Kambayashi, struck by the virtual image, knelt on the ground in pain. Only after the image dissipated did he stand with difficulty.
He shot a cold glance at Tenjo Hikari, clicked his tongue, and turned to leave without a word.
If it were under Akaba Leo's "banner," even if he lost, compliance with the victor's demands might not be obligatory. However, this duel, endorsed by the teacher and other students, even he couldn't oppose.
The Fusion Army, although having a "Secret Team" hidden away, was undeniably inferior compared to the main student body on Academy Island.
Now, he could only return to face punishment.
"Did he win?"
"Doesn't this mean Tenjo Hikari's club is the new Fusion Department?"
"No, no, no, Tenjo Hikari is the Fusion Department!"
"Hey, hey, hey, hey, I've always been a Fusion Department member!"
"To be fair, Senior Kambayashi's defeat was indeed quite severe."
"Yet, he chose to attack directly with his monster instead of polymerizing, even when he had the Ancient Gear Hunting Hound on the field?"
"Exactly, in polymerization, one should always believe in fusion. How can he expect anyone to follow him as the department head if he doesn't believe in it himself?"
Tenjo Hikari gently ran a hand through his hair.
Feeling somewhat refreshed.
"Congratulations, Hikari!" Mitsuzawa approached to congratulate Tenjo Hikari.
"Hahaha, isn't that Universe? You're back?"
"Hey, I'm Mitsuzawa Daichi…" Mitsuzawa shook his head helplessly, then smiled and nodded to him, "Mm-hmm…"
Losing to a spirit altered his mindset somewhat; thankfully, with Tenjo and the others' help, he didn't remain lost and sunken.
"So are we called the Fusion Department from now on?" Judai chimed in enthusiastically on the side, "Eh, it's a shame; I still think Hero Fusion Department or NEO Fusion Department sounds better."
"Ha, Cyber Style Fusion Department is the best."
"Together——"
"Manjome, forget about that idea!"
Tenjo Hikari laughed.
Meanwhile, Marufuji Shou finally understood why Caesar wanted him to watch this duel closely.
He remembered when he was still in elementary school.
Back then, Caesar gave him a Power Bond, a Machine-Type exclusive Fusion Spell Card that doubled the ATK of a Fusion Monster. Seeking to counter those who bullied him, he dueled one such opponent. As he drew this card, he thought he would finally win, but Marufuji Ryo intervened and surrendered.
At that time, Marufuji Ryo revealed the opponent's Set Card and told him that using Power Bond then would result in its effect being negated by the opponent's Trap Card. It wouldn't attack, and he'd suffer damage equal to the monster's ATK, resulting in a definite loss.
After that, Caesar forbade him from continuing to use Power Bond, sealing it away.
In recent times, he and Judai defeated the Maze Brothers, believing he'd earn his brother's approval. Yet, Marufuji Ryo still didn't allow visiting other dimensions…
Turns out, he couldn't even spot the "trap" laid by Tenjo-san…
He hung his head low.
Then, he suddenly remembered what Tenjo Hikari had previously mentioned.
Joining the "Fusion Department"—oh, it seems it can't be called the Fusion Department anymore.
But if Senior Kambayashi was tricked, hmm, but if it's Tenjo-san, he'd likely use himself as the "trap," right? Hmm, hmm… not a bad strategy…
He tilted his head, conflicted.
"Hey, Shou, what're you thinking about?" Judai wrapped an arm around Shou's head, "C'mon, let's go, Hikari's treating us, Caesar will also come, everyone's happy, let's go together!"
"Hey, hey—"
Saying this, he pulled Marufuji Shou away.
In the shadows.
Daitokuji gently adjusted his glasses.
He had secretly watched the whole affair.
Everything involving Tenjo Hikari and the other students in recent times, he hasn't missed a beat, even when Tenjo Hikari and Judai left this dimension for Domino City; "someone" was collecting information for him.
Now, he noted, each student's growth was quite remarkable.
