The last glowing sphere representing an Overlay Unit on [Exosisters Magnifica] faded. The two Exosisters dashed forward together, their gunblades striking as one. Exorcising energy burst forth, and Recital Starling met the same fate as Assembled Nightingale—banished from the Duel entirely.
Now, only one monster remained on An'er's field. Even the spectators felt the outcome was all but decided.
"If there was any chance before, now it's over—Morgan's got this!"
"That was amazing, dismantling the opponent's tactic so effortlessly—just like a hero!"
"I've decided, after this exchange match, I'm going to challenge Morgan to a confession Duel!"
"Save it, man. The line's already too long—you don't stand a chance."
While the crowd buzzed with lighthearted chatter, the old man grew increasingly anxious. A moment ago, he still hoped An'er might turn the tables. Now, it was clear—there was no chance. Morgan's strength had exceeded his expectations. He had to stop the match, but if the opponent was about to win, calling it off would only look like sour grapes.
The thought made him grind his teeth in frustration.
As he racked his brain, the principal's phone rang. Annoyed at being interrupted mid-match, he frowned—until he saw the number. His expression hardened instantly. It was a call from the Duelist Alliance.
'Why now?'
He answered carefully. "Hello, this is Charles."
The name on the other end nearly made him drop his phone—it was Hale, the Alliance's Director of General Affairs.
"Director Hale? What's the matter?"
Hale's brows furrowed as he listened to the principal's clueless tone. "What's the matter? Hasn't Forest Academy's head told you? Shadow Duelists have infiltrated your campus. The Alliance is loosening access to certain files… You must track them down and root them out before more people are converted."
"I've also dispatched several club elites to assist. They should be arriving soon."
"Act quickly. Don't let more students be corrupted."
Click.
The line went dead. Hale had too many responsibilities to waste time repeating himself. The cleanup of Shadow Duelists at the Academy was now left to Milo and the others.
Hale rubbed his temples, eyes falling on a report on his desk—the method of entering the Spirit World.
The principal froze after the call. The old man's warning hadn't been sour grapes—it was true. Panic rose in his chest, but his years of leadership steadied him. With the Alliance sending reinforcements, purging Shadow Duelists wouldn't be the issue. The key was identifying them.
He scanned the stands. They were hiding among the freshmen—that much he was certain. With the Alliance's files now open, he could investigate properly. Relief eased his shoulders. It wasn't too late.
He turned to the old man, awkwardly admitting, "So you were right…"
The old man snorted. "Now you know! Still think I was just making excuses?"
The principal gave a helpless smile and asked softly, "Then… do you know who the Shadow Duelist is?"
The old man pointed at Morgan without hesitation. "Of course it's her! An'er is the Duel King's disciple—how could she be beaten like this, and by a freshman no less? Such overwhelming strength—it has to be a Shadow Duelist!"
"Her?" The principal raised a brow, then smirked. "Impossible. I can guarantee Morgan is not a Shadow Duelist."
"Why?" The certainty threw the old man off balance.
"You should know who she is—last year's champion of the Junior Division of the Duelist League. Every major club fought to recruit her. Her deck-building and dueling skills far surpass her peers. It's no surprise she's this strong. Director Hale knows this, too."
"So it's her?!" The old man's eyes widened. He had heard the rumors but never thought Morgan would attend the Academy. If that was the case, then she truly wasn't a Shadow Duelist.
He shot the principal a sly look. "Not bad, you managed to snag such a prodigy."
The principal chuckled. "Hardly. Morgan came to me of her own accord."
The old man rolled his eyes, then turned back to the field. If Morgan wasn't a Shadow Duelist, then An'er's loss didn't matter. Let her learn that there's always someone stronger.
An'er, unaware of the principal's change of heart, still struggled under Morgan's pressure.
Morgan finally flipped her long-held Set card.
"I activate the Trap Card [Exosister Vadis]!"
"Pay 800 Life Points; Special Summon 2 [Exosister] monsters from my Deck!"
Two cards slid from her Deck—monsters that would end the Duel.
"I Special Summon [Exosister Sophia] and [Exosister Irene]!"
The two girls appeared once more, clad in exorcist coats. With two Level 4 monsters on the field, there was no doubt what came next.
"I overlay them to build the Overlay Network!"
"Xyz Summon! [Exosister Asophiel]!"
The angelic archer returned, her arrows forming radiant wings. Previously, Morgan had used her only as material. Now, her effect would end it.
"Activate [Exosister Asophiel]'s effect! Detach 1 material; target 1 monster your opponent controls; return it to the hand!"
...
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