Oblisk Blue Male Dorm: Zane's Room, Night…
Zane stood on his balcony and gazed towards the academy. Though he was calm, his thoughts moved at a mile a minute…as they often did. He'd kept track of Kai ever since that day earlier in the year when the then Ra had challenged him.
With the now fellow Obelisk meeting the last stipulation needed before he could rematch Zane, the Kaiser's mind turned to the accomplishments of said freshman. All of them fresh in his mind as a grin spread across his face. This time it was a duel he was looking forward to.
"It'll be one where you'll give me everything you got; I'll make sure of it." Zane thought. "I just need to have a word with Chancellor Sheppard first."
Duel Academy: Meeting Room, Next Day…
Chancellor Sheppard leaned forward, resting his chin on the back of his hands, fixing his gaze on the top ranked student of Central Academy. Zane, for his part, awaited the Chancellor's reply. Said man's gaze then turned to the four Heads of the Dorms.
Banner seemed the least phased, Fontaine's eyes widened, and Satyr and Crowler couldn't keep themselves from smiling at such a request. The person in question had once been overseen by the former and was currently overseen any the later.
"It's an odd request, but if you are certain an exhibition duel will get the best out of those up for promotion, I'll trust your judgement." Sheppard finally replied. "The duel before any other this coming Saturday will be between you and Kai Delmar."
"Thank you, chancellor." Zane smiled. "I promise, you won't be disappointed by the results."
"With that settled, we've drafted quite the extensive list of those who should be up for promotion or demotion." Sheppard noted. "I'll be going over it with Vice Chancellor Mokuba today and will have the finalized list for each of you to share with your respective first classes tomorrow.
That said, I now open the floor to all Heads of House. Are there any students you think should participate in a promotion or demotion duel? Your input will be heavily considered in my coming meeting with Vice Chancellor Mokuba."
"Even if he may deny it again, I still believe Bastion Misawa showcases skills well beyond that of a Ra." Fontaine put forward the idea since Sartyr wouldn't, already knowing what his top Ra's decision would be. "Jaden Yuki does much the same for a Slifer Red. They are who I nominate."
"Raynos Baron's scores in the exam he took before transferring in denote him as more than ready for Ra." Sartyr added. "I nominate him for promotion."
"Additionally, I'd say Syrus Truesdale, Dimitri Thompson, and Gregory Evans have showcased skills befitting the rank of Ra." Banner voiced. "I nominate the three of them."
Sheppard nodded before looking to the Ancient Gear user. "What about you, Crowler?"
"Any I would have recommended, already have been." Crowler voiced. "As such, I shall nominate the students with the best results, between their grades and duel records, outside the names which have been listed."
"With your words accounted for, the lists will be completed by tonight." Sheppard smiled. "Regardless of how Saturday turns out, I'd say we've got a fine batch of students. With how far into this year we are, I look forward to seeing what they've learned."
Dueling 101: Next Day…
"Alright class, settle down." Crowler began, the class slowly quieting. "Before we begin, I have an announcement. This Saturday, we shall have promotion and demotion duels, on an unprecedented scale, in accordance with the emergency demotion duels held not long ago.
Having said that, I can confirm the Obelisk male dorm has not been made exempt from this." That got groans from plenty of Obelisk, only Topher and Kai really feeling secure in their place. "If you don't like it, you are welcome to take the route many have after the prior demotions.
Seto Kaiba want excellence, to raise the standard of his school given the reports he's received from Vice Chancellor Mokuba. Anyone up for demotion or promotion will receive their email throughout the day. Kai Delmar!"
"Yes?" Kai asked, a bit surprised to be called on.
Quite a few of his dormmates, who've formed less than stellar opinions of the war challenger user, smirked at him being called out like this. Despite his dueling records, many of them hopped he would be up for demotion to get him out of the dorm.
"Not to worry, Mr. Delmar." Crowler smiled. "You are an exemplary Obelisk, and I would in no way hold your breath in receiving a demotion email. I merely called on you to inform you will be participating in an exhibition duel that day, before the exam duels, with Zane Truesdale."
"I was planning on challenging Zane soon, but it looks like he's beat me to it." Kai thought, unsurprised the cyber dragon user had been keeping tabs on him. "Thank you." He nodded. "I'll ensure my deck is ready."
