Arcane Academy: The Divine Extraction Legacy Chapter 1230: The Duel of Famous Students

Sora found himself frozen in shock the instant he grasped that this was truly unfolding.

He was already familiar with Rice, given his constant drive to become strong enough to overcome him... Not because he believed Vale had chosen the wrong apprentice, but to bring honor to his own master!

Moreover, Rice was gaining quite the reputation... He was the disciple whose presence already overpowered training bouts, the whispered successor of Shane, no less.

His pulse raced wildly, yet Chad’s declaration allowed no space for doubt.

"You must prevail," Chad insisted once more.

"Should you triumph, I'll bestow upon you a superior draconic relic. A armament crafted from dragon scales and infused with dragon’s breath, a tool befitting your essence. Should you fall short, it's no final defeat. You'll push your training further, more intensely, until you climb back stronger. But no prizes for losing."

Sora gripped his hands tightly, his Draconic Aura subtly seeping outward. The allure of that relic was immense, yet even greater was the burden of Chad’s directive. He lowered his head in respect...

"I'll give it everything, Master," he declared resolutely. "I won't squander the blood and essence you've bestowed on me."

Chad's face lit up with a grin, certain he'd chosen an exceptional pupil.

"Excellent. Keep in mind, you'll gradually transform into a Half-Dragon Arcanist, surpassing all others. Just demonstrate you're worthy of these evolutions."

***

In another part of the academy, Rice positioned himself opposite Denise in a serene room. The parchments she'd handed him months earlier were spread out on the desk, their illustrations burned deep into his mind.

Rice's weakened form still throbbed from his recent sessions when Denise summoned him. Nevertheless, his gaze burned with resolve.

Upon learning he had to battle Sora, nervousness evaded him entirely.

Denise observed him intently for a while before she began.

"You've performed admirably, Rice. Vale placed these resources in my care, and you've proven worthy. Your senses remain keen as always... In truth, keener than many fighters double your years. Yet, as you're aware, raw intuition won't suffice against Chad’s protégé."

Rice's jaw set firmly. "Sora."

Though the majority of his peers remained unaware, Rice understood that Sora was under the guidance of a Dragon Immortal!

Indeed, even without Sora displaying immediate Draconic Powers, such mentorship would accelerate his progress dramatically.

Sora had to be nearing First-Class Arcanist status, empowered by Dragon’s Blood and Essence!

"Indeed," Denise affirmed. "We mustn't disregard him, carrying dragon blood as he does. His aura stands apart from the norm. But so do you. Vale recognizes your promise. Don't view yourself as inferior. See yourself as exacting. Make every blow decisive. Ensure each action carries weight, and if you keep your mind unshaken in the fray, victory is yours."

Rice dipped his head gradually while balling his hand into a fist.

"They've looked down on me my whole life. Now, I'll reveal my true power."

Denise's mouth hinted at a smile.

"Well said. Bear in mind, you're supported. You've earned Vale’s favor. Battle as though it's the grand Competition already..."

Before long, the duel day had come.

The academy's vast arena brimmed with pupils, instructors, and even ordinary Arcanists eager to witness student clashes.

Yet, prior to Sora and Rice's confrontation, a different skirmish was in progress.

Two fourth-year Dark Arts students specializing in Necromancy squared off on one of the platforms, drawing widespread interest.

It appeared they'd just wrapped up hurling curses and countering each other's debilitating Spells.

Next, they called forth undead beings, igniting a frenzy! Skeleton Knights, Mummies, Wraiths, and Zombies surged into the fray!

They proved evenly balanced! They even triggered Corpse Explosion simultaneously, harming themselves in the blast.

With both sides drained, one hoisted his staff, invoking a Skeleton Mage.

The entity emerged from the earth, bones rattling ominously... Then, its hollow eye sockets ignited with azure flames. It raised its bony arms and began weaving incantations of ice and darkness.

The rival necromancer's Dark Energy dwindled too... Yet, his presence signaled unrelenting spirit!

Using his remaining Dark Energy, he conjured five ghouls! These were grotesque figures with decaying skin and talons oozing poison. They lunged ahead, betting the Mage's sluggishness would let them close the gap.

