Camula mentioned an "entity that invaded the Spirit World," but Hikaru had no clue what that might be.
After all, in the Yu-Gi-Oh! universe, while there aren't that many beings capable of such feats, each one that is, is a terrifying force beyond comprehension.
Like, what if that "unknown entity" she spoke of was actually Yubel?
In this world, Jaden hadn't launched his card into space. Instead, it had been sent to another dimension.
It wouldn't be strange if Yubel had received some kind of power-up and was now stirring up chaos in the Spirit World just to see Jaden again.
Hikaru wouldn't put that kind of move past Yubel.
But the real issue was, 'I can't even picture what it would look like to defeat Yubel.'
Before he came to this world, the mere sight of "Spirit Of Yubel," a Fusion Monster that didn't even require a Fusion Spell or any action beyond revealing itself with 0 ATK and DEF, had left a lasting trauma on Hikaru.
All he could say was: Fusion is the noblest summoning method.
And if he ever had to face that version of Yubel head-on, forget dueling, he might as well fire off Super Polymerization and pray. In fact, in the original story, Jaden had been completely overwhelmed by Yubel and had only resolved things by forcibly fusing with her using Super Polymerization.
Looking at the power scaling and card strength in this world, it shouldn't come to that. But Hikaru still felt a bit uneasy because Yubel's schemes were top-tier even by Yu-Gi-Oh! GX standards.
After the Duel with Vampire Fraulein concluded, the students immediately escorted Zane and Hikaru back to the infirmary. Though Zane hadn't fought all-out, he was still injured and needed treatment.
Hikaru, having pulled a suicide-charging maneuver, had taken quite a few hits himself. While not as bad as his last brush with Darkness, he still needed proper first aid.
On the way, Hikaru paid a quick visit to Professor Crowler. The guy seemed back to his usual self, proudly basking in praise from his students, occasionally sneaking in humblebrags about his own awesomeness.
Seeing Crowler being his usual dramatic, image-conscious self reassured Hikaru.
Later, Hikaru took some time to inspect his Deck.
Originally, after Chazz defeated the Dark Scorpion Burglars, their Duel Spirits stuck around to tag along with him. But in this world, there was no way the vampires would let their empire's second-in-command go off to play Duel Spirits, so all Hikaru got were Camula and Fraulein's cards, no Vampire Fraulein spirit.
Zane wasn't interested in the cards, so he handed them over to Hikaru.
One noteworthy detail was that Fraulein's card had a strange three-dimensional model on it. Hikaru guessed it might be a coordinate marker for the "Vampire" dimension.
Honestly, even though her effects cost Life Points, Vampire Fraulein was a very handy card in this era.
Unfortunately, with how ridiculously few Fusion Monsters exist for Zombies, Hikaru couldn't build a proper deck around her yet. Maybe someday, if he had the power and confidence, he'd visit the Vampire Dimension again.
He wasn't especially interested in female Duel Spirits, but he didn't want to see Fraulein turned into some skeletal dragon or an undead warrior card.
As he thoroughly reviewed his deck, he noticed a few cards had changed.
"Huh. Golden Land Forever?" Hikaru had a general grasp on how Super Polymerization generated cards; it seemed to adapt based on his opponents and what he already had.
So, getting a "Zombie-specific Fusion" made perfect sense.
Still…
Back in his time, Zombies only had like seven Fusion Monsters total!
And more importantly, he didn't even have Eldlich!
Albeit, having this card did give him a bit more backrow coverage, so he wasn't complaining.
"Wow, Master, the Duel Spirit in this card is seriously cool-looking!" The Alchemist who lived inside his deck jumped out excitedly when he saw Hikaru studying it, eyes sparkling as he pointed at the golden monarch in the artwork.
"If you ever manage to refine real gold, you might just get to meet him. Keep working at it," Hikaru said, fully supportive.
Eldlich the Mad Golden Lord was a powerhouse. If Hikaru could use him, he absolutely would.
While Hikaru was fiddling with his cards and absorbing their presence, others at the top of the Fusion Club were discussing him.
"Two Shadow Riders have already failed?"
Inside the Fusion Club Director's Office, Leo Akaba sat behind his desk, staring at a projection screen. He appeared to be in a video call.
Two faces were visible on the call.
On the left was a massive stasis tank containing an elderly man with tubes and an oxygen mask, bubbles occasionally rising from his mouth.
On the right was a figure in a cloak and mask, eyes glinting eerily gold, none other than Professor Banner.
If Hikaru were here, he would've immediately recognized that masked man.
"Apologies," Banner said, bowing slightly. "It seems the two Shadow Riders I chose couldn't live up to your expectations. I didn't anticipate the students would grow so strong so quickly."
"Lyman, I don't blame you," the elderly man's mechanical voice crackled, full of static. "That unknown Darkness aside, even that powerful Duel Spirit from another dimension was lost. I must say, I'm shocked myself."
"Above all, it was the same Duelist involved both times." The old man looked visibly frustrated.
In truth, he didn't care whether the Shadow Riders won or lost.
The real issue was: why was it always the same person taking them on?
"May I interject?" Leo spoke, fingers interlaced on the desk.
"Oh? What do you think, Dr. Akaba?" Banner asked, curious.
"Both of those Shadow Rider Duels involved the same student: Amagi Hikaru. And aside from him, Zane Truesdale also participated."
"And?" the old man prompted.
"They are both disciples of Professor Crowler."
"??????"
Banner tilted his head.
"Zane is Obelisk Blue's top student. Hikaru is a specialist in Ancient Gears, and he even has Ultimate Ancient Gear Golem, a card only Crowler is supposed to possess. Clearly, they're Crowler's handpicked protégés."
"Wait, really?" Banner asked, utterly confused.
'How come I didn't know that?'
'Hikaru is MY disciple! MINE!'
"Lyman, you haven't interacted much with Crowler, so you wouldn't know. That guy may look timid on the outside, but he's got layers of schemes underneath," Leo added.
"Huh??" Banner leaned back in disbelief.
'No way. I've known Crowler for years. I know exactly what kind of guy he is.'
'I could wipe the floor with ten of him at once!'
'And Hikaru is MY student!!'
"In short, Crowler may have realized something. So he sent his disciples in to make sure no one else could interfere."
"I can't believe my school has such a competent professor," the old man mused. "So, what are you suggesting?"
"Let's use a method they can't refuse. Block them from engaging with the Shadow Riders for now."
Leo, of course, had his own private motives for this plan.
"I see. As expected of you, Dr. Akaba. You're the scientist I value most." The old man blew another burst of bubbles, clearly pleased.
One is Lyman, his most trusted alchemist. One is Leo Akaba, his most trusted scientist.
With these two, he felt his dream of immortality was assured.
"Very well. I understand. I'll begin the arrangements for a Dimensional Exchange Tournament, only accessible to top-ranking students.'