The news about a duel involving the Legacy Disciples spread across the Succubus Realm like wildfire. The vast Arena was packed to the brim within ten minutes of the announcement, and a palpable tension settled in the air. Every corner was filled with open discussions about the reasoning behind such an unprecedented challenge. The Legacy Disciples against a mere novice—such an event was unseen in the history of the Succubus Realm.
In the sky above the Arena floated a viewing platform which was far from quiet. The Legacy Disciples stood by their Elders' side and continued to express their deep dissatisfaction. "Why should we even bother with such a match?" said one with golden streaks in her hair. "What is there for us to prove? This isn't even a challenge; it's an insult!"
Another chimed in, her silver eyes reflecting her irritation, "We've spent countless years honing our skills and building our reputation only to be thrown into a match with someone who just started studying Soul Arts? This is a mockery!"
A red-eyed teen with an eyepatch covering one of her eyes stood silently beside Elder Nyx when she finally raised her voice, "The duel might sound ridiculous, but remember that Kalissa was defeated by that woman. From what I heard, she is still recovering in the Soul Calming Chamber. Do you really think she is a novice after already demolishing one of us? Kalissa wasn't even weak, ranking in the middle of our group."
"Indeed, to defeat Kalissa in a matter of seconds means she is already closing in on our level," Elder Nyx nodded as she patted her disciple's shoulder. "You have to assume Elder Emi taught her everything at her disposal and she mastered everything perfectly. You cannot take this duel lightly or you will end up like your colleague."
The Legacy Disciples shared anxious glances amongst themselves, realizing the severity of their situation. Everyone went silent while Elder Lysandra raised her voice, "Are we going to do something about it? If we combine our power, we might be able to stop this madness. Even if our disciples win this duel, there is nothing to gain from it as that was the expected result. They can only lose their status if they are miraculously defeated."
Other Elders shared similar concerns but the eldest among them shut down their riot attempts. "I understand your frustrations but the decision has been made and the Queen's word is law."
From within her flowing robe, she produced a small chest, ornately decorated with intricate patterns and glowing with a subtle shimmer. She then placed it on the floor and it easily quadrupled in size. "Inside this chest are treasures from the Abyssal Vault," she said, her voice echoing with an enticing allure. "These are rare artifacts, ones that can boost your powers and further your understanding of the Soul Arts. Should you participate and demonstrate the might of the Legacy Disciples, these treasures shall be divided among you."
The Legacy Disciples exchanged glances, their dissatisfaction slowly morphing into curiosity. The Abyssal Vault was legendary, its treasures known to be of unparalleled value, and even the Elders would fight to get their hands on them.
The golden-streaked Disciple was still skeptical and asked, "Do we also get them if this Wu wins?"
The Eldest Elder chuckled softly. "Let's be realistic. The chances of that are minuscule. But if, by some miracle, she does prevail, she shall earn her place among you. And the treasures... Well, they will all belong to her."
A murmur of agreement rippled among the Disciples. They might have been unhappy about the duel, but the allure of the Abyssal Vault's treasures was too great to resist.
"On top of the treasures, the Queen offered to spare a High-ranked Soul Healing pill to any injured participant," the Eldest Elder added. "With all these incentives, I suggest all of you participate willingly. The Queen doesn't change her mind often, and she will force you to fight if necessary. In that scenario, you wouldn't even receive treasures if you won."
This sealed the deal for the undecided Legacy Disciples. They had initially seen this challenge as a slap in the face, but now, with the promise of great treasures and an assurance of safety in case of injury, it became something they couldn't afford to turn down.
Nodding amongst themselves, they took a deep breath and vanished in unity. The deafening cheers from the crowd could even be heard on the viewing platform, showcasing the popularity of the Legacy Disciples. The Elders smiled proudly as they walked towards the one-sided glass only to pause as an overwhelming presence appeared behind them.
Elder Emi stood beside the Queen, but it wasn't them who gained the Elders' attention. It was the third person accompanying them, a beautiful woman with radiant skin of moonlit silver and a twilight blue gown adorned with star-like crystals that shimmered with every movement she made.
"We greet the Founder!" the Elders acknowledged, all performing a ninety-degree bow.
It was their Founder Miara, the very foundation of their realm. Even by just standing there, Miara radiated an ethereal grace that seemed to eclipse everyone around her. For a second, the Elders thought it was the founder's avatar but they paled at the sight of a necklace around her neck, white pearls pulsating with pure Soul Power that illuminated her face in its warm glow. Only Miara's true body carried this Legendary Artifact.