Judai, who once dueled solo, now had trustworthy friends. Manjome, though still reserved, grew closer to Judai due to their common "great rival," Tenjo Hikari. Marufuji Ryo, after finding Tenjouin Fubuki, seemed a bit liberated himself, guiding younger students, even conversing with his brother again.
Under Tenjo Hikari's guidance, Judai's fusion abilities evolved more rapidly than anticipated.
And what of Tenjo?
He looked at Tenjo Hikari.
This student, closest to his own level; the "disciple of Professor Cronos" in the eyes of others, is his quest for fusion, his exploration of alchemy, all mere talk, or does he genuinely concede?
"Ultimate Fusion, huh... hehehe, indeed." He couldn't help but adjust his glasses subconsciously, "If only I were still alive, and encountered such students, how wonderful would that be?"
He drew a thick book from his robe, turning the pages lightly, the amusement on his face growing ever more apparent.
The four stages of alchemy.
Blackening, symbolizing the combustion and purification of base materials; Whitening, purifying the blackened substance, representing a purified state; Yellowing, adding new ingredients for deeper fusion of gold and silver energy, for further sublimation; Reddening, ultimately synthesizing a dense, fragile, easily melted crimson substance, the emblem of the ultimate objective.
What stage is Tenjo Hikari at now, whitening or entering the yellowing phase?
"Looks like it's time to find and arrange a stronger opponent for them." He pondered the intensity, stroking his chin.
After contemplating a while, he decided to let go.
He tapped the book lightly, which began turning its pages feverishly without wind, finally stopping at a page gleaming with golden light, and he spoke: "I'll leave it to you, old friend."
"Interesting, a new generation of Alchemists? Very well, I accept this commission."
Like bells, like gongs, like metal clashing sounds, through the book, they reached his ears.
As if he could see a spirit, adorned in gold, wearing gold and silver, laden with jewels, resting a chin on one hand, watching the communication of another dimension with interest.
"Just right, I have someone here eager to visit your dimension."
"Nothing could be better. I shall create a transport pathway immediately."
Daitokuji nodded slightly, putting the book away.
Tenjo, do you truly have the qualifications to inherit this book symbolizing truth?
Let me witness it with my own eyes.
Nightfall.
Tenjo Hikari, who rarely indulged in culinary pleasures, uncharacteristically spent some money to treat his friends to a meal.
Apart from this, many first-year students applied to join the Fusion Department today and were accepted by him, even amidst an occasional second-year and third-year senior. He didn't mind, sharing joyfully with his peers. Treat it as a welcome party!
To those ordinary Fusion Department students, what's the difference in dueling here or there, collecting "Gu Jujie" anywhere? Since that's the case, why not join a more genuine, friendlier Fusion Department where everyone duels happily?
Besides—
They are the real Fusion Department, not some nameless group under Professor Akuma's command seeking undue association!
The clouds slowly cleared, just as the clouds in their hearts dissipated, with tonight's moon exceptionally vast and bright, illuminating the entire academy.
Right then, on the apex of the academy's high tower, a figure stood nimbly on the tip, arms crossed.
His entire being shone gold, under moonlight becoming as brilliant as the sun, with a red cape billowing against the wind, looking far, as if he could see Tenjo Hikari and the others.
As clouds veiled the moon again, the welcome feast concluded fittingly. As the duelist itch overcame Judai, dragging Tenjo Hikari for another round, that figure had already vanished, and simultaneously—
Tenjo Hikari and Judai suddenly found themselves on the path alongside a cluster of towering skyscrapers.
"It's the Seven Stars!?" Judai shouted instinctively.
"Whoa!" The Winged Kuriboh, startled, flew out.
"Wow..." The Alchemist couldn't help but appear beside Tenjo Hikari, eyes gleaming.
They all looked ahead, where two golden figures awaited!
Elemental Hero Captain Gold, Golden-Eyes Idol!
"C-captain!" The Winged Kuriboh trembled.