Ex and Ash

A brief description of the manga Ex and Ash:
In a chance encounter, X, a genius thief, and Ash, a boy with a mysterious past, decide to join the Azure Knights—an elite fighting force commanded by Ryu, the prime swordmaster. The entry exam for the Azure Knights is where the best of the best come to show exceptional skills. X and Ash must prove their might and win against the aristocrats! Will they be able to become knights? And what cruel destiny will they face afterwards…?