I am feeling dizzy and it seems there is something hard against my head. My vision feels hazy I could barely see what's in front of me. Suddenly I feel my body shaking. No, I feel someone shaking my body.
"Mmmm" I grumble as my conscious mind still not catching up.
Slowly my vision gaining more and more clarity, it was an unknown scenery. It was quite large room with desk and chair, and there were many people wearing jacket with color red surrounding me. I don't recognize this place. But somehow there is nagging feeling that I have seen this somewhere
'Is this some kind of office building or seminar room.'
"Hey, you. Finally awake." A person beside me who was shaking my body interrupt my thought and brought me closer to reality.
I turn to their direction and seeing a young man wearing red colored jacket with awkward smile that and a pissed off man wearing regal blue uniform beside him, which I assume the person shaking me and waking me up.
"Trying to sleep off the class, like the Slifer slacker right here." The pissed off man pointed the young man. "All of you Slifer slackers were indeed hopeless, one failed to explain what Field Spell entail and other sleep off the class." He huffed indignantly, showing a clear dismay.
'Slifer slackers? Wait where is this?' I search surrounding and something clicked. 'I have seen this scenery. Isn't this Duel Academy, does that mean I am in GX? Damn! Out of everything I was transported to I was sent to GX. Out of every Master Rule Format Anime GX and ZeXaL was the one which I know the least, last time I know GX was Spirit Caller game decade ago. Wait does that mean the man was Crowler?'
"But Professor, knowing thing did not actually have bearing on real Duel right?" The young man beside me interrupt, which I inwardly thankful. "After all, I am also Slifer Red and I beat you in a Duel." The young man boasts. Which only agitate the blonde man further, I could see he was seething.
My brain still trying to catch up.
'That means I sat beside Jaden and on the other side of him was Syrus.'
As I look back at Professor Crowler looking more and more pissed and return to board and continue the teaching.
"Thanks for covering me." I thanked Jaden and Syrus do the same.
My head still hurt and I feel dizzy. It's better to go to infirmary.
"Anyone know where is the infirmary?" I asked.
"Are you okay? You seem off" Ask Syrus, with concerned look.
"Yeah, you look terrible. As I said don't mind Crowler words too much." Jaden chirp in
"Thanks, I just got headache."
"If you say so." Jaden responded with doubt. "Infirmary should be down the hall and down to lower floor."
As I go to Infirmary, I was greeted by a woman wearing a white jacket with blue trim and a red skirt.
'If I recall she was Ms Fontaine, the one who's in charge of female obelisk blue dorm.'
"Excuse me young man over there, what is your purpose hanging around there?" She scanned me as if I am a suspicious person. "You are Slifer Red student, right? Shouldn't you be in class?"
"I am sorry, I am feeling unwell and my head hurt mind if I take a rest. If possible, an aspirin." I explained to her.
"Very well, please do note that I am going to examine you first and verify it. Remember if you caught lying to skip off class there will be more severe consequences." She warned as she gestures to take a seat for measurement. "Hmm, temperature normal, but a higher blood pressure. Did you pull all-nighter?"
"Not that I recall ma'am."
"Very well what is your name? I'll log it in Infirmary log."
"Yes, my name is…" Suddenly my head feel heavy and my body fall down as I lost consciousness.
'Where am I?' I questioned myself.
All I see is something Hazy, as if I was lost in a mist. I try to walk further and further. As I go deeper to the mist I see some kind of silhouette, it has a lean elongated shape like a serpent. Not it was larger than a regular snake, and it float. Suddenly the eye of the silhouette starts to shine. I was stunned as if a deer in the headlight.
'Don't be afraid young man." The silhouette starts to speak; the voice is loud but blurred. As if lost within the mist.
"Who are you? Where is this place? What did you know?"
"Be patient, I will explain what I know. Though introduction is in order. My name is Ragnarok, one of the divine dragons."
"Divine Dragon Ragnarok, as in the card?"
"Indeed, the one who was inscribed into the card in this world." The Dragon Spoke
"Heh, heh, heh, Is this even real, like everything feel like a dream to me. Like all of this was just fiction right…? I mean talking with card and attending Duel Academy nothing feel like real, as if I was in fictional story." I desperately rationalize, yet desperation and unfamiliarity make me appear as Irrational instead.
