CHAPTER FIVE: The Star Nexus Tournament Begins! / ターン 5:スター・ネクサス・トーナメント、スタート!
In the days that followed the announcement of the Star Nexus Tournament, life at Neo Duel Academy seemed to adopt a surreal quality, passing in a distorted haze. Classes and meals blended into one another, and even sleep offered little respite from the tension of the waking world.
For better or worse, the selected students had been thrust forcefully into the eyes of the public and every detail of their lives had become general knowledge. As the week wore on, graffiti messages began to appear across the school, proclaiming their support or expressing their disgust for certain students from the most unlikely places.
For Alexander and Adrienne, the King and Queen of Raviel Blue, this was nothing new. On the contrary, they seemed to thrive on the attention, turning more heads than ever as they walked confidently through the hallways. On the other hand, for those who had never suffered public scrutiny, life began to resemble a nightmare.
"Ms. Lovelace?"
Caroline blinked slightly as her name was called and turned towards the front of the room, where Professor Elrondale was waiting expectantly with crossed arms. For a moment, a dull roar filled the room as the rain pounded heavily outside.
"Yes, Professor?"
Professor Elrondale sighed and adjusted her glasses, tossing her dark pink locks with an impatient motion. She gestured to the holographic display behind her, an intricate mass of colored arrows attempting to dissect the Spell Speed mechanics of a specific situation.
"I was wondering if you could explain the first three links in this chain," she responded pointedly, in a tone that suggested she was affronted by Caroline's failure to pay close attention.
"Oh! Yes, of course!"
A few muted chuckles broke out across the room as Caroline got to her feet; she blushed furiously but did her best to ignore them, concentrating solely upon the exercise.
"In this case, the first chain is the effect of Harpies' Hunting Ground…"
When she had finished her recital she sat back down gingerly, unsure of whether or not she had interpreted the situation correctly. To her relief, Professor Elrondale nodded curtly in approval before returning to her lecture.
"Well done, although you might also consider the following situations…"
The Professor's voice faded away once more as Caroline's eyes drifted to the gloomy gray sky outside. Her expression softened for a moment as she drank in the soothing sound of the pouring rain.
A muted beep broke her reverie, followed by the sound of a ringing bell. As the rest of the students began to rise and shuffle out of the room, she gazed down at her holopad, the tool that students used to record notes and interact in class. At the top right of the screen, the message icon was flashing faintly.
As she pressed it, the anonymous message expanded to its full size, displaying a surprisingly realistic sketch.
With an unpleasant lurch, Caroline recognized herself, kneeling in the middle of a jeering crowd, hunched over from the stones they were hurling at her. Across from her, a golden crown graced Adrienne's head, viciously beautiful and disdainful in her victory.
A caption scrawled across the bottom of the drawing, inked in large letters: GO HOME, ORPHAN.
Tears dropped one by one onto the surface of the holopad, blurring the cruel illustration. After a moment, she realized they were her own; with shaking hands, she wiped her eyes.
"Caroline…?"
Suddenly Clarissa was by her side, placing a hand on her shoulder with a concerned look. Her eyes drifted towards the screen and hardened, though she said nothing. There was no need for words.
"I'm s-sorry," Caroline said after a moment, trying to regain her composure. She smiled through her tears at her friend. "It's stupid of me to react this way, isn't it?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Clarissa snapped, though her tone was gentler than usual. "They're the stupid ones—Adrienne, Alexander, whoever sent this picture… because you're going to win this tournament, Caroline! I can feel it."
Caroline smiled again, although there was no true warmth to it—clearly, she was trying hard not to cry.
"You have to stay strong," Clarissa continued, returning to her usual bossiness. "Have you prepared your Deck for tomorrow? Let's meet up at the room after class, I know I'm not very good but I can help you practice…"
Caroline nodded her head automatically while Clarissa chattered away, suddenly overwhelmed by how grateful she was at having a friend.
As the sun set on the final day before the beginning of the Star Nexus Tournament, the pressure was almost palatable and emotions were running high on all sides. The students had long since divided themselves into distinct groups, each one supporting a different set of Duelists.
Everyone seemed eager to share their opinions: Daisuke and Leon watched bemusedly as complete strangers approached them—urging them to withdraw while they still had the chance—and smiled gratefully when a few of their classmates wished them luck.
"This is really happening, huh?" Daisuke asked a few hours later, leaning against the wall and gazing out the windows towards the night sky. He was clad in an overly large t-shirt and plaid pajama pants with dark socks.
"Of course it's happening," Leon replied nonchalantly. "And about time too!"