"See that you do." Crowler nodded. "As for the rest of you, anyone who does not want a promotion duel merely needs to inform their Dorm Head before this Saturday. A reminder to all that you cannot turn down a demotion duel."
That said, even though there were demotion duels to be had, it was dwarfed by the sheer number of promotion duels. That was even after Sheppard and Mokuba went through the prior lists. In the end, no duelist had been overlooked, whether it be for promotion or demotion.
After School…
There was an air of excitement and anticipation in the air, which only proceeded to grow with each student who received a promotion duel email. Of course, those who received a demotion duel email weren't exactly thrilled.
It seemed to hit some of the Obelisk who'd already been put through a demotion duel a little hard. A few even trickled out with the intention of dropping out. In their case, it seemed they were tired of being tested. Never quite realizing that's kind of the point.
On a brighter note, there were plenty of Ras and Slifers thrilled with the opportunity for advancement. Honestly, it wasn't all doom and gloom on the Obelisk front. There was a sect of them who were either assured in their skills or willing to prove themselves.
That's not to say they were breaking from the Obelisk male mold, not like Zane and Topher had, but it was a positive change regardless. At this point, that was all a lot of lower ranked students could ask for given what the year was like prior.
As things stood now, the room emptied quickly given plenty of people had to prepare now. Ultimately, the group, save Dimitri and Sadie for obvious reasons, were the only people left, and they all ended up convening at the front.
"Sadie is a year above us, but we really got to see about getting Dimitri in the same class as us next year." Kai noted.
He would have loved being able to sit with Bastion and Dimitri, mostly because they were his friends. Though, a part of him would have been grinning at the dirty looks other Obelisk males would have sent their way after he promoted to Obelisk and Dimitri demoted to Slifer.
"As amusing as that thought is, I hope Dimitri gets a shot at promoting back into Ra." Kai thought. "His records really been on an upswing since he took on the Masked/Vision Heroes. I'll have to ask him about it later."
"Well, I think it's safe to say Topher and Kai haven't/won't be receiving demotion duels." Alexis noted.
"I don't have a squeaky-clean win rate, but I'd say it's higher than almost any other Obelisk male in our year." Topher commented, his gaze turning pointedly to Kai.
"Still can't say I particularly liked how obsessed I was, but I guess it did have a positive in ensuring I don't face a demotion duel this year." Kai noted.
"I'd be surprised if you have to face one in the next two years." Jasmine noted. "You went on quite the dueling spree."
"Anyways, let's shift back to the topic of concern here people." Kai voiced, looking to their one Ra and five of the six Slifers part of their group. "Who of you have received emails?"
"I got mine." Jaden declared, excited to duel.
"Same here." Syrus added.
Greg nodded. "I'm up for promotion as well."
"Got mine just before last period." Raynos voiced.
"You got a promotion duel email?" Greg asked, a bit surprised.
"Is it that shocking?" Syrus asked. "Professor Banner said he'd have been in Ra, just like Blair, if all transfer students didn't have to start in Slifer. I think he even said they'd be out in a couple of days."
"Huh, wonder if he was slyly hinting at these coming duels." Mindy noted.
"I don't know." Greg shook his head. "I just thought Professor Banner was talking up their skills, though hearing it now does make it sound like something our Dorm Head would do."
"It could also have something to do with the rather large number of Obelisk that left after that mass demotion exam." Jasmine shrugged. "Quite a few Ras stand to benefit with a shot at Obelisk, so you might as well try to fill out as many places there as possible."
"Beyond them, I have once again been put forward for promotion." Bastion noted. "Just as before, I'll turn it down now."
"Take it from me, holding onto these ideals isn't exactly going to make you happy in the long run." Kai voiced.
"Actually, your moving past your obsession inspired me to do much the same." Bastion noted, catching the attention of everyone. "It was a personal goal of mine to be the best freshman; however, that has become significantly less important.
I would prefer to be closer to those I am closest to, rather than hold onto a rank. I simply will refuse now as I am rather settled into my present room, but I will confirm to all of you that next year I will snatch the earliest opportunity for promotion."
"If you tell Sartyr that, I'm positive he'll arrange something for you next year." Kai voiced happily.
