"Is it you?!"
Chazz suddenly sank back into his chair, eyes wide, staring at him.
"You're joining the Dueling Department too?"
"Yeah... why so excited?" Yugen gave him a curious look, "Miss me?"
"I... I didn't!"
Only then did Chazz realize that his reaction was a bit over the top. He glared at Yugen fiercely, then sat back in his chair without saying a word.
He had been careless; he should have known this guy would definitely come too.
Just a few seconds ago, Chazz was still imagining himself showcasing his skills and outshining others in the Dueling Department. Now, suddenly, he felt like the department wasn't such a big deal after all. Joining or not didn't matter...
However, at this moment, one of his henchmen cautiously approached and asked, "Boss, maybe we should forget about applying..."
Chazz immediately shot him a glare.
Quitting like this would make him look cowardly, wouldn't it?
"No need." Chazz snorted, casting a cold glance at Yugen, "I've wanted to have a rematch with you for a while. Last time, I underestimated you, but I'm different now. Next time, I'll be the one winning."
"Alright, alright." Yugen agreed naturally.
Actually, Chazz wasn't really afraid of him. Ever since accepting that this cunning guy would also attend Duel Academy, he had been looking forward to a rematch to wipe away his past embarrassment. So, whether he joined the department or not, there would be a second round. He wasn't backing down.
But he had a strange premonition. He suspected that if this person passed the assessment and joined the Dueling Department today—which was quite likely—the environment of the department might take a peculiar turn...
This person had a knack for bringing a strong aura of gloom wherever he went. In some ways, he was like a walking plague.
There's a saying, "Close to ink makes you black." Chazz wasn't sure if he wanted to stay in an environment with this guy. He feared he might end up just the same...
Yugen wasn't sure what exactly was going on in Chazz's mind, but from his unwavering gaze, he knew it had something to do with him.
Hmm, this kid seems to have a rebellious streak, probably because he hasn't been beaten enough.
It's not a big deal. He'll find an opportunity to teach him another lesson.
Chazz might have thought last time was just him underestimating his opponent—perhaps it was true—or maybe he really had gotten stronger. However, Yugen had expanded his card pool significantly since then by collecting many Elves, and he was no longer on the same level as before.
The second round would surely teach this kid about the harsh realities.
Looking around, Yugen was a bit surprised not to see a certain familiar Jellyfish Head.
It's illogical—how could Judai not be around when there are duels to play?
As the historically acknowledged protagonist with the biggest card addiction, Judai played in 67 duels over the span of 180 TV episodes. Clearly, in Judai's view, not playing when there are cards is unthinkable!
But Yugen quickly realized.
Oh, Judai is Osiris Red, and the Dueling Department doesn't recruit... Well, never mind then.
As Duel Academy emphasizes elite education, Osiris Red students are at the bottom of the pecking order. Naturally, the Dueling Department's recruitment wouldn't offer opportunities to Red Dormitory students.
To join an elite club, at least make it to Yellow Dormitory to qualify for an application.
"..."
"Alright, let's start the Dueling Department recruitment assessment now."
An Obelisk-Blue senior stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand.
"Due to time constraints, I'll get straight to the point and briefly explain the rules. The Dueling Department has arranged some official members to act as defenders. Newcomers can choose any senior to challenge.
Of course, the department seniors are all experienced elites, so it's not mandatory for you to win the duels. But you need to showcase your style and uniqueness.
The judging panel will rate your performance comprehensively, with a maximum score of ten points. If your score reaches six or more, you'll pass the assessment."
Interesting, there's even a judging and scoring segment. Yugen pondered that maybe playing beautifully would earn him a master's spin...
"Of course, if a newcomer is exceptional enough to defeat the defending member, they have the right to skip the scoring segment and pass directly," the host smiled, "And after joining the club, they'll receive the highest priority resource support."
It's well known that dueling highly relies on talent, so the possibility of a newly admitted genius student defeating senior members isn't ruled out. It had happened before, albeit rarely.
Senior students, having undergone systematic training in the academy, naturally excel in both drawing cards and deck construction. Moreover, with an extra year in the academy to accumulate Rare Cards, it's only in exceptional cases of encountering talented young geniuses that the department seniors would falter.
"Let's not waste time. The assessment officially begins now."
Yugen observed briefly as several students took turns challenging, as expected, none were a match for the defending members.
The first five challengers lost, but one of them barely scored six points, passing the assessment to join the Dueling Club.
While watching the matches, Yugen logged into the Dueling Department's assessment module via the student terminal to look up information on the defending examiners.
This included what honors each examiner had achieved, which matches they had won, which events they had represented the academy or club in, favorite card decks, tactical styles, and so on...
Having a rough idea, Yugen stood up from his seat.
It was about time for him to take the stage.
"Next up is... Fujiki Yugen, right?" the host asked, "Which senior would you like to challenge?"
Yugen approached the dueling field and politely said, "I'd like to challenge Senior Watanabe Hideyuki, if that's okay?"
Immediately, many gazes focused on him.
Watanabe Hideyuki was the only defending member who hadn't been challenged yet. The reason was simple: he was one of the core members of the Dueling Department and had the most impressive resume in the assessment module.
He had been directly admitted to Obelisk-Blue as a Middle School Department elite when he entered the academy and had represented the academy in external matches, winning championships twice in major tournaments. Since joining the Dueling Department, he had been a key player.
"Interesting."
Shuichi, dressed in a blue uniform, stood up from his seat, put on his Duel Disc, and descended into the field, examining Yugen with keen interest.
Though he was at the recruitment site as a defender, he had assumed he was just there for show and prepared himself mentally to stay on the sidelines all day because, under normal circumstances, he didn't anticipate anyone would challenge him.
Shuichi chuckled and said, "Don't think that challenging me will lower the standards for passing the assessment. The judges' scoring criteria won't change."
"I know, no need to hold back, Senior," Yugen replied with a polite smile.
"Good, you have courage. Our Dueling Department needs talents with such boldness..." Shuichi paused, "Provided they have the skill too."
"Well, you can test that out, Senior."
"Duel!" x2
"..."
Students around the room had begun to gossip.
"Does this newbie really have that much confidence?"
"Someone is actually challenging Shuichi, aren't they getting ahead of themselves...?"
"Haven't you heard? This year's Moonlight Cup..."
"No way, is the newbie really that strong?"
"..."
However, at this moment, possibly only Chazz, who had been sitting next to Yugen, had a vague inkling of the duel's direction.
Currently, Chazz was staring intently at Yugen without blinking.
Hearing others seriously analyze how strong Senior Shuichi was and how impeccable his tactics were, Chazz almost couldn't hold back from speaking out in rebuttal.
No, you all haven't realized the gravity of the situation!
Just before Yugen took the stage, Chazz watched him flip through the list of defending members on the terminal, particularly focusing on browsing each person's usual card decks and aces.
Then, in the instant he looked at Watanabe Hideyuki, Chazz distinctly saw Yugen's eyes light up.
He had the air of someone eager to test something significant he had discovered.
Although he didn't know what kind of sinister ideas were popping into Yugen's head, Chazz was sure of one thing.
This guy is definitely scheming something!