[Ed, LP 0]
After numerous rounds of fierce attacks and defenses, with dazzling new forms of Heroes clashing against each other, this high-level battle, awe-inspiring to the end, concluded with the simple "Superman Fist" of the "Elemental Hero Neos"—the most basic form of Neos, a Normal Monster Hero with 2500 attack points.
It felt like a "high start and low finish"... in the physical sense.
The duel ended, and Ed's life points finally stopped at 0.
At first, none of the spectators could react.
Honestly, this result was beyond the expectation of most people present. Before the duel, predictions about the result were virtually unanimous—even the most steadfast fans supporting Judai at the Academy didn't think he could win this match.
After all, his opponent was the world champion, a man with the highest title in the Duel World. Though Brother Judai is strong, at the end of the day, he's just a student at Duel Academy. Suggesting he is at a professional league level might not be doubted, but calling him a world champion? That's too far-fetched.
Yet, the duel's result at this moment left everyone in shock, unable to recover for quite a while.
Prior to this, Ed, a professional champion, coming to the Academy to learn card games was surprising enough, and the fact that he didn't dominate the entire school but was instead beaten by the Academy's top student only once again shattered everyone's preconceptions.
At this point, everyone looked at Judai differently—
—Whoa, you're this freaking awesome, why not play professionally?
Why waste time on studies? Go win a world championship, isn't that cooler?
However, soon enough, under someone's lead, the audience offered thunderous applause for this duel.
Regardless of the result, this was undoubtedly a high-caliber duel deserving of the respect of every duelist present. The showdown between Neos and Destiny Hero, it might be a height all of them won't ever reach.
The strength of both sides deserves their admiration and reverence.
Ed was half-kneeling on the ground, looking somewhat dejected.
"What an interesting duel, right, Ed?" Judai walked up, smiling as he extended his hand to Ed.
Ed rolled his eyes at him, coldly saying, "Don't get cocky, Judai! Although I didn't succeed this time, next time I surely will..."
"I just got lucky." Judai tilted his head, thinking, "Got lucky once in a while. Didn't you say before you've won more times?"
Ed was momentarily stunned.
Ah, that was the setup...
Then he swiftly shook off his dejection, stood up elegantly adjusting his collar, and said with a hum, "Yes, you were lucky this time. But next time won't be the same!"
"Yeah, yeah, just a little lucky this time," Judai scratched his head, chuckling, "Next time I might not be this fortunate."
Ed was satisfied, his expression seemed to say, "That's more like it."
As the two were talking, Youyu was already walking up the steps at the side of the dueling arena, clapping his hands enthusiastically for the two students.
"Youyu-sensei!"
"Mr. Youyu!"
Both of their eyes lit up simultaneously.
The watching crowd quickly fell silent, with many students staring wide-eyed.
Holy crap! The honorary principal! In the flesh!
Though they knew Youyu was on the island, not every student got the chance to see this legend. After all, he had no substantial duties, did not teach classes, and students saw him more on TV screens than in real life.
"Well done," Youyu stood at the center of the stage, "both of you."
Judai and Ed's eyes simultaneously showed a gleam of joy.
To them, a teacher's compliment might be more precious than any world champion title.
Youyu turned to the students, "Was this duel exciting for you all to watch?"
"Exciting!" many shouted.
"Then, do you think most duels in the professional league can match the level of this duel?"
Everyone chattered and discussed among themselves, with scattered answers, but it was clear most said "no."
As students of Duel Academy, it's basically impossible that someone hasn't watched a professional league duel. Anyone with eyes can see that most league duels aren't up to the level of these two students below.
In fact, after this duel's footage was spread and seen by professional commentators and players from the league, quite a few were astonished by the spectacular clash between Neos and Destiny Hero.
Some hosts even asked Youyu about it during interviews. Youyu merely smiled calmly at the time, saying, "Sit, sit, it's just our school's bottom-rankers and first-year rookies playing cards, don't laugh..."
This incident caused a huge stir in professional circles, putting "Duel Academy" back in the industry's spotlight.
And that was precisely the effect Youyu intended.
"So now you've seen it, our academy's students are as strong as any professional! We are cultivating students stronger than 'professionals'! Students truly at the pinnacle within the Dueling Domain!
We will prove this, and society will soon recognize it!
This is why, after discussion with Principal Samejima, we decided to host a grand international dueling tournament on the stage of Duel Academy!"
Everyone perked up their ears, realizing Mr. Wang of Duels might drop a bombshell announcement next.
Sure enough, Youyu took a round, silver-white badge marked clearly with "GX" from inside his coat.
"The tournament is codenamed 'GX'! The Academy will widely invite professional league players and duelists from society to participate.
And all students of our Academy, unless unable due to special circumstances, are automatically entered as participants!"
The crowd erupted into astonished chatter.
What? Compete alongside professional players?
"And to hype up the event," Youyu smirked mysteriously, "I'll also personally invite some friends to join as participants."
Hearing this, the students burst into an uproar.
What the hell!? Personal friends of the First Duel King? Aren't they practically gods?
We just came to study, how can we compete with god-like pros?
However, some quickly thought through the situation.
After all, it's a competition, and ranks must be limited, participation matters more. Worst case, they can muddle through.
But as students were about to relax, they saw Youyu give a slight smile again.
"Oh and, after discussing with Professor Chronos, we've reached a consensus," he continued, "to prevent any students from passively participating, avoiding duels, we've decided the points earned in the GX Tournament...
...will be directly linked to your final exam scores."
"..."
What!!??