(Continuing From Where Last Chapter Left Off, Shortly After Class Finished.)
"Alright, that concludes our discussion on the Romans for history as well as for today! Make sure you all study the material for the upcoming test after the trip and while we're on that topic, you all will receive more information about the trip through your PDA Tablets. Understood!?"
Despite 's overly energetic tone, the whole class collectively groaned out a response, "Yes!" Just at the right time at what seemed to be the end of a long and boring lecture was the bell that signaled to them that it was time for them to leave. Taking the chance as though it were their only grasp of light, the students of the light blue haired teacher stood from their seats and began collecting their things as they were exhausted. It didn't take long before a flood of students began to make their way out the door with some lingering behind in trivial banter or they were still gathering their things. Nevertheless, the teacher's most troublesome student who had gained that title since his first week into the class had to stretch his arm over his shoulder with a yawn that he made sure the whole class could hear.
"Haaaah, finally this school day is over! Anyone thinks the Burger Shack is still open or they closed early today. . .?" the Nexus duelist tiredly questioned. He rubbed his eyes with his newly acquired pendant swaying across his chest lightly as he waited for a response. Though, all he was met with was questioning stares from his friends and the Astraeaians beside him that made him a bit uneasy and confused. It wasn't like this just started now as he could have sworn they were staring at him ever since he returned back to class as he was the last one to leave the Chancellor's office. He was most certainly late though it was worth it to get in one last tease against his foster father that he didn't want to admit; he enjoyed being around with. But from what he could recall, as soon as he entered the class, he could see his fellow students that had surrounded his seat since the day he joined the class glance right at him. . .or at least he could have sworn. That said, the Nexus duelist scratched his cheek as he continued to ask, "Uh. . .what's wrong? Something on my face?"
"Seirus. . .," Lucky started with a questioning frown, "Got any more shocking and surprising secrets you want to share with us?"
Scratching his head, the Nexus duelist was quite confused as to what spurred him to ask that, "Uh, none that comes to mind. What's wrong, did I do something?" If they could without risking an even bigger headache than before, his classmates that he had gotten quite fond of would have probably slammed their heads into the desk in front of them to rid themselves of his infectious obliviousness.
"Sorry but forgive us for not realizing that you are the son of the freaking Chancellor of Duel Academy!" Lucky nearly screamed though it was a good thing that the whole class was too busy minding their own business to hear that part. Otherwise, this would have turned into a whole other fiasco entirely.
Pouting, Momo decided to chime in with him on the scolding, "Yeah, you could have at least warned us!" With Aki nodding next to her, Seirus really did feel like this was the world against solely him as he tried to throw his excuses now before he'd get tied up on a tree branch and left to hang. Something he wouldn't doubt them of being capable of doing since Aki was on their side.
"Hey, cut me some slack, I literally had no idea that my dad had that job in the first place. I always assumed he was just someone who worked multiple jobs due to how late he'd be coming home," Seirus defended though judging from the looks of things, he wasn't going to be able to sway them easily. He chuckled nervously, wondering what type of star he was born under in order for him to get him this kind of attention. Though, as he was about to continue, he could hear the seat next to him begin to slide against the ground so loud that it caused him to turn to see where it was coming from until he felt an arm wrap around his shoulder to which the initial action itself nearly made him jump.
In just a fraction of a second, Seirus could have sworn his eyes flicked faster than a bullet as he was met with the sharp gray eyes of one of Steria's attendants. . .bodyguards. . .whatever they were! All he could see was the smile on his face as he spoke in a chill and relaxed tone, "Seems like your pals are giving you the ringer. Anyways, got any plans as of right now?"
"Umm. . .other than meeting up with Arata and grabbing a bite to eat, then no. Why ask?" Seirus nearly muttered.
The dark green haired attendant snickered despite the ominous glare that his colleague behind him was giving while the princess herself was packing her things trying to ignore her surroundings, "Really now? Good! Then how about we join you for dinner and get to know each other better?". His smile was hard to read the true intentions behind such a suggestion as his eyes were closed shut. On the other hand, the students surrounding them that were associated with the whole idea froze on the spot. Everyone except for the Nexus student duelist himself who seemed oblivious to any ulterior motives as he stared blankly at him despite the Astrea princess fidgeting in her spot for a moment though her expression was still hidden to Seirus's view. However, those with a brain working were able to tell her mixed expression of fluster and irritation.