"I'll be sure to, though for now I'll be content as a Ra until the end of the year." Bastion voiced.
"Aside from Dimitri, who isn't in this class, that only really leaves one person to ask." Mindy noted, everyone looking to Chumley.
"Seems I've improved more than I thought." Chumley laughed good naturedly before proudly displaying his PDA with the promotion duel email. "It took a few years, but I finally got my shot at Ra."
Everyone was happy to hear that for the beast user.
"Way to go Chumley!" Syrus cheered.
"I think there's a good chance our six Slifers will all get their shot." Topher noted.
"It's not just a chance." Dimitri declared happily, having thankfully found everyone where he thought they'd be. "I put in the work, and it paid off."
Just as with Chumley, he showed his promotion email.
"That's fantastic Dimitri." Kai clapped his best friend on the back.
Among the various students being demoted and promoted, the six Slifers of this group have each received promotion duel email. They, along with Kai who shall duel Zane Truesdale, now merely needed to prepare for this Saturday…
Obelisk Arena: Saturday, Morning…
While this was certainly no Yugi Muto vs Seto Kaiba, the entire school still turned out to see the duel between Zane Truesdale and Kai Delmar. In accordance with just who his opponent was, Kai was already on the arena awaiting him.
"Mr. Delmar, are you ready for your match?" Mokuba asked.
Again, the war challenger user has seen the error of his prior obsession. At the end of the day, he still came this far. Regardless of what pushed him here, even if he now wanted to enjoy his remaining time, he was still a duelist with dreams and goals.
This duel was the focal center of everything. Whether he now wanted to ease up or not was inconsequential to his desire to see how he stacked up against the best. The culmination of months of work and checking off prior stipulations.
Kai nodded. "I'm ready."
"Alright, you can come on out Zane Truesdale!" Mokuba called out.
Zane walked out to the applause of his fellow students, his lose to Seto months ago now having done nothing to diminish how the other students viewed him. Regardless of all this, Zane was as calm and stoic as ever. He soon reached his place across from the war challenger user.
"You've gone above what I set out for you, Kai Delmar." Zane gave a small smile. "You might actually be a good opponent for me now."
"We'll have to see." Kai returned. "All I can tell you is that the path you set me on brought me to this point. Now, I intend to see just what I've gained after all this time."
"Does Kai stand a chance?" Mindy inquired genuinely.
"Kai is skilled, I don't think any of us can deny that, but Zane still has 2 years' experience over him." Alexis noted.
"At the end of the day, I'd say either of them winning won't come easy." Sadie voiced.
"I think Kai can do it." Dimitri smiled. "He's pulled of some impressive moves."
"Yeah." Jasmine nodded in agreement. "Unless the opponent is out of his league, it always seems like the tougher a duelist he faces, the better he plays."
"Let's Duel!"
(Kai 4000/Zane 4000)
"You can pick who takes the first turn." Zane offered.
"I want you at your best, so I'm first!" Kai drew. "I'll start with War Rock Fortia(LV 4/1700/1700)." A young man with white hair and leather armor appeared. "Whenever I summon an Earth Warrior-type monster, I can special summon War Rock Gactos(LV 4/1900/1900)."
A man with two stone clubs appeared. "I now construct the overlay network with my two level 4 monsters. Xyz summon Gagaga Cowboy(R 4/O 2/1500/2400) in defense mode." A cowboy with twin guns appeared kneeling before his duelist.
"Before getting to his effect, I'll activate the continuous spell Overlay Network. Once per turn, I can activate one of two effects. The one I activate now allows me to target an Xyz monster I control and add one of the cards attached as material back to my hand. Return, Gactos."
Gagaga Cowboy(R 4/O 1/1500/2400)
"He's shoring up resources." Zane slightly bowed his head. "Clever."
"Now, as my monster is in defense position, I can detach one overlay unit to dole out eight hundred life points of damage." Gagaga Cowboy(R 4/O 0/1500/2400)'s overlay units flew into his gun and he fired through Zane (Kai 4000/Zane 3200). "I end my turn with one set card."
"Ah, that's the other effect of Overlay Network." Bastion noted, remember its other effect well from his duel with Kai.
