Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1233: Succeed

The duel intensified on the stage, with both boys refusing to back down.

Despite their profound exhaustion causing auras to fade, fierce determination still blazed in their eyes.

Yet suddenly, the voices of their mentors echoed within the minds of both boys.

Chad's voice arrived in Sora's mind first.

Naturally, Sora understood he absolutely could not afford defeat at this moment!

Sora's heart raced even faster. The encouragement from his master kindled a fierce blaze within his chest.

Simultaneously, Denise's serene voice resonated in Rice's thoughts.

Rice's gaze grew sharper.

The two boys, stretched to their absolute limits, surged ahead with fresh vigor! Their stares fixed intently, neither ready to concede, breaths coming in harsh gasps but resolves still firm.

Bam!

Fists and palms smashed together once more, auras flaring abruptly like they'd received a powerful boost. In reality, it was raw willpower that drove them onward.

The pair kept clashing fiercely as their auras spread wildly over the stage, the atmosphere even quivering from the force of their confrontation.

Spectators bellowed in excitement as the battle hit its zenith! Clearly, they thrived on this type of intense showdown!

Sora's Dragon’s Drive clashed against Rice's Piercing Echo.

Boom!

The burst of aura rattled the entire arena, dust billowing upward, the ground beginning to split even further...

Briefly, hush descended. Every onlooker held their breath, eager to witness the triumphant survivor.

Then, the boys staggered backward as their legs weakened, sweat pouring from their foreheads, forms quaking from utter fatigue.

At that instant, they both crumpled to the floor, auras dimming like fading embers.

A draw.

Thud! Thud!

The audience burst into frenzy, some howling in joy, others drawing sharp breaths in astonishment, struggling to accept that no one had emerged victorious. To them, this went beyond a mere skirmish; it marked the forging of a legend in their very presence.

The spectators plunged into pandemonium.

"What?! They both fell!"

"It’s a tie!"

"No way... I thought Sora had it!"

"Rice redirected everything! He almost won!"

"They’re monsters! First‑years shouldn’t be this strong!"

***

High in the sky, Chad and Denise shared amazed glances. For a brief moment, words escaped them. Then Chad erupted in laughter... The result had been utterly surprising!

"Well, Denise, looks like neither of us won the bet. A draw means no pendant, no gauntlet to be given..."

Denise let out a soft chuckle, shaking her head. "True... but look at them. They fought as if their lives depended on it. They earned more than just applause. Even if the wager is void, I think I’ll still hand the pendant. He deserves it."

Chad flashed a wide grin. "Fine... I’ll give the gauntlet for a gift anyway. Call it a reward for their determination. The bet was fun, but the point was to push them beyond their limits."

Indeed, he intended to bestow gifts not only on his own student but also on the three combat arts participants, which meant Tracy would get a gauntlet from him too.

Denise nodded in agreement. "Exactly..."

The duo shared a laugh, their voices drifting faintly amid the crowd's thunderous noise.

***

From the edge of the field, Tracy observed the whole duel. Her hands balled into tight fists, her pulse thumping rapidly.

She was aware of Rice's prowess, and she had guessed that Sora's rigorous training with Chad sharpened his abilities. Yet witnessing them battle so ferociously, with mentors urging them mentally, caused her heart to constrict.

She had been selected for the team, certainly. She had gained resources, elixirs, and practice tools. However, she lacked Chad's harsh drills or Denise's precise instruction. She missed the direct encouragement from Immortals in her head.

For an instant, uncertainty plagued her. Was she truly capable of standing with them in the contest? Could she prevail over either one?

But then, she breathed out steadily, recalling how Vale’s Avatar had praised her talents.

Her jaw set firmly.

The audience's roars surrounded her, yet Tracy's focus stayed on her collapsed teammates on the platform. She sensed the weight, but also a resolve to triumph together with these remarkable peers.

***

With the duel resolved, Vale’s Avatar faced Chad and Denise.

"They did well. Both of them. This duel was not about victory, but about growth. And they have grown really well"

Chad agreed with a nod. "They’ll be ready for the competition."

Denise offered a subtle smile. "Yes. Even Tracy, watching from the side, has learned something today."

Vale’s Avatar's eyes intensified. "Good. Because soon, they will need more than just strength."

"Anyway... Chad, Denise... there will be a meeting soon. With the other Immortals. It is very important."

Chad arched an eyebrow. "A meeting? What’s the matter?"

Vale’s Avatar's tone grew hushed...

"It’s related to the mission I gave to the Time Manipulators."

Denise's eyes widened a touch. "The Time Manipulators... you mean, they found something?"

Vale’s Avatar confirmed with a nod. "Yes. The mission I entrusted to them finally gave a good result. This could change everything... We must gather, discuss, and prepare..."

Chad's face turned grave, and he nodded.

"Then we’ll be there. Tell us when."

Denise dipped her head. "We’ll be ready."

Vale’s Avatar glanced back at the arena, where Rice and Sora rested unconscious, before addressing the pair once more...

"In a few days... They were still assessing this new realm. However, the initial tests show that this realm is lower than our current one."

Chad nodded solemnly upon hearing this. It appeared their opportunity to assault another realm was approaching swiftly...