"Sure, I don't see why not. I mean, we are all classmates until we graduate so you do have a point," Seirus nonchalantly accepted with a straight face.
"That's the spirit, I knew you wouldn't turn us down," He smirked, patting Seirus shoulder as the two groups of students from their respective sides watched them with clear disdain; especially since Aki was practically glaring whole into the dark blue haired boy that defeated her. She was tempted to summon Rose Tentacles right there to shake a bit of sense into him but that'd be a bit over the top even for her. Both sides, one that of normal students at Duel Academy while the other hailed from literal royalty of another country were about to sit down for a. . .quality dinner? Two different worlds if one were to watch it unfold from a third person perspective if one must say.
Though, as the attendant internally chuckled at success, he suddenly felt the familiar tug at his cheek by a femine grip that was a direct contrast to the person responsible for such force. If he had to compare it, it'd be like a pair of tweezers pinching his cheek while being hooked up to a car going 30mph. Yeah, a miracle his face was ripped off at this point but the most nerve racking thing was the clearly angered lime green eyes staring back into his own, "Travis. . .what in the hell are you thinking. . .?" Her tone clearly filled with agitation matching the princess who was just right behind her as she held her bag in front of her while her own green eyes glared down at him as well.
"Come on. . .wouldn't it be wise to uh. . .make close relations with the Chancellor's son?" Travis stumbled on his words in an attempt to come up with a plausible excuse. But, as a response, all he received was another tug that was just about twice as hard compared to before. Travis couldn't help his muffled and distorted cries fill the room as the onlookers that were passing by really began to feel sorry for him. Even Seirus was beginning to feel bad and grateful he wasn't on the receiving end of the punishment. Though, those thoughts were sent into the drainage that is his mind from the feeling of his shirt being tugged.
He turned his attention to it despite the horror's that he was currently witnessing before, his eyes noticing Lucky's pale expression. He raised an eyebrow, "Hmmm. . .?" His hum clearly displayed his cluelessness to which Lucky would have to become his voice of reason once more.
"Bro. . ., do you have any idea what you are doing?" Lucky asked with a tint of panic.
The Nexus duelist smiled, his desires not really matching the thinking cap that they wanted him to put on to figure out what was the problem with what he did, "Uh. . ., yes? I'm letting them join us for lunch because they asked. Besides, we might get free seconds at the burger bar if we are lucky." Yup, why did Lucky expect him to look deeper into things. . .It was like his perhaps best friend was tunnel visioned beyond the concept of being tunnel vision itself. So much so that at times, he truly did wonder how the hell he survived as a child if he were allowed to wander into some wood area. He wouldn't be surprised that if a child Seirus saw a high cliff and wanted to climb it, then he would climb it with no hesitation or something along those lines. Truely, a man without any fears. That aside, as the timid blond student sighed in defeat, Aki knew it was her time to step in as she brushed her hair to the side.
"Let's see, Seirus. . .," Aki began, her voice gaining his attention as she began to count her fingers, "First, you got into a pretty heated argument with what could be considered an important political figure. Then you beat her in a duel in front of the entire class and to your credit, taught her some humility but regardless, it must be humiliating to be defeated by some new kid in the first place. Now to top it all off, you are indirectly accepting and inviting the very person you beat to lunch without a second thought. That's like the equivalent of inviting former war enemies to a party to celebrate your victory. . ."
Seirus froze for a moment with his smile held in place as those thoughts passed his mind. Aye, he never said he was the greatest foresighted thinker in the room so cut him some slack. Though he did have one bit of defense it seemed as he raised his hand shaking as if he needed permission to speak, "You d-do have some valid points but it didn't look like she took that duel THAT personally. We ended off on good terms, right? We'll just have to wait and see."
"Yeah, 'good terms' sure. It could have been a lot worse if I had to say," Aki rolled her eyes.
Momo giggled at Aki's reply and chimed in on the banter as well, "Definitely, you are fortunate to still have your hair attached to your head, heheh!"