Miara's lips curled into a gentle smile, her eyes scanning the room. "It has been some time since I've graced this realm with my own presence," her voice, while soft, echoed with an authority that resonated deeply within everyone present. "I'm interested in the results of this duel. Let's all enjoy it while I catch up on this year's report."
The Elders exchanged glances, wondering what the Queen told her, but they didn't dare ask any questions, only hoping their Legacy Disciples wouldn't waste this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
On the floor of the Arena, Wu stood alone across a group of nine Legacy Disciples. She seemed as calm as always, which was the exact opposite of her opponents. They all stared at her with complete expressions as they tried to read her plan of action.
The eldest among the Legacy Disciples, a woman named Sylara with sapphire eyes and a mane of midnight hair, took a step forward, signaling the others to huddle closer. With a fluid gesture, she created a shimmering dome around them, effectively silencing their conversation from the prying ears of the audience.
"We cannot underestimate her," Sylara began, her voice steady. "Regardless of our individual prowess, Wu has shown herself to be a force to be reckoned with. Our pride has no place here; we must strategize."
Lia, the girl with golden streaks, shook her head while glaring at Wu. "Do you truly believe that? Remember that we weren't allowed to visit Kalissa after she was injured. If I were to guess, Elder Emi lied about the results of their fight and was just trying to get into our heads. Once we start overthinking, our Soul would be easily breached no matter how powerful we are."
The silver-eyed Tully nodded firmly. "I have to agree with Lia. Soul Duels are all about staying calm and collected. The only way Wu can win is by distracting us. As long as we stay focused, there's no way we can lose to her. We are the Legacy Disciples, for fuck's sake."
The teen with an eyepatch kept her opinions to herself and simply asked, "What's your plan then? Should we strike first and test her defenses?"
Lia shook her head. "I don't think that's smart. My Elder told me how she attacked Wu with her Soul Claws and how easily she reflected the attack. We could suffer early if we attack thoughtlessly. It's best if we're careful. Let's allow her to strike first so we can figure out her weak points. Even if one of us gets injured, the rest can find a way to defeat her."
"We can also use Vyleria's Eye of Truth," Sylara suggested, all eyes falling on the red-eyed teen. "You can see through her Soul and find out how strong she is. Once we have that information, we can adjust our strategy on the go."
Vyleria hesitated for a moment before nodding, feeling the pressure from the group. Even though using her eye drained too much of her Soul Power, they didn't have any other choice.
After a few more minutes of strategizing and assigning roles, the barrier was dissolved, just in time for the referee's arrival. A tall humanoid beast, known as Castellan Zephyr, stepped into the arena, the hem of his robe just skimming the ground. His long maw curved into a smile as he positioned himself between both parties, slamming a shining staff into the ground.
"Welcome, one and all, to this extraordinary duel!" Castellan Zephyr began, amplifying his voice to reach every corner of the packed arena. "The rules are simple!"
He paused for dramatic effect. "Both parties are allowed to use only Soul Arts. Weapons and Elemental Qi are strictly forbidden. The duel will end if one side is unable to continue or if they choose to surrender."
The crowd erupted in cheers, everyone eager to witness the action.
"Any violation of these rules will result in immediate stoppage and potential injury due to the might of the Sacred Staff. I trust both parties understand the severity of those consequences."
Even though Castellan Zephyr wasn't a powerful cultivator, he belonged to one of the few races born without a Soul, making him capable of wielding the Sacred Staff. This Legendary Artifact was the nemesis of anything Soul-related, nullifying any Soul Power in its vicinity when activated. It would also injure anyone actively using their Soul Power, and such an injury isn't easy to recover from.
Wu gazed at the referee with a poised demeanor and gave a slight nod. Meanwhile, Sylara represented the Legacy Disciples, responding in a clear voice, "We understand, Castellan Zephyr."
"Very well," Castellan Zephyr waved his staff, drawing intricate patterns in the air. Immediately, two circles appeared on the ground—one beneath Wu and the other beneath the group of Legacy Disciples. "I will monitor and ensure the fair use of Soul Arts. Any attempt to breach the rules will be detected instantly."
Both circles emitted a soft, luminescent glow, expanding rapidly to cover the entire arena in seconds. With another wave, a translucent barrier enveloped the arena, shielding the audience from the Soul pressure of the duel and preventing their cheers from distracting the duelists.
Castellan Zephyr looked at the two parties and hovered in the air below the viewing platform, his staff at the ready. "Without further ado, let the duel... commence!"