Misawa's draw was swift, his eyes scanning the card with the experience of countless duels behind him.
"My turn begins," he declared with the confidence of a seasoned duelist.
The audience, a mix of Obelisk Blue elites, Ra Yellows, and curious Slifer Reds, leaned in expectantly.
Each one was eager to witness the strategies of the prodigious Ra Yellow student.
Without hesitation, Misawa played a card on his Duel Disk.
It materialized instantly: a monster card, but face-down, its true nature hidden from the crowd and his opponent.
Swiftly following this, he set two more cards, creating an imposing trio of facedown cards.
"With that, I conclude my move," Misawa pronounced, the smirk never leaving his face, clearly pleased with the intrigue he had generated.
As the crowd murmured and speculated about Misawa's play, my focus shifted from the cards to the overwhelming atmosphere of the arena.
It was suffocating, the pressure was unnerving.
Not to mention, the sheer number of spectators was staggering.
My gaze wandered over the gathered crowd.
Each face seemed to echo a silent demand: 'Show us what you're made of.'
The memory of my entrance exam duel came rushing back.
Then, I had faced only a handful of onlookers, their expectations muted, their judgment not as piercing.
But today was different.
Today, I was in the limelight, the center of the stage.
Every move and every decision would be watched, analyzed, and critiqued.
Man...
I wish the duel between Misawa and Princeton was a small ceremony compared to this.
A whirlwind of thoughts swirled in my head.
The option of forfeiting, of stepping away from the spotlight and the overwhelming weight of expectation, seemed increasingly appealing.
Just walk away, let the waves of anxiety wash over and past.
The idea was like a siren's call, tempting me with its promise of relief.
Yet, as that urge began to build, something deep within me rebelled.
An ember of determination, stoked by every challenge and adversity I had overcome, ignited into a roaring flame.
His grip on his Duel Disk tightened, fingers white-knuckled.
"No," I whispered, more to myself than anyone else. "This isn't where I fold."
This duel represented more than just a room in Obelisk Blue or even prestige.
It was about claiming opportunities given to me, so I asserted my will against the tide of doubt.
Drawing a deep breath, steadying his resolve, I reached for his deck.
It's time to answer Misawa's play, to show everyone what I got.
And well... let's hope I don't disappoint.
Drawing my card, a smile tugged at my lips.
There it was, a familiar card that Zane and I had clashed over just a few days ago.
For a moment, the surrounding noise dimmed, and all I could see was the duel I had with Zane.
That brief flashback filled me with a mixture of nostalgia and newfound confidence.
The duel may not have gone as I wanted, but it taught me a lot.
And I'm definitely fine with a DRAW.
"I activate Mystical Space Typhoon," I confidently announced, setting my sights on one of Misawa's set cards. "And I target your set card!"
As the tempestuous whirlwind of my spell circled around his face-down card, I eagerly anticipated its destruction.
But Misawa was quick to react.
"I activate Magic Jammer!" He swiftly activated from the field as he discarded A Legendary Ocean, nullifying my Mystical Space Typhoon.
The tempest dissolved, leaving Misawa's card untouched.
That move has to mean something...
What was that card he was so keen on protecting?
It has to be a key card, so I need to get rid of it as soon as possible.
Shaking off my slight frustration, I summoned my next card, "Right! I summon Grandmaster Ninja Sasuke (1800/1000) in attack mode!"
As the stealthy ninja materialized on the field, poised and ready, a certain satisfaction ran through me.
Misawa looked amused.
"That card again, Sora? It seems to be becoming one of your favorites."
I smirked, feeling a wave of gratitude and irony wash over me.
After all, it was Misawa who had given me that card in an effort to help me counter Alexis.
"Well, thanks to a certain someone's generosity," I said with a nod toward him, "it's been a game-changer. It's reliable and efficient. Why wouldn't I use it?"
Misawa chuckled with a hint of pride in his eyes.
"Glad to see it found a good home. But remember, knowing a card's strength is just as crucial as knowing its weaknesses."
I nodded.
"Yeah, I know my friend. Let's see if I can make the best of it!"
Our playful banter was a testament to our camaraderie, but beneath it, the duel's intensity was heating up.
Both of us knew the stakes, and neither intended to back down.
"Grandmaster Ninja Sasuke, attack with Shadow Sword Strike!" I commanded.
Lunging forward with a swift movement, my Ninja went straight for Misawa's facedown card.
The blade swung downwards, its gleam momentarily lighting up the field.
The card flipped up to reveal the Magician of Faith.
A soft, ethereal glow surrounded her, but she stood no chance against the might of my Ninja.
With a soft cry, she was obliterated from the field.
However, as she disappeared, the air around us shimmered, hinting at the activation of her special effect.
Right, she has the ability to recycle a spell card from the graveyard...
And I have a good idea of what that might be...
A surge of energy spiraled outwards, drawing a card back from the graveyard into Misawa's hand.
"Thanks to Magician of Faith, I retrieved A Legendary Ocean from my graveyard!" Misawa announced, holding up the card for emphasis.
My heart sank as I saw that field spell once again.
Not to mention, I was familiar with that particular field spell.
A Legendary Ocean had the potential to alter the dynamics of our duel dramatically.
"Man... This is gonna suck, huh?" I muttered to myself as I looked back at my hand.
Taking a deep breath and pushing my concerns aside, I quickly set two cards, their faces hidden from Misawa's view.
"That's the end of my turn," I declared, trying to conceal my apprehension.
Misawa, sensing the shift in momentum, drew his card with renewed vigor.
"I draw!"
Without any hesitation, he summoned the creature I dreaded facing, "Come forth, Hydrogeddon (1600/1000)!"
The quadrupedal monster emerged, water actively cascading around it, its roar resonating in the arena.
And then, the move I had anticipated...
"Now! I activate the field spell card, A Legendary Ocean!"
The terrain turned into a vast, bustling underwater landscape, the liquid expanse amplifying the monster's strength.
I watched, almost in slow motion, as the power of A Legendary Ocean surged through Hydrogeddon, increasing its attack points from a formidable 1600 to a respectable 1800.
I clenched my fists, realizing that Misawa had effectively turned the tide.
This duel will end pretty quickly if I don't deal with that field spell...
Misawa, as efficient as ever, quickly flipped over one of his set cards.
"I activate my trap card, Tornado Wall!"
With a flourish, the card's hologram sprung to life, creating a swirling vortex around his side of the field.
Ah, great...
So that's the card he was protecting.
This barrier, powered by the presence of Umi on the field, would nullify any battle damage from my monsters.
And thanks to A Legendary Ocean's trait of being treated as Umi, the trap card was in full effect.
Just when I thought Misawa was done, he played another card from his hand.
"Next, I activate the spell card, Kishido Spirit!"