Seirus raised an eyebrow as she continued to giggle away while he sat confused in his seat. Clearly, the undermining meaning of her comment flew over his head along with the continuous sounds of agony of Travis's cries for help. He had no clue what she meant to which he shrugged it off before finally noticing that they were the only ones left in the room. However, as attention diverted back onto his friends who were now collectively trying to convince the brown hair attendant to back off a bit so they could go eat, the Nexus duelist failed to notice the soft glow in his bag. . .
(15 Minutes Later, Hallway Towards The Central Cafeteria Of Duel Academy. . .)
After finally successfully prying Rena's fingers from Travis's cheeks, the group that could be considered the most complicated bunch of students within 's class only second to the class bully himself began to make their way to the cafeteria together. Though, unfortunately for Travis. . .they were far too late in saving him from the burning sensation afterwards which prompted him to rub his cheeks to ease the pain periodically. Even so, the walk to the cafeteria in itself was rather quiet. Scratch that, it was completely silent enough for them to notice the occasional stares they would get when they'd pass by roaming students and faculty. I mean, who wouldn't want to try and figure out the exact reason why Steria of all people was among students like them? That said, it wasn't like they despised each other to an extent greater than mortal enemies. It was just that. . .well, they didn't have anything worth talking about. What were they supposed to say; "Hey, sorry for bashing and showing you up in front of our entire class even though you kinda needed it? Let's be friends!". Like hell that'd work. It'd be more believable that multiverse theory exists than that. Though, if someone had to break the thin layer of ice. . .it would obviously be.
"So, do you guys duel as well being her guards and all?" Seirus asked without hesitation.
Truly, out of everyone who would start things off, it'd be the poster boy of carefree himself. To answer his question, Travis smirked and took out his deck box that he kept in his right pocket to show at least some proof, "Well, Neferious primarily is an organization of dangerous duelist terrorists. In contrast, we wouldn't be able to defend or assist Ms. Steria if we weren't able to duel. Especially if we wanted to retrieve the cards back if they were to fall in their hands."
"Huh. . .?" Seirus said with a slightly confused look on his face at the last part as he blinked a few times before questioning further, "What do you mean by that? I thought they would. . .you know, try something more direct."
"If it were that simple then we'd have trained military guards with us as well. The Mystic Beast cards can't be taken by normal means. There have been numerous attempts for us to know this. If someone were to steal them without us knowing then the cards will simply find their way back to Lady Steria or the other members of the Astraea Family who held them." Rena answered with a hint of rudeness since she wasn't even batting the Nexus duelist an eye while she walked side by side with Steria up front. A bodyguard who is the direct opposite to Travis who was more behind and closer to Seirus and his group if anything.
Nevertheless, Seirus placed both hands behind his head, ignoring the tone of Rena's voice as he at least wanted some form of conversation to repel what he hated the most; boredom, "Okay. . .? So, how are they supposed to take them if they simply return to the original owners?" The further questioning on what practically seemed to be an answer that he could have figured out on his own really shows how slow he could be at times.
"Isn't it obvious? They either convince Steria to give the card to them willingly which is difficult since the Mystic Beast cards can read the true intentions of its owner's heart meaning she would have to truly want to relinquish her ownership of her Mystic Beast. But. . .the more direct method is to defeat Lady Steria in a duel ritual. The reason for this is because the Mystic Beast cards were originally given form due to the country's increased love for Duel Monsters. In the duel ritual, they will only be willingly to be used by those who are of royal blood or a strong duelist." Rena concluded.
As if it didn't. . .okay, maybe it did a little bit but as of the present, Seirus could only nod in a bit of understanding on the circumstances as they continued down the hall, his attitude not a bit affected by the mentioning of a special kind of duel that may or may not be dangerous either mentally or physically. It wasn't like they were going to be playing in those games that were only myths and legends, "Ah, well after experiencing first hand what they were capable of, I guess that makes sense. Knowing there are more of those guys lurking around means we better keep our dueling skills up to speed, heheh!" He chuckled with a wide, stupid grin on his face since clearly he was neglecting the energy sapping device that could of hospitalized him or the magic card they threw to nullify their psychic duelist's powers. Yeah, no big deal.
"I know that look. . .you aren't actually looking forward to running into those Neferious guys?" Lucky feared, his face growing paler while he tugged against his arm as if he were pleading for him to acknowledge the existence of common sense for once.
