"I negate your [Lyrilusc - Recital Starling]'s effect!"
Morgan pointed sharply at one of An'er's Recital Starlings. [Exosister Gibrine] released a piercing beam of light, locking the bird in place and nullifying its ability.
The sudden seal left An'er stunned. Her reflect-burn strategy had been moments away from completion, just one step short of victory—yet Morgan had cut it off at the final moment. The frustration was palpable.
With one Recital Starling's effect negated and Assembled Nightingale already banished, only her last Starling remained usable. Even if it inflicted damage, the impact would be minor. At this point, it was no longer about the numbers, but about her shaken confidence.
Since her seemingly guaranteed direct attack had failed, doubt had crept into her heart. Under the Duel King's guidance, she had been nearly invincible, sweeping aside every rival. Though she had yet to face Platinum-ranked professionals, she believed the results would've been the same. She had never imagined being suppressed like this by Morgan.
To regain her confidence, she had to make this strategy succeed—even if only partially. This attack had become a matter of pride.
"I must land it!"
On the sidelines, Isla exhaled in relief. She had predicted An'er's plan—how could Morgan possibly fall for it? Still, it had been dangerously close, and her nerves had been strung tight.
Beside her, Jade tilted her head. "What's wrong, Isla? Isn't Morgan winning?"
"Wait… she's been winning the whole time, hasn't she?"
Isla gave her a speechless look. For a moment, she almost envied Jade. To her, a Duel was just a Duel. She didn't think deeply about tactics, didn't feel the tension… if Morgan had the advantage, she was happy; if not, she worried. Simple, carefree.
"Sometimes having no brain really is a blessing… less to worry about."
"What do you mean? Are you insulting me?" Jade puffed her cheeks. She could feel that Isla was teasing her, but lacked proof.
"You misheard. I was only talking about the Duel." Isla shook her head with a smile and turned back to the field. She didn't know if An'er, disciple of the Duel King, still had hidden tricks—though compared to Morgan, who bore the same title, An'er was clearly far behind.
Hannah, meanwhile, looked troubled. Neither Morgan nor An'er would be easy to deal with. She had run through countless scenarios, but none guaranteed success…
Finally, she gave up on handling this alone. She would call for backup.
Opening her communicator, her fingers flew over the keys.
"Zelo, I can't continue the mission. Send reinforcements."
"..."
Silence stretched. Just as her patience waned, Zelo replied.
"No one left. It's just me and Akiyama at HQ."
'…So you two are just lazing around?'
Hannah's temper flared. She typed furiously:
"If this mission fails, don't blame me. The enemy already suspects Shadow Duelists are inside Island Academy. Investigations will start soon. Time's running out. If no one comes, my teacher's license is wasted."
Perhaps sensing her fury, Zelo's reply came fast.
"I'll ask the boss what to do."
After a long wait, he answered.
"The boss says he'll attempt 'Descent.'"
"Descent?" Hannah frowned. She had never heard of it. Was the boss going to act personally?
"Descent means letting the spirit of an ancient Shadow Duelist enter a new vessel to fight a Shadow Game. Of course, the vessel must already be a Shadow Duelist. You've converted people before, right? Send their data, and the boss will arrange it."
'So that is Descent?'
Hannah nodded. It was indeed a good plan. Even if discovered, abandoning the vessel ensured escape. And if it was an ancient Duelist, their strength was guaranteed.
Thinking of her converts, she decided Hazel was the most reliable, and sent over her details.
Zelo replied with a clownish emoji.
Hannah's face darkened. He really had time for nonsense.
Back on the field, An'er steeled herself for her prideful strike. Abruptly, Morgan's voice rang out again:
"Since an [Exosister] was Xyz Summoned, the Continuous Spell [Exosister Carpedivem] activates!"
"When an [Exosister] Xyz Monster is Summoned: declare 1 card name. Cards with that original name have their effects negated until the end of this turn."
The choice was obvious.
"I declare [Lyrilusc - Recital Starling]!"
Runes enveloped An'er's last Starling, silencing its effect.
An'er froze. She had never imagined her final, desperate strike would be brushed aside so easily.
"How can this Shadow Duelist be so strong…?"
With no attack worth making, her Nightingale gone, her resources drained, her hand empty—there was nothing left.
"My turn… ends."
Frustrated, she ended her turn. The old man's expression shifted… Could Morgan truly be a Shadow Duelist, capable of suppressing An'er so completely? If so, losing her to them would be a terrible blow.
He urged the principal, "This match must stop. I have word that a Shadow Duelist has infiltrated Island Academy. It might be Morgan!"
The principal blinked, then snorted. "Stop making excuses. If my Academy really had a Shadow Duelist, I'd eat literally this Duel Platform on the spot!"
The old man seethed. He had come in goodwill, but was mocked instead. So be it… He'd let the fool choke on his own pride.
Now only a miracle comeback could save An'er, though the odds were slim. Forcing the Duel King's disciple into such a corner—surely Morgan was a Shadow Duelist.
As An'er ended her turn, Morgan smiled and drew.
"My turn. Draw!"
She glanced at the card, added it to her hand, and grinned. Whatever An'er suspected, the Duel was almost over.
"During my turn, my monsters' effects are live again."
Though Recital Starling could reflect damage, Morgan wouldn't risk it. Exosister Spells and Traps cost Life Points—her LP was already lower. Better to destroy or banish the opponent's monsters.
"I activate [Exosisters Magnifica]'s effect! Detach 1 material: banish 1 card you control!"
"I banish your [Lyrilusc - Recital Starling]!"
...
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TL: Say tnx Mochoco