The first duel ended amidst the cheers of the crowd.
The final winner was Number 31.
Although Number 23 mastered Synchro and gave it his all, unfortunately, his opponent had his own brilliant moves and tactics, winning this duel beautifully with a combination of traps and monsters.
Nevertheless, even though Number 23 lost, he wasn't forgotten. Almost immediately after the duel ended, countless companies contacted him, and the phone practically blew up the Kaiba Company's service station.
The first to use an Xyz Monster, Marufuji Ryo, is now the face and symbol of their company, receiving treatment even higher than the company's senior management, making it almost impossible for others to poach him.
As for the "first to use Synchro" duelist, they certainly didn't want to miss out and scrambled to obtain his support and representation.
Even though "Synchro Summon" can only be successfully used in the Critical Point Dimension, it's still a huge selling point!
The audience's enthusiasm reached an unprecedented height, naturally fueling the duelists' fighting spirit. Soon, the next duel commenced as scheduled.
Tenjo Hikari continued to watch the subsequent duels one after another.
Knowing your opponent and yourself is a crucial factor, even if you might not encounter them in the next duel, it's important to understand every duelist's style so that in future duels, you won't lose unexpectedly because of your opponent's card surprises.
As the duels proceeded one by one, every duelist's unique and powerful tactics and strategies were displayed.
Not only students from the Duel Academy, but there were also some young professional duelists who clearly had their own understanding and strategy, making a name for themselves in this competition and becoming the new generation's synonymous professional duelists.
Gradually, more and more innovative duelists appeared in the dueling arena; some were special forces, some competed alone, some Kaiba Seto found from some remote backwater, but each duelist's strength was undeniable. Each duelist also had an audience and spirit supporting them.
"A duelist from the Gravekeeper Race... really? I heard duelists of this race never appear in public," Mitsuzawa Daichi exclaimed in shock, watching the duelist on the screen, mouth agape, in disbelief.
"I heard the master personally sought them out, must have taken quite a bit of effort," Manjome was also uncertain.
This duelist clearly wasn't a professional or a student, but someone Kaiba Seto directly went to the Gravekeeper Race to find, and he looked about their age.
In any case, Tenjo Hikari didn't recognize him.
Moreover—
He used a Tomb Guardian deck.
"Duel over, winner, Number 13—"
Mitsuzawa Daichi secured victory, excitedly clenching his fist to cheer himself on as he headed towards the preparation hall, while on the other side, the defeated duelist also didn't leave immediately and, like the previous Number 23 duelist, was escorted by Kaiba Company to another waiting room.
It seemed like he would be participating in the Resurrection Race next.
Mitsuzawa Daichi took a deep breath as he returned to the hall, prepared to report his good results to his friends, when the White Dragon Gachapon Machine automatically started spinning, and a numbered ball dropped down.
"Number 19—"
The room instantly went silent, the friends who were about to welcome him turned their heads to someone in the corner.
Almost all the duelists fell silent, observing that person...
The potential "Champion contender."
Tenjo Hikari heard his number, slowly stood up, and beside him, Tierra yawned, appearing with "Finally, it's your turn."
Tenjo Hikari nodded lightly.
"Heh, it's finally starting, Tenjo Hikari."
Someone whispered Tenjo Hikari's name.
Everyone was awaiting his opponent's emergence.
Spinning—
Number 36—
A few individuals noticeably breathed a sigh of relief.
Others, however, were disappointed that it wasn't them.
"Eh—why is it 36, I'm 37!" John scratched his head regretfully upon seeing the number.
He really wanted to duel with someone as renowned as Tenjo Hikari!
Ever since meeting in the S Dimension last time, when he became friends with Judai, he greatly desired to duel Tenjo Hikari!
The duelist called by the number also silently picked up his badge, raised his eyebrows.
Though he was a bit worried about facing Tenjo Hikari when the gachapon machine spun, knowing he might get eliminated early if matched against him, now that he was really chosen, there's no room for fear.
He intended to eliminate Tenjo Hikari early!
Mitsuzawa Daichi noticed this and wasn't bothered by his attention being stolen, instead smiling and giving Tenjo Hikari a thumbs up.
Tenjo Hikari smiled and waved at some friends, and under the guidance of Kaiba Company's guide, they walked with their opponent towards different entrance tunnels.
"For the next duel, please wait patiently, it will surely be more exciting!"
With the broadcast ringing out, white mist began to fill the air, and two figures slowly crossed through the entrance doors.
Many people's interests were suddenly piqued.
Previously, when Manjome appeared, this flamboyant entry was used, so everyone understood that those appearing this time are also "well-known" duelists.
As the mist dissipated, they looked toward the stage.
"Contestant Number 36, Professional Duelist, [Phantom], Chen Lue."
"Contestant Number 19—Absolute Fusion Master, Tenjo Hikari!"
Tenjo Hikari!!??
Suddenly—
Both inside and outside the arena, countless people instantly fell into silence.
Some who didn't grasp the significance of Tenjo Hikari's name didn't think much, quickly applauding and cheering. As the atmosphere shifted, they turned to those around them, asking who this Tenjo Hikari was.
Very quickly, Tenjo Hikari's achievements and past naturally surfaced.
Some were concerned, some feared him.
Nonetheless—
Students and spirits were already cheering!
"Oh oh oh, it's Brother Hikari!"
"Senior Tenjo is on stage! Everyone, cheer for him!"
"It's that human called Hikari, this duel is sure to be interesting!"
"Master—Go for it—"
Ordinary students, Fusion Department students, Tenjo Hikari's known spirit, Serena, all these people were cheering for Tenjo Hikari.
He looked towards the audience, spotted the ones at the very front row, there was a group in suits cheering for him, and beside them, Dinosaur Lyuzaki, hands in pockets and waving.
Tenjo Hikari smiled and punched back, responding to them.
Students were generally no longer suspicious of Tenjo Hikari.
What remained were naturally ordinary onlookers unaware of the truth.
Tenjo Hikari wouldn't be mad because of it.
"What immense popularity," Chen Lue glanced around, showing no stage fright as he said to Tenjo Hikari, "but I won't hand victory over either."
"Ha, I have the same thought."
"Then—"
"Duel! X2!"
Duel Academy Main School's chief, Absolute Fusion Master, Tenjo Hikari, LP: 4000.
Professional Duelist, Phantom Chen Lue, LP: 4000.
Bang, bang bang—
Fireworks exploded, Tenjo Hikari gleefully drew 5 cards from his deck.
He glanced down at them, then towards the hovering drone filming, unable to resist a slight grin.
"Well then, might as well take this opportunity to remind everyone of who I am—"
He raised his hand and waved slightly at all the machines filming him, saying:
"I am Duel Academy Main School, Fengguang Company spokesperson, Fusion Duelist, Tenjo Hikari!"
"Fusion is the most noble summoning method!"