Author's Note: Hey everyone, it's been a while since the last chapter was posted which wasn't supposed to take as long. Truth be told I had a different scenario in place, but things didn't pan out exactly and I felt it was better to move to a different part. What I can say right now is this chapter shifts towards Jake's perspective which is quite something. Enjoy the read.

Chapter 8:

The Criterion Rite

A lot of things raced through my mind since the weekend came to an end. Two days didn't feel like there was a lot of time especially with assignments on the line, and if anything actual free time was so minimalistic compared to what we were tasked to observe with The Behaviors Duel Essay from Duel Healthology Class by the insanely pretty teacher, Professor Monet, the chaperone of the Leviathan Dorm. Which, I would've been super stumped about the assignment on the behavior details from the student of observation because I was too drenched into the actual duel itself. Thank the heavenly spirits of my buddy in arms Armed Dragon to have kept me in check about the patterns rather than the thrill of the deal. Which was just something I couldn't help, but be drawn into every time one of them had happened. Then, there was the thing I hadn't really expected when Lucian and I met up with the others back at The Kuriboh dorm later that day. About that girl who was Professor Nora's daughter.

I couldn't say that she gave me good vibes, but it just left me shocked at the notion that the two friends Shaggy and I made on the day of The Entrance Exam kept this so tight lipped. A truth in which they were friends with that girl Rachel. Even now, when the five of us had sat in the classroom together we could tell how shook Rory still had been in the couple days that passed since then. Oddly enough, that makes me relieved for a change to be in the classroom because it would help them both get their mind off of this whole thing cause I just knew that none of us needed to deal with tension with someone that used to be friends. I couldn't even imagine something like that for me or my bud Shaggy.

"If I were you right now,I'd pay attention right now!" Armed Dragon advised.

I blinked, "Huh?"

Cherry, who sat next to me in the same row said, "I didn't say anything."

"Jake Sunday and Cherry Valkyrie!" our attention was immediately drawn to the dark orange haired Instructor with the blue blazer that looked over towards us, "This is an important matter, we can't afford any distractions."

The two of us looked to one another and bowed from our seats, "We're really sorry Doctor Nora!"

Doctor Nora nodded, "Thank you!" as his focus looked towards the rest of the class in the room from row to row separated into three columns, "Now, under normal circumstances I would have you all assemble at the Duel Arena, but the matters here are different."

Rory, who sat in the secondary middle row asked, "How so, Doctor N?"

"Because it is one that is directed by Director Roman himself." Doctor Nora looked off to the side where a slide door was placed when the sound of footsteps approached, "In fact he himself has personally come to see you new first years here!"

Everyone in the room turned to one another upon hearing his words. Some were panicked while others were unsure. Only two I could've discussed it over is Army, and Cherry who just bit her fingers nervously, and as for me.. A straight face was the only thing that came to mind if it wasn't for the sudden drops of sweat that began to break off from my forehead.

"Not at a time like this!" Armed Dragon yelled in my ear with a scowled look, "Pull yourself together, dude!"

He was right though, just be at ease, Jake. Everything is going to be just okay after all, look at how calm your best friend is at his seat. That's the only thing I could've told myself when the fit man, with jet long black hair and silver eyes, who wore a white shirt and slacks stood next to Doctor Nora.

"It is a great pleasure to see you all again since the day we met a few weeks ago, and just like before I'll keep things brief to spare you of the boredom!" Director Roman nodded towards Doctor Nora who used a remote that switched on the mounted flat screen to an image of each duel monster who represented a dorm who looked towards a silhouette of Chaos Emperor Dragon, "What I am about to go over is a sacred tradition that only happens once every year where a first year student is selected to take part in The Criterion Rite."

"Any first year..." One of the classmates answered in shock.

Another one yelled, "That's just unreal!"

Doctor Nora glanced over, "The Director is speaking right now, it would be wise not to be rude!"

They gulped nervously, "Sorry, please carry on!"

"Worry not my freshmen, it's all standard!" Director Roman calmly said with a gaze of a hawk towards every one of us, "However, the point does stand as true, one of you will be taking part in this rite against an Emperor." and looked at the screen of an image of the Duel Arena, "Should that student win, they will forge a mentor-apprentice role for the rest of the year." then quickly witnessed my shaken hand raised in the air, "Mr. Sunday, you may speak."

