Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Author note: Hello there. My name is Blo0dycanelo, better known as the creator of "¡Enchúlame mi yugimazo!" and the most incapable man to translate his own works. Today, I wanted to present you a new fanfic with a little daring premise, and my first completely in english fanfic. So, expect some mistakes along the way. Without further ado, I'll let you descend into the madness of the void…

The soft buzz of conversation quieted as Etan clapped his hands together, signaling the end of the lecture.

"And that would be all for today." he said, his voice calm yet confident. "Make sure to upload your assignments before Friday. No exceptions." A smirk crossed his face as he saw a few students exchange panicked glances. "Yes, I mean you, Serena."

The class chuckled, and Etan leaned casually on the desk, closing his laptop with a deliberate click. The students began packing their things, murmuring thanks or nodding as they filed out. Etan stretched his arms behind his head, satisfied.

Teaching was good. No, it was great. There was something deeply fulfilling about sharing his love for programming—and maybe, just maybe, molding the next generation of coders.

As the last student left, he grabbed his bag and made his way into the halls of the university, the rhythmic tap of his polished shoes echoing against the tile. The late afternoon sunlight poured through the tall windows, casting long, warm streaks of gold along the walls. He passed a group of students huddled over a laptop, shooting them a friendly nod.

Etan's lips curled into a natural smile. He couldn't help it—it was days like these, productive and calm, that reminded him he really loved his life. His job wasn't perfect, but it was his, and it fit him like a glove.

Eventually, he found himself in front of the men's bathroom. Pushing the door open, he headed straight for the sink. He splashed cold water onto his face, relishing the refreshing shock. As he reached for the paper towels, his reflection caught his eye.

"Damn." he said, giving himself a playful wink. "Looking sharp as always."

His jet-black hair was slightly tousled from the day, but in a way that only seemed to add to his effortlessly cool vibe. His broad shoulders filled out his button-up shirt neatly, and the long hours he spent at the gym were evident in his toned frame. Not that he cared much about appearances, of course—but it was nice to be... presentable.

Smirking at his own antics, he grabbed his bag and slung it over one shoulder. Time to head to the Yu-Gi-Oh! club. It was the highlight of his day—playing cards, discussing strategies, and, naturally, reliving every moment of Yu-Gi-Oh! GX.

As he walked out of the bathroom he put an extra spring in his step, ready for whatever adventures the evening might bring.

If only he had known what destiny had in store for him that same day…

Etan stepped off the bus, the evening breeze ruffling his hair as the faint glow of neon signs beckoned him down the street. He walked with purpose, his bag slung casually over one shoulder, until the familiar sight of the local trading card shop came into view. The place was a haven for duelists, with posters of legendary monsters plastered across the windows and the soft hum of spirited chatter drifting through the slightly ajar door.

The bell above the entrance jingled as he stepped inside, the smell of cardboard and energy drinks greeting him like an old friend (luckily, the store had already gotten rid of the… funny smelling individuals). His eyes scanned the room, quickly locating a table near the back where two of his friends were already waiting.

The first was Gabriel, the quintessential Yu-Gi-Oh! meta player. Gabriel's hair was neatly cropped, his glasses perched just low enough on his nose to suggest he'd spent the last hour meticulously studying his decklist—or perhaps someone else's. His shirt bore the logo of the latest regional championship, the colors slightly faded from too many washes. The mat in front of him was pristine, the kind that cost far more than Etan was willing to spend, emblazoned with a fearsome Snake-Eyes Flamberge Dragon. Gabriel was shuffling his cards with practiced efficiency, his expression one of laser-sharp focus.

"You're late." Gabriel said without looking up. "I've already mapped out the odds of my opening hand. Don't make me waste them."

"Nice to see you too." Etan replied with a grin. "Relax, I'm not here to ruin your completely casual night out."

Across from Gabriel sat Luna, who was already beaming at Etan's arrival. Her long, wavy hair was dyed a shade of teal that complemented her oversized hoodie, which sported a print of a smirking Chazz Princeton. Stickers of her favorite Yu-Gi-Oh! GX characters adorned her phone case, which was propped up against a deck box covered in glittery decals.

"Finally!" Luna said, dramatically placing her chin in her hands. "We were about to start without you—and I was just explaining to Gabriel how Jaden and Chazz are clearly endgame. It's practically canon."

Gabriel rolled his eyes. "That's not even remotely canon."

Luna gasped, clutching her chest as if mortally wounded. "How dare you! The subtext is obvious if you actually watch the series. You're just too busy calculating attack points to understand love."

Etan chuckled, shaking his head as he pulled up a chair. "Still shipping Jaden and Chazz, huh?"

"Always," Luna said, grinning. "And don't act like you're innocent, Mr. GX Superfan. I know you have opinions."

"You got me." Etan said, hands raised in mock surrender.

Luna leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Come on, Etan. Just admit it: Jaden deserves someone who can match his energy, and Chazz is the perfect tsundere for the job."

"Don't drag me into your world of madness," Etan replied, though he couldn't help but laugh.

Situations like this made him wonder if people would take him less seriously if they knew about his biggest passion. A grown man, a university professor no less, spending his evenings playing Yu-Gi-Oh! cards and debating the nuances of a kids' anime? It wasn't exactly the image most people expected of him—or so he imagined. He could already hear the snide remarks: "Shouldn't you be doing something productive, not playing with trading cards?"

In the end, this was what he loved about the club—a mix of intense strategy and lighthearted absurdity that made every visit worth it.

As Etan settled into his chair, a shadow loomed over the table. He looked up to see Max, the club's resident Yu-Gi-Oh! GX self-insert fanfic writer, standing with an all-too-familiar laptop clutched to their chest. Max was dressed in a dramatic, anime-inspired jacket that looked far too warm for the season, and their hair had streaks of vibrant green, which they always claimed was inspired by an "OC rival character" they wrote into GX lore.

"Etan!" Max exclaimed, their voice tinged with excitement and a touch of theatricality. "You're just in time. I was brainstorming a new story idea—imagine this: what if Jaden was transported to our world and we had to trade places? You know, like a soul-swap kind of deal."

Etan raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his chair. "Who in the hell starts a conversation like that? Besides, trading places? That's a bit cliché. You'd actually give up your life to live in a fantasy world?"

Max blinked, as though the question itself was absurd. "Of course! Who wouldn't want to duel alongside Jaden and the gang? Real life's so... boring."

Etan frowned, his tone cooling. "I don't know, Max. Real life's not so bad. Trading it away for something that isn't even real? That's a hard no for me."

Max's expression shifted, their usual enthusiasm dimming for a moment. "Maybe for you, Etan," they said quietly. "Not everyone's happy with their life. Some of us... we just want an escape."

The words lingered in the air like a stray shadow… Max really was the drama queen of the club. Before he could respond, Luna jumped in, her tone light as she tried to steer the mood.

"Max, does this OC of yours have a duel disk bedazzled with rhinestones yet, or are you saving that for the sequel?"

The group chuckled, the tension easing slightly. Max grinned, their energy returning as they launched into an animated description of their character's "customized Elemental Hero, totally original idea do not steal". Etan stayed quiet, though, his mind still replaying their words.

The group settled into their usual rhythm of banter and deck-tweaking, but the energy was clearly incomplete. Gabriel kept glancing at his watch, his shuffling slowing as his focus wavered. Luna leaned back in her chair, idly scrolling through her phone.

"Where is she?" Luna sighed, her impatience spilling into her voice. "She's never this late."

Gabriel didn't look up. "Probably stuck in traffic. Again."

Etan leaned on the table, resting his chin on his hand. He was about to comment.

"So, are you truly satisfied with your life?"

A voice—soft, feminine, and calm—whispered directly into his mind.

Etan froze, his body tensing as his eyes darted around the room. No one else seemed to have heard it. Gabriel was still analyzing his deck, Luna was now humming to herself, and Max was scribbling furiously in their notebook. The shop bustled with the usual sounds of shuffling cards and muffled duels in progress. Nothing out of the ordinary.

He frowned, shaking his head as if to clear it. Weird. Really weird. Maybe he was just tired—it had been a long day, after all. Yeah, that had to be it.

Deciding it wasn't worth the mental energy, Etan slid his work laptop out of his bag and powered it on. The familiar boot-up screen was oddly comforting, grounding him in reality as he opened his grading software.

With the click of a few keys, he dove into the first batch of student submissions. The algorithm homework had been riddled with errors in the past, so he was expecting a few frustrating surprises tonight. The sound of Gabriel explaining a new combo and Luna's occasional squeals over "Chazz x Jaden headcanon fuel" faded into the background as Etan immersed himself in his work.

Still, the voice lingered at the edge of his thoughts, like a phantom breeze he couldn't quite shake.

As Etan scrolled through another student's submission, his focus wavered. That voice—soft, yet commanding—returned, cutting through the quiet hum of the shop like a knife through glass.

"You immerse yourself in these trivial structures, but do you not see the chaos lurking beneath them?"

Etan's fingers paused over the keyboard, his brow furrowing. He glanced up from his screen, scanning the shop. Still nothing out of the ordinary.

The voice pressed on, calm but relentless, as though it were speaking directly to his soul.

"These algorithms you so carefully untangle... they are mirrors of mortal lives. Constructed with purpose, yet rife with inefficiency and error. Tell me, Etan Troml, do you truly believe perfection lies in this mess?"

His heart skipped a beat. Whoever—or whatever—this was, it knew his name. He shifted in his seat, closing the laptop just slightly, as if the action could block out the strange intrusion.

"You're losing it." he muttered under his breath. "Too much coffee, not enough sleep."

"Excuses."

The voice countered, tinged with amusement now.

"You use the flaws of your flesh to justify your stagnation. But is that truly what holds you back? Or is it something deeper—fear, perhaps?"

Etan's jaw tightened. "Alright," he whispered, keeping his voice low to avoid catching his friends' attention. "Who's there? If this is some weird prank—"

"A prank?"

The voice interrupted, almost laughing.

"No, mortal. This is an Expansion. You live your days believing you are content, but what is contentment, if not a delicate loop? A fragile system, one unexpected input away from collapse."

The words struck a nerve, though he couldn't explain why. A chill ran down his spine as he stared at his screen. The code on it seemed to blur and shift before his eyes, like it was alive—chaotic and uncontainable. He blinked hard, and it returned to normal.

His hands clenched into fists. "I don't know who you are," he hissed under his breath, "but whatever game you're playing, I'm not interested."

The voice grew softer, almost a whisper.

"You cling to your fragile happiness, but tell me, Etan... if you are truly satisfied, why do you hear me?"

His chest tightened as the weight of the question hung in the air. He didn't have an answer, and the silence that followed was more unsettling than the voice itself.

"Etan, you okay?" Luna's voice snapped him back to reality. She was peering at him from across the table, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I'm fine," he said quickly, forcing a smile. "Just... zoning out."

But as he reopened his laptop and tried to refocus on his work, the lingering words of the mysterious voice stayed with him.

Why do you hear me?

Time had passed. The night had already taken over the sky and there still were no signs of their last friend.

Etan was mid-sentence, explaining a particularly convoluted bug in a student's code to Luna, when it happened.

The world around him fractured with a deafening crack, like glass shattering from every direction at once. The shop, the chatter, his friends—all of it dissolved into a cacophony of noise and light. For a moment, Etan's senses were overwhelmed, his vision swarmed by lines of glowing code—strings of binary, loops, and indecipherable symbols flashing before his eyes.

"What the hell?!" Gabriel's voice cut through the chaos, sounding distant and distorted, like a radio station just out of tune.

Etan tried to move, to reach out, but the air itself seemed to resist him, heavy and warped. The ground beneath his feet disintegrated, replaced by an endless expanse of deep, pulsating blue. He glimpsed Luna and Gabriel nearby, their forms flickering as if they were being torn apart pixel by pixel. Max's laptop floated past him, its form disintegrating into glowing ones and zeroes that spiraled upward into the void.

"Stay together!" Etan shouted, though the words felt meaningless as they were swallowed by the strange Void.

Strings of code swirled around him like serpents, looping and binding in chaotic patterns. Fragments of the trading card shop—tables, chairs, cards—appeared and vanished in a blink, twisting and glitching as if corrupted by some unseen force.

Then, one by one, his friends disappeared. Not in a scream or a flash, but as if they were being erased, their forms unraveling into lines of shimmering text that dissolved into the blue abyss.

"Gabriel! Luna! Max!" Etan called out, spinning in place, his heart pounding in his chest.

No answer.

The chaos began to quiet, but the silence that followed was worse. He stood alone now, suspended in the endless void. The pulsating blue seemed to ripple with every panicked breath he took. He stumbled backward, his hands shaking.

"Okay, okay," he muttered, his voice echoing strangely in the emptiness. "This... this isn't real. It's not real. Just breathe."

The stillness was broken by a sound—soft, lilting, almost a laugh. The voice returned, calm but with an unmistakable playfulness, this time not in his mind but all around him.

"So, now my champion rises."

Etan froze, his blood turning cold. Slowly, he turned, and there she was.

A figure emerged from the void, moving with an almost playful grace. Her long, unkempt dark red hair flowed as though caught in an invisible breeze, strands curling and twisting like tendrils of ink in water. Her armor (similar to a priestess' garb) glimmered faintly, the golden patterns shifting unpredictably, as if alive. Her pale skin glowed faintly against the blue void, and her face—smooth and eyeless—tilted slightly, as though amused by his reaction.

Etan staggered back, his throat dry. "Who... who are you? What is this?!"

The figure didn't answer immediately. Instead, she let out a soft chuckle, her head tilting the other way. She twirled a lock of her hair absently, her movements casual, almost whimsical, yet there was a sense of purpose behind them.

"This?" she said, gesturing to the void around them with a slow, deliberate sweep of her hand. "This is destruction. Chaos before creation. Beautiful, isn't it?"

Etan blinked, struggling to process her words. "Beautiful? This—this is madness! My friends—they're gone! What did you do?!"

The woman clasped her hands behind her back, swaying slightly as though enjoying his reaction. "Gone? Oh no, they're fine. Scattered, sure. But isn't that part of the fun?" She leaned closer, though she never truly moved, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Don't worry. They'll come back... probably. My sister always likes to be a tease, though."

Her laughter, soft and musical, sent a chill down Etan's spine. He felt his frustration rising, cutting through his fear. There was something strangely captivating about her presence, an intoxicating mix of playfulness and power that made it impossible to look away.

"You're BATSHIT insane," he said, though his voice lacked conviction.

She let out a delighted laugh, spinning as golden sparks erupted from her armor, swirling around her like fireflies. "Oh, I've been called worse. But you can call me Tierra. After all, I'm here to help you, Etan Troml. Or, better yet, use you."

His stomach dropped. "Help me? With what?"

Tierra clasped her hands together, her tone suddenly shifting to one of giddy excitement, like a child about to unveil a surprise. "Oh, I'm so glad you asked! You, my dear Etan, have been chosen—hand-picked, actually—by me to be my champion."

Etan blinked, dumbfounded. "Champion? For what?"

She began pacing, her steps light and almost rhythmic, the void beneath her rippling with each movement. "It's simple, really. My sister Sophia and I—she's not nearly as fun as me, by the way—are playing a little game. A... competition, if you will. She's chosen ten champions, and I..." She paused, spinning on her heel to point dramatically at him, "have chosen you."

Etan stared, his mind reeling. "You... chose me? Why?!"

Tierra waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, don't be so modest. I needed someone clever, capable, and just with the right amount of order to contrast my energy. Plus..." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper. "You're kind of perfect for this particular world."

"World?" Etan repeated, his voice rising. "What are you even talking about?"

Tierra's smile widened—or it felt like it did, even without a mouth to see. "You're going to be transported to another dimension. A world of duels, destiny, and drama." She spread her arms theatrically, her golden accents shimmering. "There, you'll face off against Sophia's ten chosen champions. Their mission is to disrupt the canon of that dimension, to rewrite its story in their favor."

Etan raised an eyebrow, still utterly lost. "Canon? Rewrite? What does that even mean?"

"Ah, such a mortal question." Tierra said with a laugh. "Let me make it simple for you: there's a certain someone whose story is very important to that world. His name is Jaden Yuki."

Etan's heart skipped a beat. "Jaden... Yuki?" His voice trembled slightly as the name registered. "As in the hit anime Yu-Gi-Oh! GX Jaden Yuki?"

Tierra clasped her hands together again, practically beaming. "The one and only! Your mission, dear Etan, is to ensure his relevance in that world. Keep him on his path, protect the canon events, and stop Sophia's champions from messing it all up."

For a moment, Etan could only stare, a mixture of awe and disbelief plastered across his face. Jaden Yuki? Canon events? This couldn't be real. But if it was...

He shook his head, trying to ground himself. "Alright, let's say I believe any of this. What's in it for me?"

Tierra tilted her head, her demeanor still light and playful. Then, with an almost jarringly blunt tone, she replied, "Oh, that's simple. You get to keep existing."

Etan's heart skipped a beat. "Wait, what?"

She wagged a finger at him as if he'd missed an obvious point. "You see, Jaden Yuki is the protagonist of that world, the heart of the story. If one of Sophia's champions successfully derails his role—his protagonism—the entire structure collapses. And because you're tied to me, well..." She made a dramatic "poof" gesture with her hands. "No Jaden, no story. No story, no champion. No champion, no Etan. And worst of all—" She stomped her foot with a mock pout, the void rippling beneath her. "I lose the game. Do you know how embarrassing that would be for me?"

Etan blinked, his mind reeling. "So... you're telling me my entire existence depends on me making sure Jaden stays the main character?"

"Exactly!" Tierra said with a bright clap, golden sparks swirling around them. "It's not that complicated, really. All you have to do is keep him relevant. Protect the canon. Stop Sophia's champions from rewriting his story. Easy-peasy!"

"Easy?" Etan repeated, his voice rising. "This is insane! You're asking me to jump into another dimension, stop ten people who apparently want to rewrite Yu-Gi-Oh! GX and insert themselves into it, while somehow keeping Jaden Yuki's plot intact. Why me?!"

Tierra shrugged, clearly unbothered by his panic. "Because you're perfect for the job. You know the story, you know the characters, and let's be honest—you wouldn't be able to resist helping Jaden anyway. Isn't that right, Superfan?"

The sparks began to swirl faster, forming a glowing vortex around Etan. He stumbled back, his heart pounding. "Wait! I didn't agree to this!"

Tierra ignored his protests, twirling in place as the void pulsed with light. "Oh, and one more thing before you go! You'll also need to make sure the other main characters' stories don't change too much. Those pesky self-inserts will target them and It'll make things smoother for Jaden—and for you."

"What?!" Etan yelled, his voice barely audible over the growing whirlwind.

Tierra stopped spinning, tilting her head as though considering whether to answer. Then, with a sly chuckle, she leaned closer. "Also, I swear these are the last tips: you'll have an advantage and… let's just say the world you're heading to might not be exactly as you remember it."

Etan's eyes widened. "What does that mean?! Tell me!"

But Tierra only waved cheerfully, the vortex pulling tighter around him. "Bye for now, Etan! Do your best—and have fun!"

The last thing he saw was her form dissolving into the swirling chaotic lines of code, her laughter echoing in his ears as he felt himself being hurled through space and time, the void giving way to a dizzying, unknown reality.

Etan groaned, the back of his head throbbing as he slowly came to. The first thing he noticed was the cold, hard surface beneath him. Concrete. He blinked a few times, his vision blurry, before managing to sit up. His surroundings came into focus—a dim, narrow alleyway lined with dumpsters and crates. The air smelled faintly of oil and something metallic.

"What the hell..." he muttered, rubbing his temple. His memory was a jumbled mess—Tierra, the void, Jaden... Jaden? He shook his head. It had to have been a dream. A weird, incredibly vivid dream, probably the result of staying up too late grading assignments and stress-eating junk food. Right?

He glanced down at himself, relieved to see he was still wearing his familiar clothes. "Maybe I got drunk." he reasoned, trying to piece things together. "Yeah, that makes sense. Drank too much, passed out, and now I'm... here?"

But as he staggered to his feet, something caught his eye. A holographic display lit up on the side of a building across the street, cycling through a series of ads. One of them prominently featured a sleek blue and white Duel Disk with the unmistakable KaibaCorp logo spinning in the corner.

Etan froze, his heart skipping a beat. "No way." he whispered. His gaze darted around, scanning for more clues. Billboards towered above the street, showcasing flashy Duel Monsters cards alongside slogans in two languages like "KaibaCorp: Redefining the Game" and "Duel Academy's Elite—Future of Dueling!"

His breath hitched. This wasn't a dream. This wasn't even reality—not his reality, at least. He stumbled out of the alley and into the street, nearly colliding with a group of kids walking by, each carrying a deck box strapped to their belts. In the distance, he could see a massive screen showing a highlight reel of duels, complete with life-sized holograms of monsters in action.

"Oh my god." Etan muttered, his pulse racing. "I'm actually in Yu-Gi-Oh! GX." He laughed nervously, then clutched his head. "No, no, no, this can't be happening. This is insane!"

He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Okay, Etan. Think. What would Max do?" The memory of Max's endless self-insert fanfics flashed through his mind. He could practically hear their voice narrating: "Step 1: Find Jaden and get to the enrollment duel."

"Right." he said aloud, nodding to himself. "Find Jaden. Enrollment duel. Easy."

He tried to recall the first episode of GX. Jaden would be wandering the streets of Domino City right about now, probably on his way to the enrollment duel. Etan scanned his surroundings, mentally mapping out the landmarks he remembered from the show. If he could just intercept Jaden, he'd be one step closer to making sense of all this.

He hurried down the bustling street, eyes peeled for the telltale black jacket and Kuriboh-looking ass hair. But as he reached what he thought should be the plaza near the Duel Academy entrance exam site, something was off. There were no crowds of eager applicants, no dueling arenas, no signs of the infamous enrollment duels at all.

"What the hell?" he muttered, spinning in place. The plaza was eerily normal—just a quiet square with a fountain and a few people milling about, none of whom seemed remotely interested in dueling.

His stomach sank. "This... isn't right."

Etan clenched his fists, his mind racing. If there were no enrollment duels, what did that mean for Jaden? For the story? For him?

He exhaled sharply, forcing himself to focus. "Alright, step two…" he muttered, trying to think.

Etan paced the plaza, his thoughts spiraling into chaos. No enrollment duels? What am I supposed to do now? He needed answers—something, anything, to ground him in this strange world.

"Okay, first thing's first." he muttered. "Figure out what day it is. Maybe I missed something. Maybe the duels are tomorrow." His eyes darted around for a sign or a clock, but all he saw were incomprehensible Japanese characters on storefronts and advertisements.

He groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Right. Japan. Forgot about that."

Undeterred, he scanned the area again, this time spotting a small electronics shop with several TVs in the window. The screens displayed a variety of channels, most showing anime, cooking shows, or weather reports—all, of course, in Japanese. Etan squinted at a ticker scrolling across the bottom of one screen, but the characters meant nothing to him.

"Come on." he muttered, stepping closer. "Just give me something I can read."

Finally, his luck turned. One of the TVs flipped to a news channel broadcasting in English. The screen displayed a split image of two political figures shaking hands, with the words "LIVE: U.S.-Japan Relations Update" scrolling across the bottom. Then, in the top corner of the screen, he saw it: July 2003.

Etan froze, his blood running cold. "2003?" he whispered. His eyes widened as the realization hit him. "That's... a whole year before GX starts."

His mind raced as panic set in. How am I supposed to protect Jaden if he's not even at Duel Academy yet? What do I do for a whole year? The idea of being stuck in a world he barely understood, with no clear direction, sent a fresh wave of anxiety crashing over him.

Then Tierra's voice echoed in his memory: "The world might not be exactly as you remember it."

He let out a hollow laugh. "So this was the 'advantage' you were talking about, huh? A year's head start." He sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Great. Thanks for the heads-up, Tierra."

As the initial panic subsided, Etan noticed something else: his reflection in the TV's glass. He looked the same—jet black hair, muscular build, and, unmistakably, his 26-year-old self. "Well, at least she didn't turn me into a teenager." he muttered. "Small mercies."

He exhaled slowly, straightening his posture. Alright, Etan. Think. You've got a year to prepare. That's more than enough time to figure this out.

His gaze hardened as he psyched himself up, his resolve growing stronger. "Step one:" he said, clenching his fists. "Learn Japanese."

Author's note: So, I hope I didn't fry some of your neurons with this prologue (really, I don't know what to expect with my understanding of the english language). I hope you enjoyed it. I plan to keep each chapter at around this length.

What misadventures await our daring protagonist? Will he be able to somehow enter Duel Academy? Find out in the next episode!

(I accept any criticism, btw, don't be shy to show me my mistakes, I plan to improve.)

Chapter Text

Author note: Hello there. I would like to begin by thanking everyone for your support. I honestly didn’t expect the first chapter to be so liked. For now though, I´ll let you straight into the chapter.

Etan quickly discovered that being transported to another dimension didn’t come with a handy set of instructions—or, as he’d soon learn, proper documentation. 

He instinctively reached into his pockets, hoping for any semblance of identification or money, but found nothing except a small note that read, "Make the most of your time—Tierra."

He sighed, running a hand through his jet-black hair.

His first few days in Japan were a whirlwind of trial and error. He’d tried asking around for help, only to hit the immediate wall of a language he didn’t yet understand. Hunger and exhaustion drove him to desperation, forcing him to get creative. 

By pure luck—or maybe the faintest lingering touch of Tierra’s chaotic coding—Etan managed to stumble into a sympathetic expatriate community. They pointed him in the direction of his embassy, where, after spinning an elaborate tale of losing all his documents while traveling, he was issued a temporary ID. It wasn’t perfect, and it wouldn’t hold up under close scrutiny, but it gave him enough of a foothold to start figuring things out.

The next six months were a crash course in survival and reinvention. 

Etan quickly realized that living in Japan wasn’t just about keeping his head down—it was about finding a way to thrive. If he was going to navigate this world and eventually make it to Duel Academy, he needed money, a reason to exist in this society, and, most importantly, a working grasp of the language.

This was his toughest obstacle, but Etan tackled it with the same determination he’d once used to debug stubborn code. He spent his mornings drilling vocabulary and grammar with textbooks he borrowed from the library, his afternoons practicing conversations with the expatriate community, and his evenings immersing himself in Japanese media.

It was slow going at first, but by the end of the first two months, Etan could hold a basic conversation without too much embarrassment. His accent was still far from perfect, and he often fumbled with idioms, but it was enough to get by.

Then, a breakthrough came when he overheard a local family at a café lamenting their struggles to find an English tutor for their son. Seizing the opportunity, Etan introduced himself—trying to be as confident as possible—and offered his services. The boy’s parents were hesitant at first, but Etan’s confidence and charm eventually won them over.

Teaching English turned out to be surprisingly natural for him. Before long, word of mouth brought him a steady trickle of clients, and his previously non-existing resume started to look respectable.

Four long months passed.

With his foundation in place, Etan stood in his small apartment one night, staring at a calendar pinned to the wall. The next semester at Duel Academy would be starting soon. It was time to take the next step.

"I've come a long way," he mused. "But the real challenge is yet to come."

He sat down in front of his work desk, Etan leaned back and chuckled softly to himself, eyeing a hastily scribbled timeline on one of his notebooks. It was a sprawling mess of dates, character relationships, and key events from Yu-Gi-Oh! GX , painstakingly reconstructed from memory over the past few months. The thought struck him suddenly: This is exactly the kind of thing Luna or Max would obsess over . He could almost hear Luna’s voice gushing about shipping dynamics or Max weaving one of their self-insert fanfics around this chaotic roadmap. Shaking his head with a grin, he muttered, “Guess I’ve finally joined their level of madness.”

The grin left his face. “I’ll bring you back.” There had to be a way. A way he would probably find by following his mission.

"Step one: Learn Japanese," he had told himself six months ago. Now fluent enough to navigate his new life, it was time for step two.

"Step two: Secure a position at Duel Academy."

He began researching the academy's staff requirements and prepared his application meticulously, highlighting his expertise in IT and English—a valuable asset in a prestigious institution aiming to produce well-rounded duelists.

With his teaching experience and newfound language skills, Etan was confident to apply for a teaching role at the academy.

He quickly set-up a professional Email with his portfolio. Although he had only four months of (verifiable) experience, he had some hope that the Academy would have a spot for him. The alternative scared him, though.

Without thinking more about it, he closed his laptop and went to sleep.

"Now, we wait." He muttered. The time was close.

A week before his long-awaited job interview, a startling realization hit Etan as he stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror: “I’m probably going to need a deck . ” He slapped his forehead, groaning. “How did I not think of that earlier?” It wasn’t just a necessity for teaching at Duel Academy; it was an unspoken rule of this world. If you didn’t have a deck, you didn’t belong.

The next morning, he found himself standing in front of a small, bustling card shop tucked into a quiet street corner. The sign above the entrance proudly displayed the KaibaCorp logo, and just inside, shelves were lined with booster packs. The smell of fresh cardboard and a faint buzz of chatter filled the air as duelists—some young, some old—huddled around tables in the back.

Etan wandered over to a shelf displaying a mix of packs, his eyes lighting up as he eyed some of them. The artwork, the colors, the promise of finding something amazing—it was like being ten years old again. He reached out, fingers brushing against a pack with Pot of Greed displayed at the front, then paused as a memory of Gabriel’s voice floated into his mind: “ If you’re building for GOAT Format, start with staples. Think flexibility over flash. ”

Yeah, these were going to have older cards.

He grabbed a handful of packs (as many as his weakened economy allowed) hoping to find some useful classics. As he took his bounty to the counter, he couldn’t help but feel a bubbling excitement. For all the anxiety and uncertainty of this world, this was something familiar. Comforting.

He found a quiet spot in the corner of the shop and carefully tore into the first pack. The sound of crinkling foil and the faint smell of ink never got old. He flipped through the cards slowly, savoring each reveal (even if they were mostly thrash by his modern standards). A Sonic Duck ! He hadn’t seen one in years. Then came Mage Power . His eyes widened. This is a good start!

By the third pack, he was practically beaming. “A Return from the Different Dimension ! Are you kidding me?” he whispered to himself, drawing a few curious glances from nearby duelists. He began to grin as he flipped through more cards, each one sparking a strategy idea. For a moment, he was no longer the stressed-out adult trying to navigate the world—he was a kid again, dreaming up combos and imagining victories against impossible odds.

As he packed up his… respectable deck , he felt an odd sense of pride and giddiness. The deck wasn’t complete yet, but it was a start. “Alright.” he muttered, pocketing the cards. “Let the lesson begin.”

Etan stood outside the towering KaibaCorp building, its gleaming facade reflecting the morning sunlight. He adjusted his tie nervously, feeling the weight of the moment settle on his shoulders. “Alright, Etan,” he muttered under his breath, clenching and unclenching his fists. “You’ve got this. You survived six months in this world. A job interview? Piece of cake.”

He inhaled deeply, rolling his shoulders to shake off the tension. The building seemed almost intimidating in its perfection, a beacon of KaibaCorp’s legacy and influence.

With one final exhale, he pushed open the glass doors and entered the lobby. The interior was just as polished and imposing as the exterior—marble floors, high ceilings, and holographic displays showcasing KaibaCorp's latest Duel Disk models. The faint hum of Duel Monsters advertisements playing on nearby monitors filled the air.

Etan approached the reception desk, where a young woman in a sharp uniform greeted him with a polite smile. “Good morning. How can I assist you?”

“Hi, uh, I’m here for the Auxiliary Headmaster position at Duel Academy,” Etan said, his voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in his chest. “My name’s Etan Troml.”

The receptionist nodded, typing his name into her terminal. Suddenly, she shifted to english. “Of course, Mr. Troml. Chancellor Sheppard has been informed of your arrival. Please have a seat, and someone will come to escort you shortly.”

“Thanks,” Etan replied, hiding the surprise of the language shift, flashing a quick smile. Did that mean he was off the hook for now in terms of his mediocre Japanese?

As he turned toward the waiting area, he could feel his nerves bubbling again. His steps were deliberate, his breaths measured. “Relax, you’re prepared for this, he told himself. You have the experience and the knowledge.”

He sat down in one of the sleek chairs, drumming his fingers lightly on his knee. It wasn’t long before he realized he wasn’t alone. A woman sat just a few seats away, her long black hair cascading over her shoulders, giving her a refined, almost serene appearance. Her attire was professional yet carried a warm, approachable touch—a dark blazer over a soft cream blouse. She glanced over at him, offering a kind smile.

“First time applying?” she asked, her tone polite and relaxed.

Etan blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “Uh, yeah. First time.” He lied.

“I thought so.” she said with a soft chuckle. “You look a little nervous. Don’t worry; you’ll do fine. My name’s Hibiki Midori, by the way.” She extended a hand toward him.

“Troml Etan.” he replied, shaking her hand. Her grip was firm yet friendly, and her demeanor immediately put him slightly at ease. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Midori said, leaning back in her chair. “I’m here for the Auxiliary Headmaster position—you know, working with failing-grade students. It’s an important role, and I think I have the experience to really make a difference.”

Etan froze for a moment, the words sinking in. That was his position! He glanced at her again, her calm smile now carrying a weight of unintentional challenge.

“That’s funny,” he said, keeping his tone light. “I applied for the same position.”

Midori’s smile flickered, ever so briefly, before she quickly regained her composure. “Oh?” she said, sitting up slightly straighter. “Well, I suppose it’s always good to have strong candidates for an important role.”

“Absolutely,” Etan said with a nod, matching her energy. “The more competition, the better. It raises the bar for everyone.”

For a moment, the air between them felt charged, the previously easygoing atmosphere now carrying a subtle tension. Neither of them said it aloud, but the underlying message was clear: Only one of us is getting this job. Me.

Still, Midori’s expression remained pleasant as she said, “Well, may the best candidate win.”

“Couldn’t agree more,” Etan replied, offering a polite smile of his own.

As they both sat back in their chairs, the sounds of the bustling lobby seemed to fade into the background. 

Etan leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest as his thoughts churned. Now that he had a moment to breathe, he realized how strange the whole situation was. An Auxiliary Headmaster for "failing students"? It wasn’t a position he remembered ever existing. That kind of role could only be for Slifer Red, but that was supposed to be Professor Banner’s territory—he handled everything for that dorm. The urgency of applying for the job had kept him from questioning it before, but now, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy. Was this one of the changes Tierra had mentioned? 

His eyes flicked toward Midori, who was calmly reviewing a folder in her lap. She didn’t seem out of place, but neither did she seem completely in place. Was she one of Sophia’s ten? The thought gnawed at him, making the polite smile she’d given him earlier feel like a possible facade. “No way to know for sure. ”, he thought, forcing himself to focus. “One step at a time.”

One thing was clear: this was going to be tougher than he’d expected.

Etan sat alone in the waiting area, his foot tapping a restless rhythm against the polished floor. Midori had been called in for her interview, leaving him to stew in his thoughts.

The minutes dragged on, each one stretching into what felt like an eternity. Finally, the door to the interview room opened with a soft click. Midori stepped out, her expression calm but confident, her long black hair swaying slightly as she moved. Her hands held a neatly organized folder, and her posture radiated assurance.

She was followed by someone Etan hadn’t expected to see—Dr. Vellian Crowler. The man’s imposing height and flamboyant presence were unmistakable. Crowler’s perfectly styled blond hair, ostentatious earring, and tailored blue suit made him look as if he’d stepped straight out of the anime, his every movement exuding exaggerated flair.

“Well, Ms. Hibiki.” Crowler said, his voice dripping with theatrical charm. “I must say, your credentials are impeccable. Truly, an impressive interview.”

“Thank you, Dr.” Midori replied with a polite nod, though the faintest hint of a smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. She turned slightly as if to leave, but Crowler raised a hand, halting her.

“Ah, not so fast, Ms. Hibiki.” Crowler said with a knowing smile, his voice taking on a slightly condescending tone. “I think it would be prudent for you to stay for just a bit longer. Let’s see if your competition here manages to bring anything... substantial to the table.” He gestured to the chair she had just vacated. “Take a seat. This won’t take long.”

Midori blinked, her confident expression flickering briefly into one of surprise before quickly regaining composure. “Of course.” she said smoothly, returning to the seat with an air of practiced calm.

Etan’s stomach sank as her gaze settled on him. “Great . It seems I’m already on Crowler’s bad side. ”. He adjusted his tie nervously, trying to focus on keeping his expression neutral.

“You must be Mr. Troml.” Crowler said, turning his sharp gaze toward Etan. His eyes flicked over Etan’s appearance, clearly sizing him up. “You’re next. Come along, come along. Let’s not keep the Chancellor waiting, shall we?”

Etan stood, feeling his pulse quicken as he followed Crowler toward the interview room. The professor’s exaggerated gestures and dramatic flair were even more pronounced up close, each movement radiating an air of self-importance.

As they walked, Crowler glanced at him with a sly smile. “You know,” he began, his voice dripping with a mixture of charm and condescension, “this whole process is really just a formality. An unnecessary one, if you ask me. We’re simply looking for the best candidate. And, well...” He trailed off with a smirk.

Etan forced a tight-lipped smile. “Of course, Dr. I’ll do my best to make an impression.”

“Oh, I’m sure you will,” Crowler said with a theatrical wave of his hand. “But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s see what you have to offer first, hmm?”

They reached the interview room, its imposing door standing tall before them.

He then gestured dramatically for Etan to enter. “After you, Mr. Troml.”

Etan swallowed hard, his heart pounding in his chest. However, as he stepped into the room, he managed to relax remembering his actual first job interview. If he had managed to get a job at his university at the young age of 25, well, Duel Academy would be like downgrading, right?

The thought brought a smirk to his lips as he squared his shoulders, his confidence settling firmly into place.

When he entered, he was greeted by a bright, welcoming smile from an older man standing behind a large wooden desk. Chancellor Sheppard, dressed in a formal red uniform, exuded an air of warmth and authority. His bald head gleamed under the soft lighting, and his posture, though relaxed, carried an undeniable presence.

“Mr. Troml, welcome!” Sheppard said, his voice hearty and genuine. He gestured to a chair across from him. “Please, have a seat.”

Etan shook the Chancellor’s hand firmly, nodding in acknowledgment before settling into the chair. Across the desk, Crowler had already seated, his expression neutral but his posture impossibly stiff.

“Thank you, Chancellor.” Etan replied smoothly, his confidence bolstered by the warm greeting. Luckily for him, the childlike joy, caused by the overstimulation of being in front of two of his favorite characters, was held at bay by his “job interview” poker face.

As Sheppard sat back down, Crowler cleared his throat dramatically and slid a folder across the desk. “Chancellor, if I may,” he began, his tone measured and precise. “Mr. Troml’s portfolio, while serviceable, is notably less comprehensive than Ms. Hibiki’s. Her credentials, as you’ve seen, are impeccable. His, on the other hand, lack formal teaching experience directly related to dueling.”

Etan glanced briefly at Crowler, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. “They always lead with the paper.” , he thought, hiding a smirk.

Sheppard simply chuckled, waving a hand dismissively as if brushing away Crowler’s concerns. “Oh, come now, Crowler. You’re always so stiff about these things. A portfolio might tell us where someone’s been, but it doesn’t tell us where they can go. And let’s not forget—we’re looking for someone who can thrive in our Academy’s unique environment.”

Crowler’s mouth tightened into a thin line, clearly displeased, but he offered no further objection.

Some things never change.

Sheppard leaned back slightly in his chair, his expression warm and curious. “Alright, Mr. Troml, let’s start simple. Why Duel Academy? What drew you to this particular position?”

Etan straightened slightly, meeting Sheppard’s gaze with a growing sense of confidence.

“Well, Chancellor, I’ve always had a passion for teaching. There’s something rewarding about helping students unlock their potential, watching them tackle challenges and grow into their skills. Duel Academy is a unique place where students aren’t just learning academics but also developing strategies, teamwork, and resilience. That’s a chance to guide them not only as duelists but as individuals.”

Sheppard nodded approvingly, but before he could respond, Crowler jumped in, adjusting his tie. “Yes, yes, all very noble, I’m sure,” he said, his tone clipped. “But teaching isn’t just about waxing poetic. Tell us—how would you handle a classroom of struggling students? Those who might lack both talent and discipline? Slackers. ”

Etan turned his attention to Crowler, keeping his tone steady and professional. “Every student has their own pace and strengths, even those who struggle. It’s about understanding where they are, finding what motivates them, and building from there. Sometimes it’s as simple as showing them that failure isn’t the end—it’s a step toward improvement. It takes patience, sure, but I’ve seen it work.”

Crowler raised an eyebrow but said nothing, his expression unreadable. Sheppard, however, chuckled softly. “Patience is a rare quality. You’ll find it invaluable here.”

Shifting in his seat, Crowler’s gaze sharpened. “Speaking of strengths, what about your experience as a duelist? This is Duel Academy, after all. What insight do you bring to the table when it comes to the game itself?”

Etan met Crowler’s gaze, his smirk returning. “I’ve been dueling since I was a kid, long enough to have seen the game evolve. I understand the strategy, the meta, and even the unorthodox—I’ve built my own strategy from scratch recently, so I’m very familiar with the game. More importantly, I know how to teach those skills, how to help students grasp the fundamentals and apply them under pressure.”

Sheppard clasped his hands together, his smile brightening. “Well, Mr. Troml, your answers have been insightful, but let’s see how you perform in practice. Why don’t you stand up and give us a brief demo class? Pick something you’re good at—something you’d want to share with our students.”

Etan blinked, his mind racing, but he quickly composed himself and stood with a nod. “Of course, Chancellor.” He stepped around the desk to an open space in the room, straightening his posture as he prepared. “Alright, keep it simple, engaging, and show them what you’ve got.” He thought.

He turned back to Sheppard and Crowler, his stance confident. “Let’s talk about algorithms,” he began, his voice steady. “Understanding algorithms is a lot like mastering a Duel Monsters strategy—you need to know the core mechanics, predict outcomes, and optimize your approach for success. For example, sorting algorithms are like drawing the right cards into your hand. If you’re not efficient, you’ll get stuck, and your performance suffers.”

He crouched slightly, gesturing with his hands to emphasize his points, his tone enthusiastic. “Take the classic Bubble Sort, for instance. It’s like a rookie duelist—inefficient, slow, and full of trial and error. But then you have Merge Sort or Quick Sort—strategies refined by experience and precision. They get the job done faster and more effectively, just like a seasoned duelist would.”

Crowler raised an eyebrow, his skepticism giving way to interest as Etan continued, seamlessly weaving Software Engineering concepts into analogies that even someone unfamiliar with technology could follow. By the time he wrapped up, even Crowler seemed begrudgingly impressed.

Sheppard chuckled, clapping his hands lightly. “That was quite the demonstration, Mr. Troml. You have a knack for making complex topics relatable. Now, tell me—what’s your background in IT? You seem very comfortable with it.”

Etan froze for a split second, his mind catching up to the question. “Damn it—my IT experience isn’t in the papers.” He felt a flicker of nervousness creep up but quickly buried it.

He straightened slightly, meeting Sheppard’s gaze with the same confidence he’d used during the demo. “My background in IT has been a mix of hands-on experience and teaching. I’ve worked in development, managed troubleshooting for systems, and taught students how to code. While I didn’t include the specifics in my portfolio, I’ve spent years living the practice, not just studying it. It’s a field I’ve thrived in, and I know I can bring that same adaptability and creativity to Duel Academy.”

Crowler frowned, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. “Hmm. It’s unusual to omit such a pivotal part of your qualifications.”

Etan nodded, acknowledging the point without faltering. “It is, Dr. But I believe the work I’ve done speaks for itself. Sometimes, you can’t sum up a career in a few bullet points.”

Sheppard smiled, clearly impressed by Etan’s composure. “Well said, Mr. Troml. And you’ve certainly made a strong impression. Let’s move on to the final steps.”

He leaned forward slightly, his expression softening, though his voice carried the weight of a serious question. “Now, for my final question—and this is one I take very seriously. Are you willing to guide and protect your students until they achieve their dreams?”

The words hung in the air, heavier than Etan had anticipated. For a moment, he hesitated, not because he doubted his answer but because the question struck something deeper.

He thought of Jaden. Etan’s mission wasn’t just to teach; it was to make sure that Jaden’s destiny—and the destinies of everyone tied to it—remained intact. Every decision he made, every student he helped, could be the ripple that ensured the story stayed on course. Or the one that derailed it.

He exhaled slowly, looking Sheppard in the eye. “Yes, Chancellor. I am.”

His voice was steady, but beneath it lay the weight of his conviction. “I believe every student deserves someone who will stand by them, guide them, and push them to reach their potential. I know how important it is to protect their dreams because those dreams shape the world we live in. Whatever challenges come up, I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure they don’t lose sight of that.”

Sheppard’s eyes gleamed with approval, and even Crowler seemed momentarily silenced by the intensity of Etan’s response. Etan sat back, his pulse steady now, but his mind still buzzing. This wasn’t just about impressing them—it was about preparing for the struggles ahead.

Sheppard leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. Beside him, Crowler leaned closer, muttering something in a low voice. Etan couldn’t make out the words, but the tone carried a mix of skepticism and begrudging interest. Sheppard nodded occasionally, his gaze briefly flicking toward Etan before Crowler gestured toward the folder on the desk. Their exchange was quiet but intense, lasting only a minute before Sheppard stood and extended a hand.

“Thank you for your time, Mr. Troml.” Sheppard said warmly. “You’ve given us much to consider. Please wait outside while we finalize our decision.”