The ethereal essence of a warrior materialized, enveloping Hydrogeddon in a protective aura.
And that made it invulnerable to battle destruction.
I could feel my grip tightening on my duel disk, my anxiety rising.
Misawa was clearly setting the stage for a major move.
"Hydrogeddon, attack Grandmaster Ninja Sasuke with Hydro Gust!" he commanded.
Hydrogeddon lunged forward, water trailing behind its ferocious form.
But my monster wasn't going to go down without a fight, so he dashed forward against his opponent.
There was a loud clash as the two monsters collided, and when the mist cleared, my Ninja was no longer on the field, having been vanquished by Hydrogeddon's superior power.
Misawa didn't miss a beat with the destruction of my beloved monster.
"Thanks to Hydrogeddon's effect, when it destroys a monster in battle, I can summon another Hydrogeddon from my deck!"
Another roar resonated through the arena as a second Hydrogeddon emerged, mirroring its counterpart.
They stood side by side, their presence dominating the field.
My situation had gone from challenging to dire.
Not only did Misawa have an undamaged Hydrogeddon, but he also had a fresh one ready to strike.
I needed to strategize and fast.
"I apologize for this, Sora! Hydrogeddon, attack him directly!"
As the second Hydrogeddon prepared to charge up its attack, a surge of adrenaline hit me.
I quickly played my spell card.
"I don't think so! I activate Scapegoat!"
Four fluffy tokens popped up on my field, each baa-ing innocently.
The baa-ing had made some of the Obelisk Blue Girls squeal in delight, probably due to how cute each token was.
"Kyaaah! They're soooo cuteee~!"
"So fluffy~!"
They might not look threatening, but they're lifesavers in a pinch.
Misawa chuckled, seemingly entertained.
"Ah, Scapegoat. A classic. These tokens are very useful in buying time or launching a counterattack..." He stated before focusing his gaze on them. "No matter! Attack one of the tokens, Hydrogeddon!"
The poor thing didn't stand a chance and was obliterated instantly.
But since it was just a token, Hydrogeddon's effect didn't kick in.
No more Hydrogeddons from the deck...for now.
Misawa seemed content and decided to end his turn, leaving me staring at the three remaining scapegoat tokens.
"Hmm... I set one card and end my turn."
Then for some reason, the girls started booing and jeering at Misawa, which left us both baffled.
"Hey! Why did you have to destroy such a cute fuzzball?!"
"You're a jerk for bullying that token!"
My fellow Ra Yellow looked at me with bewilderment.
"W-What did I do? How did I anger the crowd?!" He stammered as he looked around.
Right...
Girls love cute things.
And when they see someone hurt cute things, they tend to get vilified.
"Maybe you shouldn't have hurt my tokens, Misawa." I simply replied, much to his dismay.
He slumped over from the intense jeering.
"But this is a duel..."
Yeah, some girls really hate seeing cute things turn into monsters, though.
Since it was now my turn, I drew my card and felt a rush of relief seeing what it was.
Without hesitation, I declared, "I activate another Mystical Space Typhoon!"
The cyclone tore through the field and made a beeline for the field spell.
Said field spell was shredded to pieces, its watery visage evaporating into mist.
Without Umi on the field, Misawa's Tornado Wall crumbled, its protective vortex disappearing.
"Looks like the tide's turning, Misawa," I said, trying to sound confident despite the clear disadvantage I was at.
...
I kinda of wish I didn't say that now.
"I didn't expect to see another Mystical Space Typhoon!" Misawa lamented. "Looks like I would need to take this into account..."
Urgh, if I duel against him again, there's a good chance I'll lose badly.
Still, I have to keep whatever momentum I have going.
Because deep down, I knew every move would count from here on out.
Misawa might've been in the lead, but I still had a few tricks up my sleeve.
"Get ready! I activate Metamorphosis on one of my tokens!"
The field warped as I activated Metamorphosis, targeting one of my Scapegoat tokens.
The cute, fluffy creature began transforming, reshaping itself into a form that was decidedly less adorable: Thousand Eyes Restrict.
"I summon Thousand Eyes Restrict in attack mode!"
I could hear gasps and murmurs from the audience.
The Obelisk Blue girls, in particular, seemed to be taking offense.
"How could you do that to such a cute token?!" one of them shouted.
"That's just cruel!" another one hissed, looking at me with disdain.
But I didn't let the comments affect me.
Or, at the very least, I tried not to.
Hearing that from girls really does put a damper on my mood...
Still, I have a strategy in mind.
Without waiting, I commanded, "Thousand Eyes Restrict, use your effect, Absorption Force!"
The eerie, omnipresent eye of the Restrict stared down the Hydrogeddon before it sent out its many tendrils.
The water monster tried to fight against the tendrils, but it was futile, as the tendrils then brought it over to him, engulfing it entirely.
The monster became a part of Thousand Eyes Restrict, depriving Misawa of his main source of offense.
The crowd was uneasy with my monster's gruesome effect.
Hey, I don't like the looks of this card either, but man, its effect is too good to pass up!
In any case, I wasn't done, as I drew a card from my hand, revealing Zombyra the Dark.
"I summon this guy in attack, too!"
The dark warrior, clad in its characteristic purple armor wrapped with its red scarf, made its appearance on my field in an attack stance.
Zombyra the Dark (2100/500)
The crowd's reactions shifted; some cheered for the play, thankful they could do something to distract themselves from my Fusion's appearance, while the others remained silent, intently watching the match.
Zombrya's strength was known among the students, and it was my favorite card, given how it looked like a Hero monster.
With its 2100 attack, it could challenge most of Misawa's monsters.
Misawa, on the other hand, looked unfazed.
"Interesting... You might have caught up, Sora, but this duel is still up for grabs," he calmly remarked.
I grinned. "I know, Misawa. That's what makes it fun."
I eyed Misawa's set card with unease, a prickle of doubt gnawing at the edge of my confidence.
It could be a trap, something that would disrupt my flow or perhaps turn the tide of the duel in Misawa's favor.
Misawa was known for his calculative strategies and thorough game theory; that set card wasn't placed without reason.
"Should I risk it? But if I don't take the chance now, he might set up a crazier board next turn." I mumbled to myself, my thoughts running rampant.
Memories of my encounter with Zane flashed in my mind, reminding me that one wrong move against Misawa could change everything.
Deciding to act on my instinct, I mustered the courage.
"Zombrya, attack Hydrogeddon with Abyssal Punch!" I shouted.
Zombrya prepared to strike; an eerie purple mist began to rise from beneath him, wrapping around his form and setting the scene with a chilling ambiance.
His eyes, bright with a menacing red glow, stared down his opponent with a promise of doom.
