It was the next day after Jaden left Duel Academy, and everyone was on a videochat with Michael.
Alexis: Is Jaden doing okay?
Michael: Last time he checked in he was fine.
Syrus: How long until he gets back?
Michael: According to the boat's last position, he should be in place tomorrow night.
Hassleberry: And then what happens?
Michael: We cross our fingers and hope for the best.
Chazz: That's comforting.
Michael: To be honest Chazz, I took a chance sending Jaden out.
Bastion: You mean you don't know if it will work?
Michael: No, but considering the situation, I had to take the chance.
Lily: I'm sure it'll work. We just have to put our faith in Jaden.
Bastion: Yes, but until Jaden returns, we have to be ready for our enemy to strike.
Hassleberry: Except we don't know who our enemy is.
Michael: Actually, I have an idea. Check this out.
He pulled out a picture of a man with long blue hair and an outfit similar to the Obelisk Blue uniform.
Hassleberry: Who's he?
Michael: Sartorius Kumar, Aster's manager. I think it's highly possible he's connected to the Light of Destruction.
Chazz: How ya figure that?
Michael: I think Jaden was exposed to the Light of Destruction through Aster's deck, which means someone infused it with energy from the Light, something they could only do if they could directly access the deck.
Syrus: But that could've been done by anyone.
Lily: Wait, I get what Michael is saying. Aster's deck is important to him, so he wouldn't let anyone near it unless he trusted them completely.
Alexis: Someone like his manager.
Michael: Right. And I'm worried that he's going to seize the opportunity of Jaden being gone to gain a following of supporters at the academy. Keep your eyes open, and if you see him, do not engage him.
Hassleberry: Why not? If we see him, we should send him packing.
Michael: I appreciate the eagerness, but we have no idea how skilled he is. For all we know, he could be an even better duelist than Aster. Until we learn more about him, don't duel him.
Lily: Okay.
Michael: Good. Oh, and I guess you guys will see me tonight.
Syrus: What for?
Michael: Channel 7 at 6 pm, don't forget.
He closed the chat and everyone wondered what he meant.
Lily: Wait, did he say Channel 6 at 7 pm or the other way around?
Bastion: I believe he said Channel 7 at 6 pm, why?
Lily: Because that's when they're doing that new talk show with duelists from the pro league. Michael told me he was going on tonight.
Alexis: I wonder what he wants us to watch it for?
Bastion: I guess we'll have to watch and see.
Chazz: I'm going out. I'm sick of all this talk about Jaden.
Meanwhile in Sartorius' office, he was doing another tarot reading.
Sartorius: The Wheel of Fate is right side up. It seems Jaden is more powerful than I imagined. I fortold Aster's victory, however Jaden's response was quite unexpected, for after I infused Aster's deck with my energy, Jaden's soul should've been mine to claim. However, all is not lost yet. Jaden's connection to his duel spirits has been broken. Jaden can wait, however I sense another being with a similar power, but a much weaker spirit.
Pilot: Master Sartorius, we're approaching Duel Academy.
Sartorius: Excellent.
The place landed at the dock and Sartorius met Crowler and Bonaparte there.
Crowler: Welcome to our humble academy. It's a pleasure to have you here.
Sartorius: The pleasure is all mine. As you gentlemen know, I represent several professional duelists, and I'm always on the hunt for fresh talent.
Crowler: So if I'm reading between the lines correctly, you wish to take on one of our students as your new client?
Sartorius: Indeed.
Crowler: Very well then. How about a guided tour to start?
Bonaparte: He doesn't need a tour. What he needs is a list of our top students. I'll make it myself. Let me tell you Sartorius, some of our students duel like butter.
Sartorius: That's very kind of you, but I won't be needing any assistance. I make a point to work alone. It's been a pleasure gentlemen, but I have work to do.
The day passed and it was 6 o' clock. Everyone joined in Chazz's room to watch the interview with Michael.
Lily: It's starting.
Jean: Good evening folks, I'm Jean Collins. Tonight, we're bringing you a new show called "Behind the Duelist", where I talk to pro duelists about what they think of their experience in the league and their opinions on their fellow pros. Joining me tonight is one of the newest pros in the league, Michael Shadows.
Michael walked in wearing his academy uniform and sat in one of the chairs next to Jean's desk.
Michael: It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Collins.
Jean: Just call me Jean. So Michael, is it true that just last year you were enrolled in the freshman class at Duel Academy?
Michael: That's true.
Jean: So why only go to Duel Academy for one year and then join the pros?
Michael: You see, the truth is I was helping investigate the state of Duel Academy last year, chiefly the Slifer Red Dorm.
