Taking Bets?

Brutus began walking slowly towards Delilah.

Finally, Aziz stepped forward standing in front of the girl and Delilah, slowing Brutus to a halt.

Aziz stood motionless, his posture calm and his dull purple eyes locked onto Brutus. 

Behind him, Delilah straightened her back, a spark of hope flashing across her face as if Aziz's presence alone had reignited her courage.

Marcus stepped up silently to Aziz's left, his sharp eyes glinting with quiet resolve, hands already beginning to move in preparation for his Verdant Heart Sect techniques. 

Roof followed suit with a dramatic sigh, rolling his shoulders and cracking his neck.

"We're outnumbered," Roof muttered under his breath, his golden eyes flicking around at the encircling seniors. 

"And just in case anyone forgot, no internal energy allowed." His tone was dry, but there was an edge of wariness as he scanned the crowd.

Aziz didn't respond, his focus unwavering.