"Indeed, it was a dream, your dream to be precise. However, I assure you this world and its habitant as real as they come. It seems your existence was brought upon to this world." The Dragon spoke through the mist. "To us your existence was the one that could be called unreal, at least from a certain prespective. Perhaps it was fate. There is sense of foreboding toward future after you come to be. Your existence is interesting, as such we would like to extend an offer to you."
"Me? Unreal? Also Brought upon? does that mean I am transported? or did I die?" I started to panic as I start to doubt my own existence.
"Calm down young man!" The dragon sternly spoke
"…"
"It is true that I say you feel unreal to us, however that does not mean you are not real. That just comparison on how each of us initially perceive each other, as much you feel this world does not real, so did we to your sudden existence." There is a little pause, as if sighing in regret or misspoke. "But do not be discouraged, as you can feel that this world and your entire being, and it was enough to be real for both of us. That being said I regret to inform you that I cannot give you answer regarding on how you brought upon this world." The Dragon explained.
"So…?" I asked with mind filled with confusion and uncertainty.
"As I said we divine dragons want to extend you an offer."
"What do you mean by an offer?" I asked with worried tone
"Make contract with us." The dragon replied.
'What? it feels like Kyubey.' Inwardly I remark. "Contract? What contract, in fact why me?" I inquire further.
"We offer you our assistance and power, the more you prove yourself to us and our interest. The more benefit and power from us we will confer to you." He paused as if waiting for me to understand. "As for the reason we choose you. Your current condition is unknown variable to us, whether you will have big or small role has yet to be seen. However, you could say it was insurance for us."
"So, what is your benefit in doing this to me, you said you have interest vested in this right?". I ask skeptically.
"Doing so we will accompany you in your journey, but we also gain benefit if need arise to act, we will be at the fore front of things. Of course, we expect your cooperation if things go into undesirable development." The Dragon explains again through silhouette.
'Do I really have a choice, accepting this mean I would be dragged to craziness that is GX. Indeed, if left alone Jaden would probably still win and everyone still get to the end. However, with me being here there is no telling I could be the one who is not safe, after all a small nudge to a timeline can alternate it forever.' I contemplate for a bit. 'There is no guarantee acting as side line character guarantee my safety, I guess better to have more ally than not.'
"Can I ask something then?" I asked the silhouette in front of me
"Of course, ask away."
"What do you want from me, obviously there is something that you want other than being in the forefront?"
"Hmm, ever doubtful or prudent. A commendable trait, our objective is to keep the condition favorable to us, and believe me we prefer peace rather than world breaking event contrary to our namesake."
"Very well, I accept your term."
"Excellent." The Silhouette eye's gleam as he exclaims.
The Mist receded and the silhouette come closer and become clearer. The serpentine outline of a white elongated dragon appears before my eyes, with two other dragons accompanying him. One of them was a dragon wreathed in flame that engulf its entire body, I could feel heat radiated from it though not to the point I feel burnt. The other dragon also has elongated serpentine shape. A metallic white scale and a mane made out of blue flame.
"We will be the one amongst many who will accompany you in your journey, prove yourself and many other will lend their strength to you."
As the dragon appear they fade into light and enter my deck. At the same time my vision also become blur.
When I regain consciousness what I see was a female teacher looking concerned but apprehensive. She came closer and came to check at me.
"Ahh. You are finally awake."
"Where am I, umm miss?"
"Fontaine, Fonda Fontaine. As for your current whereabout you are currently in infirmary. I was concerned that you suddenly collapse, I was observing your condition as I ask some student to help me carry you to the bed." She paused. "Thankfully nothing wrong from my initial check and I figure it was exhaustion of some sort, if you don't wake up, we are planning to move you to more abled room in the medical faculty in the building. Luckily you have regained consciousness."
"I see…"
"Did you feel something wrong, you said you have a headache before, but your medical record did not give any indication of prior brain injury."
"No Ma'am probably just exhaustion." I replied. 'Well not that I can tell I was visited by Duel Monster spirit and told that my existence was foreign to this realm.' I inwardly sigh.
"Very well, you may use the bed to take rest if you still feel exhausted." The teacher offered.
"Coincidentally I need to leave as next class for Slifer Red is P.E. Can I trust you to take rest here and not wander around?"
"Will do ma'am." I answered quickly
"Very well then take care."
The school is over and I manage to wear off some exhaustion and walk to Slifer Red dorm.