Jean: The bottom ranked dorm? Why that dump?
Michael: Because word had reached my father that in spite of donations to the school, the Slifer Dorm was in terrible condition. Duel Academy's former chief accountant, Dr. Maxwell, had been stealing the donation funds for the Slifer dorm and keeping the money for himself.
Jean: Wowza. I guess going from undercover work to the pro leagues is pretty easy, isn't it?
Michael: Not as easy as you'd think. A lot of the other pros are serious competitors, and they have my respect.
Jean: So I think the question on everyone's mind is, what's your opinion on Aster Phoenix?
Michael: While I can't deny Aster is a skilled duelist, as a person I have no respect for him at all. I'm sure you remember the Duel Academy student he called out for copying his deck after defeating Zane Truesdale a few days ago?
Jean: What about him?
Michael: I know the student, and he's no thief. He's a Slifer Red in his second year.
Jean: A second year Slifer?
Michael: Don't let his rank fool you. He won the school duel between Duel Academy and North Academy last year, and he had to beat me to compete in it. Not to mention he managed to defeat Zane in the Grad Match last year as well.
Jean: Are you serious?
Michael: Indeed. Unlike Aster, I can accept a loss graciously.
Jean: What do you mean by that?
Michael: I'm sure you saw the tabloid news that Aster was enrolled in the freshman class of Duel Academy this year? Well he left before classes started after losing to Jaden and his Elemental Hero deck, which Aster used as a base to create his. And if you find it hard to believe, I have footage from that duel and the School Duel that show Jaden using heroes, long before Aster announced his deck.
Jean: I think that's something we'd all like to see.
A screen dropped down behind them and a projector turned on, showing footage from both the School Duel and Aster and Jaden's first duel, including Aster's loss to Jaden.
Michael: And Aster lost my respect when he reacted the way he did. Instead of acknowledging his loss and moving on, he attempted to drag an innocent student's name through the mud to save face, and then beat up on him with a deck of cards only he has access to.
Jean: What kind of deck is that?
Michael: A kind of hero monsters called the Destiny Heroes, which were never released to the public because their creator was assaulted and put into a coma before it could happen. Industrial Illusions allowed Aster to keep the cards as a way to remember his father, who created the Destiny Heroes.
Jean: Speaking of unique cards, is it true that you have a deck that was created by Pegasus, but never released to the public?
Michael: Indeed, the Dark World deck. I've avoided using it in the league because of how strong it is, but that's about to change. I have one more thing to say. Aster, if you're watching this, you've acted in a way shameful for a pro, so I challenge you to a duel this Friday. The loser has to leave the pro league for the rest of the season and has to forfeit their deck to the winner. Your heroes versus my Dark World deck. Face me, unless Aster Phoenix is really a chicken.
Jean: You heard it here first folks. Will Aster answer this challenge? And if so, what kind of duel will we be in for?
The program ended and everyone was in shock from what Michael said.
Lily: I hope you know what you're doing Michael.
Alexis: I'm sure he does.
Syrus: Why would he challenge Aster to a duel in the first place?
Hassleberry: He must have a tactical reason for it.
Bastion: Indeed. Chazz, where are you going?
Chazz: To get some air, what's it to you?
He shut the door behind him and walked into the woods. He had been walking for a while when the Ojamas showed up.
Yellow: Somethin' wrong boss?
Chazz: Who invited you people?
Yellow: Well, we're not exactly people boss.
Chazz: No, you're kidding me. And all this time I thought you were students.
Green: Hey, you're just tense about what's going on.
Black: Yeah, it's natural.
Chazz: Zip it!
Sartorius: They mean well. Duel spirits don't often communicate with the human world, but when they find someone they trust, they can become quite loyal. You have a gift Mr. Princeton.
Chazz turned to the side and saw Sartorius standing a ways from him across a clearing.
Chazz: Hey, I know you, you're Aster's manager!
Sartorius: Indeed, but right now I'm more interested in you.
Chazz: Yeah, well the only thing I'm interested in is what you did to Jaden, so start talking!
Sartorius: Sorry, but I have no idea what you're talking about.
Chazz: Don't play dumb, I know you've got to be connected to the Light of Destruction.
Sartorius: Then how about this, we'll duel, and if you win, I'll tell you what you want to know.
Chazz: Sounds good to me.
Yellow: This sounds like a bad idea boss. I mean don't you remember what Michael said?
Green: And you're not wearing the ring he gave you.
Black: What happens if you lose?
Chazz: Shut it! Besides, I won't lose to someone like him.