Daisuke chuckled as he watched Leon attempt to cross the room, tripping and cursing as he wove haphazardly between piles of clothing and stacks of textbooks.
The two boys shared a second floor room in one of the old buildings cramped into the Uria Red housing complex. It was sparsely furnished—two beds, a single dresser, a narrow closet, and a small fridge. Apparently, the Residence Life Association believed that these accommodations would encourage students to work harder in hopes of obtaining better housing options. Despite the fact that neither the air conditioning or heating ever seemed to work and the shower water was always cold, however, the two boys were fond of the room. It was the only place that they could really call home.
"What's the matter, Dai?" Leon asked, hurling himself forcefully onto the mattress, ignoring its squeal of protest. "Don't tell me you're getting cold feet now? Not after you beat that punk Valerian?"
Daisuke smiled and shook his head. "Nah, it's not that," he answered slowly, shifting on his windowsill perch. "I just can't believe that we're actually here—it almost seems too perfect, if you know what I mean…"
Leon yawned and wrapped himself in several blankets until he resembled a caterpillar swathed in a thick multi-colored cocoon.
"Don't worry about it, man," he replied sleepily, curling his tall frame into a ball and facing the wall. "What does it matter how we got here? Tomorrow is the big day, it's our chance to prove that Uria Red isn't worthless…"
Daisuke nodded his agreement; a moment later, Leon's soft snores filled the room, like waves sweeping in and out of the sea. He looked down silently at the cards in his hand, taking comfort in the fact that his Deck had never failed him yet.
A dazzling flash of movement from the corner of his eye caught his attention; looking back towards the sky, he watched in amazement as the largest shooting star he had ever seen arched across the heavens, it silvery brilliance putting the crescent moon to shame.
Daisuke closed his eyes and tightened his grip on his Deck, making a simple but fervent wish. He waited for a moment, his heart pounding, his mind bursting with the star's light and his ears filled with the sounds of Leon's nocturnal chorus. After a few seconds, he relaxed and stood up, moving about as quietly as possible as he brushed his teeth and prepared for bed.
There was a soft click and then the lights faded slowly, leaving the room in darkness.
Almost directly across the campus, deep within the elaborate complex that housed Raviel Blue students, Adrienne was also watching the shooting star. A cool wind picked up as she leaned forward against the railing of the balcony, but she paid it no mind. For once, her dark gaze was soft as she allowed her mind to drift, remember the last time she had seen a shooting star.
Make a wish, Adrienne, a male voice reminded her cheerfully, the sound ringing from the depths of the distant past.
I wish…! came the obedient reply, the childish voice high with excitement and expectation, as if somehow inherently entitled to everything that was wonderful in life.
Adrienne laughed softly in derision and stood from the rail, her blue-black hair rippling in the breeze.
"Wishes are for fools," she hissed, her eyes narrowing as she watched the shooting star disappear over the horizon. "And I don't have time for fools."
The wind began to blow in earnest brow, broken only by the harsh thud as Adrienne returned to her room, slamming the door shut behind her.
The air seemed charged with electric anticipation as the sun climbed to its zenith in the sky above Neo Domino City. The crowed streets of the futuristic metropolis were filled with even more pedestrians than usual as Duel Monsters fanatics flooded the city, eager to share in the excitement of the Star Nexus Tournament. Those who were fortunate enough to have purchased tickets had arrived at the stadium hours ago; for those who hadn't, they were left with little choice than to remain, crowding the streets and gazing at the massive holographic displays that flashed from the sides of buildings.
This city has gone crazy! Hayden thought, utterly disapproving as he watched the crowds surge across the streets, their loud cheers wafting ahead of them on the faint breeze.
As the most organized of individuals, Hayden disliked messiness instinctively, and there was no other word suitable for describing the current situation—messy. From somewhere behind him, he heard one of the other students whistle softly in appreciation.
The students were in a circular atrium at the south end of the stadium, scattered across the room in small groups, all of them waiting for the tournament to begin. Wide windows let in the sun and also provided a handy vantage point for observing the crowds below as they gathered, their voices slightly muted through the glass.
Hayden turned away from the window and decided to take the moment to study the other participants without interruption. His blue-gray gaze moved slowly to Daisuke and Leon, glued to windows across the room, sharing awestruck glances. He passed quickly over Vera Leigh, balanced precariously on her chair, a preoccupied expression on her face as she toyed absentmindedly with a dark green tress.