Dark energy converged around his fists, forming swirling vortexes of shadows that seemed to pull in any trace of light.
The dark warrior lunged forward with supernatural speed, his fist cutting through the water dinosaur with ease.
The cheers and jeers of the audience grew louder.
As the smoke cleared, Zombyra stood tall, but his power was slightly diminished.
Zombyra the Dark (2100 - 1900/500)
(Kazuyuki 4000/Bastion 3500)
Misawa, unaffected by the hit, looked up at me, his eyes not betraying a hint of worry.
"Well played, taking my protected Hydrogeddon and using it to take out my other copy of Hydrogeddon."
I shrugged at the play I had to make.
"It was pretty much the only way forward. I can't help but feel that I am playing right into your traps. No, wait, equations."
With Hydrogeddon out of the way, an open path to Misawa himself was visible.
I could almost taste the victory.
"Well, I guess we will find out if your equation works or not. Thousand Eyes Restrict, attack Misawa directly!"
The eerie monster lunged forward, its many tentacles reaching out, landing on my opponent.
Misawa staggered, absorbing the impact, his life points dropping significantly.
(Kazuyuki 4000/Bastion 1900)
"Ugh..." He groaned as he readjusted himself.
I had managed to turn the tables, but this duel was far from over.
My heart raced as I declared, "I end my turn."
Misawa, regaining his composure, smirked.
"Impressive, Sora. But this isn't over yet." He then drew his next card.
My gut was churning – I'd made a dent, but with that single set card and whatever he'd drawn, anything could happen.
"Yeah... I figured as much. You had this planned out, didn't you?"
He nodded, still keeping his proud smirk.
"Indeed I did. This is still part of the formula."
Misawa, after setting a card, smirked and activated a spell card.
"My hand shall be replenished with this! Card of Demise!"
The card glowed brightly as he drew cards, replenishing his hand until he held five.
The audience murmured in excitement; Card of Demise was a high-risk, high-reward play that allowed him to draw until he had five cards but would force him to discard his entire hand in 5 turns.
Without missing a beat, Misawa played another card. "Now, I shall activate Double Summon!" he declared.
The spell's magic allowed him an additional normal summon for the turn.
I watched, tension building, as he began to summon the key cards of strategy.
"I summon Hydrogeddon in attack mode! Next, I summon Oxygeddon (1800/800) in attack mode!"
The two monsters stood side by side, and a sense of dread washed over me.
Their presence together always signaled something big, and I knew Misawa had set the stage for a powerful play.
I had to be prepared for whatever was coming next.
My eyes widened in realization as Misawa began his familiar combo.
This was a strategy he was known for, a combo he had developed and fine-tuned over time.
Hydrogeddon and Oxygeddon were more than just monsters; together, they formed a lethal combination.
Misawa smirked, "Remember this sequence, Sora?"
How could I forget?
He was gearing up to summon a monster that had given me nightmares in past duels I spectated.
Before I could even brace myself, Misawa began the process. "With one Hydrogeddon and one Oxygeddon on the field," he started confidently, "I can summon their combined form with..."
He raised a card up for all to see.
"Bonding - H20! Come forth, Water Dragon (2800/2000)!"
A flash of energy pulsated from his duel disk, combining the three monsters together.
They coalesced into a sky blue color, and in an instant, the intimidating form of Water Dragon took its place from the deck to the field.
Its towering presence and the sound of its roar sent chills down my spine.
The audience gasped in anticipation; they knew the stakes just got higher.
"I think you know what comes next," Misawa taunted, his eyes gleaming with a mix of challenge and excitement.
He flicked his hand to reveal his set card.
"I activate Scroll of Bewitchment! This allows me to change the attribute of a monster on the field! I choose your Thousand Eyes Restrict, and I switch it to the Fire attribute!"
The scroll appeared from the hologram card, which then sent a plume of fire, hitting my Thousand Eyes Restrict.
My monster was now scorched, and the flames covered it, but it didn't seem to react to them.
Thousand Eyes Restrict (1600 - 0/1000)
I clenched my fist, trying to maintain my composure.
Damn, I had seen Misawa play Water Dragon before, and every encounter left a lasting impression.
He used that equipped spell so he could forcibly bring my Thousand Eyes Restrict down...
My plans, strategies, and possible moves raced through my mind.
I needed to counter this, and I needed to do it fast.
Misawa's strategies were always well thought out, and with Card of Demise, he ensured that he had multiple options at his disposal.
But for now, Water Dragon was the immediate threat.
What can I do...?
Staring down Water Dragon, its power amplified against the Restrict due to the Scroll of Bewitchment, I felt a surge of anxiety.
I could practically see the smug satisfaction in Misawa's eyes as he gave the order.
"Water Dragon, attack Thousand Eyes Restrict with Rushing River Revenge!" Misawa commanded.
The Water Dragon unleashed its ferocious power, powering up its hydro beam, and then unleashed it.
My Fusion monster tried to withstand the blast, but it was futile.
In a flash, Thousand Eyes Restrict was obliterated.
The sheer force of the attack threw me back, and I could feel the weight of the damage - a hefty 2800 points.
(Kazuyuki 1200/Bastion 1900)
Crap, this is already looking pretty dicey!
Misawa didn't stop there.
"I activate Pot of Avarice!" he declared. "With this, I can select five monsters from my graveyard and shuffle them back into my deck!"
The mystical pot then allowed him to draw two more cards, fortifying his hand further.
Misawa was in control, and he was making sure I knew it.
With a confident flourish, he set another card face-down on the field, giving me a challenging look.
"Your move, Sora," he said, signaling the end of his turn.
Misawa's gaze was locked on me, a hint of curiosity evident in his eyes.
The crowd's chatter had died down to a whisper, their collective attention now fixed on the duel.
I could almost feel the weight of their anticipation pressing down on me, but my focus was laser-sharp.
There's a good chance that I will flat-out lose if I don't bring this around.
The weight of the duel pressed on me, but as I drew my next card, hope flared within.
I recognized this card, having seen Zane pull off a powerful combo with it in a previous duel.
I had even commented about its crazy game-breaking effect and potential.
It's a good thing I managed to let Zane lend me this card just this once...
With a determined grin, I set one card onto the field.
"And now," I declared, drawing attention from the crowd, "I activate Card of Sanctity!"
Misawa raised an eyebrow, a rare hint of surprise showing on his face.
"Well, look at that," he noted casually, even though the spark in his eyes betrayed his interest. "Though, you do realize I'll be drawing up to six cards too, right?"
I nodded at him as I drew the cards I needed.
"Of course, I knew that," I replied confidently as I tried to ignore the burning sensation at the back of my neck. "But... Ugh... But I'm planning on ending this duel on my turn."
Before Misawa could respond, I continued my play.
