Domino City Hospital: Day…
A young man, no older than fifteen and with the build of a runner, walked down the hall of the hospital with baggy eyes as he rubbed the back of his neck. He had short blond hair with a light blue streak through it, and his eye color matched that streak.
His attire consisted of a golden yellow dress shirt, whose sleeves were rolled up one forth of the way, matching dress pants, and shoes. Additionally, he wore a blue fedora with a golden ring near the brim and a smart golden yellow jacket.
The young man soon came a stop before room 205 and shook his head as he attempted to seem more chipper. After a moment to collect himself, he opened the door and entered a standard hospital room which contained a sole occupant.
It was a man who had the inverse hair, light blue with a golden streak, from the younger man and golden yellow eyes rather than the younger man's ocean blue. At one point, he even had the same build though preferred a simple style of dress.
Those same eyes, once filled with life, were dull, his hair was disheveled, and his build was a shell of its former self, weak. The doctors had done all they could for him, but there was nothing left to try. He was essentially on borrowed time.
"Hey Varris." The young man greeted, taking a seat by the man's bedside.
Varris blinked, seemingly snapping out of a daydream, and, even if just a little, seemed to come to life as he managed to smile. "Hey Kai, I wasn't expecting you today." He looked his way. "Are you ready for the coming entrance exam?"
Kai closed his eyes upon hearing that. His older brother still wanted him to take his shot at entering Duel Academy, but he'd squared it away. Given the circumstances, they were willing to hold his application until next year. Even if his brother wanted it, he wouldn't leave him now.
"Perhaps now is…" Kai immediately shut that thought down and managed a faux smile. "You know me." He chuckled weakly. "No matter what deck I try, nothing ever seems to suit me, but I think I've at least managed to create something I can use for a while."
"That's a shame." Varris chuckled weakly back. "I'd let you try my deck, but it's still missing."
No one knew what happened to Varris' deck, not even the man himself. Far as he knows, he was walking back to the home he shared with Kai…Then, he's awoken in the park by concerned citizens and carted off to the hospital.
His deck gone, not a card left behind. After that, Varris fell into deteriorating health, and he's been in the hospital ever since. At this point, everyone, even the pair within the room, assumed a far less kind citizen made off with it.
"It's fine." Kai assured. "I still got a good deck, so I'm certain I'll pass the entrance exam."
"Duel Academy is a good place to be, Kai." Varris felt the need to lay down. "You'll meet so many different people with all kinds of strategies. It's a big step up from the duels you get into out here. Plenty of strong duelists that will surely see your potential be realized."
"I don't doubt it." Kai stated.
"You got a lot of it, little bro." Varris, despite his sudden fatigue, managed to reach out and lay a hand on Kai's cheek. "Far more than I ever did when I was your age." His eyes slowly began to close, though the smile never left his face. "You'll go farther as pro than I ever did."
"Big brother…" Kai froze as his brother's skin felt colder than it normally did.
"One day, you might even be good enough to beat the King of Games, Yugi Muto." Varris' hand rubbed against Kai's face suddenly as it collapsed to the bed. "Would that…be something…to… see…"
Kai suddenly lept to his feet as Varris' breathing was slowing considerably, his eyes were dulling fast, and his skin paled considerably.
"Big brother!" He looked at the door out, his own heartbeat rising as panic overtook him. "HELP! SOMEBODY HELP!" He heard rushing feet before turning to his brother and grabbing his hand. "Hold on Varris, someone is coming."
"Kai, love…you…bro." Varris managed before his head drifted to the right.
He became motionless to the point Kai's breathing hitched as his heart stopped for a second. He was broken out of his stupor not a moment later by the flatlining monitor and medical professionals bursting into the room.
"Varris?" Kai questioned in disbelief.
"Remove the visitor!"
"Varris!?" Kai questioned, tears coming to his eyes.
Suddenly, two sets of arms grabbed him by each of his, dragging him away.
"VARRIS!" Kai shouted, the tears now falling.
He wanted to struggle against the grip of the nurses who pulled him out of the room but didn't. Despite the situation, some small part of his brain recognized he was being taken out of the room because there wasn't a thing he could do. In the end, they couldn't do a thing either…
Domino City: Outside the Kaiba Dome, over 1 Year Later…
Kai, well-rested and determined, arrived on the street which led to the location of the Entrance Exam's practical portion. The written portion he'd taken earlier in the week had already come back with the results. While he wasn't at the top, he'd still scored above the average.
"No matter what this practical portion entails, I will not falter." Kai walked forward with purpose. "To reach the top of the dueling world, that is my dream."