'Tsk, nothing against the student, but Slifer means getting butt end of luck in this academy when it comes to facility.'
'Wait what is my name in this world again?' I checked my PDA and what name it was registered under. [Erde August]. 'Yup totally not my own name, whoever sent me here sure make some adjustment.'
I look over my PDA again to look where my dorm room number is. After confirming the number, I head inside the dorm. 'It sure is small.' As I approach the designated room a young man with brown hair greeted me.
"Yo, heard that you collapse after class." The brown-haired young man greeted. "Are you ok now?" ask out of concern.
"Thank you I am fine right now." I replied. "…what was your name again?" I ask, with a tinge of guilt.
"Natsuo, it's Natsuo. How bad is your head to the point where you forget your own roommate, don't tell me you forget Ryota too?" he asks incredulously with a sense of confusion and concern mixed in.
"Sorry, I am just not in a good headspace, need to gather my thought I guess."
"Speaking of the devil." Natsuo said as he looks at another direction. Another young man with black hair wearing Slifer Red's jacket can be seen waving his hand toward us.
"Oh, you already discharged?" The boy named Ryota asked me.
'Guess I will be constantly asked about it today.' I think to my self
"Thankfully, I am fine. The Nurse deem it was fine." I replied
"Well, take as many rests as you need." Ryota shrugs.
Natsuo give Ryota sidelong glance. "So Ryota, where have you been?"
"Taking stroll, going outside on evening can be dangerous after all."
As it stands, we have a small talk without even entering our room first. Nothing seems out of ordinary, but I can see their reluctance to bring up topic of my collapse.
'Guess they are trying to be considerate.' I think to myself.
As I spent times talking with them, I see Jaden run toward the dock. I worried something wrong might happened so I excuse myself and run after Jaden.
"Oi, where do you think you are going? it was already dark." Ryota as he saw me run toward Jaden.
"Don't worry, I know the risk." I try to assuage them.
"Don't say that didn't warn you." Natsuo said as he shook his head.
Huff, huff. My breathing is heavy as I exert my body without warming up first. My entire body aches.
"Finally caught up," I huff as I reach Jaden, who is trying to untie the rope anchoring a wooden boat.
Jaden looks at me, confused as to why I'm here. Frankly speaking, it's a standard reaction - after all, he just saw someone running to catch up with him without knowing why.
"You're… Ah, the sleepy boy from this morning. If I recall, your name was Erda, right?" he asks.
"According to my student ID, it's Erde. *Huff, huff*," I reply. "So, what are you doing running towards the dock?" I ask again as I try to catch my breath.
"You ran all the way here just to ask that?" Jaden looks even more confused.
"Yes, I did. Seeing someone running towards the dock at night is bound to make someone suspicious, so I might as well ask what happened."
Jaden contemplates for a moment, looking reluctant. He looks at me again, seemingly coming to a conclusion.
"Can you promise not to tell anyone else?" he demands.
"Yes, I promise."
Jaden sighs. "Actually, someone told me they have Syrus and asked me to meet them in the girl's dormitory."
"What?! Was he kidnapped?" I ask in surprise.
'Damn, I don't remember all the plot of GX. When and who kidnapped Syrus again?' I rack my brain for any details I can recall, but to no avail.
"I guess he is, that's why I am in a hurry." Jaden explained
"Let me come with you," I say.
"Huh? Why?" Jaden asks.
"Well, they didn't say you had to come alone, right?" I explain.
'As much as I don't want to get involved, I can't perfectly recall the plot of GX so it's better to stick with Jaden. Pretty sure this is season 1. Hopefully Syrus isn't in the hands of the Shadow Riders at the moment.' I thought to myself
"Well, I guess there is no harm in it." Jaden shrug "hop in!"
With that both of us row the boat to Girl's dormitory
As we arrive and dock our boat at the pier near the girls' dormitory, we see three girls and Syrus tied up with a rope. The three girls look displeased and Syrus looks distressed.
'Wait, that's Alexis and her two friends, right? What are their names again? If I recall it was Jasmine and Mindy. Damn! I forget who is Jasmine who was Mindy'
Jaden and I get out of the boat and approach them.
"Syrus, what's going on here?" Jaden asks.
"I think we should direct our questions to the three ladies holding the rope," I point out. "Also, what's the deal with the kidnapping?" I inquire.