"I activate Enemy Controller, and I am tributing my Zombrya to take control of your dragon!"
The holographic projection of Zombyra disappeared, replaced with Misawa's formidable Water Dragon, now under my control.
Misawa watched intently, trying to hide his unease.
"Taking my Water Dragon, hmm? What will you do with it?"
I smirked, knowing the play I was going to make.
"Well, you'll see. Next up, from the field, I activate Magical Stone Excavation to bring Metamorphosis back from to my hand!"
As I discarded two cards from my hand, I tried to keep the gears going in my head and figure out what card I should play next.
Gotta keep the momentum going...!
The crowd leaned forward, whispers rising in a crescendo of anticipation.
Taking a deep breath to steady myself, I felt the weight of the next move.
This card could very well determine the outcome of our duel.
Here goes nothing...!
"With Metamorphosis, I tribute your Water Dragon to bring out a new Fusion Monster! I summon... Elemental Hero Inferno!"
The tides of the duel shifted dramatically in mere moments.
As Water Dragon disappeared from my side of the field, taking its place was the blazing Elemental Hero Inferno.
A blistering heatwave spread out, swirling in a crescendo of red and orange flames.
From within the fiery vortex, a silhouette began to materialize, defined by fierce, burning eyes. Its flames danced with intensity, signaling a turning point in the duel.
The flames soon coalesced around the figure, solidifying into armor that gleamed with molten intensity.
With a final explosive burst, the flames receded, revealing the might of the Elemental HERO Inferno.
Standing tall, he emanated a power so intense that the very air around him seemed to shimmer from the heat.
Murmurs rippled through the crowd, some filled with excitement, others with apprehension.
Misawa's usually calm demeanor now had a hint of uncertainty.
"What in the world...? A HERO card? And it's Elemental Hero Inferno? Why him?" He mused aloud, probably pondering over the potential strategy I had in mind.
The card's effect was niche, and it wouldn't necessarily guarantee a win in this situation yet.
Without answering, I declared, "Get ready to battle!"
My voice held a confidence, a dare for Misawa to challenge it.
"Inferno, direct attack!"
But as Inferno prepared to launch its fiery assault, Misawa interrupted with a flick from his hand.
"Not so fast! I activate Call of the Haunted!" The once-defeated Water Dragon emerged from the graveyard, standing between me and victory. "And thanks to my dragon's effect, your Inferno's attack drops to zero."
It doesn't help that Inferno's both a Fire attribute and a Pyro-type monster.
So there's no way of beating that monster if I can't get out of the field by battle.
The dragon's summon also brought forth tidal waves, which hit my monster.
Inferno was visibly weakened by the dragon's effect, its body now shimmering dark blue, signifying its loss.
Even as Inferno's flames dwindled, my determination didn't waver.
"That won't be enough to stop me! Continue the attack, Inferno!"
It's a good thing I anticipated this!
As Inferno advanced, I played another card.
"From my hand, I activate the spell card Battle Fusion! With this, Inferno will gain 2800 attack points since it's attacking your Water Dragon!"
Inferno was no longer shimmering from the dragon's effect and was restored to its prime.
Misawa gritted his teeth from the incoming damage, "That's still not enough to end this duel, Sora!"
I met his gaze and took a card out of my hand.
"You're right!" Without missing a beat, I revealed my next card. "But with Shrink, your Water Dragon's attack is cut in half!"
As the power of Shrink took effect, Water Dragon's immense form shrunk, and its power waned significantly.
Inferno, no longer dwarfed by the beast, charged forward with newfound fury.
"Thanks to Inferno's effect, Flame Surge Boost, when it attacks a Water monster, Inferno's attack increases by another 1000 points!"
The crowd gasped in collective awe.
"I see now... using various destruction spells and straightforward effects. I didn't account for this..." Misawa muttered to himself as he saw my Fusion monster standing tall.
Elemental Hero Inferno's flames roared higher and hotter, now bolstered to an overwhelming 3800 attack points.
The very ground beneath Inferno began to crack and smolder, emitting fiery particles and waves of heat.
As Elemental Hero Inferno's flames danced menacingly, poised to attack, Misawa raised a hand to halt the motion, his demeanor shifting from that of a competitive duelist to one of genuine curiosity.
"Before you proceed, Sora, there's something I need to understand," he began, his eyes searching mine for some hidden answer. "Why Obelisk Blue? Knowing your nature, seeking the spotlight isn't something you would usually do. What's driving this sudden ambition?"
The question caught me off-guard.
For a brief moment, the intense atmosphere of the duel faded, replaced by a more introspective aura.
I hesitated, memories of my turbulent past flashing before my eyes.
No... I won't let those memories taint my mind now.
I took a deep breath and responded, "I wasn't going to let this chance pass by. More than anything, I've always craved stability and peace. Something I haven't had the privilege of experiencing."
The last statement, a veiled allusion to my troubled childhood, was said more to myself than Misawa.
Not wanting to dwell on the past, I continued with a more resolute tone, "I want to make something of myself, Bastion. Even if that means stepping out of my comfort zone, taking that leap of faith into the unknown."
Misawa, or rather Bastion, as I'd just addressed him, gave a thoughtful nod. "You're ready for the next level, chap," he said with a hint of admiration.
As the tension of the duel hung palpably in the air, a question began to burn in my mind.
I couldn't help but ask, "Hey, is it just the resources of the Obelisk Blues you're after? Or is there more to it?"
Bastion chuckled, shaking his head in that methodical way of his. "You've always been curious, Sora. For me, becoming a Blue isn't just about the resources or prestige. It's a personal goal. I've been in Ra Yellow, and now, I want to prove to myself that I can reach the heights of Obelisk Blue."
He looked over our duel setup, perhaps seeing the way things were headed.
"To be honest, if this duel doesn't swing in my favor, and from the looks of it, it might not, I'll find solace in the fact that I was bested by someone of your caliber."
Then, with a pointed look, he continued, "Remember, I wasn't the one who got the Kaiser to a draw. And it wasn't me who had the guts to challenge him outright. If and when I manage those feats, that's when I'll feel truly ready for Obelisk Blue. And by then, I hope you and I can progress side by side, always pushing forward."
It was clear; our duel was about so much more than winning or proving ourselves.
It was about personal journeys, setting our own paths, and recognizing the bonds we were forging along the way.
I felt a warm rush of gratitude. "OK. Thank you, Misawa." I replied.
He waved it off, "Please, call me Bastion, my friend."
In the spirit of camaraderie, I offered, "In that case, you can call me by my first name, Kazuyuki. Or just Kaz."
Bastion smiled, accepting the gesture.
"Very well, Kaz. Let's see this duel to its end."
And with renewed determination, the duel resumed.
The crowd, having witnessed this moment of mutual respect between two competitors, cheered even louder.