While Kai still hadn't settled on a deck that meshed with him, he did end up deciding to utilize the one he built over one year prior. At least then not all his final words to his brother would be a lie. To this day, he still didn't know if he'd been right to say what he had.
Kai approached two girls, wearing a yellow variation of the girl's academy uniform, who were sitting at a table by the doors. They were accompanied by a man in a suit and sunglasses.
"Hello, I'm here for the practical examination." Kai informed while handing over his pass.
"Kai Delmar…Ah, here you are. You're a bit early as they're still finishing setting up."
"That's what I was hoping for." Kai nodded. "Should I make it into the academy, anyone else here could be my classmate." He shrugged. "Might as well see what decks they're going with."
Perhaps something in there would speak to him today, and he'd finally find a deck to stick with. Something he could stake his name to like how Varris had done with his own deck.
"I suppose that's one way to look at it." The one who spoke yawned. "I'd have slept in personally." She ticked his name. "Before you head in, show my colleague your deck. We need to check it meets the Kaiba Corp. standard limit list."
"Right." Kai stated.
He handed over his deck, and the second woman skimmed through it. "Not a lot of rarity in here, and some of these cards seem a little too archaic."
"Archaic doesn't have to mean bad." Kai shrugged. "Besides, you could say I haven't exactly settled on a deck yet."
"Someone indecisive with their deck?" She smiled, though her tone suggested this wasn't said in a good-natured way. "I don't think that bodes well for your exam."
"Just watch for the results when all is said and done." Kai stated simply as he took back his deck and headed on in.
Kaiba Dome
Kai entered the main atrium of the dome, and it was huge. Lines and lines of seats encircled a wide-open space that had been split off into several smaller pitches by large, brown partitions. A few men in long, greyish-blue coats were helping to set up the last few.
Looking around, it seemed the stands had been split into two sections. Those for applicants yet to be placed, and those for returning students, graduates of duel prep school, and/or kids who had gotten in through connections. There were a few other applicants in this section.
Likely early risers. Among them was the person who took the absolute top score in the written exam, Bastion Misawa, who had his head in a book. Despite not scoring anywhere near that, as well as his issues in finding a deck, Kai was still confident in his own skills.
Naturally, as all do when they first start out, he'd lost quite a bit. Through working with his brother, studying, and dueling more, he'd begun to rack up wins. When he felt the time was right, Kai had entered a relatively small tournament. While it had been shaky, he made the semifinals.
He'd forfeited before the final match since his opponent seemed more connected to his deck than Kai was with the one he used. Upon discovering such a feeling, he resolved not to enter another tournament until he found the deck he meshed with.
VIP Box
Unknown to anyone presently within the dome, as well as those who would arrive, Seto Kaiba would be observing these exams closely. The box he sat in had been fitted with the technology to make them one way, at his discretion.
"Strange and unusual events have transpired on Duel Academy while the Sacred Beast have been moved there at the start of summer break." Kaiba noted as he carefully perused the early risers. "I can't be there all the time, but one of them could."
Snagging a first year to, in a way, work for him while attending the academy was the solution he settled on. If he put a teacher on the job, they were less likely to be where trouble struck. If he got someone already enrolled, they were likely to be questioned on changed habits.
A first year, if they didn't already know people well enough on the island, could effortlessly set their habits accordingly to report things back to him. Of course, he wouldn't ask this of anyone for free. He had incentives to do this for him.
Kaiba Dome
"Whoa, I thought I was seeing things." A male voice spoke up, drawing Kai's attention. "You're really Kai Delmar."
The guy who'd spoken had Yugi Muto like hair and near identical eye color. Though, it wasn't an exact match, and anyone who knew the King of Games would know his only family was his grandpa, wife, and a son too young to be a teenager like they were.
"Yeah, that's me." Kai stated surprised. "Uh, who are you?"
Given the guy's tone, Kai doubt he recognized him as Varris' younger brother. Anyone who did that tended not to address him with such a boisterous tone. That seemingly only left this guy recognizing him from that junior tournament.
"The name's Dimitri, best remember it because I'll be the next king of games." Dimitri smiled.
"Really?" Kai had to admit this guy was making a good first impression, the optimism was welcome. "Well, how does the 'Next King of Games' know someone like me?"
While he held the same dream, Kai didn't feel the need to go around saying it. Not that he begrudged those like Dimitri, who did.
"I was there to witness your only tournament run." Dimitri informed. "It was impressive. Shame you ended up bowing out at the last match. I would have loved to see it play out."
"Yeah." Kai nodded. "I just couldn't do it."
