On the stage, the duel raged on, neither boy willing to yield.
Even after feeling so exhausted to the point that their auras were dissipating, their eyes burned with determination.
However, both boys suddenly heard their mentors' voices in their minds.
Chad's voice reached Sora first. "Listen, boy. If you win this, I'll give you a draconic gauntlet. Tempered scales, forged for fists like yours. Show me you deserve it, but if you lose, the gauntlet will be given to Sora."
Of course, Sora knew that he couldn't lose now!
Sora's heart pounded harder. His master's words ignited a fire in his chest. 'A gauntlet… forged from dragon scales? I can't lose now!'
At the same time, Denise's calm voice entered Rice's mind.
"Rice, if you win, I'll give you a runic pendant with Temporal Power. It stabilizes aura flow, prevents overexertion. For your body, it could mean survival in the real competition. Prove yourself worthy… However, Sora might get this item if you lose instead."