Though of course, Seirus was about the every bit the opposite of such a concept, "I mean, if by some chance we do run into those guys again then we'll be forced to duel them regardless. To me, that's just more strong opponents lining up like a rack of sushi! Or sashimi? Oh, Tempura! That sounds better, hahahah!"
"Comparing your opponents to food, now that's funny," Momo giggled while Aki held in a muse huff. Though, unlike them, his enthusiasm and little to no fear on the upcoming field trip despite the dangers that lurk ahead gave an opposite reaction. Unknowingly, the Astraea princess who remained silent for the most of the walk decided to pick up her pace with Rena understandingly following suit. Travis sighed, his brain already formulating a good guess as to why she acted this way since he predicted as such. But, for this upcoming trip back to their home country, she had to learn to open up first if they had a lick of a chance to come back safely. . .or better, alive. Seirus and his group of friends were just the type of people they needed, especially since they are associated closely with Arata Kaseya himself.
With that in mind and just a couple more steps, the students of 's class finally arrived at the school cafeteria. To say the least, the cafeteria was surprisingly not as packed as it would be in the morning. Most likely due to a lot of kids from their class along with Arata's class wanting to get ready for the upcoming trip as soon as possible. Speaking of which, Seirus was glad that they didn't need a permission slip or some grade requirements since as of recently, even for his standards, he was slacking to the point that his light, blue haired teacher was really contemptuous of pulling him out of duel periods for the next month. But hey, a good night of cramming was all he needed in his book. It worked like a charm and never failed him once since it was a lovely art form that he liked to call; procrastination.
"Hey, Seirus!" A familiar voice called out to them thus saving them the trouble of searching for the person they had to meet up with. Their eyes all almost instantaneously darted to the owner of that voice, his red and black hair far to easy to distinguish amongst the students while his orange eyes were closed shut; probably to protect them from his radiant smile as he jogged over to them with several bags of food from the burger shack, "I managed to snag the last bunch of the Chili Burgers before they sold out so there is no need to get on line. All we have to do now is-wait, what are they doing here!?"
His face morphed into shock as soon as he took notice of Steria, Travis, and Rena with the two females giving him a scornful glare. In response, all the Nexus duelist could do was laugh albeit timidly since he practically gave him no warning of extra people joining them, "Yeahhhhhh, about that. Let's just say, they wanted-"
"Travis wanted. . .!" Rena growled, interrupting Seirus's explanation mid-way.
"Ahem, yes, Travis wanted to join us and basically dragged along his pals as well. Sorry Arata, I guess I should've texted you or something, heheh!" Seirus apologized with hands clasped together similar to how one would apologize to a god. Though, he knew that Arata wasn't one to get too overly angry at his classic case of screwing other people over and dragging them into a pit of fire. With that notation in mind, he was right in a way despite the obvious reluctance on Arata's face as he took several glances between Seirus and the two Astraea females who were displeased at being here. Though if they had really wanted, they could have ditched their companion and gone back to the dorm but the red haired student could only assume that they needed him for guard duty anyways just in case if some idiot tried to do something. It was just a shame that they had what they would deem an idiot among idiots among them and if we really wanted to add fuel to the fire, he himself would be included to double the dense and obliviousness.
"I see. . .," Arata muttered, mentally admitting defeat before continuing, "Glad to have you guys along then. Now, where do we wanna sit? Can't really get any window views since all the seats are taken."
"Good question, though I'm down to sit anywhere really," Seirus assured.
As they were shortly contemplating on where to sit, the Astraea princess who was content with staying silent decided to finally speak up as she pointed over to a seat that they had not taken into consideration, "I suppose I'll save you the trouble of looking. . .come on, follow me." Without batting them an eye further, she along with Rena and Travis began walking towards the spot she was implying leaving the idiot duo of blue and red a bit confused along with their friends temporarily before they soon took the offer to follow. Eventually, they began to take notice of a particular table in the center of many others. From what they could tell, it had already been set up with several small plates of what Seirus would consider a "snack" while the tablecloth covering it was the purest white with a gold outline. In the center was a pitcher with steam coming out of it's only exit, the nice aroma becoming strong enough to indicate that it was some type of organic tea. It didn't take a genius that this was definitely a private table reserved for your highness herself.