He had expected Caroline Lovelace to tuck herself away in some corner, and there she was—stunningly lovely, yet clearly uncomfortable by her surroundings. He was surprised to see that Raphael had joined her, his trademark cocky smile on his face as he leaned forward and whispered to her. Although Hayden was too far away to hear, he had a pretty good idea what Raphael had said—as he watched, Caroline shook her head, looking down at her lap with painful shyness and embarrassment.
So that just leaves…
He looked towards the center table where Alexander and Adrienne were sitting, deep in animated conversation. Despite the pressure and excitement around them, they seemed cool and unruffled, as if utterly certain of their victory.
Although Alexander finally seemed to have opened up a bit, Hayden nevertheless felt goosebumps at the sight of him and the way his cold, shining eyes never seemed to change. Adrienne, on the other hand, must have somehow become aware of Hayden's gaze, for she turned suddenly in her seat and gave a slow smile and a sultry wink.
Hayden blushed furiously and adjusted his glasses automatically.
That just leaves the King and Queen, he concluded, determined more than ever to teach the arrogant pair a lesson for their treachery.
"Good morning, students. Your attention, please."
The students turned as Headmistress Shirayuri entered the room, accompanied by a middle-aged man with a bushy black mustache, dressed in an elaborate suit with coattails, practically bouncing on the balls of his feet in excitement.
"This is Yoshimura Ousuke," the headmistress said, introducing her companion with a graceful nod—as always, she seemed to exude elegance and serenity. "He'll serving as the master of ceremonies and announcer for the first rounds of the Star Nexus Tournament."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, ladies and gentlemen," Yoshimura said, bounding forward, "a real pleasure!"
He waved eagerly at all of them and then bowed deeply. Adrienne rolled her eyes but made no remark, clearly unimpressed by the display.
"It's time for the tournament to begin," Shirayuri continued, smiling faintly at Yoshimura's enthusiasm. "If you will please follow me."
She glided from the room, Yoshimura bouncing at her side, the students trailing behind them.
Headmistress Shirayuri led them through hallway after hallway, past countless closed doors, until it seemed like they were completely lost. Yet some mysterious instinct seemed to guiding her, for she never hesitated.
"Keiko-san," Yoshimura marveled, his dark eyes shining. "After all these years… you still know this place like the back of your hand! I'm impressed!"
"Don't be so quick with your praise," she replied with a smile. "I must have played a hundred matches here, it's no great accomplishment that I still remember how to get around."
She finally came to a halt before one of the closed doors and turned towards the students. Nearby, two tunnels branched off, marked by the inscriptions above each doorway: PLAYER ONE and PLAYER TWO.
"The other participants are waiting inside," she said. "As you may be aware, some of them are previous Academy students. However, alumni or not, all of them are professional Duelists—that means that they'll fight with all their power to secure victory, and I expect you to do the same."
Her gaze softened as she regarded the group and a slightly maternal expression appeared on her features.
"Remember who you are and what you represent," she added. "And take pride in your skills as a Duelist! I wish you all the best of luck."
She swept away while Yoshimura ushered them one by one into the room.
Although he wasn't the first one to enter the room, Hayden immediately scanned the area, taking in the sight of the professional Duelists that would soon become his opponents. Like the students of Neo Duel Academy, they seemed to be a diverse group—young and old, black and white, they appeared to come from all kinds of backgrounds.
"So these are the kids, huh?"
The voice came from the far end of the room, where a muscular woman was leaning against the wall, a playful smile on her face. She was tall with beautiful black skin and violet eyes, her braided hair held back in a ponytail under a rakishly tilted cap.
Hayden blinked as he recognized Sasha Alterre, a former Raviel Blue and one of the most popular players in the professional league. At her side was an elegant man with long dark hair clad in a gray suit with a maroon cravat, scribbling furiously into a sketchpad—Edgar de Boit, the gentleman Duelist.
"That depends who's asking," Alexander replied coolly, crossing his arms. "You seem awfully young to be calling us kids."
Sasha's smile widened while one of the older men burst in laughter, roaring at the boy's nerve. At his side, a heavy-browed youth scowled in disapproval.
"You'd better watch out, Sasha," the first man chuckled, pulling on his gray-streaked beard, "that one means business!"
General McLagger, Hayden thought, recognizing the man from some of the matches he had watched as a child many years ago. Out of retirement, perhaps?
He continued his examination of the room, although he wasn't able to identify any of the other Duelists.
In addition to the sullen youth, there was was a petite young woman with porcelain skin and a high-collared, short sleeved red dress in the Chinese style, embroidered in gold. She appeared to be ignoring the newcomers, and was deep in conversation with a jovial, flame-haired young man. To the side, a veil-shrouded figure waved in a friendly manner, although only her dark eyes were visible, dancing with amusement. Finally, in the far corner of the room, three men sat in stony silence. One of them was extremely muscular with pale blond hair, clad in a black trench coat, his eyes obscured behind a pair of deep blue glasses. The other two were even more mysterious than the veiled woman, for they wore black robes and hoods that completely obscured their faces.