Sweat fell off the side of my face, "T-Thank you sir... what if the first year were to lose?"

"You already know the answer to that." Director Roman looked to the other students, "Anyone else have something they'd like to share?" and caught the hand of Rory, "Miss. Liu, yes?"

Rory nodded, "You said that a first year was selected for this, but how exactly does that work?"

The Director continued, "It's all based on progress since The Entrance Exams to where each of you have come in these last few weeks." with a snap of the finger, "A fact that I've carefully analyzed." his look towards Dr. Nora immediately left with echoed gasps amongst the class when the screen changed.

Shaggy calmly said, "Woah, that's quite a pick."

"Umm I don't even know what to say..." Cherry nervously twirled the side of her pink hair.

I just couldn't even fathom, "Of all the people..."

Rory blinked with a pinch to her shoulder, "I can't believe it..."

"Wait wait hold on a second..." Lucian tried catching his breath, "You mean to tell me I was chosen for The Criterion Rite."

The Director suddenly walked away from the sight, "I will see you all in the Duel Arena in less than 5 minutes."

Dr. Nora firmly stated, "You've heard what Director's Roman's instructions were and it's time to get moving." as all the first years began to move away from the classroom.

Cherry and I made our way with Shaggy and Rory to the shaken Lucian who just stood there. The repeated breath reflexes is all he could muster at his seat.

Rory rocked his shoulders back and forth, "Come on you... we can't have you dozing off now."

Lucian nervously gulped, "I know, but this just feels so..."

"Just take it easy bro, you should feel honored about this." Shaggy answered excitedly,

I just tapped the side off my chest, "Better you than me."

Lucian complained, "Hey what's that supposed to mean?"

Cherry clapped her hands together nervously, "I think what Jake is trying to say is that you are really privileged that's all."

I nervously scratched the back of my head, "Y-yeah.. That's exactly what I meant to say."

"I don't think you'd have been able to breathe if you were picked." Armed Dragon chuckled in whispers in my ear.

"Hey now...!" I refuted in annoyance when the others raised an eyebrow at me.

Cherry nervously answered, "He had another one of those again huh?"

"You're lucky that Sabrina isn't here to give you a lecture!" Shaggy answered in relief.

I took a deep breath at the thought, "Right, she would've been ruthless." with a thumbs up towards my roommate, "But that's not important right now. It's his chance!'

The gray haired boy took a deep breath, "Thanks you guys, I shouldn't let this bother me one bit."

Rory raised her fist bump towards Lucian, "Got that right, now it's your time to show everyone what you got!"

A smile came up on Lucian's face when he returned the gesture, "Thanks Rory!"

I yelled with immense enthusiasm, "Alright!"

"Time is short, I think we can all acknowledge that but also..." Dr. Nora walked towards our direction with his full attention at us, "There's an important matter I'd like to discuss with you Jake."

I raised an eyebrow, "Wait, but The Director..."

"This won't take long I promise." Doctor Nora continued with a firm tone towards me.

Shaggy patted me on the shoulder, "Don't worry about it bud, we'll be sure to save you a seat!"

Hearing the words of my best friend left me with a nod, "Alright bro, sounds like a plan!"

"Catch you then!" Shaggy calmly said before he gave the others a nod.

Shaggy and the others left with Lucian towards The Duel Arena, and that only left me to be alone in the classroom. All except for The head chaperone of the coolest dorm on The Island.

"So Dr. N... what was so urgent?" I asked cautiously.

Doctor Nora switched the screen to show a list of percentage scales with my name over it, "You are a fine duelist young man and I think everyone can see that, but as you know there's more to Duel Island than just the thrill of a challenge." His view completely towards the screen, "It also comes down to the grades in your class too."

I pointed over, "Okay... I don't quite follow..."

"This is the second time you have turned in an assignment that was overdue, and as you know there's only three strikes before the penalty is given." Doctor Nora continued.

My eyes met the ground in disappointment, "I get it Dr. Nora grades are important, but.. I just..."

"Look, I'm not saying this to scare you my boy, but just keep an open mind." He answered with sincerity towards me, "You still have time to make it work."