Soon enough, they all took their seats around the rectangular table with the foreigners on one side while Seirus and his group on the other. If they didn't draw attention before then they were probably going to end up on the news. . .again. Though as Arata spread out the rations he managed to acquire through probably some grimmy methods, Aki couldn't help but take note of the clear contrast between Travis's smile and Steria's disdained frown. There had to be an ulterior motive and it was too obvious for there not to be one.
"Okay, so why did you really want to eat with us? It couldn't simply be just because you wanted to make amends and be friends," Aki started. Her sudden question with little to no care on her rude tone was enough to cause all of their eyes to flick onto her. Though, the person in question seemed unfazed and shrugged his shoulders as he poured a glass of the tea into his lady's cup while looking dead into her eyes.
There was nothing for him to hide so he simply went straight into the bushes, "Cold and as sharp as a rose aren't we, Aki Izaiyoi. Well, since you want to just get straight to the point, I suppose I should explain the real reason why I arranged this as even though I don't look like it, I'm more foresighted and thorough than you can assume. It's all for my highness's safety after all."
"Hmph," Aki mused as she took out her study book on what seemed to be medical science, "So, what do we have the pleasure of being here for then?"
After he finished pouring the tea while ignoring Steria's peering eyes, Travis placed the pitcher back at the center of the table and smiled at the now curious bunch in front of him as he closed his eyes while taking in the aroma of the tea coming from the pitcher itself, "It's simple really though since you don't really know the details about the trip then I'll explain from the top. As you already know, our respective classes will be partaking in a trip that's practically throwing us back into No-Mans-Land. Now logically, if the princess were to come back, she'd be surrounded by top-notch security over there due to her importance. The only reason why she isn't right now is because we are very far away from home. However, that wouldn't be the case if she was returning on a school trip as the contract between the king and Kaiba Corp makes it so that the Duel Academy students shouldn't be affected by such affairs. Since this also includes our highness as well, our security measures will have to be tone-down a bit to only remain close by at all times thus leaving only Rena and I to act as frontline guards because we are registered students alongside her."
"Which means. . ., this trip is like a golden opportunity for those Neferious creeps?" Momo inquired to which Travis nodded only to half-open his eyes to further explain.
"That's the gist. But, this won't be much of an issue if we had further security, now would it?" He noted before taking a glance at both Seirus and Arata who were scuffing down their burgers with rather innocent looks on their faces. If it weren't for the clear differences in their physical looks, one would assume they were twins just by how they act which made Travis chuckle a bit at the thought with a smirk being the remnants of his amusement, "Hearing how Seirus and Arata are not only acquainted with one another but also manage to fend off Neferious goons as well is both reassuring and admirable. So much that I'd like to ask them for a favor."
Hearing a potential request from the green-haired student in front of them, Seirus swallowed his food that he was chewing in one go as he stared blankly at them as though he were waiting for something, "A favor? What kind of favor?"
"Well, you guys wouldn't know about this but upon arrival, the students will be separated into groups of 10 at max. All I ask is for the rest of the trip that you all join us so that we can make a tour group of at least 8. Seeing how the majority of you are all competent duelists, especially with the famous Arata tagging along, our weakness in numbers will be nullified by our strength as duelists. In return, you'll be receiving the premium tourist pass due to being part of Steria's company and access to spots that not even those who are residing locally in the country can not access. Not a bad offer, am I right?" Travis requested with an even wider smirk with an open palm stretched out in front of him as though he were offering the suggestion on a silver platter.
"Travis! You can't just-!" Steria nearly scolded which resulted in her almost choking on her tea. The request sounded so absurd as Rena patted her back gently in hope to quell her coughing while Travis held up a hand to prevent her from arguing further. But that didn't change anything to her, this deal was beneath her to even consider herself.
However, she didn't have to voice her opinion as Arata seemed a bit amused by the bold offer, "Basically, you want us to throw ourselves into potential danger for the sake of protecting Princess Steria again against those Neferious guys? Sounds a bit selfish, doesn't it?" He took the words right out of her mouth before she could so much as voice it. But she knew Travis's personality better than anyone. He was one hell of a smooth and honest talker. A trait that earned him to be the one who does the most of the negotiations whenever they run into trouble.
"It does, but we kind of are in a pickle and we need people we can trust on equal terms," He admitted, baring his whole sleeve to them to show that he had nothing to hide. It was a simple tactic but it was an effective one.
