Outside North Academy: Evening…

Out on the frozen tundra, evening was settling in. Lucian Grimley was currently engaged in a duel against the rank 9 duelist on the Master List of North Academy.

Turn 2

(Lucien 4000/Student 4000)

Student's Field

Marauding Captain(LV 3/1200/400)

Armed Samurai Ben Kei(LV 4/1500/800 effect)

Axe of Despair – equipped to Ben Kei

1 set card

Lucien's Field

Slash Draw – just activated

"Time for you to rest in pieces." Lucien held up his right hand, showing the mark of the reaper before holding his arm up. "Now, witness the power of the reaper! With the Lord of Darkness at my side, I can draw any card I wish. Aren't you dying to know which one? Well, wait no more." A powerful wind ripped through the road. "My ultimate combo is finally complete."

"Whoa, take it easy Lucien! It's not that serious!"

Lucien ignored him as he drew with a crazed look. "Prepare to meet your maker!"

The reaper physically appeared to the shock of the student, and as Lucien revealed a second Slash Draw, the student's whole field was wiped out in an instant right along with his life points. The student screamed out as he was tossed away (Lucien 4000/Student 0). Lucien laughed.

North Academy: Later…

Lucien found a quit place between two of the buildings along the main road.

There he had a seat after his latest victory. "I'll claim the top spot for sure with this deck."

"Well done, Lucien." A deep, grave voice spoke out from nearby. "Though I pray you haven't forgotten out pact."

"Of course not." Lucien looked at the duel spirit of the reaper. "A deal is a deal, but you must keep your word. You give me victory, and you can have my soul." The reaper laughed as the student looked at his duel disk. "I must win."

"All in good time, but you must rest first." The reaper voiced.

"Good idea." Lucien voiced.

He leaned up against the building and closed his eyes.

Nearby

Chazz was walking along the main road with Jessie.

Said crystal beast user was currently talking about what was found just outside the academy. "…So, Charlie found the ninth ranked duelist unconscious. What do you make of it, Chazz?"

Before Chazz could respond with his theory, they both stopped and turned to look down an alleyway. The two of them could see the spirit of the reaper hovering over the student they both now knew to be Lucien Grimley.

"I say that ghost story about the reaper out on the ice appears to be true." Chazz noted, staring at the spirit firmly.

At that moment, he vanished in a vortex of darkness, leaving the slumbering Lucien. Without a second thought, the boys approached the sleeping student.

Chazz moved to snatch the card from around his neck, only for Lucien to come to and grab his wrist. "Hands off the card."

Chazz snatched his wrist free while Jessie moved to stand by his friend's side. "Whoa pal, Chazz here is just trying to help you since I don't think…"

"Wait, Chazz?" Lucien rubbed his eyes before staring at the guy again. "You're the current Number 1 of North Academy." He stood suddenly. "Well, it won't stay that way for long because my deck is unbeatable. Once I climb my way to rank 2, your position will be mine shortly after."

"I don't think that's a good idea, considering that card is real." Jessie stated. "With that being the case, it's said you'll eventually be paying your soul. It's not a good card to be having."

"I don't have the luxury of going without a card like this." Lucien bit back firmly as he held up the card contained around his neck. "With this one card, victory is always mine."

"What a joke." Chazz momentarily saw who he used to be before scoffing at that image and Lucien. "It's not any one card that makes you a duelist. Any true duelist should know that victory is found through three things…"

"Save the high and mighty speeches!" Lucien held up his hand with the tattoo as dark energy snaked around the arm. "I'm not in the mood for listening!"

"Then, I'll make you listen." Chazz retorted. "You want a shot at the number 1 spot, I'll make an exception. We'll duel on the road, right now."

"Alright, you're on." Lucien declared, walking on out.

"Well, no one's had much luck beating him." Jessie noted before smiling. "If anyone can do it, it'd be you buddy."

Chazz didn't immediately move as he put a hand on the crystal beast user's shoulder, drawing his attention. "Before I step out there, I need a favor…"

Main Road

Chazz stepped out and came to stand across from Lucien while Jessie stood off to the side.

