Unlike what Azzy expected, Neal doesn't appear to be embarrassed about his earlier statement on watching out for the couple. Instead, he let out a sigh, "A pity. The tree girl is faster."
After the battle is finished, the scouts became excited about the upcoming battles but what they got in return is nothing but disappointment.
While the general audience was satisfied with flashy techniques and longer battles, the scouts were still disappointed with not being able to find any more geniuses with gold-grade Arcana or 5-star soul ranks.
Their first impression of the Academy once again returned. However, they still kept their eye on some candidates with purple grade Arcana spirits too. After all, Purple grade is still the next best thing after gold-grade. Their maximum potential is still rank-8...
With a few more duo battles to spare, Uphiar announced a one-hour lunch break.
As Azzy and Barbara about to leave their seats to go for lunch, Barbara asked Neal whether he wanted to join them.
As a rank-7 Master, even though Neal can stay without food for his whole life, he still followed both of them.
He appeared to be extremely interested in Azzy. The most intriguing part of him is that he wasn't able to figure out Azzy's attribute even though he pretty much sensed Barbara's.
He felt like some mysterious force is blocking him from prying into Azzy's soul.
If Azzy was of a similar rank, Neal would have understood but they have two-ranks apart and he was someone who possessed a platinum-grade beast. So, unless Azzy's Arcana is far more powerful than his, it wouldn't be possible.
And is there any beast above platinum grade? Sadly, except for the Reaper and the hidden clans, no one knew about the existence of Celestial grades.
Meanwhile, Azzy was wondering why this rank-7 following them without minding his business. Was he a scout of some top organization? Does he want to recruit them or something? Or was he just a pedophile who was after his cousin? Whatever the reason, Azzy felt it would be better to stay from this guy.
The three of them made their way towards the food stalls as they can't eat together either at the male dorm or female dorm. As for the cafeteria at the Elite division building, it was closed for the day.
Like them, thousands of people also intended to check out the food stalls within this break.
Due to that, it appeared to be too crowded.
Finding the chance, Azzy said, "Barbara, let's eat outside. It will take too much time if we eat here…"
Barbara nodded, "fine." It doesn't matter for her where the place is, as long as the food is good.
As soon as Barbara agreed, Azzy then looked at Neal and said, "Sorry that we weren't able to accompany you. But, we need to leave, right away."
Barbara also realized that it would be too inconvenient for this neighbor seat guy to eat with them in the city. As she was the one who invited him, she immediately apologized.
Neal waved his hands with a smile, "It's alright."
Azzy and Barbara parted their ways with him. Neal, on the other hand, misunderstood that they are a couple and gave them the privacy, the guy probably wanted.
Looking at their backs, he mumbled, "No need to be anxious. We will meet some other time, anyway."
Two hours later, Azzy and Barbara returned. They had trouble with the waiting time.
By the time they reached the Arena, it was already full. Barbara almost threw a fit at Azzy for taking her outside.
So, Azzy used his access card for the back entrance and made his way inside. Barbara followed him.
On the way, he met a couple of guards. As both of them aren't in school uniforms, they were questioned.
Azzy simply showed his unlimited access card that allows him anywhere at any time within the campus except for female dormitories.
After they find its authenticity, they contacted the Vice-Principal through walkie-talkies and further, verified his identity.
As they backed away, he took her to the second floor where she was able to watch the battles through the glass.
Within the past 8 months, Azzy visited every place on the campus and remembered the routes. So, it didn't pose a problem for him to find an empty chamber on the third floor which is usually allotted for VIP guests who wished to watch from indoors.
They took the seats and continued to watch the last duo battle. Azzy didn't think too much about not able to watch Claire's battle as he knew she would win.
After the duo battles are finally over, a 30-minute break has been announced and after that, the second round of the single battles has been commenced with enough time left.
For the second round, once again, Gideon ended up being the first contestant to battle.
His opponent is an eighth-grader of soul weapon division.
"Get ready to face defeat, Gid," Rowan spoke as he pointed the sword at him.
Gideon grinned, "Sorry but I will win, this time, and widen the gap further."
Rowan and Gideon used to be rivals when both of them used to be in the Soul weapon division.
With both of them being equally skilled sword users, they constantly sparred every day for four years until Gideon was promoted to the Elite division after placing second place in the intermediate category (Grade 5-7).
While Gideon continued to grow stronger at a rapid pace in the Elite division, Rowan wasn't able to keep up with him in terms of soul power. However, he still believed that he would win the match, thinking that he was superior in terms of technique.
As soon as the whistle is blown, both of them dashed towards each other. Unlike the first round, Gideon didn't use the skill card to enhance his speed.
So, most of them were able to see him, this time.
Like Gideon, Rowan also neither used skill cards nor soul skills. Both of them are just relying purely on their techniques.
In the end, Gideon won just a minute before the time limit with him breaking the opponent's sword. The finishing move where he sliced the sword in crescent motion was the highlight of the match.
Everyone applauded for both of them.
Rowan was dejected upon realizing the difference. He can't help but let out a sigh while taking out a healing card to recover. The cuts on his body disappeared very quickly.
Meanwhile, a seemingly ordinary middle-aged man who watching the battle from the corner, smiled, "looks like Gideon is doing well. I guess it's time for him to return to the village. Clan Leader will be delightful to find a gem in the midst of a branch clan."
*Clap* *Clap* *Clap* Barbara clapped in excitement as she cheered for Gideon. "He really mastered the sword techniques of the clan."
With only two of being alone, she didn't feel the need to hold back herself. Azzy was however is still on alert. Upon confirming that no one is eavesdropping, he resumed the conversation.
"Were you taught sword techniques?" He stared at her. If not, how would she know whether Gideon mastered it…
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