"Given people have begun to figure out ways of getting rid of Cowboy, it's smart of him to have found his own counter play to that counterplay."
"Very well." Zane drew. "I'll begin by summoning Cyber Dragon Core(LV 2/400/1500)." A small snake-like monster with a large orange core on its chest appeared. "Like many monsters within my deck, he's treated as Cyber Dragon while on the field or in my grave.
As he was normal summoned, I can now add any 1 Cyber spell/trap from my deck to the hand." A card popped out of his deck, and he retrieved it. "This will come in handy later." He swapped it for another in his hand. "For now, I'll activate Machine Duplication.
Now, I can target any machine-type monster I control with 500 or less ATK. Then, I special summon any two monsters who happen to share that monster's name. I call forth two Cyber Dragon(LV 5/2100/1600)." Two more metallic serpentine dragons appeared alongside core.
"Wait, how could Zane bring out Cyber Dragons like that?" Mindy asked.
"Machine Duplication only cares that the monster you target has 500 or less ATK." Syrus informed. "After that, the subsequent monsters only need to share a name. Since Cyber Dragon Core is treated as Cyber Dragon while on the field or in the grave…"
"That's unreal." Mindy noted.
"I now activate a continuous spell of my own, Clockwork Night." Zane continued.
"I recognize that card!" Jaden exclaimed, drawing the attention of those who had and hadn't been there to see his duel with the Kaiser. "It's a card that might not seem too bad, until you truly realize just how big the impact really is."
"With this card, all monsters on the field are machine type." Zane informed. "From here on out, all machine type monsters I control will have 500 extra ATK/DEF while all machine monsters you control loose the same amount."
Gagaga Cowboy(R 4/O 0/1000/1900 effect)
Cyber Dragon Core(LV 2/900/2000 effect)
Cyber Dragon(LV 5/2600/2100 effect)x2
"While this card is useful on its own, it will allow me to facilitate the summon of something new." Zane declared. "I conduct Cyber Style Contact Fusion. I combine my two Cyber Dragons with Core and your now machine-type Gagaga Cowboy."
"He has a card that lets him utilize the other field!" Greg exclaimed, stunned as not even his deck could really do that, and it was all about Contact Fusion.
"How is he even using Kai's field?" Jasmine asked.
"Ordinarily, a duelist mentions a type of monster when that is what is required." Bastion reasoned. "I'd say one aspect of this Contact Fusion that separates it from others is that your opponent must be using machine-type monsters."
"Through Clockwork Night, all monsters Kai has on the field become just that." Sadie finished.
"Say hello to Chimeratech Fortress Dragon(LV 8/500/500 effect)." A long, machine serpentine dragon, which was comprised of multiple, metal cylinders, appeared.
"It only has ATK/DEF from the field spell?" Kai smirked. "A monster with that many materials can't possibly have no ATK/DEF for long."
"You'd be right." Zane declared. "This card's original ATK becomes 1000 multiplied by the number of materials used to make him. As I used 4 materials, that's 4000 ATK." Chimeratech Fortress Dragon(LV 8/4500/500 effect). "I now attack you directly."
"I activate Spiritual Swords of Revealing Light." Kai countered. "Now, no matter how strong your monsters are, I can negate any 1 attack through paying 1000 life points."
Three swords of light shot down from above and fell around Fortress Dragon before glowing brilliantly to cease his attack (Kai 3000/Zane 3200).
"I'll end my turn there." Zane stated.
"That was a close one." Jasmine let out a sigh of relief.
"Most duels with Zane can seem like that." Alexis stated. "What separates the duelists who take him on is if they can weather his cards."
"My move!" Kai drew. "First, I'll normal summon Heroic Challenger – Night Watchman(LV 4/700/500) effect." A leather armored, blue caped warrior appeared. "As with last turn, the conditions are met to special summon War Rock Gactos(LV 4/1400/1400 effect)."
Now, I'll use my Overlay Network's other effect to target my level 4 Gactos and special summon any monster with the same level from my hand or grave. Welcome back War Rock Fortia(LV 4/1700/1700). That said, any effects they had will be negated.
I now construct the overlay network with my three level 4 monsters." Fortia, Gactos, and Night Watchman all entered a wormhole. "Time to step into the ring. I Xyz summon Number 105: Battlin' Boxer Star Cestus(R 4/O 3/2000/1500 effect)." A yellow and blue boxer appeared.