Arata sighed and smirked as he took a glance at Seirus who was now slowly chewing his fourth bite into his burger. His eyes still showed that expression of being unfazed but he was clearly listening in on the conversation at hand. Knowing this, he shrugged and smirked as he gestured over to Seirus, "Well, I don't really care either way if it does come down to that. However, I kinda want to hear Seirus's response before I come to a final decision."
At that moment, they all sat in silence as all eyes now locked onto the Nexus duelist who was just eating his food quietly. But they all knew he was just soaking in the information and most likely weighing his options. . .with little to second guessing behind it of course. In suspense, he swallowed his food and wiped away the crust off his lips, his eyes peering over at Steria who looked the least bit pleased by the idea and back to Travis who seemed to have eyes that he recognized all too well. The very same kind of eyes his foster father would give him when he was being serious and genuine. Eyes that told him that this was for the best yet not trying to force the issue. . . That's why. . He felt obligated to speak from the heart. His eyes cast down at the table before speaking.
"Truthfully, in no way shape or form it sounds fair for us," Seirus began before pausing to take a breath, "However, ever since I came to this school, I've experienced connections that honestly have rocked these past couple of weeks. From people I've helped out who became associated with me to rivals that push me to strive for greater. Those instances are when those people become what I consider friends. And whenever I have a friend in need, there is no way I can back down and leave them hanging."
Then, with only just a short instance, Seirus looked up to stare directly back at the foreigners who sat across him. His eyes were open, gleaming with determination and not even a shred of fear to darken light in his eyes. That type of face alone was enough of an answer. . .,"To me, that small bond of mutual feelings is already there, right? If so, then I accept the risks without a second thought!"
There it was, a response that settled the small debate. Everyone at the table was left speechless by his words but at the same time. . .it was a conclusion that they were contempt with. Though in contrast, Steria was albeit shocked at how naive this boy could get but she could see it in his eyes. A burning yet pure flame of pure honesty. One that held no lies and spoke from the depth of his soul. He wasn't lying or trying to act tough in front of them in hopes to boast some ego; no, he was actually serious. With a snort, Travis began to laugh which earned him a quizzical look from the Nexus duelist before settling down.
"Hahahah, man I knew you were that type of guy that I can trust! Then it's settled, it's a pleasure to be working with you, Seirus!" Travis said happily, his hand resting on his hip while Rena sighed in defeat of him being right in his judgement yet again.
Before Seirus could even respond and question that, Arata suddenly laughed out loud as well, "I guess you can count me in too. What's life without a little danger?"
"A prolonged one?" Lucky muttered reluctantly to answer the question which only prompted Arata to laugh even harder.
As the Red-Eyes duelist chuckled away at the joke, Aki chimed in with a muse smirk along with Momo matching her expression with a sincere one. The one-so lonesome rose closed her book as she spoke, "I guess you got your answer then. You'll have our support added in as well."
"Yeah, but don't count on Lucky to be the bravest of the bunch," Momo jested, her little comment causing the timid blonde to shiver in his seat with a blush.
He wanted to say something back but deep down, they knew, that he knew, that she was indeed correct about that statement. With that settled, Steria couldn't believe how easy it was for them to accept such risk. All because of the very person that she couldn't help but stare at as if he were some being of mystical origins. It's like his body radiated a warmth that inspired others and filled them with energy to never back down. Though, she seemed to have stared too long as he managed to catch her eyes. He was a bit confused but Seirus gave her a stupid grin and winked in her direction which gave her the whim that he noticed her looking. Instinctively and slightly embarrassed, she looked away which left the Nexus duelist a tad bit curious as to; 'why? Granted, he was probably one of the most straightforward types of guy in the school so he couldn't understand such a gesture in the first place. On the other hand, that's when he remembered a small detail that was probably going to be a problem.
Quickly, his eyes widened before reaching under the table to scurry through his bag a bit. Eventually, he finally took out his main deck box and a spare one along with another square box that held away all the stash cards he collected from opening those booster packs a while back. Wasting no time, he placed the items on the table before noting, "I nearly forgot. While I still got you guys here, I need help building a spare deck before the trip."
"Oh yeah, that's right. You can't use your real deck in public," Momo quickly recalled.
"Huh, you can't be serious," Travis murmured in slight surprise, "Why is that?