Fortunately, Dimitri seemed to accept that reasoning without inquiring further. "Anyways, it seems like we got a bit before the practical kicks off, and we may not even be first up when they do start. What do you think about hanging out until one of us has to go?"
Kai smiled. "No question, beats out sitting solo with my thoughts."
Hallway: Later…
The pair ended up chatting for a while, and this Dimitri guy was chill. He also knew a lot about the current pro-duelists and given Kai's own interest, it led to a lot of talk between the two on their strategies. As they talked, applicants and those who already had their place arrived.
Eventually, events got started with people being called down to the duel fields for their shot. After a few rounds of not being called, as well as the pair being parched, Kai and Dimitri decided to hit up some vending machines.
"Mr. Ryuga, I don't understand!" An angry voice bellowed, not far from the pair's present location. "Why should I give up my precious card?"
As the pair were already on the path, as well as the fact they were curious, the two of them hurried to see what was happening. They soon discovered another applicant yelling at what appeared to be a coolheaded and calm proctor, who was unfazed.
"I already lost the duel, meaning I can't enter Duel Academy, so why do I still have to give up my ace card!?" The applicant yelled.
"That's simply how it is." The proctor, who was Ryuga, only pushed up his glasses. "You, the weak loser, lost to me, the winner. Therefore, it's only natural you give up much more than your chance to enter the prestigious Duel Academy."
"Alright, that's enough!" Dimitri yelled, marching up towards the two while Kai willingly followed him into this.
"Who are you supposed to be?" Ryuga quickly dismissed his own question. "Pah, probably nothing more than another nameless applicant trying to get into Duel Academy,"
"Hey, I'm no nameless applicant!" Dimitri shouted, pointing to himself. "You're looking at the next King of Games, Dimitri Thompson."
"We also saw the whole thing!" Kai interjected. "How you're attempting to snatch cards from people who lose to you."
"'Snatch' is such a strong wore." Ryuga commented calmly. "You make it seem as though I'm a thief while the truth of the matter is I'm a card collector. As such, it's only natural I have an interest in collecting cards."
"Oh, you are such a liar!" The applicant from earlier cried out. "You tried to threaten me into giving my ace card to you! You said if I didn't, you would use your connections to ruin me!"
"You really are trying to steal other peoples' cards!" Dimitri yelled.
"You can't force people to give up their cards for your own selfish needs." Kai clenched his fist. "Cards are the SOUL of the duelist. One can't give up their own soul easily."
"Oh, you really think that?" Ryuga questioned intrigued. "Just to let you know, with the winning rate I have, it won't be long before I become a teacher at Duel Academy. If you two keep your ego in check and give me your best cards now, I'll go easy on your grades when the time comes."
"Are teachers like Ryuga really accepted into Duel Academy?" Kai questioned internally.
That didn't line up with what his older brother would say about the place, though he'd gotten in around the time Seto Kaiba and Kagemaru first opened Central Academy. Perhaps things have changed in the last seven years since his graduation.
Regardless of what the case was, Kai knew one thing for certain, "Someone like you doesn't deserve to be a duelist. If Seto Kaiba knew the type of person you were, he'd have never allowed you the opportunity to teach at his school."
Despite what Duel Academy was, Kai was at least certain of that.
A visible vein popped out on the side of Ryuga's head, but he silently regained his composure. "I'm going to make sure your lives at Duel Academy are absolute hell when I finally become a teacher." He smiled. "As luck would have it, I only need 1 more win before I become one."
"What do you mean?" Dimitri asked.
"Hmph. It's only natural a nobody like you wouldn't know." Ryuga scoffed. "Allow me to enlighten you. I'm striving to become a teacher of Duel Academy's central branch. One of the employment conditions is to find victory against 50 students. In this case, applicants count, hence why I'm at the entrance exams today. So far, I've had 49 consecutive victories."
Dimitri crossed his arms, not allowing himself to be impressed with such a jerk. "Only 49."
Kai shook his head. "Big deal."
"Tell me, have either of you dueled anyone yet?" Ryuga inquired.
"No, we're still waiting for our numbers to be called." Kai stated. "At this point, I think I can speak for both of us when we say we're hoping your potential 50th duel is against either of us."
"Yeah, either one of us will wreck that record of yours." Dimitri added.
"Well, I sure hope either of you are ID number 24 because I'll relish the sight of your defeated figure by the time I'm done with you." Ryuga declared.
"24, right here." Kai stated without hesitation.
While Ryuga did want to put these boys in their place, he wasn't above seeing about seizing such an opportunity.
