President Hiro Shimizu was almost out of his mind when he finally signed the agreement from Duel Academy Student Council. The club members were shouting his name and yelling things like "remember our bond," but it did nothing. After signing, Hiro Shimizu let out a long breath and spoke in a tired voice.
"Thinking about it, I am not that young anymore. My most energetic days are already behind me. Forget it. Moe cards, Duel, none of it really matters."
The members looked devastated. They could see that this loss was not just about cards or their club room, it had shaken their president's spirit. One by one, they turned to look at the culprit behind all of this, and a heavy feeling settled in their chests.
It was true that they had occupied the club room without permission. But sending someone like him to deal with them felt excessive. Sure, they sometimes gathered to enjoy colorful hobbies together, but this punishment was far too harsh.
"..."
"That was it?"
Duel Academy Student Council's Sato adjusted his glasses and stared at Yugen, who had returned not long after leaving, looking surprised. He had expected a long dispute, not this quick result.
"Yes," Yugen replied simply. "Their club atmosphere is actually pretty good. The members are nice and reasonable. We just had a small Duel, then I explained a few things, and they quickly agreed with my point of view. Look, their president signed."
Sato checked the document and confirmed that President Hiro Shimizu had indeed signed it. For a moment, he did not know what to say. He had dealt with that club before, and they had never seemed like reasonable people, especially Hiro Shimizu, who always talked about burning passion and bonds and refused to listen.
He had even suspected that they might try to argue or go back on their word even if they lost a Duel. Yet this legendary freshman had gone alone and settled everything in minutes. Was his Duel really as frightening as the rumors said, capable of crushing an opponent's will?
At that moment, Duel Academy Student Council President Seika Kohinata shook her head. "You would not understand unless you have dueled him yourself." Her tone made it clear that only victims had the right to speak.
Sato fell silent.
"In any case, thank you, Yugen," Senior Xinghua said with a smile. "First, here are your extra credits as a reward. Then you can choose one card you like from these ten in storage. Consider it a newcomer benefit."
Duel Department had offered similar benefits before, but Yugen remembered that none of the cards back then had caught his eye. He glanced over the list Senior Xinghua provided, and as expected, most of them were ordinary.
However, one card did interest him.
'AD Changer', Level 1, ATK 100.
Effect: Banish this card from the Graveyard, then target one monster on the field and change its battle position. (ANIME EFFECT)
It was not a powerful card, but its utility effect was rare. In certain combinations it could be useful, and with his growing luck in draws, it was a card worth considering if his drawing remained stable.
Satisfied with his reward, Yugen left Duel Academy Student Council. In the office, Seika Kohinata leaned back in her chair with her arms crossed and allowed herself a faint, satisfied smile.
At first, she had resisted his sudden appearance. Thanks to Sato's suggestion, she now saw things differently. In a place like Duel Academy, where many problems were solved through cards, having such a powerful force on their side might not be a bad thing.
For example, if a similar issue happened again and students broke school rules or refused to cooperate, Duel Academy Student Council could deliver a final warning like this: you have a few days left to comply. If you continue to resist, we will be forced to send that officer to ensure compliance.
Most students would probably choose to cooperate at once. The more Seika Kohinata thought about it, the more workable it seemed, and the corner of her mouth lifted as she imagined troublesome students reluctantly accepting a Duel.
"Second place really is impressive, Daichi Misawa," Yugen said sincerely as he examined the latest card produced by Daichi Misawa.
In his hand was the Zombie-Type monster 'Mezuki'. Many duelists knew this card. It had once been an extremely versatile core card for Zombie-Type strategies, and even now it could still find a place in certain Deck builds.
What many people did not know was that this card had originally been created by Daichi Misawa. In the original manga, 'Mezuki's' effect was weaker. It could only be banished during the Standby Phase of the turn after it was sent to the Graveyard, and it could then Special Summon a Yokai monster from the Graveyard.
The Yokai type was unique to the manga. After research, Yugen concluded that it was essentially a branch of Zombie-Type. When those cards were adapted into real cards, they had all been classified under Zombie-Type.
With Yugen pointing out this direction, Daichi Misawa had spent this period developing a much stronger version. The updated effect allowed the player to banish 'Mezuki' from the Graveyard at any time to Special Summon any Zombie-Type monster from the Graveyard. (ANIME EFFECT)
The restriction was expanded from Yokai to any Zombie-Type, and the activation timing was no longer limited to the next turn's Standby Phase. It was far more practical.
His praise was sincere. Even with guidance, completing such development in so little time proved that Daichi Misawa's talent for research was remarkable.
"No, first place is still stronger," Daichi Misawa said seriously. "I have had 'Mezuki' for so long and never realized it could be developed further."
"I was just lucky during research."
"I doubt it was only luck."
Asuka Tenjoin appeared at the laboratory door with a light smile. "I also never realized the hidden potential of 'Cyber Angel'. The more I study it recently, the more I see that your direction was right. I think we are close to results."
"That is surprising," Daichi Misawa said, studying Yugen. "Not only are you strong in Duel, but you also have this level of talent in card development. Honestly, I find it hard to believe you only started learning card design this semester."
Yugen shrugged. He was telling the truth. If they did not believe him, there was nothing he could do.
"Oh right, I went out to secure sponsorship a few days ago," he added casually. "The Foundation under Kaiba Corporation will be funding us from now on."
Daichi Misawa froze.
Asuka Tenjoin also stared at him.
He had just casually secured sponsorship from Kaiba Corporation?
They exchanged a look, both sensing that there was more to the story. Could the rumors at Duel Academy about him being the man favored by Seto Kaiba actually be true?
When Daidouji saw the results produced by the small laboratory that Yugen had only recently set up, even he nearly lost his usual calm composure. He stared at the data and models for a long time, as if trying to find a flaw. In the end, he could only swallow his words.
He wanted to say that this was a bit too much.
"Please take a look, sir, and see if there is anything improper in our research process," Yugen said politely. "We would appreciate your guidance."
Daidouji fell silent.
Guidance on what?
If anything, he felt the principal could shut down the research department at Duel Academy and let these few students take over starting today.
People said that if you lived long enough you would see anything, but even after all his years, Daidouji had never seen something this unusual. The speed and quality of their progress simply did not match their age or status. It felt unreasonable.
Daichi Misawa and Asuka Tenjoin were both puzzled about why Yugen had invited Daidouji to be their main supervisor. In their eyes, he was the kind of teacher who drifted through his days, and they kept quiet only out of respect. Still, considering everything Yugen had done so far, they believed he must have his reasons.