All I could do was bow my head, "Okay Doctor, I'll try..."

Six minutes later..

I dashed as fast as possible so that there was absolutely nothing that I could've possibly missed when it came to this big event. It didn't take long for me to have found my best friend who waved his hand at an open spot in the lower row with Rory on his right, and a vacant spot between him and Cherry, who was so relieved to have seen me.

Cherry cheerfully said, "You made it!"

"Hopefully I didn't miss out on anything." I answered in relief.

Rory said, "Not quite yet, everyone's just been anxious like the rest of us."

"Well that's a good thing, I thought my talk with Doctor N would've taken forever." I said with a tone of annoyance.

Shaggy curiously asked, "Was everything okay?"

"Oh you know just grades and all." I continued and quickly saw our friend in the center of the field which gave me an idea, 'Hey, Lucian seems like he is ready!"

Rory cheered, "You've got this Lucian!"

He looked to her with a grin as sweat fell the side of his face, "T-Thanks.." as his attention went towards The Director who stood just below the field, "Is everything set to go, Director Roman?"

Director Roman answered in his cool calm collected tone with a direct gaze towards his watch, "Indeed things are well Mr. Hayes, but we are still awaiting two important pieces."

Lucian put his hand on his chest momentarily, "Both of which I feel are about to happen."

"In a manner of speaking you are correct." a voice called out from the other side of The Duel Arena when a dark gray haired man in a black shirt and jeans made his way onto the field, "That's just the kind of thing that Director Roman expects with this."

My jaw hung quickly, "Say what now?"

Cherry twiddled her thumbs, "Umm..."

"This is gonna be interesting." Shaggy answered calmly with his hands crossed.

Rory's eyes had widened, "Luci..."

Lucian quickly said, "Lucius!"

He waved casually, "Good to see you too little brother, but" with a simple grin towards Lucian, "I'm afraid the situation is called for." with a sudden activation from his duel disk.

"Umm.. If that's how it has to be, Lucius!" Lucian gulped with the activation of his duel own disk.

"LET THE DUEL BEGIN!" They both yelled and simultaneously drew the first five cards from their respective decks.

LUCIAN HAYES LP: 4000

LUCIUS HAYES LP: 4000

"They say that an Emperor always leads first, but it's not something I would really believe." Lucius continued with earnesty towards his younger brother, "So it's only fair that you take the first step Lucian."

Luciain had been taken aback, "You want me to go first?"

His older brother simply nodded.

TURN 1: LUCIAN HAYES

Lucian exhaled oxygen from his mouth with a finger over his deck, "In that case, I'll draw!" with a single draw that is added to his hand with quick observation, "I'll kick things off by summoning Mezuki to the field!" as an egyptian horse like warrior appeared on his side of the field.

Mezuki LV: 4 ATK: 1700 DEF: 800

"Mezuki, huh.." Lucius answered curiously at his brother.

Lucian slid a card into the duel disk, "Since I can't attack this turn, the only thing for me to do is lay a card face down." as it materialized behind his monster.

Cards in Lucian's hand: 4

Cards in Lucius's hand: 5

TURN 2: LUCIUS HAYES

"I'll draw." Lucius quickly drew the top card from his deck then quickly scanned the other five in his hands, "I summon Mechanicalchaser to the field." as a mechanical figure with wings and four bee-like drills appeared on his side of the field.

Mechanicalchaser LV:4 ATK: 1850 DEF: 800

"This guy!" Lucian took a deep breath, "Let me take a guess..."

His older brother interrupted, "Don't spoil the fun Lucian! That is something I have to do first.." as a holographic image of a spell card materialized behind Mechanicalchaser, "Now, I activate the spell card Gravity Lash!"

"I was afraid of that!" Lucian sighed towards the pain in Mezuki's voice as he bent the knee.

Mezuki ATK: 1700 decreases to 900

Lucian nodded calmly, "I'm glad you remembered that Gravity Lash lowers your monster's attack equal to its defense, but..." as he directed his attention towards him, "There is still assault of my own monster."

In a swift pace Mechanicalchaser pierced through Mezuki in a matter of seconds before he completely disintegrated off from the field.

LUCIAN'S LP: 4000 decreases to 3050

"That will end my turn!" Lucian continued.

