Just a few seconds ago, Manjoume had been imagining himself standing out in Duel Department and crushing everyone with skill. Now, all of a sudden, he felt that Duel Department did not seem that impressive anymore, and joining it did not matter much either.
At that moment, Lackey A leaned in and asked carefully, "Boss, how about we forget it and not apply?"
Manjoume glared at him at once.
If he backed out now, would that not make him look scared?
"No need." Manjoume snorted and looked coldly at Yugen. "Perfect timing. I have wanted a rematch with you for a long time. Last time I underestimated you, but I am not the same as before. Next time, I will win."
"Sure, sure." Yugen agreed easily.
Manjoume was not actually afraid of him. Ever since accepting the fact that this schemer had also come to Duel Academy, he had already been thinking about a rematch to wash away that shame. Whether or not he joined Duel Department, the second Duel was bound to happen.
Still, Manjoume had a strange feeling. If this guy passed the test today and joined Duel Department, which was very likely, then the atmosphere of Duel Department might go in a strange direction from now on.
This person had that kind of talent. Wherever he went, he brought something unsettling with him, almost like a walking source of trouble.
They said people are shaped by their surroundings. Manjoume was not sure he wanted to stay in the same environment as this guy, since he feared he might end up twisted into the same shape.
Yugen did not know exactly what Manjoume was thinking. But seeing that Manjoume never took his eyes off him, he knew it had to be about himself.
Well, kids tend to rebel. He probably just had not been beaten enough yet.
It was not a big problem. There would be another chance to teach him a lesson.
Manjoume might think he lost last time only because he underestimated his opponent, and that might even be true. He might also really have grown stronger. But during this time, Yugen had gathered many Spirit and greatly expanded his Deck, and he was no longer at the same level as before.
The rematch would definitely teach the kid what the real world was like.
Looking around, Yugen was a bit surprised that he did not see that familiar Jellyfish Hair. It felt strange that there was a chance to play cards and yet Judai Yuki was nowhere to be seen.
Then he remembered. Oh right, Judai Yuki was from Slifer Red Dorm Red, and Duel Department did not recruit from there.
At Duel Academy, which promoted elite education, students from Slifer Red Dorm Red sat at the very bottom of the hierarchy. It was only natural that Duel Department would not give them a chance.
To join an elite club, one had to at least reach Yellow Dormitory before even getting the right to apply.
"Okay, then we will now begin the Duel Department recruitment assessment."
A senior from Obelisk Dorm Blue stepped onto the stage and picked up the microphone.
"Since time is limited, I will keep it short and explain the rules directly. Duel Department has arranged several official members to defend the field, and applicants may choose any senior to challenge.
"Our seniors are all seasoned elites, so you do not have to win the Duel. However, you must show your own style and strengths.
"The judging panel will score your performance. The full score is ten points, and six points or above counts as a pass."
There was even a judging process. Yugen wondered if playing well enough would make the mentors turn their chairs.
"Of course, if any newcomer is strong enough to defeat a defending member, they may skip the scoring process and pass directly," the host said with a smile. "After joining, they will also receive the highest priority support from the club."
Everyone knew that Duel relied heavily on talent. It was not impossible for a gifted freshman to overwhelm older members, and it had happened before, though rarely.
Senior students had undergone systematic training at Duel Academy, so their Card Draw and Deck building skills were naturally stronger. After spending an extra year at Duel Academy, they also had more Rare Card, so unless they ran into an exceptional prodigy, the seniors of Duel Department did not often lose.
"Then without wasting time, the assessment officially begins."
Yugen watched for a while as several students stepped up in order to challenge. As expected, none of them defeated the defending members.
The first five challengers all lost. One of them barely received a score of six and passed the assessment, entering the Duel club.
While watching the matches, Yugen logged into the Duel Department assessment module through a student terminal and checked the information on the defending examiners.
He looked at their honors, past victories, events they had attended on behalf of Duel Academy or the club, and the Deck and tactical styles they favored.
With a general picture in mind, Yugen stood up from his seat. It was about time for him to go up.
"The next contestant is Yugen Fujiki, right?" the host asked. "Which senior would you like to challenge?"
Yugen walked onto the field and said politely, "I would like to challenge Senior Watanabe Shuuichi. Is that okay?"
As soon as he said this, many gazes turned toward him.
Watanabe Shuuichi was the only defending member who had not yet been challenged. The reason was simple. He was one of Duel Department's core members and had the most impressive record in the assessment module.
He had entered the academy as an elite from Middle Division and was directly assigned to Obelisk Dorm Blue. He had represented Duel Academy in competitions and won championships in large tournaments twice. Since joining Duel Department, he had always been a mainstay.
"Interesting."
Shuuichi, dressed in a blue uniform, stood up, put on his Duel Disk, and stepped onto the field, studying Yugen with interest.
He had come to the recruitment event expecting to just fill a seat. He was prepared to sit out the whole day, because normally no one would challenge him.
Shuuichi smiled and said, "Do not think that choosing me will lower the passing standard. The judges' criteria will not change."
"I know. No need to hold back, senior." Yugen smiled politely.
"Good. Duel Department needs people with this kind of courage," Shuuichi paused. "As long as you also have the strength."
"Then senior can find out for himself."
"Duel!" both of them said.
Around the arena, students began to talk.
"This freshman is really confident."
"Someone actually dared to challenge Shuuichi. That is bold."
"Didn't you hear? This year's Moonlight Cup…"
"Seriously? Is this freshman that strong?"
At this moment, in the entire arena, only Manjoume, who had been sitting next to Yugen, seemed to vaguely guess how this Duel would end.
Manjoume stared straight at Yugen without blinking. Hearing others seriously analyze how strong Shuuichi was and how flawless his tactics were, he almost could not hold back from speaking up.
No, you all do not understand how serious this is.
Just before Yugen went on stage, Manjoume had personally seen him scrolling through the list of defending members on the terminal, especially looking at each person's usual Deck and key cards.
Then, the moment he stopped on Watanabe Shuuichi's profile, Manjoume clearly saw his eyes light up.
It was the look of someone who had found something interesting and could not wait to test it out.
Manjoume did not know what dirty ideas were forming in that schemer's head again. But there was one thing he was certain of.
This guy was definitely up to something.
"Let the challenger choose who goes first."
Shuichi Watanabe spoke with easy confidence, clearly trying to show the calm of a senior and a seasoned player. He looked relaxed, as if this were all well within his control.
"Go on. Do you want to take the first turn or the second?"
Yugen did not bother being polite. "I will go first. Card Draw."
He drew three cards in one smooth motion.
"I set one monster on the field, then set two cards in the back row. My turn ends."