Etan shook his hand firmly, offering a polite nod. “Of course, Chancellor. Thank you for the opportunity.”

Crowler stood as well, his posture as stiff as ever, though his expression betrayed no emotion. “Yes, Mr. Troml, we’ll call you shortly.” he said with a wave of his hand, already turning back to his notes.

Etan left the room, his confidence intact, but his mind still racing as he replayed the interview. He stepped back into the waiting area, where Hibiki sat with her hands folded neatly in her lap. She glanced up at him, her expression cool but vaguely curious.

“They asked you to wait too, huh?” she said, tilting her head slightly.

Etan sat down a few seats away, leaning back casually. “Yeah. Guess it’s a tough decision.” he replied, his tone light but with a hint of competitiveness.

Midori’s lips curved into a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I suppose it is. Not everyone has what it takes to guide struggling students, after all.”

“True,” Etan said, matching her smile. “It takes patience, creativity... and confidence.”

Midori’s gaze sharpened slightly, though her smile remained intact. “Confidence is important, sure. But too much of it can blind you to your own shortcomings.”

Etan chuckled softly, crossing his arms. “That I can’t deny.”

Again, the air between them felt charged. It wasn’t hostility, exactly, but the competitiveness between them was undeniable.

The sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway as Etan and Midori followed the staff member escorting them. The silence between them was heavy, their earlier exchange still lingering in the air. Etan’s mind raced, trying to predict what awaited them. Midori walked with her usual grace, but her brows were furrowed, a sign that even she was anticipating something unusual.

When they entered the room, both stopped in their tracks. The space was grand, with Duel Academy banners hanging from the walls and a state-of-the-art duel field glowing faintly at the center. The hum of holographic projectors added an almost ceremonial energy to the room. Chancellor Sheppard and Dr. Crowler were seated behind a sleek desk on the far side, but it was Crowler’s expression—a smirk of undeniable excitement—that immediately caught Etan’s attention.

“Ah, you’ve arrived.” Sheppard said, gesturing toward the duel field. “Please, step forward.”

Exchanging a brief glance, Etan and Midori did as they were told, moving to stand near the field, their confusion growing. Midori’s composed exterior faltered slightly as she looked between the two administrators. Etan, meanwhile, straightened his posture, trying to suppress the unease creeping up his spine.

Sheppard stood, clasping his hands behind his back. “Mr. Troml, Ms. Hibiki,” he began, his voice measured and formal. “after reviewing your interviews, Dr. Crowler and I have determined that the two of you are evenly matched in experience, professionalism, and capability. Both of you have proven that you have the skills necessary to excel in this position.”

Etan and Midori both exchanged quick looks of surprise, though neither spoke.

“However,” Sheppard continued, his tone becoming more deliberate, “only one of you can take on this role. And so, we have decided to resolve this matter in the way that best represents Duel Academy’s values.”

Etan’s eyes narrowed, and Midori tilted her head slightly, as though unsure she had heard correctly. Sheppard smiled as he gestured to the duel field. “The two of you will duel. The winner will prove their worth not just as a teacher, but as a duelist who embodies the spirit of this academy.”

Hibiki took a step forward, glancing at Sheppard and then the duel field. “A duel?”

Etan blinked, the words registering like a distant echo. “Really?” he muttered under his breath, looking at the duel field in fake disbelief. He had expected to duel when he got into the academy, not beforehand, though. He rationalized it was obvious.

“Of course!” Crowler interjected with a theatrical wave of his hand, his smirk widening. “What better way to decide? This is Duel Academy, after all! We must see which of you has the skill, the poise, and the strategy to truly succeed here.”

Midori’s surprise melted into a wide grin, her excitement palpable. “Well then, I’m in,” she said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. “I’m ready for any challenge.”

Etan glanced at her, his own surprise fading as his confidence rose to meet hers. He straightened his posture and nodded firmly. “If this is how you want to decide, then I’m also game.” No mystery lady would stop him.

Crowler clapped his hands together gleefully, reaching behind the desk to grab a Duel Disk. With a flourish, he tossed it toward Etan, who caught it effortlessly. Sliding his deck into place, Etan smirked. “Hope you’re ready, Ms. Hibiki. You are just a small line in my plan that I intend to cross.”

Midori activated her own Duel Disk, the familiar click and hum filling the room as she slid her deck into place. Her grin widened as she locked eyes with him. “Oh, such aggression.” She giggled. ”Calm down, Mr. Troml. Let’s have some fun~”

Sheppard took his seat, clear amusement in his expression as he gestured toward the field. “Take your positions. Let the duel decide.”

Etan stepped onto the field, his Duel Disk glowing to life as the holographic projectors began to hum louder. Across from him, Midori mirrored his movements, her expression equal parts determined and exhilarated.

Etan chuckled, his confidence radiating as he readied himself. This was the moment his inner child was waiting. “Ok, let’s do this!”

She nodded before posing, preparing herself to draw her initial hand. “Get your game on!”

Etan vs Midori

“Of course” , Etan thought, his mind racing as he tried to focus. “She would say that. Is this her way of psyching me out? Or something more?” Why that phrase in particular? His grip on his deck tightened briefly before he drew his opening hand. 

The projected life point counters glowed at the sides of the field, both set at 4000, their starting totals. Etan surveyed his cards, weighing his options. “I’ll set one monster and one one card facedown. That’ll be all for now.”

The holographic display responded immediately, the two cards materializing as glowing projections on his side of the field. Etan could feel the weight of the spectators’ gazes. Sheppard leaned forward slightly, his hands clasped in interest, while Crowler’s smirk lingered, as if he were already dissecting Etan’s play.

Midori nodded, her expression calm but carrying a hint of amusement. “Careful opening,” she remarked, her tone light but tinged with confidence. “Smart. But I hope you know, this duel won’t be won with caution.”

From his seat, Sheppard smiled softly, whispering to Crowler, “A safe start. He’s feeling her out.”

Crowler rolled his eyes dramatically, though his tone carried more excitement than scorn. “Typical amateur move.”

“I hope you don’t mind if I reply with the same strategy.”. She said before quickly activating a combination of Pot of Greed and Graceful Charity , gaining the hand advantage. “Have some patience. Watch me count my Stray Lambs in the meantime”.

As the spell card was played, a pair of fluffy lambs appeared on their owner’s field. One of them jumped on top of the other, ending in a terribly cute formation.

Lamb Token (0/0). Lamb Token (0/0).

“I’ll end my turn by throwing a facedown.” She added before smirking and pointing at him. “Come on, make this exciting!”

Etan nodded before drawing his next card. “Don’t worry, this is just the beginning of the program.“

She rolled her eyes. “Before you say another try at a catchphrase, I’ll activate my Reckless Greed .” The holographic card was raised, allowing her owner to draw another extra 2 cards. Her confident smirk and the faint glint in her eye were clear—she believed she had established control of the duel.

But Etan had other plans.

He glanced at his hand and then back at the field, his lips curling into a determined smirk. “I’ll flip summon my Cyber Jar !”

The holographic card on his field flipped face up, and the resulting effect rippled across the duel field like an explosion. A bright light erupted from the projection, and in an instant, every monster on the field was enveloped in the glow before shattering into shards of holographic data.

“What?!” Midori exclaimed, her confident expression flickering into surprise as her tokens were wiped from the field. But it lasted only a moment before her smirk returned, her gaze sharpening. “Hmph, bold move.”

The holographic projections adjusted as both duelists began to resolve the card’s effect. Etan’s deck responded first, revealing two monsters, which he quickly set facedown in the monster zones. Then, he drew two additional cards.

Midori’s deck followed, and her field immediately began to fill. One by one, four new monsters appeared, their forms materializing on her side of the field. She slid each card into place with a quick, practiced motion, her confidence returning in full force. Finally, she added one more card to her hand, her grin widening as she surveyed the board. 

It was a weird combination: A giant red tomato with a cartoonishly carved face, a witch with brown armor and mechanical wings escorted by a blonde angel. Mystic Tomato (1400/1100). Dunames Dark Witch (1800/1050). Shining Angel (1400/800).

But the one that caught Etan’s attention was the last: A female angel with short brown hair wearing a black dress with golden trimmings. Uniquely, it only had one wing. Capricious Darklord (0/1600).

“A Darklord ?!” Etan immediately thought. That had to be it, this woman must have been one of Sophia’s Chosen. But then he analyzed the circumstances quickly. If she was indeed one of his targets, then Tierra’s comment about his time advantage would be nonsense.

“Not bad,” Hibiki admitted, her tone almost teasing as she crossed her arms. “But clearing the field only works if you don’t fill it up immediately, Mr. Troml. I know it still is your turn, but allow my good friend Capricious to use her effect to bring a more refined lady into the fray.”

Shining Angel ➜ Tributed

Capricious Darklord ➜ Tributed

Emerging from a swirl of dark energy, a tall, imposing female figure took form. Her presence was both commanding and ethereal, with long, flowing purple hair cascading down her back, contrasting against her pale, yet dark, skin. Darklord Ixchel (2500/2900).

“Hmph. Quite the aggressive move, wouldn’t you say?” He teased before placing a monster card on his duel disk with confidence. “I would be a shame if she banished out of nowhere, wouldn’t she?“

In response, the holograms revealed one of the terrors of old Yu-Gi-Oh! playground duels: the one and only. D.D. Warrior Lady (1500/1600). 

Etan then commanded her by extending one of his arms. “ Banishing cut !” He improvised. 

D.D. Warrior Lady (1500 ATK) ⬌ Darklord Ixchel (2500 ATK)

Although everyone knew what the result would be, Ixchel still had time to counter attack, grazing Etan’s arm with a dark sphere before both women disappeared into another dimension.

Etan (4000 - 3000)

Darklord Ixchel ➜ Banished

D.D. Warrior Lady ➜ Banished

“What a daring move!” Sheppard commented before tapping Crowler’s back a little bit too hard. “See? His portfolio doesn’t mean everything.”

Crowler rolled his eyes. “The duel is far from over. Ms. Hibiki still has the upper hand.”

Etan proceeded to set two cards before finishing his turn, not showing any sign of fear.

“You still have two of my monsters to worry about, though.” Hibiki countered with a wink. “I’ll play a second copy of Stray Lambs before attacking both of your set monsters!”

First up, the witch fired a sphere of light against one of the cards, reveling a… Humanoid Cockroach?

Dunames Dark Witch (1800 ATK) ⬌ Magical Merchant (700 DEF)

“Just as expected. I use his flip effect, I can excavate the top of my deck until I find a S/T card and then add it to my hand!” He declared, being alleviated at the sight of his duel disk doing the hard work for him.

Thunder Dragon ➜ Graveyard

Bazoo the Soul-Eater ➜ Graveyard

Skull Lair ➜ Hand

“I hope you don’t rely solely on mindless defense, I’ll make you pay in kind if you bore me.“ She said, smirking. “My tomato will continue the assault!”

The vegetable jumped violently over the set monster, eating it up before even revealing what it was.

Mystic Tomato (1400 ATK) ⬌ Dekoichi the Battlechanted Locomotive (1000 DEF)

Etan drew thanks to his monster’s effect.

“Your turn~”

At the start of his turn, Etan was drowning on cards. With one final scan at his hand, he nodded. “Time to press the attack! I’ll summon the great Sonic Duck !”

Appearing in a blur, the super sonic green bird appeared, adjusting his bucket helmet with one wing in defiance.

“A… duck.” Hibiki blurted confused. “Really? That is-”

“As I said, this is all part of my program. I’ll equip my duck with Mage Power !”

Thanks to Etans S/T zone being full, the magic energy fully concentrated on the monster, distorting his senses and making him a running mess, constantly appearing and disappearing with unseen speed. Sonic Duck (4200/3200)

Hibiki gasped at the sight of such a magnificent creature. “4200 ATK?!”

“Time to eat!“ He ordered.

Sonic Duck (4200 ATK) ⬌ Mystic Tomato (1400 ATK)

Indulging on his power trip, the bird moved in front of the tomato before quickly disappearing and reappearing behind it. For a moment, nothing happened, but suddenly the tomato transformed into a red mist which violently assaulted his owner. Hibiki instinctively hid her face behind her arms.

Midori (4000 - 1200)

“My tomato’s effect activates at this time!“ She retaliated, now tensing up and showing a growing excitement on her body language. “I get to summon a DARK monster from my deck.”

Yet another Darklord joined the woman’s field, this time it was the smallest of them. Darklord Ukoback (700/1000)

“Come on, Hibiki.“ Ethan began with complete confidence. “I thought you wouldn’t be the kind of person to underestimate a duck.”

She let out a giggle. “My bad. However, don’t get too excited, it won’t survive my turn.”

“Huh?!” 

Shining Angel ➜ Banished

With a quick movement of hands, Hibiki practically crushed his next monster card onto the duel disk. “Gotcha! I’ll summon now my Chaos Sorcerer and use his effect to get rid of your Sonic Duck !” 

The aforementioned monster appeared on the field, wielding his chaotic powers in both hands before stopping the duck on its tracks and sending him to a worse place to exist. Chaos Sorcerer (2300/2000)

Sonic Duck ➜ Banished

“And that’s not it, say hello to one of my strongest fairies: Darklord Edeh Arae !”

Lamb Token ➜ Tributed

Still pressing the attack, Hibiki added another menace to her field. This time, it was a being similar to a winged demon or gargoyle. It growled loudly, asserting his dominance. Darklord Edeh Arae (2300/2000).

“With no monsters left on your field, I’ll attack with all my monsters!“

Crowler leaned back onto his chair, smirking and satisfied. “As I expected, Hibiki is the clear choice for the Slackers’ dorm. With her, they’ll learn a thing or two.“

Etan quickly analyzed his best option. He was far from defenseless, after all he had 4 S/T cards set.

“Time to branch out, I’ll activate my Skull Lair and banish five of my monsters in the graveyard to destroy Edeh Arae !” He explained before ghostly hands surrounded the fairy, clutching him with force and dragging him to the depths.

Thunder Dragon ➜ Banished

Bazoo the Soul-Eater ➜ Banished

Cyber Jar ➜ Banished

Dekoichi the Battlechanted Locomotive ➜ Banished

Magical Merchant ➜ Banished

“But you’ll still take the damage from my other attacks!“ Hibiki added, now beginning to skip in place slowly, pumping herself up.

Etan covered his face against the onslaught of the other two monsters, groaning theatrically to keep the flow of the situation.

Etan (3000 - 500)

“I’ll throw down one more and finish my turn.” She said excitedly. “If you have a last resort, this would be a good time to use it, Troml.” She placed her hair behind her, finally letting out a sigh.

Etan couldn’t keep his smirk hidden. He slowly flipped one of his set cards, revealing a trap card. “As I said, Ms. Hibiki, all of this was part of my algorithm. Or did you think that all my banished monsters were there only to mindlessly defend me?” The card he had activated was… Return from the Different Dimension

Etan (500 - 250)

Both the spectators and Hibiki gasped in surprise. At a sudden moment, Etans field began overflowing with his banished monsters, all of them posing menacingly as if the holograms had actually practiced their moves.

Thunder Dragon ➜ Field (DEF)

Bazoo the Soul-Eater ➜ Field (ATK)

Dekoichi the Battlechanted Locomotive ➜ Field (DEF)

Sonic Duck ➜ Field (ATK)

D.D. Warrior Lady ➜ Field (ATK)

Card Destruction

“And you would say something like but that is not enough to defeat me! You’d be wrong, Hibiki.“ He started as if lecturing, maybe with a bit of a rude tone. “My Bazoo the Soul-Eater will use his effect to banish 3 of my monsters to gain 300 ATK points for each!” Bazoo the Soul-Eater (2500/900)

“And now you’ll attack Ukoback and finish the duel.“ Hibiki said, smiling. “What a risky strategy, Troml. You actually surprised me!”

Etan then wagged one of his index fingers. “Oh, but I know that if I keep that facedown set I won’t win. It’s a Mirror Force , after all.” He declared completely convinced before activating a Mystical Space Typhoon targeting the woman’s sole set card.

“Ah, as I said, confidence can be a disadvantage if you don’t keep it in check, Mr. Troml.” She finished before motioning her left arm into the air. “I’ll chain Threatening Roar !”

Sheppard gasped again. “What a climax!”

Etan’s heart sunk at the realization. Now, he wasn’t able to atack. And, with his other monsters vulnerable… He was paralyzed. What was going to happen now?

Chaos Sorcerer (2300 ATK) ⬌ Sonic Duck (1700 ATK)

Etan (250 - 0)

Winner: Hibiki Midori

The holographic projections flickered and faded as the duel came to a decisive end. Midori Hibiki stood confidently on her side of the field, her Duel Disk powering down with a sharp click. Her face was lit up with excitement, her grin wide as she pointed across the field at Etan.

“Gotcha!” she declared, her voice brimming with triumph. “That was a fun duel, Mr. Troml! You gave it your best.”

Etan, however, remained rooted in place, his Duel Disk still active as the loss settled over him like a heavy weight. His cards felt almost slippery in his hand. The earlier confidence that had carried him through the duel was replaced by a growing sense of dread. “This can’t be it.” he thought, his chest tightening. “I can’t lose here. I need this job. I need to get into Duel Academy.”

Sheppard clapped his hands lightly, breaking the tension in the room. “Well done, both of you.” he said warmly.

Crowler, practically beaming, chimed in with enthusiasm. “Exquisite dueling! I daresay you handled yourself with poise and precision. Truly, the makings of a great leader for our students.”

Etan’s throat felt dry, his thoughts swirling chaotically. He couldn’t even bring himself to look at Midori, whose celebratory energy was infectious, as if she had already claimed her victory not just in the duel, but in the position.

Midori, noticing Etan’s silence, tilted her head slightly, her expression softening. “Hey,” she said, lowering her hand. “Don’t be a sore loser. You made me work for that win.”

“Ms. Hibiki,” Sheppard began, his voice filled with genuine approval, “your performance was exceptional. Your strategy, skill, and enthusiasm make it clear why you were the victor today. Congratulations—you’ve earned the position of Auxiliary Headmaster for Sliffer Red Students.”

Midori’s grin widened as she bowed slightly, her excitement barely contained. “Thank you, Chancellor. I won’t let you down.”

Etan swallowed hard, his chest tightening. “That’s it,” he thought. “I’m out.”

But Sheppard wasn’t finished. His gaze shifted to Etan, and his smile softened. “And Mr. Troml,” he said, his tone kind but firm, “while you didn’t win the duel, I must say I was equally impressed by your performance.”

Etan blinked, his breath catching as Sheppard continued. “Your creativity, adaptability, and teaching potential shone through during this process. You’ve shown me that you have the qualities of a great educator. That’s why I’d like to offer you a different position—one that remains unfilled but is vital to the academy’s success.”

Sheppard gestured lightly with his hand. “How would you like to become Duel Academy’s Head Professor of the Reference Room ? It’s a position that involves helping students research strategies, refine their skills, and deepen their understanding of both dueling and academics. Your unique talents would be invaluable there.”

For a moment, Etan was speechless. The despair that had gripped him moments earlier melted away, replaced by a surge of hope and excitement. He straightened, bowing professionally toward Sheppard. “Chancellor, thank you! I’d be honored to take this opportunity and contribute to Duel Academy in any way I can.”

Sheppard’s smile brightened, clearly pleased by Etan’s response. “Wonderful! I have no doubt you’ll do great things in this role.”

Crowler huffed lightly but didn’t object, his smirk returning as he muttered, “Well, at least it’s a position where he can’t make too much of a mess.”

Sheppard chuckled but waved Crowler off. “Let’s focus on the positives, Dr. Crowler. Duel Academy just gained two incredible educators.”

Etan stood tall, his earlier confidence returning as he met Midori’s gaze. She smiled competitively and gave him a quick nod of approval, which he returned with grin.

However, the question still remained: Who was Hibiki supposed to be?

Either way, he had accomplished his goal.

Author’s note: Welp, you could say that that was a “Task failed successfully”? Etan will have to get his planning game improved if the doesn’t want to leave something up to luck when facing duels, after all.

Chapter Text

Author note: Hello there. Again, you all have my thanks, I love seeing that people are liking the story. This time, Etan is going to have some time to take a break and prepare himself for the battles ahead and maybe even get to meet some particularly interesting characters…

The ferry's engine hummed softly as it docked, its passengers shuffling off onto the sunlit pier. Etan stepped off with deliberate steps, his luggage in one hand and an additional bag slung over his other shoulder. The weight was nothing compared to the exhilaration bubbling beneath his calm demeanor.

“This is it.” he thought, his gaze sweeping over the lush, sprawling landscape of Duel Academy Island. The Academy itself stood tall in the distance, its design a perfect blend of strange futuristic architecture and grandeur, as if it were a monument to dueling itself. Seagulls called overhead, and the salty breeze carried the scent of the ocean, mingling with the warmth of the sun on his skin. He felt his pulse quicken.

For a moment, he allowed himself to simply stand there, taking it all in. “I’m here. After all these months, I’m finally here.” He hid a small grin, forcing himself to keep his exterior composed. It was weird. He always imagined what a new student would feel after taking its first step on the island…now he was there, as a teacher.

Behind him, the sound of heels clicking on the wooden pier pulled him from his reverie. Hibiki stepped off the ferry, her long black hair swaying in the breeze. She stopped next to him, her wide-eyed expression betraying her own excitement.

“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” she said, her voice filled with awe. She turned to him, her usual confident demeanor softening as she smiled. “I can’t believe it’s finally happening—I’m actually going to be a professor here.”

Etan gave a small chuckle, setting her bag down at his feet. “Yeah, it’s something else.” he replied, glancing back toward the Academy. “A place like this... It’s everything we’d hoped for, right?”

Hibiki nodded, her excitement palpable. “More than that. It’s a dream come true.”

He nodded, adjusting his grip on his remaining luggage. “Well, let’s not keep the dream waiting.” he said, gesturing toward the path ahead.

Hibiki turned to Etan with a grin, reaching out to grab the bag he had carried for her. “Thanks for the help, Etan. Guess this is where we part ways—Slifer Red dorms are just up that hill.” She nodded toward the modest building in the distance, its red roof visible even from the harbor.

“No problem. Good luck settling in. You’ll need it to deal with those slackers.” He joked.

She slung the bag over her shoulder with ease, offering a casual wave as she began to walk away. “Thanks! Don’t get lost on your way to the totally important Reference Room. ” she teased over her shoulder.

Etan chuckled softly, watching her leave. His gaze shifted to the Slifer Red dorms in the distance. Slifer Red... “I won’t be going there, at least not yet.” He let the thought linger for a moment, his expression thoughtful as he remembered all the iconic moments tied to that unassuming building and how he eventually would need to deal with their shenanigans.

With a deep breath, he turned back toward the imposing main building of the Academy. Its towering structure seemed even more monumental in person. His grip tightened on his luggage as he picked up his pace, the anticipation pushing him forward.

Etan stepped into his new office and living quarters, the door creaking slightly as it swung open. The room was modest yet well-equipped, and his eyes immediately darted to the wooden desk positioned near the window. On it sat a sleek computer that looked just advanced enough to still be cutting-edge for the time period. A chalkboard hung on the wall opposite the desk, and a shelf stood in the corner, ready to be filled.

His gaze shifted to the bed tucked neatly against the far wall. Its plush mattress and fluffy pillows almost seemed to beckon him. What truly captivated him, though, was the large window that dominated one side of the room. From there, he could see a sweeping view of the island—its dense forests, the sparkling blue ocean, and even a glimpse of the Slifer Red dorms in the distance.

“Not bad, eh?” came the voice of Professor Sartyr, who stood just behind him in the doorway. Sartyr was a slightly hunched man with neatly combed black hair streaked with gray. His Ra Yellow uniform was pristine, and his demeanor exuded a mixture of wisdom and humor.

“Not bad at all.” Etan replied, setting his luggage down and taking another step into the room. “This view is incredible. Better than I could’ve hoped for.”

Professor Sartyr chuckled as he stepped inside. “It’s not every day someone gets such a prime spot in the Academy. Your role as Head of the Reference Room comes with its perks. It used to be part of my responsibilities, but Sheppard says I am way better at controlling the yellows.“ He explained before chuckling. “This office is yours to use as both workspace and living quarters. Make yourself comfortable—although I’m sure that bed won’t make it difficult.”

Etan laughed lightly, glancing at the inviting bed. “I can see that already. This really is something.”

Sartyr moved toward the desk, gesturing toward the computer. “Your equipment here is all set up. The Reference Room is on the first floor of this building, and you’ll find a direct line to the Academy’s database here on your machine. As for the chalkboard—well, I suppose that’s if you prefer the old-school touch for lesson planning.”

“Good to know.” Etan said, urging him towards the room’s door.

Sartyr got the message and placed a hand on his shoulder. “You’ve got a lot ahead of you, young man. But with this setup, I have no doubt you’ll manage just fine. Welcome to Duel Academy, Professor Troml.”

Etan smiled warmly, taking a moment to soak it all in.

As the door clicked shut behind Professor Sartyr, Etan let out a deep breath and turned toward his room. His composed demeanor cracked for the first time since he arrived. He tossed his luggage onto the bed with one hand and hurried toward the desk. Sitting down, he booted up the computer. The ancient hum of the hard drive spinning to life filled the room, accompanied by a low-res Duel Academy logo on the screen.

"Man, the Academy’s tech really needs an upgrade." Etan muttered to himself, frowning as he navigated through the clunky interface. The user experience left much to be desired, but years of IT work made the hurdles trivial. With a few deft clicks, he bypassed the main menu and entered the Academy’s public database.

“Alright, let’s see what I can find about you, Ms. Hibiki…” he murmured, his fingers flying across the keyboard.

The name returned a treasure trove of information, and Etan’s eyes widened as he skimmed the records. Midori Hibiki was more than just an ambitious teacher. She was a professional duelist, a known name in the competitive circuit. What caught his attention most, however, was the mention of her younger brother: Koyo Hibiki, a three-time Duel Monsters world champion.

“Koyo Hibiki?” Etan leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin. “He used Elemental Heroes ... Just like Jaden.”

He continued reading, learning about Koyo’s illustrious career in the Pro League. The records noted his inspiring style of play, innovative strategies with his Elemental Hero deck, and his undeniable charisma that drew crowds. But the tone of the information shifted when Etan stumbled upon the event that changed everything.

After a particularly grueling tournament, Koyo fell into a coma. No further details were provided, but it was clear that he hadn’t woken up since. Midori, it seemed, had shifted her life’s trajectory to honor her brother’s legacy.

Etan stared at the screen, tapping his fingers nervously on the desk. “She’s not a champion of Sophia... She’s from here. A professional duelist with a direct tie to an Elemental Hero user…”

The revelation sent a chill down his spine. Koyo’s existence was unnerving enough—why had the anime never mentioned another renowned duelist using Elemental Heroes? Outside of Jaden and Aster Phoenix, the archetype was rare in his world’s lore. This wrinkle in reality made him question the full extent of the world he had been thrown into.

“...the world you're heading to might not be exactly as you remember it."

“Dammit, Tierra. Why choose me if I’m already encountering curve balls?” He thought.

"Midori’s no ordinary rival." he muttered under his breath. "I can’t afford to take anything lightly. Not her... not this world and not anyone coming outside of this world."

Despite the unease gnawing at him, Etan straightened his back and took a calming breath. If this was the kind of competition he’d face, he’d need to be ready for anything.

Then, he noticed something hidden just out of sight next to the shelf that made him instantly smile. A purplish uniform that only certain generic professors had the honor to wear…

Two days into his new role as Head of the Reference Room, Etan was already feeling the weight of his responsibilities and uniform. The position, while important in name, felt more like a glorified librarian than a professor’s role. He found himself overseeing the cataloging of countless tomes and manuals, many of which were outdated by decades, and supervising the simulacrum—a small VR chamber designed to let students practice dueling against preprogrammed decks.

While the technology impressed him, Etan noted how few students actually used it. Most preferred the thrill of real, live duels rather than battling a faceless machine. Still, he couldn’t deny the perks of his position. Unlimited access to the room’s resources, an endless array of duel strategies to study, and a chance to brush up on the finer points of Duel Monsters lore made the role worthwhile.

Etan sat at a desk in the Reference Room, reviewing some scattered papers and notes in front of him. A blank notebook sat open, its pages already filling with meticulous timelines and hastily scribbled annotations. Duel Academy’s quiet hum drifted through the room, distant and unintrusive, but Etan’s focus was razor-sharp.

He tapped a pen against the desk, staring down at a timeline he’d painstakingly reconstructed over the past months. The major events of Jaden Yuki’s tenure at Duel Academy were all there—every duel, every pivotal moment. Each one a cog in the intricate machinery of the story he had to protect.

“Priority one,” he muttered to himself, underlining a date with a sharp stroke of his pen, “Jaden and his friends need to defeat the Shadow Riders and Kagemaru. No deviations.”

The Shadow Riders were an unavoidable turning point. Their defeat wasn’t just about protecting the Sacred Beast cards; it was the catalyst for Jaden’s rise as a hero. Etan frowned, jotting down a note: “Ensure Jaden’s team remains intact through the Shadow Riders’ arc. Also, stop any potential Champion of Tierra from intervening.” Letting any suspicious student get their game on would disrupt the balance, risking the entire sequence.

He leaned back, exhaling slowly as he moved to the next point. His pen hovered over the page before he wrote, “Jaden must defeat the Society of Light.”

That storyline was critical—not just for Jaden’s development, but for maintaining the integrity of Duel Academy itself. Sartorius and his cult threatened to dismantle everything that had been built. Etan tapped the paper thoughtfully. “I can’t interfere there. Just guide things subtly.” he murmured. 

His eyes scanned the timeline, moving further into the chaos of the third year. His pen hesitated as it reached the next major event: Yubel’s plan and the revival of the Supreme King.

Etan’s grip on the pen tightened. This part of the story was a paradox for him. Letting Yubel’s plan unfold was necessary to ensure the greater narrative stayed intact, but it came at a devastating cost to Jaden. He could still see the images from the anime—Jaden’s transformation into the Supreme King, his descent into darkness, and the pain etched across his face as he was consumed by guilt and grief.

He set the pen down and rubbed his temples, a wave of unease washing over him. “Does he really deserve that?” he muttered, his voice barely audible. The question hung in the air, heavy and unresolved. Jaden had always been a beacon of optimism and resilience—a reminder of what made Duel Academy’s story so compelling. To deliberately allow him to endure that level of suffering felt... cruel.

For a moment, Etan’s resolve wavered. He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling as the weight of his decisions bore down on him. “Maybe I could…” he began, but the thought trailed off as he clenched his fists. No. He couldn’t afford to think like that. Not now.

“One step at a time.” he said firmly, his voice cutting through the doubt. He straightened in his chair, forcing the hesitation aside. There were too many unknowns, too many variables he couldn’t control. The timeline demanded sacrifice, and his role wasn’t to rewrite the story—it was to ensure it survived.

Etan picked up the pen again, the tip hovering over the page before he wrote: “Let Yubel’s plan unfold. Ensure the Supreme King rises and falls.” His handwriting was steady, but the words felt like a weight pressing down on his chest. He underlined the point once and moved on, flipping to the next page of the notebook.

His plan wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t even foolproof. But it was all he had, and for now, that would have to be enough.

His thoughts were interrupted by raised voices coming from the hallway outside. Peering out of the Reference Room, he spotted three Obelisk Blue students. Two of them, tall and smug, loomed over a third—a greenish-blonde student with a meek demeanor, wearing the same blue blazer.

“Come on, Fujiwara,” one of the bullies sneered, shoving the boy back against the wall. “Why don’t you just stay in the dorm? Nobody would notice if you never came out!”

The other laughed as the smaller boy stumbled and fell to the ground. They gave him one last contemptuous look before turning to leave, chuckling to themselves.

Etan stepped out of the room, his presence sharp and commanding. “Hey! You two!”

The bullies turned, their laughter fading as Etan approached. His expression was stern, and his voice left no room for debate. “Picking on your peers? That’s a fast track to a conduct report. I’ll make sure Chancellor Sheppard hears about this.”

The taller of the two bullies rolled his eyes, his smugness faltering under Etan’s gaze. “We weren’t doing anything serious, sir,” he said insincerely. “Just a bit of fun. It won’t happen again.”

“See that it doesn’t,” Etan replied, his tone sharp enough to cut. The two muttered half-hearted apologies before slinking away, clearly annoyed but not willing to press their luck.

Once they were gone, Etan turned his attention to the boy still sitting on the floor. He knelt, offering a hand to help him up. “You alright?”

The student took his hand hesitantly, his greenish-blonde hair falling over his face as he stood. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thank you, Professor.” He brushed himself off and looked up, a grateful but timid smile on his face. “My name’s Fujiwara.”

Etan’s face tensed as he recognized the name Fujiwara, his thoughts racing. He realized that this was the student who would eventually become the host of Nightshroud. Seeing him here confirmed that the ominous events surrounding the Abandoned Dorm hadn’t yet transpired. A flood of possibilities and worries filled his mind, but he forced himself to refocus on the present.

Fujiwara, noticing Etan’s intensity, quickly said, “Sorry, I’ll just... go. Better if you forget about me,” before bowing slightly and hurrying out of the halls.

The sound of approaching voices caught his attention.

Etan looked back to see two older students approaching him. One of them had sharp, cobalt-blue hair and carried an air of calculated precision. His Obelisk Blue uniform was impeccably neat, reflecting his no-nonsense demeanor. The other, in stark contrast, radiated a laid-back confidence, his tousled brown hair and easy smile putting anyone at ease. His uniform jacket was casually draped over his shoulders, revealing a colorful shirt underneath.

“Professor Troml, right?” the blue-haired one asked, his tone polite but assertive. “I’m Zane Truesdale.”

“And I’m Atticus Rhodes,” the brown-haired student added with a wide grin. “We’ve been meaning to come by and say hello. Welcome to Duel Academy!”

Etan nodded, his professional demeanor intact, hiding his inner worries. “Zane Truesdale and Atticus Rhodes. It’s a pleasure to meet two of the Academy’s most renowned students.” He gestured for them to step closer. “I hope you’ll continue to set a good example for your peers.”

Atticus laughed lightly, rubbing the back of his head. “Oh, we’ll try our best, Professor. Speaking of peers, I saw you had a little run-in with Fujiwara.”

At the mention of Fujiwara, Etan’s expression remained calm, but his thoughts immediately shifted back to the bullied student. “Yes. He seems... withdrawn.”

“That’s just Yusuke.” Atticus said, his voice carrying a note of understanding. “He’s a good guy, deep down. Just keeps to himself a lot. Don’t let his aloofness worry you too much.”

Zane nodded, his expression neutral but attentive. “Fujiwara has his quirks, but he’s capable. He might surprise you.”

Etan crossed his arms, his tone firm but not unkind. “I’ll take your word for it. But I urge you both to keep an eye on him. From what I’ve seen, he could use good friends.”

“We will.” Zane said simply. His measured tone carried weight, a subtle promise. “Speaking of the Reference Room,” he continued, glancing at the simulacrum chamber, “would you mind if I use the simulacrum for practice? I’d like to test some new strategies.”

Etan raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the request. “Of course…” 

Then, a wild idea came into his mind. An idea that made his stomach churn at the sole idea of what he planned to do. Whoever Sophia’s champions were going to be, they were surely going to come into contact with the Shadow Riders . If they did, there was a very real possibility of things going awry. So, somehow, he had to make sure that they were prepared to deal with the mysterious future isekaid students… And the trio of students he had just met were the key to getting close to them.

“But on one condition.” His lips curled into a slight smile. “Allow me to visit your dorm later this week for a friendly match. I’d like to see what Duel Academy’s best has to offer.”

Zane’s calm exterior shifted just enough to reveal a flicker of curiosity. “I accept. I’m looking forward to seeing what you can do, Professor.”

“Likewise.” Etan replied, his voice carrying both professionalism and a hint of competitive edge.

Atticus chuckled, giving Zane a playful nudge. “Looks like you’ve got yourself a challenge, Kaiser. Don’t go easy on him, okay?”

Zane smirked faintly. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Etan stepped aside, motioning toward the simulacrum. “It’s all yours. Let me know if you need anything.” He turned his back to them but kept an eye on the two as they moved toward the chamber.

Then, he ran towards the bathroom.

Etan stood alone in the dimly lit bathroom, his hands gripping the edges of the sink as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. The faint hum of the overhead fluorescent light buzzed in his ears, the only sound in the otherwise silent room. His jet-black hair was slightly tousled, a far cry from his usual sharp appearance. The cool, tiled floor beneath his feet felt grounding, but his thoughts were anything but.

His stomach churned at the thought. The Abandoned Dorm, the shadow that loomed over Duel Academy’s past, wasn’t just a chapter in an anime’s history anymore. It was a wound that was about to be ripped open, and he was holding the knife. The students who would disappear—their lives upended, their futures derailed—weren’t just names or faces on a screen now. He had met them. Yusuke Fujiwara, quiet and timid, came to mind first. His frailty, his isolation…

“If I intervene,” he said to his reflection, his voice firmer now, as if trying to convince himself, “the whole timeline could spiral out of control. If I stop the Abandoned Dorm from falling, what else will change? What happens to Jaden? To the story?”

But it wasn’t just about staying out of the way. He wanted to get closer to the Shadow Riders, to infiltrate their circle, if possible. If Sophia’s champions came for this pivotal moment, for the Riders or their influence, then he needed to be there, ready to act. Even if it meant walking a razor’s edge between ally and traitor.

The thought sent a shiver down his spine. Joining the Shadow Riders, even as a ruse, felt like crossing a line he couldn’t uncross.

He stared at himself, the faint glimmer of unease in his reflection growing stronger. “What kind of person does this make me?” he whispered.

He thought of Fujiwara again. He thought of the others whose names he didn’t even know yet, students he would inevitably pass in the halls, unaware of what fate had in store for them. And he thought of himself, the man they trusted to guide and protect them, the man who was already calculating the cost of their suffering.

Besides that, while he now had access to the Reference Room’s full catalog, including some rather esoteric tomes and report logs, there was still little to no mention about Duel Spirits and the notorious Death Duels . Right now, he was just another random human being with no spiritual affinity, no such thing as a spirit guardian (Tierra had pretty much abandoned him since he met her) and zero protection against the occult. Once the dorm became abandoned, he could go there and probably find useful information about such topics.

His chest felt heavy, a weight that no deep breath could dislodge. “I have to believe this is worth it,” he said softly, gripping the sink tighter. “I have to.”

He chuckled ironically before turning toward the bathroom’s exit. He had only been at the academy two days and he was already making these kinds of decisions. Were they correct? Or too drastic?

After that introspective moment, Etan went to the teacher’s cafeteria, a modest but cozy space filled with the soft clatter of cutlery and the low hum of conversation. The enticing aroma of warm food wafted through the air, reminding him how long it had been since breakfast. After a morning filled with planning and paperwork, he was eager to recharge.

Carrying his tray, Etan scanned the room for a quiet spot, hoping to sit alone and let his thoughts drift back to his growing web of plans. As his eyes swept over the tables, a familiar voice called out to him.

“Troml! Over here!” Hibiki waved from a nearby table (now wearing the same uniform as him, but colored red), her cheerful tone as warm as her smile. Beside her sat a short man with thin spectacles and a pleasant demeanor. His black grayish hair framed a face that radiated intelligence and a hint of mischief. Etan recognized him immediately as Professor Lyman Banner, the head of the Slifer Red dorm.

Etan hesitated for a fraction of a second before putting on his best professional smile and walking over. “Hibiki, Professor Banner,” he greeted, nodding politely as he set his tray down. “Mind if I join you?”.

“Not at all,” Banner replied, his tone welcoming as he gestured to the empty seat. “The more, the merrier!”

Etan took his seat, keeping his posture relaxed but his thoughts sharp. This was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. Banner’s involvement in the events surrounding the Abandoned Dorm made him an ideal target for subtle observation.

“So, Professor Troml,” Banner began, his eyes twinkling with curiosity, “how are you settling into your new role here at Duel Academy? The Reference Room can be quite a challenge, I imagine.”

“It’s been an adjustment,” Etan replied smoothly, picking up his fork. “But I’m enjoying it. The students are passionate, the resources are impressive, and it’s rewarding to be part of such a unique environment.”

“Well said,” Hibiki chimed in, leaning forward slightly. “The Academy does have its quirks, though. I’m still getting used to the sheer energy of Slifer. Sometimes it feels like the students are more competitive about who’s eaten breakfast first than their duels.”

Banner chuckled, a soft and melodious sound. “That’s the spirit of Duel Academy, Professor Hibiki. The students here are brimming with enthusiasm. It’s our job to help channel that energy in the right direction.”

Etan nodded along, his mind drifting as the conversation ebbed and flowed. He glanced at Banner out of the corner of his eye, noting the man’s easygoing demeanor. It was almost disarming how friendly he seemed, but Etan knew better. 

“Speaking of energy,” Banner continued, addressing them both, “how are you finding the students? Any standouts yet?”

Hibiki grinned, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “Oh, plenty. It’s only been a couple of days, but you can tell some of them have a lot of potential.”

Etan then remembered Fujiwara, and felt a twinge of unease. He kept his expression neutral, nodding as Hibiki spoke. “I’ve noticed that too,” he said casually. “however, I recently met one that caught my attention: Fujiwara from Obelisk Blue.”

“Fujiwara is an interesting one,” Banner said with a knowing smile. “He spends quite a bit of time around the dorms. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s one of those students who prefers to observe and learn from the shadows.”

As the conversation continued, Etan’s mind worked quietly in the background. If he was going to navigate the events surrounding the Shadow Riders, Banner’s insights and movements would be invaluable.

“Troml?” Hibiki’s voice snapped him back to the moment. She was smiling at him, her head tilted slightly. “You seemed lost in thought there.”

Etan smiled, his tone light. “Just thinking about all the work waiting for me back in the Reference Room. It’s a never-ending stream of tomes and simulacrum configurations.”

Banner chuckled again. “Ah, the life of an academic. Don’t let it overwhelm you, Professor Troml. Balance is the key.”

Balance. Etan smiled faintly at the irony of the word. If only Banner knew how precarious his balancing act really was. “I’ll keep that in mind,” he said smoothly, picking up his bottle of water and taking a sip.

As the three of them continued to chat, Etan made a mental note to keep close tabs on Banner, maybe even stalk him. Then, when Banner inevitably lured those students to the still not abandoned dorm…

Well, what would good old Amnael do if there was another witness? One that he could not just make disappear…

“Step Three: Become a Shadow Rider.”

Author's note: Etan is now finally coming to understand just what sacrifices he will have to make to preserve the cannon. Sure, he might still have some freedom here and there, but playing the hero won’t be one of them very often. Also, I hope you aren’t disappointed with the lack of duels in some chapters. I want this story to be more narrative at some points. There will be duels, just not always.

Again, thanks for your kind words, I plan to have at least one chapter ready every week. (Also, I hope I don’t alienate some with the inclusion of some lesser known characters from the Yu-gi-oh! Gx universes like Midori. Maybe some characters will also use their strategies from their other incarnations…)

Chapter Text

Author note: Hello there. Sorry for taking this long to drop a new chapter.

The glow of the single desk lamp bathed Etan’s office in a pool of warm, golden light, contrasting starkly against the cold shadows that lingered in the corners of the room. 

Etan sat hunched over his desk, a scatter of cards spread out before him. His hands moved with mechanical precision, rearranging, analyzing, and shuffling as he pondered his choices. Outside, the world was quiet—an almost oppressive silence, broken only by the faint creak of the old building and the occasional rustle of wind against the window. The clock on the wall ticked steadily, its rhythm marking the passing seconds as his self-imposed deadline loomed closer.

He leaned back in his chair, exhaling a long, slow breath as he stared at the cards laid out before him. His eyes lingered on them, searching for plays, a spark of inspiration that might tip the scales in his favor. The duel against Banner—against Amnael—felt like a precipice. One wrong move could unravel everything. If he lost, if his actions tipped the timeline too far out of balance, his mission could end here and now.

His chest tightened at the thought. The weight of the risks was suffocating. He closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose as he tried to banish the creeping doubt. “Focus,” he whispered to himself. “You’ve come too far to falter now.” This single sentence was becoming too common for him.

He opened his eyes and leaned forward again, his gaze sharp and deliberate as he methodically adjusted the cards in his deck. Despite the nerves, there was a part of him that found solace in this ritual. The familiar motion of arranging and re-arranging, the tactile feel of the cards in his hands—it was a grounding process, a reminder of why he was here. Maybe it seemed dumb, but it was reassuring.

Memories of his last duel against Hibiki surfaced, unbidden but not unwelcome. The sting of that loss had lingered for days, a bruise to his pride and confidence. But he’d learned from it. Since then, he’d spent every free moment practicing, refining his deck, sharpening his strategy. He wasn’t the same duelist who had faltered under the pressure of a high-stakes match. He was better now. He had to be.

“Banner’s no ordinary opponent.” he muttered under his breath. “But neither am I.”

The words carried a weight that settled his nerves, if only slightly. He pushed the cards into a neat stack, his motions more deliberate now. The time for doubt had passed. He had prepared as much as he could. The rest would come down to instinct and resolve.

As he finished packing his deck into its case, his eyes flicked toward the coatrack near the door. Hanging there was a long, dark coat and a thick scarf, both of which he had picked up during his months of preparation. They were plain, almost nondescript, but that was the point. He needed a persona—something to obscure his identity if he was to walk the fine line between infiltrating the Shadow Riders and protecting the timeline.