Cards in Lucius's hand: 3

Cards in Lucian's hand: 4

In the crowds...

"From an Emperor Duelist's first turn... I expected a lot more damage!" I casually answered with my hands behind my back, "Which is probably a good thing Lucian didn't lose a lot off the gate!"

Cherry shook her head nervously, "I would agree with... but... it... well... just started!"

"She's got a point there bud, we can't exactly say for sure right, Rory?" Shaggy curiously looked to the focused teal green haired girl next to him.

A quick tap on her shoulder left her shaking, "You startled me for a second there, Light... sorry you were saying?"

"Just about this duel, how we don't know what the outcome will be." He restated towards our other friend, "But then again... you would..."

A voice answered from the row below, "Don't bother asking her, newbie!" where the tinted orange haired girl sat from Shaggy, "You'd just be wasting time."

My best friend raised an eyebrow curiously, "Oh, you sound pretty confident there."

Rachel tsked in annoyance, "As a matter of fact I do, and little miss googly eyes over by you knows it too for that poor sap down there, ain't that so Rory?"

We could sense the tension in Rory's voice, "Rachel you know Lucian wouldn't..."

"Shut it... with your tiresome motivational wisdom!" Rachel flicked her back with her hands crossed, "You know I'm right about this."

I gritted my teeth, "Listen, I don't care what you think, Lucian has this in the bag!"

That reassurance in my tone gave Rory a simple nod, "He's right, I believe in him!"

Rachel rolled her eyes, "Ughh... What losers!"

Back to the field...

Currently:

LUCIAN HAYES LP: 3050

LUCIUS HAYES LP: 4000

Lucian stood there and caught his breath, "That was one way to kick off a turn."

"Come on now Lucian, there's a crowd before us. Let's not bore them by doing nothing now."

TURN 3: LUCIAN HAYES

"I know that already." He drew the top card from his deck with a quick observation of the other cards he held in his hands, "I will start things off by activating the spell card Everliving Underworld Cannon and to trigger my trap card Haunted Shrine!" as a holographic image of his spell card & his facedown trap card that depicted an open underworld gate with souls exuded from within.

"I don't recall you having those in your deck before?" Lucius was immediately stunned by the cards on his brother's field.

A sudden grin showed on Lucian's face, "You're right about that big brother, these two were cards I pulled before the duel I had with Jake, but now..." He raised his hands in the center of the field, "I will use Haunted Shrine's effect to special summon a zombie monster from my graveyard so long as there aren't any monsters on my field." The graveyard from his duel disk flashed momentarily when Mezuki reappeared.

Mezuki LV: 4 ATK: 1700 DEF: 800

"Surprised you wouldn't save that for a powerful monster, Lucian!" His older brother answered sadly towards him, "That's what you want me to believe, huh?"

Lucian shook his head, "Not exactly big brother." as the spell card on his side of the field began to glow, "It was just the move I needed to use Everliving Underworld Cannon's effect which allows me to inflict 800 points of damage to your life points when I special summon a Zombie to my field."

"Oh!" Lucius answered with curiosity.

LUCIUS'S LP: 4000 decreased to 3200

"Next I'm gonna sacrifice Mezuki!" a bright light suddenly engulfed Mezuki back away from the field, "So that I can summon Ryu Kokki!" where a skeleton serpent-like creature with a horn on its head appeared in place.

Ryu Kokki LV: 6 ATK: 2400 DEF: 2000

Without an ounce to waste, Lucian placed a card into his duel disk, "Next I activate Rush Recklessly which will give Kokki an additional seven hundred attack points!"

A mystic glow surrounded The Zombie Monster as it roared pleasantly.

Ryu Kokki ATK: 2400 increased to 3100

Lucius's eyes widened, "Thirty-one hundred!"

His younger brother gave a simple nod, "Ryu Kokki destroy his Mechanicalchaser now!'

Through that single command, Lucian's monster slithered its way through and devoured the machine monster before it completely disintegrated from the field.

LUCIUS'S LP: 3200 decreased to 1950

"I think that oughta do it for now!' Lucian answered cheerfully from the current scenario.

Lucius pointed over, "Don't forget that Ryu's attack returns back to normal that your turn is over!'

"I'm aware of that!" Lucian continued.

