“Roderick, the truth has been laid out right before your eyes. You've already lost. What else do you have to say?” the elderly judge questioned Roderick coldly.
“How is this possible? Why is this happening?” Roderick paced in circles as if he had lost his mind.
“I now declare that the champion of this Alchemist Fair is Jared!” the elderly judge announced loudly.
With the result being made official, the audience erupted into applause.
“We have a rising star in the world of alchemists!”
“Divine Cauldron! This is the first time I've seen a specialized cauldron.”
“Even with the aid of the Divine Cauldron, I reckon there aren't many people who can refine a Seventh Level pill within a few minutes.”
Everyone was now showering Jared with praises, no longer directing a word of ridicule or doubt at him.
“Roderick, the outcome has been decided. Isn't it time for you to fulfill your promises?” Jared asked Roderick.
Roderick regarded Jared with a frosty gaze, his eyes filled with defiance. Nevertheless, he had undeniably lost.
“Jared, I jested earlier, so my words don't count. Besides, there's nothing stating that wagering is allowed during the Alchemist Fair's competition.” There was no way Roderick would kneel before Jared, much less give away his spiritual cauldron.
“You played me for a fool?” Jared narrowed his eyes.
“So what if I did? We're in Jipsdale. Do you dare to lay a hand on me here?” Roderick dared behave haughtily as the rules in Jipsdale forbade anyone from private dueling.
Taking in Roderick's arrogant demeanor, Jared clenched his fists tightly.
“The rules of Jipsdale don't allow anyone to start a fight except in an arena. This is a platform to host an alchemy contest, so it's also considered an arena,” the elderly judge piped up.
The elderly judge's implication could not be more obvious. He was pointing out to Jared that since they were in the arena, Jared could disregard Jipsdale's rules.
Needless to say, Jared understood the elderly judge's words.
As soon as the elderly judge finished his sentence, Jared had already thrown a punch.
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