The teachers and students: "..."
An almost awkward silence.
Representing the new students, challenging the Duel King, the symbol of the academy and the aspiration of thousands, the duel is more of an exhibition than about winning or losing.
After all, no one really expects Rie to win the duel. Even if she is a genius girl, even if she skipped grades into Duel Academy, it's impossible.
A newcomer just starting school takes down the Duel King? Not even the most indulgent stories would write such a thing.
Of course, even if the result is predetermined, the process and the way of winning still leave the newbies amazed.
That may not necessarily be a compliment.
Because as the first battle the newcomers watch after enrolling, it may leave a psychological shadow on their young hearts...
In comparison, the older students are relatively calm.
Relax, it's a small scene. We've seen worse in the past two years.
In fact, many who experienced worse are now sitting in the stands, happily watching the naive newbies endure the same torment they faced under the Master of the Yellow Robe.
At most they might say, "As expected of the Master of the Yellow Robe, so ruthless even to such a cute little girl..."
Though this little girl too. Why play anything, but choose to play Minotaur in front of the Master of the Yellow Robe?
Provoking so brazenly, getting beaten helplessly seemed inevitable.
On the first day of school, the newcomers deeply realized the darkness of the Duel World.
Frankly, many thought Rie was already quite impressive.
Not to mention her final lineup. Three love-struck girls acting as Shields, fortified with Soul Barrier to reduce damage, would prove quite daunting for 99% of the freshmen against such a turtle shell formation.
Not to mention the powerful counter to Monster Effects named "Effect Confinement," plus strategies against Magic Traps like "Sand Tornado" in the backfield.
While not impregnable, breaking through and achieving victory in one round was undoubtedly very difficult.
However, faced with this, the Duel King's solution was——
——Give it all here!
In one round, two Sacrificial Demons crossed the battlefield, instantly clearing the opponent's fortified formation.
Setting aside the King's terrifying strength, the psychological pressure of such tactics is overwhelming. Poor little girl, estimating her sweet heart is now shattered, with the nightmare of Sacrificial Demons probably lingering for the next week...
"Thank you very much, Yugen-san!"
Asakura Rie suddenly bowed a perfect ninety degrees, her long hair cascading down like a waterfall.
The onlookers: "?"
Huh?
Is this girl a masochist or just dumb? Beaten like this, yet she says thank you?
Then she solemnly said, "I understand now, what Yugen-san wanted to tell me through this method… really.
When I came to this academy, I subconsciously felt that I am younger than everyone else, and moreover a girl, so sometimes I felt a bit... a bit unconfident.
But not anymore!"
She strongly patted her flat chest, proudly declared.
"No matter the age, no matter the gender. Now that I am at Duel Academy, I am a proud Duelist! Even in defeat, I will stand on the field confidently as a Duelist!"
A brief moment of silence throughout the venue.
Then Principal Jiaodao was the first to stand, his shiny head reflecting the bright lights of the venue.
The principal slowly extended both hands.
Clap clap clap clap——
Fierce applause.
With the principal leading the way, more students stood up from their seats, raised their hands, and applauded. The applause soon merged into a wave, quickly interspersed with shouts.
Among them were passionate fans calling out Yugen's name, and some recognized Rie's performance with approval.
Principal Jiaodao squinted his eyes, nodding slightly.
Hm, what a positive enrollment atmosphere.
Although Yugen's demonstration duel set the tone for the new year's freshmen leaning slightly askew, it's foreseeable that this batch of newcomers may soon tread deeper into the Underworld...
But it doesn't matter.
Initially, the principal and professors struggled against the change.
When the students' style began to be led increasingly astray by Yugen, a group of conservative professors especially found it hard to accept. Students' card deck construction and tactical style diverged more from traditional materials, leading professors to shake their heads repeatedly when discussing it.
Yet, over time, as professors realized the brilliance of the Master of the Yellow Robe shined ever more intensely with dazzling achievements and influence unstoppable, they finally gave up the struggle.
Even some conservative professors spawned ideas against their discipline——
——maybe... we should try it?
Just to experiment, try the possibility of a new duel.
After tasting the forbidden fruit of the Underworld, the professors gave up too.
Forget it, just let it be.
Anyway, with the students' practical abilities improving, the GX Tournament ended up frustrating even professional Duelists. That period saw several Duel magazines featuring the academy, giving it a major boost in reputation.
Now Principal Jiaodao simply smiles, feeling invigorated for Duel Academy's bright future...
...or perhaps a future not so bright?
It doesn't matter anymore.
After shaking hands goodbye with Rie, Yugen steps down accompanied by cheers from the younger generation, leaving behind the glimpse of his waving silhouette.
As he exits, Yugen surveys the crowd.
Professor Kobra, should be watching right?
But it also doesn't matter anymore. Kobra needs students to wear his special Energy Absorption Wristwatch to duel, smoothly absorbing energy to awaken Yubel.
Without the wristwatch, energy cannot be absorbed.
...
...
Kobra indeed watches from his temporary hideout, his expression somewhat heavy.
"Duel King, truly unfathomable."
He muttered to himself.
"Against a new student elite of this level, entirely useless even for probing...right?"
For the King, it should just be leisure, perhaps using the duel opportunity to educate the newcomers, right?
This kind of duel reveals nothing.
"Surely, more professional personnel are needed."
Kobra paused, glancing towards the darkness behind him.
"Your past record is impressive, but you've been away from the professional scene for years. Will it be okay?"
"No problem...cough cough."
A coughing sound echoes.
A man in a loose blue uniform emerges from the shadows, adjusting his glasses.
"Thank you very much, Professor Kobra, for this opportunity."
He adjusts his glasses, softly speaks.
"Facing the Duel King in my final match... that's not bad either."