"Well then, congratulations." With a smile, the teacher hopeful stepped forward. "I'm offering you the opportunity to attend Duel Academy without taking the practical portion. In other words, all you need to do is forfeit. Then, you will not only attend as a new student, but you'll automatically be an Obelisk Blue."
Kai was no cheater, but even if he was, accepting this offer would be to dishonor his elder brother's memory. That man had raised him after the loss of their parents and reinforced their teachings. If Kai accepted, he could never face any of them…wherever they went after death.
"That's a selfish offer." Kai shook his head. "If I get into Duel Academy, it'll be the right way."
"Young man, I'm afraid you don't seem to understand how big an opportunity this might be for you," Ryuga spoke calmly, yet his hand clasped on his shoulder firmly. "You can either take my offer or regret being another worthless being for denying me."
Kai grimaced as this guy had a good amount of strength on him.
Dimitri had noticed his discomfort and stepped in. "Hey, stop it!"
He slapped Ryuga's hand off the guy's shoulder, shoved him away in the shock that moment caused, and stepped to Kai's side.
"How dare a lowlife like you touch me!?" Ryuga angrily shouted, clenching his hand as if it was the most delicate thing in the world.
"Who cares?" Dimitri argued. "It was clear you were hurting him. Not only do you not deserve to be a duelist, but if you're going to resort to threats, you don't deserve to be a teacher either."
"You two have made foolish, stupid decisions today." Ryuga proclaimed, keeping his rage in check for the time being. "#24, I'll ensure you are my 50th win." He then looked Dimitri's way. "Even if you become a student, I'll make your life hell before expelling you myself."
Having said all that he needed, Ryuga whirled around and left.
Once he was gone, the applicant spoke up. "You should have taken his deal."
"Why would you say such a thing?" Dimitri asked. "I think he did a good job turning down a jerk like him."
"Look, Ryuga is crazy strong." The applicant shook his head. "Anyone would be an absolute moron to turn down that sweet deal of his. I know I wouldn't have turned him down if he'd made me such an offer."
"Anyone seeking to be a true duelist should never take such a deal." Kai retorted.
"That's how it is." The applicant scoffed. "News flash, there are plenty of people at Duel Academy who are like him to varying degrees. This school is for the elite of the elite."
"Maybe there will be people like Ryuga; however, people like Kai and I applied." Dimitri voiced. "That must mean there are people like us there. Anyways, what's with all this attitude? We aren't looking for thanks, but you don't have to hound us for stepping in."
"Ugh, I didn't ask for your help." The applicant sighed before turning to Kai. "Alright, fine. Since you were stupid enough to turn down his offer, the least I could do is tell you how he duels."
"Suddenly, you're trying to be nice?" Dimitri asked.
"He already turned down the offer." The applicant shrugged. "That means there's now the chance the prick loses. In the spirit of that, I'll do my part. His dueling style revolves around brute force, and he uses a dinosaur deck."
"A perfect deck for him since they're known for mainly using brute force to win." Dimitri noted.
"A deck that's perfectly in sync with his dueling style." Kai nodded. "I've dueled my fair share of people and decks like that, I think I got it handled."
"I thought the same." The applicant was clearly frustrated. "If only my duel disk didn't short circuit on me, I would have had him myself!"
"There's something wrong with your duel disk?" Kai asked.
"I thought for sure any applicant, who had to duel today, would have ensured their equipment works." Dimitri voiced.
"I did!" The applicant responded. "I bought this just last week and had my usual guy check it out yesterday. Everything came back good, but my duel disk suddenly started acting up when I tried to activate my spell cards."
"You didn't use your duel disk between the time your mechanic checked it out and now?" Dimitri asked.
"No, I kept it in its case until I arrived." The applicant turned. "Anyways, I'm not sure you can do it, but I wouldn't mind seeing Ryuga fall." He walked off. "Guess that means I'm rooting for you, #24."
"Does that mean he just couldn't use spells against Ryuga?" Dimitri questioned, confused. "What could even cause that?"
"I don't know." Kai sighed as he shook his head. "Given how Ryuga acted, I wouldn't put it past him; however, saying anything would just be baseless accusations. Besides, it's just as likely something did end up going wrong and conveniently lines up with the duel."
"I suppose…" Dimitri admitted before looking to Kai. "Disregarding that, when you're duel that guy, beat him."
"I'll certainly put my all into it." Kai voiced. "On that note, let's get those drinks before returning to the auditorium."
"Right, that whole argument and conversation has me extra parched." Dimitri agreed.