"Your number 1 currently Chazz, but the moment I bury you here, I'll be the one heading this school." Lucien declared.

"I refuse to allow someone like you take this spot." Chazz retorted. "You're not fit for it."

At this moment, Charlie ended up arriving. She'd come out to search for the pair since they were out a tad longer than she thought they'd be.

"Jessie, what's going on here?" Charlie asked.

"Long story short, Chazz and I may have just found the guy responsible for the state of the students that have been coming into the infirmary." Jessie informed. "Now, Chazz is planning on showing him what for, even with the reaper."

"The reaper…" Charlie noted.

"Let's duel!"

(Chazz 4000/Lucien 4000)

"I'll be taking the first move." Chazz drew. "I'll start by placing one monster in face down defense position."

"That's one." Lucien noted.

"Despite my insistence we focus on the school duel, I couldn't help myself from learning what your strategy is." Chazz thought without portraying it on his face. "I'll then set one card before calling it there."

"That's card number 2, going on my turn!" Lucien drew. "I'll start with my Temptation of the Goddess spell card. Now, I get to look at your hand and force you to summon any monster I choose to your side of the field.

Now dearly departed, reveal your cards." Chazz revealed: Three as One, Armed Dragon LV 3, Armed Dragon LV 7, and Ojamagic. "Armed Dragon LV3(LV 3/1200/900) ought to do." The small, orange dragon appeared. "Three cards. Next, I activate Mischief of the Goddess.

I get to take another look at your hand, and if I spy a spell, it goes face down. If I recall correctly, you were holding onto Ojamagic before." Chazz set it without a word. "That's four, which means all your life points are about to become deceased."

"Chazz let him set the entire field up." Charlie voiced worriedly, knowing Lucien's strategy as well. "Unless he can stop this, the duel is already over."

"Don't worry." Jessie smiled reassuringly. "I think Chazz has what he needs to circumnavigate this turn."

"Let the cremation begin." Lucien declared. "I activate Slash Draw. For every card on the field, I can send one card from my deck to the grave. Then, I draw one card, and if it's another Slash Draw, all cards on the field are destroyed, and you lose one thousand life points for everyone."

"Then, let's see it." Chazz retorted simply.

"You shouldn't be this calm." Lucien laughed as that dark energy was wrapped around the arm he'd draw with. "After all, the grim reaper will be sure to extract it for me." He held the arm up. "Reaper of souls, come forth from the shadows and grant me victory."

The darkness enveloped him before coming out at the reaper itself. "My price is your soul."

"Very well." Lucien smiled. "Agreed." He then drew. "Farewell, Chazz!"

A sweeping crescent of white energy washed across the field to envelop Chazz's field which consisted of Armed Dragon LV3, a face down Ojama Pink, set Rainbow Life, and set Ojamagic. There was a massive explosion that shrouded Chazz in holographic debris.

Flashback

Chazz didn't immediately move as he put a hand on the crystal beast user's shoulder, drawing his attention. "Before I step out there, I need a favor."

"Huh, what do you need Chazz?" Jessie asked.

"I want to borrow that Rainbow Life of yours." Chazz informed. "Lucien's strategy involves dolling out damage in large quantities, and while I have cards to deal with it, another surefire card to counter it can't hurt."

Jessie smiled as he retrieved the trap from his deck box. "Alright, the card is yours."

Present…

"That's game over." Lucien declared as he happily held the Slash Draw he just drew. "Now, the top spot is mine."

"It's far too early to celebrate." Chazz called out.

The debris cleared to reveal the field was clear, though the number 1 duelist was far from bested (Chazz 8000/Lucien 4000).

"Your life points doubled!?" Lucien exclaimed, stunned.

"It's thanks to the trap I set last tun, Rainbow Life." Chazz declared. "By discarding one card from my hand, all damage this turn instead sees me gaining what I would have lost."

"Rainbow Life…" Charlie voiced, looking to the crystal beast user.

"Chazz asked me for it." Jessie grinned. "Anytime a pal ask for something I can do, I'll do it."

"That's only the beginning of your problems." Chazz continued. "Since I'm still in this duel, the effects of two other cards you just sent to the grave activate. Ojamagic was sent to my grave from the field, so I get to add Ojamas Black, Yellow, and Green from my deck to the hand."