The stakes felt higher, not just for victory but for personal growth and newfound friendships.
"Let's end this Inferno! Finish off Water Dragon with Blazing Fist Barrage!"
With a mighty surge, Inferno clashed against the weakened Water Dragon, a showdown of fire against water.
The Hero monster had uppercut the Dragon, its fists empowered against the raging currents, and began pummeling it in the air.
Steam began to emit from the Dragon as it began to dissipate with each punch, roaring and hissing from the superheated impacts.
With one final punch, it charged up all the heat it could muster and unleashed it.
The Hero pierced the Dragon, shattering it into pieces, and hit Bastion.
(Kazuyuki 1200/Bastion 0)
(Kazuyuki Wins.)
"And the duel goes to Kazuyuki Sora! Everyone, give him a round of applause! We have a newly minted Obelisk Blue!" The grating voice of Crowler congratulated.
As Crowler's voice boomed throughout the arena, announcing my new status as an Obelisk Blue.
But then, a sinking feeling washed over me.
The claps, whistles, and hollers of the crowd became a distant, muffled sound as if I were underwater.
It was a stark contrast to the overwhelming exhilaration I had felt only moments earlier.
I had achieved what many at the Duel Academy dreamt of, yet instead of basking in the glory of my accomplishment, a heaviness settled in my chest.
I glanced around at the sea of faces, many of which were new, and found them all beaming with pride and admiration in my direction.
Yet all I could think of was, "Did I really earn this?"
My gaze fell to the ground, recalling the memory of the duel card I had used.
The strategies and choices made seemed distant, overshadowed by the weight of my current emotions.
Had I been too hasty in pursuing this?
Was I truly ready for the responsibilities and expectations that came with being an Obelisk Blue?
Bastion's words from earlier echoed in my mind.
They were meant to be reassuring, but now, they only amplified my self-doubt.
In my quest to make a mark, to find a place of belonging and success, had I rushed headlong into something I wasn't truly prepared for?
Each cheer, every congratulatory pat on the back, felt like they were for someone else, a stranger who wore my face but wasn't truly me.
The spotlight, instead of warming me with pride, seemed to cast long shadows of doubt and anxiety.
I tried to force a smile, to look appreciative and honored, but inside, I was questioning myself.
I wondered if this step up was really a step forward or just a misguided leap into the unknown.
The memories of my past swirled in my mind as I stood there.
The dimly lit rooms of the orphanage, the laughter and jeers of children who thought they had brighter futures than an abandoned kid like me.
Those memories whispered: "You should be content with Ra Yellow. Reaching the Academy was a stroke of luck for an orphan like you. Why even dream of Obelisk Blue?"
Guilt gnawed at the edges of my excitement.
Perhaps I had been overly ambitious.
Maybe I wasn't worthy of this elevated status, and I should remain where the universe initially placed me.
My body hesitated, ready to decline the new life that signified my promotion.
Every bit of joy and pride felt like it was on the brink of shattering.
But before the darkness of self-doubt could engulf me, a familiar touch pulled me back.
Bastion.
The grip on my shoulder was firm, grounding me back to the present, back to reality.
His eyes, always analytical and observant, seemed to look straight into my soul, understanding my internal turmoil.
"Kaz," he began, using my first name, which he knew carried weight, "you've got to stop doubting yourself. Your place in Obelisk Blue isn't a fluke or charity. You've earned this through sheer skill, determination, and hard work. Not because of your past, but because..."
Bastion's voice carried a sincerity that silenced the ghosts of my past.
"I believe in you," he continued, "and I truly think you belong with the best. Obelisk Blue is where you should be."
Those words, spoken with such genuine conviction, were the lifeline I needed.
The weight on my chest started to lift.
Bastion had always been a beacon of reason and wisdom, and if he believed in my worth, then maybe it was time for me to believe in myself, too.
I nodded at him, finally allowing the pride of my accomplishment to sink in.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I turned to face the crowd.
With newfound confidence and gratitude in my heart, I raised my arm, embracing my victory and the future that lay ahead.
Taking a deep breath, I looked back at my meager belongings.
The small backpack contained essentials - clothes, toiletries, and some notes.
The suitcase held my cherished card collection, memories of duels past, and some personal keepsakes.
My worldly possessions amounted to this and not much more.
Jaden, with his usual infectious enthusiasm, bounded into the room first.
"Ready for the big move, Kaz?" he asked, expecting to see piles of belongings to help carry. "Oh..."
Syrus, peering over Jaden's shoulder, looked a little puzzled.
"Is that all you're taking with you?" he asked, trying to hide the concern in his voice but failing miserably.
Before I could reply, Chumley added in his slow, laid-back manner, "You always were the minimalist type, huh?"
I just shrugged, trying to put this topic to rest.
"It's everything I need," I replied, my voice unintentionally low, hoping to hint at the many unsaid things I wanted to keep buried.
Bastion, ever perceptive, picked up on my discomfort.
"It's not about the quantity of what we have, but the quality," he said, trying to steer the conversation away from sensitive areas. "After all, we carry our most valuable possessions in our heart and mind."
Jaden, sensing the mood, tried to lighten it.
"Well, if you ever need more stuff, you know who to ask! Between Syrus and Chumley, we've got enough to supply a small army!"
Syrus elbowed Jaden lightly, "Speak for yourself!"
The group shared a light chuckle, the tension from before dissipating.
I was thankful for friends who, even unintentionally, knew how to lift my spirits.
"Alright," Jaden exclaimed, clapping his hands together, "Let's get you moved in! Come on, I can carry your bags."
I appreciated Jaden's gesture to carry my luggage, but I quickly declined, "It's just one bag. I got it. Come on, let's get going."
We started our trek to the Obelisk Blue dormitory, and as we crossed through the Ra Yellow grounds, I couldn't help but get lost in the nostalgia.
Everywhere I looked, I saw my fellow peers studying, hanging out, or having intense duels.
They looked like they all enjoyed their time in Ra Yellow.
It all felt so warm, so familiar.
Suddenly, a pang of regret settled in the pit of my stomach, causing my steps to slow.
Maybe...
I shouldn't do this.
I mean, I can go to Obelisk Blue later, right?
Like, I don't have to go there now, right before Winter break starts.
Maybe I can spend another semester in Ra Yellow and go to Blue in my second year!
Despite my mind assuring me that giving my seat was a good idea, I knew that deep down, I was making excuses.
No...
I can't keep running like this.
Maybe today is the day that I wake up.
That one day, my legs just give, and I just can't run anymore.
For once, me...
For once, let me enjoy the opportunities given to me.
Bastion, ever calm and collected, noticed the debate within and spoke up, "I know you cherish the memories you made in Ra Yellow, Sora, but life's about growth. Sometimes, that means moving on."