The Skeleton Mage held firm, murmuring in an arcane tongue...

Quickly, surges of dark force erupted from its grasp, slamming into the ghouls sequentially!

The arena trembled amid the turmoil... The ghouls clawed at the skeleton as the mage demolished them with arcane bursts!

For an instant, the ghouls' horde appeared poised to overrun.

But the Skeleton Mage's barriers and assaults proved superior. It encased two ghouls in ice, pulverized a third with shadowy flames, and at last, hurled a torrent of bone fragments that impaled the final pair.

It was a captivating showdown. The spectators erupted in applause as the solitary Skeleton Mage triumphed over the five ghouls!

Nonetheless, the victor had been sealed, and the summon soon dissolved into powder. The necromancer who'd raised it inclined his head to acknowledge the crowd, while his foe sank to his knees in surrender.

"Solid battle! We'll clash again soon!"

Shortly after, Elemental Arts students from the Battle Arena Committee dashed in to mend the platform.

Fires were doused, fissures mended, and in moments, the stage gleamed anew.

Then, a student serving as Arbiter and Committee member announced the upcoming bout.

"Next up: Rice of Combat Arts against Sora of Combat Arts!"

The audience roared, even if most were clueless about the fighters.

They simply thrilled at the prospect of more action and expanding their knowledge. But once the pair emerged, recognition dawned.

It stemmed from their first-year attire, marking them as national team members!

Everyone recalled the Competition limited entrants to 15 and under, and the academy opted to field rookies aged just 12 or 13. With the event nearing, increasing numbers of first-years flocked here to hone their abilities...

"Are these two set for the competition?"

"Likely... They both seem capable."

"Yeah... Word is Rice has become Vale's personal disciple."

"Sora's probably just a sparring aide."

"They seem so young... Is dispatching 12-year-old Arcanists truly wise? Rival schools will field 15-year-olds... or those nearly 16 any day now."

"No issue... It's the Academy's bold statement to global Arcane institutions... Immortal Vale's proclaiming freshmen alone can conquer all."

"Hahaha! That's brilliant!"

At last, Sora advanced into the arena, heart thumping fiercely, though his stride stayed resolute.

The spectators' noise faded from his ears entirely.

Even so, a trace of his Draconic Aura escaped briefly...

After inhaling deeply, Chad’s encouragement resurfaced, along with the relic's pledge and the mandate to conquer.

He refused to falter here from mere anxiety!

"I'll claim victory!"

On the opposing side, Rice approached with composure.

His slender build looked mismatched in the expansive arena, yet his stare locked unwavering.

Neither bore arms, relying solely on their essence and skills etched into their very core.

The duo confronted one another, and quiet descended upon the throng.

The Arbiter verified their preparedness...

Still, he restated the duel guidelines to prevent severe harm... Once they agreed, he lifted his arm. "Begin!"

As his words ended, their Auras ignited without delay.

Sora’s Draconic Aura erupted around him...

His dominance crushed the arena like an impending tempest.

Rice’s aura contrasted sharply... It struck with precision and restraint.

Then, astonishing the onlookers, they both assumed the Iron Guard Form!

This was the core Spell and Technique of Combat Arts at the Academy!

Their postures held solid. Yet, while Sora sought to amplify his Aura's reach, Rice planned to channel Sora’s Aura's force away!

Rice realized a direct clash would spell quick defeat against a body enhanced by draconic legacy. It was utterly lopsided, for though he'd acquired a Body Tempering Technique to fortify himself, Dragon’s blood offered unmatched potency.

Sora recognized this too, so once he'd adjusted to Rice’s Combat Aura, he surged forward, fist brimming with Draconic Aura!

This probed how Rice would counter!

True to form, Rice evaded without blocking, gliding aside via Swift Step, and retaliated with Spirit Strike targeting Sora’s side.

Bam!

The hit connected precisely. However, Sora’s aura fully neutralized the force, leaving him unscathed!

The crowd drew in sharp breaths as Sora smirked slightly. "Not bad."