"Not taking next year's exam?"
Asō Madoka's words were like a depth charge, leaving the girls of the Fangting City Squad collectively speechless. At that moment, Larkspur became the only one to speak up, asking with displeasure, "What do you mean by that?"
"It doesn't mean anything. It's simply a suggestion."
Asō Madoka's expression remained unchanged, as though she saw nothing inappropriate in what she had said. "If you insist on an explanation, then consider the upcoming sparring match the 'preliminary test' for qualification. If you can't pass the preliminary test, then naturally you aren't qualified to take the subsequent exam. That's normal, isn't it?"
"Are you one of next year's examiners?"
"No."
"Then I don't think you have any grounds to make that suggestion."
Larkspur raised her chin slightly, her gaze turning a little cold. "Or was this the purpose of your 'exchange' visit to Fangting City? Just picking a fight?"
"I told you, I don't have the slightest ill intent. If I were merely picking a fight, there'd be no need for me to specifically trip up a group of little girls I've never met before, would there?" Asō Madoka looked innocent.
But her words clearly failed to convince Larkspur. Larkspur did not even wish to reply, merely continuing to stare at her in silence.
After enduring that icy gaze for several seconds, Asō Madoka's smile finally became difficult to maintain. As the smile faded, helplessness took its place.
"All right, it seems this really won't convince you."
She sighed softly. "Indeed, perhaps we should find somewhere to have a proper talk. I can answer some of your questions, and perhaps you can tell me some things I don't know."
"Find somewhere?"
"Yes, at least not here."
Asō Madoka turned her head and looked at the girls beside