The three cards popped out from his deck, so he fetched them, which in turn caused the three transparent spirits to appear around him. Given this situation was more severe than a duel to reach a rank, the three spirits were a little more serious.

"We're here for you, boss!" Yellow declared, with the other two nodding.

"We'll see how good or bad that is based on how things progress." Chazz retorted before smirking at Lucien. "Besides granting me these three, you sent Ojama Pink to the grave. As that one went from the field to the grave, we both draw 1 card before then discarding another."

Chazz drew before discarding, though this time the card he discarded wasn't an Ojama card, so the last effect of Pink remained dormant.

"This is impossible." Lucien voiced. "My one round win never fails."

"No strategy is perfect." Chazz retorted. "Aside from the three things I know a true duelist needs to succeed, the fact you've relied on one strategy all this time is part of the problem."

"How dare you denounce my strategy." Lucien growled. "Your destruction is still imminent, and it begins with this card, Footsteps of the Goddess. Let's get another look at that hand, as you have changed it." Chazz revealed: Ojamas Yellow, Black, Green, and Concentrating Current.

"Now, I select any one monster from there with 1500 or less ATK for you to special summon in face up attack position, and you have three options. Let's see that Ojama Yellow(LV 2/0/1000) of yours on the field." A little yellow monster in a speedo appeared.

"Since you insist." Chazz stated.

"Now, I get to do the same from my hand; however, whatever I summon can't attack this turn." Lucien stated. "On that note, I summon my Invincible Demise Lord(LV 6/1300/2000)." A fiendish monster in armor appeared. "Your move!"

Chazz chuckled at what he got. "I activate my Ojamassimilation. Now, I reveal to you any Light attributed machine-type fusion I wish from my extra deck. Here, you can have a look at my ABC-Dragon Buster."

The fusion's card was revealed. "Now, I banish any number of Ojama monsters from my hand, face up on the field, or in my grave to special summon differently named materials listed on the fusion I revealed from my hand, deck, or grave.

I'll banish Ojama Yellow from the field, Ojama Pink from the grave, and Ojama Green from my hand to special summon A-Assault Core(LV 4/1900/200), B-Buster Drake(LV 4/1500/1800), and C-Crush Wyvern(LV 4/1200/2000)." The three machines all appeared.

"Heh, you got out three monsters; however, it won't be that easy to overcome the guy I summoned." Lucien declared.

"Regardless of you saying that, I already intended to deal with your monster in another way." Chazz declared. "Gentlemen, start your engines." The three machines ascended. "I banish all three to conduct fusion. Fusion summon ABC-Dragon Buster(LV 8/3000/2800)."

A-Assault Core is below with B-Buster Drake on it, and C-Crush Wyvern on its back with its cannons on the front. "Once per my turn, I can pitch a card to target and banish any one card on your field. I send Ojama black to banish your Lord. Go, Bombardment!"

Explosives rained down on Invincible Demise Lord, obliterating him right to the banished zone.

"Er, do you have any idea how lucky you are?" Lucien asked frustrated. "Of course, not. You drew exactly what you needed. The only combo that could beat my lord. Lucky…" He glared at Chazz. "That's all you are while it's something I never had."

"You remind me of a bad memory." Chazz scoffed, drawing his attention. "Firstly, my deck's got plenty of removal options for that Lord of yours. Now, let me tell you what I was going to say in that alleyway. What separates the true duelists from any old duelists.

One, create your deck properly. You're not going to get far if it's not balanced for the archetype or monsters you use. Two, luck in what you draw. You start with five cards and get to draw the more a duel goes on. At the end of the day, usually you can't influence that aspect.

Three, your skill. One must play with what their deck deals. You can create your deck to minimize the luck, but it's always there to some capacity. At one point, I was just like you, I chalked up every loss to luck alone. At the end of the day, all that makes someone is a joke.

To put it simply, you are relying on your own crutch just as I once did my own. Sure, relying on the reaper brought you far enough; however, it'll never see you capable of beating the best the world has to offer, let alone see you beat the likes of me."