He gave me a reassuring smile, "You'll make new memories in Obelisk Blue. Trust me."
I wanted to tell him about the Blues and their superiority complex, how out of place I felt among them.
But I swallowed my fears, deciding to keep them to myself.
No, I shouldn't whine about this any longer.
They are happy that I finally earned a place in Obelisk Blue.
Even though they are a bunch of jerks, being an Obelisk Blue still has its merits.
With a deep breath, I straightened up, feeling the weight of the new journey ahead.
"Yeah, I know, I know. I still remember the words you told me during our duel yesterday. I earned this, didn't I? Let's just go." I relented, trying to keep my spirits up. "By the way, did you plan some countermeasures in case I decided to run away again with your equations and formulas?"
Bastion only gave me a cocky smirk and shrugged, which practically meant that he did.
I really shouldn't underestimate the power of math...
Jaden slung his arm around my shoulders.
"That's the spirit, Kaz! You can do it! Hey, maybe once you get there, you can show those guys how to really duel!"
Oooh...
He has a good point.
If I duel against those jerks, maybe they'll wake up from their complex and realize they are living a fantasy.
Or maybe they'll just deny that they can lose and stuff, something like cognitive dissonance.
Together, as a unified group, we walked towards the Obelisk Blue campus.
The future was uncertain, but with friends like these, perhaps it wasn't as daunting as I thought.
As we continued our walk, Chumley cleared his throat, drawing our attention.
"You know, Sora, I kinda get where you're coming from." He began, scratching the back of his head, "There was a time when I thought of quitting Duel Academy. Just didn't think I had it in me, ya know?"
Syrus piped up, "Yeah, but then you remembered how fun dueling was, especially with us around!"
Chumley chuckled, nodding, "That's right. Dueling started feeling different with you guys by my side. And the duel against my dad... it changed everything."
I raised an eyebrow, remembering the rumors that buzzed around the academy some time back.
"Wasn't there talk about your dad giving you an ultimatum? Duel him and win, or leave the academy and take up the family business?"
Chumley nodded somberly, "Yeah. He wanted me to prove I had what it takes. Facing off against him, a champion duelist, was so not cool... But that duel taught me to stop running from challenges and face them head-on."
I felt a pang of warmth hearing Chumley's words, appreciating the kindred spirit.
He has a point.
His words only reinforce the fact going to Obelisk Blue is a good idea.
But then, curiosity got the better of me.
"Hey, speaking of your dad," I began, looking a bit cheeky, "Was it a hot sauce business or a sake business he runs?"
Chumley smirked, his eyes twinkling with pride.
"Well, you know, there's a bit of spice and a bit of kick in both." He replied before laughing heartily, leaving us all guessing.
...
What?
The path ahead seemed a little less daunting with the weight of their words and the shared laughter echoing in my ears.
Walking into the Obelisk Blue campus felt like entering a different world. Everywhere I looked, the grandeur was evident.
The male dormitory towered above, resembling a majestic castle straight out of a fairy tale, with its spires reaching for the sky and ivy climbing the stone walls.
I couldn't help but gawk, taking in the fine details and the richness of it all.
A familiar, nagging doubt began to creep in.
"So everyone says I belong here, huh?" I silently questioned. "Maybe I'll see how far I can go."
But with a deep breath, I reminded myself of the journey that brought me here, the challenges I'd faced, and the people who believed in me.
This was my chance, my own rags-to-riches story, and I wasn't about to let doubt ruin it.
As I approached the main entrance of the dormitory, my friends halted, a reminder of the lines drawn between the dorms.
"This is as far as we can go, Kaz," Bastion stated. "Can you handle it from here?"
I gave him a silent nod and looked back at the dorm that awaited me.
"I can't believe it... I'm actually going up a dorm." I began to utter. "You know, I thought I was lucky to get into Duel Academy. Not only that, I was able to get into Ra Yellow. It was like a lifetime event for me. But now that I'm here, maybe, just maybe, things might finally look up from here on out."
I could feel their encouraging glances and proud smiles.
Turning to face them, I bowed deeply, my voice thick with emotion, "Thank you, all of you. For everything."
Jaden gave me a thumbs-up and a cheery grin.
"Hey, come on, Kaz. You're sounding like you are saying goodbye to us! We'll still hang out, right?"
I turned to him.
"Yeah, of course, man!"
Syrus offered a bright smile.
"It wouldn't be the same if you weren't here to be our judge in our duels, Sora."
I smiled back.
"It wouldn't be the same if I didn't get to see those duels."
Chumley walked up and propped up his hand, which I took.
We both squeezed each other's hands with all our might, a silent way to we will see each other again.
Bastion crossed his arms, his gaze filled with pride.
"You're the top student in Ra Yellow, Kaz. Show them what a Ra Yellow can do."
I nodded at him with gusto.
"That's the plan, Bastion."
With those final moments of camaraderie, I pivoted, stepping into the threshold of the Obelisk Blue main building, but not before sharing one last glimpse with them.
Inside, every hallway and every corner seemed to tell a tale of prestige and privilege.
Gold-trimmed portraits adorned the walls, plush carpets cushioned my steps, and gleaming chandeliers cast a warm glow all around.
With every step deeper into the dorm, the sense of wonder grew, and the excitement of new beginnings filled me.
For the first time, I allowed myself to truly believe that maybe, just maybe, I was exactly where I was meant to be, ready to embrace this new chapter of luxury and learning.
My footsteps echoed softly against the opulent marble floor.
I half expected the soft tunes of a piano or a violin to accompany my strides.
Everything around me seemed so refined and sophisticated.
Alright, sightseeing can wait.
First things first.
I need to unpack my things and find my room.
How on earth was I going to find my room in this maze of luxury?
Lost in thought, I barely noticed her until she stood directly in my path.
A girl stood crossing her arms and glaring at me.
Oh, great...
Another girl despises me for some reason.
She had long, silver hair that cascaded down her back in waves, contrasting sharply against her azure Obelisk Blue uniform.
Her eyes were an unusual shade of violet, and there was an otherworldly aura to them.
They held a deep intensity as if they had seen ages beyond her youthful appearance.
Around her neck, a strange pendant glinted, something that seemed out of place in the modern world of Duel Academy.
I blinked a few times, taken aback. There was something... off about her.
It was like she wasn't entirely here or belonged to a different era.
But she is really pretty...
Clearing my throat, I tried to extend a hand in greeting. "Err, hello there! My name's Kazuyuki Sora, but my friends call me Kaz. I just transferred to Obelisk Blue–"
"Save it," she snapped coldly, cutting me off.
Her voice held a chilling undertone.
She's... pissed off at me?
Wait, what did I do?!