Ryu Kokki ATK: 3100 reverted back to 2400

Cards in Lucian's hand: 2

Cards in Lucius's hand: 3

TURN 4: LUCIUS HAYES

Lucius set his finger at the top card of his deck, "In that case then..." and drew it with a quick glance when he slid it into his duel disk momentarily, "I now activate Pot of Greed which allows me to draw two cards from deck!" when it quickly disappeared, followed by two consecutive cards added to his hand, "and for now I will end my turn with a facedown card!"

"Wait, that's it?" Lucian blinked.

Lucius said, "Yes, little brother that is all!"

Cards in Lucius's hand: 4

Cards in Lucian's hand: 2

In the crowds...

"There have been intense matches before!" Armed Dragon cautiously answered, "But this one here between brothers... woah!"

I answered enthusiastically, "You've got this Lucian, make it count!"

Rory mimicked the same vibe, "We know you can do this!"

"You.. You can do this!" Cherry answered very meekly.

In the lower row Rachel snickered, "You guys are cute.. Leaving one person out!'

A vein at the side of my forehead began to show, "The heck is that supposed to mean?"

"What's the matter, Newbie... didn't wanna join your friendship band?" Rachel directed her attention towards Shaggy.

Rory glanced at the amount of focus he had, "Shaggy, what do you think?"

"I do have complete faith in Lucian, and depending on how he plays his next turn. There's a chance." He answered nonchalantly towards each of us.

Rory's eyes glistened at his remark, "You're right..."

Back to the field...

Currently:

LUCIAN HAYES LP: 3050

LUCIUS HAYES LP: 1950

TURN 5: LUCIAN HAYES

"It's now or nothing!" Lucian exhaled oxygen from his breath for a moment before he drew the top card for his deck with a single glance, "And it's about time I put an end to this duel." with his finger directed towards Lucius, "Ryu, attack his life points directly."

"HEEEEEEEEEEE HHHHH!" The Zombie serpent roared out a deadly screech that generated shockwaves towards Lucius's side of the field.

The older brother without fail tapped the side of his duel disk, "Not so fast, I activate the trap card." as his face down card stood up that depicted an old relic with glasses, "Reverse Glasses which cut Ryu's attack points in half until the end of the turn."

Ryu Kokki ATK: 2400 decreased 1200

LUCIUS HAYES LP: 1950 decreased to 750

"You forgot all about that card, huh?" Lucius calmly explained to his younger brother, "It seems to be the one card that decides everything whenever we duel."

Lucian kept a straight grin, "Oh I didn't forget big brother... In fact I hoped you would use that trap card just now."

"You did?" Lucius's eyes widened momentarily.

That was when he flipped one of the cards in his hand, "For me to use Monster Reborn to special summon Mezuki back from the graveyard." as his former zombie monster rematerialized onto the field next to Ryu Kokki.

Mezuki LV: 4 ATK: 1700 DEF: 800

"But why would you..." Lucius came to a pause at the sight of the spell card that stood on Lucian's side of the field, "Of course..."

"That's right, Everliving Underworld Dead Canon is a continuous spell card that never left my field since I used it last time, and the same effect applies as before." Lucian confidently looked towards Mezuki, "You take damage once more equal to Mezuki's defense, and last I check your life points are just below that!"

His older brother clapped his hand slowly, "I'm impressed Lucian, you really pulled it off." as slight smirk formed simultaneously as the holographic image of the spell card shattered on the field.

A sight that left Lucian baffled, "What the..."

In the crowds...

"Somehow his spell didn't work!" Armed Dragon gasped.

I couldn't believe the events, "How did that..."

"Come on, Lucian!" Rory pleaded her hands together.

Rachel cackled in awe, "Still believe in him? Aren't you cute?"

Back to the field...

LUCIAN HAYES LP: 3050

LUCIUS HAYES LP: 750

"My card, there was nothing left on the field that would have destroyed it!" Lucian continued in total shock.

"You are right about that Lucian, nothing on the field could've destroyed that spell, but..." He flipped a card from his hand, "By sending Junkuriboh from my hand to the graveyard it only negates effect damage I would've taken and destroyed the card as a result."

"Wait second... since have you ever had that card?" He asked.