"You're just jealous of the fact I have the reaper!" Lucien retorted.

"Fat lot of good that card will do you now as you seem to have forgotten what this last card in my hand is." Chazz declared. "I'll use it right after I initiate this attack with my ABC-Dragon Buster. End this with a direct attack!"

"Smart guy, I'll still have 1000 life points left!" Lucien retorted. "This is hardly the end!"

"Like I said, you forgot about the Concentrating Current you got to see prior!" Chazz yelled right back, playing the spell. "Other monsters I control can't attack this turn, but the monster I target gains ATK equal to their DEF until the end of this turn. All I have is my fusion anyways!"

ABC-Dragon Buster(LV 8/5800/2800 effect) was super charged as it blasted Lucien. "No!" (Chazz 8000/Lucien 0). "I lost…" He collapsed to his knees. "Even with the reaper on my side, I lost."

"Don't forget your also a coward, to the point you'd make a deal with the reaper." Chazz voiced. "At the end of the day, it's a crutch you don't need. Winning and losing is just part of the game."

"That's easy for you to say." Lucien looked up at him. "You've drawn whatever is needed while I just don't."

"That's right, Lucien." The reaper reappeared. "You can't do it without my help."

"He can't even do it with your help." Chazz scoffed. "Listen up Lucien, if you keep this guy around, it'll never be your victory or loss. At the end of the day, whatever the result, it's all his. That's what you're offering your soul for, adjusting his record. Do you really want that?"

"Do not listen to this fool." The reaper voiced.

"No, I think he's the only one actually looking out for me." Lucien retorted. "Reaper…" He snatched the card from around his neck while getting to his feet. "You're through." He threw it away. "Our agreement is null and void, so my soul is staying with me!"

"NOOOOOO!" The reaper lamented.

Jessie caught the thing, intending to lock it away later. With the reaper away from him, Lucien released a long-held breath and fell onto his back in relief. The mark on the back of his hand faded away as a gentle snow began to fall.

"Thanks Chazz." Lucien teared up. "You've restored my faith in myself, and I promise I'll never lose that again."

Chazz gave a small, barely noticeable smile at that before walking away. Of course, Jessie and Charlie certainly noticed it.

Central Academy: Lighthouse

As the evening sun hung in the sky, Kai made his way to the lighthouse where he found Zane waiting. "Rather than drag this out, I'll cut the chase by revealing the final stipulation." The war challenger user opted not to interrupt. "Are you ready to hear it?"

"I've come all this way, been through so much." Kai stated. "I can't exactly back out now."

"Alright then." Zane walked right up to him. "In order to become my student, you must renounce your deck in its entirety."

"What?" Kai asked, stunned.

"Renounce your deck and together we will construct something far better." Zane stated.

"See, that request is enough for me to stop." Kai hadn't been certain he'd heard correctly, but to have the confirmation…there was not even a moment of hesitation to be had. "I've come too far with this deck to simply give up on it.

Every deck before this one never felt like it was mine until the day I got the Heroic Challengers. Then, I added the War Rocks to the equation, and it only cemented it. This is my deck, and I wouldn't give it up even if I got to learn under the King of Games himself."

"You've just answered correctly." Zane voiced, with a small smile, which caught Kai off guard. "Don't look so startled. With the answer you've given, you passed every one of my stipulations. I have to say, you also have nothing to learn from me either."

"Of course, it's you." Kai chuckled. "The person you are…If I'd agreed to your terms, I'd have failed because I wouldn't have respected my deck."

"Exactly." Zane nodded. "With this, there is absolutely nothing I can teach you to the point you don't need me as a mentor. If you'd like, I wouldn't mind dueling with you for as long as I am still on this island. At this point, all you may very well need is the experience."

Kai smiled at that. "I was hoping you'd offer."

The two of them shook on it. Just like that, even if it didn't end as Kai thought it would, the stipulations the freshman Obelisk had taken on have come to an end. At the end of it, he could now relax a bit. Naturally, his prior goals for coming to this island would not be forgotten.