He stood, slipping on the coat and wrapping the scarf snugly around his neck. The fabric was heavy, its weight a tangible reminder of the role he was about to step into. He adjusted the scarf, pulling it high enough to partially obscure his face, and turned to the mirror by the door.

The reflection staring back at him was unfamiliar, a shadowed figure that felt more like a villain from a random filler anime episode than the man he had once been. Etan studied the image for a moment before pulling the scarf slightly tighter. This wasn’t just a disguise—it was the beginning of a new identity. This person was someone new, someone who could face the dangers ahead without hesitation.

With one last glance at the scattered notes and plans left behind on his desk, Etan turned off the lamp. Darkness filled the room as he stepped out into the dark halls. The hallway stretched ahead, empty and silent, as he made his way toward a confrontation.

For the past month, Etan had been keeping a careful, unyielding eye on Professor Lyman Banner. What had begun as a subtle observation—passing glances in the faculty lounge, innocuous conversations over tea—had escalated into a full-fledged campaign of stalking. 

It had started just days after his encounters with Fujiwara and Atticus Rhodes. Their sudden, unexplained disappearances had chilled him, not because they were unexpected—Etan had known this moment was coming—but because of how their absence left an odd silence that seemed to ripple through the Academy.

And then it had begun. Slowly at first, but with growing frequency, other students had gone missing. At first, their absences were dismissed as rumors or youthful mischief—students skipping classes, sneaking off for personal reasons. But Etan knew better. Although both Fujiwara’s and the students’ fates seemed connected, they were separate events. The second’s pattern was too deliberate, too methodical. These weren’t accidents. They were breadcrumbs leading to the inevitable.

One night, he followed Banner under the guise of a late stroll. The professor’s normally cheerful demeanor had shifted, replaced by something calculated and deliberate. Etan trailed him at a safe distance, his heart pounding as Banner led a nervous-looking student toward a particular place of the island. Toward the abandoned dorm.

That night, he had watched as Banner stood before the dorm’s pristine facade, his calm voice coaxing the student forward. Something in the air had shifted—a heaviness, a sense of foreboding that prickled at Etan’s skin. He hadn’t been able to intervene then, not without jeopardizing his role, but the sight had burned itself into his memory.

And now, here he was again.

Etan crouched behind a row of overgrown shrubs, his dark coat blending seamlessly with the shadows. The night was unusually still, the only sound the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze. Ahead of him, Banner walked with his usual unassuming gait, his movements almost too casual. Beside him was another student—an Obelisk Blue this time—his steps hesitant, his head tilted in confusion as Banner gestured toward the looming dorm.

Etan’s jaw tightened. What remained now was the question of timing. Etan needed this event to play out, to set the stage for Jaden and the others to take their rightful roles. But every fiber of his being screamed at him to act, to stop the next student from crossing the threshold into the darkness.

He took a slow, steady breath, forcing himself to focus. This wasn’t about impulse. It was about precision. Etan couldn’t afford to risk disrupting the timeline—not yet. Not until he was certain it was the right moment.

As Banner reached the entrance to the dorm, the student hesitated, his body language screaming unease. Etan leaned forward slightly, his scarf pulled tight against his face as he watched the scene unfold. Banner’s voice, soft and persuasive, drifted through the night, though the words were lost to the distance. Whatever he was saying, it was enough to draw the student closer.

Etan’s grip on the edge of the shrub tightened. He had planned for this. He knew what he had to do. But as the student crossed the threshold of the dorm, disappearing into the shadowed interior with Banner close behind, a knot of tension coiled in his chest.

He slipped through the front door of the Abandoned Dorm, his movements silent and deliberate. The dorm’s interior was well-preserved, its walls still painted with the Academy’s signature colors. A faint musty smell lingered in the air, but it wasn’t the dilapidated ruin one would expect. It was still lived in. Yet beneath the surface, there was an eerie stillness that set his nerves on edge.

He crept through the main hall, keeping to the shadows, his ears straining for any hint of movement. The faint echoes of footsteps faded deeper into the dorm, drawing him forward. Banner and the student had disappeared from view, but Etan had prepared for this. He knew exactly where they were headed.

Thanks to his conversations with Zane Truesdale, Etan had learned more than just the history of the Dorm. He’d memorized its layout, piecing together stories and whispers about a hidden duel ring in the basement—a place cloaked in mystery and shadow. It was there Banner would be.

Etan moved quickly but carefully, his coat brushing against the walls as he navigated the path. He reached the staircase at the far end of the dorm and descended, the wooden steps creaking faintly under his weight. At the bottom, the pristine structure of the dorm gave way to something far more sinister.

The entrance to the hidden duel ring yawned before him, a rocky, dark tunnel carved into the earth itself. The air grew damp and heavy, the faint smell of mold mixing with the metallic tang of stone. The walls were jagged and uneven, lit only by the dim glow of torches mounted sporadically along the passage. Their flickering light cast shifting shadows that danced ominously across the narrow corridor.

Etan’s footsteps echoed softly as he pressed forward, his eyes scanning for any sign of Banner or the student. The tunnel twisted and turned, disorienting in its design, but Etan didn’t falter. He knew where it led. His pulse quickened as the faint sound of voices reached his ears, and he slowed his pace, sticking close to the shadows.

When the tunnel opened into the duel ring, Etan halted, his breath catching at the sight before him. The ring itself was a massive, circular chamber, its walls carved with strange, ancient markings that seemed to pulse faintly in the dim torchlight. At the center stood the student, his form rigid and motionless. Dark energy swirled around him like an oppressive fog, tendrils of shadow latching onto him and pulling him deeper into the abyss.

Etan’s fists clenched as he watched the student vanish into the darkness, his form dissolving until nothing remained. A chill ran down his spine, but he forced himself to stay hidden, his body pressed against the rough stone wall of the entrance. Banner stood near the center of the ring, his back turned, murmuring something inaudible.

Etan’s mind raced. This was the moment. He adjusted his scarf, pulling it higher to obscure his face, and stepped out of the shadows. His voice, low and deliberately cryptic, echoed through the chamber.

“Quite the operation you have here, Professor .” he said, his tone laced with mockery. “Luring students into the darkness under the Chancellor’s nose... Imagine what would happen if someone found out.”

Banner froze, his head snapping up as he turned toward the source of the voice. His eyes narrowed, scanning the shadows where Etan stood, his figure barely illuminated by the torches.

“Who’s there?” Banner demanded, his voice calm but sharp, betraying a flicker of tension. “Show yourself.”

Etan stepped further into the light, his coat billowing slightly with the motion, the scarf obscuring the lower half of his face. His eyes gleamed coldly as he crossed his arms, maintaining his composure despite the adrenaline coursing through him.

“Let’s just say I’m... an interested party,” he replied, his voice steady and unrecognizable. “One with a keen eye for secrets. And you, Professor, have quite a few, don’t you?”

Banner’s gaze hardened, his demeanor shifting subtly. “You’re bold to come here, whoever you are. What do you want?”

Etan chuckled, a low and deliberate sound that echoed faintly in the cavernous duel ring. “What do I want? Oh, nothing much. Just to let you know that I know. About the Shadow Riders. About your little operation here. About the students you’ve been... borrowing.” His tone dripped with veiled menace. “I could end all of it right now. Inform the Chancellor. The authorities. It wouldn’t take much, really. One little push, and this entire house of cards collapses.”

Banner’s expression didn’t change, but a flicker of something—unease, perhaps—crossed his eyes. “You talk as though you have power here.”

“I do,” Etan said simply, turning on his heel. “But for now, consider this a courtesy call. You might want to rethink your next moves, Professor.”

He began to walk away, his boots clicking against the stone floor, each step slow and deliberate. But before he reached the tunnel, a low chuckle stopped him in his tracks. The laugh grew louder, deeper, until it echoed unnaturally through the chamber. Etan turned his head slightly, his body tense as he glanced over his shoulder.

“You really think you can threaten me?” Banner’s voice boomed, now filled with a confidence that sent a chill down Etan’s spine. “You’re more foolish than I thought.”

Before Etan could react, the chamber around him dissolved. The walls of the duel ring melted away, replaced by a dark purplish void. The air grew heavy and oppressive, vibrating with an otherworldly energy. Etan clenched his fists, his heart racing as he took in the swirling expanse. It was unsettling, alien, but exactly what he had wanted to force.

He let out a slow breath and smiled faintly. “A Shadow Duel,” he murmured. “Good. Saves me the trouble of convincing you.”

Across from him, Banner began to change. His friendly, unassuming facade twisted. His eyes glowed with an eerie light, and his robes morphed into flowing golden garments adorned with alchemical symbols. His transformation into Amnael, the Alchemist, was complete.

“Fool,” Amnael hissed, his voice a chilling mix of Banner’s calm tones and something far darker. “You think you can meddle in the affairs of the Shadow Riders and walk away unscathed? I’ll see to it that you share the same fate as those students. No one will ever find you.”

Etan turned fully to face him, his scarf still covering his lower face, his eyes sharp and resolute. “You’ll try.” he said, his voice steady and unwavering. He raised his arm, activating his duel disk with a sharp click. A crimson glow lit the space around him as the blade extended, humming with energy.

Amnael sneered, his own duel disk activating in response. “Bold words for a dead man.”

Etan’s smirk widened ever so slightly as he spread his feet, bracing himself for the duel. “Let’s see if you can back them up.”

In unison, their voices rang out, filled with determination and malice:

“DUEL”

Etan vs Amnael

Etan slid his card onto the duel disk, and the glowing form of D.D. Warrior Lady materialized on the field. She was a lithe, armored figure, her blade shimmering with a faint otherworldly glow. D.D. Warrior Lady (1500/1600)

“Let’s see if you can keep up.” Etan said, his voice calm but edged with subtle provocation. “ D.D. Warrior Lady will keep things honest.” He set one card face-down on the field, the holographic projection shimmering briefly before disappearing. “Your move, Professor. Or should I say, Amnael ?”

Across the void, Amnael’s expression remained unreadable, his eyes reflecting the dark purples and blacks of their Shadow Duel arena. “A straightforward beginning,” he mused, his tone cool. “I expected more from such a confident act.”

Amnael drew his card and, without hesitation, placed a monster face-down. A shimmering card projection appeared on his field, casting long shadows in the void.

“No bold moves yet?” Etan asked, leaning slightly forward. “Or are you waiting for something special?”

Amnael glanced at Etan, his expression unwavering. “I prefer precision over recklessness, unlike you. That’ll be your doom.”

He drew and immediately pointed at his D.D. Warrior Lady . “Let’s test your precision, then. Warrior Lady, attack the face-down card!”

D.D. Warrior Lady (1500 ATK) ⬌ Dimensional Alchemist (200 DEF)

The armored warrior dashed forward, her glowing blade slicing through the holographic projection of Amnael’s monster. The figure was a radiant, ethereal being, clad in flowing robes that shimmered with colors that seemed to defy logic.

“ Dimensional Alchemist , huh?” Etan mused, crossing his arms. “A bit fragile for someone as confident as you, don’t you think?”

Amnael’s lips curved slightly upward in a near-smile. “Fragile? Perhaps. But appearances can be deceiving, as I’m sure you’ll learn.”

Etan’s eyes narrowed as he ended his turn. “If you’re trying to psych me out, you’ll need more than riddles. Your move.”

Amnael drew his next card and, once again, placed a monster face-down without a word. The holographic projection appeared beside the remnants of Dimensional Alchemist , which continued to shimmer ominously.

“You’re really committing to this whole ‘set and forget’ strategy, huh?” Etan taunted, tilting his head slightly. “What’s the matter? Too afraid to show me what you’re hiding?”

Amnael’s voice was calm, almost amused. “Impatience is the hallmark of the inexperienced. You’ll see my strategy when the time is right.”

Etan exhaled sharply through his nose, hiding his frustration. His eyes flicked to the face-down monsters. Something about Amnael’s unflappable demeanor unnerved him, but he wasn’t about to let it show. He smiled thinly again. “You’re playing it safe, but the thing about safety is... it only lasts until someone kicks the door in.”

Amnael chuckled faintly, his voice as cold as the void around them. “Then by all means, kick the door in. I’ll be waiting.”

Etan clenched his fists briefly before relaxing his stance, keeping his focus sharp. He knew he needed to press forward, but he also couldn’t afford to let frustration cloud his judgment. “Let’s see how long you can keep hiding behind those cards,” he muttered under his breath, preparing for his next move.

Etan’s fingers hovered over his deck for a moment before he placed the Card Destruction card on his duel disk with a decisive motion. The field was bathed in a brief flash of light as both he and Amnael shuffled their hands into the Graveyard, drawing the same number of cards they had discarded.

“Let’s shake things up a bit,” Etan muttered, his voice steady but carrying a sharp edge. “Now we both start with new hands. Let’s see what you really have under that calm exterior.”

Amnael didn’t flinch, his poker face unbroken as he drew his new cards. Etan couldn’t help but smile slightly, noting the tiny crack in Amnael’s composure. He was so sure of himself, yet Etan knew he was starting to push him just a little too far.

“Interesting choice,” Amnael remarked, his tone calm as ever. “You’d discard your options so easily?”

“Sometimes,” Etan replied smoothly, “you’ve got to clear out your mind to keep going. Like this.” He placed another card onto his duel disk. “I summon Emissary of the Afterlife !”

The robed figure of Emissary of the Afterlife emerged onto the field, its spectral form glowing faintly in the shadowy arena. It hovered beside D.D. Warrior Lady , its eerie presence a stark contrast to her precise, armored figure. Emissary of the Afterlife (1600/600).

Etan tapped his duel disk and commanded his D.D. Warrior Lady to engage. With a swift, elegant motion, she slashed her blade at Amnael’s face-down monster, revealing it to be Dekoichi the Battlechanted Locomotive . The machine-like monster clattered into view, its metal body trembling slightly as the Warrior Lady’s blade cut through the air.

D.D. Warrior Lady (1500 ATK) ⬌ Dekoichi the Battlechanted Locomotive (1000 DEF)

As the attack connected, Dekoichi ’s effect activated. With a flash of light, Amnael drew a card. Etan smirked, but his focus remained sharp. He wasn’t about to let Amnael off that easily.

With a swift motion, Emissary of the Afterlife surged forward, its ethereal form passing through the air like a shadow. The attack was direct, a piercing strike that sent both Amnael and his life points plummeting to the ground. Etan’s eyes locked on Amnael’s, his gaze unyielding as he watched the damage unfold.

Amnael (4000 - 2400)

The impact sent ripples of energy through the void, and for a moment, the swirling shadows seemed to pause. Then, with an unnatural stillness, Amnael’s torso began to fade.

Etan’s eyes widened as the professor’s upper body dissolved into a mass of shifting shadows. The outline of his figure remained, the faint glow of his duel disk still visible, but everything from his waist to his shoulders was now a dark, empty silhouette. Despite this grotesque transformation, Amnael stood as if nothing had changed, his glowing eyes fixed steadily on Etan.

“What... is this?” Etan asked, his voice sharp but tinged with unease. He took a cautious step back, his duel disk humming faintly at his side. “Is this some kind of... rule for this Duel?”

Amnael tilted his head slightly, his face curling into a faint smirk. “Indeed,” he replied, his voice eerily calm. “In a Shadow Duel, the stakes are far higher than in the mundane games you’re accustomed to. Every blow takes more than just life points. The loser risks everything.”

Etan narrowed his eyes, his mind racing. “And what happens to the loser?” he asked, already suspecting the answer but needing to hear it aloud.

Amnael’s grin widened, the shadows that composed his form flickering unnaturally. “Should the victor demand it, the shadows will take the loser’s very essence. Call it... a more permanent defeat.”

Amnael leaned back slightly, chuckling darkly as the shadows of the arena seemed to swirl around him. His laughter echoed throughout the void, the sound rich with confidence.

“You truly are a fool,” Amnael said, his voice smooth, almost condescending. “Like all the other students who’ve tried to defy me before. You think you’re any different? You’ve made the same mistakes. The Shadow Riders are not to be underestimated.” His tone hardened slightly. “And you, whoever you are, shouldn’t have taken us for pushovers.”

Etan’s eyes narrowed, but he maintained his composure. He had to admit, Amnael’s confidence was unsettling, but not enough to deter him. He crossed his arms slowly, his face still obscured by the scarf. “On the contrary,” he replied, his voice calm but brimming with challenge. “I’m here to show you just how much of a pushover you and your little team are. You’ll see it in my next turn.”

Amnael’s lips twisted into a sinister grin. “Your next turn? ” he hissed, his voice growing colder. “There won’t be a next turn. I’ll make sure of that.”

Amnael’s grin widened as he drew his card, his voice brimming with confidence. “It’s over,” he declared, his tone cold and final. “I’ll show you the true power of Alchemy and why you should never have come here!”

He raised his duel disk, the dark void around him pulsing ominously as he banished four monsters from his Graveyard. Shadows coalesced on his field, and in their place emerged three glowing figures of pure light— Diana the Light Spirit (1700/1000)—their radiant forms shimmering against the oppressive backdrop of the Shadow Realm. Beside them, a darker figure materialized, Luna the Dark Spirit (1600/1200), her shadowy tendrils writhing menacingly.

“And I’m not done,” Amnael continued, his voice rising with anticipation. “I summon Dekoichi the Battlechanted Locomotive !”

The mechanical form of Dekoichi appeared once again, its train-like visage clicking and hissing as it prepared for an attack.

Amnael’s field was now filled with monsters, their combined power overwhelming. He threw his arm forward, his duel disk glowing with intensity. “This is the end! I attack with everything! Your life is forfeit, and the shadows will consume you, as they have so many others!”

Etan’s expression didn’t waver as Amnael’s monsters prepared to attack. Instead, he smiled—a cold, sharp grin that cut through the tension like a blade. “Is this really all you’ve got?” he said, his voice dripping with disdain. “You’re as weak as I expected.”

Amnael froze, his confident smirk faltering for the first time. “What—?”

Before he could finish, Etan activated his face-down card. The holographic projection of Mirror Force erupted across the field, a brilliant wall of light reflecting back the force of Amnael’s attacks. One by one, the monsters on Amnael’s field were destroyed, their forms disintegrating into shards of light and shadow. The echoes of their destruction reverberated through the void, leaving Amnael’s field completely empty.

The man stood there, stunned, his eyes wide with disbelief. “No... This can’t be. My strategy—”

“Failed,” Etan finished for him, his voice calm but cutting. “Not only did you underestimate me, Amnael, your strategy is also pathetic, like all of your other colleagues. That’s why you lost.”

Etan drew his next card, though he hardly needed it. He glanced at the two monsters on his field— D.D. Warrior Lady and Emissary of the Afterlife . They shimmered with anticipation, ready to finish the duel. He pointed toward Amnael, his movements precise and deliberate. “Time to end this.”

D.D. Warrior Lady lunged forward, her blade cutting through the void as she struck directly at Amnael. The professor staggered slightly, the remnants of his shadowy torso flickering as his life points dropped.

“Let’s make it official,” Etan said, his tone cold as he directed his second attack. Emissary of the Afterlife surged forward, its ghostly form striking the final blow. Amnael’s life points hit zero, and the void around them pulsed violently before beginning to dissipate.

Amnael (2400 - 0)

For a brief moment, Etan felt the atmosphere shift, a chilling sensation brushing against his mind. It was subtle at first—a soft whisper, a faint pulse of something alien and malevolent. His breathing hitched as the whisper grew stronger, weaving itself into his thoughts like an insidious thread. The voice wasn’t audible, but its meaning was clear, pressing against his consciousness like a suggestion he couldn’t ignore.

End him. Finish it now. Claim your victory and take what’s yours.

Etan’s hands trembled slightly, his fingers hovering over his deck. The idea was intoxicating, the promise of finality whispering to him like a forbidden secret. He could feel it clawing at the edges of his resolve, tempting him to act, to take the ultimate step.

But then, he clenched his fists, the motion grounding him. “No,” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head sharply as if to clear it. The cold, calculating part of his mind reasserted itself, pushing back against the invasive emotion. “This isn’t me. This isn’t the plan. However… maybe I could use this in the future…”

He looked up at Amnael, his gaze steady once more, though his heart still raced. “You might be used to people losing themselves to the shadows, but don’t count me among them,” Etan said, his voice firm. “This duel is over.”

Winner: Etan

Amnael stood frozen, his duel disk sparking faintly as the remnants of the Shadow Duel dissipated. He stared at Etan, his form flickering, as though the Shadow Realm itself refused to accept his loss. “No,” he whispered, his voice trembling with a mix of disbelief and fury. “This... this isn’t possible. I cannot lose.” He then looked up to Etan’s obfuscated figure. “What’ll you do now? What do you want from us!?”

“What I want,” Etan said, taking a deliberate step closer, “is to ensure your... extracurricular activities don’t jeopardize certain interests. Consider this a warning. If you step out of line, your carefully guarded secrets will be exposed to the Academy—and to those who would see you undone. However…” He paused before walking slowly towards Amnael and offering his hand to help him stand up. “Tell your boss I want a job interview . The Shadow Riders will need my help, if they don’t want to be eliminated by other…less forgiving opponents” Then he revealed a small scrap of paper with a phone number written on it.

Amnael looked at him in disbelief before taking the offer and nodding solemnly.

The air between them was thick with tension, the flickering torchlight casting jagged shadows across Banner’s face. Etan stood firm, his heart pounding, every instinct screaming at him to be ready for anything.

Banner’s lips curled into a faint smile, though his eyes remained wary. “Interesting. And here I thought I was the only one who appreciated the... subtler games.”

Etan said nothing, his silence intentional, designed to maintain the aura of control. He simply stared, his gaze unwavering, before turning sharply and retreating back into the tunnel. Banner’s voice followed him, calm and calculated. “I’ll be watching you too, whoever you are.”

Etan allowed himself a small, wry smile beneath his scarf as he disappeared into the shadows. “Good,” he murmured under his breath. “You should.”

Etan burst into his office, his coat trailing behind him as he shut the door firmly and locked it. His breathing was uneven, his chest heaving as the adrenaline from the duel coursed through him. The weight of the Shadow Duel, the tension, and the stakes—it all came rushing back in a tidal wave, but this time, there was no need to hold it in.

He ripped off the scarf and tossed it onto his desk, followed quickly by the heavy coat. For a moment, he stood there, gripping the edge of the desk, his head lowered as his body trembled. Then, a sharp laugh escaped his lips, followed by another, until the room echoed with the sound of his laughter. It wasn’t mocking or cruel, just pure, unfiltered relief.

“I did it,” he muttered between breaths, his voice tinged with elation. “I actually did it. And everything’s still on track.”

He pushed himself upright, running a hand through his hair as he let out a long sigh. The tension that had been weighing on him for weeks seemed to lift, if only slightly. This victory was a small one in the grand scheme, but it was significant—a step forward, proof that his plans could work. And, most importantly, he was still in control.

Just as he began to collect himself, the faint buzz of a phone broke the silence. Etan froze, his head snapping toward the source of the sound. His spare phone, the one he had only given to Amnael, vibrated on the desk. The small screen lit up, the shadowy glow casting an eerie light across the room.

A knot of unease formed in Etan’s stomach as he reached for the device. The ringing felt heavier than it should, each buzz reverberating like an alarm in his mind. He hesitated for a split second, his fingers hovering over the phone, before picking it up and answering.

The screen flickered, and a shadowy figure emerged, its form distorted and indistinct. The figure’s presence felt oppressive, even through the tiny screen. It regarded Etan silently for a moment before speaking, its voice low and dripping with malice.

“Well done,” the figure said, its tone both cold and approving. “Defeating Amnael... You’ve managed to earn my attention.”

Etan’s heart raced as his mind reeled. His grip on the phone tightened as his gaze flicked to its small screen. His first thought was panic: Does it have a camera? Can it see me?

But then he remembered—this phone didn’t have a camera. He exhaled quietly, forcing himself to relax. His grip on the phone steadied as he regarded the shadowy figure more closely. Though its form was vague, there was something unmistakable about the presence it carried—an air of power and control that sent a ripple of unease through Etan.

“Kagemaru,” Etan said, his voice firm and deliberate. He was taking a calculated risk, but he was confident in his guess. “Leader of the Shadow Riders, if I’m not mistaken.”

The figure chuckled, a deep and sinister sound that reverberated through the room. “You’re quick to make assumptions,” it replied, though it didn’t deny the name. “But let’s say you’re correct. Tell me, duelist —are you seeking my approval? Are you considering joining the Shadow Riders?”

Etan tilted his head slightly, feigning nonchalance. “That depends. Are you considering letting me join?” He allowed a small smile to tug at the corner of his mouth, though his mind was racing to keep up with the unfolding situation.

Kagemaru’s shadowy form shifted, the distorted outline of his face turning toward the screen, as if studying Etan closely. “And why,” he said, his tone dripping with skepticism, “would someone like you, who seems so confident in his strength, wish to join us? Surely you think you’re better than the likes of Amnael and the others.”

Etan chuckled softly, masking the tension tightening in his chest. He needed to tread carefully here. Improvising on the spot, he replied, “Oh, it’s not a matter of strength, Kagemaru. I’m interested in the event . The revival of the Sacred Beasts... now that would be something extraordinary. Something truly unique. Who wouldn’t want to see such an occurrence with their own eyes?”

Kagemaru remained silent, his form flickering slightly as if considering Etan’s words. Etan pressed on, building his case as quickly as he could. “And as you already know, Duel Academy will soon have a fresh batch of students. Some of them will be... exceptional. Perfect for harvesting their duel energy to bring the Sacred Beasts back to life.”

Kagemaru’s voice, low and deliberate, cut through the silence. “Go on.”

Etan leaned slightly closer to the phone, keeping his tone even and composed. “However, as I’ve just demonstrated by defeating Amnael, if these students are stronger than the Shadow Riders—and they will be—they could easily disrupt your plans before the energy is ready. They’ll be strong enough to stop you if you’re not prepared.”

“And you believe you can help us?” Kagemaru asked, his tone filled with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. “What makes you think I’d trust someone so eager to join?”

“I don’t need trust,” Etan replied smoothly. “I need opportunity. When the time comes, next semester, I can help you refine your strategies. Make the Shadow Riders more... effective. You’ve seen what I can do. You’ve seen how I dismantled Amnael. Let me ensure that none of these ‘exceptional’ students can interfere.”

The silence stretched for a long moment, the oppressive weight of Kagemaru’s presence filling the room. Etan forced himself to remain still, his expression neutral, though his mind raced with contingency plans. He had laid the groundwork—now it was up to Kagemaru to take the bait.

Finally, Kagemaru spoke, his voice colder and more calculated than before. “You’ve given me much to consider, duelist . If your words hold merit, and your actions align with your claims, then perhaps... there is a place for you among us.”

Etan’s lips curled into a faint smile, though his chest tightened at the thought of how close he was walking to the edge. “That’s all I ask, Kagemaru. Consider it. When the time comes, you’ll see I’m more valuable than you realize.”

“If I let you join us, I’ll need a name.”

He thought about it for a second. “You may call me… The Engineer .”

The shadowy figure chuckled once more. “Welcome to the Shadow Riders, Engineer .” the sound fading as the screen flickered and went dark. Etan stared at the phone for a moment longer, his reflection faintly visible in the now-black screen. He set it down carefully on the desk, his mind buzzing with the implications of what had just transpired.

“I just flipped Mirror Force .“

However, that is all it took to become a Shadow Rider.

Now, he just had to wait for the next semester. And then…well, only time would tell what the future had in store for him.

“Step four: Defeat the Isekai League !”

Author note: Yeah, he just flipped mirror force. It wasn’t going to be hard to show how one of the strongest Shadow Riders is a pushover. Now, the next chapter will be the first encounter with the Isekai protagonists. Etan will have to get his game on if he doesn’t want to get OTKd by a random kid with flufalls…or, well, any fusion deck past 2012. Or… maybe snake-eyes? Hmm, only time will tell what bullshit he’ll come to face.

Chapter Text

Author note: Hello there. I’m back and I’m quite happy to announce that this is the first chapter where Etan will have an extremely hard duel on his hands… Also, this is a long chapter, so go grab a snack.

The bright afternoon sunlight filtered through the windows of Duel Academy’s main hall as Etan pinned another announcement to the bulletin board. The neatly printed notice detailed the benefits of the Reference Room and the Simulacrum, complete with a reminder of their availability for student use. Beside him, Hibiki Midori leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed and a playful smirk on her face.

“You’re really trying to make that Reference Room a hot spot, huh?” she teased, nodding toward the board. “Should I expect a duel trivia night next?”

Etan chuckled lightly, straightening the flyer. “You joke, but don’t tempt me. I might just do it if attendance doesn’t pick up.”

Midori laughed, shaking her head. “Well, you’ve got my vote for most dedicated professor. Not many of us would be out here plastering announcements all over the school.”

“Someone has to,” Etan replied with a small shrug. “Besides, it’s not like I’m swimming in things to do while waiting for the next semester to start. Might as well make the best of it.”

Their lighthearted conversation was interrupted as a group of students passed by, whispering amongst themselves. They were talking about the now-empty building that once housed a section of the Obelisk Blue dorms. The image of it was hard to ignore—windows shuttered, the once-lively structure now eerily silent.

Midori followed the students with her gaze, her smile fading slightly. “Still feels strange, doesn’t it? That dorm shutting down, the students who vanished... You’d think this kind of thing would’ve shaken the whole Academy.”

Etan nodded, his expression thoughtful but composed. “It’s definitely unusual. I can’t say I’ve ever seen anything quite like it. What’s even stranger is how KaibaCorp managed to sweep it all under the rug. No media, no investigations—it’s like it never happened.”

Midori sighed, crossing her arms again. “I don’t know whether to be impressed or horrified. I guess it’s a good thing no Slifer Reds were involved, though.”

“Small comforts,” Etan replied, his tone neutral. Inside, he felt the familiar pang of guilt that came with discussing the disappearances. He had spent weeks ensuring the events unfolded exactly as they were supposed to, but the cost weighed on him more than he liked to admit. Still, he forced a faint smile and added, “Though it doesn’t make the whole situation any less unsettling.”

Midori nodded in agreement, though her attention shifted as Etan’s spare phone buzzed in his pocket. He glanced down at the device, the name “Chancellor Sheppard” lighting up the small screen.

“Looks like I’m being summoned,” Etan muttered, tucking the phone into his palm. He raised it to his ear and answered. “This is Professor Troml.”

The Chancellor’s voice came through, calm but firm. “Professor Troml, I need you to come to my office. There’s an important matter we need to discuss.”

“Understood,” Etan replied, his tone professional. He ended the call and pocketed the phone, already feeling a faint prickle of unease. What could Sheppard want to discuss?

Midori raised an eyebrow, her smirk returning. “Ooh, did you get caught sneaking snacks into the Simulacrum? Or maybe they finally noticed all those extra Reference Room flyers?”

Etan rolled his eyes, adjusting the stack of announcements under his arm. “If I’m lucky, it’s just that,” he quipped. “But I’m sure it’s something far more riveting. Like a new batch of forms to fill out.”

Midori laughed, giving him a light shove on the shoulder as he started down the hall. “Good luck, Professor. Don’t let the big boss chew you out too much.”

Etan waved over his shoulder, his expression unreadable as he made his way toward Chancellor Sheppard’s office. Whatever this meeting was about, he had the distinct feeling it would be more than just routine paperwork.

Etan stepped into Chancellor Sheppard’s office, the heavy door clicking shut behind him. The room was bright and welcoming, lined with shelves filled with books, trophies, and framed photographs of past Duel Academy events. Behind the large desk sat Chancellor Sheppard himself, his ever-present cheerful demeanor radiating warmth as he stood to greet Etan.

“Professor Troml!” Sheppard exclaimed, his voice lighthearted. “Good to see you. Come in, come in. Have a seat.”

Etan nodded politely, stepping forward and taking a seat in the chair across from the desk. “Chancellor,” he began, his tone professional, “thank you for inviting me. You said there was something important to discuss?”

Sheppard chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. “Always straight to the point. That’s one of the things I like about you, Etan. But before we get into that, let me just say—excellent work during your first semester. The Reference Room and the Simulacrum are running smoother than ever, and I’ve been hearing good things from the students. You’ve really made an impression.”

Etan allowed himself a small smile, inclining his head slightly. “Thank you, Chancellor. I’ve been fortunate to work with talented staff and enthusiastic students.”

Sheppard leaned back in his chair, his expression softening. “I mean it, Professor. You’ve gone above and beyond. It’s rare to see someone take to their role so quickly. Which brings me to the reason I called you here.”

Etan raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. “I assumed there was more to this meeting than kind words. What’s on your mind, Chancellor?”

Sheppard nodded, his jovial demeanor shifting to one of businesslike focus. “As you know, the Admission Duels for the next semester are fast approaching. They’ll be held in Domino City—one of KaibaCorp’s flagship venues. Normally, we assign a mix of miscellaneous staff and teachers to oversee the event. However, given your recent success and adaptability, I’d like to offer you a more active role.”

Etan’s gaze sharpened, though he kept his expression neutral. “A more active role? How so?”

“I want you to collaborate with two of our students as the event’s receptionists,” Sheppard explained, folding his hands on the desk. “You’d assist with registrations, organize the brackets, and guide young duelists through the process. But that’s not all.” He paused for effect, his eyes twinkling. “I’d also like to grant you permission to act as an examiner for some of the duels.”

Etan blinked, his mind racing. The offer was unexpected, though not unwelcome. He leaned back slightly, considering his response before nodding. “I’m honored, Chancellor. Thank you for the opportunity. I’d be happy to help.”

“Excellent!” Sheppard said, clapping his hands together. “I knew you’d be the right choice. This is an important event, after all, and I have every confidence you’ll do a fantastic job.”

As Sheppard continued outlining some logistical details, Etan’s thoughts drifted inward. This arrangement was ideal—better than anything he could have planned himself. Being stationed at the Admissions Duels would allow him to detect Sophia’s champions as soon as they appeared. No chasing shadows, no guesswork. They would come to him.

More than that, if anything went awry—if Sophia’s interference or some other unforeseen event disrupted the duels—he’d be in the perfect position to step in and ensure Jaden Yuki stayed on track. “This is perfect” , he thought, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity.”

“Anything else you’d like to ask?” Sheppard’s voice snapped him back to the present.

Etan shook his head. “No, Chancellor. I’m ready to take on the role. Thank you again for trusting me with this.”

Sheppard beamed. “Good man! That’s the kind of spirit we need at Duel Academy. I’ll send you the details later this week. For now, keep up the good work, and I’ll see you at the Admissions.”

Etan stood, offering a firm handshake before turning to leave. As he stepped out into the hallway, his smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of quiet determination. “Everything’s falling into place, he thought. Now, all I have to do is make sure it stays that way.”

The Kaibacorp building stood tall and imposing against the clear blue sky, its sleek exterior gleaming in the sunlight. The grounds were meticulously maintained, with neatly trimmed hedges lining the walkways and a grand fountain at the center of the plaza. The hum of activity surrounded the area as staff, parents, and prospective Duel Academy students bustled about, their chatter mixing with the faint sound of Duel Monsters holograms from practice matches nearby.

Etan stood at a registration desk positioned just outside the building’s main entrance, a calm and professional demeanor masking his inner vigilance. Next to him, two Ra Yellow students—both female—worked efficiently to help him check in the steady stream of applicants. They wore their bright yellow uniforms with pride, their polished demeanor and organized approach making them ideal assistants for the event.

As Etan scanned the crowd and checked the incoming student list, he made a mental note about the rarity of seeing female Ra Yellows. Normally, any female student accepted into the Academy automatically ranked as Obelisk Blue, a privilege rarely forfeited. Yet these two had chosen to don Ra Yellow uniforms, an unusual and deliberate choice.

“Curious.” he thought briefly, though he quickly dismissed the notion. It wasn’t his concern—at least not today.

The stream of applicants continued steadily. One by one, young duelists eager to prove their worth presented themselves. Etan checked their names off the list, his gaze sharp as he briefly appraised each student.

Most of them were entirely ordinary—enthusiastic, hopeful, and filled with the typical bravado of aspiring duelists. He handled them with polite efficiency, directing them toward the duel arenas within the Kaibacorp building.

So far, nothing about the process had set off any alarms in his mind. No students seemed out of place, and no signs of Sophia’s champions had revealed themselves. Still, Etan’s vigilance didn’t falter.

Among the familiar faces were a few standout names—students he recognized immediately: Alexis Rhodes and Bastion Misawa. Each one approached the desk with the same enthusiasm as the others, though their demeanor clearly set them apart.

Etan had to restrain himself as he briefly guided them to their respective duel arenas, especially when it came to Jaden’s close friends. The urge to observe them more closely, to note every detail about their behavior, was strong. But he knew better than to give himself away.

As another group of applicants for the morning filed in, Etan leaned back slightly against the desk, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd one last time. So far, the day had been uneventful, but he knew better than to let his guard down.

The sun was beginning its descent, casting long shadows across the Kaibacorp plaza. The steady buzz of activity from earlier in the day had dwindled to a trickle, with only a few scattered applicants lingering as the admission window neared its close. Etan leaned slightly on the reception desk, his outward calm masking a growing sense of unease.

Fifteen minutes. That was all the time left before the admissions process officially ended, and there had been no sign of Jaden Yuki. The absence of the pivotal protagonist gnawed at him. “How could he miss this?” he thought, tapping his pen against the clipboard. 

The two Ra Yellow assistants beside him exchanged a glance but said nothing, sensing his unease. Etan forced himself to remain composed, though the tension in his chest only grew with each passing second.

And then, like a whirlwind cutting through the quiet, a teenager appeared at the front gate.

The boy immediately drew everyone’s attention—not just Etan’s but also the assistants’ and a few of the lingering applicants’. He strutted confidently down the path toward the reception desk, his cool red-and-black striped t-shirt and cream coat standing out against the backdrop of more conservatively dressed applicants.

But it wasn’t just his outfit. It was the way he moved.

The boy began moonwalking —yes, moonwalking —across the plaza, his every step smooth and deliberate. A self-satisfied grin spread across his face as he transitioned seamlessly into a spin, his coat flaring out dramatically before he came to a stop in front of the desk. Without missing a beat, he slammed a deck onto the table, the cards encased in a protective box that gleamed in the afternoon light.

“I am Patrick Mattel !” the boy declared loudly, his voice brimming with confidence and flair. “And I’m here to become the next King of Games and the most glorious student Duel Academy has ever seen!”

Etan blinked, momentarily stunned by the absurdity of the scene. The Ra Yellow assistants exchanged incredulous looks, one of them stifling a laugh behind her hand. For a moment, the sheer theatricality of the teenager left Etan at a loss for words.

But then, as he processed what he had just witnessed, a sinking feeling began to take root in his chest. The bravado, the unnecessary dramatics—this was no ordinary applicant. The air around Patrick felt... off. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but to someone like Etan, who had spent weeks preparing for Sophia’s interference, the warning bells were deafening.

“This has to be one of Sophia’s Chosen.” he thought, his stomach twisting. “No normal person acts like this.”

Suppressing his unease, Etan managed a mocking smile and leaned slightly forward. “Sure, kid,” he said dryly, reaching for Patrick’s deck box. “Let’s see if your cards are as ‘glorious’ as you claim.”

He opened the box, his hands steady despite the growing tension, and slid the first card from the top of the deck into his fingers. His eyes flicked to the card’s name, and his breath caught in his throat.

The card read: Tearlaments Scheiren .

Etan’s face went pale as the implications hit him like a freight train. His mind raced, barely able to process what he was seeing. “No way, no fucking way…” He thought.

Patrick, oblivious to—or perhaps enjoying—Etan’s reaction, grinned broadly and crossed his arms. “Well? Pretty cool, huh?”

Etan didn’t respond, his gaze locked on the card in his hand.

Etan’s heart raced as his mind replayed the name of the card . It was more than just powerful—it was dangerous. This wasn’t a normal deck or even an advanced one; it was something far beyond what any applicant should have access to. For a moment, panic clawed at him from the inside, his thoughts spiraling.

But then, he forced himself to breathe. He had prepared for this exact kind of situation. Weeks of planning and meticulous preparation hadn’t been for nothing. He reminded himself why he was there. With effort, he pushed the fear aside, letting his confidence return.

Sliding the card back into Patrick’s deck, he allowed a faint, approving smile to cross his lips. “I’ll admit,” he said evenly, “these cards are... cool. Powerful, even.”

One of the Ra Yellow assistants leaned forward, peeking over the desk. “I’ve never seen a card like that before,” she said, her voice tinged with awe. “What kind of deck is that?”

The other assistant shrugged, her tone more practical. “It doesn’t matter. We can’t invalidate his participation. Sometimes students come in with one-of-a-kind cards. It’s rare, but it happens.”

Patrick grinned, clearly enjoying the attention. “That’s right!” he declared, puffing his chest out. “I won these cards directly from Kaiba himself. And trust me, they’re as legendary as they look.”

Etan’s brow twitched slightly at the obvious fabrication but decided not to press it. Instead, he raised an eyebrow. “Kaiba gave you those cards, did he?”

“Won,” Patrick corrected, wagging a finger dramatically. “Not ‘gave.’ Won. Big difference.” He slammed his hand on the desk, leaning in with a cocky smirk. “Now, set me up with a duel against that guy—what’s his name? The one who looks like he’d fall apart in a strong wind. Oh, yeah! Crowler! I’ll only duel if it’s against him.”

Etan couldn’t help but roll his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Crowler isn’t an examiner,” he said dryly. “But I am.” He straightened and crossed his arms, his tone calm but firm. “And I’m also one of the strongest teachers at Duel Academy. You’ll duel me.”

Patrick’s cocky demeanor faltered for a fraction of a second before his grin widened into a wicked smile. He laughed, a sharp and mocking sound that echoed across the plaza. “You? Fine by me. I’ll take you down first. Then everyone can watch as I dominate the entire Academy.”

Etan’s lips curled into a faint smirk, masking his unease. “Glad you’re enthusiastic. Follow me.”

Patrick leaned on the desk with a sly grin. “Where should I wait before I crush you? Preferably next to that hot blonde chick. You know, the one in the Obelisk uniform? Rhodes …”

Etan’s eyes twitched, his patience wearing thin. This kid was one of those . “You won’t have to wait,” he said flatly. “The duel starts now. Follow me to the duel arena.” He then turned to his assistants, his voice returning to a professional tone. “Hold the desk for another extra five minutes in case any late students show up after the time’s up.”

The assistants nodded as Patrick scooped up his deck, swaggering behind Etan with exaggerated confidence. “This is going to be fun,” Patrick said with a chuckle, his voice laced with excitement and a hint of malice.

Etan didn’t reply, his focus shifting entirely to the task ahead. The stakes had just been raised, and Etan knew this duel was the first to make a difference between keeping the timeline intact or losing everything.

Etan led Patrick through the winding halls of the Kaibacorp complex, the teenager’s footsteps echoing loudly against the polished floors. The further they walked, the quieter the surroundings became, until they reached a secluded duel arena tucked away from the larger, more public arenas. The lights hummed softly, casting a focused glow over the pristine dueling platform.

Patrick stopped at his side of the arena, his grin faltering as he glanced around and realized there was but one spectator. No admiring students. No crowd. Only one woman wearing a Slifer red uniform, watching curious from the stands. His confident swagger returned almost immediately, though, as he crossed his arms and scowled at Etan.

“What’s the deal with this place?” Patrick demanded, his voice echoing slightly in the empty chamber. “I was expecting a grand duel in front of everyone—my adoring fans. ” He tossed his deck into the air and caught it with a flourish. “What’s the point of showing off if there’s no one here to witness my glory? ”

Etan said nothing, stepping calmly onto his side of the arena as he activated his duel disk. His focused, unreadable expression only seemed to fuel Patrick’s irritation.

“Hey!” Patrick called out, leaning on the edge of his platform. “I’m talking to you! What’s the matter? Afraid to let the others see you lose?”

Etan ignored him, sliding his deck into the duel disk with practiced ease. The familiar hum of the system activating helped steady his nerves, though his mind remained laser-focused on the duel ahead.

Before either of them could call out their opening moves, a voice rang out from the stands above the secluded arena.

“Hey, Etan!”

Etan glanced upward and immediately spotted Hibiki leaning casually against the railing. She was wearing her Slifer Red teacher’s uniform, her bright smile standing out even against the dim lighting of the arena. 

“What’s with the private match?” she called out, her voice echoing slightly. “I thought this was supposed to be about testing prospects, not sneaking off for secret duels.”

Etan grimaced, briefly breaking his composed demeanor. He hadn’t expected anyone, let alone Hibiki, to find her way there. Straightening slightly, he forced a casual tone into his voice. “The kid’s deck is... unusual,” he explained, carefully avoiding specifics. “One of a kind, really. Thought it’d be better to examine him somewhere quieter—didn’t want to distract the other prospects.”

Hibiki raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but let it slide. “Huh. Fair enough,” she said, leaning forward on the railing as her expression softened. “You’ve always been thorough about this kind of thing. Good luck to both of you.”

Patrick immediately threw a glance toward Hibiki, his grin widening as he struck a pose. “No need to wish me luck,” he declared dramatically. “Victory’s already in my hands!”

Hibiki rolled her eyes and gave Etan a knowing look before stepping back from the railing. “Looks like you’ve got your hands full with this one,” she teased. “Don’t let him give you too much trouble.”

Etan resisted the urge to sigh and simply gave her a small wave before turning back to face Patrick. He forced his focus back into place as the duel disks finished initializing.

“Let’s get this over with.” Etan said firmly, his voice cutting through the tension.

