Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1550 - 534: Battle Challenge

"Currently, no proof exists to confirm it as the Evil God's avatar. I lack assurance in overcoming even one such avatar, let alone a pair. Thus, I conclude it's probably just the Evil God's projection."

"Even if it turns out to be merely the Evil God's projection, that achievement alone won't suffice to lift the probation period," Pantoscoke declared with firm assurance.

"Your Excellency Pantoscoke, your inability doesn't imply mine," Rein shot him a glance and replied in a detached tone.

"Is that so? Does Lord Rein claim his power exceeds my own? Excellent!" Rather than rage, Pantoscoke chuckled; he had anticipated this very remark from Rein.

"Shall we settle this with a duel at the Empire Royal Arena in seven days? Based on what you've said, you won't back down, right?"

"A duel?" Rein eyed Pantoscoke with a puzzled look.

The foe's power lingered only at the Middle Stage of Dawn. What fueled his boldness? Perhaps the Donok poison had clouded his perception of my capabilities?

Besides, Rein weighed whether to crush this 'Storm Cloud' figure right here or delay until the week's end, humiliating him publicly at the Royal Arena amid crowds.

Despite the Donok poison's hold, subduing the rival would demand scarcely a minute.

After mulling it, Rein grew curious about Pantoscoke's hidden cards. Did he genuinely trust in his Middle-Stage Dawn prowess?

Above all, Rein aimed to smash Pantoscoke decisively before the Empire's elite leaders, exposing the Drum Family's shady schemes as a stark caution to the Conservative Party.

Yet Rein's apparent pause led Pantoscoke to assume he faced performance anxiety.

Pantoscoke's suspicion solidified with Rein's following words.

Rein mulled it briefly, then shook his head and stated, "Holding a duel solely to validate one's worth feels unjust."

"Really? What does Lord Rein propose as a just alternative?"

"It's straightforward. Should I lose, I'll accept your verdict, Your Excellency Pantoscoke. But should I prevail, Your Excellency Pantoscoke must offer fitting compensation."

"I recall the Drum Family controls thirty percent of the shares in the Axon Auction House's main branch?"

"Fine! I accept!" Pantoscoke dismissed any chance of defeat and promptly consented with a nod.

Elder Ivan yearned to intervene, but seeing Rein's resolute face and Alfred's evident faith in him, he held his tongue.

"Elder Ivan, with Lord Rein's consent to the duel, I'll depart now," Pantoscoke informed Elder Ivan, offering a slight bow.

"Storm Cloud Crown, I'll accompany you," Army Marshal Mayer announced, intending to exit alongside Pantoscoke.

Under these conditions, lingering served no purpose. The duel's outcome would resolve it all.

"Well, in truth... we're all fellow servants of the Empire, no call for such tension," Elder Ivan remarked, observing their departure with a gentle sigh.

....

Deep into the night.

Bixiu Mechanization School.

Moria, who had eyed a breakthrough to Dawn yet received counsel against it, conferred with Deputy Sect Leader Bradley and Rein's instructor Mogaro on the school's advancement during a gathering.

"So, thanks to Lord Rein's safe comeback, the Isodre School no longer blocks our path and has swiftly consented?" Moria inquired, stunned.

"From trustworthy reports, that's accurate," Bradley affirmed, grinning.

"What spineless opportunists they are," Moria scoffed in heated amusement.

At this, Mogaro caressed his fiery beard while smiling, evidently basking in the moment.

For him, Rein's unhindered return brought supreme delight, and moreover, his institution leveraged this star pupil's renown to ace the advancement trial.

"Is the date for the advancement trial fixed?" Moria questioned.

"Indeed, set for one week from now."

"That quick? Mogaro, it looks like we ought to reach out to Lord Rein," Moria suggested to Mogaro with a grin.

Before Mogaro responded, frantic knocks echoed at the door!

"Knock, knock, knock!"

This irked Moria instantly, as he had ordered no interruptions amid the discussion. Still, with the disruption already in play, they had little choice but to admit the intruder.

"Enter!"

It was Audrey, cheeks tinged with flush and thrill, who declared:

"Sect Leader, Lord Bradley, Mentor, Lord Rein dispatched an urgent dispatch, urging you to assemble a group and head straight to the Shirendil Plateau. The Isodre School plans to merge into our Construction School-dominated Mechanical Association. Also, Lord Rein requests you transport the 'Destroyer' Demon Statue."

Audrey's announcement stunned the trio in the chamber, leaving them exchanging bewildered stares!

Moria suspected he imagined it. Had he caught mention of Isodre School? And a Mechanical Association?

Yet glancing at Bradley and Mogaro nearby, their slack-jawed incredulity assured him his ears deceived him not.

"Er... Audrey, could you repeat what you said?" Moria composed himself, upholding his sect leader's poise, and politely prompted Audrey.

"Of course, Sect Leader..." Once Audrey restated it, the three lingered in prolonged agitation.