Read Novel Full Chapter 1231: Bet
Chapter 1231: Bet
The crowd's gasp lingered for a moment as Sora straightened,
Rice's Spirit Strike had landed but failed to pierce through the Draconic Aura emanating from the body.
Of course, Sora was still cautious since he wasn't sure how many Spirit Strikes he could take from Rice…
Still, he felt a little excited about this new challenge.
"Not bad," he said.
Rice's expression did not change.
Although his body still seemed almost fragile under the arena lights, his aura was not… Soon, it condensed around him like a blade.
He had expected his strike to be absorbed, yet he had not wasted it. Every movement was a test, and he learned more about Sora's abilities.
"Taunting me will not work, Sora." Rice said, but the other didn't listen at all.
Sora just surged forward again…
Thud!
His steps were heavy as if his physique carried him with raw force.
Although the dragon blood within him did not grant scales or wings, but it had hardened his muscles, strengthened his bones, and filled his strikes with a weight beyond his years!
Bam!
His fist swung, aiming to crush Rice's guard. Even the air itself created a booming sound!
However, Rice just turned with his stance flowing into one of the advanced Combat Forms Denise had given him.
He angled his body, redirecting the force with Iron Guard Form!
Suddenly, his aura slides against Sora's like water against stone!
Boom!
The impact cracked the floor, but Rice had already slipped aside, his weaker force had actually guided Sora's strength away.
The crowd was shocked!
"Amazing… He can redirect the attack just now!"
"That's definitely a Martial Artist right there!"
"Awesome work!"
"No wonder he's the disciple…"
"But how many times will that even work?"
Indeed, Sora was not worried as she pressed harder.
This time, he relied heavily on his advantage, his physique!
He didn't stop and continued pressuring Rice by moving forward.
He struck again and again, fists hammering, each blow infused with the faint Draconic Aura! Even if he missed, got blocked, or his strike was redirected, he didn't care at all!
"Haha! This is fun!" Sora laughed as Rice met his attacks with perfect counters or dodges… His movements remained precise, as his Combat Aura spread in order to feel Sora's movements…
After some time, he even started using techniques that turned Sora's strength against him.
"Too direct," Rice muttered under his breath, as he was slowly getting used to Sora's strength and speed.
He shifted into Flowing Counter, one of the Combat Spells Denise had entrusted him with. His aura curved like a stream, catching Sora's strike and turning it aside!
In the same motion, he snapped forward with a palm strike, his aura had even condensed into a needlepoint thrust aimed at Sora's chest!
This was an incredible control, since condensing an Aura to such a degree would not be possible for normal students!
It just showed how Rice, or perhaps his training, improved his skills!
Thud!
Sora staggered back at the attack…
Apparently, the blow had grazed him!
Thankfully, he wasn't a normal student either. His draconic aura absorbed the sting, so it was only a scratch and nothing to worry about.
He exhaled sharply and focused his eyes on Rice's palm…
"You're good," he admitted.
Rice finally smiled this time and replied. "And you're reckless."
Just like that, the duel intensified.
Sora lowered his stance, his aura blazing brighter.
He had trained his body relentlessly under Chad's guidance, and now he let that training speak.
His movements were heavier, faster, and his physique even carried him with incredible momentum. He decided to beat Rice with more power and speed!
This time, he used Dragon's Drive, a Combat Spell Chad had taught him. It was not a transformation, but a technique that used his hardened body to channel aura into a single explosive strike!
Rice's eyes widened as the blow came.
He used his technique once again with his aura sliding into Redirecting Spiral, a Combat Technique designed to catch overwhelming force and spin it aside.
Boom!
The impact shook the arena, and the stone floor cracked beneath them. However, Rice had already guided the strike past him!
The crowd erupted again, half cheering for Sora's raw power, half for Rice's flawless technique.
It was an incredible fight for sure!
Still, the two of them had limited energy. They were simply too young and hadn't had enough Arcane Energy for a dragged fight.
However, none of them wanted to be defeated.
Sora's breath became heavier as he was preparing for one final clash…
On the other hand, Rice also realized what was going on and changed his stance.
***
In the meantime, high above the arena, in the reserved balcony where Immortals and senior instructors observed, Chad leaned against the railing.
His arms crossed as he watched the battle with a smile…
Beside him, Denise sat with composed elegance, her eyes fixed on the two boys below.
"They're pushing harder than I expected," Chad remarked.
"Sora's physique is holding up well. He's reckless, but that's the nature of dragon blood. It makes you want to break through walls rather than walk around them."
Denise couldn't help but laugh at that description… "What? You have that urge to walk through walls? That's impressive… Still, Rice is the opposite I guess. He's learned to walk around walls, redirecting force instead of clashing head‑on. That's why Vale entrusted me with his training… and wanted this duel to happen."
Chad glanced sideways at her as he also realized what Vale wanted to happen.
"Well, Vale trusts you more than anyone. Sometimes I wonder if it's just friendship."
Denise did not flinch and shook her head. "Vale and I share responsibilities. Nothing more."
Chad chuckled, though the sound carried a hint of disbelief. "Responsibilities, hm? Don't worry, I won't pry. But I know Vale well enough to see when he values someone beyond duty."
Denise ignored the jab, her eyes returning to the duel. "Look at them. I think Rice is about to finish this…"
Chad laughed this time after hearing this…
"You mean, Sora's about to end this? Do you want to bet?"