A fog rolled in and a table appeared in front of Sartorius. He shuffled his deck and placed it on top.
Chazz: Where's your duel disk?
Sartorius: I don't need one.
Both: Let's duel.
Sartorius: 4000 LP
Chazz: 4000 LP
Chazz drew his hand while Sartorius laid the top 5 cards of his deck face-down on the table without looking at them.
Chazz: You know it helps when you look at your cards, right?
Sartorius: Not necessarily. Like you, I have a gift as well.
Chazz: Whatever. I'll go first, and I summon V-Tiger Jet in attack mode.
Level 4/Light/Machine
ATK 1600/DEF 1800
Chazz: And now I play the continuous spell Frontline Base, which means once each turn I can special summon a level 4 or lower union monster from my hand, like my W Wing Catapult.
Level 4/Light/Machine
ATK 1300/DEF 1500
Chazz: And now I banish them both to summon VW Tiger Catapult!
Level 6/Light/Machine
ATK 2000/DEF 2100
Chazz: Next I'll place two cards face-down and end my turn.
Sartorius: Most impressive. My turn. And I play my Vision spell card.
He flipped over one of his cards, revealing it was in fact his Vision spell.
Chazz: He got it without even looking?
Sartorius: Didn't I tell you? Much like you, I possess a gift. Now that Vision has been activated, I draw 1 card and reveal it. This next card represents you Chazz: Arcana Force XII - The Hangman.
He revealed the top card of his deck, revealing the very card he just named.
Chazz: You're cheating! There's no way you could've known that card was on top of your deck!
Sartorius: No Chazz, I'm predicting. I have the power to see events before they occur. And in this card I see your destiny. You hold a great deal of anger inside, don't you Chazz?
Chazz: Give me a break, like it takes magic powers to see that. You're a hack, not to mention a cheat.
Sartorius: Call me what you will, but you will see the truth soon enough. Now you must shuffle my deck, and I suggest you shuffle well, for if I play the card I just showed you during this duel, you will lose 1000 life points.
Chazz: Let me ask you something, do you always act this calm? Because you're starting to creep me out. You should try getting angry once in a while.
Chazz walked across the duel field and began shuffling Sartorius' deck.
Sartorius: You amuse me Chazz.
Chazz: See?! You did it again! But it'll take more than card tricks and a creepy voice to beat me.
Sartorius: I know exactly what it will take. That's the point I've been trying to make. All your actions are predetermined. In other words, all your moves have already been decided, and I know them all. Not a bad talent, is it?
Chazz finished shuffling Sartorius' deck and put it back on the table without saying anything.
Sartorius: Still skeptical are we? Don't worry, I'll make a believer out of you soon enough. Then you'll see the light. Sooner or later everyone does.
Chazz: Yeah, well I'm not everyone.
Sartorius: Let's move on. I play the spell Suit of Sword X.
An image of the card appeared above Sartorius before it began to spin.
Sartorius: The card will continue to rotate until you say stop. If it lands right side up, all your monsters will be destroyed, but if it lands upside down, all my monsters will be destroyed, so say the word.
Chazz: Okay, stop!
The card stopped rotating and landed right side up.
Chazz: Oh come on.
Sartorius: Looks like fate is on my side.
Swords rained down from the sky and pierced Chazz's monster, destroying it.
Sartorius: And now I summon Knight of Pentacles in defense mode.
Level 3/Earth/Warrior
ATK & DEF 1000
The monster appeared and an image of its card appeared above it before beginning to spin.
Chazz: This again?
Sartorius: Indeed. If it lands right side up, Knight of Pentacles cannot be destroyed by battle, but if it lands upside down, it cannot attack and will be destroyed as soon as it is attacked.
Chazz: Okay, stop!
It stopped turning and was right side up.
Chazz: Again?
Sartorius: It seems fate has abandoned you Mr. Princeton. I end my turn.
Chazz: I draw! And I play the spell Graceful Charity, so now I can draw 3 cards as long as I discard two. And I predict I'm gonna kick your butt, 'cause I play the trap Level Modulation, so you draw 2 cards and I summon Armed Dragon LV 7 from my graveyard.
Level 7/Wind/Dragon
ATK 2800/DEF 1000
Chazz: And now I sacrifice him to summon the mighty Armed Dragon LV 10!
Level 10/Wind/Dragon
ATK 3000/DEF 2000
Chazz: Now I play the trap Ojama Trio, which will summon three Ojama Tokens to your field in defense mode.
Level 2/Light/Beast
ATK 0/DEF 1000
Sartorius: These are the monster spirits connected to his soul.