I frowned, confused by her hostility. "I'm sorry. Did I do something to upset you?"
Oh, jeez, did my dueling style get her riled up or something?
Maybe abusing Scapegoat and Metamorphosis may irk some players, right?
She sighed, the weight of ages seeming to press down on her shoulders.
"You've had your fun, Sora. But this ends now."
My fun...?
What is she talking about?
My confusion only deepened.
"I'm not sure what you're talking about. What do you mean?"
Her violet eyes pierced into mine, and for a moment, I felt a cold shiver run down my spine.
"Don't bother playing dumb. You know exactly what I'm talking about. I won't tolerate you messing with the timeline any longer. Stop it."
Without another word, she turned on her heel, leaving me dumbfounded in the midst of the luxurious campus.
The encounter left me with more questions than answers, and a sense of unease settled over me.
Just what was going on here in Obelisk Blue?
Standing still, I tried to gather my thoughts.
Who was she?
I think I never saw her at all!
I racked my brain, attempting to place her face in any of my previous memories.
The dueling exams, the awkward chaos of freshman orientation, even yesterday's intense duel against Bastion.
Nothing.
It was as if she'd appeared out of thin air.
Yet, even in our brief interaction, I couldn't deny there was something intriguing about her.
The depth in her eyes, that aura of wisdom and maturity - it was captivating.
It reminded me of older women I knew, like Emi or Midori.
She had that same composed demeanor that hinted at life experiences beyond her years.
Despite the eerie undertone of our encounter, I found myself momentarily thinking about her physical appearance.
Despite her behavior, she was really pretty.
That silver hair, violet eyes, and slim figure...
Not to mention, her rack was on the upper end.
...
Argh!
Stupid hormones!
I swiftly pushed those thoughts aside.
However, her warning played on a loop in my head.
"Messing with the timeline"?
What's that supposed to mean?
It sounded like something straight out of a sci-fi movie.
The absurdity of the thought made me chuckle internally.
Was she some time traveler from the future?
Sent back in time to prevent a card game calamity?
The notion was ridiculous.
Shaking my head, I decided to focus on settling in.
After all, it was my first day in the grand Obelisk Blue.
Future calamities and mysterious girls would have to wait.
As I glanced around, still reeling from my earlier encounter, I spotted Zane observing from a distance.
Approaching me, he asked, "Do you know her?"
"No," I responded, still bewildered. "I've never seen her before. Do you know her?"
Zane shook his head.
"First time I've seen her as well." A smirk tugged at his lips as he looked me over. "You seem to think that she is cute, don't you?"
My cheeks warmed instantly.
"What? How did you...?"
Zane chuckled lightly.
"Syrus has that same look on his face when he's caught reading something he shouldn't. And when he is watching some harem anime or whatever." He answered while shrugging. "I let him be. He'll grow out of it eventually. Or not. It'll be a good learning experience for him if he doesn't grow up."
Feeling thoroughly embarrassed, I tried to change the subject.
"Well, speaking of rooms, I could really use some help finding mine."
"Alright," Zane replied, still wearing that amused expression. "Let's get going. I might have tips on trying to get her to notice you."
Wait...
Is he being for real about this?
Maybe I might take him up on his offer...
As we walked together through the opulent hallways, Zane decided to share some wisdom.
"Being in Obelisk isn't just about status or dueling prowess, you know. It's about character and determination. You've earned your way here. Now, it's about maintaining that position."
I nodded, taking in his words.
"I appreciate that, Zane. I've worked hard to get here, and I'll keep pushing to make sure I belong."
Zane stopped for a moment, locking eyes with me.
"It's not where you come from, but where you're headed that defines you. Keep that in mind."
I felt the weight of his words and replied, "Thank you, Zane. I'll remember that."
We continued on in silence until we reached my room.
Zane gave me a nod, "This is your starting point in Obelisk. Make every moment count."
Determined, I responded, "I will. Thanks for the advice."
I pulled out the key to the dorm and inserted it into the lock.
With a twist of the doorknob, I pushed the door open and entered one step into the room.
What the...
My mouth was agape as I took in the sight of the room, so entranced by its luxury that my luggage slipped from my grasp.
I had been used to modest or even subpar accommodations, but this?
This was something out of a dream.
Every detail screamed opulence, from the gold-trimmed furnishings to the velvet drapes.
"Am I... bunking with anyone?" My voice echoed softly, still trying to process the reality before me.
Zane chuckled, picking up my suitcase and placing it on the perfectly made bed.
"No, this is all you," he said, a rare, teasing grin forming on his face.
He opened his arms wide, proudly displaying the room in a burst of flamboyance that was so uncharacteristic of him.
"Welcome to the high life of Obelisk Blue."
I was so stunned by the extravagance and Zane's sudden display that I couldn't respond.
Zane seemed to realize this, clearing his throat in mild embarrassment.
"Uh, anyway..." He patted my shoulder, his usual stoic demeanor returning. "Enjoy your new, upgraded room. And one piece of advice?"
I looked at him, still trying to process everything.
"Yeah?"
"Keep your door open," he said, his tone serious but with a hint of mischief in his eyes.
I blinked in confusion. "Open? Why?"
Zane only offered a knowing smile. "You'll see soon enough. Consider it an... Obelisk Blue tradition to those who advanced through dueling."
With that cryptic piece of advice, he left, leaving me alone in my luxurious new room, the weight of his words sinking in as I tried to imagine what the 'tradition' could possibly be.
As I watched Zane walk away, I turned my attention to my new room.
A fresh chapter awaited, and with the support I felt, I was ready to prove my place in Obelisk Blue.
Moving to the balcony door, I couldn't help but slide it open, immediately greeted by a cool breeze.
Standing there, the view was simply breathtaking.
Trees with their lush canopies spread out before me, a testament to the academy's dedication to maintaining a pristine environment.
The stone paths winding their way through the forest had an almost magical glow, illuminated under the waning light.
To my right, I could catch a glimpse of the Obelisk Blue girls' dorm building.
Its design, though distinctly different from the male dorm, held the same regal touch that defined the Obelisk Blue architecture.
I then turned my attention to the living area.
A plush sofa faced a sizable flat-screen TV, something that was a rarity even in the Ra Yellow dorm's common area.
The idea of watching some duel replays or perhaps a movie later crossed my mind.
Beside it was a large wooden bookcase filled with a variety of books.
From dueling manuals to classic literature, it seemed I wouldn't be lacking in reading material anytime soon.
While everything felt somewhat overwhelming, the opulence of the room did bring a sense of comfort.
However, I've always been someone who found solace in smaller, cozier spaces.
The vastness of the room seemed almost too much for just one person.
Still, I reminded myself that this was a new chapter in my life.
A change of pace, a new environment to adapt to.