Lucius's eyes dimmed towards him, "You're not the only one who got new cards from the shop that day!"

Lucian planted his head to the ground, "Unbelievable!"

"I take it your turn is done?" Lucius asked kindly.

The younger brother nodded, "Seems like it!"

Cards in Lucian's hand: 1

Cards in Lucius's hand: 3

TURN 6: LUCIUS HAYES

"The time has now come to end this." Lucius drew the top card from his deck with one single glance as a bolt of thunder reigned down as soon as he slid the card into his duel disk briefly, "For I activate the spell card Raigeki which destroys every monster on your field." Within a short few moments Lucian's monsters disintegrated completely off his field, "Next I will play the spell Cost Down which lowers any monster in my hand by two stars."

Lucian cautiously realized, "Which makes it easier for you to summon a higher level monster to the field."

"That is precisely what I intend to do." Lucius placed a card into the monster card zone of his duel disk before it materialized onto the field, "Now, I summon Jinzo!"

JInzo LV: 6 (reduced to 4) ATK: 2400 DEF: 1500

Lucian gritted his teeth, "Oh no, with him on the field I can't use any trap cards."

"Technically that applies to me as well, but as I said before... this duel is over..." Lucius continued as he slid the last card in his hand into the duel disk as a holographic image of a spell card appeared behind Jinzo, "Now I activate Limiter Removal which doubles my monster's attack points.

Jinzo ATK: 2400 increased to 4800

Lucian lowered his hand, "This is it!"

"Jinzo, attack Lucian's life points and end this duel!'

Jinzo manifested an energy blast from the palm of his hand, and directed the blast straight towards Lucian's field.

"AHHH!" The younger brother yelled as he quickly fell to his knees.

LUCIAN'S LP: 3050 decreased to 0

In the crowds...

"Oh my..." Cherry gasped instantaneously.

Rory's eyes became watery, "He was so close."

I was left stunned completely, "The move was just something.."

Shaggy crunched his hand together, "No doubt that Lucian gave it his all, but now..."

"Ahaha don't pretend to sugarcoat it, newbie..." Rachel laughed hysterically at the duel's outcome, "Lucian didn't stand a chance especially if..."

Shaggy noted at the pause in her voice, "Especially if what?"

"Nothing... Forget what I said." She answered in annoyance.

Back to the field...

Lucian smacked his fist against the ground, "I can't believe how close I was..."

"Get up off the floor, Lucian!" His older brother walked over to his side slowly after the hologram of Jinzo disappeared, "You were phenomenal out there."

He looked to his brother as if tears were about to burst, "But... I didn't beat you."

"No, you didn't beat me." He kneeled one way to him with a hand over his shoulder, "But you really proved your capabilities as a duelist against your big brother just now in front of a whole audience."

Lucian quickly smiled brightly, "You mean that?"

"Of course, in fact I would've taken you as my apprentice even if you lost." Lucius continued.

"Thanks I... Wait, what do you mean by "would've?" Lucian asked with an eyebrow raise.

Lucius glanced towards Director Roman who approached the center of the field, "Director, if you may?"

"What your brother's saying is that this entire duel was just a demonstration of how The Criterion Rite would really play out." The Director explained with an adjustment to his glasses, "The actual scenario though..."

I quickly yelled from my seat, "Hold up though Director sir... In the class you said Lucian was chosen for this just before leaving?"

He looked over towards the seats where I was, "That's not exactly what I said." then towards the two brothers that stood next to him, "My exact words were I will see you all in the Duel Arena in less than five minutes."

"Now that you mention it..." Lucian quickly knew the words The Director had said in the class earlier, "That explains everything."

Director Roman extended his hand towards the stands, "You both may now take your seats from on out."

Lucian and Lucius walked away from the field to the stands by the row where most of us had been the whole time. We had each given the brothers the remarks on the efforts that were put into this live demo of The Criterion Rite..

"One question still stands though, and you know what I'm referring to..." Armed Dragon whispered firmly towards me.

I nodded, "You got that right..."

Cherry curiously asked, "Make you wonder who exactly The Director really had in mind this whole time?"

"Any ideas, Rory?" Shaggy asked.

Rory scratched the back of her head, "Hopefully not me."

Lucian nudged her shoulder, "Nonsense, you would be great!"