Unbeknownst to them, a woman with long white hair and blue eyes had arrived just as Ryuga was leaving. She ended up staying around the corner, interested in what was being said. Now that they were gone, she was on her way to a certain VIP box.
"I think Seto will find this interesting…"
Kaiba Dome
Not long after they returned, Kai's number was called.
"Alright, go take Ryuga down." Dimitri stated.
"I'll certainly give it a try." Kai started walking. "See you in a bit."
Exam Field 2
When Kai arrived in Exam Field 2, Ryuga hadn't arrived yet, but he knew the man soon would. He just needed one more win before officially becoming a Duel Academy teacher. Given Kai didn't want to subject others to that man's teachings, he'll have to give his absolute best.
As for said man, Ryuga appeared through a special podium underneath the floor. "At the very least, I applaud your rather foolish bravery against me, but I suggest you spare yourself the humiliation. Have the grace to leave quietly and quickly."
The man certainly was sharp with his words, but it'd take more than that for Kai to consider backing down. "I'll take my chances."
"What an idiot." Pushing up his glasses, Ryuga's confident expression didn't change in the slightest. "Very well. I only need one more win before I officially become a Duel Academy instructor, so prepare yourself because I will not hold back!"
VIP Box
Seto listened to Kisara on what she'd heard before then utilizing the technology within his cameras to get off scans of Ryuga. Almost immediately, he was pointed to the ring the man wore which radiated electromagnetic waves.
"That would explain that prior applicant's failure to use spells." Kaiba thought.
Before Kisara brought this to his attention, he'd already sent men to give that kid a replacement duel disk and inform him he had one last chance to make it into Duel Academy. With him knowing that was sorted, it left just one question…"
"What are you going to do Seto?" Kisara asked.
"I'm going to let this play out." Seto leaned back in his chair since he saw an opportunity. "If the applicant loses, he'll get another chance, and I'll handle this fully. If this applicant can hack it where 49 others haven't, he'll be the first one I've seen with the potential to handle the role."
Someone who could overcome odds like this could potentially handle whatever comes their way on the island. With his decision made, the two of them would be paying attention to this coming duel closely. Seto in observation and Kisara hopeful a cheater like Ryuga didn't win.
Stands
While no one else knew what Seto and Kisara did, everyone in the stands were still interested. Ryuga has won 49 out of the 50 required duels needed to become a teacher at Duel Academy. With that came the reputation of being stern, calm headed, and fearsome with his Dinos.
"Mr. Ryuga's 50th opponent…" Zane mutter from his place above before turning to Alexis. "What do you think of this, Alexis?"
"I've heard all sorts of rumors about him, none of them particularly good." Alexis responded. "Apparently, he takes cards from the students he wins against. Doesn't Duel Academy have some sort of rule against Ante Duels?"
"That it does." Zane nodded. "Ante Duels are forbidden for student and teacher alike."
Mr. Ryuga's 50th match, and the rumors surrounding the man were more than enough to draw this pair's interests to this duel.
Exam Field 2
"Let's Duel!"
(Kai 4000/Ryuga 4000)
"Since it's clear you're going to lose, I'll at least give you the advantage of going first." Ryuga stated cockily.
"Alright, my move!" Kai drew. "I'll set one monster and one card before ending my turn."
"What a simple and boring strategy." Ryuga scoffed. "A set monster and card clearly indicate you want me to attack just to trigger some form of trap. It's one of the most basic tactics in all of Duel Monsters. If you want to pass, you'll have to do better than this."
"Think what you will." Kai retorted simply.
Stands
"While it is a basic strategy, Ryuga is thinking too narrowly." Zane commented. "Basics and fundamentals leave plenty of room for additions. Seems to me that applicant understands something Ryuga doesn't."
"Maybe Ryuga just doesn't expect it of him." Alexis voiced. "Perhaps he's let his 49 wins go to his head and is assuming the simplest explanation is the correct explanation."
Exam Field 2
"My move!" Ryuga drew. "I'll begin by summoning my Mad Sword Beast(LV 4/1400/1200)." A rampaging dino appeared. "Now, before I attack your mystery monster, I'll activate my Mystical Space Typhoon. This card destroys any 1 Spell or Trap, and yours is the only viable one."
A twister whirled around the field in a frenzy until it decimated Kai's set card; however, everyone could see as it was rapidly lost in the winds. The applicant had set Dust Tornado, which had the same effect as the spell Ryuga just played.
"It wasn't a useful trap?" Ryuga questioned.
"I'd say Dust Tornado is useful in its own right, but sometimes it makes a better bait to rid my opponent of their own destruction effects." Kai retorted. "In this case, it's an equal trade."
