News about Daichi Misawa's injury during an interdimensional expedition didn't stay a hot topic for long at Duel Academy. For most students, it was treated like a minor incident. After a few days of chatter, it faded into the background.
After all, everyone knew interdimensional travel carried inherent risks. That nobody had been hurt before was just a stroke of luck.
Even during Manjome's livestreamed Duel, he'd been bombarded by monster fire—it wasn't uncommon for Spirit Worlds to be rough.
But Hikaru Amagi couldn't let it go so easily.
With Aster Phoenix's arrival and the first signs of the "Light of Ruin" appearing, a serious global threat loomed on the horizon. Hikaru was methodically preparing for what was to come. While his evolved partner, Super Thunder Dragon – Thunder Dragon, cheerfully explored the human world, Hikaru buried himself in his alchemy studies and tactical planning.
"You're working way too hard," Daichi said, walking into the classroom during study period. His wound had healed quickly, and after a doctor's check, he was cleared to return to class. He was greeted by the sight of Hikaru's desk covered with books and handwritten notes.
Despite being top of the year in both academics and Dueling, Hikaru still pushed himself, managing not only the Fusion Club but also carrying on Professor Daitokuji's alchemy research. Daichi was amazed.
Especially since he didn't have to study alchemy.
But that admiration only made him more determined: he couldn't let Hikaru leave him in the dust again! At least in this term's cultural exams—he was going to win.
He glanced to the side and saw Manjome furiously scribbling figures and contracts—he seemed completely preoccupied with business stuff this time.
Looks like Manjome wouldn't be joining their little academic rivalry.
Even if Manjome had only ever "beaten" him once—back when he was heartbroken—Daichi couldn't let him pass him again this time.
Meanwhile, the "problem child trio" of Jaden Yuki, Syrus Truesdale, and Hayato Maeda looked much more relaxed.
Jaden had just woken up from a deep nap, Syrus looked like he was about to fall back asleep, and Hayato… was surprisingly busy writing something for once.
Jaden rubbed his eyes and leaned over.
"Yo, Hayato. What're you working on?"
Hayato looked up with a grin. "Job application."
"JOB APPLICATION!?" Jaden practically fell out of his chair.
"What company!?"
"Industrial Illusions."
"INDUSTRIAL ILLUSIONS!?"
Gasps echoed across the room. Students turned stiffly in their seats, then bolted toward Hayato.
"You mean the Industrial Illusions!?"
"With Pegasus as president!?"
"You actually got scouted!?"
"Hayato, bro—we're tight, right? Could you hook me up with some support cards for my deck? Please, man—this is my lifelong dream!"
A crowd swarmed around him instantly.
Hikaru, meanwhile, didn't even glance up. He kept writing. Right now, he was stuck on a particularly tricky alchemy problem: he wanted to build a more energy-efficient dimensional portal. To do that, he needed to rewrite the one Professor Daitokuji left behind. Ironically titled "A Dimensional Gate Even a Fool Could Build," it was actually deceptively complex—optimized for safety and stability, and not beginner-friendly at all.
Hayato getting into Industrial Illusions was also canon in the original timeline. He even designed the spell card Skyscraper 2 – Hero City for Jaden—truly bro-tier behavior. "Yo, I printed this card just for you, man!"
But originally, Hayato's break came from designing Dawn of the Aussie Rock, which caught Pegasus's attention. However, Dr. Crowler insisted to the Chancellor that a student like Hayato—who had once dropped out and was repeating the year—shouldn't be allowed to represent the Academy.
So, Crowler set a condition: Hayato had to ace the upcoming Promotion Exam. He even offered to serve as examiner—without pulling any punches.
Hayato gave it everything he had. He fused into "OZ the Great and Powerful," a 4200 ATK monster, and nearly defeated Crowler's Ancient Gear Golem. But Crowler played Limiter Removal and won.
Still, he recognized Hayato's growth, wrote him a glowing letter of recommendation, and told him he was his proudest student.
It showed just how much Crowler really paid attention to his students—even the quiet, dropout types who used to just sleep all day.
In this world...
Hikaru recalled that during a school exchange program, Industrial Illusions representatives had visited. That must've been when Hayato caught Pegasus's eye.
Different route. Same destination.
"So Hayato's leaving soon?" Syrus asked, a little glum.
"We've gotta look ahead," Jaden said automatically—then froze.
Wait a sec—
His expression changed. His eyes sharpened.
He fumbled through his bag and pulled out a form he'd asked Dr. Crowler to sign weeks ago.
Right—there was someone else who would be graduating soon.
The strongest Duelist at Duel Academy.
Their pride and ace.
The upperclassman he once lost to—and always looked up to like an older brother.
Zane Truesdale.
Before he left to go pro…
Jaden had to send him off with the best graduation gift possible.