Patrick’s grin widened, and he snapped his duel disk into position. “Oh, this is going to be fun. ”

The field lit up as the systems synchronized, holograms flickering into place. Both duelists locked eyes, the hum of the arena filling the air as the match officially began.

“DUEL”

Etan vs Patrick Mattel

Etan drew his opening hand, his eyes scanning the cards with practiced precision. He suppressed any visible reaction, keeping his face neutral as his mind calculated possible plays. Without hesitation, he selected four cards, sliding one monster into the duel disk’s slot and placing the others facedown in the Spell and Trap zones.

“I’ll set three cards and a monster,” he announced calmly, his voice even and deliberate. The holographic projections flared to life, forming a defensive barrier of facedown cards and a veiled monster on his field.

Satisfied with his setup, he looked up at Patrick and let a small smirk slip through. “Your move,” he said with deliberate coolness. “Hope you have what it takes to pilot Tear 0 .”

The words left his mouth before he could stop them. As soon as they hung in the air, Etan’s confidence wavered. His heart sank. “Damn it” . He had let himself slip.

Patrick froze, his cocky expression faltering for just a moment as his eyes widened. But then, almost instantly, his grin returned—wider, sharper, and filled with dangerous glee.

“Oh-ho!” Patrick leaned forward, pointing directly at Etan. “Now that explains a lot.” His voice rang out, his theatrics dialed up to eleven. “No wonder you were so calm—only another Isekai’d person would know about Tear 0 !”

Etan stiffened, his mind reeling.

Patrick laughed, loud and boisterous, drawing even more attention to himself. “That’s right! You’re not just some random professor—you’re the Champion of Tierra! ” He flung his arms wide, as if making an announcement to the entire world. “I knew it! The way you carry yourself, your confidence... it’s obvious now!”

Etan felt a cold sweat forming but forced himself to maintain his composure. From the stands, Hibiki Midori leaned slightly over the railing, her brow furrowing.

“What...?” she murmured to herself, clearly baffled. But then she shook her head, dismissing the claim with a small smile. “He’s just a showman , ” she thought. “Typical dramatic flair.”

Before she could dwell on it further, footsteps approached from behind. Turning her head, she saw two familiar faces— Alexis Rhodes and Zane Truesdale —walking toward her.

Alexis was dressed in her pristine Obelisk Blue uniform, her arms crossed and a curious expression on her face. Zane, towering beside her in his own Obelisk Blue blazer, maintained his usual composed demeanor, though there was the faintest hint of amusement tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Hey, Professor.” Alexis greeted formally. “We were in one of the upper halls when we heard someone screaming about champions or something.” She tilted her head, her curiosity plain. “Figured it might be fun to check it out. Mind if we join you?”

Zane nodded slightly, his sharp eyes already scanning the duel arena below. “It sounds like something worth seeing.”

Hibiki grinned and waved them over. “Of course! The more, the merrier.” She stepped aside, making room at the railing. “Take a seat—or stand—wherever you like. This one’s already shaping up to be interesting.”

Alexis moved to Hibiki’s side, resting her arms on the railing as her eyes focused on Patrick’s animated gestures and Etan’s calm stance. “That guy’s really... into it, huh?”

Hibiki chuckled. “You have no idea.”

Zane remained silent, his gaze sharp and analytical as he focused on Etan. “I didn’t expect Professor Troml to duel today,” he said quietly, more to himself than to anyone else.

“Yeah, well, apparently the kid’s deck is one-of-a-kind,” Hibiki explained with a shrug. “Etan wanted to make sure he wasn’t too much of a distraction for the other prospects.”

Alexis arched an eyebrow. “One-of-a-kind?”

“Yep,” Hibiki said, then smirked. “You should’ve seen the kid dance into the arena.”

Alexis laughed softly at the mental image, while Zane simply crossed his arms, his expression unreadable.

Meanwhile, Etan’s duel disk hummed softly, grounding him as he focused his gaze back on Patrick. He refused to let the teenager control the narrative.

“You’re wrong,” Etan said firmly, his voice cutting through Patrick’s laughter. “I’m not here to entertain your delusions—or your egotistical goals.”

Patrick raised an eyebrow but said nothing, letting Etan continue.

“A person like you,” Etan said, his voice steady, “would never be adored by anyone.”

Patrick’s smile faltered for just a moment, but he quickly masked it with another burst of laughter. “We’ll see about that, Champion! ” he shot back, raising his duel disk as holographic energy flared around him. “My MYSTICAL POWERS WILL END YOU”

Etan blinked, his expression caught somewhere between confusion and disbelief. “Wait... mystical powers? ” he repeated, leaning slightly forward as if he hadn’t heard correctly.

Before he could get an answer, Patrick suddenly snapped into motion. He took a step back, planted his feet, and then—without warning—began to… sing?.

“If you want to fight meee...”

Etan’s eyes widened. From the stands, Alexis and Zane exchanged confused glances while Hibiki, already leaning on the railing, slowly stood upright.

Patrick twirled in place, somehow summoning music to support his singing, snapping his fingers in rhythm all while starting his power drawing and graveyard shenanigans. “Ha! You are not the brightest!”

Etan’s mouth opened as if to say something, but no words came out. He could only stare as Patrick spun again, his movements somehow perfectly synchronized with the faint hum of the arena’s systems.

Then, impossibly, Patrick began to float.

He rose a few feet above the platform, his feet no longer touching the ground, and stretched out his arms as though addressing an invisible audience. His voice rang out across the arena.

“You won’t know what hit you in the slightest!”

Etan took an instinctive step back, his duel disk trembling slightly from the vibrations of the holographic field. From above, Hibiki stared, her jaw slightly dropped, while Alexis leaned closer to the railing, struggling to process what she was witnessing.

Even Zane, normally the picture of composure, narrowed his eyes and muttered under his breath, “What... am I looking at?”

Etan clenched his fists, his mind scrambling to make sense of the bizarre performance. “This has to be Sophia’s influence,” he thought. “There’s no other explanation.”

Behind him, shimmering light cascaded across the holographic field, forming into elegant, ethereal figures. One by one, three beautiful women (and two dudes) emerged, their flowing blue dresses glimmering like the ocean’s surface under moonlight. Each of them had long, silver hair cascading down their backs, their delicate features resembling mermaids out of a dream. Their movements were fluid and hypnotic as they began to dance in perfect harmony with Patrick, twirling and swaying as if carried by invisible waves. The glow of the holograms reflected in their eyes, giving them an almost divine presence. Tearlaments Reinoheart (1500/2100) x2. Tearlaments Scheiren (1800/1300). Tearlaments Kashtira (2300/1200). Tearlaments Rulkallos (3000/2500).

“Meet my mermaid hipster chicks!”

The three spectators in the stands could only watch in stunned silence as Patrick and his summoned monsters performed in unison, their rhythm entrancing yet unnerving. It was Hibiki who finally broke the silence with a quiet, “How...?”

Alexis simply gawked, but Zane leaned forward, his sharp eyes scanning the board filled with monsters. After a long moment, he muttered under his breath, loud enough for the others to hear, “This guy is good.”

Then, without warning, the battle phase started. Patrick grinned as his strongest monster, a towering silver-haired mermaid cloaked in swirling torrents of water, surged forward to strike Etan’s facedown monster. Its elegant form shimmered as it raised its weapon, a spiral of energy building around its weapon.

“Cuz’ I know I’m SLICK!”

But just before the attack could land, Etan’s duel disk flared, and one of his facedown cards flipped up, revealing Book of Moon . A burst of light enveloped the mermaid, and with a sudden ripple of magic, the creature was forced into a defensive curl, sinking facedown onto the field. Patrick’s grin faltered, his midair twirl slowing as the hologram dimmed, while Etan remained calm, his voice cutting through the arena. “Not so fast.”

Tearlaments Rulkallos ➜ Face-down

Patrick shrugged off the setback, his grin returning as he pointed to his next strongest monster. "No worries—I'll just use this one instead!" he declared confidently. The silver-haired mermaid danced forward, her elegant form lunging toward Etan’s facedown monster. 

Tearlaments Kashtira (2300 ATK) ⬌ Cyber Jar (900 DEF)

But as the card flipped, the holographic image of Cyber Jar appeared. Its eye glowed ominously before releasing a blinding explosion of energy. The shockwave rippled across the field, reducing every monster to shards of light that faded into nothingness.

As the dust settled, the field began to repopulate. Patrick’s side revealed King of the Swamp (500/1100), its gelatinous form bubbling ominously, Supreme Sea Mare (1500/1600), a gleaming fish-like warrior holding a trident, and one facedown monster. Etan’s field displayed two facedown monsters. 

Patrick landed back on the ground with a dramatic flourish, brushing off his coat and letting out a loud, theatrical laugh. “Well, well, well,” he said, pointing at Etan with renewed excitement. “You’re quite the opponent, professor!”

From the stands, Hibiki leaned against the railing with a grin. “Etan’s pretty good at improvising.” she remarked, clearly impressed.

Alexis tilted her head, still trying to process what had just happened. “Wait, improvising? What’s so special about that play?”

Zane crossed his arms, his sharp eyes fixed on the field. “If I understood correctly,” he said, his voice calm but analytical, “Patrick’s earlier monster— Rulkallos —could have stopped Cyber Jar ’s effect. It negates special summon effects. That’s why Etan flipped it facedown earlier with Book of Moon . If he hadn’t, his plan wouldn’t have worked.”

Alexis blinked, her eyes widening as realization dawned. “So he baited Patrick into attacking? That’s... really clever.”

Hibiki smirked. “That’s Etan for you.”

Down in the arena, Patrick’s laughter echoed as the duel pressed on. His confidence was completely unshaken. “Oh, did I forget to mention?” he said, his voice dripping with theatrical flair. “ Rulkallos doesn’t stay down that easily. If it’s sent to the graveyard, it can revive itself!” With a dramatic flourish, he gestured to his field as the holographic waters surged, reforming Tearlaments Rulkallos in all its shimmering, aquatic glory, ready to strike. “And now, let’s clean up this mess— Rulkallos , attack the first facedown! And Supreme Sea Mare , you’re up next—attack the other one!” Patrick’s monsters surged forward, the arena erupting with energy as the attacks commenced.

Tearlaments Rulkallos (3000 ATK) ⬌ Emissary of the Afterlife (600 DEF)

Supreme Sea Mare (1500 ATK) ⬌ Dekoichi the Battlechanted Locomotive (1000 DEF)

Etan quickly added two cards to his hand thanks to his recently destroyed monsters’ effects, just before Patrick continued his assault with his last monster. However, Etan responded by activating “It’s time for an Ultimate Offering !” he declared, revealing the powerful trap. As he did, a red mist surrounded his body, draining him off 1000 lp to summon 2 monsters to the field. Bazoo the Souleater (1600/900) x2.

Etan (4000 - 3000)

Patrick’s grin faltered for a moment before he crossed his arms and let out a sharp “Hmph!” His confidence quickly returned as he tilted his head, smirking. He finished his turn by activating Tearlaments Scream . “You’re just delaying the inevitable,” he taunted. “Face it—there’s no way a dusty, outdated deck like yours can stand up to Tear 0. ”

Etan, however, remained unfazed. His eyes flicked toward one of his remaining set cards and the cards he had just drawn. A faint, knowing smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “You’re wrong,” he said calmly, sliding a card between his fingers. “And with that attitude, even if you did win, you’d probably end up in Slifer Red. You’re way too arrogant for your own good.”

Patrick scowled briefly, but it quickly gave way to another dramatic flourish as he turned away from Etan and bowed deeply to the three spectators in the stands. “And now, a moment of appreciation for my audience!” he declared, his voice booming with theatrical flair. “For you bear witness to the rise of greatness!”

In the stands, Hibiki rolled her eyes, Alexis looked mildly entertained, and Zane simply crossed his arms, his gaze never leaving the field. Meanwhile, Etan tightened his grip on his cards, readying himself for the next move.

Etan normal summoned his only copy of Sonic Duck (1700/700). Of course, this triggered Scream’s effect, prompting Patrick to start dancing again. “Now, this is OUR turn!” He continued to spam monsters and plays during Etan’s turn.

However, Etan was vigilant of each one, he was waiting like a hunting Eagle. And just as Kitkallos hit the field again… Etan’s eyes narrowed as Patrick basked in his self-made spotlight. He reached toward his set cards, flipping one up with practiced precision. “I was waiting for this,” Etan said coolly. “I activate Mispolymerization ! ”

The holographic field crackled as Etan’s card activated, releasing jagged arcs of magical energy that surrounded Patrick’s monsters. The proud forms of Kitkallos and Rulkallos shuddered as the light engulfed them, their elegant designs distorting before dissolving completely.

Patrick’s smirk faltered, his eyes widening as his monsters vanished from the field, their forms sucked back into his Extra Deck. “What!?” he shouted, his voice echoing in disbelief. “You can’t do that!”

Etan crossed his arms, his calm expression unwavering. “I just did.”

Patrick clenched his fists but quickly forced a grin, masking his frustration. “So what? My board’s still solid, and I’m in control. You can’t seriously think that one card changed anything.”

Etan stepped forward slightly, his gaze locking onto Patrick’s. “You’re wrong.” His voice was calm but carried a weight that silenced even the theatrics of his opponent. “I’ve already finished my examination.”

Patrick raised an eyebrow. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Etan’s eyes narrowed. “It means you’ve already lost.” With one quick motion, he used Ultimate Offering ’s effect to summon another pair of monsters.

Etan (3000 - 2000)

Then, he set two S/T cards right next to his continuous trap and smirked.

Patrick raised an eyebrow, barely suppressing a laugh. “ That ? That’s your big play?”

Etan ignored the jab, his fingers already moving toward the Spell cards in his hand. “You’re about to see how wrong you are.” He slapped down the first card. “I activate Mage Power ! ”

A radiant glow surrounded Sonic Duck as it absorbed energy from Etan’s three set Spell and Trap cards, each one amplifying its strength. Its beak began to shine, and shimmering armor materialized over its wings and chest. The once-comical monster now radiated an intimidating aura.

Patrick’s grin faltered as Etan immediately followed up with another card. “And now I activate United We Stand ! ”

Chains of golden light wrapped around Sonic Duck , linking it to Etan’s other cards and multiplying its power even further. The hologram surged, its form towering as the air around it crackled with magical energy. The duck’s beak grew longer, glowing with a fiery light as its ATK soared to 7700 and its DEF to 7200 .

Patrick took an involuntary step back. “What!? No way—this is ridiculous!” He frantically glanced at his hand and field, sweat forming on his brow. “I—I don’t have anything that can stop this!”

From the stands, Hibiki’s jaw dropped. “Did he just... turn Sonic Duck into a monster truck ?” she blurted out, leaning over the railing.

Alexis looked equally stunned, gripping the railing tightly. “ 7700 attack points? That’s insane!”

Even Zane, the most composed of the group, narrowed his eyes and muttered, “I didn’t expect him to end it like this... but that’s checkmate.”

Back in the arena, Patrick’s panic reached its peak as he frantically searched for options. “No, no, no! This can’t be happening!”

Etan’s voice cut through Patrick’s panic, calm and commanding. “ Sonic Duck —attack Supreme Sea Mare ! ”

The duck launched forward with blinding speed, its glowing beak cutting through the air like a meteor. Patrick’s holographic monster barely had time to react before it was obliterated in a brilliant explosion. The shockwave of the attack sent Patrick stumbling backward as his life points dropped to 0.

Patrick (4000 - 0)

Winner: Etan

The arena fell silent for a moment before the holograms dissipated, leaving only Etan standing tall on his platform, his duel disk slowly powering down. Patrick, still wide-eyed, stared at the fading remnants of his monsters before falling to his knees in disbelief.

“ A duck... ” he muttered under his breath. “I lost... to a duck. ”

In the stands, Hibiki burst out laughing. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen—and it worked! ”

Alexis shook her head in disbelief. “I don’t know whether to be impressed or completely baffled.”

Zane crossed his arms, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “He turned a weak normal monster into a weapon. As expected from a professor from the Academy.”

Back on the field, Etan adjusted his duel disk and looked down at Patrick. “And that,” he said coolly, “is why arrogance gets you nowhere. Duel Monsters isn’t about theatrics—or unbridled power.” Then, seeing the defeat in the champion’s eyes, he decided to show mercy, offering the same gesture he did to Amnael when he won. “As I said, maybe Slifer has a spot for-”

Before he could finish, Patrick slapped Etan’s hand away with enough force to echo across the chamber. His eyes burned with frustration and something deeper—panic. “Do you know what you just did to me!?” he shouted, his voice cracking as he pointed at Etan. The confident showman from earlier was gone, replaced by someone teetering on the edge of desperation. Without another word, Patrick turned and stormed out of the arena, his footsteps pounding against the floor as he shoved open the doors and disappeared into the hallway.

Etan stood frozen, his hand still half-raised as he processed what had just happened. The rage in Patrick’s voice lingered in his mind, unsettling him in a way that had nothing to do with the duel itself. Shaking off his hesitation, Etan quickly stepped down from the platform and followed after Patrick, the unease in his chest growing with every step toward the exit. Whatever had just happened, it wasn’t over yet.

Etan’s hurried footsteps echoed through a dim alleyway as he pursued Patrick. The narrow path twisted between old brick walls and metal fences until Patrick finally came to a halt at a dead end. He stood there, his shoulders heaving, his back to Etan.

“Patrick!” Etan called out, his voice sharp but not unkind. “What’s going on? Why are you so panicked?”

Patrick turned slowly, his face a mixture of anger and desperation. “Do you even know what happens if we don’t accomplish our Focus? ” he snapped, his voice trembling.

Etan’s brow furrowed as he stepped closer. “Focus? What are you talking about?”

Patrick let out a bitter laugh, stepping back against the wall. “Our objectives! The reason we were sent here! Our Focus gives us purpose, keeps us grounded in this world, and you —” he jabbed a finger at Etan, “—just squashed mine!”

Etan narrowed his eyes. “And what was your Focus, Patrick? Don’t tell me it was seriously to become King of Games and the most glorious student Duel Academy has ever seen! ”

Patrick fell silent, his lips pressing into a thin line. Then, without a word, he raised his right arm. Etan’s breath caught in his throat as he saw it—the skin along Patrick’s arm was breaking apart, crumbling into fine, gray dust that fell soundlessly to the ground.

“What the...” Etan whispered, his composure cracking for the first time.

Patrick smirked, shaking his head as if trying to mask the fear in his eyes. “Yeah. Looks like I’m out of time.” He took a shaky breath before his expression twisted into a smug grin. “But hey... at least I distracted you long enough not to notice—” His voice dropped into a mocking tone. “—that Jaden hasn’t shown up yet.”

Etan’s eyes widened in horror. “What did you do!?” he shouted, stepping forward.

But before he could demand an answer, Patrick’s body began to disintegrate entirely, the dust spreading out like ash caught in the wind. His cocky smirk lingered for just a moment longer before it too vanished, leaving nothing but silence—and a single, small, glowing white sphere resting where he had stood.

Etan’s breathing was shallow as he stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the small, glowing white sphere resting on the ground where Patrick had just stood. The faint light it emitted pulsed rhythmically, almost like a heartbeat, and despite everything he had just witnessed, an inexplicable pull urged him closer.

Crouching down, he hesitated for only a moment before reaching out and carefully picking it up. The surface was smooth, unnaturally so, and hot to the touch. But before he could inspect it further, the sphere pulsed sharply—and then sank into his palm.

“What the—?!” Etan stumbled backward, clutching his hand as the light faded into his skin. A sudden rush overwhelmed him—an emotion so foreign and intense that it froze him in place. It wasn’t fear or panic, but power. A raw, overwhelming sense of superiority surged through his veins, as though the world itself had just bent to his will. He felt taller, stronger—like a king standing above his subjects.

“No,” he muttered, shaking his head and forcing himself to focus.

He clenched his fists, forcing the surge of confidence down as his breathing slowed. Patrick was gone. Whatever just happened, there was no time to dwell on it—not with Jaden still missing.

Shoving his fear and confusion aside, Etan turned sharply and strode out of the alleyway, his focus narrowing to a single thought.

I need to find Jaden.

Etan hurried through the streets, his eyes darting between familiar landmarks. The towering buildings and narrow alleys felt eerily recognizable, almost like stepping into a memory that wasn’t entirely his. He moved with purpose, tracing the steps from the show burned into his mind, but doubt began to creep in as the minutes ticked away.

“I’m running out of time…” he thought, scanning the street one more time. The crowds thinned, the sun hung low, and the clock was merciless. For a moment, frustration threatened to take hold. 

But then, just as he was about to give up, a figure caught his eye.

A teenager stood near the edge of the sidewalk, glancing around with obvious confusion. His Kuriboh-like brown hair was unmistakable, and his outfit—a black jacket over a red t-shirt—fit the image that had been burned into Etan’s memory.

Etan felt a wave of relief so strong it almost made him laugh, but he quickly forced himself to maintain composure. Smiling as naturally as he could, he stepped closer and called out, “Hey there! You wouldn’t happen to be looking for the Kaibacorp building, would you?”

The teenager turned, his cheerful expression lighting up as soon as he saw Etan. “Yeah! That obvious, huh?” He said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.

Etan’s grin widened. “You could say that.” He took a deep breath, the tension that had gripped him all day finally beginning to ease. “Good timing. I’m actually a teacher at Duel Academy.” He gestured down the street. “Come on. I’ll guide you there.”

The teenager’s eyes lit up, and he hurried to Etan’s side. “Whoa, really? Thanks, man! I thought I was totally lost.”

As they walked toward the Kaibacorp building, Jaden looked up at Etan with his usual easygoing grin. “So, uh, since you’re helping me out and all, I guess I should probably know your name,” he said, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “I’m Jaden—Jaden Yuki.”

Etan glanced at him and smiled, offering a handshake. “Etan Troml. Professor Etan Troml, technically—but you can just call me Etan for now.” Jaden took his hand without hesitation, shaking it firmly. “Nice to meet you, Jaden. I think you’re going to fit right in at Duel Academy. That is, IF you win your examination duel.” Jaden beamed at the compliment, and for the first time all day, Etan felt a genuine sense of optimism about what was to come. He wanted to talk more with the kid, however, he would have to stop his inner fanboy, for Jaden’s sake.

Etan leaned back against the railing of the stands, letting out a quiet breath as he scanned the dueling arenas below. Jaden’s registration had gone smoothly—thankfully without any more unexpected surprises—and now the last few duels of the day were unfolding. He spotted Hibiki Midori standing near the front row, flanked by Zane and Alexis, both of whom seemed engrossed in the matches. Straightening his jacket, Etan made his way over to them.

Hibiki turned as he approached, flashing a quick smile. “There you are! What happened to Patrick? Did he run off after his loss?” she asked, her tone more curious than concerned.

Etan hesitated for just a moment before replying, keeping his voice casual. “Yeah, something like that. I couldn’t track him down after the duel.”

Zane, still watching the matches below, crossed his arms and gave a slight nod. “That’s a shame,” he said, his voice steady but with a hint of interest. “His deck was strong. I was actually hoping to challenge him myself.”

Etan suppressed a shiver at the thought. “Trust me, you dodged a bullet there,” he muttered under his breath.

Before the conversation could continue, the sound of an announcer’s voice echoed through the arena, calling out the next match.

“Next duel—Jaden Yuki versus Dr. Vellian Crowler!”

Etan’s eyes flicked to the arena below, spotting Jaden confidently stepping into position opposite Crowler, who already looked annoyed.

But it wasn’t Jaden or Crowler’s presence that caught Etan’s attention—it was Hibiki’s sudden reaction. Her eyes widened, and she leaned slightly forward against the railing, her expression somewhere between shock and disbelief.

Noticing this, Etan raised an eyebrow and leaned toward her. “Do you... know him?”

Hibiki blinked and quickly straightened up, her expression smoothing back into a jovial smile. “You could say that!” she said, although it seemed she didn’t want to elaborate.

Etan frowned slightly at her cryptic response but didn’t press the issue. Whatever Hibiki’s connection to Jaden was, it could wait.

As the hum of the duel disks echoed through the arena and the announcer began introducing Jaden’s match, Etan’s attention was suddenly pulled away by the sound of Alexis calling out to him.

“Professor Troml!” she said, motioning for him to turn around.

Etan glanced over his shoulder to see Alexis gesturing toward the stairs, where two figures were making their way up toward the group. “They just finished their admission duels,” Alexis explained. “They both won and said they wanted to meet you.”

Etan’s eyes immediately locked onto the first figure—a teenager who looked like he had walked straight out of a sports magazine. Blonde, muscular, and radiating confidence, the boy wore his white T-shirt with surprising ease, his aura unmatched. He flashed a sharp, practiced smirk as he stepped closer and extended a hand.

“Josh,” he said with effortless charm. “I’ve heard about you already, Professor Troml. Thought I'd introduce myself.”

Etan forced a polite smile, shaking Josh’s hand and internally noting how absurdly attractive the teenager was—almost suspiciously so. But before he could say anything, his focus shifted to the second figure, and his breath caught in his throat.

The girl standing slightly behind Josh looked far less polished—her teal-dyed hair framed her face in loose waves, and she wore an oversized hoodie that hung off her shoulders, giving her a casual and almost disheveled appearance. But none of that mattered. What mattered was how familiar she looked.

Her warm, earnest smile cut through Etan like a knife.

“Hey, Etan!” she said, her voice light and friendly, like they’d spoken only yesterday.

Etan’s heart sank. The arena, the noise, the duel—it all faded into a distant hum as the weight of recognition settled heavily on his chest.

His brain panicked as one thought replayed in his head. “Luna!?”

Author's note: And now Sophia’s champions appear. Yeah, poor Patrick was the sacrificial lamb this time, all the other champions will have way more involvement and progression compared to him. And yeah, Etan just defeated Tearlaments with a 2003 deck. Not Tear 0 mind you, of course that a full power tearlaments deck would be way harder to beat, so it was slightly nerfed.

And yeah, Etan will have to think better about his strategies, as this time you could say he lucked out. And…I wonder who exactly that girl was? Maybe she is not that important.

Also, happy new year and thanks for 400 hits!!!

Chapter Text

Author note: Hello there. Sorry for taking so long to publish a follow-up chapter, I was overworked and had a small case of writer’s block. Anyways, this next chapter is focused on the new characters and Etan’s adaptation, so do not expect an exciting duel this time.

The teacher’s cafeteria hummed with subdued conversations, the clinking of utensils against plates providing a backdrop to the midday routine. Etan sat at a corner table, his tray of food untouched. His thoughts swirled, replaying the chaos of the previous day. Patrick’s cryptic warnings, his horrifying disappearance, and the glowing sphere that had fused with him had been more than enough to keep him on edge.

But it was Luna’s appearance that truly shook him.

“It can’t be her” , he thought, staring blankly at his plate. His fork rested limply in his hand as his mind raced. “She vanished along with the rest of us. There’s no way she could be here unless…”

The memory of her smile was vivid, as was her casual greeting. He gripped the edge of the table, his knuckles whitening as he tried to calm himself.

“Hey, Troml! Back to earth, will ya?”

The familiar voice snapped him out of his spiraling thoughts. He looked up to see Hibiki Midori standing across from him, her usual playful grin plastered on her face as she dropped her tray onto the table with a clatter.

“You’ve been staring at your lunch like it’s got the answers to the mysteries of the universe,” she teased, pulling out a chair and plopping down beside him.

Etan blinked and forced a small smile, waving her off. “Just... thinking,” he said, his voice quieter than usual.

Professor Banner, sitting opposite him, raised an eyebrow, his tone calm but laced with curiosity. “Distracted, Professor Troml? That’s not like you,” he remarked, folding his hands neatly in front of him.

Etan shook his head, picking up his fork and prodding at his food as if to convince them he was fine. “It’s nothing,” he said, feigning a more casual tone. “Just a lot on my plate lately, figuratively and literally.”

Hibiki smirked, but her eyes narrowed slightly as if she didn’t entirely believe him. “Well, whatever it is, don’t let it ruin your appetite,” she said, taking a bite from her own meal.

Banner nodded thoughtfully but didn’t press further.

Etan forced himself to take a bite of food, his thoughts still swirling as he absently pushed his food around his plate. He was barely aware of the conversations around him when a familiar voice called out warmly from behind.

“Etan! Fancy seeing you here!”

He froze for a moment, his heart skipping a beat as he recognized the voice. Slowly, he turned in his chair to see Luna standing just behind him, her signature earnest smile lighting up her face. She wore a female Ra Yellow uniform, though she’d thrown her oversized hoodie over it, the hood casually pulled up.

“Luna,” Etan said, trying to keep his tone steady despite the surge of emotions he was suppressing. He forced a neutral expression, though his mind raced. “What are you doing here? This is the teacher’s cafeteria. Also, that is PROFESSOR Etanto you, young lady.”

Luna didn’t miss a beat, stepping closer and tilting her head slightly. “I need your help,” she said cheerfully. “It’s about my duel disk—there’s something wrong with the configuration, and I was hoping you could help me fix it.”

Etan’s eyes narrowed slightly, though he kept his composure. “I could look at it here. Shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.”

Her smile faltered just a little, and she crossed her arms. “No,” she said firmly. “It’s... more complicated than that. I need you to take a look at it privately.”

Etan raised an eyebrow, his suspicion clear. “Privately?”

Before he could press further, Hibiki Midori let out an exaggerated laugh from across the table, leaning her elbows on the surface as she grinned at him. “Oh, privately, huh? Isn’t that suspicious? A professor giving a female student a private lesson? Really, Etan, you ought to be more careful with appearances,” she teased, her tone dripping with mockery.

Etan shot her a glare, his lips twitching into a faint smirk. “This coming from the person who’s clearly obsessed with Jaden Yuki?”

Hibiki straightened, unbothered by the accusation. “Oh, that’s for me to know and for you to keep wondering about,” she said breezily, waving a hand. “And besides, it’s not anything malicious.”

Professor Banner, seated nearby, chuckled softly, clearly entertained by the exchange. He said nothing, simply watching with amusement as Etan sighed and turned his attention back to Luna.

“Alright,” he said finally, his tone laced with reluctance. “Let’s take a look. Lead the way.”

Luna beamed, stepping back toward the door. “Thanks, Etan! This way.”

As they exited the cafeteria, Etan cast one last glance over his shoulder. Midori gave him a playful wave, her grin practically radiating mischief, while Banner merely smiled knowingly. Etan shook his head, muttering under his breath as he followed Luna into the corridor outside. “How did my life spiral so out of control to end like this?” He thought.

Etan followed Luna into the quiet corridor, his footsteps echoing faintly against the walls. As soon as they were out of sight and earshot of anyone in the cafeteria, Luna stopped and looked around, her teal-dyed hair swaying slightly as her sharp eyes scanned the area. Once satisfied they were alone, she turned back to Etan with an expression that instantly disarmed him.

Before he could say a word, she lunged forward and wrapped her arms around him in a desperate hug. “Etan,” she said, her voice trembling slightly, “I thought I’d never see you again.”

Caught off guard, Etan stiffened before awkwardly patting her back. “It’s alright,” he said, his voice soft but firm. “I’m... I’m relieved to see you too, but Luna, you’ve got to stop—you’re strangling me.”

She pulled back with a pout, crossing her arms. “You’re acting so cold! Just like you did when we first met up again at the prospect duels.” she said, mock indignation lacing her tone.

Etan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Can you blame me? I was shocked to see you at all. And more than that—you’ve gone from looking like any other 23-year-old woman to a 15-year-old teenager. That’s not exactly normal.”

Luna smirked, striking a playful pose with one hand on her hip and the other flipping her teal-dyed hair. “What can I say? I’m rocking this youthful appearance! Lady Sophia’s power is the best for giving me the chance to be here, with all of our favorite girls and, specially, boys!”

Etan’s mind came to a screeching halt at her words. His chest tightened as he struggled to keep his expression neutral, but his heart pounded loudly in his ears. Sophia’s power? The realization hit him like a hammer. If Luna was here because of Sophia , then she wasn’t just an old friend—she was his enemy.

He forced himself to breathe, hiding his internal shock as Luna beamed at him, completely unaware of the storm brewing behind his calm facade.

Etan swallowed his shock and forced a smile, deciding it was best to play along—for now. “Sophia brought you here, huh?” he said casually, as if the revelation didn’t rattle him to his core. “Well, that makes two of us. Looks like we’re both working for her now.”

Luna’s eyes lit up with amusement, and she crossed her arms, leaning back against the wall. “Oh, really? You’re one of us ?” she said, her voice dripping with mockery. “That’s rich , Etan. I mean, you’re still yourself—being a teacher and all. You haven’t changed a bit.”

Etan kept his tone steady, ignoring the jab. “What can I say? Some things never change.”

She smirked, tilting her head. “So, tell me, partner, what Focus did she give you?”

His mind raced as he recalled Patrick’s cryptic explanation about Focuses—objectives tied to their existence in this world. Thinking quickly, he replied, “My Focus is to be a teacher and train the next generation of great duelists.”

Luna blinked before bursting into laughter, doubling over slightly as she clutched her stomach. “That’s it? That’s your Focus? Oh, Etan, that is super lame! ”

Etan’s lips twitched, but he managed to maintain his composure. “Well, not everyone gets a flashy or exciting Focus. Speaking of which—what’s yours?”

Luna’s demeanor shifted instantly, her face lighting up with pride and excitement. She clasped her hands together dramatically and leaned toward him. “Oh, my Focus is amazing! Super romantic!”

Etan felt a chill run down his spine, his instincts warning him to brace for impact. “Let me guess...” he said cautiously, dreading her response.

She grinned wide, her teal-dyed hair bouncing as she straightened up. “I have the best Focus of all: to make my ship a reality! Jaden and Chazz— together! Isn’t it the most perfect love story ever?!”

Etan went pale, his composure slipping for a moment as he stared at her in disbelief, even if he had already known the answer.

Luna beamed, completely oblivious to his reaction. “Sophia really outdid herself! It’s going to be sooooo good! Just wait, Etan—you’ll see how amazing they are together.”

Etan forced himself to nod, his thoughts spinning. “That’s... cool, Luna,” he said, trying to sound casual. “Really cool. And, honestly, I’m just glad to see you’re okay after everything. It’s a relief.”

Luna’s expression softened, her teasing demeanor giving way to genuine warmth. “Thanks, Etan. That means a lot.”

He nodded, taking a small step back. “That said, I actually have something important to take care of back at my office, so—”

He turned, already making his way down the corridor, but before he could leave, Luna reached out and grabbed his sleeve.

“Wait,” she said, her tone suddenly more serious. “Do you have any leads? About her Champion? Tierra’s?”

The mention of his own title sent a jolt through Etan, his heart pounding in his chest. “Stay calm” , he told himself, forcing his expression to remain neutral. “Uh... no,” he said after a brief pause, carefully choosing his words. “I haven’t seen anyone suspicious yet, but I’ll keep my eyes open. I’ll stay vigilant.”

Luna studied him for a moment, her teal-dyed hair falling over one shoulder as she tilted her head. Then she smiled, satisfied with his answer. “Good. I know we can count on you, Etan.”

Before he could react, she stepped forward and hugged him warmly again, her arms wrapping tightly around him. “It’s really good to have you here,” she said softly. “I thought I lost all of you...”

Etan hesitated, then patted her back.

As she pulled away, Luna gave him one last grin before heading down the corridor in the opposite direction, humming a tune to herself. Etan stood there for a moment, watching her leave, his mind racing.

Taking a deep breath, he straightened his posture and walked toward his office, his thoughts already shifting to how he could navigate this dangerous new complication.

Etan walked briskly toward his office, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows down the hallways of the academy. His mind was still preoccupied with his encounter with Luna.

As he turned the corner to his office, he was startled to see a delivery man standing at his door, balancing a large box nearly half his height. The man glanced up and smiled. “Professor Troml?”

“That’s me,” Etan replied, a hint of wariness creeping into his tone.

“Package for you,” the delivery man said, checking the address on his clipboard before nodding. “Sign here, please.”

Etan hesitated briefly before signing the receipt, his curiosity piqued. The man handed over the box, tipped his cap politely, and left without further explanation.

Pushing open his office door, Etan placed the box on his desk, eyeing it suspiciously. The plain packaging offered no clues as to its contents, but after some searching, he found a small note taped to one side.

“Happy birthdate!”

Etan frowned, flipping the note over to see if there was more. There wasn’t. “It’s not even my birthday,” he muttered, setting the note aside and grabbing a pocketknife to cut through the tape sealing the box.

Inside, two smaller boxes were nestled securely. He pulled out the first one and placed it on his desk, noticing immediately how light it felt. Opening it carefully, he found a strange contraption that resembled a small, sleek printer. The Kaibacorp logo was emblazoned prominently on its side, its clean, minimalist design making it stand out. Next to the printer was a small USB drive with “Tierra’s” written in neat, bold letters on its casing.

Etan’s stomach churned at the sight. He picked up the USB drive, turning it over in his fingers, his mind already racing with questions. “Tierra’s?” he thought. “What’s she playing at now?”

Setting the items aside on his desk, he turned his attention to the second box. This one felt heavier, its contents shifting slightly as he moved it. He hesitated for a moment before slowly cracking it open, allowing himself only a small peek inside.

The faint glint of polished material caught his eye before he shut the lid again, his nerves on edge. Whatever this was, it wasn’t a coincidence.

Etan hesitated for only a moment before pulling the second box back onto his lap. The strange tension in the air was undeniable, but his curiosity—and perhaps some underlying sense of dread—drove him to open it. Using the same pocketknife, he carefully sliced through the tape and lifted the lid.

Inside was another, more intricately decorated box, emblazoned with bold lettering that instantly caught his eye:

“Tierra, Source of Destruction: The One and Only Figurine!”

Etan froze, staring at the packaging. A vivid image of the figure adorned the front: a mechanical, snake-like demon with curling horns and flames erupting from its head. Its design was both menacing and intricate, with sharp angles and a sense of chaotic energy radiating from its form. He opened the box carefully, pulling out the figurine itself.

The thing was disturbingly lifelike for a piece of plastic. The mechanical body coiled in an aggressive stance, its horns curved wickedly, and the fiery mane on its head gave the illusion of movement. It was imposing, to say the least, and the craftsmanship was immaculate.

Etan held it up, turning it slightly to examine it more closely. “Is this some kind of twisted joke?” he muttered, his voice a mix of disbelief and irritation.

Before he could think further, the figurine’s head suddenly jerked to the side with a mechanical clink.

Etan stiffened, his pulse quickening. “What the—?”

Before he could finish, a playful, rich voice echoed in his head. “A joke? Oh, Etan, you wound me. I thought you’d be impressed!”

Etan’s grip loosened as the figurine slipped from his hands, landing upright on his desk with an uncanny bounce. He pushed his chair back instinctively, his eyes wide as he stared at the tiny figure.

With an almost theatrical flair, the figurine hopped to life, its serpentine body twisting as it spun in a playful circle on his desk. The flickering flame on its head seemed almost real as it danced.

“Surprise!” Tierra’s voice chimed again, this time filled with amusement. “It’s been so long, hasn’t it? Did you miss me?”

Etan, still staring in disbelief, struggled to find words. “What... what is this?”

The figurine came to a halt, facing him directly, as if it could see him despite its lack of eyes. “What does it look like?” Tierra replied with a teasing lilt. “I’m here to help! Aren’t you excited? I hope you appreciate the effort it took to deliver me to you.”

“T-Tierra?” Etan stammered, his mind struggling to keep up.

The figurine stopped spinning, its head tilting toward him. Though its expression was static, the voice in his mind carried a distinct tone of mischief. “The one and only. And here I thought you’d be more excited to meet me in person. Well, in this form, anyway.”

Etan ran a hand down his face, still trying to process the absurdity of the situation. “But... you’re a goddess—or something like that! Why are you presenting yourself as an ugly toy ?” he asked, gesturing toward the animated figurine with exasperation.

Tierra froze mid-spin, then tilted her head dramatically to the side as if pouting. “Ugly? Really? That’s just mean, Etan!” She turned her head to the side with exaggerated flair, crossing her tiny arms. “For your information, my more... humanlike form would suffice. But unfortunately, this is the form I’m allowed to take. You can thank the rules of the game for that one.”

“Rules of the game?” Etan repeated, his brow furrowing in disbelief.

“Exactly! And you should be grateful, by the way,” Tierra said, hopping closer to his computer. “I didn’t have to show up, you know. But I’m here to give you a little something—a spoiler, if you will. It’s not outright giving you a strong deck or an unfair advantage, but it’s... guidance.”

Etan leaned forward suspiciously, narrowing his eyes at her. “What kind of guidance?”

Tierra gestured adorably with one of her small arms—an almost endearing motion—toward the USB drive resting on his desk. “Plug it in, Etan. You’ll see.”

With a wary glance at the figurine, Etan sighed and inserted the USB drive into his computer. The screen blinked to life, and a folder labeled “Tierra” appeared instantly. Clicking on it, he found three subfolders inside: one labeled “Qliphort” with its icon corrupted and unreadable, another labeled “Infernoid” with a small padlock icon, and a third labeled “Genex Trash.”

“What is this?” Etan muttered, clicking through the folders.

Tierra hopped up onto the desk and pointed toward the screen. “See the locked one? Infernoid. That’s your big prize for defeating each of Sophia’s champions. With every victory, the lock will weaken, and eventually, you’ll gain access to the files. They’ll work with the little Kaibacorp printer to create cards—my magnum opus.”

Etan’s eyes flicked to the screen, then to the small printer resting beside his monitor. “You’re saying these cards are... your ultimate creations?”

“Exactly!” Tierra said proudly, her fiery head flickering as if puffing up with pride. “They’ll make you stronger, no doubt about it. But you’ll have to earn them, one champion at a time. No shortcuts.”

Etan stared at the locked folder, his mind already turning over the possibilities. “And the corrupted folder?” he asked, pointing at Qliphort.

Tierra hesitated, her playful demeanor dimming slightly. “That one’s out of my reach. For now. Think of it as... a side project that didn’t quite pan out.”

“And what about this last one?” Etan asked, clicking on “Genex Trash.”

Tierra crossed her arms, leaning back dramatically as if preparing herself for judgment. “Oh, don’t even get me started on that one...”

Etan’s gaze shifted from the screen to Tierra, and suddenly, the weight of Luna’s presence in this world hit him again. He clenched his fists before pointing angrily at the figurine, his voice trembling with both frustration and guilt. “Luna shouldn’t be here!” he shouted. “She’s just an innocent bystander! How could you bring her into this mess?!”

Tierra stopped her playful spinning and tilted her head, her fiery crest flickering slightly. “Luna? Oh, her.” She waved her tiny hand dismissively. “I didn’t pick her, genius. I had no idea who Sophia would choose as her champions. If it were up to me, I would’ve deleted all of your little friends when I whisked you away into this world. They were a loose end I didn’t care to deal with.”

Etan’s blood boiled at her flippant tone, and for a moment, he took a step forward, his body tensing as if to lunge at her. But he stopped himself, his hands shaking as he forced himself to breathe. He couldn’t afford to lose control—not now.

Instead, he clenched his teeth and narrowed his eyes. “Fine,” he said, his voice cold. “We’ll talk about that later. For now, tell me how to unlock the Infernoid cards.”

Tierra’s demeanor brightened instantly, as if the tension from moments ago had evaporated. She hopped excitedly on his desk, her voice chipper and eager. “Finally, something fun! It’s simple: just put your hand on the printer.”

Etan stared at her skeptically, then at the sleek Kaibacorp device. He took a slow, measured breath, his hand hovering over the machine as doubt gnawed at the back of his mind.

The flames atop Tierra’s head flickered with delight as she watched him, her voice ringing in his mind. “Come on, Etan. Don’t be shy—it’s not like it’s going to bite!”

Reluctantly, Etan lowered his hand toward the printer, his heart pounding as he prepared to see just what kind of chaos Tierra had in store.

As Etan’s hand hovered over the sleek Kaibacorp device, an invisible force suddenly yanked it downward, slamming his palm against the surface with a metallic clang. He grunted in pain, trying to pull back, but his hand was stuck, held firmly in place by an unnatural magnetism.

“What the hell—?” he growled, struggling against the device.

Before he could process what was happening, ten small cylindrical containers emerged from the top of the printer with a mechanical hiss, forming a perfect circle around his trapped hand. One of the containers began to glow with a dazzling multicolored light, pulsating in sync with an ominous hum that filled the room.

Etan’s eyes widened in alarm as he suddenly felt a searing pain in his hand. The white sphere he had obtained from Patrick earlier began to rise from his palm, its light dimming as if being drained. “Tierra!” he shouted, his voice tight with panic. “What’s happening?! What is this thing doing?!”

Tierra didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she perched herself at the edge of his desk, watching the process with an unsettling mix of fascination and detachment. “Huh,” she finally said, tilting her tiny head. “I didn’t expect it to be this dramatic.”

The sphere’s light grew faint as it was slowly sucked into the glowing container, the process dragging on painfully for what felt like an eternity. Etan grit his teeth, beads of sweat forming on his brow as the last traces of the sphere were pulled free. The glowing container clicked shut, and the hum stopped abruptly. All ten cylinders retracted back into the device, leaving the printer’s surface smooth and featureless once more.

The magnetic force released Etan’s hand, and he stumbled backward, clutching his wrist and glaring at Tierra. “What the hell was that?! You could’ve warned me!”

Tierra, unfazed by his anger, hopped onto the printer with a delighted bounce. She gestured toward the computer screen with one of her tiny arms. “Don’t be so dramatic. Check your folder.”

