Self proclaimed best
While Bael did not have a clear view, or even understanding, of what happened, the others watching did. In all honesty, practically all of them had a negative impression of Nero at the moment despite his attempts to act like he was joking earlier. The only exception was Clarissa who thought quite highly of Nero, though that was entirely for her own reasons.
To top it all off, none of them had missed how dismissive Nero had been of fighting Bael in the beginning. Although they had only arrived in Fordham just a couple of days prior to Nero, they had developed somewhat of an understanding between themselves, as well as compared notes.
Bael was not weak. In fact, in terms of physical performance alone, he already surpassed what a Neophyte should be able to do. Only those Neophytes who had abilities which augmented their physical performance could perhaps match or keep up with him.