Alex couldn't help but smile at the sight of the trio's earnest expressions, remarking, "In my eyes, all three of you have practically won this round simultaneously. So, let's consider it a tie for now. As for the dragon horn—no one has secured it yet."
The trio dropped their heads in disappointment, having believed they deployed their quickest maneuvers to vanquish their foes instantly. The notion that this hadn't been enough to outdo the other two took them by surprise.
As Alex observed their despondent looks, he playfully nudged the tea on the table forward and suggested, "Alright, girls, drink some tea first. Don't think the competition ends just because you've finished your match. Now's the perfect chance to scope out your future opponents. Don't you want to clinch the next round as swiftly as possible?"
This suggestion momentarily puzzled them. "Mr. Watson, does that mean we can still vie for the dragon horn in the next round?"