"Kidnapping?! Hardly. We're just apprehending a criminal," the brown-haired girl answers, clearly offended. "Did you know he was peeping at the girls' bath?" she continues.
"Yeah, if word gets out, he'll get expelled, you know," the black-short-haired girl adds.
"As I said, I'm not a peeping tom," Syrus complains.
"Pardon me, but are you sure it wasn't just a misunderstanding of some sort? I mean, Syrus peeping at girls? I'm not sure he has the guts to do that," I say, trying to defuse the situation, only to seemingly offend Syrus.
"Hey!" Syrus complains at me.
"Oops, sorry. I didn't mean to offend you," I apologize to Syrus.
The girl in the center starts to smirk and looks at Jaden.
'I recognize that look. She must be Alexis. Does that mean this will be Jaden's first duel against Alexis?' I wonder. 'Well, that means everything will be resolved without much issue.'
"Hey you, how about we Duel? If you win, I will overlook this incident." Alexis challenged.
"I don't know what's going on but if Duel you want then I'll accept." Jaden answered, a fierce competitive spirit reflected in his eyes
"Wait!" the brown-haired girl interrupts. "Lexy, if you're going to duel him, how about we duel the rest of the boys too? After all, the numbers match," she continues.
"As I said, I wasn't peeping," Syrus complains again.
"Oh, please shut up. We're already being merciful enough by giving you this kind of deal," the black-haired girl shoots back at Syrus.
"What's your motive for all of this? Jaden has credentials for defeating Doctor Crowler, but the rest of us don't have any credentials whatsoever. Do you have another objective?" I ask, doubting their intentions.
"Does it really matter? Your friend's fate is in our hands after all," the brown-haired girl replies.
"Hmm, how about teaching a peeping tom and his friends a lesson? Will that suffice for you?" the black-haired girl says with a sinister but mostly playful smile.
"Well, I guess we have no choice." I sigh in resignation, then I look at Syrus "Let's do our best then." I turn my face at the girl's and ask "So how will we proceed?"
Alexis then claps her hands. "How about it, each of us will face one person as a team. The team with most point will be the winner."
"Well fine by me." Jaden said. "So, you will be my opponent, right?" He looked at Alexis. "Syrus, Erda, I trust you guys can do it." He said to us as he gave smile and thumb up.
"It's Erde Jaden." I deadpanned.
"Well, I will face peeping tom here, looking at it again he kinda cute like a small animal." The black-haired girl said.
"I am not peeping tom or animal." Syrus complained, though he blushed when he was called cute.
I shake my head on the scene unfolding before me. I glance the last remaining girl who have indignant gaze toward me.
"Guess I am facing you then." She said dejectedly. "I know you are Slifer Red, but try not to lose too early."
'Wow clearly Slifer Red's reputation at work.' I smile wryly. "So, who is your name, my name is Erde."
"Jasmine, the one who will Duel that shorter boy over there is Mindy, lastly the one who will Duel the boy called Jaden over there is Alexis." She replied in a disinterested tone. "Can we start now."
"Very well."
Each of us start taking our own small boat and rowing them to more spacious area.
'Duel on the boat, not sure my debut Duel was going like this.'
"Duel"," Duel"
Turn 1: Jasmine's Turn
"I'll go first. Draw!" Jasmine said
"I summon [Maiden of the Aqua] in Defense mode." (Aqua - WATER - Lv: 4 - ATK/DEF: 700/2000). A female humanoid with blue hair emerges, holding a trident, then immediately takes a defensive stance.
"I activate the effect of [Maiden of the Aqua]. As long as she is on the field and no field spell exists, I can treat the field as if [Umi] was on the field," she declares. Suddenly, water bursts forth like a deluge and turns the surface of the battlefield into an ocean.
"Then I Set 2 Card Face-Down. Turn End"
Turn 2: Erde's Turn
"Draw!" I glance at card I draw.
'I have six cards, [Masked Dragon], [Element Dragon], [Dragon's Gun Fire], [Next to be Lost], [Stamping Destruction], [Dragon's Rage]'
'Unfortunately Nothing that Can Defeat [Maiden of the Aqua], I guess I'll take defensive for now. Depending what Jasmine's next move, I need to adjust accordingly.'
