A radiant statue appeared on the field, surrounded by three glowing halos. Its vague humanoid form radiated the aura of a being from another world.
[Invoked Augoeides] Level 8│LIGHT│Fairy│2000 ATK / 2800 DEF
Morgan had summoned this monster precisely for its brutally straightforward effect. Whenever it was Special Summoned, or whenever a monster was Special Summoned to the opponent's field, it could destroy one of the opponent's monsters. In addition, its Attack could rise by banishing Fusion Monsters from the Graveyard, gaining ATK equal to the banished monster's Attack.
Though Morgan's Graveyard was lacking in high-ATK monsters at the moment, by using Augoeides to destroy the El Shaddoll Shekhinaga on Luli's field, she would then have a Fusion Monster with ATK to banish.
With Augoeides's base ATK plus Shekhinaga's 2600, her total would reach 4600—enough to overpower Teardrop the Rikka Queen.
Seeing Morgan summon Invoked Augoeides without hesitation, Luli realized she had been tricked… Just moments ago, she had panicked at the sight of an unfamiliar monster and burned her last resources. Now, there was nothing left to stop Morgan.
Luli bit her lip. She prided herself on her composure, but her inexperience showed… under true pressure, she had lost control. In a top-level duel, a single moment of panic spelled defeat.
Her mouth filled with bitterness. She hadn't expected that, after all the preparation Hannah and the others had made for her, she would still lose.
"I activate Invoked Augoeides's effect!"
"When this card is Special Summoned, or when a monster is Special Summoned to your field, I target one of your monsters and destroy it!"
"I destroy your El Shaddoll Shekhinaga!"
Augoeides's radiant rings encircled Shekhinaga, and in an instant, sliced her apart. Shekhinaga returned to Morgan's Graveyard, allowing her to trigger Augoeides's second effect.
"Next, I activate Augoeides's second effect!"
"By banishing one Fusion Monster from my Graveyard, this card gains ATK equal to that monster's until the end of your turn!"
Hearing this, Luli's eyes widened. Now she understood why Morgan had destroyed Shekhinaga instead of Teardrop—it not only recovered her own monster but also set the stage for Augoeides to crush Teardrop.
"I banish El Shaddoll Shekhinaga from my Graveyard!"
"Invoked Augoeides's ATK increases by 2600!"
Augoeides grew in size, its presence far more imposing after absorbing Shekhinaga's strength.
Morgan immediately declared her attack.
"Battle! Invoked Augoeides, attack Teardrop the Rikka Queen!"
Boom—!
Luli's field was wiped clean. Her face turned pale. With her ace defeated, she had no way left to fight back.
Jade exhaled in relief, then cheered excitedly, Isla beside her smiling with newfound ease. At first, she hadn't been certain, but now she was sure… Morgan had pulled off a three-on-one miracle.
The spectators' emotions swung to the opposite extreme. Morgan's supporters erupted in cheers, while Luli's sat silent, like chickens caught by the throat.
Everyone could see it… Luli had no chance left.
Morgan's fans mocked mercilessly.
"Why aren't you shouting now? Weren't you having fun just a moment ago?"
"Didn't you say it was time for Morgan to lose? Looks like not yet!"
"I'll keep supporting Morgan… I'd rather not be on the losing side."
"You want a three-on-one miracle? This is what it looks like!"
Hannah sighed. Even in a three-on-one, Morgan had won. It was time to adjust the strategy… start converting other students first, and set Morgan aside for now.
Still, the duel had raised the three Shadow Duelists' popularity. They would soon have many chances to duel others. Before long, half the Senior Division could become Shadow Duelists—the Academy itself would become their base.
With her ace defeated, it only took a few more turns for Luli's Life Points to hit zero. Her D-Wheel skidded to a halt, venting gas. She pulled off her visor, staring bitterly at Morgan's back.
…
The Riding Team Battle came to an end.
Life returned to normal—students back to studies, Morgan back to tweaking her Deck at night and napping through class. After Professor Mayn's humiliation, the other teachers no longer dared to confront her.
A month later, the Senior Division welcomed its Exchange Day. All students and teachers gathered in the main hall, awaiting the visitors' arrival.
As the principal spoke, a short, white-haired old man suddenly grabbed the microphone, grinning.
"Why so many words? Let's get to the exchange duels already! My students can't wait!"
The upperclassmen chuckled—they knew this man well. The freshmen, however, watched with wide-eyed curiosity.
The principal glared at the old man, teeth clenched, but could do nothing… his seniority carried weight.
One by one, the students of the Forest Academy emerged, lining up on stage. Most were returning from last year, but there was one new face.
"Ahem… well then, let's begin the exchange duels. Who wants to go first?"
"Me!"
Before he finished, a red-haired girl stepped forward with a bright smile.
"Principal, I'm the strongest here. Pair me with your strongest opponent!"
'Uncle…?'
The principal stared at her, then sighed. Turning, he smirked and said to Morgan:
"Then, Morgan, you'll face her."
"Remember: friendship first, competition second. Don't hit too hard."
...
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