Anas, as he stared at him.
"Not realistic? Care to explain to me about it?"
Receiving the man's gaze calmly, because he knew he was right, Anas answered, "There are 320 of us competing. Even if we somehow miraculously managed to defeat all the elite acolytes by working together, how will we decide who will be the top 50 among us?"
The words spoken by Anas represented the thoughts of most of those present in this place. Before Roran could answer him, he continued his words, "Roran, even though we both know those elites will be quite a challenge to defeat, the fact still remains that there are only 50 of them."
Stepping forward until he arrived in front of Roran, Anas said, "I myself have 3 teams ready to work together. However, we will not join you. as I don't want to share my hunts." He then turned around and looked at the other acolytes. "You all should do the same too."
After saying that, Anas and the whole Kaleos acolytes immediately left the place. Together with them there were the Zaiueo acolytes. The group walked past Emery
The three Zaiueo acolytes stopped in front of Emery and said, "Don't mind them guys, once you know them they are actually quite okay," Zuna said, followed by Zaku and Zidi with different phrases, like usual.
"I really doubt that," Julian argued.
Meanwhile, the other acolytes caused another commotion due to Anas' speech.
Seeing the unfavorable situation, Roran quickly stepped on the podium and tried to convince the acolytes again.
"Everyone, listen to me! This is exactly the reason why the Regular Class haven't won a single time in the last 10 years! If we can focus on our opponent first and not kill each other, more of us can go to the next stage!"
Unfortunately, despite Roran's best effort to convince them, more and more acolytes started to leave the place, uninterested with Roran's plan. At first, they were hesitant about the offer, but thanks to Anas's words, the acolytes' opinion was now divided.
All the acolytes here were the best among the regular classes. Therefore, they obviously had their own considerations and after thinking for a moment, they realized, in the end, everyone here was competing for the top 50 position. Those who left were the one who preferred to fight with their own team or by themselves, while the one who stayed wished to join or strike another kind of agreement.
Roran continued to do his best to convince those who were still uncertain when he noticed Emery and his two other friends, who were chatting with each other. Eyes sparkling, he immediately approached them again.
"So, what do you think? I heard about how you all manage to defeat the ogre with only five people. That's very impressive! With your group joining my team, I am sure our chance to win will be much higher." Roran vigorously said.
Before Emery and the others could reply, the man continued his words, "Let me introduce you to someone." He then turned around and beckoned someone in the distance to come.
In the distance, Emery could see a group of dark-skinned female acolytes approaching them. Emery also noticed the white-colored tattoos on their bodies, which fascinated him. Meanwhile, Roran pointed his finger at the young woman who led the group.
"This is Okoye, she and her team are from Akamba planet. Their group is one of those who defeated the ogre too" an all females group, and from the fierceness in their eyes, emery can tell all are skilled fighters, probably all of them are combat magus.
All 8 females cross their arms in their chest as a way to salute, Emery and his friend awkwardly follow the same way.
Roran then continued, "Okoye and her team have decided to join the group. With her team, your team and three of my teams, it means half of the top 10 teams in group 7 will be fighting together at the same side. What do you think?"
At glance, the idea seemed attractive for Emery. However, the fact he had been betrayed so many times in his life made him hesitant, he didn't want to make a rushed not decision. Moreover, this matter would affect his and his friends' future. Therefore, Emery kept silent and just gave a look to Julian and Klea. Roran noticed Emery's gaze and followed his gaze.
"I will follow whatever my friends decide," Klea replied with a smile, when she received Roran's expectant gaze.
On the other hand, although Julian looked quite excited, he tried to calm himself and proceeded to look at Emery. "I think this might be the best option for us," Julian said, as if asking for Emery's approval.
Roran noticed Julian's gestures towards Emery and finally realized who he needed to convince. It was quite surprising for him that the normal looking boy in front of him was the one who held the decision.
Emery felt Roran's gaze towards him.
"You are.. Your name is Emery right?"
Emery quiet surprised Roran knew him.
"You are actually quite the celebrity among us. The only B aptitude acolyte, one among 10.000 but manage to reach to the top 10. People say it must be because of your great teammate, but now i see the information is incorrect."
"No. your information is right, it really was because of my teammate" Emery calmly replied
"Talented and humble, I like you Emery, I am sure we can work really well together. so what do you say?"
The guy in front of him really seems to be sincere but Emery already made his decision.
"Unfortunately, there are still two of our members who are not here. We are interested in your invitation, but we cannot give you an answer right now." Emery calmly said.
Realizing Emery's words could mean a subtle rejection, Roran tried to convince Emery again.
"Of course you can decide what is best for your team, but I really hope you can join us. The elite acolytes we will be facing aren't to be trifled with. With the resources they give to the elites, many of them have reached rank 7. Because of this treatment, every year the percentage of regular acolytes, who manage to get inside the top 50 is only around ten percent! That means on average only 5 fortunate acolytes made it into the top 50."
Hearing this, Emery could safely assume all the elite ranks were given enough spirit serum to boost their spirit force to 150. But probably they weren't all talented enough to achieve breakthrough to rank 7. But then again, only the gods knows what other resources they received.
The news gave Emery another weight of pressure. He needed a lot of effort to only improve his spirit force by a miniscule amount. The same thing was also true for Julian and Klea. This emphasized the blatant unfairness of the academy.
Seeing Emery and the others' expression, Roran said, "It's not fair, I know. It's one More reason for us to win and get into the top. Only then we will be seen worthy to receive the same benefits. It all depends on the next magus game. So, Emery's stake is really high and I am sorry to say this, but acolytes from the lower realms like you will not make it without help. So, please contemplate this decision carefully. If you all decided to join, come to see us before the game. We always welcome talented individuals like you."
Roran and his companions then approached the other acolytes, leaving the trio lost in their thoughts. As there was no way for Emery to decide this matter without asking Thrax and Chumo's opinions, they decided to leave the meeting area. As they left, Emery saw more and more acolytes joining Roran's group.
The decision to join Roran's team would have to wait. Whatever the decision his group would take, a fact still stood: Emery needed to get stronger to win the game. Much more stronger.