She smiled towards him graciously, "Thanks, Lucian!"

"Ahaha he's right, you would be great at failing so spectacularly." Rachel laughed distinguly towards the teal green haired girl, "Like they'd ever pick you."

Shaggy refuted towards her, "Hey cut her some slack!"

"I miss the part where I should care, newbie!" Rachel gleamed deviously towards him, "Not after..."

Dr. Nora tapped her side as he sat next to Rachel, "Rachel, now's not the time. We're in front of The Director for heaven's sake."

The tinted orange haired girl gasped with the look The Director exchanged with her, "My apologies..."

Director Roman calmly stated with his look towards everyone, "To reiterate what was said in the classroom, I've carefully analyzed the progress of each new student since The Entrance Exams and for the chosen student to please make their way to the field... Shaggy Eclipse."

Small murmurs echoed throughout the Duel Arena when my best friend stood from his seat at the words that were said. He slid on the duel disk that was under his seat. We all planned to duel after class had ended, but to even think...

"Can't even say I'm surprised about that." Rachel answered quietly at a gaze towards Shaggy briefly.

I couldn't help, but be excited, "Well bro, come on now!'

Rory nudged his elbow, "Come on don't be shy now, my amazing hero!"

"Here we go again.." Shaggy awkwardly answered with the amount of eyes that were drawn his way while walking down the steps, "You'd think I'd be used to this by now." as he walked towards the center of The Duel Field where Director Roman stood.

He reached his hand out towards Shaggy, "It is with great honor to see you once again, Shaggy!"

"It's always a great privilege to see you as well Director." Shaggy casually answered with a simple bow.

"If you may make your way." Director Roman centered to his right.

"Right, Of course." He stepped onto the same side Lucian had been with a look of curiosity, "I wonder who it could be?" as the slow sounding steps approached from the entrance of the opposing side of the arena.

No doubt that it was an Emperor student based on his black jacket with white shoulder sleeves and collar he had over his gray shirt. The long apricot hair and grape colored eyes gave off a vibe that girls would be all over him, but his movement without a word really spoke. I can't say that I am good with reading people, except..even I can say this guy walked through with purpose when he stood onto the field across from my best friend.

"He... He's the one!" Rory covered her mouth in total shock.

Lucian reacted the same, "I'd have never..."

Rachel sat in her chair completely still.

"Bro...?" That was when I saw a rare look of stunned on his face.

All that Shaggy could say was, "You're him from the other day... The one everyone here calls The Emperor King of Duel Island..."

I did say a certain scenario didn't play out when it came to the initial idea for Chapter 8, but there was aspect that really stuck with me. This would be a concept in which Lucian and Lucius having the opportunity to duel one another in The Arena, but at the same time I didn't just simply right it as a one off side story that can just be glazed over because of what I had set in mind for The Criterion Rite. I had already known how This whole concept of the Criterion Rite was gonna occur, but there was one other thing on my mind. That was the way in which the previous chapter ended with the mention of The Emperor King of Duel Island. The more I sat on the concept of Lucian and Lucius's duel and The Criterion Rite became really clear to me as I gave more thought into it. One that fits perfectly well with how Director Roman addressed the matter of the orientation of all the new students who entered Duel Island. A matter of keeping certain cards close to the chest and then showcase what the true purpose of what really happened.

Another point of the matter is the manner of the Duel itself, this is the very first time in the series where an Emperor really got a chance to showcase their dueling style in the story of Duel Island. Some could say that, It isn't necessarily too different from some of the other duels that have happened in the Yu-Gi-Oh! series that have come in the past, and that is completely true. Though, Something to keep in mind is that everyone has their own sense of style when it comes to Duel Monsters which was something I always kept in mind of the cards a duelist holds and the way it's being used in the course of the duel. I will admit though, even knowing that it was just a demonstration of what The actual Criterion Rite would be... I did feel bad for Lucian because he could've really pulled it off. Then again, maybe it's a good thing he lost since it was the real deal haha. Now, I won't speak too much about what's gonna occur except what I've envisioned for the upcoming chapter will completely blow this one out of the water. For the time being, that is about all I gotta say when it comes to the characters and this story, please feel free to share your thoughts and as always thanks for reading!