Still scowling, Etan turned to the monitor, his eyes narrowing as he saw the Infernoid folder. The padlock icon that had once marked it was gone. Clicking into the folder, he saw an array of files neatly organized inside.

“Ta-da!” Tierra exclaimed, her fiery crest flickering with pride. “And just like that, you’ve unlocked the first stage. Aren’t you glad you trusted me?”

Etan stared at the screen, his body still tense and his mind racing. “Glad isn’t the word I’d use,” he muttered. But as he scanned the contents of the folder, a faint, grudging sense of curiosity began to take hold.

Etan scrolled through the contents of the Infernoid folder, his eyes scanning the list of files. Each one bore the name of an Infernoid monster, followed by a .java extension: infernoid_onuncu.java, infernoid_sjette.java, infernoid_decatron.java, and more. Most of the files were still locked, their names grayed out, but one stood out—infernoid_decatron.java—its icon glowing faintly.

Curiosity got the better of him, and he clicked on the file. A wall of code filled the screen, and his eyes immediately began picking apart its structure. Despite its complexity, the intent behind it was clear. This wasn’t just programming—it was a blueprint for creating a physical, playable card for the Duel Monsters game.

He leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples. “Tierra, do you have any idea what this means?” he asked, gesturing toward the screen. “Printing a card like this—one that shouldn’t exist—would be illegal. If anyone finds out, I could be fired. Terminated from my job. This isn’t something I can just hide.”

Tierra perched on the edge of the printer, her fiery crest flickering with amusement. “Buuuuut...?” she said, her voice lilting with mischievous encouragement.

Etan sighed heavily, his moral compass spinning wildly. He glanced back at the printer, then at the glowing file on the screen. “This is insane,” he muttered, but his hand still moved toward the keyboard. With a few clicks, he sent the file to the printer.

The device hummed to life, its inner mechanisms whirring as the printer emitted a faint glow. Seconds later, a single Duel Monsters card emerged from the slot, its edges pristine and its surface shimmering faintly as if freshly minted.

Etan hesitated before picking it up. The card felt heavier than a normal Duel Monsters card—both literally and figuratively. The image of Infernoid Decatron stared back at him, its chaotic, fiery form perfectly rendered. The stats, effects, and text were all there, as real as any card he’d seen in an official deck.

Before he could examine it further, the computer screen flashed. The file for Infernoid Decatron vanished from the folder, leaving no trace.

“It’s gone,” Etan said, staring at the screen.

“Of course it is,” Tierra replied nonchalantly, her tone smug. “You only get one copy per file. No cheating!”

Etan held the card in his hand, the weight of his decision settling over him. This is only the beginning, he thought grimly, his mind already racing through the implications. He glanced back at Tierra, who was watching him with an expectant glint in her nonexistent eyes.

“What’s your next move, Etan?” her voice teased in his mind.

Etan stared at the single card in his hand, the shimmering image of Infernoid Decatron still fresh in his mind. Without hesitation, he turned back to the computer and clicked on the next unlocked file: infernoid_pirmais.java. The process was the same—he sent it to the printer, which whirred to life again.

Moments later, a second card emerged, just as pristine and powerful-looking as the first. He picked it up, examining the fiery mechanical monster on the surface. The combination of these two cards was enough to make him feel a flicker of readiness for what lay ahead.

Sliding both cards into his side deck, Etan stood and smirked. “Two should be enough for now,” he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. He glanced at the figurine on his desk. “I’ve got programs to prepare—there are two teenagers out there with perverted fantasies to stop.”

Tierra let out a delighted giggle, her voice ringing through the room like an echo of chaos. “I knew you’d come around. Oh, this is going to be so much fun.”

Without warning, she hopped off the desk and onto the nearest shelf, her movements oddly graceful for something so small. After spinning in place a few times, she settled on a spot, crossing her tiny arms proudly.

“And now, it’s my turn to go dormant,” she said, her fiery crest flickering faintly. “Rules are rules, after all. I’ll stay out of your way until you defeat another Champion... or until you fail spectacularly and Jaden’s destiny becomes irreversibly thwarted. Whichever comes first.”

Etan turned to face her, his expression serious. He gave a small, formal bow, one that carried the weight of his silent oath. “I won’t fail,” he said firmly.

Tierra let out one last amused chuckle before the flames atop her head dimmed and her body stilled. The once-lively figurine now looked like nothing more than a decorative piece, lifeless but still exuding a faint aura of menace.

Etan straightened, his mind already racing with strategies and preparations. The stakes had never felt higher, but with the cards he now held—and the challenges ahead—he knew he couldn’t afford to falter.

The grandiose Obelisk Blue dorm gleamed in the evening light, its elegant architecture standing as a testament to the elite status of its residents. On the dorm’s front steps, a group of Obelisk Blue girls giggled and fawned over Josh, who leaned casually against a pillar. His blonde hair gleamed, and his confident smirk seemed to charm the group effortlessly as he told some exaggerated story about his admission duel.

“You’re so amazing, Josh!” one of the girls gushed, her hands clasped together.

Josh chuckled, his tone dripping with charisma. “What can I say? When you’ve got it, you’ve got it.”

Before the girls could swoon further, a sharp voice cut through the chatter.

“Josh!”

Josh froze mid-sentence, his grin faltering slightly as Luna approached. She strode toward him with her teal-dyed hair bouncing and her hoodie pulled snugly over her Ra Yellow uniform. Her arms were crossed, and her face was set in an annoyed scowl.

“Shouldn’t you be worried about Tierra’s Champion instead of wasting time flirting with randos?” she said, her tone pointed.

Josh sighed dramatically, waving goodbye to the Obelisk girls with a charming smile. “Later, ladies. Duty calls.” The girls pouted but reluctantly dispersed, leaving Josh to follow Luna.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Josh gave her a sideways glance. “Seriously, Luna, could you not say weird stuff like that in front of random people? It’s bad enough I have to babysit you half the time. You should be more worried about fulfilling your focus.”

Luna rolled her eyes. “You’re so busy playing around that you’re practically useless.”

Josh smirked, his confidence unshaken. “Oh, useless? Like your little gay fantasy about boys falling in love is any less bogus than my goal. Newsflash: I’m the one who’s going to beat everyone to their focus. Including you.”

Luna scoffed, stopping to glare at him. “Yeah, right. Your ridiculous focus of ‘building a harem with the most beautiful girls at Duel Academy’ is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. And for the record, you’re nowhere close to bagging any important cuties.”

Josh smirked smugly. “Not yet. ” His eyes gleamed with determination as he leaned in slightly. “But I’ve got my sights set on the perfect target now.”

Luna followed his gaze, gasping at who she saw.

“Alexis Rhodes. She’s the one. ”

Author's note: Yep, curious that both of them have romance as their focuses… welp, I hope Etan can cook up something with his new cards, not that he can do Synchros or summon Infernoids easily… yet.

Either way, now I'll answer some comments:

Xenvic: It is a reference, I just had the image of this scene in my mind for the longest time and had to write it down. However, no, the other iseakaid protagonists won't be what you expect.

nickvan2024: As you can see, Etan is going to get “stronger” by defeating the champions, just not physically or mentally, right?

4KnockOut4: Yeah, this time Etan had luck. Who knows what decks the other champions will use?

Anna: Thanks.

Chapter Text

Etan sat at his usual spot in the Reference Room, his sharp eyes scanning the rows of students scattered throughout the space. The faint hum of the simulacrum chamber hummed in the background, blending with the quiet murmurs of conversation and the shuffle of pages. Yet, his focus was locked on two figures at the far end of the room: Alexis Rhodes and Bastion Misawa.

Bastion seemed as analytical as ever, his brow furrowed as he flipped through a thick manual on duel strategies, occasionally scribbling notes into a pristine notebook. Alexis, on the other hand, sat silently with her chin resting on her hand, her gaze unfocused as if she were lost in thought.

Etan leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly against the table. He couldn’t shake the unease creeping over him. Alexis’s demeanor was off—too quiet, too isolated. “If I recall correctly…”, he thought, his near-photographic memory kicking in, “she should always be surrounded by her two best friends: Mindy Hamaguchi and Jasmine Makurada”.

But since the semester had started, there had been no sign of either girl. Etan had searched the student rosters, even taken subtle steps to ask around, but the names Mindy and Jasmine were nowhere to be found. Not even if he searched for them by their Japanese names.

He shifted in his seat, his unease deepening. “Something’s wrong here.”, he thought, his instincts prickling. Alexis’s absence of her usual companions wasn’t just unusual—it was unsettling. While she maintained her confident air, the lack of her friends made her stand out in a way that didn’t feel right.

Etan’s eyes narrowed as he continued to watch her. Though the Reference Room was calm and quiet, the atmosphere felt heavy to Etan.

Etan’s gaze shifted to Bastion Misawa, seated a few feet away from Alexis. In stark contrast to her distant demeanor, Bastion seemed entirely at ease. He was calm, collected, and immersed in his studies, scribbling equations and strategies with the precision of someone who valued every detail. His quiet, focused nature made him almost invisible to the students around him, blending seamlessly into the background despite his obvious intellect. Then, Bastion’s eyes shifted quickly to Alexis, watching her with utmost interest. And, maybe with too much intensity…

Etan closed his eyes for a moment, letting his thoughts drift. His mind circled back to the absent faces that had been gnawing at his suspicions. “It’s not just Mindy and Jasmine, he thought grimly. Chumley hasn’t been around either. And Chazz’s random friends? The ones always backing up his antics? Not a trace of them anywhere”.

The realization settled uneasily in his chest, and his thoughts turned to Tierra’s warnings. Changes to the world, she had said. To the story. These absences—these gaps—were starting to feel like bad omens. “This has to be part of it”, he reasoned, his unease growing. “But why these characters specifically? What does it mean?”

His musings were abruptly interrupted by a soft voice.

“Professor Troml?”

Etan’s eyes snapped open, startled. Alexis was standing near his table, smiling warmly at him. “Are you okay? You looked like you were deep in thought.”

Her tone was casual, but her gaze held a hint of curiosity that made Etan sit up straighter. He forced a small, polite smile, still shaken by his train of thought.

Etan blinked, quickly composing himself. He offered Alexis a polite smile, masking the lingering unease from his earlier thoughts. “I’m fine,” he said, his tone calm and measured. “I was just thinking about how it’s nice to see more students taking advantage of the Reference Room this semester. It’s a big change compared to last semester.”

Alexis returned his smile, her expression softening. “That’s good to hear. It’s definitely a great place to study.”

Etan tilted his head slightly. “Was there something you needed?”

She hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting briefly to the floor before returning to him. “Actually... I was meaning to ask you something,” she began, her voice steady but cautious. “Have you seen—” She stopped herself abruptly, her words hanging in the air as if she’d thought better of finishing the sentence.

Etan noticed the hesitation but chose not to press her, his expression remaining neutral. “Go on,” he said gently.

Alexis shook her head slightly and offered a quick smile to cover her momentary pause. “I was wondering if you could recommend any good books on defensive strategies. I could use some inspiration for my deck.”

Etan nodded, gesturing toward a nearby section of the room. “You’ll want to check the second row from the left—there’s a series on Duel Monsters strategy that has a solid section about defense. Look for the ones with blue covers. If you want something more advanced, I can pull a few books from the restricted section for you.”

Alexis’s smile brightened, and she nodded appreciatively. “Thanks, Professor Troml, I think I’ll settle for the non-restricted ones. I don’t want you to get into trouble just for me.”

“Oh, right…” Those were restricted for a reason.

As she turned to leave, Etan’s thoughts lingered on the question she didn’t ask, and the subtle caution in her voice. “She was about to ask about someone”, he thought, his mind working to piece it together. “Atticus?”

As Alexis made her way toward the shelves Etan had indicated, a sudden, confident voice cut through the quiet atmosphere of the Reference Room.

“Well, well, Alexis Rhodes,” said Josh, stepping into her path with a charismatic smile. His blonde hair caught the light perfectly, and his toned frame gave him a presence that was hard to ignore. “Fancy running into you here. Though I have to say, I’m surprised that someone as dazzling as you spends her time buried in books.”

The voice immediately sent Etan into a defensive stance (although still sitting). The intent was obvious to him. He thought about getting up and trying to drive off the Champion right there and there. Then, he smiled and relaxed. His target was Rhodes after all, why not enjoy the show that was about to unfold?

Alexis paused mid-step, her expression neutral as she regarded him. “Josh,” she said simply, her voice polite but without enthusiasm.

Josh placed a hand lightly against one of the nearby shelves, leaning casually as he flashed another winning smile. “You know, I was just thinking—you’re always so focused and serious. It’s impressive, really. But maybe you could use a little break. I was heading to the Duel Arena to test out some new strategies, and I thought, ‘Hey, why not ask Alexis to come along?’” His voice was smooth and confident, and his tone carried just the right balance of charm and nonchalance.

Alexis crossed her arms, her polite smile thinning. “That’s kind of you to offer, but I’m not interested.”

Josh feigned a dramatic wince, placing a hand over his heart. “Ouch. You’re not even going to give me a chance? I’m just saying, it could be fun. A little dueling, a little strategy talk—you might even learn something.” His smile turned playful, his tone light and teasing.

Alexis sighed, her patience wearing thin. “Let me guess,” she said, her voice cool but civil. “This is what you’ve been saying to all the other girls you’ve talked to this week?”

Josh blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “What do you mean?”

Alexis raised an eyebrow, her gaze unwavering. “I mean I’ve seen you. You’ve been going from girl to girl since the semester started. You’ve got a routine, Josh. It’s impressive, really—almost professional.”

Josh recovered quickly, chuckling softly. “Hey, I can’t help it if people like talking to me. But you’re different, Alexis. You’re smart, driven—a total standout. I respect that.”

Alexis gave him a flat look. “And yet, here you are, trying the same old lines.” Alexis said, her voice cutting through Josh’s charm with cool precision. She crossed her arms, her expression a mixture of annoyance and indifference as she stared him down.

The scene was a total massacre from Etan’s perspective. He had to use all of his willpower to restrain his laughter.

Before Josh could respond, another voice chimed in from just behind Alexis.

“Hey, hold up a minute. Girls hate guys who rush them, Josh,” came the confident drawl of Chazz Princeton. He stepped into view, his signature smirk firmly in place as he crossed his arms and leaned slightly to one side, looking every bit as self-assured as ever.

Alexis turned, startled by the interruption, as Chazz continued with a haughty grin. “Maybe try letting her breathe next time, huh?” His tone was casual, but there was a protective edge to his words, as though he were positioning himself as her ally.

From his spot across the room, Etan raised an eyebrow, leaning slightly forward in his chair as he watched the scene unfold. “This is unexpected”, he thought, his instincts prickling as the tension in the room shifted.

Josh, however, recovered quickly, his charming façade replaced with a sharp, almost mocking edge. “Well, look who decided to show up,” he said, gesturing toward Chazz with a sarcastic flourish. “The snobby elite duelist from the Junior League. Come to show us all how his parents’ money got him into Duel Academy, huh?”

Several students nearby perked up at Josh’s words, their attention shifting to the brewing confrontation. Sensing the eyes on him, Josh spread his arms as though inviting an audience, his grin widening. “Come on, everyone! Gather around. Let’s hear what our golden boy has to say.”

Alexis sighed audibly, her irritation clear as she turned to Chazz. “Chazz, seriously, I don’t need anyone to defend me. I can handle this myself.”

Chazz, however, completely ignored her, keeping his attention squarely on Josh. His smirk deepened as though he relished the attention, and his posture screamed confidence. It was clear he wasn’t going to back down.

Etan leaned back slightly, still observing, his thoughts racing. “This is going to escalate quickly if someone doesn’t do something.”

Chazz straightened up, his smirk deepening as he jabbed a thumb at his chest. “Money? Please. My skill and talent are what got me into this academy—not my wallet. Every victory I’ve earned, I’ve done with my own abilities.”

Josh rolled his eyes, his grin widening as he addressed the growing crowd of students around them. “Oh, sure, your abilities—and your deck stacked with rare cards no regular duelist could ever afford. Must be nice having your parents foot the bill for all your strategies, huh?”

The gathered students murmured among themselves, some nodding in agreement with Josh’s words. A few cast curious glances at Chazz, their expressions shifting to skepticism.

The tension in the room thickened, and Etan decided it had gone far enough. He stood abruptly, his voice cutting through the rising chatter. “That’s enough!”

All eyes turned to him as he stepped forward, his calm but commanding tone silencing the murmurs. “This is the Reference Room, not a duel arena. If you’re going to argue, do it quietly—or better yet, take it somewhere else. We’re here to study, not watch a sideshow.”

Josh chuckled, his tone shifting back to one of exaggerated reasonableness. “You’re right, Professor. This isn’t the place for this kind of talk.” He turned to Chazz, his smirk returning. “So, why don’t we settle this the proper way? Let’s head to a duel arena right now and see if you’re all skill—or just carried by your fancy cards.”

The crowd’s murmurs grew louder as the students exchanged excited looks. A duel between Josh and Chazz was too enticing to pass up.

Chazz scoffed, stepping forward. “Fine by me. I’m not going to let some random guy talk to me—or my friends—like that.” His confident smirk never wavered as he squared up to Josh, his tone brimming with determination.

Alexis glanced between the two boys, her expression tight with worry. “Chazz, don’t let him bait you into this,” she said, her voice tinged with concern.

Etan frowned, his unease growing. “This could either go really well or really badly”, he thought, his mind racing.

The crowd began to shuffle excitedly toward the nearest duel arena, with Josh leading the way and Chazz following close behind. Etan and Alexis exchanged a glance, their mutual concern unspoken but evident. Whatever was about to unfold, it wasn’t going to be simple for Etan later.

The Duel Arena was a stark contrast to the quiet, studious atmosphere of the Reference Room. The bright lights illuminated the glossy floor, casting long shadows as the competitors took their places. The few students who had witnessed the confrontation in the Reference Room now filled the spectator seats, eager for the impromptu match between Chazz and Josh.

Etan and Alexis sat in the stands behind Chazz’s position, their vantage point offering a clear view of both duelists as they prepared their decks. Josh stood confidently at his station, his body language exuding the swagger of someone who thrived in the spotlight. Chazz, on the other hand, seemed calm and focused, his smirk signaling his readiness to take on the challenge.

Breaking the tense silence, Etan leaned slightly toward Alexis and asked, “So, you and Chazz—are you friends?”

Alexis blinked, caught off guard by the question. “Friends? I wouldn’t call us that,” she replied, shaking her head. “We met during the first week of the semester, and we’ve talked a bit since then. That’s about it.”

Etan raised an eyebrow, curious. “He hasn’t been annoying you like Josh was back there, has he?”

Alexis looked genuinely surprised by the question, her expression softening into a small smile. “No, not at all,” she said, shaking her head again. “Chazz hasn’t been anything like that. If anything, he’s... well, he just wanted to talk about homework and strategies.”

Etan couldn’t hide his surprise. “Just homework and strategies? Chazz Princeton? Seriously?”

Alexis chuckled lightly, her voice low so it wouldn’t carry to the others in the stands. “I know, it’s not what you’d expect from his image as a rising star, right? But he’s actually pretty chill when it comes to dueling. He just hides it under all that bravado.”

Etan leaned back in his seat, his interest piqued. His eyes drifted back to the arena where the duel was about to begin. “This is also a great opportunity to see Josh’s deck…”

The air buzzed with anticipation as the duel disks activated, the familiar hum filling the arena. Etan shifted in his seat, unsure of how this clash of personalities and egos would play out, but ready to see where it would lead.

Josh smirked confidently, shuffling his deck with practiced ease as he glanced across the field at Chazz. “You sure you’re ready for this, Princeton? I’d hate to embarrass you in front of a certain person.” His tone dripped with mockery, and the crowd behind him chuckled softly.

Chazz adjusted his duel disk with a sharp motion, his trademark smirk firmly in place. “Embarrass me? Please. The only thing you’re going to embarrass is yourself when everyone sees how out of your league you are.”

Josh chuckled, his swagger unshaken. “Big talk for someone whose deck is probably worth more than this entire arena. Let’s see if you can back it up, rich boy.”

Both duelists activated their duel disks in unison, the holographic fields lighting up with a burst of energy.

“DUEL!”

Chazz Princeton vs Josh Farley

Chazz confidently drew his first card, a smirk spreading across his face as he glanced at his hand. “I’ll start things off,” he announced, slapping a card onto his duel disk. “I summon Armored Dragon in attack mode!”

The holographic projector roared to life, and a green and yellow lizard-like dragon appeared on the field, its crimson armor glinting under the bright arena lights. It let out a low growl, flexing its claws as it settled into position. Armored Dragon (1900/1400)

Chazz glanced at his remaining cards, then slid one into the duel disk’s spell and trap zone. “I’ll set one card face-down and end my turn,” he said, gesturing for Josh to make his move. His smirk deepened. “Your move, tough guy. Let’s see if you can keep up.”

Josh drew his first card, his smirk unwavering. “Alright, let’s get this show started. First, I’ll activate Graceful Charity!” He slid the card into his duel disk’s spell zone, and the familiar holographic glow filled the field as he drew three cards. Without hesitation, he selected two cards from his hand and discarded them into the graveyard.

Etan leaned forward slightly in the stands, observing with curiosity.

Josh’s grin widened as he revealed one of the cards he’d discarded. “Next, I activate the effect of Fabled Soulkius! By discarding two cards, I can special summon it from the graveyard!”

A dark portal swirled to life on the field, and from it emerged a devilishly handsome figure clad in black armor, golden bracelets glinting on his wrists. His green lizard-like tail lashed behind him, and two sharp red horns gleamed atop his head. The creature crossed his arms confidently and smiled wickedly, his presence exuding power. Fabled Soulkius (2200/2100).

Etan’s eyes widened in surprise as he watched the monster take the field. “Wait a second... that’s a Fabled monster. But that’s a Synchro strategy! Those cards shouldn’t even exist yet… Does he even have them?” He thought. As Etan continued to watch the field, he could have sworn he saw the Fiend stare at him mockingly.

Josh chuckled, clearly reveling in the reaction of his audience. “What’s the matter, Princeton? Don’t tell me you’re intimidated already.” Without giving Chazz a chance to respond, he continued, slapping another card onto his duel disk. “I’ll also normal summon The Fabled Cerburrel!”

A smaller, cuter creature appeared next to Soulkius. The three-headed cerberus-like monster had the playful energy of a squirrel, its heads wagging as it settled into position. The Fabled Cerburrel (1000 /400)

“So this is Josh’s real strategy... a “Fabled deck”? Using discard effects to swarm the field.” Alexis commented, bringing Etan out of his analytic trance.

Down in the arena, Josh swept his arm forward with theatrical flair. “Battle Phase! Soulkius, show him how a real monster fights—tear through his dragon!”

Fabled Soulkius launched forward in a blur of dark energy, its fist colliding with Armored Dragon in a fiery explosion. Chazz shielded his eyes from the blast as his monster was obliterated.

“Ugh...!” Chazz grunted, watching his dragon vanish into particles. His expression tightened—not panicked, but the concern was clearly there.

Josh barely let the smoke settle before continuing. “Cerburrel, you’re up! Go straight for him!”

The cute three-headed creature bounded forward with deceptive speed, leaping through the remaining smoke and landing a clean strike on Chazz directly.

Chazz reeled back a step as his life points dropped.

(Chazz Princeton 4000 - 2700)

Josh crossed his arms, the same cocky grin plastered across his face. “And with that, I’ll end my turn. Try not to disappoint me, Princeton.”

Chazz’s fists clenched slightly at his sides, his eyes flicking from the grinning Cerburrel to the still-imposing Soulkius. He didn’t say a word yet—but the pressure was setting in.

Chazz drew his next card with a swift motion, his expression unreadable. He gave Josh a sidelong glance, but instead of responding to the provocation, he calmly slid a card into place on his duel disk.

“I’ll set a monster,” he said coolly, a soft shimmer revealing a face-down card on his field. “That’s it for now. I end my turn.”

From the stands, Alexis leaned forward slightly, her brow creased with concern. “That’s it? Just a set monster?” she muttered. “That’s not like him. He’s usually more aggressive...”

Etan, arms folded, didn’t take his eyes off the duel. “He’s not backing down,” he replied confidently. “Trust me—Chazz may act flashy, but he’s not reckless. He’s laying the groundwork for something. He obviously has a plan.”

Despite his calm exterior, Chazz’s eyes remained locked on the field, quietly analyzing every detail of Josh’s setup.

Josh grinned as he drew his next card, clearly enjoying every second of the spotlight. “Let’s keep the good times rolling,” he declared, holding up a familiar card. “I activate Pot of Greed! You know what it does—because I definitely do!”

He slid the card into his duel disk with a flourish and drew two more cards, his grin widening as he looked them over. “And now, I’ll normal summon Fabled Gallabas!”

A strange, green imp-like creature burst onto the field, its body squat and wiry, with twitchy limbs and jagged teeth. Its most notable feature, however, was the oversized wrecking ball it hoisted gleefully over its shoulder, swinging it back and forth with chaotic energy. (1500 ATK / 800 DEF)

Josh chuckled as he looked across the field at Chazz. “Are you ready, Princeton? Because, hiding behind a set card is not the attitude of a prodigy—unless that card of yours is planning to do your homework for you too.”

This made some of the audience laugh at Chazz’s situation.

Chazz didn’t flinch, his face a mask of indifference. But his eyes narrowed ever so slightly.

Etan watched closely from the stands, lips tight. Josh’s confidence was boiling over—but that was often when duelists made their biggest mistakes.

Josh snapped his fingers with theatrical flair. “Battle Phase. Let’s clear out your little mystery monster first. Soulkius, crush it!”

The dark-armored devil surged forward with a roar, its fist crashing down on Chazz’s face-down card. The card flipped up just before impact, revealing a small, coiled creature emerging from a pot—Totem Dragon, its beady eyes glowing as it let out a tiny hiss before being shattered by the blow. (200 DEF)

Josh barely paused. “Now the rest of you—go wild!”

Cerburrel dashed forward again with its boundless energy, followed closely by Gallabas, swinging its wrecking ball with reckless abandon. Both monsters struck Chazz directly, forcing him to stumble slightly from the dual impact.

(Chazz Princeton 2700 - 200)

Chazz gritted his teeth, clenching a fist as the last of the attacks settled. Sweat beaded faintly on his brow, but he still stood tall, refusing to let Josh see him falter.

Up in the stands, Alexis leaned forward, clearly worried. But this time, Etan didn’t offer immediate reassurance. His arms had dropped slightly, and his eyes were narrowed.

“He’s running out of room”, Etan thought, lips pressing into a thin line. ”If he doesn’t turn this around now, it’s over”. Maybe letting the situation play out had been a mistake…

Josh smirked confidently as his monsters returned to formation. “What’s the matter, Princeton? You look like you’ve seen the bill for one of your rare cards.”

Again, the audience joined the mocking with their laughter.

Josh’s mocking remark was broken not by a retort, but by the sound of Chazz sliding a card from his back row with newfound confidence.

He smirked as he looked up, meeting Josh’s gaze. “Your jokes are starting to get predictable, Josh. Stale, even,” he said, his voice sharp and controlled. “So I think it’s time we ended this little comedy act.”

Josh raised an eyebrow, but Chazz didn’t wait. He slammed the card into his duel disk. “During the Standby Phase, I activate Final Attack Orders!”

A wave of energy surged across the field, and Josh’s monsters—Soulkius, Cerburrel, and Gallabas—twitched as they were forced upright, all shifting into attack position.

Chazz crossed his arms. “No hiding, no defenses. From here on out, every monster stands tall. Scared, pretty boy?”

Josh narrowed his eyes, the shift in tone not lost on him.

Chazz’s duel disk glowed again. “And since I control no monsters... Totem Dragon comes back from my graveyard!”

A column of light shot from his graveyard, and Totem Dragon reappeared, coiling upward and hissing, once more ready to serve.

Chazz pulled one last card from his hand, holding it high as dark and light energy crackled around him. “Now prepare yourself, Josh. Because I’m about to show everyone on this arena why I’m the best!”

He placed the card onto the duel disk with force. “Come forth, Light and Darkness Dragon!”

A thunderous roar echoed through the arena as swirling black and white energies intertwined in the sky. From within the vortex descended a massive dragon, its body split between luminous silver and pitch black, its wings vast and pulsing with power. Its eyes glowed with ancient intensity, casting a dual shadow as it landed with an earth-shaking thud where Totem Dragon once stood. Light and Darkness Dragon (2800 ATK / 2400 DEF)

The arena quieted for a moment as the imposing beast unfurled its wings fully, dwarfing every other monster on the field.

Etan straightened in his seat, now the one smirking slightly. “So, this is Chazz’s ace this time around…”

Alexis gave a small nod at Etan’s remark, her eyes locked on the glowing behemoth dominating Chazz’s field. “That’s his best monster, no doubt. Light and Darkness Dragon—it’s the strongest card in his deck by far... and definitely the hardest to control.”

Etan glanced at her, intrigued. “Hardest? Why?”

But before she could answer, Chazz raised his hand without hesitation, cutting off any chance of further banter from Josh. “Battle Phase!” he declared, his voice carrying across the arena like a thunderclap.

The students in the stands leaned forward as Chazz pointed straight ahead. “Light and Darkness Dragon, destroy Fabled Soulkius! Chaos Flame Purge!”

The massive dragon unleashed a roar as a swirling blast of light and darkness erupted from its mouth, surging across the field. It struck Soulkius dead on, shattering the armored devil in an explosion of digital shards. Josh shielded his face as the impact rocked his side of the field.

(Josh Farley 4000 - 3400)

Gasps and murmurs rippled through the watching crowd. The sheer force of the dragon’s attack—and the way Chazz commanded it with absolute resolve—ignited a spark of awe among the spectators.

Chazz gave a smug flick of his wrist, letting his coat swirl dramatically. “You’re done,” he declared confidently. “You’ve thrown away your advantage and got nothing to show for it. Face it, you’re just a smooth brain poser who doesn’t belong on the same field as me!”

The audience gasped in unison at the sheer audacity of the insult. Even Etan blinked.

Josh laughed lightly, brushing off Chazz’s insult with casual amusement. “Smooth brain?” he repeated with a raised brow, clearly entertained. “Alright, Princeton—hypothetical for you. What would happen if I tried to use Fabled Soulkius’s effect to bring it back from the graveyard?”

Chazz scoffed, arms crossed as his dragon loomed behind him. “It wouldn’t work. My Light and Darkness Dragon would just negate it. That thing shuts down everything you try.”

Josh’s grin widened. “Yeah, but doesn’t it also lose attack and defense every time it does that?”

Chazz’s eyes narrowed slightly. “So what?”

Josh’s eyes gleamed. “So... what happens when I use Soulkius’s effect again?”

Chazz hesitated. “Wait—again? It’s not once per turn?”

“Nope,” Josh said smugly, already discarding two cards from his hand. “I activate Fabled Soulkius from the graveyard!”

Light and Darkness Dragon roared defiantly, energy flaring as it fired a pulse to stop the revival—successfully negating the effect but visibly weakening.

(2800 ATK / 2400 DEF - 2300 ATK / 1900 DEF)

“And now... again!” Josh declared, discarding two more cards.

A second pulse erupted from the dragon, straining now as it fought back the effect once more.

(2300 ATK / 1900 DEF - 1800 ATK / 1400 DEF)

Chazz’s confidence began to crack as his dragon’s brilliance dimmed.

Alexis leaned closer to Etan, her voice low but urgent. “That’s why Light and Darkness Dragon is so hard to control,” she explained. “Its effect triggers automatically—it doesn’t ask the user. You can’t choose when it activates, and it ends up draining itself just by reacting to anything.” She looked down at the field, concern flickering in her eyes.

Josh shrugged. “Looks like this duel’s is over indeed, Princeton.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd as the duel took a sharp turn—and Etan leaned forward, his curiosity deepening. “Josh isn’t just a loudmouth. He knows his stuff.” He reasoned.

Josh showed a wicked grin. “Alright, Princeton—let’s wrap this up in style. I activate Fabled Gallabas’s effect! By discarding my last card, I can destroy one monster on your field—”

Gallabas cackled gleefully as energy surged into its wrecking ball, targeting Light and Darkness Dragon.

The dragon snarled, flaring with a final burst of radiant power. “No!” Chazz muttered, he watched desperately as Light and Darkness Dragon automatically unleashed its effect once more, negating the destruction—but at a cost.
(1300 ATK / 900 DEF)

Josh’s eyes lit up. “Perfect. You weakened it just enough.”

He pointed forward with a flourish. “Battle Phase! Gallabas—wreck that dragon!”

Fabled Gallabas lunged, swinging its wrecking ball in a spiraling arc. It smashed directly into the faltering Light and Darkness Dragon, shattering it into shards of light and shadow. Chazz took the full brunt of the explosion.

(Chazz Princeton: 200 - 0)

The arena’s duel field flickered off with a final tone.

Winner: Josh Farley

Gasps and murmurs echoed across the stands. Chazz stood frozen, stunned that his ace monster had been outplayed.

Meanwhile, Josh simply rolled his shoulders and gave the audience a casual wave, as if it had all gone exactly as expected.

The moment the duel concluded, the crowd erupted into cheers. Students clapped and whooped as Josh struck a victorious pose in the middle of the arena, arms wide, basking in the roar of admiration.

“Now that’s how it’s done!” he shouted, laughing with pure bravado. “Who said smooth brains couldn’t duel, huh?” He spun on his heel, pointing finger guns at a few of the students in the stands who had cheered the loudest. “Remember the name, folks—Josh Farley, the guy who tamed Princeton’s dragon!”

Up in the stands, Alexis stood abruptly, her expression tight with concern. Without a word, she hurried down the stairs toward the field, Etan following close behind with a furrowed brow.

Josh, still soaking in the moment, caught sight of Alexis approaching and straightened up confidently, brushing imaginary dust from his shoulders. His smirk widened as he readied himself to greet her. “Well, well, if it isn’t—”

But she passed him without so much as a glance.

Josh blinked, his smile faltering slightly as Alexis walked right by him, heading straight toward Chazz, who was crouched low, hands clenched and eyes fixed on the ground.

“Chazz...” Alexis knelt beside him, her voice quiet and gentle.

He didn’t look up. He stood slowly, shoulders tense, gaze still locked on the floor. Without saying a word, he turned and began to walk away, his coat swaying behind him with each heavy step.

Alexis remained where she was for a moment, watching him go, then stood with a sigh.

Etan stood a few paces behind, silently observing the scene. His hands were tucked into his coat pockets, but his mind was racing. “That wasn’t just a loss,” he thought. “That was a shift. Something’s changed. And I have no idea where it leads yet.” He cursed himself for letting this happen.

Josh strolled up to Etan with the same swagger he had carried throughout the duel, his hands casually in his pockets and that ever-present smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “So, Professor Troml,” he said with a theatrical bow, “what did you think? Pretty clean, huh?”

Etan kept his expression composed, nodding curtly. “You’re skilled,” he admitted. “But mocking your fellow students? That’s poor form. Try to show some class next time.”

Josh chuckled at that, leaning in just slightly, lowering his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Oh, Etan... but why should we show respect to mere characters?”

Etan’s eyes narrowed, his faint smirk fading into a thin line. “Hmph. Whatever you say.”

Without another word, he turned and began to walk away, his eyes already scanning the exits, trying to track where Chazz might’ve gone. The duel might’ve ended—but something deeper had been unsettled.

The soft rustle of leaves and the distant hum of the academy's activity were the only sounds in the clearing beside the main building. Etan remained hidden in the shadows of a tall hedge, his coat brushing silently against the foliage as he watched.

Chazz Princeton stood alone in the open, his usually proud posture slumped, hands tucked into his coat pockets. For a few long moments, he said nothing—just stared at the ground before slowly pulling a card from his deck.

Light and Darkness Dragon.

He stared at it for several seconds, the card reflecting a glint of sunlight across his face. Then, with a heavy breath, he knelt and began to dig a shallow patch into the dirt with his hands. His movements were slow, deliberate—ritualistic, almost. When the hole was just deep enough, he slid the card in and covered it with earth.

“What a waste,” Chazz muttered under his breath, “what’s the point if I can’t even use you properly?”

He stood, dusted off his coat, and turned away, his steps heavy as he walked back toward the academy, his pride clearly fractured.

Etan didn’t move for a while. Eventually, he emerged from the bushes and sat on a nearby rock, arms resting on his knees, gaze fixed on the fresh patch of dirt.

“Poor kid,” he thought. “That dragon was everything to him. And now it’s a grave marker for his confidence.”

He let out a slow breath, leaning back and looking at the sky. His eyes narrowed slightly. “Now… how do I put Chazz Princeton back together again?”

Chapter Text

Author note: Hello there.

Etan stared absently at the plate of untouched food in front of him, the gentle murmur of conversation around the professor’s cafeteria becoming little more than distant white noise. His thoughts circled incessantly around one student—Chazz Princeton. The once proud and confident duelist had visibly crumbled after his loss to Josh Farley. Etan felt a weight in his chest, an acute awareness that he had to find a way to restore Chazz's shattered confidence, yet no clear path emerged.

A familiar, playful voice suddenly cut through his spiraling thoughts. "Earth to Professor Troml! Come in, Professor!"

Etan jolted slightly, lifting his head to see Hibiki Midori smiling down at him, her eyes sparkling with gentle amusement. Professor Banner stood quietly behind her, a mild smile playing at the edges of his lips.

"Sorry," Etan said, offering a weak, apologetic smile. "Guess I spaced out again."

Midori chuckled lightly, pulling out a chair and settling herself comfortably opposite Etan. Banner followed suit, taking a seat next to her, his movements calm and deliberate. Midori's expression shifted subtly toward concern as she leaned forward slightly. "Again? It’s becoming quite a habit of yours lately, Etan. You keep getting lost in your thoughts, and honestly, it's starting to worry me a bit."

Banner gave a small nod in agreement, though his demeanor remained characteristically calm and reassuring. "It seems you have quite a bit on your mind these days, Professor Troml."

Etan hesitated, pushing the untouched food around his plate for a moment before looking back at Midori. "I suppose I’ve just had a lot to think about, particularly regarding some students."

"Ah," Midori nodded knowingly, her expression sympathetic. "I heard about Chazz Princeton's defeat. He seemed pretty shaken up afterward."

Etan’s shoulders slumped slightly, the confirmation deepening his sense of responsibility. "Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking about. He’s not handling it well, and I’m concerned about how to help him bounce back."

Midori exchanged a quick, meaningful glance with Banner before returning her attention to Etan, her voice turning gently encouraging. "You know, Etan, sometimes stepping away and taking a break helps you see things from a fresh perspective. We're holding a horror-tale night tonight at the Slifer Red dorm—Professor Banner and some students will be there. Why don’t you join us? It could help clear your head and maybe even inspire some new ideas for Chazz."

Banner nodded enthusiastically. "Indeed, sometimes a change in setting and a relaxed atmosphere can offer new insights."

Etan considered their words carefully, feeling a small sense of relief at the thought of a distraction, however brief it might be. "You know what? Maybe that’s exactly what I need," he finally conceded, offering a genuine, appreciative smile to both his colleagues. "I’ll be there."

Midori smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction. "Good! I’ll see you tonight then. Try not to drift too far into your thoughts until then."

Etan chuckled softly, feeling lighter already as they all began to eat, their conversation shifting into lighter, casual topics.

Etan walked briskly toward the Slifer Red dorm, the cool night air clearing his mind after a long day. As he approached, the warm glow and faint sounds of laughter spilling out from the dorm offered a welcome contrast to the stillness of the night.

"Sorry I'm late," Etan announced softly, stepping inside the common room. His eyes quickly scanned the gathered group and immediately narrowed in surprise. He had expected to see Banner, Midori, Jaden, and Syrus, but was startled to also find Alexis, Bastion, and—to his particular dismay—Josh. Josh was seated alarmingly close to Alexis, who appeared noticeably uncomfortable, subtly shifting away and leaning slightly toward Jaden as though seeking his protection.

"Ah, Professor, you're finally here!" Hibiki announced warmly, standing up and gesturing toward Etan with a welcoming smile. "Everyone, this is Professor Troml, our special guest for tonight's horror-tale night."

"Hey, Etan! Glad you could make it!" Jaden greeted energetically, his enthusiasm visibly brightening the room.

"Good evening, Professor." Alexis added warmly, offering him a genuine and gentle smile that seemed more sincere than the others.

Josh gave Etan a brief nod and an overly confident smirk. "Nice of you to join us, Professor."

Banner greeted Etan warmly as well, seemingly unaware of Etan's discomfort. "Ah, Troml, you're right on time. We've just finished setting up. Come join us!"

Etan forced a polite smile, moving to an open spot opposite the group, his eyes occasionally flickering toward Josh, whose smug expression made Etan's skin crawl. He made a mental note to keep an eye on Alexis, hoping her evident discomfort wouldn’t escalate.

As Etan settled into an open spot opposite the group, Midori leaned slightly toward him and attempted to whisper, though her voice unintentionally carried clearly across the room. "Hey, Etan, what's up with Jaden calling you by your first name?"

There was a brief, awkward silence before Jaden laughed heartily, breaking the tension. "Oh, that! Professor Troml was the one who guided me to the admission duels when I got lost. He was really cool about it, so I guess it just stuck!"

Etan chuckled lightly, shaking his head with amusement. "I don't mind students calling me by my first name, actually. It's fine, really."

Alexis smiled playfully, giving Jaden a teasing glance. "Not knowing how to show respect is very much Jaden-like."

Jaden rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Hey, I know plenty about respect!"

The group laughed gently, the earlier tension dissolving into a comfortable warmth. Midori, smiling apologetically at Etan, nudged him with her elbow. "Relax, Etan," she whispered more quietly this time. "Just enjoy the stories, alright?"

Professor Banner cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone, let's begin! Here are the rules: each of us will place one monster card into this deck. We shuffle it, and then each person draws one card. The level of the monster drawn determines how scary your story should be. The higher the level, the scarier the tale!"

Everyone eagerly placed their cards into the pile. Banner then expertly shuffled them together, placing the deck carefully in the center of the circle.

"Since Professor Troml was late," Midori said teasingly, "he gets to go first!"

Etan smiled sheepishly and reached forward, drawing a card from the shuffled deck. Turning it over, he revealed Infernoid Decatron—a level 1 monster. He stared at the card thoughtfully, feeling a peculiar sense of connection to it. He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts for a moment before starting his story.

"There once was a man who lived a normal life in a world very much like ours," Etan began softly, his voice steady yet tinged with an undertone of sincerity. "But one day, he vanished without warning. He woke to find himself in an entirely different dimension—a world completely alien to him. He was utterly alone, without a single friend or ally, no guidance, no explanation for why he had been brought there or how he might return home. He wandered through unfamiliar places, faced unsettling sights, and struggled to find any sense of belonging."

Etan paused briefly, letting the story hang gently in the quiet room before concluding softly, "He continued on, driven by the faint hope that one day he might find the path back to his own world, or at the very least, some understanding of why he'd been taken in the first place."

As he finished, Etan looked up to see Josh staring at him oddly, a brief and tense moment of silent understanding passing between them. Before Etan could dwell further on the strange exchange, Jaden broke the silence with an exaggerated yawn.

"Man, Professor, that wasn't scary at all," Jaden complained jokingly, prompting quiet laughter from around the room.

Breaking the silence, Bastion's voice rang out with enthusiasm, "Well then, I suppose it's my turn now!" His sudden exuberance caught the group off guard, as Bastion reached into the deck.

Bastion drew a card and examined it. His eyes widened slightly as he read the name: Gaia Prominence, the Fierce Force. The card depicted a majestic, fiery knight, exuding immense power. Its Level 11 status and formidable ATK and DEF stats were immediately noticeable.

Jaden leaned in, eyebrows raised. "Whoa, that's a serious card. Whose is it?"

Syrus and Alexis exchanged puzzled glances. "I don't recognize it," Alexis murmured. "It's not from any deck I've seen."

Bastion, still holding the card, seemed momentarily taken aback. He quickly composed himself, offering a casual shrug. "Must be a new addition. Perhaps someone brought it in recently."

Etan observed Bastion closely. There was something in his demeanor—a fleeting hesitation, a subtle tension—that didn't align with his usual composure. It was as if Bastion recognized the card but chose to feign ignorance. Etan considered pressing further but dismissed the thought, attributing his suspicion to overthinking.

Bastion adjusted his posture, his calm, analytical air returning as he began his tale. “Let me share a story you might find… interesting,” he began, his voice steady but carrying a hint of gravity. “There’s an old dorm on this island. It was once a bustling part of Duel Academy, but one day, the students who lived there vanished—gone without a trace. Some say it was the result of dangerous shadow games, others whisper about experiments in the dark arts. No one truly knows.”

The group fell silent as Bastion’s narration wove a vivid picture: an abandoned building, the echoes of duels lost to the void, and the creeping shadows that seemed to swallow anyone who ventured too far. Etan listened intently, but the tale brought with it an uncomfortable familiarity. He had watched the flickering lights of that dorm from afar once, knowing that something far worse than rumors had taken root there. A chill ran down his spine as he remembered those silent nights, and then—his duel with Amnael, that battle of wits and shadows.

He took a slow breath and forced himself to focus as Bastion’s voice brought the story to a close, each word heavy with the weight of ancient fears and half-forgotten truths.

As the tale ended, Syrus shivered visibly, ducking under the table to hide. “Th-that was way too creepy,” he stammered, peeking out with wide eyes.