An odd looking bunch, if there ever was one, Hayden thought dismissively, annoyed that his results had proven less than conclusive. Despite their eccentric attire, however, it was clear that winning this tournament wouldn't be easy.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Yoshimura said, clearing his throat rather pompously, "if you would please attend to me."
The master of ceremonies flourished his arms grandly, the holographic projectors that served as his cufflinks blinking into life. A square window appeared before the group, hovering in midair, displaying the names of the sixteen participants.
"If you have no objections," he continued, twiddling his mustache once more, "I will now begin the selection process. Randomizer, activate!"
With a mechanized beeping, the display came to life, the names flashing across its surface almost too quickly to be read. Hayden blinked, slightly dizzy from trying to keep up.
"And… STOP!"
With a final beep, the randomizer came to a halt, tracing golden lines between the two Duelists that would participate in the first match.
LEON DREIDT vs. SASHA ALTERRE
The students turned as one towards Leon, who seemed rather paler than usual, if determined. His spiky dark hair bristled as he gazed across the room at Sasha, who stretched luxuriously like a cat.
"Looks like we're up," she said, flashing him a cocky smile in anticipation.
The two left the room together, although Daisuke managed to flash his friend a thumbs-up as they passed. Meanwhile, the remaining students seated themselves, only too aware of the eyes upon them.
This is certainly an interesting start, Hayden observed, watching the screens that dominated the walls of the room, displaying the sunlit stage at the heart of the stadium. He was determined to play close attention to all of the matches—it was never too early to start formulating strategies for future rounds.
Raphael, on the other hand, seemed to have reached a different conclusion.
"A Uria slacker against a former Raviel?" he yawned loudly, kicking his legs onto the table in front of him. "That's a no-brainer, wake me up when it's over, will you?"
Daisuke smiled at Raphael, although his brown eyes seemed to radiate intensity.
"Trust me," he said, "Leon's got a power that's entirely his own. He's going to fight for Uria Red with everything he's got… You won't want to miss a second of this."
Leon's steps seemed to echo unnaturally loudly as he walked down the tunnel towards the center of the stadium, his thoughts racing in anticipation of the battle that lay ahead. In spite of the confident attitude he displayed with Daisuke earlier, he was still much nervous than he would have cared to admit.
With a start, he came to the end of the tunnel, a smooth blank wall. He gazed at it in confusion for a moment, utterly nonplussed, before the floor beneath sprung into motion.
Leon muffled a yelp as the platform spiraled upwards at an alarming speed, raising him through the opening in the ceiling. When it came to a halt, he was standing at one end of the stage, while Sasha waved mockingly at him from the other.
The roars of the crowd engulfed him like a wave, echoing from all sides as hundreds of spectators cheered for their favorites, packed tightly in the stands. Leon straightened instinctively at the sound of crowd, feeling his blood surge in response. Although his nervousness hadn't vanished completely, he felt it being tempered by another feeling he knew very well—the burning desire to Duel.
"EVERYBODY, LISTEN~!"
Magnified tenfold by the stadium's elaborate speaker system, Yoshimura's voice echoed throughout the arena, cutting over the low roar of the crowds.
"The first match of the Star Nexus Tournament will now begin!" he announced. "Leon Dreidt against Sasha Alterre! Duelists, take your positions!"
"I won't go easy on you just because you're a girl," Leon called to Sasha, sliding his Deck into his Duel Disk. "I'm playing for real!"
"That's mighty sweet of you, precious," Sasha crooned in reply, clearly unimpressed. "But don't do me any favors. You'll need all of your lessons if you want to play against me!"
"DUEL!" they cried, as their Life Points soared to 4000.
AUTHOR'S Notes: Alright everyone, thanks for your patience! I'm sure some of you are getting a bit annoyed by the story's slow pace, but I tell you—good things come to those who wait! I wanted to take some time to describe the tense atmosphere at Neo Duel Academy and provide a bit more characterization for Caroline. But finally, it's time—the stage is set, in other words! I'm really happy to announce that the Star Nexus Tournament has begun, and from now on, we'll be seeing loads more action and fast-paced development, starting with a match between Leon and Sasha. I'm looking forward to the chance to narrate Leon exclusively and establish him as a character completely separate from Daisuke. Stay posted for the next chapter and please sound off in the comments below!