"That monster will not only be able to get over Chimeratech Fortress Dragon, but it's a phenomenal counter to all of Zane's best fusions." Bastion declared
Number 105, attack Fortress Dragon with Stardust Impact!" Star Cestus fired a bombardment of lights which rushed the machine. "I now detach one overlay unit from Number 105: Battlin' Boxer Star Cestus(R 4/O 2/2000/1500 effect)."
During the Battle Step, if a Battlin' Boxer battles an opponent's monster, their effects are negated until the end of the turn. The Battlin' Boxer I select with this effect won't be destroyed, and every life point I'd have taken is inflicted to you. Not that those last two matter here."
Chimeratech Fortress Dragon(LV 8/500/500 effect) was weakened before being destroyed by the bombardment of light (Kai 3000/Zane 1700). "As I'm only permitted to use one of Overlay Network's effects per turn, I'll now set one card to end my turn."
"I draw." Zane smiled at what he got. "As you control a monster, I can banish Cyber Dragon Core to special summon any Cyber Dragon monster I wish from my deck, and I'll go with my third Cyber Dragon(LV 5/2600/2100 effect). Now, this next monster should be familiar, Kai.
I banish the Cyber Dragon I just summoned, the two within my grave, and Fortress Dragon. Special summon Cyber Eltanin(LV 10/?/?)." A large Cyber Dragon head with a Cyber Dragon sticking out of the top and multiple, smaller Cyber Dragon heads floating around it appeared.
"A monster with 0 ATK/DEF is tough enough, but those specifically given ? ATK/DEF are just that much worse." Topher noted.
"Cyber Eltanin is no different, given what Kai told us that thing can do." Chumley added
"Like last time, the question marks are determined by the monsters banished for its special summon, multiplied by 500." Kai remembered. "Also, if that monster is special summoned, all other face up monsters on the field are sent to the grave."
Number 105 was sucked into a wormhole.
"Good, you're paying attention." Zane declared. "To my count, I banished 4 monsters, and Eltanin will gain an extra 500 ATK thanks to Clockwork Night." Cyber Eltanin(LV 10/2500/2500 effect). "Now, Eltanin will attack you directly."
"I'll chain my face down, Forbidden Chalice." Kai countered. "In exchange for granting your Cyber Eltanin(LV 10/900/500 effect) four hundred extra ATK, its effects are negated. That means your monster will be stuck at 500 ATK at the end of this turn."
Despite weakening Eltanin, every Cyber Dragon head still fired as one on the war challenger user (Kai 2100/Zane 1700).
"I now chain the quick-play spell Core fetched me, Cyberload Fusion." Zane declared. "This card allows me to Fusion Summon a monster which uses Cyber Dragon by shuffling the needed cards into my deck from the field or face-up in banishment. For the rest of this turn, only that monster can attack. I shuffle Core and my three Cyber Dragons to form a machine of eternity."
"Wait, what about Fortress Dragon?" Kai asked.
"That monster forbids itself from being used as Fusion material, so you'll only need to worry if I manage to return it to my extra deck." Zane replied. "Now, Fusion summon Cyber Eternity Dragon(LV 10/3300/4500 effect)." A long, coiled dragon, which was silver and light blue, appeared. "I'll launch a direct ATK will Cyber Eternity Dragon, go Evolution Eternity Burst!"
"I'll counter with my Spiritual Swords of Revealing Light's." Kai declared.
Three swords of light shot down from above and fell around Eternity Dragon before glowing brilliantly to cease his attack (Kai 1100/Zane 1700).
"There's only so long one can weather a duel like this." Zane noted. "I still have my normal summon and shall use it on Cyber Valley(LV 1/0/0)." An eyeless, machine serpent appeared.
"By targeting a monster on my field, Valley's effect lets me banish them both to draw two cards." Valley and Cyber Eltanin vanished in light as he drew. "I'll end my turn there."
"Zane just covered his tracks flawlessly." Bastion voiced. "Given Eternity' remaining effect, few cards in Kai's deck can end this duel on his turn."
"Still, this is one heck of a duel." Jaden grinned. "Those two are going at it, control of the duel switching with every turn."