"Still, I have my assurance." Ryuga declared. "Mad Sword Beast, attack that monster." Mad Sword Beast charged forward, causing Kai's Mask Dragon(LV 3/1400/1100), A beige and white dragon, to be flipped up before being destroyed. "My beast deals piercing damage."
(Kai 3700/Ryuga 4000)
"You're monster's not the only one with and effect." Kai called out. "Whenever Masked Dragon is destroyed by battle and sent to the grave, I can special summon any other dragon-type monster I wish straight from my deck."
"What!?" Ryuga called out.
"You heard me." Kai stated. "I'll utilize this effect to fetch a second Masked Dragon(LV 3/1400/1100)."
"So, you did have a backup plan." Ryuga stated. "I admit, I'm actually impressed."
Stands
Dimitri smiled. "Alright, way to go Kai!"
Exam Field 2
"I believe I'll set one card and end my turn." Ryuga declared.
"Alright, my turn!" Kai drew. "I summon Ranryu(LV 4/1500/200)." A long, serpentine green dragon appeared. "I'll further bolster my field with Monster Reborn."
He put the spell in his backrow, but it wouldn't activate. Kai went about carefully, slowly sliding the card into the slot several times and tried the button. In the end, no matter what he tried, Monster Reborn wasn't activating."
"Just like that applicant said, my spells aren't working." Kai thought.
While his duel disk wasn't new, he'd had it checked out all the same. His mechanic was the same man his elder brother always trusted. The same man he'd been introduced to years ago.
"Is something wrong?" Ryuga asked. "I believe you said you were going to 'bolster your field,' but I don't see anything. How disappointing."
VIP Box
Seto and Kisara were the only ones who currently knew the truth. Kai's troubles in activating his spell card came from Ryuga's ring on his finger. Although strangely designed, that ring had a special mechanism which emitted an electromagnetic wave towards the applicant's duel disk.
It specifically targeted and froze the spell card system, thus preventing only spells from being activated. Right when Kai announced his intention of using Monster Reborn, part of Ryuga's ring rotated in a certain way to activate.
The only duel disk unaffected was Ryuga's own since he'd equipped it with technology designed to shield it from electromagnetic waves. Kaiba had already made a mental note to implement his own form of protection into the new models later.
"If Ryuga has had this special ring all this time, there's a good chance all 49 of his prior victories were won through cheating." Kisara noted.
"Once the exams wrap up, I'll get Roland on tracking down every one of his prior opponents to see just how long this has been going on." Seto stated. "Regardless of the validation, I do believe Sheppard is in need of a Vice Chancellor."
Seto already knew just the person for the job.
Stands
"It's just like what that applicant we met said." Dimitri thought. "Spell cards don't work."
"Why isn't his duel disk working?" Alexis wondered. "It does look like an older model. Could it be broken?"
"Mr. Ryuga's last opponent also had a 'broken' duel disk, yet it was the latest model." Zane voiced. "It makes me think about the 48 other opponents whose duel disks 'malfunctioned'."
Alexis' eyes widened. "That sounds like too much to be a coincidence."
"It is too much to be a coincidence, which is why I started my own little investigation." Zane confessed. "I couldn't talk to every opponent Mr. Ryuga dueled, but I got statements from a good majority, and they all confessed to having 'technical difficulties'."
"You think he might be cheating somehow?" Alexis asked.
"It's a possibility, but I don't know how he's achieving it." Zane replied. "Under these circumstances, I honestly hope that applicant wins because I fear things will change for the worst if Mr. Ryuga actually becomes a new teacher."
Exam Field 2
"Mr. Delmar, could you hurry up?" Ryuga voiced firmly. "We don't have all day!"
"Even without my spells, I won't let this man win." Kai put his spell back in his hand. "Change in plans, I'll have my Masked Dragon clash with your beast." Masked Dragon and Mad Sword Beast destroyed one another.
"Now, my dragon's effect activates once more, and I'll utilize it to bring out my third Masked Dragon(LV 3/1400/1100). With an almost clear path to your life points, I'll begin by attacking with Ranryu!"
Ranryu surged forward and through Ryuga (Kai 3700/Ryuga 2500)
"I reveal my face down, Damage Vaccine Ω MAX." Ryuga countered. "This trap restores any damage I take, from one instance of it, equal to what I lost."
Green particles fell upon the man (Kai 3700/Ryuga 4000).