"I summon [Masked Dragon] (Dragon - FIRE - Lv: 4 - ATK/DEF: 1400/1100) in defense mode. Then I activate [Stamping Destruction]"
[Masked Dragon] leap and stomp one of Jasmine's cards. It was [Poseidon Wave], the shockwave shatters the card and send shockwave to Jasmine.
(Jasmine's LP: 4000 - 3500)
"Kuh, to think you would be the first to take life point in this duel." Jasmine gritted her teeth
"Next I activate [Dragon's Gun Fire], I can only choose the first to Inflict 800 Damage."
[Masked Dragon] open its mouth and forming a fireball that shot at Jasmine.
Jasmine brace herself for the flame. "Kuhh, not bad for a Slifer."
(Jasmine's LP: 3500 - 2700)
"I also set 2 card Face-Down then End my turn."
Turn 3: Jasmine's Turn
"My turn! Draw!"
"I summon [Mermaid Knight] in attack mode." (Aqua - WATER - Lv: 4 - ATK/DEF:1500/700). A red-haired mermaid wielding a sword a shield appears before Jasmine.
"Then I activate [Umi], with this this field become a true ocean."
[Mermaid Knight] (ATK/DEF:1500/700-1700/900).
[Maiden of the Aqua] (ATK/DEF:700/2000-900/2200).
"[Mermaid Knight] Attack [Masked Dragon]." As she commanded the red-haired mermaid rush toward my dragon. "I also activate trap card [Meteor Rain] and from my hand, I activate spell [Rush Recklessly] which raise [Mermaid Knight] ATK (ATK:1700-2400)" The mermaid swings her sword and cleave the red-colored dragon in two. "With that you take piercing damage."
(Erde's LP: 4000- 2700)
"I activate effect [Masked Dragon] which let me summon another dragon, I summon [Masked Dragon] (ATK:1400)."
"Heeeh, so you know mermaid's knight effect, good enough for Slifer. However, you underestimate Obelisk Blue Student. If you think you can win with just knowing." Jasmine's Gaze become fiercer. "[Mermaid Knight] Attack the second [Masked Dragon]." Once again, the attack destroys the [Masked Dragon]
(Erde's LP: 2700- 1700)
"Once again, I activate [Masked Dragon]'s effect I summon the third [Masked Dragon] in Attack position." (ATK:1400)
"Very well, let's see what you can do with that board. You have 2 Face-Down card and didn't use any of it. Should I start worrying?" She taunted. "Turn End."
[Mermaid Knight] ATK (ATK: 2400-1700)
Turn 4: Erde's Turn
"My turn! Draw!"
'I draw a [Generation Shift], Not a card that I can use right now. Even then I still have a move.'
I heard something and suspend my turn.
"Aaargh". As I turn around, it was the sound of Syrus seemingly getting hit. I look at Syrus LP depleted after getting hit by a Fat Bunny with a comically big carrot.
"Oi Syrus are you Okay?" I ask worriedly.
"Rabbit, bunny so many bunnies." Syrus answer dizzily.
"Guess I'll take that as NO."
"Well one strike against your team I guess." Jasmine shaking her head as she gave me pitiful look
"I summon [Element Dragon] in Attack mode (Dragon - LIGHT - ATK/DEF:1500/1200), Because there is a FIRE monster on the field it gains ATK (ATK: 1500-2000). [Element Dragon] attack [Mermaid Knight]." The dragon unleashes a luminous flame breath that incinerated Jasmine's mermaid.
(Jasmine's LP: 2700 - 2400)
"Nice Effort, but you still cannot break through my defense." Jasmine, commended.
"1 Set 1 Card and end my turn."
Turn 5: Jasmine's Turn
"Aaaah…" Another scream sound on the adjacent of my place.
'Oh, come on, now what?!' I inwardly curse. I look around and
I see Jaden manage to defeat Alexis and fell her to her Knee.
"Lexy!" Jasmine quickly looks at her friend's direction with surprised and concerned look
"I am fine, just concentrate on your duel." Alexis replied as she quickly gets off her feet and stand up.
"Yo, Erde. You are the last remaining, win one for the team will ya?" Jaden said to encourage me.
"Don't get cocky, my board is still impenetrable and my counter attack start's here." Jasmine refutes
"My turn! Draw!" She impatiently draw her card.
"My counter attack start's now. First, I activate pot of greed to draw 2 cards." Jasmine looked at the card she draws then smile. "Then I activate [Stop Defense] to target your [Masked Dragon]." My [Masked Dragon] was forcibly get up from defensive stance. (DEF:1100-ATK:1400).