Jaden, on the other hand, seemed fascinated, his expression bright with curiosity. “Man, I didn’t know this island had such a creepy past… that’s awesome!”

Alexis’s face had gone pale. She stood abruptly, murmuring a quiet, “Excuse me,” her unease was plain to see.

As Alexis rose from her seat, her movement caught Midori’s concerned gaze. “Rhodes? Is something wrong?” she asked gently, her tone laced with the quiet care of a guardian who didn’t want to pry but couldn’t help but worry.

Alexis paused in the doorway as she got there, her eyes downcast and her voice quiet. “It’s nothing, really,” she murmured, though her expression was far from convincing. She offered Midori a faint, almost apologetic smile before slipping out of the room, leaving behind a hush of unease that seemed to settle into the corners of the common room.

Josh pushed himself up, the ever-present smirk on his face. “I’ll go make sure she’s alright—”

Etan cut in smoothly, his voice firm. “No, I’ll go. You stay here.” His tone was polite but left no room for debate.

Josh shot him an annoyed glare but ultimately sat back down with a huff. Etan met his eyes briefly, unwavering, before turning to follow Alexis.

Etan stepped out into the cool night air, quickening his pace to catch up with Alexis. He called out softly, “Alexis, wait.”

She paused, her shoulders tensing as she turned slightly, her gaze downcast. “Professor… it’s nothing you need to worry about,” she said quietly, her voice trailing off as she tried to sound dismissive. But Etan could see the sadness in her eyes, the weight of her burden pressing down even as she tried to mask it.

He took a brief moment to consider his next words, choosing them carefully. “You shouldn’t bear your sorrow alone.” he said gently, his voice steady and warm.

Alexis blinked, her eyes widening slightly in surprise at the sincerity in his tone. Etan stepped closer, his expression calm but resolute. “I knew your brother, Alexis,” he continued, his words measured and earnest. “And I can say without any doubt that seeing you like this… it wouldn’t make him happy.”

A single tear slipped down Alexis’s cheek, catching the faint glow of the dorm’s lights before she quickly turned her face away.

Alexis took a shuddering breath, her voice low but thick with emotion. “I haven’t stopped looking for him,” she said softly, her shoulders trembling ever so slightly. “Every day, I try to find a clue or something that might tell me where he is… or what happened to him.”

She hesitated, glancing down at the ground as she continued. “I… I even tried to ask the staff about the dorm, about what they know… but I was too scared.” Her fingers twisted together nervously. “I didn’t want to get into trouble for bringing it up too much. I didn’t want to be seen as… obsessed, or cause problems.” Her voice cracked faintly, revealing the weight of the fear and guilt she’d been carrying.

Etan listened quietly, his expression softening. He nodded in understanding before asking gently, “Alexis… was that what you were trying to ask me the day of Chazz’s duel against Josh?”

Alexis looked up at him, her eyes reflecting a mix of relief and vulnerability. She nodded silently. Etan let out a quiet, weary sigh, his mind racing. He could end this conversation here, keep things simple and safe… but in that brief moment of hesitation, he made his decision.

A small, wry smile played at the corners of his lips. “You know… normally, asking questions about something like this—especially if you went and trespassed on the abandoned dorm—would be a very risky thing to admit. The staff would take notice… maybe even expel a student for snooping around forbidden areas.”

Her eyes widened in shock, and she gasped. “So you know…” she whispered.

Etan raised an eyebrow, his tone turning teasingly light. “You just told me.”

Alexis’s cheeks flushed, and she looked away with a small, embarrassed huff. “That’s… that’s not fair, Professor.”

Etan chuckled softly, his voice warm. “Relax, Alexis. As far as I know, I haven’t seen or heard of any blonde girl roaming around the abandoned dorm. You’re safe.”

She smiled then, a soft, grateful smile. “Thank you, Professor. Really.”

Etan nodded. “I’ll help as much as I can, Alexis. I promise.”

They shared a quiet, respectful moment before parting ways—Alexis heading back to her dorm and Etan back to the others.

Etan let out a weary sigh as he fell backward onto his bed, the day’s workload at the Reference Room weighing heavily on his shoulders. He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the exhaustion wash over him. His mind drifted back to the previous night’s gathering. Alexis and Bastion… why had they even been there? Neither of them belonged to Slifer Red, and it wasn’t like they were best friends with Jaden and his circle—at least not yet. Something about it felt out of place.

Just as he began to piece together a theory, his phone buzzed loudly on the nightstand. He sat up, already recognizing the number flashing on the screen: Kagemaru. Etan’s jaw tensed. He answered calmly, voice even. “Engineer here.”

“Good,” came the low, authoritative voice of Kagemaru. “You’re to meet Amnael tonight at the Abandoned Dorm. He has information to discuss with you—about the sudden emergence of these… formidable students. Just as you suggested when I first brought you in.”

Etan’s eyes narrowed, his heart steady even as a flicker of unease ran through him. “Understood,” he said, his voice quiet but resolute. “I’ll be there.”

The call ended abruptly, leaving Etan alone in the silence of his darkened room. He exhaled slowly, his mind already racing ahead to the night’s shadowy meeting.

Etan stood in the dim light of the abandoned dorm’s library, shadows flickering across the faded spines of dusty tomes. His black coat and scarf wrapped tightly around him, lending him a spectral presence in the gloom. He leaned against one of the cracked wooden shelves, every inch of him still and watchful as he waited for his comrade to arrive.

His mind was a tempest of carefully laid plans. He had rehearsed this meeting for months, refining every argument, every piece of reasoning to justify why they should focus on certain students—on Josh, whose arrogance was a glaring weakness, and on Luna… Luna, who was a friend. Even in this cold, calculating role, thinking of her made him hesitate.

Etan’s brow furrowed, the memory of Patrick’s disintegration after failing his “focus” haunting him. He didn’t want that fate for Luna—he didn’t know if he could bear it. He had to find a way to protect her, even if it meant bending the rules he’d sworn to follow.

A cold draft slipped through the cracked window, pulling him out of his thoughts. Amnael stepped out of the darkness, his expression cool and unimpressed as his sharp eyes fell on Etan. “You’re already here, Engineer,” he said evenly. “Impressive.”

Etan straightened, meeting his gaze calmly. “I’ve been ready.” he replied steady, his resolve hardening behind the quiet words.

Amnael paused for a moment, his piercing gaze studying Etan’s face, noting the slight tension in his shoulders and the distant flicker in his eyes. “Yet you seem… distracted tonight, Engineer,” he remarked softly, though there was no sympathy in his tone. “Even the shadows around you feel it—like a haze of uncertainty. Is there something weighing on your mind?”

Etan’s jaw tightened ever so slightly, but his voice remained composed and cold. “That’s none of your concern, Amnael.” he replied tersely, his eyes hardening.

There was a brief pause, the air thick with the smell of old paper and the cold bite of the night air seeping through the cracked windows.

Etan exhaled, his voice even and clipped. “Are we ready to begin discussing the new students’ potential?” he asked, his tone almost a challenge, the earlier flicker of doubt buried beneath the mask of professionalism he wore like armor.

Amnael inclined his head slightly, his voice low and deliberate as he began to outline his observations. “Of course, Engineer. Let’s begin with the obvious—Jaden Yuki. A newcomer with unshakable confidence and an almost unsettling connection to his cards. He defeated Crowler in his admission duel, sending ripples through the entire academy on his first day.”

He paused, his eyes glinting faintly. “But that wasn’t the end of it. Jaden also faced off against Bastion Misawa, one of the most promising students of this generation. He dispatched Bastion’s calculated strategies with near-effortless creativity. And if that wasn’t enough…” Amnael’s voice dropped to a conspiratorial tone, “…he even managed to unseat the infamous Mr. Ryuga. That man had a reputation for disabling his opponents’ cards—somehow, Jaden triumphed over even that.”

Amnael shifted slightly, his expression dismissive as he continued. “Chazz Princeton, Bastion Misawa, Alexis Rhodes… they’re interesting, but secondary for now. None of them show the same raw potential or unpredictability that Yuki does.”

Etan listened intently. He did not remember anyone named ‘Mr. Ryuga’, he made a mental note to investigate him when he returned to his office. Then his eyes were thoughtful as he nodded. “Those students are indeed strong,” he agreed quietly, his voice calm and measured. “But there are others—others you’ve missed.”

Amnael’s eyes narrowed slightly as Etan’s words sank in. “I am aware of Josh Farley,” he admitted calmly, his tone betraying no emotion. “His display of raw strategy and overwhelming power in that duel against Chazz was certainly… impressive. But beyond that, the boy doesn’t interest me. His strength is evident, but strength alone rarely concerns me.”

Etan’s gaze remained level, his tone carrying a quiet firmness. “You’re underestimating him, Amnael,” he said with a trace of intensity. “Josh Farley is the prime problem for us right now.”

Amnael arched a brow at that, considering the conviction in Etan’s voice. Slowly, he turned and moved to sit on a dusty old table nearby, the wood creaking under his weight. He gestured calmly to the chair across from him, his eyes locked on Etan’s.

“Very well,” Amnael said evenly. “Convince me. Sit down, Engineer, and tell me why you think this one student is such a threat.”

Etan accepted the invitation and seated himself across from Amnael, the faint dust of the abandoned dorm settling around him. He leaned forward, lowering his voice as he spoke with quiet intensity.

“I watched that duel between Josh and Chazz,” he began, his tone thoughtful but edged with something sharper. “From a distance, yes—but it was enough. The boy didn’t just react to Chazz’s strategies; it was as if he knew them. Like he had studied every card in Chazz’s deck beforehand. His timing, his counters… it was almost uncanny, as though he had a sixth sense for the flow of the duel.”

Amnael’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t interrupt.

Etan continued, his expression darkening. “And then there are the cards he used: the ‘Fabled’ monsters. I’ve scoured every database I could find—official records, private archives, even some… less conventional sources. Those cards don’t exist in any historical record, nor does Josh himself in any notable dueling circuit. It’s as if he and those cards were conjured from thin air.” He exaggerated some parts, of course. He had to be as convincing as possible.

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. “I’m convinced, Amnael—Farley has some hidden power or strength beyond the norm. Something helping him stand out, and something that could be a threat to us… or an opportunity.”

Amnael listened to Etan’s explanation, his lips curling into a thin, calculating smile. “I see your point,” he said softly, his voice holding a note of dark amusement. “If you’re right, this Farley boy could indeed be an excellent source of dueling energy. But —we need a strategy, one for Jaden Yuki… and one for Josh Farley.”

Etan nodded, his mind already racing ahead. “For Jaden, I still need more time—he’s too unpredictable to pin down just yet. But if I can duel Josh, test his strategies firsthand… I could find weaknesses. Disclose them to the Riders so we can exploit them when the time is right.”

Amnael’s eyes glinted with a hint of admiration at Etan’s thoroughness. But before either could say more, a scream—panicked and feminine—echoed through the broken window frame.

A name appeared on Etan’s mind.

Alexis.

“Jaden! Syrus! Hurry!” Another voice, masculine and cool.

Both shadow riders rose and turned to peer through the grime-streaked glass, and sure enough, Jaden and Syrus were sprinting across the clearing outside, their urgency plain on their faces. But what drew Etan’s gaze next was the figure leading them—Josh Farley, his presence commanding and infuriatingly confident even in the darkness.

Etan’s eyes narrowed, the pieces falling into place. Of course. This was the night Titan would lure Jaden and his friends to the abandoned dorm. Josh must have seen the same opportunity, a chance to not only overshadow Jaden’s role as a hero but to insert himself into Alexis’s attention once again.

Amnael let out a soft, wicked laugh. “What a coincidence,” he murmured, turning his gaze back to Etan. “This is the perfect opportunity for you to… explore Farley’s deck, Engineer.”

Etan’s jaw tightened, but he nodded solemnly. “Understood.”

He turned away from Amnael, his coat and scarf trailing like shadows as he moved swiftly toward the tunnel that led deeper into the heart of the dorm, ready to face whatever waited for him in the darkness.

Etan pressed his back against the cold, crumbling stone of the tunnel wall, the shadows swallowing him whole. The air was thick with the musty scent of rot and mildew, the silence broken only by the faint echoes of hurried footsteps approaching from the distance.

He’d chosen this spot carefully—a narrow fork in the tunnel, where a dead-end passage was blocked by old, decaying wooden beams. Etan had spent hours mapping these passages during his long nights of preparation, and he knew exactly what lay beyond those rotting planks: a hidden room, almost entirely forgotten by time.

His eyes flicked to the barricade, noting the way the wood sagged under its own weight, barely held together by rusted nails and the stubbornness of age. It would take nothing more than a forceful shove—like the impact of two bodies colliding—to send it crashing down.

Etan exhaled slowly, focusing on the faint glow of flashlights bouncing along the tunnel walls ahead. He knew Josh would be leading—determined to be first, too proud to let Jaden take the spotlight. Etan could practically feel Josh’s arrogance from here, a suffocating presence that would blind him to the ambush waiting in the dark.

“Come on,” Etan murmured under his breath, his hands balling into fists. He would time this perfectly—strike just as Josh reached him, the two of them crashing through the wooden barricade and tumbling into the darkness beyond. And there, in the secrecy of that forgotten room, Etan would finally get the chance to see just how far Josh Farley’s power really went.

The rhythmic echo of footsteps grew louder, and Etan’s breath slowed, each exhale measured and deliberate. In the dim light of the tunnels, he could see the flicker of a shadow—Josh Farley, moving confidently at the head of the group.

“Perfect.” Etan thought, his muscles tensing in anticipation.

He waited until Josh was just a few feet away, until that self-assured stride was close enough for him to reach out and—

Etan surged forward, slamming his shoulder into Josh’s chest with sudden, calculated force. The impact sent them both hurtling backward, crashing through the decaying wood in a shower of splinters and dust. They tumbled together in a chaotic dance, the world around them a blur of darkness and falling debris. For a moment, it felt as if they were plunging down a steep hill, gravity pulling them deeper and deeper into the shadows.

When they finally skidded to a stop, they were in a small, dimly lit room. Flickering candlelight revealed walls lined with old stone, a ring of candles casting long, dancing shadows across the space. Etan’s eyes were drawn to the floor where, scrawled in bold strokes of red paint, was a single kanji character: greed.

Etan rose smoothly, his coat settling around him like the cloak of a specter. He turned to face Josh, his expression cold and his posture rigid with menace, as if daring the boy to rise and face him. In the wavering glow of the candles, Etan looked every inch the specter of judgment—ready to see what Josh was truly capable of.

Josh let out a pained cough, grimacing as he propped himself up on his elbows. His expression quickly twisted into an annoyed scowl. “What the hell—?!” he spat, his eyes scanning the small, candlelit room in disbelief. “Who the hell are you supposed to be?!”

Etan didn’t move from where he stood, his coat and scarf making him look like a dark sentinel against the flickering lights. “I am the Engineer,” he said quietly, his voice cutting through the musty air like a blade. “I’ve been watching you, Josh Farley—watching your reckless behavior, your disregard for others. You’ve become a nuisance, a disruption to everything that’s meant to be.”

Josh’s eyes narrowed, his confusion morphing into a defiant smirk. “The Engineer? What is this, some circus act? Did Crowler put you up to this? You’re just some clown trying to scare me.” He laughed, shaking his head dismissively. “Look, pal, I don’t have time for your weird games. I’ve got a ‘baddie’ to rescue tonight, so how about you just step aside?”

Etan’s gaze didn’t waver, although the word he used to refer to Alexis did make him angry, he maintained his eyes locked on Josh’s as he took a single, deliberate step forward. “I’m not here to scare you, Josh. I’m your programmed end.” he said coolly, his hand moving to the side of his coat. With a smooth motion, he flicked his wrist and activated his duel disk. The mechanical click and low hum of energy filled the small room as the red glow of the disk’s activation cast deep shadows across his face.

Josh blinked at the sudden shift in tone, the easy grin slipping for just a moment. “Oh, you’re serious?” he asked, a hint of surprise breaking through his bravado. But then he let out a huff, rolling his shoulders back with an annoyed exhale. “Alright, man. You want a duel? Fine. You’re not the first psycho to try and stand in my way, and you won’t be the last.”

Etan took another step forward, positioning himself squarely in front of the moss-covered stairs that led back up to the main tunnel. “You’re not going anywhere.” he said calmly, his voice steady and resolute. “Not until you show me what you’re really capable of.”

Josh’s eyes flashed with irritation, but he didn’t hesitate. With a sharp flick of his wrist, his own duel disk activated, the familiar blue glow lighting up the chamber’s stone walls. He shot Etan a final, contemptuous smirk. “Fine. Let’s see if you’re as good as you think you are, ‘Engineer.’ Just remember—you’re the one who asked for this.” The two duelists squared off in the ancient, candlelit room, the oppressive silence between them thick with challenge and expectation.

“DUEL”

The Engineer vs Josh Farley

Josh smirked as he drew his opening hand, eyes flicking up at Etan with a lazy confidence. “Let’s see if you’re worth my time.” He set a monster and a spell or trap card onto his duel disk, the soft thunks echoing around the stone walls like the first beats of a war drum. “I’ll start things off easy,” he drawled, his tone nonchalant.

Then he let his gaze travel over Etan’s dark coat and scarf, his smirk turning into a mocking grin. “Seriously though… what’s with the outfit, bro? You trying to look like some kind of ‘Shadow Rider’ or something?”

For a moment, Etan didn’t reply, a flicker of excitement sparking in his chest at the question. The irony of it—the idea that even if he thought that the Shadow Riders were a dumb organization when he was a kid, now he got to be one—made his lips curl into a faint, almost foreboding smile. He let out a low, amused laugh that echoed softly in the candlelit room.

“What if I am?” he asked, his voice like a dark promise in the flickering shadows.

Josh’s eyes widened for a brief second, the smirk slipping just a fraction as a chill settled in the air. But then he rolled his eyes and snorted, shaking his head as if to try and banish the thought. “Whatever, bro. At best you are a cheap knock off!” he said, though there was a new edge to his voice—a tension that hadn’t been there before.

Etan watched him calmly, the faintest glint of challenge in his eyes. He was going to crack this guy. Then, he remembered what happened to Patrick. He thought about it for a second, was Josh going to disappear just like him? He shook his head. No, Josh was too dangerous to be left free. He saw his starting hand. This WAS the hand if he had ever seen one. And, to start it all, his recently acquired cards: the Infernoids. He couldn’t lie, the cards were not that strong as he had read the effects already. However, seeing them in this context… he swore they gave a horrible aura.

“What the hell am I thinking?” He thought before drawing his turn card.

With a deliberate breath, Etan’s hand moved smoothly, selecting a card from his hand. “I’ll start by banishing Infernoid Decatron from my hand to special summon Infernoid Pirmais in defense position!” he declared. The candles flickered violently as the card’s image solidified on his duel disk, and then the metallic form of Pirmais emerged from the shadows—its body like a dark gargoyle, a single cylindrical white tube protruding from its back that glowed faintly in the dim light. (0/0)

Josh’s eyes widened for a split second, his confident smirk faltering. “No… there’s no way he is—” he whispered to himself, but his voice was swallowed by the crackle of the summoned monster’s presence.

Etan’s voice was calm and cold as he continued. “Next, I’ll activate Pirmais’ effect—shuffle your set spell or trap card back into your deck.” The runes on Pirmais’ cylindrical spine pulsed, and with a low hum, the card on Josh’s field vanished behind a curtain of blue flames without even the chance for him to activate it.

Josh’s hands twitched at his duel disk, his brow furrowing. “It… didn’t even give me a chance to respond,” he muttered, the tension in his voice clear.

Etan nodded slightly, his own expression unreadable. “That’s the nature of Pirmais’ effect—it’s absolute. Your card has been…cleansed by pure flames.” he explained in a low tone, almost as if savoring the knowledge that Josh was finally starting to feel real pressure. However, he also could not explain how the bit about the ‘pure flames’ came into his mind. It was like a reflex.

He didn’t waste time. “Next, I’ll activate the effect of Thunder Dragon in my hand three times,” he announced, his fingers flicking through the cards with mechanical precision. “First, I’ll reveal one to add the other two copies to my hand… and then, I’ll discard the two I just searched, though they won’t activate any further effect.”

Josh’s eyes flickered with growing concern as he watched Etan’s hand thin, the graveyard swelling with the discarded dragons.

“And now…” Etan slid another card onto his duel disk, its edges gleaming faintly in the candlelight. “I’ll normal summon Bazoo the Soul-Eater.” The field shimmered as the monstrous, gorilla-like creature appeared, muscles rippling under coarse fur and a hungry light in its eyes. Etan’s voice was calm but cutting as he ordered, “I’ll activate Bazoo’s effect, banishing all three Thunder Dragons in my graveyard to increase its attack to 2500.”

The flickering glow of the room seemed to pulse in time with Bazoo’s power surge, the creature’s bellow echoing softly in the confined space as Etan watched Josh with cold, unwavering eyes. (2500/900)

Etan let out a slow breath, feeling the familiar rush of his duel disk as he slid another card onto it. “I’ll activate Dimension Fusion ,” he declared, his tone even but carrying a faint weariness. A sudden pulse of eerie light filled the room as he paid the 2000 life points, and the air seemed to thrum with energy. One by one, the three Thunder Dragons returned to the field, their electric bodies crackling as they took up their positions once more. (1600/1500)

(The Engineer 4000 - 2000)

For a moment, Etan looked at the board he’d assembled—the Thunder Dragons and Bazoo standing ready—and felt a strange flicker of doubt. Was Josh really worth this show of force? His opponent’s eyes were wide with a mix of fear and defiance, his shoulders trembling slightly. In that second, Etan saw not an arrogant intruder but just another teenage boy, no different from the students he’d tutored back on his dimension.

A heavy sigh slipped from Etan’s lips. “Maybe I overestimated you.” he thought to himself, his brow furrowing with faint regret. Josh looked so young and small now, backed into a corner with nothing left but bravado.

Josh’s jaw clenched, and he barked out a shaky taunt, his voice thin and strained. “Well, come on then! Attack me if you dare!”

Etan’s eyes hardened again. He recognized it for what it was: a last-ditch bluff to hide the fear in Josh’s eyes. He drew in a slow breath, then gave a curt nod. “Fine. Thunder Dragon—attack his set monster.”

The crackling dragon lunged forward, claws gleaming with energy. The set monster flipped up, revealing a small green imp-like creature perched on a tiny white pegasus: The Fabled Peggulsus. Its defensive power matched Thunder Dragon’s own, and the two monsters clashed in a shower of sparks, each surviving the encounter.

Etan cursed softly under his breath, his mind snapping back to the duel. “I got distracted…” he thought grimly.

His eyes narrowed, determination hardening his resolve. “Bazoo—finish it!” he ordered. Bazoo the Soul-Eater let out a monstrous roar and smashed Peggulsus aside, clearing the field. Etan’s Thunder Dragons surged forward one by one in the fading candlelight, their crackling attacks battering Josh’s life points down.

(Josh Farley 4000 - 800)

Josh crumpled to his knees, his breathing ragged as he cradled his right arm with his left, trying to soothe the faint tremors of pain that had begun to spread through his body. Etan watched him coldly, his expression stern and unyielding as he lifted a single finger to point directly at his opponent.

“Surrender now, Josh,” he said quietly, his voice echoing in the small, candlelit room. “Or else…”

But before he could finish, the flickering candle flames overhead began to glow with an intense white and green light. Slowly, they started to spin, casting long, whirling shadows across the ancient stone walls. Etan’s brow furrowed, his focus slipping for the first time as he took a single, uncertain step backward.

“What… what is this?” he murmured, watching the strange light show with a growing unease.

Josh looked up at him, his expression softening with something almost like resignation. “You know, Engineer… maybe you’re right,” he said, his voice so soft it was almost lost beneath the low hum of the spinning candles. “Maybe I should just surrender…”

Etan opened his mouth to respond, but his words caught in his throat as the air beside Josh shimmered—Fabled Soulkius materialized slowly from thin air, his armor-clad form pulsing with greenish light.

“What? What the hell?!” Etan sputtered, eyes wide as he stared at the phantom presence.

Soulkius didn’t even glance at him. Instead, he rested a gauntleted hand on Josh’s shoulder, his voice deep and smooth. “Partner, do not give up on our conquest so easily,” he said, a grin hidden behind his confident tone. “Remember the promise we made when we met.”

Josh’s lips twitched, his earlier fear melting away into a smirk as he looked up at Soulkius. “Yeah, bro,” he said with a laugh, his usual cocky bravado returning in force. “You’re right—I can’t let this hobo stop me from bagging all the smoking hot chicks at the academy!”

Soulkius threw back his head with a hearty laugh, offering his armored hand to Josh. “That’s my fabulous bro! Now… thrash this loser!” he said, his tone dripping with easy confidence. Josh grasped his hand firmly, and Soulkius pulled him to his feet.

They high-fived each other with an echoing smack, and Soulkius moved to stand behind Josh, arms crossed and a proud light in his eyes. The candles’ rotation quickened, filling the room with a hopeful, defiant glow that banished the earlier shadows.

Etan’s mind raced, his eyes darting between Josh and the spectral Soulkius. “So… a Duel Spirit?” he thought, his chest tightening with a sudden thrill of realization. “He’s… he’s bonded to a Duel Spirit. How!?” 

Josh’s eyes glimmered with renewed confidence as he wiped a fleck of dust from his chin. “Ya know…” he said with a slow smirk, leaning forward just a bit, “I REALLY was scared there for a moment, ‘eNgiNeeR’.” He snapped his duel disk closed with a flourish. “But now? You’re about to enter a world of pain!”

With a dramatic flick of his wrist, Josh activated his spell. “I activate Card Destruction!” The eerie glow of the candles intensified as both duelists sent their entire hands tumbling into their graveyards, the brief flash of movement almost like a magician’s trick. Etan’s expression remained impassive, but his eyes were locked on the strange, bright white light that pulsed around Josh’s hand as he drew three fresh cards. It was almost as if fate itself had answered his call—an unmistakable surge of power that made Etan’s chest tighten with both anticipation and dread.

“A Destiny Draw?” he thought, excitement and fear warring within him. “No… that’s impossible… but if it is—this just got even more dangerous.”

Josh didn’t miss a beat. “As for my first play…” he said smoothly, “The Fabled Cerburrel , discarded by Card Destruction’s effect! I special summon it from the graveyard!” The small, three-headed imp appeared in a swirl of energy, yipping excitedly as it took its place on Josh’s field.

Etan’s lips curled into a thin smile. “Your efforts are wasted,” he said icily, his hand already moving to his duel disk. “Infernoid Pirmais —activate your second effect! I’ll tribute it to banish that pathetic creature!” A dark pulse of power surrounded Pirmais as it flew over to Cerburrel, trapping it on his back tube with eerie agility and disappearing in a flash of blue flames.

Josh’s grin widened. “Oh, nice move!” he said with a mocking laugh, “But I’m not done. The other card I discarded? Another Cerburrel!” He flicked a second card into his graveyard, and another Cerburrel popped back onto the field, almost as if nothing had changed. Etan’s eyes narrowed in brief surprise, his cold focus slipping for just a second.

Before Etan could react further, Josh discarded two cards from his hand, the motion swift and sure. “And next—I discard two to special summon Soulkius from the graveyard!” The armored figure strutted onto the field. Soulkius posed dramatically in the middle of Josh’s field, crossing his arms as he shot Etan a mocking smirk.

“Hey there, Mr. Engineer,” Soulkius taunted, his voice smooth and amused. “Looks like your little plan isn’t holding up so well, huh?”

Etan’s lips parted in a slow, malicious grin, a soft laugh bubbling up from his chest. “Even now,” he said, his tone like cold steel, “it won’t be enough to stop me.”

Josh’s smirk slipped, replaced by a flicker of uncertainty. His eyes darted between his cards and the spinning candles, the green and white glow reflecting in his tense expression. “You’re right… even now, it might not be enough,” he admitted, his voice low and wary.

Soulkius leaned forward slightly, his arms still crossed but his tone amused and conspiratorial. “Do you remember the technique we practiced back at the dorm this morning?” he asked, his voice rich with anticipation.

Josh’s brow furrowed, his shoulders stiffening. “That? Soulkius, we tried that already—my duel disk wouldn’t even let me do Synchro summons. It’s impossible here.”

Soulkius just laughed, his deep voice echoing in the flickering light. “Yeah, normally,” he said with a sly smile. Then he gestured to the candles spinning ever faster above them. “But look around you, partner—Lady Sophia has given us her blessing tonight.”

Etan’s eyes widened, alarm sparking in his chest as he watched the exchange. Synchro summoning? That technique shouldn’t even exist yet in this world. And yet… the Fabled archetype was a Synchro strategy. Etan felt a cold knot of dread settle in his gut as he realized that Josh and his spirit partner might actually have the means to bridge that gap.

Before he could speak, Josh’s eyes lit up with sudden realization. “You’re right, Soulkius. Let’s do it,” he said, his voice growing steady and sure. The candles above flared brighter, and a green rune appeared on the ground around him, its lines crackling with ethereal light. Etan’s breath caught in his throat as the impossible began to unfold before his eyes.

As the green rune beneath Josh flared brighter, the candlelight intensified, casting the abandoned dorm in an otherworldly glow. Reality seemed to shift in that moment.

Josh took a steadying breath. “Alright, let’s do this.” He slammed his duel disk closed temporarily with resolve.

Across the room, Cerburrel, the tuner monster, held his form steady. Green energy spiraled around him, condensing into two overlapping rings that circled his entire body. They spun in perfect symmetry, humming with arcane power.

Beside him, Soulkius, a non-tuner monster, glowed with six brilliant spheres of light—three above and three below, orbiting his arms and shoulders like jewels. Each orb pulsed in time with the candlelight overhead, synchronized with the rotating flames.

Cerburrel’s green rings and Soulkius’s golden spheres began to merge: the six orbs moved inward, slipping into the twin rings at the moment they overlapped. The energy swirled—bright arcs of light raced along the rings, connecting the orbs into a single, crackling coil.

Just before the clash of powered elements could overwhelm the small room, a blinding column of multi-colored light exploded upward toward the ceiling—like a newborn star bursting into existence.

Where that light had been, now stood Fabled Valkyrus—a towering humanoid figure in black and red armor. Massive black bat-like wings unfurled behind him. His weapons glowed with ancient symbols; his eyes bore a confident, cruel light. The warrior exuded raw power. (2900/1700)

Etan's breath caught. The impossible had happened—a Synchro Summon. He inhaled sharply, the smell of ozone and candle wax in his nostrils. “I… that’s impossible,” he whispered under his breath, his mind reeling with the implications. Etan realized this was exactly the breakthrough he expected to make by dueling Josh, but he couldn’t believe what was happening.

Josh smirked as the towering figure of Fabled Valkyrus stood protectively at his side. He reached into his hand, pulling a single card between his fingers with slow, deliberate care. “Valkyrus’ effect,” he announced with a quiet confidence, “lets me discard a fiend monster to draw a new card.”

He discarded the card with a flourish, and as his fingers closed around the newly drawn card, the candles pulsed brighter, that same unnatural white light flaring again as if to mark the moment. Josh’s grin spread wider, his teeth flashing in the flickering glow.

Etan felt a chill crawl down his spine as Josh slowly turned the card to reveal it—a single word scrawled across the top in golden script: Raigeki.

Josh’s laughter echoed in the chamber, bright and triumphant. “This duel’s over,” he declared, his voice laced with delight. “Let’s see you handle this, Engineer!”

Etan’s eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat. There was no escaping this. No trick he could pull, no card that could save him now. He swallowed hard, his pulse roaring in his ears as Josh’s voice rose in command.

“Raigeki—activate!” Josh’s duel disk flared with a brilliant light, and in an instant, Etan’s entire field was swallowed by an eruption of energy. Thunderous arcs of electricity tore through his monsters, leaving nothing behind but the acrid scent of ozone and the fading echoes of their destruction.

Josh didn’t hesitate. “Valkyrus—attack directly!”

The imposing warrior spread its massive wings and lunged forward, a dark spear of energy crackling in its grip. The impact was sudden, violent—a wall of force that slammed into Etan’s chest and sent him reeling backward.

He crashed against the cold stone of the wall with a sickening thud, the world around him blurring and then—

(The Engineer 2000 - 0)

Winner: Josh Farley

Etan groaned, a dull ache throbbing in the side of his head. For a moment, he swore he felt the faint brush of something thin and whip-like smacking him—like the tail of that damnable Fabled Cerburrel. His vision flickered, blurring with memories of the duel, the swirling green light, the impossible power Josh had wielded…

Then his senses cleared, and he realized it wasn’t some hallucination. It was Amnael, his gloved hand pulling back from where he’d slapped Etan’s cheek.

Etan blinked up at him, his ears still ringing faintly. Amnael’s face was as calm and unreadable as ever, though there was a glint of stern annoyance in his eyes. “Wake up, Engineer,” he said flatly, before extending his hand and helping Etan to his feet.

The musty scent of old parchment filled Etan’s nose as he realized they were back in the library of the abandoned dorm. The first pale hints of dawn were creeping through the cracked windows, painting the room in a watery grey light.

Amnael released Etan’s hand once he was standing, his gaze unwavering. “I brought you back here after I finished observing Jaden and his companions,” he explained evenly. “It wasn’t hard to guess that you lost to Josh Farley. The boy returned to the tunnels with a wild gleam in his eyes—intent on helping Jaden deal with that clown Titan who tried to make a mockery of the dark arts.”

Etan’s eyes widened, his voice cracking with sudden surprise. “Wait… the kid did help Jaden?!”

Amnael simply gave a single, measured nod. “Yes,” he said, his voice low and even. “As irritating as it is to admit, it’s clear that both Jaden and Josh possess remarkable potential. They’re more than just talented duelists—they have connections to Duel Spirits, and the levels of energy they displayed last night were… impressive.” His eyes glinted faintly in the dim morning light.

Etan took a slow breath, his thoughts already churning. “I saw it firsthand,” he said, his voice resolute. “Josh’s deck and tactics—he’s reckless, but he’s also frighteningly resourceful. His bond with that Duel Spirit… it makes him dangerous. But now that I’ve seen how he operates, I can begin to plan how to counter him.”

Amnael regarded him coolly, his expression almost amused. “Of course,” he said lightly. “That’s what I would expect from you, Engineer. Just remember—Kagemaru does not tolerate weakness. Fail again… and he may begin to see you as nothing more than another expendable pawn.”

Etan’s eyes narrowed faintly, but he nodded once, silent promise in the motion. Then his brow furrowed as a new thought struck him. “Where did the students go after the incident?” he asked, his voice suddenly sharper.

Amnael gestured with a gloved hand toward a window on the far wall. Etan turned without another word, striding to it and peering out into the pale morning light, the questions already racing through his mind.

Through the grimy glass of the window, Etan’s eyes narrowed, watching the faint shapes of the students gathering in the first hints of dawn. Just beyond the crumbling brick of the dorm’s outer wall, he saw them: Jaden, Syrus, and Josh surrounding Alexis as she stirred, her eyes fluttering open in the soft light of morning.

Jaden’s expression was bright and relieved, his wide grin clear even at this distance. Syrus seemed to be nearly bouncing with excitement, his relief evident in every small motion. Alexis, still dazed from the ordeal, offered them a tired but grateful smile as she slowly stood, clearly shaken but safe.

Etan’s eyes tracked the slight turn of her head as she looked past Jaden and Syrus to where Josh stood. The boy’s usual bravado had softened, replaced by a sheepish, almost charming grin as he scratched the back of his head, his posture relaxed and casual.

Though the window glass and distance made their words impossible to hear, Etan could see enough—the flicker of surprised laughter on Jaden’s face, the small but genuine nod of thanks Alexis offered as she turned to Josh. And then… that faint but unmistakable warmth in her smile, one that lit her features in a way that made Etan’s stomach tighten with unease.

He leaned back from the window with a faint frown, his jaw set. “He’s gaining ground…” Etan thought grimly, his mind already racing with plans and contingencies. The sun was rising, and for a fleeting moment, it seemed that Josh Farley was closer than ever to stealing the spotlight Etan was determined to protect.

Author’s note:
I’m back. Again, sorry for taking too much between updates. I’m currently going through a big paradigm change on my life and I do not have enough time for constant updates. Also, quick question, I have noticed that, compared to Fanfiction dot net, this site allows me to put images on the story. Would you like me to add the cards used to help visualize them, or is it good enough to let you guys imagine it completely?

Chapter Text

Author note: Hello there. I changed the structure for the duels during this chapter, just to try something new. The important duels will have the full moves, of course.

The shrill whistle of rollercoasters and sweet smells filled the air with an almost surreal cheer. Giant Blue-Eyes White Dragon inflatables hovered beside a carousel of Kuribohs, while children and students dashed past food stands shaped like Duel Disks and miniature arenas. Colorful banners flapped in the morning breeze above them, welcoming duelists to the KaibaLand Fusion Park , a dueling-themed amusement park funded, naturally, by KaibaCorp.

Etan stood near the edge of the main plaza, watching the crowd with a neutral expression. The sudden power outage at Duel Academy had left the campus systems fried overnight. With the dueling grid temporarily offline and lectures suspended, Chancellor Sheppard approved a "field trip" for top students and select faculty while repairs were underway. The destination? This garish spectacle of holograms, themed snacks, and duel-obsessed architecture.

From where he stood, Etan could observe everyone: Jaden and Syrus racing toward a high-speed coaster shaped like a flying Elemental HERO Great Tornado , Alexis standing politely as Josh leaned too close, offering her a ridiculous oversized heart-shaped churro, Bastion looming nearby and pretending to read the park map while clearly listening in.

And then, Chazz—a few steps apart from them all—sat on a fountain edge near the Polymerization Parade Theater, arms crossed, head down, his usual scowl replaced by something quieter. Dull. Etan knew it wasn’t boredom. It was the same withdrawn, wounded pride he’d seen in students who took a loss too personally. Chazz hadn’t dueled since the day Josh wiped the floor with him.

“You carry too many worries for one so young.”

The voice was low, weathered, and carried the calm authority of someone who had lived many lives. Etan blinked, startled. He turned. There, standing beside him, as if he’d been there all along, was a tall, silver-haired man in the standard Duel Academy professor’s uniform. Purple coat. Standard issue, yet something about the way he wore it felt… older.

“Pardon me?” Etan asked cautiously, standing straighter.

The man gave a short bow, graceful but unhurried. “Cid Grafeas,” he said. “One of Lady Sophia ’s champions. And before you tense up, yes, Luna told me about you. I just want to... observe. And maybe talk.”

Etan didn’t react visibly, but internally he braced himself. So far, none of Sophia’s champions had had undisruptive focuses. This man didn’t seem like he’s going to be a problem, but Etan didn’t trust surface impressions.

Cid turned his eyes toward the group. “Worried about the young ones?”

Etan hesitated, then answered truthfully, if vaguely. “Yeah. I guess I am.”

“They’re earnest. Clumsy. Still figuring themselves out.” Cid said, voice light. “At the moment, there’s not much you can do alone.” He tilted his head, and his tone softened with a grandfatherly warmth. “But maybe you shouldn’t try to.”

He subtly gestured toward Luna, who was speaking animatedly with Jaden, her teal hair bouncing beneath the hoodie hiding her Ra Yellow uniform. She looked so excited she might burst.

“Sometimes,” Cid continued, “the best results come from the usual suspects. Think about how to use the stories they want to tell.”

Etan studied her, brow furrowed. He didn’t respond to Cid. Not yet.

Cid smiled knowingly, then turned. “Enjoy the park, Professor. The game’s just beginning.” And with that, he walked into the crowd, whistling a three note megalomaniac jingle, vanishing with the ease of a man used to slipping between moments.

Etan exhaled slowly. Now he was getting advice from the enemy at the most random moments. He wondered if there could be more of Sophia’s champions around but quickly strayed back on track.

He barely had a moment to reset his thoughts before a familiar voice pounced on him from behind.

“There you are, Mister Brood-and-Stare,” Luna said, her tone sing-song. “Honestly, you’ve been glowering for fifteen minutes straight. If you keep that up, you’re going to get permanent worry lines.”

Etan didn’t flinch. “I’m observing.”

“You’re sulking, secret villain style,” she corrected, sliding up beside him and peeking over his shoulder toward the main group. “Chazz is still doing his tragic misunderstood pose, I see.”

Etan sighed through his nose. “Yep.”

Luna looked at him for a beat, arms crossing. “Well, whatever it is, watching him mope from across the street isn’t helping anyone.” She nudged his side. “I mean, you could just talk to him. You’re a professor, aren’t you?”

He was quiet for a moment, then murmured, “It’s not that easy…”

“Huh?” Luna blinked.

Etan shook his head. “Nothing. Just… What do you have in mind?” He kicked himself on his thoughts, that had not been his best play.

Luna’s eyes lit up instantly, as if she’d been waiting for that exact question. “I thought you’d never ask!”

She whipped out a glossy, flashing flyer from the pocket of her hoodie and held it up between them. The holographic surface shimmered with spinning graphics: TAG DUEL CHALLENGE — Fortune Wheel Edition! In the background, a huge glowing roulette wheel was suspended above a battle stage, each color-coded section painted with Duel Monster symbols and glowing attack zones. Duelists were locked in combat atop it as it spun slowly through the air.

“Two-versus-two battles on top of a massive wheel! REALLY ROMANTIC!” Luna said dramatically. “With a shifting field, and a one-time chance to win two prototype KaibaCorp packs. Limited edition. Shine-rare. Banned-in-2004 kind of deal.”

Etan stared at it, thinking he already knew the next part. “Let me guess. You want me to team up with Chazz.”

Luna gasped as if insulted. “You? Team up with someone emotionally unstable while being a boring professor?” She gave him a flat look. “Etan, please. I said cheer him up, not bore him into a deeper depression.”

He raised a brow, hiding the fact that that had hurt his ego. “Then what’s your plan?”

She leaned in like she was sharing classified intel. “Pair him with Jaden.”

Etan blinked. While obvious, a part of him wanted to avoid this outcome. However, he followed the flow. “You want Chazz and Jaden to team up?”

“That’s right.” She beamed proudly. “Think about it: Jaden’s charisma, his chaotic optimism, and, let’s face it, his ridiculous luck stat, it’s perfect! Chazz will either try to one-up him or get swept up in the momentum. Either way, he’ll duel. And you know that’s step one to feeling better for guys like him.”

Etan mulled it over. The idea was messy for his goals, counterproductive. And, most importantly… not his. However, it also checked out with his remembrance of events. So…

“…It might actually work.”

Luna gave a slow, satisfied nod, smug as ever. “You’re welcome.”

He gave her a sideways glance. “And this wouldn’t happen to align with your… Focus, would it?” He taunted.

She gasped with mock offense. “How dare you! I would never manipulate a lovely tag duel tournament just to nudge two emotionally stunted teenage boys into mutual admiration and possible romance. That would be-”

“-Exactly what you’d do.” he finished for her, deadpan. Eh, what were the probabilities of that happening? They didn’t have any romantic tension after all. No random spiritual connection that he was unaware of, right? He made a mental note to research more about Jaden’s and Chazz’s backstories after that, just in case.

She winked. “I already rigged the registration pairings.”

Etan pinched the bridge of his nose. “Of course you did.”

“Come on, Professor,” she said, patting his shoulder like a coach giving a pep talk. “Trust the magic of chaos and love!”

Etan narrowed his eyes. “Wait. Did you rig all the registration pairings?”

Luna snorted. “Please. I only messed with two.” She held up two fingers smugly. “Jaden’s… and yours.”

He blinked. “Mine?”

She nodded, then tilted her head innocently. “Yup.”

Etan stared at her for a beat before giving a small, resigned chuckle. “Well… fine. I don’t mind dueling alongside you. Honestly, it could be fun. Like old times.”

Luna’s laughter burst out loud and sudden. “Me?! Oh no, no, no. You’re not paired with me .”

Etan’s smirk faltered. “You’re not?”

She shook her head, then pointed across the plaza. “You’re with her .”

Etan followed her finger and immediately stiffened as Hibiki Midori strolled toward them, smiling like she’d already heard a good joke she wasn’t finished telling. Her Slifer Red teacher’s uniform fluttered slightly with each step, and she waved enthusiastically the moment she caught Etan’s eye.

He visibly tensed, slightly flustered. “Wh-why?!”

Luna grinned wickedly. “She’s basically a female Jaden, so I thought-”

“What!? What!? What!?” Etan whisper-yelled, his voice cracking a little as he backed slightly toward the spinning wheel stage. “That’s not even my type! Why would FEMALE JADEN be my type?! She’s not even like him-”

Luna leaned closer, stage-whispering into his ear with a sparkle in her eye. “You’re welcome.”

Etan opened his mouth to argue further, but Midori was already too close, and his chance to protest vanished beneath her bright greeting.

“Professor! Luna!” Midori Hibiki called cheerfully as she approached, her usual energy cutting through the din of the park. Her hair was loosely tied back today-less practical, more carefree.

“Hi, Miss Hibiki!” Luna chirped with a big smile. “Your hair looks prettier than usual!”

Midori blinked, pleasantly surprised. “Aww, thank you! I actually tried something new with it-glad someone noticed.”

“Well, my job here is done,” Luna said, pivoting on her heel with a wink toward Etan. “Good luck.” Before Etan could react, she’d slipped back into the crowd like smoke.

Etan let out a long, controlled breath through his nose, then turned toward Midori with a polite nod. “Good morning.”

“Morning to you too, Professor.” She beamed, clearly amused by something. “Or… do you prefer Etan?”