"Be that as it may, your field's empty which leaves you wide open for a direct attack from my Masked Dragon." On Kai's word, Masked Dragon rushed forward and slashed at the man (Kai 3700/Ryuga 2600). "I'll then end my turn with one set card."
"I believe it's time I start taking care of your field." Ryuga drew. "First, I activate Soul Release to target up to five cards in your grave and banish them. I'll banish the three that reside there, being your Dust Tornado and two Masked Dragons."
"Of course, his spells work." Kai thought.
"Now that you lack any monsters in your grave, I'm free to special summon two copies of Gilasaurus(LV 3/1400/400)." Ryuga continuous as two brown raptors appeared on his field.
Stands
"I was wondering why he used Soul Release." Alexis commented. "It was to ensure that applicant didn't benefit from the effect of Gilasaurus."
"It also ensures the field is in a better position for what he's about to do." Zane voiced.
Exam Field 2
"Now, I build the overlay network with my two level 3 Gilasaurus." Ryuga declared, a wormhole opened and both dinos entered as golden lights. "Xyz summon Rank 3 Grenosaurus(R 3/O 2/2000/1900)." A red dino with two overlay units appeared.
"That's a decently strong monster, but my field is still protected." Kai called out.
"I won't deny that, but this last card in my hand can deal with one form of your protection." Ryuga declared. "I activate Forbidden Chalice. Now, I can target one monster and boost their ATK by 400 while negating their effects until the end of the turn.
I choose Masked Dragon." Masked Dragon(LV 3/1800/1100 effect) became grayed out as his strength rose. "Now, Grenosaurus will destroy your Masked Dragon." The dino rushed forward and slashed through the dragon (Kai 3500/Ryuga 2600).
"You don't strike me as the type to go for chip damage." Kai stated.
"Well, I'm surprised you realize there's more to my monster." Ryuga commented. "As Grenosaurus(R 3/O 1/2000/1900) has destroyed a monster by battle, I can detach one overlay unit to deal one thousand life points worth of damage."
Grenosaurus breathed fire, bypassing Ranryu to attack the applicant directly (Kai 2500/Ryuga 2600). "To think this lowlife would force me into utilizing my entire hand. If that's not bad enough, it just managed to even out our life points at the end of the day."
"Looks like I need to step things up." Kai drew and smiled. "You might have cleared my grave, but you followed up by sending one of my cards there anyways. First, I'll attempt to activate Monster Reborn once more."
He attempted to activate Monster Reborn, but the results were just like his prior attempts.
"Nothing's happening, Mr. Delmar." Ryuga voiced. "I strongly suggest you quit wasting everyone's time."
"It was worth a try, but I don't need that to do what I have planned." Kai called out. "I reveal my face down Call of the Haunted, allowing me to bring back Masked Dragon(LV 3/1400/1100) from my grave."
"Neither monster can get over my Xyz monster." Ryuga stated. "You'd be best served putting your Ranryu in defense position to preserve your life points."
"You'd be right if not for what I have in my hand." Kai declared. "I tribute Ranryu and Masked
Dragon to call upon the dragon who burns away the unworthy. Descend, Seiyaryu(LV 7/2500/2000)." A large, pink wyvern appeared before roaring.
"He has such a monster within his deck?" Ryuga thought internally frustrated yet keeping a composed demeanor. "Beyond that, I took away his ability to use spells, yet he's managing to keep his composure, making nary a mistake in the process."
"Seiyaryu, destroy Grenosaurus with Mystical Blaze!" Kai continued.
Seiyaryu breathed out white hot flames which destroyed Grenosaurus (Kai 2500/Ryuga 2100)
Stands
"Alright, Ryuga's hand and field are empty." Dimitri thought. "While we all know one card in Kai's hand is Monster Reborn, he still holds a second that might not be a spell. Even then, he's still got the advantage with Seiyaryu."
"This is the first time any of his fifty opponents have backed Ryuga into a corner, at least from those I could question." Zane noted. "That applicant had played pretty much as well as he could with the cards he's been dealt."
"To think he's going head-to-head without spells." Alexis added.
Exam Field 2
"That's all I got." Kai declared. "It's your move."
Ryuga was visibly scowling as his back was up against the wall. His next draw now determined everything. No matter what, this next draw would be something that could salvage this. It had to be. He would not stand for a bad draw when this was his final, needed win.
"My draw!" Ryuga drew, only to widen his eyes at what he got. "Survival of the Fittest…I don't have a Dinosaur on my field!" There was only one recourse, he recomposed himself and smiled. "I'll be setting this. Tell me Mr. Delmar, are you confident enough to risk everything?"