I decided to step out onto the balcony for a moment, taking in the serenity of the surroundings.
The distant sounds of nighttime creatures blended harmoniously with the rustling of the trees.
Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath, letting the fresh air fill my lungs.
After a while, the weight of the day began to bear down on me again, and my thoughts drifted back to rest.
With one last appreciative glance at my new abode, I retreated back inside, promising myself to explore every nook and cranny of the room later.
I sat down on my bed and took off my shoes.
The plushness of the bed felt unreal to me.
Each fiber seemed to cradle me, making me forget the fatigue and stress I'd accumulated throughout the day.
I pushed aside my backpack, giving in to the urge to lie down.
Instantly, it felt as though I was floating on a cloud.
It was so different from the beds I was accustomed to – the hard mattresses of orphanages and hospitals or the somewhat firm ones in the Ra Yellow dorm.
This... this was a taste of luxury I had never known.
Gazing at the intricately designed ceiling, Zane's words echoed in my mind.
What did he mean by an "Obelisk Blue tradition"?
I guess I will find out soon enough.
Besides, for a bunch of people with superiority complexes, it's probably an induction ceremony with fresh wine, roasted beef, and ballroom attire.
With a dismissive shrug, I pushed the thought aside.
A yawn escaped my lips, stretching my mouth wide.
The day's events had taken a toll, and my body was demanding rest.
"I should unpack..." I mumbled to myself, but even that thought couldn't shake the overwhelming drowsiness that had taken hold.
"Just a short nap," I promised myself, already feeling the weight of sleep press down on my eyelids. "I'll unpack later."
And with that final thought, I surrendered to the embrace of slumber, letting the luxurious surroundings lull me into a deep, peaceful rest.
I had no idea what was going to happen next.
My eyes slowly opened as I began to hear some strange noises coming from outside my room.
What's with all that ruckus...?
It sounds like a bunch of footsteps.
I got up from my comfy bed and shook my head awake.
The sun outside had long been set, and my room was only illuminated by the moonlight coming from my balcony.
Damn, looks like I took one long nap.
Might as well start unpacking my stuff.
I sighed from the task at hand and got up from my soft bed, stretching my limbs out.
Despite taking a nap, my body felt completely refreshed.
This wasn't something that a Ra Yellow bed or futon could accomplish; this was only possible thanks to this bed.
Woo!
I feel so much better than before!
So this is how it feels to sleep like an actual human being!
This energy is amazing!
With immense gratitude, I bowed towards my bed.
"Thanks for being so comfy. I never felt so well-rested before. And if you weren't so big, I would give you a hug." I muttered before giving it a wink.
For some reason, I heard muffled giggling and chortling come from outside my door.
Who's even up at this time of night?
Oh well, might as well get started on unpacking.
And so, I turned the luggage towards me and began to unzip it.
When I got halfway on unzipping the bag, I heard a knock on my door.
"Come in." I voiced, making myself loud enough for whoever wanted to come in.
I neatly began to place my belongings into different categories, organizing them for future use.
Huh.
No one's coming.
It must have been by mistake.
As I continued to organize my stuff on top of my bed, I heard another knock at my door.
So there is someone outside...
I turned around from my bed and walked towards my door.
"Yes?" I called as I opened the door.
To my surprise, I saw some Obelisk Blues that I recognized.
Outside my room were Alexis, Mindy, Jasmine, and Zane, all looking at me barely withheld smirks.
What are they doing here?
Why are they together like this?
And is this a really good time?
I'm in the middle of unpacking here!
My back tingled, giving me warnings that something was amiss.
I looked to my sides and saw that I was surrounded.
What the...?!
"Evening, Sora. Do you want to hug your bed now?" Alexis teased.
Huh?
All of a sudden, a bag was placed over my head, and I felt the presence of two Obelisk Blues tying my hands and feet up.
Oh crap!
The shock was immediate.
My vision plunged into darkness; the fabric of the sack was stifling and thick.
Panicking, I struggled, trying to free myself, but the grip on me was unyielding.
"Grgggh!" I groaned as I did everything I could do break free.
Get... off me!
"Ghh...! Hurry up! This guy's crazy strong!"
"We're getting there! Help him out! Tighten those binds!"
Why is this happening?
Was this what Zane meant by the tradition?
A hazing ritual?!
And why were Alexis, Mindy, and Jasmine a part of it?!
I had so many questions, each more maddening than the last.
I could feel myself being led down what felt like corridors, hearing a mixture of muffled laughter, footsteps, and whispers along the way.
The ground beneath my feet felt different at times—sometimes smooth like polished marble, other times rough like outdoor cobblestone.
Eventually, I was led to a place that echoed with voices and laughter, indicating it was a large room or an open space.
The bag was pulled from my head, and the sudden onslaught of light was blinding.
My binds were cut open, allowing me to move my arms and legs again.
Blinking and adjusting my eyes, I found myself in the middle of a large courtyard, surrounded by a throng of Obelisk Blue students.
They stood in concentric circles around me, their eyes glinting with mischief.
In the center of this gathering stood a makeshift dueling platform, grandly decorated with blue banners and festooned with lights.
Zane stepped forward, a smirk on his face.
"Welcome, Kazuyuki Sora, to the initiation ritual of the Obelisk Blues."
Are you kidding me?!
Before I could protest, Alexis interjected, "It's all in good fun, Sora. Everyone here had to go through this, but we decided to make this extra fun. Consider it a rite of passage."
Seeing my obvious unease and distaste, Jasmine tried to reassure me.
"Don't worry, it's just a fun duel. No real stakes. Just... a few fun rules and some... unpredictable cards."
Mindy giggled, her voice dripping with mischief.
"And maybe a few surprises. Remember, this is all part of becoming one of us."
Zane handed me a deck different from my own.
"You'll be using this. Everyone contributed a card to it, including me. It's part of the tradition. The goal is simple: duel three Obelisk Blues in a row and put on a good show."
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I hesitated only for a moment.
I realized that this was an opportunity—a stage for me to solidify my place among them.
But seriously?
A hazing ritual?
Taking the deck from Zane, I nodded.
"Alright, fine. Let's get this over with. My bed has my name on it."
Cheers erupted from the crowd.
The duel was about to begin, and while I was still disoriented from the sudden turn of events, I was determined to face this challenge head-on.
AN: And that wraps up this chapter. I hope that you all are intrigued by this unknown character calling out Sora for his shenanigans. She will play a huge role later on, as I am sure you guys have guessed.
Depending on the reception of this chapter, I may change some elements around if needed. Please call out any inconsistencies and such with the duel at the beginning. I would love to see some tips on improving the duels by any means possible.
Also, I may slow down with uploading chapters due to work, but any suggestions or comments can greatly mitigate that.
See you guys in the next one.