"Next, I will special summon [Aqua Spirit] (Aqua - WATER - Lv: 4 - ATK/DEF:1600/1200). by banishing [Mermaid Knight] and place it in attack mode (ATK:1600-1800)." A blue skinned female water spirit emerges from the ocean. "Battle! [Aqua Spirit] attack [Masked Dragon]." The water spirit gather water into condensed sphere and shot it toward the red-colored dragon. The dragon shatter and the splash and shock wave push me a little bit.
(Erde's LP: 1700- 1300)
"With this your [Element Dragon] will have its attack reduced (ATK:2000-1500). You don't have any monster to break through my monster. Even if you summon fire monster you still can't defeat my monster superior defense. Next turn will be your end."
"Unfortunately for you next turn will not by my end." I simply declared. "I activate [Masked Dragon]'s effect to summon a dragon from my deck. Come my trusted monster [Divine Dragon - Excellion] (Dragon - LIGHT - Lv: 5 - ATK/DEF:1500/1200). With this card I came closer to victory."
A white dragon surrounded with flaming bluish aura appear on my field. (ATK:1500)
"You really think that a level 5 monster with 1500 ATK point will turn the tide of battle, color me disappointed." Jasmine scoffed.
"Well, a monster is not solely judged by their ATK or DEF, who know what kind effect they bring. They might surprise you." I taunted back.
"Is that so, let us put the theory to test then. I set 1 card Face-Down, Turn End." Jasmine smiled confidently.
'Just what is the Face-Down card she has?' I noted Inwardly.
Turn 6: Erde's Turn
"My Turn! Draw!" I see the card I draw, then smile.
"I'll wipe that smug smile off your face," Jasmine said, her voice dripping with defiance. "I activate effect of [Aqua Spirit], with this I can change battle position of your monster and make them unable to change it until next turn, I choose [Element Dragon]." [Element Dragon] was enveloped in water and forced to change to defense position.
I sigh in relive that I am not moved from my advantageous position.
"Why did you think that was the end of it?" Jasmine said smugly. "I activate [Ring of Destruction] and target your so-called trusty monster." A metallic collar surrounded by explosive collared itself toward [Divine Dragon - Excellion]. "Now blow to smithereens along with your monster!"
An explosion triggered at the position of [Divine Dragon - Excellion], it's ensuing effect will damage her own life point while depleting my remaining life point.
"I quickly activate [Generation Shift] and [Next to be Lost]," I responded without hesitation.
As the dust in the aftermath settled [Divine Dragon - Excellion], was nowhere to be seen, yet my LP and her LP stay same.
"What?! How?!" Jasmine exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock and disbelief.
"Of course, because I activate two of my trap cards before yours goes off." I smiled. "With [Next to be Lost] I sent the other copy of [Divine Dragon - Excellion] to grave and with [Generation Shift] I destroy [Divine Dragon - Excellion] on my field to add another copy of [Divine Dragon - Excellion] to my hand and rendering target invalid."
"So, you managed to survive the explosion," Jasmine said, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness despite her attempt to sound impressed. "However, my field is more than enough to protect me, you only have [Element Dragon] and [Divine Dragon - Excellion] in your hand need 1 tribute, surely you won't be able to change the fact that my field is beyond your reach." she said, her voice steady but with a slight tremble betraying the cracks in her facade of confidence.
"We'll see about that." I keep smiling as I feel my victory are within reach.
'She has no card left in hand or back row. My element Dragon cannot change battle position that means there is nothing left to fear.'
"I activate spell card [Stamping Destruction] to target [Umi] on your side of field."
[Element Dragon] stomp the ground and generate shockwave that travel and blow Jasmine backward few steps, however due to the fact that [Maiden of Aqua] is on the field it was treated as if there is [Umi], as such the projection of Solid Vision of the battlefield is still ocean.
[Aqua Spirit] (ATK/DEF:1800/-1600/1400); [Maiden of Aqua] (ATK/DEF:900/2200-700/2000)
(Jasmine's LP: 2400 - 1900)
"Now I will let you know the ability of [Divine Dragon - Excellion]. I tribute my [Element Dragon] for [Divine Dragon - Excellion]. Upon normal summon [Divine Dragon - Excellion] gain effect based on how many copies of the [Divine Dragon - Excellion] in my Graveyard. Which mean I get to choose 2 effects."