"Duel Academy is where the best go, and you don't become the best without being willing to put it all on the line!" Kai drew. "Then again, a little preparation to mitigate that risk never hurt. I summon Mirage Dragon(LV 4/1600/600)."
A long, yellow dragon appeared. "His effect prevents you from activating trap cards during the battle step. With two monsters on the field, I stop any potential Quick-Play spells that lower ATK, to an extent, or potentially destroy 1 monster."
"No!" Ryuga cried.
"I'll take it that this is the end." Kai declared. "Seiyaryu, direct attack with Mystical Blaze!" Seiyaryu breathed out white hot flames which washed over Ryuga (Kai 2500/Ryuga 0). "All I'm left with is Monster Reborn and Dark Hole…"
Cheering and applause broke out across the dome at Kai's victory.
Stands
Dimitri stood and clapped excitedly. "Way to go Kai!"
He then noticed Mr. Ryuga shaking. Given how the man had reacted in the hallway earlier, the guy decided to make his way down. Perhaps nothing would come of this, but he wanted to be there if something did.
"Whoever that applicant is, he's certainly made his way into the hallways of the Yellow Dorm." Zane noted.
"Considering there are still plenty of duels left, it makes me wonder just how interesting a year we are in for." Alexis commented.
VIP Box
"Even without spells, that applicant kept his composure and maintained control of the duel's flow." Seto commented before pressing a nearby button, activating a speaker within the room.
"Sir?" Roland questioned.
"Who is applicant #24?" Seto asked.
"Kai Delmar, sir." Roland responded.
"He's the first person that should be directed to the room before the box." Seto voiced.
"Understood." Roland voiced.
"Seto, I don't like how Ryuga is reacting." Kisara voiced.
Seto turned his gaze back to exam field 2, only to see the man was shaking in rage. He was going to have security take this man in anyways, now he was simply providing a good opportunity.
"Roland, get security on standby." Seto voiced. "If Ryuga attempts to attack Kai Delmar, prevent it; otherwise, have them ready to take him the moment he's alone."
"Right." Roland stated.
Exam Field 2
"You…YOU…YOU LOWLIFE BASTARD!"
All cheering stopped upon Ryuga yelling at the top of his lungs. Kai's eyes widened as the man began to sprint at him in a rage. The applicant immediately turned on his heels and sprinted for the exit from this exam field. Ryuga had completely lost his cool and temper the moment he lost.
All his hard work, his efforts, and his 49 wins meant nothing due to the actions of some snot-nosed lowlife who dared to oppose him. He was going to change the dueling world. A revolution started within Duel Academy, stemming from his ideals.
Suddenly, security rushed in to secure Kai's safety and overpower Ryuga before restraining him. Though restrained, Ryuga struggled and lashed out in a fit of rage, demanding to be released. He had to teach Kai a 'lesson', but nobody was having that.
His screams faded away once he was led out, leaving the large dome entirely silent and speechless. The silence ceased when uneased murmurs coursed throughout the crowd. Kai was taking deep breaths to ease his rapidly beating heart.
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah." Kai took a relieved breath. "I'll be fine, just make sure Ryuga doesn't get the chance to come back."
"Don't worry, he's being escorted out of the building as we speak."
"Good." Kai walked off. "Now, I need a seat or a drink."
He exited the exam field and was met by Dimitri, who was visible panting as he'd sprinted the moment Ryuga charged after Kai. "I'm glad that guy didn't get to lay his hands on you!" He let out a sigh of relief. "Even with what happened in the hall, I can't believe he'd do that."
"Yeah, no kidding." Kai shook his head as he was calming, and his desire for a soda won out over taking a seat. "I think I could use another soda."
"I'll pay for it." Dimitri patted his back, glad the guy was alright, as they walked off together. "Consider it a reward for beating that absolute jerk."
Kai is not the only one who will catch Seto's eye. A certain multi-deck user, as well as a guy we all know with the hair of a Kurboh, will also catch it. As for Kisara, why not? From what I've seen, plenty of people put Serenity with Seto. While I generally like the pairing, I tend to see it everywhere...I think that's mostly because one could certainly say Jaden bears a striking resemblance to the two of them. Like I said, I like the pairing, but I decided to go down this avenue.
As for Kai's deck, he'll receive something archetypal after these exams. Essentially, this chapter is also meant to convey that the deck he's using won't be the one he sticks with for the long hall. Now, I do already have a deck picked out; however, maybe you guys have another idea in mind. Feel free to share it, just keep in mind that Pendulums and Links are not involved in this story.
Important Note:I will confirm I'm not doing an OC x Alexis pairing.