At the end of the day, Kai knew his brother, regardless of the things he hid, wouldn't have wanted him to fixate as he had been. That's not to say he still wouldn't look for answers, but Kai once again had people close to his heart. In the end, he didn't want to take them for granted.

Meeting Room: Morning…

Come the morning after the promotion and demotion duels, Zane was in the meeting room with Sheppard and the dorm leaders, which consisted of Crowler, Fontaine, Satyr, and Banner. With yesterday behind them, it was time to sort out a proper candidate for the coming School Duel.

"…With North Academy using a first year for this year's School Duel, Zane Truesdale has brought it to my attention we should select one of our own in kind." Sheppard declared. "As the one with such an idea, I believe it is only fair he gives us his recommendations to get us started."

"My first pick would be Kai Delmar, especially given he has proven capable by beating me, while my second would be Jaden Yuki." Zane informed. "While he cannot claim the same as Kai, his skills are still nothing to laugh at."

"I agree with the recommendation of Mr. Delmar." Crowler voiced assuredly. "Aside from his rather impressive duel with Mr. Truesdale, his record is nearly on pair with our cyber dragon user to boot."

"I personally agree with the recommendation of Jaden." Banner voiced. "His HEROs can be fitted to handle a variety of situations, and his record is still quite impressive for any other first year."

"While those two are certainly impressive, I'd personally like to recommend our island's top Ra in Bastion Misawa." Satyr declared. "His only loss on record, not accounting for the duel against Mr. Kaiba himself, is Kai Delmar. Even then, he does hold two wins prior to that loss."

"If we're making recommendations based on dorm, Alexis Rhodes is our most talented female student." Fontaine stated. "While her records may look more unimpressive compared to the prior three, she has been proving herself quite competent with Ritual monsters."

"If I have it right, the recommended students are Kai Delmar & Alexis Rhodes of Obelisk Blue, Bastion Misawa of Ra Yellow, and Jaden Yuki of Slifer Red." Sheppard summarized. "Are those the only student's worth recommendation?"

"Gregory Evans has a dueling record on par with Alexis Rhodes, his deck revolves around a more unique form of fusion, and his grades aren't half bad." Crowler noted. "I'd say if anyone else could be recommended from the freshmen, it'd be him."

"So, we add the as of yesterday Ra to said line." Sheppard wrote that down with the other candidates. "Does anyone have other any others to suggests?"

"Despite a great deal of potential among the freshmen, I'd say those five are the ones who've shone the most among them at this time." Satyr noted.

"With five candidates, I'd suggest a battle royal to determine our representatives." Zane voiced. "All five of them against each other. The one who emerges victorious will have proven themselves as the singles rep while the person who comes just after will take the tag team spot."

"A five duelists Battle Royal." Banner nodded. "The one who comes out on top would certainly prove their worth."

"No to mention anyone who comes just in behind them would have earned the right to pick their partner for the tag duel in my opinion." Fontaine voiced.

"It seems as though we are all in agreement." Satyr noted, with even Crowler nodding.

"Then, a Battle Royal it shall be." Sheppard declared. "We'll inform the five of them tomorrow morning in my office. We'll schedule the duel for Saturday, giving them time to prepare."

When you break it down, to an extent, Lucien and Chazz actually have some common ground between them. It's to the point I now wish canon Chazz got that duel with Lucien in season 2 instead of Jaden. Beyond that, I decided to wrap up the overarching Stipulation arc here and introduce next chapter's coming Battle Royal to determine representatives. It shall be Kai vs Jaden vs Bastion vs Alexis vs Greg, going head to head as they work to determine the single and tag team rep.

Note: Just to clear up any potential confusion, the person who comes in second of this coming Battle Royal will then have the right to choose anyone in the academy as their tag team partner.

Vital Info: This chapter here might not be the rallying cry for North Academy you want, but hopefully it scratches a bit more of that itch you've been wanting.

The Duelist of Dawn: Yeah, Chazz has learned and been humbled quite a bit in this universe. Considering he was shot down to an even lower rock bottom than canon and then had to work for that first ranking a bit more, it is rather changing. Unfortunately, Jessie just does not get to go to Duel Academy this season, maybe come season 2's Genex Tournement that'll be a different story.