Yellow: Get us out of here boss! This guy is creeping us out!
Chazz: You won't have to be there for long. I activate Armed Dragon LV 10's special ability! By sending a card in my hand to the graveyard, all your monsters are destroyed, including your Knight of Pentacles.
Ojamas: Say what?!
Chazz: Armed Dragon, destroy them all with Sonic Roar!
His dragon let out a powerful roar that sent shockwaves through the air at Sartorius' monsters, destroying them all.
Chazz: Something I forgot to mention, when Ojama Tokens are destroyed, you take 300 points of damage for each of them, meaning you take 900 points of damage.
Sartorius: 3100 LP
Chazz: Now Armed Dragon, attack him directly with Static Orb Thrust!
Armed Dragon LV 10 created a ball of energy in his hand before launching it at Sartorius, taking away almost all of his life points.
Sartorius: 100 LP
Chazz: I end my turn. So, you ready to talk now?
Sartorius: You haven't defeated me yet. Let's see what destiny has in store for you. I play the spell Selection of Fate. Now you must choose a card in my hand at random, and if you select a monster card, I can summon that monster directly to my field.
Chazz: You're gonna make me walk all the way over there again?
Sartorius: What's wrong, I thought we were friends.
Chazz: Could you get any creepier?
Yellow: Don't do it boss!
Chazz: Buzz off, I can handle this freak show.
Chazz walked over to Sartorius' table and picked the card in the center of his hand. Sartorius held it up, revealing Arcana Force XII - The Hangman.
Chazz: You've gotta be kidding me!
Sartorius: Didn't I tell you Chazz, this Hangman card represents you. You see, it wasn't a card trick after all, it was destiny. Fate intended you to choose it, and fate intended you to pay the price.
Level 6/Light/Fairy
ATK & DEF 2200
Sartorius: Since the card revealed by Vision was played, you lose 1000 life points.
Chazz: 3000 LP
Sartorius: Now it's time to tempt the hands of fate once again. The card will spin until you say stop, and if it lands right side up, my monster will be destroyed, and I will suffer its attack points as damage. However, should it land upside down, your dragon will be destroyed, and you will suffer its attack points as damage. Go ahead, the future is in your hands now, or so you think.
Chazz: I have a 50/50 chance. If it lands right side up, I win, but if it lands in reverse, I lose. Alright, stop!
The card stopped turning and landed in reverse.
Chazz: No!
A bright light glowed underneath his monster and it was destroyed.
Sartorius: You see, it was all in the cards. Thanks to them, I now know what you fear the most: Failure. You see, the cards tell me there's a rival you've been trying to defeat, however you have been unable to do so. The Hangman represents turmoil. On the outside you're quite confident, but on the inside, you lack faith in yourself. You think perhaps your rival is too strong.
Chazz: Give me a break. I mean who's stronger than me? Wait, could he mean Jaden? Grr, you're messing with my head.
Sartorius: It's difficult to hear the truth, isn't it? But trust me my friend, when you open your eyes to the light, your fears shall become a thing of the past. Accept your destiny Chazz, the Society of Light awaits you. You must embrace the Hangman in order to conquer it. Join me and stand by my side. Together you and I will walk into the light.
Chazz: But, Jaden's my friend.
Sartorius: You've come so close, you can't turn back now. Finish what you've begun. Don't you want to be strong? To conquer your greatest fears, to conquer Jaden? It's all within your grasp.
Chazz: I-I don't know.
Sartorius: You do know, but the two sides of your soul are struggling for control. Each of us has two faces, one that's dark, and one that can see the light. Embrace the light within, you're so close.
Chazz: Alright, help me! Show me the light!
Sartorius: As you wish.
Limbs shot out from the trees and grabbed Chazz's legs before lifting him in the air and turning him upside down.
Chazz: 0 LP
Winner: Sartorius
Yellow: We'll save you boss!
Sartorius: I think not.
A bright light shone from his eyes and the ojamas disappeared.
Later on, Sartorius was performing a tarot reading in his office, pleased with having turned Chazz to his side.
Sartorius: The soul of the hangman is now mine. However, the one I truly want eludes me.
As he shuffled his deck, a card fell out of it and landed on the ground.
Sartorius: The Wheel of Fate is in reverse. The tide is turning.
The next morning, Chazz had returned to the Slifer dorm, albeit with a notable change in appearance.
Syrus: What's with the new outfit Chazz?
Chazz: It's more than just an outfit. I finally woke up, and I've seen the light, The Society of Light. It holds all the answers. Hahahahahahaha!