He glanced sideways, smiling. “That’s fine.”

“Well then,” she said, putting her hands on her hips with a slight sway, “you can just call me Midori. No need to be so formal with a tag duel partner, right?”

For a moment, his brain went into Neuron Activation mode , however, he remembered this was not the time or moment for any of those thoughts, especially if he wasn’t even on his plane of existence. What was he? A teenager?

Etan gave a small, polite smile, trying to keep his composure. “Sure. Midori. Looking good, by the way.”

Her grin widened, pleased.

They stood in companionable silence for a few seconds, the sound of holographic explosions and cheerful duel-themed jingles playing in the background.

“I really think it was a great idea to let the students participate,” Midori said, breaking the moment with an earnest tone. “They’ve been so tightly wound lately, especially after that whole week of exams and system failures. Luna recommending this tournament? Genius.”

Etan’s brow twitched.

“Right,” he muttered flatly. “Luna. A real master of logistics.”

Midori didn’t catch the sarcasm—thankfully. “It’s just nice, y’know? To have a day off without paperwork. I feel like I haven’t stopped moving since the semester started. And you…” She gave him a once-over. “You actually look relaxed for once.”

“Eh, now I have to help babysit the students.” Etan replied, though his posture loosened slightly.

There was a brief lull before she clapped her hands together lightly. “So, strategy time?”

Etan nodded. He was no sweaty pro player, but he knew his stuff. “Right. My deck has good removal options and big ATK swings. Maybe-”

“I play Mid-range,” she interrupted with a grin. “We’ll probably want to combo off your setup turns and let me handle the mid game.”

“That could work,” he admitted, funny to think about something like the mid game on Yu-gi-oh! He actually felt a little excited about the tournament. “Do you want to run through some combos?”

“Exactly what I was thinking!” she said, gesturing toward the main reception area at the front of the Fortune Wheel duel stage. “C’mon!”

Etan took one step to follow Midori, then stopped.

His eyes drifted across the plaza again—back to the old problem: Josh Farley, leaning with casual arrogance against a Duel Carnival prize booth, once again trying to reel Alexis into another conversation. She smiled, politely, arms crossed. It wasn’t rejection, but it wasn’t interest either.

Etan narrowed his gaze. Persistent .

Then his eyes shifted just slightly, past the gaudy booth and crowd, to where Bastion stood, pretending to admire a rotating bust of KaibaCorp’s latest holographic duel projector. Except his eyes weren’t on the tech.

They were on Alexis.

Etan blinked. Interesting…

He recalled Cid’s words.

Etan glanced once more at Bastion’s stiff posture, the calculated way he stayed just within earshot but said nothing. Then over to Josh, who had started to lean just a little too close again.

“Fine. I shouldn't change anything… but there’s no universe where those two end up together anyway. It’s unnatural.” He thought.

And besides, from what he’d seen, Alexis didn’t look at Bastion the way she sometimes glanced at Jaden in the show. Etan wasn’t one to meddle in feelings… but he was one to break patterns that didn’t belong.

He turned toward the retreating Midori. “I’ll catch up in a second.”

She gave him a thumbs up without turning around.

Etan adjusted his coat and began walking across the plaza, toward the stoic brunette still pretending to admire outdated duel hardware. His approach was measured, quiet.

Just as he was about to speak, Bastion turned slightly, sensing someone behind him-

“Etan,” came a calm voice from just ahead-followed quickly by a sheepish correction. “I mean-Professor Troml. Apologies.”

Bastion turned, arms folded behind his back with textbook poise. He gestured to the rotating display beside him. “Fascinating piece of engineering, wouldn’t you say? The internal projection rig of this duel disk variant is an impressive leap-”

“You’re not looking at that.” Etan interrupted flatly.

Bastion stiffened just a little. His eyes flicked back toward the booth where Alexis stood, her polite expression unwavering as Josh once again laughed at his own joke, far too pleased with himself.

“I’m simply… concerned,” Bastion said, straightening his posture. “It’s apparent Miss Rhodes is uncomfortable. Farley has been lingering around her all morning. I don’t believe she enjoys it.”

Etan gave him a long, unreadable look.

Yeah, right, he thought. “Concerned.” sure.

Still, the emotion behind Bastion’s voice was real enough and the opening was too good to ignore.

“Come with me.” Etan said casually.

Bastion blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

Etan didn’t answer. He just stepped away toward a brightly colored snack stall nearby. A minute later, he returned with three ice cream cones, one in each hand, both melting slightly under the midday sun.

Bastion stared. “…I don’t follow.”

Etan held one out. “You’re worried about her, right? Then stop standing here like a reflective statue and go do something about it.”

Bastion hesitated, glancing from the offered ice cream to Etan’s neutral face, then back toward Alexis and Josh.

“Take it,” Etan added, voice low but firm. “Offer it to her. Get in there. All chances not taken are misses.”

The younger student’s face flushed just slightly as he reached for two of the cones, cradling them like they might explode.

Etan noded. “Good. Now go be a knight in sugar-coated armor.”

Bastion adjusted his collar, nodded stiffly, and, after one more deep breath, began walking toward the booth, trying to steel himself into looking casual.

Etan himself smiled sheepishly. Now he was thinking like a shipper, he just hoped that this would work.

As he made his way toward the tournament entrance, he cast a glance over his shoulder, just in time to see Bastion approach Alexis with a nervous but determined stride. The young duelist held the ice cream cone on one hand like it was a peace offering to a queen. Alexis looked up from whatever bland comment Josh was making and blinked in surprise. Her body language shifted instantly, shoulders relaxing, arms uncrossing, as Bastion said something Etan couldn’t hear. Josh stood awkwardly to the side, clearly unsure how to insert himself now that someone else had taken center stage.

Etan slowed his pace slightly, watching from a distance. Alexis smiled, genuinely, and took the ice cream with a short laugh, covering her mouth as Bastion scratched the back of his neck, clearly flustered. Whatever he said next must’ve landed well, because she touched his arm lightly and nodded, the two of them beginning to walk together toward the central wheel stage of the tournament. Josh lingered behind for a moment, then turned and wandered off in another direction, no longer the center of her attention.

Etan turned back around and continued walking, his own cone still untouched in his hand. He stared at it absently as the sounds of laughter and dueling filled the air around him. “Now what do I do with this one?” he wondered, the cold slowly creeping between his fingers.

The tournament reception was nestled beneath a towering steel archway marked “KaibaCorp Fortune Duel Tag Festival” , complete with flashing LED lights and holographic confetti bursting at randomized intervals. Beyond the gates, the true centerpiece loomed high above: two massive Ferris wheels, side by side, slowly rotating in sync. But instead of enclosed cabins, each spoke held open dueling platforms, secured with railings and outfitted with reinforced footing for live duels. Each pair of duelists would ride these platforms, facing off against their counterparts across the rotation, suspended high above the arena floor in dramatic, slow-motion showdowns.

Etan took in the scene with mild amusement before spotting Hibiki, already waving at him near one of the registration terminals. She was typing something rapidly into the interface, but her face lit up as he approached. Wordlessly, Etan extended the still-untouched ice cream cone toward her.

She blinked, then smiled softly. “Oh, thank you. Thoughtful.”

“Don’t mention it.” Etan said, tone casual as ever.

But Midori tilted her head. “Well, I can’t just let that go one-sided, can I?” Before Etan could object, she was already turning on her heel. “Wait here, I’ll grab you something too!”

“No, that’s really not-” Etan started, but she was already jogging out of earshot, slipping into the nearest snack line with her red jacket trailing behind her like a ribbon. He sighed, standing still as the crowd bustled around him, holding his now-empty hand and wondering if this actually counted as Jaden-like behaviour .

As he waited, his eyes wandered, finally settling on a small cluster nearby: Jaden, Luna, and Chazz. Or rather, Jaden and Luna talking, while Chazz hovered at the edge like a reluctant ghost, arms crossed and eyes anywhere but on the conversation.

Etan stepped toward them, weaving through the groups of excited students and attendees.

“Thought I’d find you two circling trouble.” Etan said as he approached, his hands tucked into the pockets of his coat.

“Professor!” Jaden turned with a bright grin. “This place is so cool. Have you seen the duel wheels? It’s like Kaiba took a rollercoaster and said, ‘Needs more trap cards!’”

Etan tilted his head. “I’d say he took a lawsuit and gave it a Life Point counter, but sure.”

Luna waved at him, hoodie bouncing slightly. “You’re just grumpy because your soul is like, eighty.”

Etan offered an annoyed smile in response.

Then Luna gestured upward. “Hey, have you seen Ariel ? isn’t she cool? She’s sitting right on that wire, above the wheel.”

Etan followed her finger... and saw nothing.

“…Who?” he asked flatly.

“ Ariel ,” Luna repeated like it was obvious. “The cute Eria -like girl there? My duel spirit…?”

He leaned in and whispered discreetly, “I can’t see them. Any of them.”

Luna’s eyes lit up like someone had just handed her a comedy goldmine. “Oh my gosh, that is so sad. Did Lady Sophia forget to install the DLC on you or something? Did she really forget to give you a trademark spiritual waifu that comments sarcastically to you in every dialogue?”

Etan sighed. “You are really enjoying this, aren’t you?”

Meanwhile, Jaden was chatting away, “ Winged Kuriboh says the duel wheel’s gonna be wild. He's ready to spin.”

Then he turned to Chazz, still standing nearby like a storm cloud with arms. “You never said who your duel spirit is, by the way.”

Chazz didn’t answer. His eyes stayed on the ground.

Etan noted the shift in mood immediately.

“Everything alright?” he asked, though he already knew the answer.

Chazz shrugged. “I’m fine.”

“He’s not,” Luna said bluntly. “He’s being all emo because of the tag duel.”

“It’s not because of it,” Chazz snapped, then looked away. “It’s just dumb.”

“Teaming up with me isn’t the worst thing in the world,” Jaden said, still upbeat. “I mean, I might be the best Slifer. Maybe, I think.”

“That’s why it’s dumb!” Chazz snapped again. “Everyone’s going to treat me like the sidekick in this stupid spinning PR stunt. No one’s going to care what I do, only what you do. And I’m the Obelisk here! Right…?” He ended, slightly defeated.

Etan folded his arms. “Then prove them wrong. You think sitting on the sidelines acting miserable is going to change that?”

Chazz glared at him, but didn’t argue.

Luna nudged him with her elbow. “Seriously. This whole thing is ridiculous. You, stuck in a pity pit while your rival gets to spin around looking cool? You should be fuming.”

“First, don’t compare me to this slacker. Second, I am fuming,” Chazz growled.

“Good,” Etan said, voice low. “Then take that fury and duel with it. Because right now, the only person writing your story is the guy standing next to you.”

Jaden blinked. “Uh, thanks? I think?”

Chazz muttered under his breath, then shoved his hands in his pockets and turned toward the tournament wheels.

“I’m only doing this so no one thinks I’m scared to spin in circles with a dropout.”

Luna flashed a satisfied grin. “Close enough.”

Etan allowed himself a small nod. They truly were just teenagers.

Etan leaned back on the bleacher-like seats of the observation platform, arms crossed and expression unreadable. From their elevated vantage point, he had a perfect view of the two colossal duel wheels creaking into motion, platforms gliding smoothly into alignment across from each other. The holographic projector nodes embedded along the rails flared to life, casting radiant beams across the air as the announcer's voice echoed excitedly through the park.

Below, on one platform stood Chazz and Jaden, the unlikely/likely tag duo. Opposite them: Josh, already flashing his usual cocky grin, and Syrus, who looked like he was trying very hard not to faint.

Etan gave a quiet snort. “Funny how everyone else got scooped up before Josh could snag someone competent. Guess he had to settle for Syrus.” He tilted his head slightly. “Or maybe… was this another one of his drama moves? Trying to get under Jaden’s skin by partnering with his best friend?” He considered it a second longer, then shook his head. “Nah. Even Josh couldn’t weaponize Syrus.”

“Think Chazz will make a bloodbath out of his revenge?” Luna asked beside him, slurping on a luridly blue frozen drink shaped like a Kuriboh.

“Only if Jaden manages to get his spirit up.” Etan murmured, eyes still on the field.

Midori, sitting on his other side with a calm smile, added, “It’ll be fun either way. The whole park's watching good pressure for our students to perform.”

“Oh! Speaking of performing,” Luna said, leaning forward so her face was right in front of Etan’s. “How’s it feel to be eliminated on the first round, Professor?”

Etan exhaled annoyed. “I’m sure you’ll remind me every ten minutes.”

Luna leaned back with a wide grin. “I mean, it was your big debut as a tag duelist, and you did get spun upside-down by a Torrential Tribute …”

“Luna,” Etan said with a dry look, “do I have to remind you that you have to respect your superiors? I could get you extra homework if you keep this up.” He ended with a smug grin.

Midori chuckled softly. “Give her some leeway, Etan. After all, you two seem to have that kind of relationship.”

“Nah, she’s just lucky I’m in a good mood.” Etan said. Then after a beat, “We’re changing seats next round.”

Luna laughed. “Too bad. You’re stuck next to me till the end of time!”

As the duel wheels locked into place and the pre-duel countdown began, Etan leaned slightly forward, eyes narrowing. This was another good moment to see if Josh had any tricks left up his sleeve and Etan wanted to see them all. That and Chazz’s emotional state, of course.

Jaden moved first, his usual ease and bright confidence in full display as he summoned an Elemental HERO with a flourish and a grin. “Alright, Chazz! Let’s show them what we’ve got!” he shouted, his voice carrying over the sound of activating duel disks.

Chazz didn’t respond. Not right away. His hand hovered over his cards, stiff. His jaw clenched. Josh, opposite him, didn’t wait to pounce.

“Still got performance anxiety, Princeton?” Josh sneered, arms crossed casually as his own monsters took the field after Jaden’s turn. “Hope your little boyfriend’s got the backbone to carry you this time.”

From the stands, Etan leaned forward slightly, eyes fixed on Chazz. The Obelisk student had stiffened, but not with fury. Not yet. That was worry in his eyes, hesitation in his fingers.

Jaden stepped in with easy warmth, giving Chazz a quick glance and a thumb’s up. “You know, Chazz, you’re pretty cool when you’re not brooding. Why don’t you focus on smacking this guy instead of beating yourself up?”

Chazz scoffed, instinctive, defensive, but his hand finally moved. He summoned an Armed Dragon, the Armored Dragon . A monster with pride behind it. It hit the field with an electric surge and a ferocious roar. There was still hesitance in his stance, but now something was burning behind his eyes.

“Attaboys,” Luna whispered with a grin, hands under her chin. “Show everyone your powercouple energy!”

Josh raised an eyebrow as his own board adjusted. “Look at that. You’re finally standing. Want a medal or just a participation trophy?”

Chazz snapped his arm forward. His monster clashed with one of Josh’s. A massive surge of sparks lit the air. The wheel platforms trembled with the shockwave. The crowd roared when another Armed Dragon hit the field. Chazz was breathing hard, focused now, not scared.

Midori clapped lightly beside Etan. “Looks like he’s finding his rhythm.”

Etan said nothing at first. But there was a flicker of something like pride in his gaze. The plan was working.

Next came Syrus, stumbling through his move with a panicked voice and apologetic looks. Jaden softened his tone, guiding him gently, giving encouragement even mid-turn. Etan smiled at the display, there was a reason Jaden was his favorite Yu-gi-oh! protagonist, and Jaden was showing one of his multiple charismatic aptitudes.

However, it was Chazz who stood taller with each passing second.

Etan caught the shift in his posture. Not just battle focus, but ego flaring up. The good kind. The kind that made him push harder. Josh was still talking, but Chazz wasn’t flinching anymore. He was pushing back, starting to shit-talk. With cards. With fire in his voice.

The duel pressed on with a momentum that turned heads across the stadium. Jaden and Chazz had locked into a rhythm that was more than just teamwork, it was instinct. Chazz unleashed his dragons with fury, a thunderous board of muscle and flame. Jaden grinned like a kid on a rollercoaster and seamlessly chained his plays, calling out Fusion cards that bent the field in bursts of light.

At one point, he called down Elemental HERO Great Tornado , fusing one of Chazz’s discarded dragons with his own elemental HERO . The monster descended with a roar, slicing through Josh and Syrus’s side of the field with a sweeping wind. It was the kind of combo that required trust, timing, and synergy.

“Oh my,” Luna whispered beside Etan, practically vibrating. “I dreamed of this duel. Back when I first shipped them, I knew it would look exactly like this! That fusion! The flow! The vibes! ”

Etan glanced at her sideways. He had to admit, privately, that it was impressive. Both duelists moved like halves of the same thought, never stepping on each other’s plays. They didn’t even look at each other, yet still read each other’s moves with clarity. A level of synchronicity most professionals only hoped for.

Still, he muttered, “They’re not going to fall in love.”

Luna pouted, dramatically offended. “You just don’t get it, Professor. You’re thinking on the boring plane of ‘logic.’ I’m operating on the higher plane of narrative symmetry. ”

“Luna, what the fuck?”

Before Etan could continue, Midori, who had been watching the duel with wide eyes and an open mouth, turned to them.

“What the heck are you two even talking about?”

Etan and Luna exchanged a quick look. Then, in perfect unison, both smiled and shrugged.

“You wouldn’t get it.”

The match continued. It quickly became intense. 

Josh had just pulled off a flashy, high-impact combo, filling the field with powerful monsters that left the crowd gasping. Even Syrus had contributed with a timely support play, bolstering Josh’s board and setting up what looked like a checkmate. The life points of Jaden and Chazz hung on a razor’s edge.

Chazz stood tense, arms crossed, jaw tight. He scanned the field in silence, his fingers hovering over his cards but not moving. Doubt clouded his eyes.

“You good, Chazz?” Jaden called out from the opposite end of their shared platform. His voice was bright, casual, like they weren’t staring down defeat. “Because I’ve got your back. Ya hear?!”

Chazz blinked, caught off guard. Then his grip on his deck firmed.

“...Tch. Of course I’m good.” His smirk returned, not smug, but sharp with purpose. “Let’s blow these clowns off the Wheel.”

And he did. A combo exploded from his side of the field, dragons bursting into view and chaining perfectly with Jaden’s setup. They fused into a second Elemental HERO Great Tornado , a sweeping tempest that cleared Josh and Syrus’s field. With one final direct attack, the scoreboard blinked red.

The crowd erupted. Cheers rang out from across the stadium, echoing against the towering Ferris Wheel duel platforms. From the stands, Etan pumped a fist once, more reserved than the others, relieved that the plan worked. Midori clapped enthusiastically beside him, and Luna, well, Luna leapt to her feet with a triumphant whoop.

“YES! That was perfection!” she shouted.

Then came the aftermath. As the noise died down and the winners returned to solid ground, Jaden approached Chazz with his usual lopsided grin and raised a fist. “Nice work out there, partner.”

Chazz, oddly bashful for once, smiled back and went to return the gesture, only to trip over the edge of the platform’s safety groove. He staggered forward with a startled yelp.

Jaden reacted instantly, catching him under the arms before he faceplanted. The two froze for a second in a classically absurd, unintentional anime-romcom pose: Chazz hovering inches over Jaden, who was bracing him with wide eyes and a sheepish laugh.

From the stands, Luna screamed, “FINALLY!” and promptly fell off her seat, feigning fainting.

Midori was startled. Etan just sighed and leaned back.

“Only a fujoshi would read more into that than clumsy roommate bonding.” he muttered to himself.

But as he watched Luna melt into a sparkling smile, he added mentally, “I’ll have to keep an eye on those two, just in case. ”

Think about how to use the stories they want to tell

Etan remembered those words after looking back at Luna, who now had her head resting on Midori’s thighs (babbling about her ship incomprehensibly). He guessed that he had to be more aggressive on how he manipulated the events moving forward, unless he wanted to get ganked by multiple of his adversaries focusses.

He sighed, at least now he could rest for a bit. He looked at Josh from a distance. He figured it would take a bit for the womanizer to make another move on his possible rivals.

That just left that old man free at the moment…

“There cannot possibly be another champion hiding from me at the moment, right?”

Authors note: Hope that duel wasn’t unsatisfactory for you, I just did not want to add unnecessary details for this one in particular. I may use this style for other duels, however. And yeah, this was a slightly less dramatic chapter to give Etan a rest and also add some comic relief. That and tie some plot points together. Also, it is weird how Etan can’t see duel spirits, right? I wonder why that is…

To all recurrent and new readers, thanks for keeping up with the fanfic, I appreciate you all. Uploads will get faster during this month (at least I hope, haha).

Chapter Text

Author note: Hello there.

“So, you and Jaden Yuki are quite close, right?”

The question came casually, almost lazily, as Etan swirled the straw in his mostly sea salt cream smoothie. The faint hum of soft music floated through the small, high-end café nestled between Duel Academy’s faculty buildings. A quiet haven reserved for professors and the rare top-performing student who could earn (or afford) entry.

Etan had recently become complacent, almost leaving everything to chance. That had to change, he reasoned. So, after researching Chazz’s background and finding him having battled Koyo Hibiki himself and Jaden apparently having no connection to the HIbikis, curiosity was reasonable on his part.

Midori blinked, caught mid-sip of her lemon chamomile. She lowered the cup slowly, eyebrows lifting. “That’s out of nowhere,” she chuckled, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. “But if we’re throwing random questions out there, just as close as you and Luna, I guess!”

Etan raised his eyebrows, amused. He considered leaving it there, but something about her tone or perhaps the opportunity to finally turn the teasing tables, pushed him forward. He leaned on his hand, smirking. “Please. I don’t go around babying Luna every chance I get. She’d stab me or something if I tried.”

Midori laughed again, lightly.

“I’m serious,” Etan went on, tone playfully conspiratorial. “Some students even think you two are related. I overheard one guessing you were his mother.”

This time, Midori’s reaction changed.

The laughter paused. Her smile softened, then shifted, just slightly, to something quieter. Not sad, not cold. Just… different. She glanced down at the steam rising from her tea, as if the answer might be written there.

“He reminds me of someone, I guess,” she said softly. “Someone who used to trail behind me every day, trying to be taller, faster, smarter… and never quite realizing he was already everything I wasn’t.”

Etan tilted his head. He didn’t interrupt.

Midori let the silence settle, then sipped her tea again. “Jaden kind of… filled that space on his own. Always barging into people’s lives like they’ve known him forever. I think that’s just his way. But I didn’t mind.”

She smiled again, this time nostalgic. “I gave him his first Duel Disk, you know. He didn’t even know how to wear it properly. It kept spinning on his arm.”

Etan’s brows rose. That detail caught him off guard. “You gave him, wait, seriously?”

Midori gave a small shrug, as if trying to wave the moment away. “He was a hurricane of a kid. He still is. But he needs someone to watch over him now and then.”

Etan leaned back, watching her more thoughtfully now. “So not a mother,” he said slowly, “but something like… an older sister?”

Midori tilted her head, then grinned. “You are bad at teasing.”

Etan chuckled, lifting his cup in a quiet toast. “Guilty as charged.”

They drank in comfortable silence, the din of the distant sea crashing faintly against Duel Academy’s cliffs in the background. Etan wasn’t sure if he’d struck a nerve or simply peeled back a layer most students never saw—but either way, he understood now. Midori wasn’t just a protective head of dormitory. She had known Jaden for a long time. And perhaps, just perhaps, she saw the same flame in Jaden that she once saw in his brother. At least, that was what he had gotten from his assumptions.

Etan’s hand froze mid-reach for another sip of his smoothie as his disposable phone buzzed lightly on one of his pockets. A soft chime followed, subtle, but unmistakably urgent.

He glanced down at the display.

His stomach dropped.

The ID wasn’t labeled with a name, but he knew the number by heart now. 

Kagemaru.

His mind kicked into overdrive. Why now, at broad daylight? Did he notice something? Did someone recognize him? But on the outside, he kept his face composed. He stood from his chair smoothly.

“I… need to take this,” he said, trying not to sound too clipped.

Midori raised an eyebrow but didn’t question it. She simply nodded, her tone gentle. “Of course. Thanks for listening. And… thanks for asking.”

Etan hesitated just long enough to hold her gaze. “Thanks for telling me,” he said sincerely. “Really.”

She gave a quiet smile and a two-finger wave. “Good luck, whatever it is.”

He nodded back, then turned quickly, walking toward the café’s rear exit as his thumb hovered over the accept button already bracing himself for whatever came next.

Etan slipped silently between the trees, the packed gravel path behind him fading into dappled shade. He ducked beneath a low branch and made his way deeper, weaving through the outer ring of forest that encircled Duel Academy’s elevated plateau. This area was rarely used, save for the occasional reckless student or an instructor in need of silence. He stopped when he could no longer hear the distant murmur of students or the mechanical hum of academy systems, just birdsong and the rustle of leaves.

Satisfied, he raised his phone and tapped the connection button. A pulse of static answered before the line settled.

“Engineer,” came the slow, gravelly voice—measured, as always. “I trust I’m not interrupting anything...”

Etan’s expression hardened instinctively, slipping into the cold, flat tone of his alternate persona. “No. I’m available. What needs to be done?”

“There have been developments,” Kagemaru said. “I’ve secured new members for our ranks. I’ve decided it’s time you all came together to align our strategies, and unify our understanding of the duelists that matter.”

Etan’s eyes narrowed. “A meeting?”

“Soon.” Kagemaru confirmed. “A full reunion of the Shadow Riders.”

Etan nodded to himself, already adjusting timelines and mental projections. “Understood. I’ll prepare notes. I have updates on both Jaden Yuki and Josh Farley. I believe I’ve identified-”

“You’ll have time for that later,” Kagemaru cut in sharply.

Etan fell silent at once, lips pressed into a thin line. He waited, still and tense, as Kagemaru’s rasping breath continued on the other end, always just a beat longer than comfortable.

Kagemaru’s voice, usually as dry and sharp as old parchment, held a strange edge to it now. “One of the new recruits just arrived on the island. Tania. An Amazoness warrior of impressive stature and… particular methods.”

Etan raised an eyebrow, already knowing who she was. He felt a slight excitement at the prospect of meeting such a character in person. “And you lost contact with her?”

“For the last two hours,” Kagemaru confirmed, with something that almost resembled unease. “She contacted me upon landing and said she’d make her way to the mountainous jungle region on the island’s northern end. Then nothing. No response. No transmission. She is… unpredictable, but not careless.”

Etan frowned. “You’re worried. Here I thought you only cared about yourself.”

There was a beat of silence on the line. Then, unexpectedly, Kagemaru answered, “I need comrades, Engineer. You assume I cut down those who falter, if I am to reach our goals, I cannot afford to lose potential allies before they’ve proven their value.”

That surprised Etan more than he cared to admit. He had always pegged Kagemaru as a manipulator of people, not a believer in teamwork. Something about his tone now sounded… honest. Pragmatic, yes, but grounded in more than just selfish preservation.

“She should stand out,” Kagemaru continued. “Tanned skin, tall, easily over six feet, and strong. Wears a high ponytail, carries herself like a seasoned warrior. She’s marked by a distinct gauntlet on her right arm. You’ll know her when you see her.”

Etan exhaled through his nose, half in thought, half in reluctant acceptance. “So I’m playing scout.”

“For now,” Kagemaru said. “Find her, confirm she’s still ok and on our side. That’s all.”

“Understood,” Etan replied, voice back to flat steel. “I’ll head there immediately.”

He hung up shortly after.

“Guess that means I’ll have to get changed… lucky me…” He muttered before starting to sprint back to his room.

Unbeknownst to him, a certain Ra student had been spying on him from a distance…

Etan pushed aside a final tangle of hanging vines, stepping into a clearing carved into the dense mountainous jungle. The rocky plateau ahead was bathed in dappled sunlight, with sharp outcrops and uneven terrain giving the space a natural, if slightly unnatural, dueling arena feel. His steps slowed. Something felt off too quiet, too still.

Then he saw it.

Dangling awkwardly above a shallow pit was a white-furred, black-striped tiger, its massive body suspended by thick cords looped around its hind legs and pulled tight over a makeshift wooden structure. It kicked and growled, clearly furious but restrained. Etan’s first instinct was to tense, but the moment their eyes met, sharp, intelligent, almost human, his breath caught.

“Tania?” he murmured.

The Amazoness. Here she was in the flesh. Etan quickly remembered that this was her ‘true self’, a furry, at least without the gauntlet. So if she was in her tiger form, captured like this, something had clearly gone wrong. Her growls turned into an agitated roar as Etan stepped closer, posture lowering in preparation to cut her down.

“Hang on. I'll get you down.”

He was two steps away when the tiger's warning bark rang out, fierce and abrupt. Etan halted immediately.

The hairs on his neck rose. His eyes flicked downward, and saw it: a thin seam in the dirt, almost invisible, forming the outline of a pressure plate. Another half-step, and he would have triggered it.

“Trap.” he muttered, backing off carefully. He got too careless

That’s when the voice came.

“Lucky you.”

It was feminine, refined casual, but with a smug edge.

“It seems animals do understand each other...”

Etan turned toward the source, frowning, as a figure stepped into view at the edge of the clearing. Cloaked in brown, her face partially hidden by a white gala-style mask, she stood with a confident posture, arms crossed and the green emblem on her Duel Disk catching a shard of sunlight.

He exhaled slowly, the corner of his mouth twitching into a faint, disbelieving smile. Not one of amusement, but one born out of necessity—an old habit to mask the spike of panic rising in his chest. He had no idea who this was. No clues. No context. No plan.

“Now who?” he said aloud, voice steady.

Internally, though, his thoughts screamed.

"Who the fuck is this?!"

The cloaked figure chuckled, tilting her head slightly as her duel disk unfolded with a sharp mechanical whirr. A shuriken-shaped green emblem pulsed faintly from its core. She pointed directly at him.

“Ditto, rando,” she said, voice dripping with sardonic flair. “I expected another Shadow Rider. Not a homeless animal.”

Etan’s eye twitched. “Tch…” He raised his own duel disk.. “Tania,” he called out calmly, glancing at the still-struggling tiger, “sit tight. I’ll be done with this in a second.”

Then he looked forward again and stepped into his persona with full pride, letting the shadows curl behind him like a cape.

“I am The Engineer,” he declared, voice low and firm. “Shadow Rider.”

The cloaked girl stared for a beat.

Then burst into laughter.

If this was an anime, a drop of sweat could have been seen behind both the tiger’s and Etan’s heads.

“Oh my god-” she clutched her stomach, nearly doubling over, “-you’re serious?! That’s not a bit?”

She straightened with a grin still wide on her face, brushing some imaginary dust off her blouse.

“Well then…” she said, eyes narrowing behind the white mask. “I guess this is another ‘change’. At least this will make taking what’s rightfully mine easier!”

That phrasing. That tone. That audacity.

His mind began connecting threads “change,” the arrogance, the dramatics, the flashy design that screamed 100% original design do not steal .

A Champion of Sophia?

He narrowed his eyes. It’d make sense…

He shifted his stance, his duel disk glowing faintly, readying. The odds were unclear, her deck unscouted, her presence entirely foreign and with Tania currently in her beast form, there’d be no insight.

This was going to be dangerous. Yet, he was going to try and end the conflict as quickly as possible, not letting her any breathing room.

Etan gave a faint scowl. “You’re not getting away with this,” he warned coldly, his voice dipping into his practiced shadowy tone. “Whatever your delusion is, this isn’t the place to chase it.”

The girl only smiled wider, sweeping her arm across her body with dancer-like grace as she posed. The brown cloak fluttered behind her with theatrical timing, revealing the sharp lines of her white aviator-styled uniform beneath.

“With elegance and might, I, the Gusto Justiciar, shall bring judgment upon the obstacles on our path!” she declared proudly, her voice rising into the clearing. “And that includes you… both of you!”

Their eyes locked.

“DUEL!”

The Engineer vs Gusto Justiciar

The cloaked girl’s voice echoed across the clearing, sharp and precise. “I summon Pilica, Descendant of Gusto!”

A small figure twirled into existence in a spiral of wind. Pilica looked like a spellcaster: her green hair tied in a high ponytail tipped in a splash of orange, like a brush dipped in paint. A brown cape flowed over her green ritualistic robes, giving her an almost ceremonial look as her boots touched the rocky terrain. (1000/1500)

She pointed dramatically at the disk’s spell zone. “I equip her with Tailwind of Gusto!”

A swirling emerald breeze wrapped around the young girl, whipping her cape and lifting strands of hair. The current pulsed with life, flowing around her like a protective aura.

“Tailwind’s effect activates,” the masked girl declared, her tone filled with pride. “I special summon Gusto Thunbolt!”

Lightning cracked overhead as a green-furred beast burst forth. It landed beside Pilica in a crouch, its yellow horn sparking with energy. Its sleek body twitched with tension, like a predator waiting to pounce, and its glowing eyes fixed coldly on Etan. (1500/1200)

Etan’s eyes narrowed. “Gusto…” He muttered. The archetype rang some bells, but he wasn’t acquainted with it in detail. Still, the monster’s effects made him think this was another Synchro deck, so he had to end this fast.

The masked girl extended a hand toward her Duel Disk with a smooth, calculated motion.

“I set one card face-down.”

A single card materialized behind her monsters in a shimmer of light. Then she turned her gaze directly to Etan, chin lifted, her stance full of poise and derision.

“Your move, sweetheart. Try not to embarrass your entire gender.”

Etan’s brow twitched.

He let out a dry breath through his nose, forcing a neutral expression but the edge of his lip curled in annoyance. “What is her deal? That was way too specific” . He had dealt with condescension before, but something in her tone wasn’t just arrogant—it was antagonistic, personal.

Etan slid a card into his Duel Disk. “I activate Reasoning,” he declared calmly.

A swirling portal of digital light opened above his Duel Disk, and his opponent crossed her arms, smirking.

“Level 4,” she announced without hesitation. “Most decks rely on it.”

The portal surged, and the cards began to fly from Etan’s deck one by one, each projection appearing in the air between them.

Five cards… then ten…

Her confident smirk started to fade.

“Hmph, should’ve known a man can’t use his brain to build something half good.” she said with poison on her voice as the twelfth card was revealed.

“Fifteen,” Etan muttered with faint amusement, “lucky number.”

The last card glowed, and a beam of lightning struck the field as a beast-like thunder spirit emerged with a growl. Thunder Dragon (1600/1500)

But while Etan looked pleased, the girl’s eyes widened as her gaze darted back, not to the summoned monster, but to the card just before it in the pile.

“…That’s-” Her breath caught.

Her thoughts narrowed instantly as she stared at the excavated copy of Infernoid Pirmais still hovering in the air before it dissolved into Etan’s Graveyard. “That’s Tierra’s…!”

Her gloved fingers clenched slightly at her side. She took a subtle breath and adjusted her stance, gaze sharpening behind the mask.

Etan, unaware of her thoughts, simply narrowed his eyes. He guessed he had scared her somehow.

Etan drew his next card with a flourish and gave it only a brief glance before slapping it onto his Duel Disk. “I normal summon Sonic Duck.”

A sudden quack echoed across the rocky field as a tall, green-feathered duck materialized on Etan’s field. It was roughly the size of an adult man, wore a bright red scarf flapping in the wind, and had an upside-down metal bucket jammed over its head like a makeshift helmet. The duck struck a brave pose. Sonic Duck (1700/700).

Before he could issue any commands, Etan heard a low growl behind him—guttural and echoing. He flinched and looked over his shoulder.

Tania, still dangling by her legs in the tiger pit trap, gave him an apologetic look. She rubbed her belly, which was the source of the noise, then managed a sheepish “thumbs up” with one paw.

Etan blinked. “Can you take this a little more seriously, please?”

The Amazoness Tigress bared her teeth in what might have been a grin—or hunger. He wasn’t sure. He turned back to the duel with a faint sigh. Kagemaru seriously chose a cognizant tiger and that weird Pharaoh to be Shadow Riders…

His opponent let out a sharp, mocking laugh.

“ That ?” she pointed at Sonic Duck , struggling to contain her glee. “You summoned that ?! What is that even supposed to do—audition for children's theater?”

She slid a card into her own Duel Disk. “I activate Raigeki Break! I discard one card to destroy your tragic excuse for a monster!”

A bolt of violent lightning crashed down from above, striking the duck with comical force. The bucket helmet flew off as Sonic Duck exploded into feathers and smoke.

Etan didn’t even flinch. “Using a -1 just to pop a little Sonic Duck? Were you that scared?”

Her laughter stopped. Her posture stiffened. Her brow twitched.

The Gusto Justiciar didn’t respond with words, but her visible irritation said it all.

Etan smirked. “Got her” .

He raised his arm, pointing straight at the little green-haired girl still fluttering midair within her spiraling tailwind.

Thunder Dragon 1600 ATK }-{ Pilica, Descendant of Gusto 1000 ATK

The golden-scaled dragon let out a snarling roar before launching itself forward. Sparks crackled across its claws as it spun midair, barreling toward Pilica . The small girl let out a startled cry before being engulfed by the impact, the green wind dispersing in a sharp whoosh as she was blown apart in a digital burst of light.

Gusto Justiciar (4000 - 3400)

“Tch… barely a scratch.” she muttered.

Etan shrugged. “Call it what you want. Just try to keep up, I quite dislike wasting my time with clowns like you.”

Her eyes flashed with disdain. “The only clown here is you.”

“I set one card facedown.” Etan slipped the card onto his Duel Disk with a firm motion, the glowing hologram flickering into place behind Thunder Dragon. “That’s the end of my turn.”

The Justiciar placed a card on her Duel Disk with graceful precision. “I Normal Summon Gusto Gulldo.”

In a flash of green light, a small, round owl emerged onto her field. Its body was covered in pale green feathers, accented by a silver chest plate and small pauldrons. Tiny clawed feet gripped the air as it floated, wings tucked in, almost comically still. (500/500/Tuner)

Etan’s eyes narrowed. A tuner monster.

He muttered under his breath, “Of course…” Instinctively, he glanced toward his opponent’s graveyard. Sure enough, the air around it shimmered with a familiar breeze as the spell’s dormant power reawakened.

“I activate Tailwind of Gusto from my graveyard,” she announced. “By banishing it, I add another copy of it to my hand. You cannot keep our wind away!”

The hologram of the card briefly reappeared in front of her before vanishing in a swirl of green particles, replaced by another shimmering copy in her hand. She swiftly equipped the new Tailwind of Gusto to Gulldo. The swirling wind returned, enveloping the armored owl in a vortex of energy.

“Using Tailwind’s effect again… I Special Summon Kamui, Hope of Gusto from my Deck!”

A second girl descended gently onto the field. She bore an uncanny resemblance to Pilica, though her hair was a softer green, her expression more wild. No orange highlight adorned her ponytail this time. (200/1000)

Etan clenched his jaw. Where was a Torrential Tribute when you needed it?

But instead of answering him, the Justiciar raised her hand and closed her eyes in mock reverence. “Hear my cry, oh Lady Sophia! If thy enemy is in our presence, please allow my comrades’ power to come in full display!”

The shuriken emblem on her Duel Disk lit up, glowing with radiant green energy that pulsed outward in sharp rings. A strange wind howled through the clearing as her monsters shimmered with matching light.

Etan groaned and muttered, “Oh shit, here we go again…”

The Justiciar spread her arms wide, letting the glowing wind surge upward from the two monsters on her field.

“I tune my Level 3 Gusto Gulldo with my Level 2 Kamui, Hope of Gusto!”

3 + 2 = 5!

Gulldo disintegrated into three green glowing rings that floated into the air, pulsing with energy. Kamui closed her eyes and smiled before becoming two orbs of light that spiraled inward through the rings. The swirling vortex expanded before bursting in a flash of emerald light that briefly lit up the rocky field.

A fierce wind howled as the new monster emerged.

“Synchro Summon! Soar, Daigusto Gulldos!”

Riding high above the battlefield was Kamui , now older. Her expression was hardened, mature, determined. Beneath her, a massive version of Gulldo flew with intimidating speed and grace, its talons crackling with wind energy, its plated feathers sharp as blades. The pair exuded teamwork—two warriors grown into their prime and fighting as one. (2200/800)

Etan shielded his face from the gusts as he stared at the new Synchro monster, blinking twice. “Pfft. Only 2200 ATK?”

“She’s one of them, 100%.” he muttered to himself, a cold, knowing smirk forming on his lips.

Another champion of Sophia. Valuable intel.

He tilted his head, watching her like a hawk now, lips curling just slightly into a malicious grin.

"Perfect," he thought. "Let’s see what else your deck can do..."

“Daigusto Gulldos, use your effect!” the Justiciar declared, her tone sharp and noble.

The wind around her Synchro monster surged violently as glowing silhouettes of Gusto Gulldo and Kamui, Hope of Gusto briefly shimmered beside it before vanishing into streams of light.

“I return Gusto Gulldo and Kamui from my graveyard to the deck—now, destroy that lizard!”

A burst of emerald energy erupted from Daigusto Gulldos’ wings and shot straight at Thunder Dragon, which roared before being engulfed in a gust-fueled explosion.

Etan raised an arm to shield himself from the light. “Tch…”

“Now, Thunbolt, direct attack!”

The green-furred beast crouched, electricity pulsing from its single yellow horn as it dashed toward Etan’s side.

“Not so fast,” Etan growled, slamming his hand onto his Duel Disk. “I activate Ultimate Offering!”

A faint crimson shimmer covered his field, and with a quick gesture, Etan slapped a card onto his Disk sideways.

A face-down monster appeared just in time to intercept the blow.

The Engineer (4000 - 3500)

Gusto Thunbolt struck the hidden card, flipping it face-up to reveal a clunky mechanical train with blinking red eyes and rotating gears.

Dekoichi the Battlechanted Locomotive (1400/1000)

As the monster was destroyed in a screech of brakes and metal, Etan calmly drew a card.

“Thanks for the ride, Dekoichi,” he muttered, slipping the new card into his hand.

The Justiciar narrowed her eyes, lips curling in frustration. “Very well. Then I’ll let Daigusto Gulldos finish what you tried to stop—”

“Again,” Etan cut her off, flipping his trap’s effect a second time. “Ultimate Offering . I summon... D.D. Warrior Lady!”

A flash of light burst on his field as a fierce-looking blonde woman appeared. Her armor gleamed in the fading sunlight, silver plates minimal but battle-worn. She held a saber of pure white energy and pointed it at the enemy without fear.

D.D. Warrior Lady (1500/1600)

The Engineer (3500 - 3000)

The Justiciar visibly tensed. She opened her mouth to command the attack, then clicked her tongue and lowered her hand.

“No attack,” she muttered.

Etan raised an eyebrow, smirking. “What’s wrong? Scared of losing a monster to a good old Warrior Lady?”

The Justiciar laughed—not out of humor, but something more scathing. “Scared? No. Disgusted? Absolutely.”

Her gaze turned steely. “It’s expected or a male like you to use a woman as a shield.”

He stared at her for a second longer, not replying. “Daddy issues maybe?” He thought.

Etan calmly drew his card to begin his turn. He smirked with confidence. With a single, practiced motion, he slapped a new monster onto his Duel Disk.

“Time to show you your place! Reveal your greatness, Bazoo the Soul-Eater !” Bazoo the Soul-Eater (1600/900)

“Now I activate his effect,” Etan said coldly. “I banish Thunder Dragon , Dekoichi , and Sonic Duck from my Graveyard to power him up.”

Bazoo glowed bright red as the three cards slid into Etan’s banished zone. The beast howled as it grew in size, its arms bulging with raw, ghost-fed power.

“And I’m not done.” Etan revealed another card. “I equip him with United We Stand!”

Shimmering golden armor pieces materialized around Bazoo’s body, glowing brighter with each monster on Etan’s field.

“With D.D. Warrior Lady still beside him, Bazoo’s ATK jumps to 4100.”

The Justiciar’s confident posture shifted. She stepped back ever so slightly, eyes narrowing. “Tch… 4100?”

Etan pointed forward. “Return that white bordered abomination to zero!“

Bazoo the Soul-Eater 4100 ATK }-{ Daigusto Gulldos 2200 ATK

The empowered white ape charged forward with a primal bellow, leaping skyward before slamming down with an electrified punch. Daigusto Gulldos was shattered mid-flight, its feathery aura imploding in a burst of green wind.

Gusto Justiciar (3400 - 1500)

She flinched as the backlash hit her, her mask cracking faintly down one side.

Etan exhaled sharply, keeping his cool. “Not so high and mighty now, huh?” he muttered.

Across the field, the Justiciar didn’t respond immediately. But her glare had sharpened—and behind that mask, her pride had definitely been bruised.

Etan didn’t hesitate. “D.D. Warrior Lady, time to banish!”

D.D. Warrior Lady 1500 ATK }-{ Gusto Thunbolt 1500 ATK

The short-haired blonde warrior sprinted forward with blinding speed, her white energy sabre igniting mid-strike. With one clean arc, she clashed with the snarling green wolf. A burst of wind and light shot out from the collision, and both monsters vanished in a streak of shimmering static.

“Your Thunbolt’s not going to rescue you with its effext,” Etan said with a sharp edge. “I’m banishing both.”

The field was left empty on her side. No monsters, no spells or traps. Her hand? Completely empty too.

Etan placed his hands on his hips, exhaling confidently. “No monsters. No cards in hand. Nothing on the field. Admit it, you’ve lost.”

Even Tania was happily cheering and growling behind his back.

But instead of despair, the Justiciar simply smirked. Her posture straightened, and a soft laugh left her lips as she slowly raised her hand over her deck. Her eyes gleamed behind the mask.

Etan’s expression froze.

