In the morning, as soon as Barton got confirmation about the hosting rights, he immediately put a restriction on all four training grounds and Arena until the league is finished.
Except for the participants of the Champions League and Azzy, no one else is even allowed to enter even if they accompany the Champions.
As the gates were finally opened to the champions from other academies, to make sure no one else sneaks in, Barton hired rank-6 experts to guard at the entrance of each training ground.
It was done so that the guests will get enough space to practice by themselves.
The students from top academies like Maple Academy, Phoenix Academy, Moon Academy, were indeed impressed with the artificial habitats of various attributes.
It is something that even their Academies never had one, especially the Ice habitat which continued to maintain its state even under 30 C outside temperature.
They weren't much impressed with the gravity room as they too have such facility, although the students from other first-rate academies were excited to try this feature.
As for other things like the library, private training rooms, and robot storage room, they were located on the 2nd floor and above where a barrier has been placed by Barton. So, until the league is finished, even Azzy can no longer train here. That's why he decided to utilize this time on studying.
<strong>Training grounds-1;</strong>
In a lightning habitat planted with lightning crystals here and there, Gideon and Rowan are sparring. As both of them grabbed the spot in the Champions League, they decided to train together.
At first, Gideon wanted to train with Azzy too. However, lately, he observed that Azzy is spending most of his time with Barbara.
So, he decided to them some privacy. He was also happy that Azzy opened up to someone other than him.
Not to mention, upon hearing that Barbara is from the same clan as himself, he decided to stay away from her as far as possible even though there's a little chance that she would recognize him.
*Cling* *Cling*
The two lightning swords continued to clash, generating sparks each time.
Both of them intended to spar for 2 hours without the use of soul skills. However, not even half an hour has been passed, and their training battle was interrupted by a sneer from the neighbor's rocky habitat.
"You southerners are really weak."
Supporting him, another voice rose, "I still didn't know why your backward country even had the face to participate in such a prestigious tournament. Now, get lost from here…"
Rowan and Gideon halted their battle for a few seconds and turned their heads to see some five unfamiliar people kneeling on the ground with heavy injuries. Before them, stood two people from the Moon Academy. They were looking down at them and outright insulting their nation.
"You bas…" *Cough* *Cough*
As one of them about to curse in rage, a kick was planted in his face and he was crashed into a rock. "You lot of trash should only listen. You don't have the right to speak against us…"
"Hey, you…" Gideon shouted as he dashed towards those bullies.
One of the two representatives from Moon Academy, frowned as he turned his head, looking at Gideon.
Since they watched the finals, they were familiar with Gideon's face.
Stopping before them, Gideon pointed the sword at them and spoke, "I believe my friend Azrael has already told you guys before. Behave yourself. This isn't Moon Academy."
Upon hearing similar words, the guy remembered the incident with Azzy on the first day they arrived. After being taught a lesson by Leo, Rufus was staying low these days.
However, this guy named Floyd Lyre and his friend Gold Lyre weren't weak as Rufus. Both of them are mid-rank-5. Naturally, except for Leo, they don't fear anyone from Aclein.
"Actions speak louder than words." Floyd snorted while folding his hands to the back. "Are you a dog that only knows how to bark or do you know how to bite too?"
Angered by his words, Gideon challenged him to an official duel.
<strong>Ten minutes later, at the Grand Arena;</strong>
Gideon was bleeding from several parts of his body. With the help of his sword, he was barely standing.
Many people gathered around. Some are from Aclein and some of them are from other academies, and yet, no one is coming forward. Not even Barbara as she was held by Vann.
Even his teammates Claire, Mia, and Snivy were watching it in silence.
Not because they don't want to help or something but since it is an official challenge, no one has the right to interfere unless one of them gives up.
However, Gideon remained stubborn no matter how much he was beaten up.
Meanwhile, Floyd was continuing to taunt him with his words. "What happened, Mr. warrior? Where is your arrogance from earlier go? Didn't you say that you can defeat me? Don't boast when you don't have the strength to do so. Well, it's not your fault for being weak. You are a commoner, after all. It's your parents' fault for being talentless."
"Ra…" Roaring on the top of his lungs, the enraged Gideon dashed forward as his sparks generated on his legs.
"You already tried it before." Floyd scoffed as he ordered his Arcana, a bull to stop him.
Just as the bull and Gideon's lightning sword about to clash, Vann was distracted by a blurring figure that entered the arena and making way towards the people.
He wondered whether it was one of the teachers. As for the remaining, they weren't even able to see it until a figure stopped in the middle, holding Gideon's sword in one hand and one of the horns of the bull in the other hand.
"Azzy?" Gideon's eyes were widened in surprise. Even Vann was surprised to find that it was Azrael, not a higher rank teacher.
As the onlookers were stunned by the sudden appearance, pouring soul energy into his hand, Azzy flung away the bull. It flew a dozen meters before it crashed onto the ground.
"How dare you to intervene in a formal duel?" Floyd roared in anger.
"Azzy…" Gideon slowly whispered to Azzy. Before he continued, Azzy opened his mouth as he looked at Floyd. "I believe I already told you and your teammates. This is Aclein Academy. Whether you are a student of this academy or a visitor, you have to follow our rules.
In a formal duel, the rules say one will always restrict their soul power to match the opponent. In an official duel with no soul power restrictions, the rule says, the proctor should be present except for a deathmatch.
Neither I see a proctor nor I see you have suppressed your soul power. This duel is void the moment it started."
As the whole stadium went silent, Floyd looked at Gideon and taunted him once again. "so, this is how you Aclein students do it? When you don't have the courage to duel, you will give reasons like taking permission from your principal. When you are losing, you will spout out the rules. No wonder your academy is full of trashes…"
Azzy was already angered while looking at Gideon's state. His taunt only angered him further. He decided to teach him a lesson.
"You want a fair duel, right. Fine then. This duel will resume but with duo battles. Bring a partner for yourself. I'll be Gideon's partner." Azzy then looked at the spectators and said, "Anyone is willing to volunteer to be a proctor?"
The rank-5 experts looked at Azzy in surprise as they know nothing about him. Meanwhile, Vann's eyes lit up as he mumbled, "now, this is getting interesting."
He immediately ordered Gold Lyre to help out his brother while Luciana Hearth, the captain of the Phoenix academy volunteered as the proctor.
As for Iphi, she was staring at Azzy with an unfriendly look. She didn't approve of Azzy's intervention. As for the rules he spouted out, Iphi thinks he was just using them as an excuse to save his friend.
"Since you wanted a proctor, you should know that I have the right to intervene in the match if I think one's life is in danger." Luci looked at Azzy and reminded him, implying that she can stop the match at any time.
"Then, please put the entire focus on those two people. They might die if you aren't careful." Azzy nonchalantly replied as he took out a four-star healing card and placed it on Gideon's chest.
Luci frowned at his statement.
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