"What!?" they all shouted at the same time.
They couldn't believe what they'd just heard. The confident and prideful Grace Amberfrost was asking for help—and even apologizing.
"Did we hear that right?" Duke asked, blinking in disbelief.
"I think so," Selena replied.
"I don't particularly mind," Adam said, still puzzled, "but what brought that on?"
"Well, I realized I can only go so far on my own," Grace admitted. "And the duel we had during the entrance exam—it was the best I've ever had. I think if I spar with you, I can grow stronger."
Adam heard her out and couldn't help but agree. Even if you were strong, without someone to push you further, you could only go so far alone. Grace seemed to have realized the same thing—that's why she was asking him to be her sparring partner. It was a good idea for Adam too; this way, he could gauge how strong his classmates were becoming.