"According to him, the Chancellor didn't give him permission to use it whenever he wanted as he wanted to keep its existence a secret. Even Bro doesn't know why and it looks like he will never tell," Lucky explained as he leaned closer to Seirus in order to get a closer look at the cards in the card trunk he had stored.
Rena folded her arms in a frown. She truly was one that never smiled, "Right, sounds suspicious to me. . ."
"Yeah, well I don't like to think about it too much. I have more important things to think about. Like, how am I going to build something that matches my playstyle?" Seirus pondered while scratching the top of his head as his right eyebrow raised from trying to actually work that marvelous brain of his.
Seeing how he didn't want the fire alarms to go off due to Seirus overworking his brain cells. . .or cell, Arata decided to give a bit of advice, "If you are having trouble, then how about try going over your main deck and compare it to the cards you have in your trunk. That way, it'd be easier and you could also potentially find a compatible card that could work when you switch back."
"Oh wow. . .," Seirus murmured before grinning, "Great idea, Arata! Way to come in clutch for a brother!"
Wasting no time, the Nexus duelist picked up his main deck box and slid his deck of cards so he could spread them out in front of him. However, before he could do that, something odd-okay maybe odd isn't the right word. I guess the proper text would be; abnormal. His eyes froze at what initially caught his eyes. From what he could tell, his deck was as normal as it was on any other day. . .except there were now four additional cards in the mix. But it wasn't like they were anything significant. Just that they looked completely gray and cracked on the front to the point that it was impossible for him to recognize what it was. No biggie.
"Uhh. . .what in the-" Seirus muttered until Arata took notice at what left him on mute.
His eyebrows perked up, somewhat mirroring Seirus's confused face, "Hey, did you always have those cards? They look like they've seen better days."
"No, I checked my deck this morning and I am positive none of these cards were here before. . ." the Nexus duelist assured.
"Hmm, maybe someone slipped them in while you weren't looking? Though, you could just throw them away," Aki suggested while glancing over at Rena and Travis. However, they shook their heads in response while the princess herself seemed just as oblivious as they were.
Meanwhile, Seirus barely registered her suggestion anyways as his eyes were fixated on the mysterious cards. For some reason, a gut feeling he rarely has began to stir up in his stomach. One that told him that he should hold onto these to dear life and that they hold great importance. He couldn't explain why though it was as though the cards he was staring at right now weren't normal. Well, that's to say that ever since he was granted some form of freedom to duel with the Nexus deck, things that have occurred with it weren't strange to begin with. I mean, a glowing yellow, aqua blue cat that resembled a good bit of one of your essential combo monsters becoming your living alarm clock was a good start towards the category of normal, right? That said, Seirus swallowed down his tens of thousands of questions before answering, "Nah, I think I'll keep them. Just a gut feeling, yah know?"
"If you say so, anyways, you better hurry up. We don't have much time till we have to report back to the dorms," Aki insisted.
Despite the sense of urgency, Seirus was a bit still confused about the sudden anomaly that had sprung into his life but nevertheless, like always, he went back to his carefree self and grinned, "Yeah, you're right. . Got any recommendations?" And just like that, they all spent the rest of their time helping him prepare a whole new deck for his pleasure.
A/N: Sorry for taking so long for a non-duel chapter. I simply just got caught up in some things which took up my time. Apologies aside, I'll happily announce the first chapter for this three months segment of Yugioh Re:Seize work. Yes, this means Dragon Ball: Tenkai is on temporary hiatus but a promise is a promise. Now, about this chapter, I could have done a time skip to the school trip itself and started the first arc, however, I second that thought on slowing it down so that I can focus on giving more. . .well, fleshed out progression. Since this is mostly original in terms of plot and doesn't follow the continuity from head to toe, I'll try my best to try and make sure things are answered within the story as best as I can while it progresses. Especially as you can see, I am giving small teases and hints that will lead to more questions than answers. That said, this was mostly to set up for future events with the negotiations being the main part of the chapter to where it gives a bit more lime-light of Seirus as a character (suggest you pay close attention to that). Anyways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter of Yugioh Re:Seize return!
P.S To FF Readers; I forgot to mention that I did give Yugioh Re:Seize sneak peaks but they are on the wattpad version. They are mostly card images anyways but in case you want to see then feel free to drop by ;3.