"Yeah, neither of them can seem to keep momentum." Dimitri agreed.
"You're right, Zane." Kai smiled. "There is only so much one can do to weather a duel like this, but all I need is to weather it long enough." He drew. "I'll start by activating Pot of Greed to draw 2 cards. Now, I summon Heroic Challenger – Spartan(LV 4/1100/500 effect)."
A beige and gold spartan appeared. "Then, I'll use Overlay Network once again. I target my level 4 Spartan and Return War Rock Fortia(LV 4/1200/1200 effect). "Now, I construct the overlay network with my two monsters to call forth the king of wishes.
Xyz summon Number 39: Utopia(R 4/O 2/2000/1500 effect)." A gold and white warrior appeared. "You may recall this monster from our last duel; however, this time he's got a different purpose than he held there. Now Utopia, attack Cyber Eternity Dragon.
I'll then negate that attack through his effect by detaching one overlay unit." Number 39: Utopia(R 4/O 1/2000/1500 effect) had drawn his blade, only to cease his attack as he used up an overlay unit. "I now activate Double or Nothing.
Whenever a monster's attack is negated, they get to attack again at double their strength." Number 39: Utopia(R 4/O 1/4000/1500 effect). "Utopia, Rising Sun Slash!" Utopia drew his blades and slashed the opposing dragon down (Kai 1100/Zane 1000).
Number 39: Utopia(R 4/O 1/2000/1500 effect)
"I do recall that monster, both from our duel and the one you had with Joey." Zane gave a small smile. "I also recall that combo of yours; however, it appears the difference in ATK kept it from being a game ender. Also, as you were the one to send that fusion to the grave, I can now call Cyber Dragon(LV 5/2600/2100 effect) from anywhere but my banished zone."
One card popped out of his deck, and he played it to give him a Cyber Dragon going into his next turn.
Kai looked at the last card in his hand before nodding. "I set this last card and call my turn there."
"My turn." Zane drew. "I activate the first effect of Cyber Dragon Nachster(LV 1/700/700 effect) allowing me to discard any 1 card from my hand to special summon it." A lithe, dark blue machine serpent appeared. "Like many of my cards, it counts as Cyber Dragon.
Now, I use its second effect. If this card is merely summoned, I can special summon any Machine monster from my grave with 2100 ATK or DEF. I'll choose the second Cyber Dragon(LV 5/2600/2100 effect) I discarded to special summon Nachster."
"He's effectively got three Cyber Dragons on the field." Raynos noted. "Given he's showcased some fusions, does that mean…"
"It's exactly what you think." Syrus nodded. "Zane has a fusion that needs three Cyber Dragons, and he usually never busts it out without the right spell to go with it."
"Before I use these for their intended purpose, I'll be whittling down your defenses." Zane declared. "My first Cyber Dragon, attack Utopia."
"I'll chain my Spiritual Swords of Revealing Light." Kai countered. "I once again pay the 1000 life points to negate this attack."
Three swords of light shot down from above and fell around Eternity Dragon before glowing brilliantly to cease his attack (Kai 100/Zane 1000).
"My second Cyber Dragon will now attack Utopia." Zane voiced.
"By detaching one overlay unit from Utopia, I can negate any one attack." Kai countered. "Go, Lightwing Shield!"
Number 39: Utopia(R 4/O 0/2000/1500) produced a golden shield which blocked the blast.
"Number 39 is a powerful monster; however, it has one fatal weakness." Zane declared. "Without any overlay units, simply targeting your monster for an attack will see it destroyed. Nachster, attack Utopia."
Before the serpent could attack, Utopia exploaded.
"As Nachster hasn't actually attacked, you can initiate a direct attack." Kai smiled. "I saw that coming, which is why I set Xyz Reborn. Now, I can revive any Xyz monster in my grave while bestowing this trap as a unit. Return Number 39: Utopia(R 4/O 1/2000/1500 effect).
"I'll call off my attack with Nachster." Zane stated. "Though, you should know by now that my field won't remain with a monster whose ATK is as low as Nachster's. I activate the magic of Power Bond, and I'll fuel it by sending the three Cyber Dragons on my field to the grave.