"Don't tell me you planned all of this from the very beginning?!" she exclaimed; her voice laced with dread as the realization that she had been outplayed began to sink in.
"Not exactly, but it feels good when you need your card in position where you need them."
"I choose following effect: Gain 1000 ATK and Inflict damage to opponent equal to their ATK when destroying monster."
[Divine Dragon - Excellion] flaming blue aura flared up. (ATK:1500-2500)
"[Divine Dragon - Excellion] attack [Aqua Spirit]." The divine dragon complies and shoot a bluish fire ball at [Aqua Spirit].
(Jasmine's LP: 1900 - 1000)
"And I activate the effect of [Divine Dragon - Excellion] to inflict damage equal to attack of destroyed monster." The secondary explosion came in after confirmed destruction of [Aqua Spirit], the shockwave travel and push Jasmine even further.
"Ah!" Jasmine let out a scream as the shockwave hit her, knocking her off her feet. I could hear the thud as she hit the ground.
(Jasmine's LP: 1000 - 0)
"Umm, are you okay?" I called out, waving my hand as I rowed my boat closer to check on Jasmine.
"I'm fine," she replied, her tone still haughty despite her fall.
I could see others approaching our position, rowing their own boats to see what had happened. Jaden was first to arrive with Alexis and other trailing behind him.
"Yo, that was a nice play. Congratulations on your win," Jaden said, patting my shoulder and grinning as he offered me a fist bump. I returned the gesture, but could only manage a wry smile as I glanced over at Syrus. He had a sullen expression on his face, being the only member of our team to lose.
'I am not good at consoling people,' I thought to myself. 'Tsk, my interference turned it into a 3 vs 3 match. I hope Syrus can bounce back from this loss soon.'
"Sorry Jay, Erde. I messed up and nearly cost us," Syrus said, his voice heavy with regret. He hung his head, feeling the weight of his mistake. It was a blow to his confidence, but he knew he had to own up to it and make things right.
"Don't worry about it, Syrus! A duel is meant to be enjoyed, right?" Jaden said, trying to cheer Syrus up with a grin.
"Yeah, don't be so hard on yourself," I chimed in, hoping to lift his spirits.
"All in all, it was a fun Duel," Jaden declared. "And as promised, I'll bring Syrus back with me."
"Please do. As per our agreement we will overlook this incident and keep it under wrap." Alexis reassured.
"Hmph, you only won because of luck. Don't get too cocky," Jasmine huffed, her anger directed at Jaden. She then turned her glare towards me, causing me to avert my gaze. "That one duel was just a fluke. One day, I'll defeat you," she declared with determination.
"Jasmine, calm down," Alexis said, turning to her friend with a gentle reprimand. "Let's not be sore losers."
"But…" Jasmine started to object; her frustration still evident.
"No, she might be right. Alexis you are strong duelist." Jaden crossed his arms as he gives a sincere compliment. Which earn him smile from Alexis.
'I have to admit, Jasmine played well. If she had saved her [Rush Recklessly] card for a counterattack instead of rushing to deplete my life points, she might have won. But I'll keep that thought to myself for now. I don't want to risk offending her any further,' I thought to myself.
"Let's Duel again sometimes." Jaden said as parting word.
After wrapping up our business with Syrus, the three of us made our way back to our cozy Slifer Red Dorm.
'Today has been hectic,' I thought to myself as I opened the door to my room. My two roommates were already there, sitting in their chairs.
"Yo," Natsuo greeted me with a wave. "How was your little trip?" he asked in a relaxed tone.
"Chaotic and hectic, I guess," I replied with a tired smile.
"Man, I warned you not to wander off at night. You're just asking for trouble," Ryota scolded me.
"Not as much as Jaden, I guess," I tried to deflect.
"Jaden? You mean the guy who defeated Crowler?" Ryota questioned, and I nodded in response.
"Well, that guy is definitely different from the rest of us," Tanaka chimed in. "Word of advice: unless you're strong, getting involved with powerful people will only drag you into their problems. Unless you think you can handle it, don't bother."
"Thanks for the warning," I nodded. "Well, today hasn't been kind to me, so I'm going to sleep first."
"Yeah," they both replied. "Sleep well."
With it I fell to sleep, hopefully feeling better for the morning.
Chapter END