"Fusion summon Cyber End Dragon(LV 12/4500/3300 effect)." A large, three headed mechanical dragon appeared. "It's original ATK will double due to the effect of Power Bond." Cyber End Dragon(LV 12/8500/3300 effect).
I'll force this duel to be decided through whatever card you draw next by using the last card in my hand now. I summon Cyber Kirin(LV 3/300/800)." A small mechanical hound rose up. "By tributing him, any effect damage I take this turn becomes 0."
Kirin vanished from the field, which meant it eliminated Zane taking Power Bond's price. Now, Zane and Kai were left with no cards in their hands. Neither duelist had any cards they could use from their grave either. It truly came down to what Kai drew next.
Every student, no matter what their feelings on the freshman duelist was, were on the edge of their seats. Aside from what Seto Kaiba accomplished, no one on the island had ever been able to match the Kaiser quite like this.
"Alright Zane, let's see what I get!" Kai drew and looked at what he got with surprise before it morphed into resolve. "I activate Utopia Buster! Since I control a Utopia monster, I can destroy the monster on your field with the lowest ATK.
All your have is your Cyber End Dragon." A rocket launched appeared before Utopia, who grasped and fired it at the fusion to destroy it. "That's not all as you now take damage equal to the ATK your monster had while on the field!"
Zane went wide eyed before transitioning into a small smile as the explosion washed over him (Kai 100/Zane 0). The whole arena was dead quiet. Even Dimitri and Jaden, who were the most exuberant, hadn't started to break out into cheers. Kai was right there beside everyone.
"He actually beat me." Zane grinned as he walked up to the war challenger user. "It's been a long time since anyone on the island could pull that off. While our record slowly started to lean towards me, it doesn't change the fact that even in our second year, you could beat me Atticus. Now, another student pulled it off."
"What?" Kai blinked, coming to, as Zane grasped his hand
"You won today, Kai; however, I'm not content to leave our record where it is." Zane shook the hand. "Expect a rematch before my time at the academy comes to an end."
"I'd rather duel with you sooner rather than later." Kai returned, the fact he won settling in now. "In fact, let's keep dueling because this a fun duel."
Despite now intending on taking things at least a little easier, dueling Zane was an experience. One Kai wouldn't miss out on given the opportunity.
"Way to go Kai!" Surprisingly, Jasmine was the one to break the silence.
"That was a sweet duel, you two!" Jaden called out.
Dimitri grinned. "Seriously, you two were amazing!"
Everyone in the group started cheering as well, prompting the student body to do the same. It was safe to say this exhibition match got everyone fire up, which was great for those who had promotion and demotion duels to get through.
Before Zane parted from Kai, he leaned forward. "If you're still interested in me being your mentor, meet me at the lighthouse this evening."
He then walked away before Kai could respond. While the war challenger wasn't certain he needed Zane as a mentor anymore, he'd rather have the guy as a training partner now, this was the last stipulation. He couldn't deny an interest in at least hearing it out.
To let you all in, at least a little, on what the future holds for Zane and Kai: They've both gotten an in chapter wins, so I'm free to start referencing off chapter duels between the two. My plan with that is to essentially have them rank up a record akin to how Guy often speaks of his record with Kakashi. Not the same rival dynamic, but more that these two will have a fairly even record of wins to loses. Right now, it stands at 1 to 1.
Note: Despite beating Zane here, I still see an instance where Kai can rack up a potential significant loss before getting into the Shadow Rider arc. Pay close attention as I got some plans for the coming school duel mini arc. I'll be interested to see if anyone can guess the solo rep & the tag team rep for Central Academy.
Vital Info: I'll try, but the group can be rather inviting. Anyways, I'll be doing this promotion/demotion mini arc, switching to North Academy for a chapter or two after, there's the duel off of Central Academy to determine reps, Belowski, and the school duel. That's essentially it before I finally get into the Shadow Rider arc.
I've officially moved in, though expect slow uploads on this as I am in the single digit of chapters to complete a different story of mine. I'll either post something new after that story is finished or if I need a break.
Also, just a warning. As we moved in, it did take my mom a minute to find work. We're 180 dollars owed to wifi. She got it back on for now, but just be aware that potentially I might be going dark until either her next paycheck comes in or next month when my sister gets her check.