No fear. No panic. That cocky, glowing aura… it was the smug radiance of every anime protagonist who ever clawed their way back with a topdeck.

“Damn it.” he muttered under his breath.

The Justiciar’s fingers touched the top card of her deck.

“I believe in destiny,” she said calmly, as her duel disk flared to life in a burst of radiant green light. “And it always answers my call.”

Etan braced himself, jaw tensing.

Just as she was about to draw, a sudden rustle came from a nearby bush.

Etan tensed again, instinctively stepping slightly in front of Tania, eyes narrowing at the dense vegetation just beyond the clearing. He couldn’t make out the figure entirely, but he could spot enough: someone crouched behind the leaves, wearing the yellow of a Ra student uniform. They didn’t move. Just… watched.

The Justiciar noticed it too. She clicked her tongue and scoffed. “Hmph. Lucky you,” she muttered, her voice tight with restrained irritation. “I’m not in the mood to have my full splendor revealed to a gawking crowd.”

She tapped her deck twice with two fingers. Her duel disk gave a soft mechanical chime the official forfeit signal.

She turned on her heel, cape snapping as she spun. “And don’t worry,” she added over her shoulder, voice dropping into something colder. “I’ll destroy you, ‘Engineer’ .”

Without another word, she darted into the surrounding brush, vanishing in moments like a wisp of wind behind the trees.

Winner: The Engineer

Etan stood in place for a few seconds, staring in the direction she'd gone before slowly turning his gaze back toward the bush.

The figure in the Ra Yellow uniform hadn’t moved.

He didn’t say anything. Neither did they.

Etan’s mind raced — who was that? How long had they been watching? Did they hear anything?

The tiger beside him grunted, her large head tilting in confusion, but Etan raised a hand to keep her calm.

“We’ll deal with her if she becomes a problem.” he muttered to himself.

From behind the bush, the figure finally stepped forward, parting the leaves with one cautious hand.

Etan’s heart dropped the moment he recognized the tall frame, the dark eyes, and the serious expression that now twisted in confusion beneath a mop of brown hair.

“Bastion,” he muttered under his breath.

Sure enough, it was the Ra Yellow student — Bastion Misawa — still wearing his uniform, a thick notebook clutched under one arm. His gaze darted between the still-bound Tania and Etan in his dark coat and mask, and for a moment he hesitated as if unsure he was seeing things correctly.

“P-professor… is that you—?”

Etan’s body moved before his mind could catch up. In one swift motion, he lunged forward and pressed a hand tightly over Bastion’s mouth.

“Quiet!” he hissed, eyes sharp.

Time stopped. The forest, the breeze, even the chirping insects seemed to hold their breath.

Etan’s thoughts raced. He could knock the boy out, vanish with Tania, and hope for the best. But Bastion had seen him — recognized him. And if the student suddenly went missing or unconscious, it would raise questions. More than that… Etan wasn’t a thug. He hadn’t crossed that line. Not yet.

And besides, Bastion might not fully understand what he was seeing. He had to gamble on that.

Etan closed his eyes, drew in a slow breath, and slowly removed his hand.

“Yes,” he said flatly, his voice losing its artificial growl and returning to something softer. “I am.”

Bastion stared at him, mouth slightly agape.

“I have so many questions...” he began, his voice quickening with each word, “Like, why are you dressed like… like a cartoon villain? And who was that girl? And what is going on in general?!”

Etan winced. “Alright, alright—slow down.”

As he spoke, he knelt beside the suspended tiger and carefully unhooked the trap mechanism. With a solid thud, Tania landed on her paws, giving a low, pleased growl. She shook herself off like a house cat and sat primly beside Etan, tail swishing in the grass.

“She’s harmless,” Etan added, brushing off his coat. “Mostly.”

Tania wagged her tail with a feline grin and nodded at Bastion, her eyes gleaming with amused mischief.

“Ah. Yes. The tiger.” Bastion muttered, blinking slowly, his mind clearly struggling to catch up.

Etan sighed, scratching the back of his head, eyes averting sheepishly. “Tigress.”

Tania nodded again, now eyeing up both men.

“I guess,” he admitted, “I owe you a lot of explanations.”

The sun had long begun its descent, casting amber light through the canopy above as the forest slowly darkened. The once vibrant greens dulled into muted shadows, pierced occasionally by the golden flickers of fireflies beginning to stir.

A soft crackle came from a small fire Bastion had put together, its modest flame giving the trio warmth as they sat in a loose triangle around it. Tania lay curled nearby, tail wrapped around herself like a blanket, dozing peacefully but ever alert.

“So yeah,” Etan finished, rubbing his hands together as he leaned back against a tree, “that’s basically the extent of the situation.”

He had heavily filtered and condensed his story. He had explained to Bastion and Tania—after extracting an absolute promise of silence—about the mysterious duelists like Josh and the cloaked girl from earlier. Not the full truth, but enough to convey the stakes. Enough to make them understand.

It had been a risk. A huge one. But deep down, Etan had decided it was worth it. If Bastion was anything like the intelligent, fiercely loyal person he presented himself as, he’d understand. As for Tania… Well, she was Tania. And right now, her trust was palpable.

“So,” Bastion said, scratching his head and furrowing his brows, “you’re… hunting these ‘Champions’—and they’re trying to do, like, bad things to Jaden and his friends? And to stop them, you joined this rag-tag crew of weirdos?”

Etan raised an eyebrow. “Well, when you put it like that …”

He glanced at both of them and shrugged.

“…But yeah. So, are we cool?”

Bastion took a breath, his eyes fixed on the fire. “Professor, if you had told me this before I saw you dueling that girl…” He hesitated, his fingers twitching slightly in his lap. “I would have already reported you to the Chancellor. No questions asked.”

Etan swallowed, tension creeping back into his shoulders.

“But…” Bastion continued, his voice quieter now, “that white card she had…”

His eyes closed.

“That is certainly not a type of card KaibaCorp—or anyone else—has created or approved of. The moment I saw it, I felt… wrong. Like it wasn’t meant for this world.”

He opened his eyes again, gaze steady, if not a little weary. “So…” A small, almost reluctant smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. “I guess we are cool .”

Etan exhaled, a real, audible breath of relief escaping him. “Thanks, Bastion. Seriously.”

They both turned toward Tania, who had been silently watching them through half-lidded, catlike eyes. She yawned widely and stretched her front paws out, then gave a slow nod, her long tail flicking once in satisfaction.

“Don’t worry,” Etan said softly, his voice sincere as he met her eyes. “I’ll get your gauntlet back. I promise.”

Tania gave one last firm nod before standing, stretching out her limbs with the casual grace only a tiger could manage. Without a sound, she padded away into the trees, disappearing into the darkness of the island's night. Etan watched her vanish, uncertain if she was off to report back to Kagemaru or simply finding a safe place to rest. Probably both, he figured.

He barely had a second to breathe before Bastion cleared his throat.

“However,” the Ra Yellow student began, “I do need a favor, Professor.”

Etan turned his head slowly, eyebrows raised. “And that is?”

“Permission to access the abandoned dorm.”

Etan blinked. “Bastion… that's risky.” His voice dropped into a more serious register. “I'm not the only shady person who goes there. You might find yourself in danger the moment you set foot inside. It's not an empty place anymore. And if the Academy staff catches you snooping around there...” He trailed off, frowning. “We’d both be in serious trouble.”

But Bastion didn’t back down. “I understand the risks,” he said firmly. “But you said it yourself, we need all the advantages we can get to stop those champions. If I’m going to help, I need access to everything. Besides,” he added with a small, almost cheeky smile, “I seem to have a rather uncanny ability to go unnoticed when I want to.”

Etan stared at him for a moment. The student’s face was calm, confident. Determined.

“...Of course you do,” Etan muttered under his breath, rubbing his temples.

That day had taken a turn that Etan did not expect at all, but, having someone else to share his burden was truly a relief.

Only time would tell the result of this alliance. This connection.

Author’s note: So yeah, the cat is out of the bag. And another champion joins the fray. Don’t worry, during this arc, Josh and this new opponent will be the main obstacles, other champions will be introduced during the next “seasons”.

Again, thanks for reading!

Chapter Text

Author note: Hello there.

Etan walked quietly through the tall, columned corridors of Duel Academy’s reference room, the light tapping of his steps echoing off the polished floor. The morning sun filtered through the tall stained-glass windows, painting prismatic patterns over the stone floor. In his hand, he held a small, light package, wrapped in thick brown paper and tied with an intricate black cord. It had arrived just hours ago, delivered discreetly by a contact from Kagemaru. Etan hadn’t opened it yet—he didn’t like the idea of tampering with potential Shadow Rider gear in a public space—but he had a good guess it was meant to aid him in tracking the so-called Gusto Justiciar and getting Tania’s gauntlet back.

He was also worried about a particular task that Sheppard just gave him that morning: prepare the Academy’s site to host a voting event for… ‘Miss Duel Academy’. Apparently, it was an old event that they wanted to bring back to drive the female student’s grades up. He had no idea how that could possibly help with that, but his programming prowess was finally going to be recognized.

He paused near a glass case holding various duel disks from past generations and peered past it. A table stood in the reading area, and he caught sight of a familiar gathering. Chazz was slumped at one end, arms crossed in his usual fashion. Beside him sat Jaden, animatedly chatting with Syrus and Bastion. Alexis was there too, twirling a spoon over a half-finished parfait and smirking at something Chazz had said. The scene made Etan smile. For once, they looked like what they were—just kids hanging out.

He was about to turn away when a snippet of their conversation caught his attention.

“So, Lex,” Chazz said with a drawl. “It must suck to finally have some competition at Obelisk.”

Alexis rolled her eyes and gave a small, confident smile. “Actually, I’m delighted. You don’t know how many girls in Obelisk are only there because it's the default dorm for us. Most of them are lazy. Even the Ra girls are miles better than them. Having Suenna around should get a few to stop slacking…” She paused, then grinned. “Unlike some people I know.”

She shot a pointed glance toward Jaden and Syrus. Jaden chuckled, scratching the back of his head. “Only at homework!”

Syrus crossed his arms with mock indignation. “I’ll have you know I’m this close to moving up to Ra!”

The name Suenna immediately caught Etan’s attention. He adjusted the package under his arm and approached the group, resting his hand lightly on the back of an empty chair.

“Well, well. Sounds like I’m hearing about a new prodigy,” Etan said casually. “How’s everyone doing?”

The group looked up with varying degrees of enthusiasm—Jaden and Syrus beamed, Alexis offered a polite nod, and Bastion grinned.

“We’re trying to get Alexis to admit she’s jealous,” Bastion said in a mock-conspiratorial tone. “Jealous of the new rising star at Obelisk— Diana Suenna . She’s got a deck full of rare Gusto monsters no one’s seen before.”

At that, Bastion gave Etan a subtle wink. The professor’s expression didn’t change, but inwardly, a connection snapped into place.

Alexis huffed, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’m not jealous.”

She didn’t get to elaborate. The library doors burst open as a dozen students poured in, forming an orbiting cluster around someone. All heads turned.

At the center of the group stood a tall Obelisk Blue girl. Her light blue blazer was crisp and impeccable, her brown eyes scanning the room with practiced indifference. Her green bob-cut hair framed her elegant face perfectly, and her curvaceous figure made the boys around her gawk openly. Her duel disk bore a sleek green shuriken-like emblem, further distinguishing her from the crowd.

“Diana Suenna.” Bastion whispered, unnecessarily.

“Wow,” Jaden murmured, watching the group swarm her. “She has to be good. You don’t get that much attention for just being pretty.” 

“Ditto. No offense, Lex.” Added Chazz, jokingly.

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, shut up.”

“I’d love to duel her sometime.” Finished the protagonist.

Alexis folded her arms, eyes narrowed. “She’s good, but this is ridiculous. Everyone’s overreacting.”

Etan remained quiet, observing. The girl’s body language, subtle expressions, the tilt of her chin—it all radiated satisfaction. She loved the attention. And yet… something didn’t match. From what little he had deduced of her champion status, he’d expected her to be more bitter toward male attention.

“Unless,” Etan thought, “this is part of the game. Just another kind of control.”

Suddenly, the group began changing direction—heading straight toward their table. Etan’s posture straightened. He stepped forward, lifting his hand to stop the crowd.

“That’s enough,” he said with firm authority. “The reference room is no place for this kind of uproar.”

The Obelisk girl turned her gaze to him, her pleasant mask slipping into a scowl. “That’s okay, Professor Troml ,” she said, stressing the last word like a slur. “Gross last name, by the way.”

Etan took a slow breath. He’d dealt with rude students before. No reason to escalate it—not with this many witnesses. He stayed silent.

Diana leaned sideways toward Alexis, her expression gleaming with mischief. “Hey, Lexi . Are you gonna accept my duel request anytime soon? Or…” she grinned smugly, “is the Queen scared of the new—and obviously better—challenger in town?”

The crowd gasped in unified anticipation.

Alexis stood slowly. Bastion tried to stop her with a hand on her arm, but she shrugged him off.

“Suenna, I’ll admit: you’re skilled. But you’re also rude. When you fix that attitude—and that dumb smile—I’ll gladly accept your challenge.”

There were a few scattered chuckles from Chazz and Bastion. Even Etan barely concealed his grin.

Diana’s eyes narrowed. “Coward,” she spat, before pivoting on her heel and disappearing into her fan club.

Once the noise subsided, Jaden grinned. “I would’ve just dueled her right then and there.”

Alexis, already seated again, sighed. “Maybe. But respect is something every pro duelist should have. At least on stage.”

Etan nodded. “Wise words, Rhodes.” He looked around the table. “Now then, can I trust you five to behave while I step out for a bit?”

They all nodded, offering a chorus of “yes, Professor.”

Etan tapped the package lightly with his fingers, then turned on his heel and began the walk toward his office.

Etan sat on the edge of his bed, eyeing the newly opened package with wary curiosity. Carefully, he reached inside, drawing out an ornate mask. Its style resembled something from a masquerade ball—purple velvet trimmed with intricate gold patterns surrounding the eyes, and a single Eye of Anubis set prominently in the center, gazing silently outward.

He turned the mask slowly, catching sight of a small note that had fallen from the wrapping. Picking it up, he read the elegant, handwritten warning:

"Use this ancient artefact with utmost respect and care, for each use has a cost. You'll slip like a shadow anywhere you go while wearing it. Good luck."

A heavy sigh escaped Etan’s lips. It wasn't exactly the comforting gift he'd been hoping for. Clearly, this mask had originally been intended for Titan, the Shadow Rider who specialized in theatrical displays and fear tactics. Etan briefly pondered the implications of its appearance here instead of Titan’s possession, but with Titan nowhere to be found, he shelved the thought for another time.

He placed the mask on his lap, glancing up at the Tierra figurine standing quietly on his shelf, her tiny plastic flames looking deceptively harmless. With a defeated, half-hearted smile, he addressed her directly:

“Could I maybe get something better directly from you?” Etan asked dryly, raising an eyebrow at the silent figurine. “I mean, your sister has already given her champions Synchros. I might need an upgrade too.”

Predictably, the figurine offered no reply. It simply stood there, silent, staring off blankly into space, as if to mock him gently with its lack of concern. Etan shook his head, resigned. Of course, Tierra wouldn't make this easy, she wanted ‘controlled caos’ afterall. He returned his attention to the mask, knowing he’d eventually have no choice but to test it.

Etan rolled his eyes and exhaled slowly, bracing himself for whatever sinister effect the mask might have. He hesitated just for a second, before carefully placing it over his face. Immediately, an odd sensation rippled through him—a sudden feeling of weightlessness, of being hollow, almost as though he had become nothing more than a passing thought. A foggy haze, tinted greenish-purple, blurred the edges of his vision, giving everything a dreamlike quality.

Etan waved a hand in front of his face, noticing how it seemed almost translucent in the shifting mist. "Well...this certainly isn't ominous at all," he murmured, testing his voice and noting it had a distant, echo-like quality.

A sudden knock at the door made him leap up from the bed. "Hey Etan!" Luna's cheerful voice called from the other side. "I've got some important news, so don't mind if I come in!"

"Luna, wait—!" Etan began, instinctively reaching up to remove the mask—but his fingers slipped uselessly around its edges. It seemed firmly affixed to his face, refusing to budge even as he tugged desperately. "Oh come on, not now!" he hissed.

The door swung open and Luna stepped into the room, smiling expectantly. "Etan, you're not going to believe this—" She stopped suddenly, looking around in confusion. "Etan?"

Etan stood directly in front of her, mask still stubbornly in place, hands raised in an attempt to explain himself. "Luna, listen, I can explain this! This weird mask—"

But Luna's eyes passed right through him, as if he wasn't there. Confused, Etan moved forward to get her attention—only for her to walk directly through him. An icy chill surged through his body at the contact, making him shudder. Luna paused, rubbing her arm, clearly feeling something odd but unable to pinpoint its cause.

"Weird," she murmured, glancing around the room. "I could've sworn he was here." She glanced around again, her eyes landing on the figure of Tierra, displayed prominently on Etan’s shelf. Luna stared suspiciously at the figurine and poked its head lightly.

“You wouldn’t happen to know where Etan went, would you?” Luna joked dryly to the inanimate figure, before sighing dramatically. “Ugh, of all times for him to wander off...”

"Luna! I'm right here! I'm literally right in front of you!" he yelled in frustration.

But she didn’t react. His voice was nothing but a hollow echo, a ghostly whisper that simply didn't reach her. He groaned in defeat, realization finally dawning on him: the mask had made him intangible—an unseen, unheard phantom in the physical world.

Taking a deep breath, Etan carefully stretched out his hand, trying to touch Luna's shoulder again. His fingers passed straight through her, sending another eerie chill rippling through his body. He shivered, but a sudden realization quickly overtook his discomfort.

"Huh," he murmured softly, a mischievous smile creeping onto his face. "This could actually come in handy."

Infiltrating the Obelisk Blue girls' dormitory would normally be impossible, at least not without raising a dozen alarms and getting himself fired or called a creep. But now, intangible and invisible, it was the perfect opportunity to get close to the new Champion and retrieve Tania's gauntlet.

His scheming was interrupted, however, by another odd occurrence. At Luna's side, a small figure gradually began to take form—transparent at first, then more solid and distinct. She was petite, with short blue hair neatly framing her face beneath a pointy magician’s hat, dressed in flowing robe. In her small hand, she held a polished staff topped by a mirror that reflected softly glowing light.

Etan blinked in surprise. “A Duel Spirit?” He had never seen one before—never had the ability to perceive them—but now, clear as day, she stood before him.

The small magician tilted her head slightly, puzzled. "Weird," she muttered softly to Luna, who feigned not to hear her. "I can even sense his soul nearby..." Her eyes scanned the room curiously before landing directly on Etan. Their gazes locked.

"Wait," she said sharply, eyes widening, "Why is he—?"

A sudden jolt of panic surged through Etan. Without thinking, he instinctively imagined himself as far away from the room as possible, wishing himself elsewhere. In an instant, a blur of shadowy purple and green fog enveloped him, and when it cleared, Etan stood bewildered at the entrance of the Academy's main building.

He stumbled slightly, momentarily disoriented by the abrupt teleportation. He quickly gathered himself, placing a hand against the cool stone wall for support, even if he did not need it.

"Okay..." he whispered, his breathing slightly ragged. "Add teleportation and duel spirits to the list."

However, beneath his sense of relief, something gnawed at the back of his mind—a strange, empty sensation, as if something vital had been taken from him during the transition. It felt subtle yet permanent, a piece of himself left behind. A payment for the mask’s power.

Etan shook his head vigorously, determined not to dwell on the feeling for now. There were more urgent matters at hand. Carefully, he adjusted the mask on his face, feeling the wisps of shadow encircle him protectively, and began to slip silently from one shadow to another, heading purposefully toward the Obelisk Blue girls' dormitory.

The Obelisk Blue Girls' Dorm loomed ahead, a temple of elegance and privilege—white marble walls gleaming in the late afternoon sun, pristine windows framed in navy blue, and an imposing iron gate marking the territory of Duel Academy’s elite. Etan stood at the edge of a shadow cast by a nearby tree, hidden from sight by the mask’s intangible shroud, silently observing the jovial scene before him.

The courtyard bustled with energy and carefree laughter. Small clusters of students chatted animatedly, lounging beneath parasols or strolling leisurely along manicured paths. To them, this was just another afternoon of youthful leisure, blissfully unaware of any dangers or mysteries that might lurk around them. Etan's gaze lingered thoughtfully. These students were hardly more than background characters in the show, mere passing shadows, yet seeing their laughter and carefree smiles made him realize their humanity all too vividly.

A faint pang tugged at his chest. Quickly shaking off the feeling, he steeled himself for his purpose. Sentimentality wouldn’t help him retrieve Tania’s gauntlet.

The mask vibrated gently against his skin as he moved forward, slipping effortlessly through the closed gates like a phantom. A cool, fragrantly perfumed breeze greeted him inside, alongside a vision of grandeur far surpassing the Red and Ra dormitories. Ornate chandeliers sparkled beneath a vaulted glass ceiling, reflecting golden beams of sunlight that danced on polished marble floors and statues. A plush red carpet stretched invitingly towards a grand double staircase that spiraled gracefully upwards.

Etan walked cautiously, close to the richly decorated walls, his footsteps soundless. But as he advanced further into the lavish hallways, he froze in place. His heartbeat quickened.

Duel spirits.

Spectral entities drifted freely through corridors, passing through walls and objects as though they were mere illusions. No students seemed to perceive or interact with them; yet, these spirits moved comfortably, clearly accustomed to their surroundings. Etan ducked instinctively behind a marble pillar as two spirits approached, engaging in hushed conversation.

"I swear," whispered a girl he recognized as an Eria the Water Charmer , her soft voice echoing gently, "I saw a girl who looked just like me hovering over one of those Ra girls! It was uncanny!"

Next to her was a Gagagigo , who gave a thoughtful grunt, his muscular form looming protectively over the smaller spirit. "You always say that, Eria. Perhaps you miss your sisters too much."

Eria pouted softly, looking upwards at him. "I'm serious! Next time, I'll show you."

The two spirits continued along their path, phasing effortlessly through a decorative vase and vanishing down another hallway. Etan remained pressed against the pillar, eyes wide in disbelief.

He’d dreamed of seeing and hearing Duel Spirits during his childhood, spending hours imagining conversations with legendary monsters and charming creatures. But now, witnessing their casual existence in person filled him with disconcerting dread. He hadn't imagined that the experience would be so chillingly surreal, as if reality itself had shifted beneath him.

Taking a slow breath to calm his nerves, Etan pressed forward again.

Etan kept silently investigating the hallways, quickly coming to understand that locating the correct room would be harder than he'd thought. The rooms had no visible nameplates or identifying markers. He momentarily cursed himself, realizing that if he'd taken the time earlier to check his computer back in his office, he could've easily identified Diana's assigned room. But now, retreating to do so felt like a waste of precious time, and the thought of paying whatever hidden price came with using the mask again unsettled him deeply.

Frustrated, Etan inwardly cursed his impulsiveness, wondering how he had let himself get this far into a compromised position without thorough preparation. Just then, his ears caught a familiar voice echoing softly down the hall: Alexis Rhodes. With careful, silent steps, he moved toward the sound, following it cautiously until he arrived at a small study area nestled within the dormitory.

Several elegant wooden tables filled the hall, each occupied by students absorbed in their studies. At one of these tables, Alexis sat, engrossed in conversation with someone through her cellphone, her expression calm but intent. Etan paused, lingering near the doorway, carefully observing from the shadows.

"...heard that Suenna is going around like she owns the Academy!" Chazz’s voice was saying, irritation evident in his tone.

Alexis stared straight down at her notebook, pen moving mechanically as she wrote. Chazz’s voice pulled her out of her trance. She sighed and replied, "Yeah, I guess so. Some of us say that everyone staying in room 13 is like that."

Etan nodded to himself; now he had the crucial piece of information he needed—room 13. Yet, he lingered as the conversation between Alexis and Chazz continued, capturing his attention.

"I also heard that everyone is talking about how you folded so easily earlier today," Chazz continued, his voice probing.

Alexis visibly bristled at the comment, her pen freezing mid-stroke. "'Folded'? Oh boy, that's what everyone is saying happened? I just refused her challenge."

Chazz's voice shifted, becoming serious and concerned. "Lex... Crowler asked me if I knew why your grades are dropping. Is everything okay?"

Alexis lifted her head sharply, staring directly at her cellphone, her expression hardening with both surprise and a touch of defensiveness. Etan moved cautiously closer to the table, curiosity and worry tugging at his thoughts as he awaited her response.

"Yes, everything's okay. I've just been a bit distracted with some extracurricular activities lately."

Etan, having moved closer, subtly glanced at her notebook, noticing that it was filled with various sketches and notes about different locations. Each location was associated with her brother's disappearance, with annotations about places she had investigated or intended to explore further. His eyes caught a particular entry related to the Abandoned Dorm, where Alexis had written and then crossed out: "Ask the professor if we can explore it together."

Alexis stared at her phone with a slight frown, clearly uncomfortable with the question. “Yeah. That’s it.”

"If you say so," Chazz continued, sensing her hesitation, "Just don't let that brat Suenna take your throne, alright?"

She managed a small smile and softly replied, "Yeah... thanks for calling. Take care." Alexis ended the call and set her phone down, sighing in evident frustration. Rubbing her eyes, she took out a card hidden at the back of her notebook, revealing a purple-bordered card displaying an icy dragon with three heads. She murmured to herself, clearly distressed, "Atty, where are you? Without you here, how can I know if I'm worthy of this card?"

Etan observed Alexis quietly, his heart sinking slightly at her evident distress. He wanted nothing more than to comfort her, but his current mission demanded immediate attention. Nodding solemnly to himself, he resolved to speak with her later and began making his way silently toward room 13.

Etan stood still in the middle of room 13, taking a moment to survey his surroundings. The stark contrast between the two halves of the room struck him immediately: one side plain and nondescript, the other bearing an elegant, carefully curated décor. The familiar green shuriken-like emblem he remembered from the Justiciar's duel disk adorned the walls, adding an aura of dignity and pride.

Shaking off his momentary awe, Etan began cautiously exploring the elegant half of the room, his intangible fingers brushing through cosmetics, papers, and neatly folded clothes. He paused for a moment, aware of the awkwardness and invasion of privacy he was committing. With a resigned sigh, he muttered to himself, "What has my life come to? Breaking and entering into a girl's room... this isn't how I imagined my career."

Bracing himself, Etan leaned his head forward, pushing his face straight through a drawer. A strange sensation overcame him, a momentary dizziness as his vision became temporarily clouded by the wooden material. He steadied himself, his vision clearing as he spotted the gauntlet. It lay neatly tucked among a small collection of accessories, its presence oddly natural among the girl's belongings.

"Gotcha!" he whispered triumphantly to himself. Now all he had to do was remove the mask, grab the gauntlet, and make his swift exit. He began to reach for the mask, fingers gripping its edges, but before he could pull it off, he heard the sudden sound of the doorknob turning.

Etan froze in place, heart racing, uncertain if whoever entered could detect him while he wore the mask. Acting purely on instinct, he quickly retreated, phasing through the nearby bathroom door. Once inside, he stood motionless beside the shower, his breath shallow, desperately hoping his invisibility held firm. He listened carefully, ears straining to capture any movement from the intruder.

The main room door creaked open, and footsteps entered confidently, closing the door behind them. He forced himself to remain calm and silent, mentally rehearsing his next move as he listened intently to what was happening in the adjacent room.

Etan leaned in slightly from his hiding spot behind the bathroom door, eyes narrowed in suspicion. Diana’s voice carried clearly through the open space, dripping with pride and disdain. "As I said, I have the simpletons of this Academy already swooned by my every move."

His curiosity piqued, Etan carefully pressed closer, peeking through the narrow gap to catch a better glimpse of the room's occupant. On her meticulously kept bed, Diana sat elegantly, flipping her deck aside with practiced ease and exaggerated gentleness.

Suddenly, Diana's refined expression contorted with open disgust. "You think that bimbo has a chance against me?! Please! You should see the caucasity of that bitch!"

Just as swiftly as the outburst erupted, Diana regained her composure, her voice returning to a tone of superiority and grace. "And yeah, I'll leave Jaden submissive and sidelined just for you. I already have an action plan to take over his role," she said smoothly, beginning to fan through her cards with deliberate care.

Etan’s frown deepened, his hands clenching unconsciously. It was infuriating how every champion seemed so ready to despise Jaden and his friends. He fought to keep his breathing quiet and steady, a wave of protective anger rising in his chest.

A smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she gazed into thin air beside her. "Isn't that right, Griffin?"

A chill ran down Etan’s spine as he watched a human-sized, armored green Griffin materialize beside Diana. Its majestic wings folded neatly behind its back, and it cawed softly, tilting its head affectionately into her touch. Diana’s fingers stroked its feathers with familiar ease, a stark contrast to her earlier harshness.

Then, the Griffin paused.

Its glowing eyes narrowed, and its armored beak tilted ever so slightly as it turned toward the bathroom. Etan flinched and instinctively pulled back, pressing his back against the ceramic wall. His breath caught in his throat. The moment stretched unbearably long, each tick of the clock on the dorm room wall echoing like a war drum. He could hear the beast’s slow, heavy steps—metallic claws clicking against the polished floor.

From the other side of the door, Diana’s voice carried on, smooth and confident:

“I haven’t thought about how to eliminate the other Champions yet,” she mused. “One at a time, maybe… depending on how annoying they are.”

Etan’s eyes widened. Eliminate? Was she going to betray the others? Had she already met Luna and Josh?

He briefly considered teleporting away—now, while he still had the chance. But the thought of leaving behind the gauntlet, and the opportunity to confirm her intentions, made him hesitate. Every word she spoke now could be critical intel.

The Griffin’s steps stopped just outside the bathroom.

Etan stood frozen, unable to blink, unable to breathe. His fingers twitched. He could almost feel the spiritual pressure of the creature trying to sense him, sniffing him out beyond the veil of shadows cast by the mask.

Another set of footsteps joined in—softer, lighter. Diana. “I guarantee you,” she said, her tone now low and dangerous, “by the end of next year, I’ll be the only one left.”

The Griffin’s shadow shifted beneath the door.

Etan tensed.

But then…

“Griffin, come.”

The creature dematerialized into a flutter of green light.

Etan exhaled silently in relief, ‘bracing’ against the wall.

He could hear Diana moving again, her voice fading slightly as she walked toward the room’s exit.

“And about that rando I told you about…”

The doorknob turned.

Click.

And just like that, she was gone.

Etan remained there for a few seconds, perfectly still, absorbing the weight of what he'd just learned.

He had dodged the bullet.

But, there was turmoil amongst them. Although, he still needed to learn more before possibly using that as a tool in the future.

He quickly made his way back to the drawer after verifying that no one else was close to the room.

He took a deep breath before taking the mask off.

It took more strength than he had thought. I felt like he had stripped his skin off, it stung. He was briefly blinded, but he could already feel himself leaning into the drawer for support. He opened his eyes. The haze was gone and his senses were completely back.

He turned around, opened the drawer and took the gauntlet. It was light. He thought about wearing it, but, what would exactly happen if he did? Would he turn into a tiger?

He suppressed a laugh and donned the mask again. He was already getting used to the transitional feelings.

“Lets not push my luck any more…”

With that, he thought about his office and, in a blink of an eye, he was gone.

It was already afternoon as Etan reappeared at his room. His eyes adjusted at the light level and, again, he made sure no one was nearby before taking off the mask, returning to the material realm.

He exhaled before throwing himself into his bed.

“Please, tell me that was today’s adventure…” He spoke to Tierra’s figurine.

Etan felt how a small paper nudged his back. Annoyed, he reached for it and read its contents.

“ETAN, WHERE ARE YOU!!!!??? I NEED YOU TO BE AT THE REFERENCE ROOM AT 4 PM, ALRIGHT?! THERE IS ANOTHER ONE OF US AND SHE’S A HAUGHTY LITTLE PIECE OF SHIT AND I DON’T WANT TO BE ALONE WITH HER AND JOSH IN THE SAME PLACE. xoxo - Luna, your best friend!”

He crumpled the paper before throwing it far and groaning. “You are not even in my top 3, Luna…” Then, he looked at the clock “3:45, damn.”

Midnight cloaked the abandoned dorm in shadow, its crumbling walls and overgrown courtyard bathed in pale moonlight. A lone figure approached—The Engineer—his scarf fluttering in the breeze, steps measured, yet light with purpose. The air inside the dorm was thick with dust and quiet whispers of long-forgotten duels, but Etan was unfazed. This was familiar ground.

As he made his way down the cracked hallway toward the chamber where he and Amnael often conspired, he heard a soft growl—low, but not hostile. He paused, just past the doorframe, and smiled behind his scarf.

“Tania.” he murmured fondly.

The tigress was lounging on the stone floor, her golden eyes glowing faintly in the dark. She rose to her feet and padded closer, tail flicking with interest.

Etan reached into his coat and pulled out the gauntlet, its polished surface gleaming even in the sparse moonlight. “Told you I’d recover it,” he said simply.

With a casual flick, he tossed it toward her.

Tania caught the artifact cleanly in her maw, her eyes widening with excitement. The moment the gauntlet slipped onto her paw, it pulsed with a dull, primal glow.

A deep shimmer of light rippled through her fur. Slowly, her form began to change—her limbs lengthening, bones shifting. Crimson hair spilled down her back in a loose ponytail. Muscles coiled beneath tanned skin. The transformation was smooth, fluid, like stretching after a long nap.

In seconds, the tigress was gone, replaced by a towering Amazon warrior woman in form-fitting.. ‘armor’, her grin wide and wild.

Before Etan could say a word, she surged forward and wrapped her arms around him, lifting him off the ground like a prize.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she beamed, spinning him once in place. “You are the best!”

Etan groaned softly, half-laughing and half-suffocated. “Careful! Ribs… fragile…”

Tania eased her grip slightly, but didn’t let go.

He rolled his eyes, still dangling slightly in her hold. “You could’ve just said thanks!”

“I did ! Three times!”

“…Fair point.”

“It’s good that you’re already on good terms, Engineer. Tania.”

The voice came from behind, smooth and calm, tinged with amusement. Etan and Tania turned sharply to see Amnael standing beside a broken window, arms crossed, the moonlight catching the golden trim of his robes.

Amnael didn’t look at them directly. His eyes were focused beyond the glass, scanning the tree line. 

Tania smiled before releasing Etan. “Oh, Engineer. This guy’s—”

“We’ve met,” Etan interrupted, slipping seamlessly back into his scarfed persona. His voice was firm, composed. “Amnael.”

The alchemist nodded slowly, then finally turned toward them, his unreadable eyes lingering on the gauntlet now snug on Tania’s wrist.

Moments later, Etan and Amnael sat across from each other at the nearby old wooden table in the center of the chamber. Tania remained standing nearby, still adjusting her clothes like someone reunited with an old friend, grinning as she flexed her arms and admired her form.

“If I may be bold,” she said, finally breaking the silence. “Why are you two so gloomy?”

Amnael raised an eyebrow. “Gloomy?”

“Yes,” Tania said brightly. “I mean—” she gestured to herself with both hands “—I got my body back, we got the gauntlet, and we’ve got a good little team here. We’re allies, right?”

Etan said nothing, his fingers steepled in thought. Amnael chuckled and gave a slight shrug.

“Mind you,” Amnael said dryly, “if you find me gloomy, our next two recruits are going to terrorize you.”

Tania tilted her head. “That bad, huh?”

Amnael nodded and leaned forward, voice quieting as if the walls might be listening. “They’re… temperamental and maybe more powerful than any of us combined if you ask me. But their loyalty? Let’s just say it’s bought in strange ways.” Then he looked at the ceiling. “Speak of the devil…”

A faint rustle echoed above them. From the shadowed rafters, a bat unfurled its wings and glided silently down, fluttering in a small circle before hovering near Tania. Then, in a shimmer of violet light and a swirl of darkness, the bat twisted and expanded, reshaping midair.

In an instant, the creature transformed into a striking woman.

She touched down gently beside Tania, her heels tapping lightly against the old floor. Her long, waist-length green hair flowed behind her, perfectly straight except for a single curl rising over her forehead. She wore a deep-cut black and violet dress, the fabric split at the sides to reveal her long legs, laced heels wrapping up her shins. Her piercing yellow eyes scanned the room with cool amusement.

Camula.

She didn’t say a word—not yet.

A sudden chill filled the room.

A mass of shadow began to gather near Amnael’s side, curling unnaturally, flickering like ink in water. From it emerged a form, slow and steady, sculpted from darkness until it solidified into the figure of a young man.

He stood tall, wearing a tight black turtleneck beneath a sleek, emerald-trimmed overcoat with sharp shoulders and a cinched waist. Black leather pants and polished shoes completed his imposing silhouette. His expression was unreadable, but his presence exuded authority—and menace.

Etan’s eyes narrowed as he looked at the man’s mask.

He recognized him instantly.

Nightshroud. Darkness.

His face betrayed nothing, but a flicker of anger burned in Etan’s chest. Not because of who Nightshroud was—but because of the body he currently wore.

Atticus Rhodes.

Etan forced the emotion down. This wasn’t the time for personal vendettas. Not yet.

Camula finally broke the silence with a smirk.

“Well,” she said, her voice velvety and amused, “this little club has gotten interesting.”

Tania glanced between the two newcomers, her eyes lingering a bit longer on Nightshroud before flicking back to Camula with a curious tilt of her head. There was discomfort there—a primal instinct perhaps, reacting to the unnatural stillness that clung to Nightshroud like a second skin.

But then, the tigress brightened, her signature grin returning full force.

“So, a bat-girl?” she asked with a chipper tone, stepping forward and offering her paw—now more of a muscular, human hand—to Camula. “Neat! I'm Tania, a Tigress !”

Camula didn’t move. She simply rolled her golden eyes, her lips curling into the faintest sneer. She ignored the gesture completely.

Tania awkwardly retracted her hand and scratched the back of her neck. “Heh… cool. That’s fine. No one wants to be the fuzzy one’s friend, huh?”

Etan let out a slow exhale behind his scarf.

Amnael, arms folded, finally spoke, gesturing lazily between them. “Engineer, Tania—meet Camula and Nightshroud,” he said flatly, as if trying to get ahead of the inevitable tension. “Let’s make one thing clear. We’re not here to air out personal grudges or ancient rivalries, if any.”

He paused a beat, gauging the room.

“I was going to ask each of you to introduce yourselves properly, but…” Amnael raised an eyebrow, “…I doubt anyone’s in the mood for that kind of civility.”

He turned to Etan with an expectant look. “So let’s cut to the point. Engineer, explain the situation.”

Etan nodded silently, then reached into his coat and produced a neatly folded sheet of paper. He laid it flat on the center of the table. The crude lighting of the abandoned dorm flickered over it, revealing scribbled notes, diagrams, and underlined keywords—each section dedicated to two names: Josh and Diana Suenna.

As the others leaned in to inspect the sheet, Etan began.

“Our targets are three, for now,” he said firmly. “Jaden Yuki, Josh Farley, and Diana Suenna. Out of those three, the last two are the real threats.”

That statement made Amnael’s head turn.

“Wait,” he said, voice sharp with curiosity. “You’re saying Jaden isn’t the top priority? From what I’ve studied, he has by far the greatest potential to yield dueling energy.”

Etan raised a hand to cut him off. “True. Jaden is an energy well, no doubt. But he’s passive. He isn’t looking for a fight unless provoked.” He tapped the paper with two fingers, right where Josh’s name was circled. “Josh and Diana? They’re not just active—they’re hunting. ”

That statement landed like a thunderclap.

Camula’s golden eyes widened slightly. Nightshroud’s body stilled.

“…Hunting?” Amnael repeated.

Etan nodded. “Yes. I spied them this afternoon while they had a reunion regarding us. They also have special cards, cards that none of us have ever seen, and powerful ones too. These aren’t just wild cards. They have plans.”

For a beat, there was silence.

Then, Camula burst into laughter.

“Mere mortal children hunting me!? ” Her voice was thick with amusement as she threw her head back. “Oh, how ridiculous! I could tear both of them apart without even dueling! ”

Nightshroud gave a chuckle of his own, folding his arms.

“Indeed,” he added. “Two unknown, inexperienced duelists could never even track me down, much less pose a threat. I’ve seen centuries pass by without a single soul managing that.”

Tania crossed her arms and glanced toward Etan. “So… we’re really dealing with kids who don’t know their limits.”

“No,” Etan said flatly. “We’re dealing with kids who do. ” He looked up from the paper, voice low. “That’s what makes them dangerous.”

Nightshroud narrowed his crimson eyes, skepticism plain on his face. “Do you have any proof of this being the truth, Engineer ?” he asked, spitting the name with faint contempt.

Etan didn’t flinch. Instead, he let a slight smile curl at the edge of his lips. “Indeed,” he replied calmly. “By any chance, Nightshroud, was your first move to take on Jaden at the island’s volcano… in the coming days?”

Nightshroud froze. His expression faltered for the first time since appearing. “But… how—?”

Etan’s smile deepened, almost smug. “They’ve read you like an open book,” he said, tapping the table with quiet finality. “I watched them. They’re planning around that. Diana and Josh. They know you’ll make your move there. They’re preparing to intercept you before you do.”

The air in the room shifted. Everyone at the table grew still.

Tania’s grin slowly faded. Camula lowered her arms. Even Amnael’s usual composure stiffened.

For the first time, the tension was real.

Camula recovered first, scoffing. “Okay, fine. That may be true,” she conceded. “But that still doesn’t make them a threat. I don’t care if they know what brand of soap I use—they’re just children. We can still defeat them.”

Etan’s gaze turned steely, his voice hardening. “Do you not understand the implications? They know everything about us. Our strategies. Our schedules. Our decks. ” He let the words hang in the air like blades. “We aren’t just fighting duelists now. We’re fighting tacticians. If we want to harvest them, we need to adapt. ”

Camula rolled her eyes, clearly irritated by a mortal lecturing her—but she didn’t argue.

Etan stood tall, resting both gloved hands on the edge of the table as his tone shifted into that of a strategist commanding a war council.

“We need to take this seriously—no more underestimating them. I’m proposing immediate side-deck restructuring.”

Camula raised an eyebrow while Nightshroud leaned back with his arms crossed, unconvinced.

Etan continued, firm. “First, we include cards that can wipe the field during our opponents’ turn. Torrential Tribute , Needle Ceiling , even Mirror Force —anything that punishes reckless swarming. Both Josh and Diana rely on overwhelming the board fast, and they burn through resources to do it. Shut that down once, and they’ll struggle to recover.”

Amnael nodded thoughtfully. “A pre-emptive strike during their combo turn. Sensible.”

Etan pointed toward Tania. “Second: anti-Fiend tech for Farley and WIND counters.”

Tania frowned. “WIND monsters too?”

“Yes,” Etan confirmed. “Diana’s main archetype is all WIND.”

He paced slightly, as if running through every countermeasure in his mind. “And finally: expect ambushes. From here on out, none of us can lower our guard. These two don’t respect etiquette—they’ll duel you in your sleep if it means getting ahead. Always be ready.”

Camula gave a small snort. “Let them try.”

But before the sarcasm could spread, Etan added, “And one last thing. I’ll need your Duel Disks.”

That got a proper reaction.

Camula and Nightshroud both turned toward him with matching expressions of disbelief.

“I beg your pardon?” Camula scoffed.

“You want my disk?” Nightshroud asked, eyes narrowing.

Etan remained unfazed. “Only for a day. I’ll return them fully operational.”

“And why , pray tell, would I hand over something so integral to my soul?” Camula’s voice had gained a slight edge.

Etan met her gaze without blinking. “Because I believe our enemies may have access to abilities that allow them to manipulate fate— to tamper with our draws. ”

That got their attention. Even Nightshroud leaned forward slightly.

“Draw rigging?” Amnael muttered. “Defying destiny…”

Etan nodded. “Exactly. If they’re aware of our strategies, what’s to say they can’t manipulate the outcome of our duels on a level beyond even Shadow Games? As the Engineer , I plan to add safeguards—subtle changes in the programming, encryption layers in the deck shuffler hardware, draw consistency algorithms that mask randomness in our favor.” Buzz words, of course, but convincing ones.

“Cheating?” Camula asked, amused.

Etan smiled darkly. “ Counter-cheating. ”

Silence.

Then, Amnael chuckled. “Very well. I’ll accept.”

Tania shrugged. “Sure. Mine too.”

Camula hesitated for a beat longer, then sighed with regal annoyance. “Fine. But if you so much as scratch it, Engineer …”

Nightshroud was last. He eyed Etan coldly, then, with a reluctant grunt, nodded. “One day. Not a second more.”

Etan nodded solemnly. “That’s all I need.”

Nightshroud lingered by the shadow-veiled window, his yellow eyes reflecting faint moonlight. The others had already dispersed, their footsteps long faded into the silent corridors of the abandoned dorm. Only he and Etan—still masked as the Engineer—remained.

“I assume you had a decent reason to ask me to stay,” Nightshroud said, voice as low and smooth as silk draped over a blade.

“I did,” he replied calmly. “There’s something I’d like you to consider… a potential contingency plan.”

Nightshroud raised an eyebrow. “Contingency?”

Etan leaned forward slightly. “I know you’re still looking for a… superior vessel. One not limited by sentimentality. And I was wondering… if the opportunity arises—would you consider Josh?”

A silence fell between them.

Nightshroud didn’t respond immediately. His face betrayed no emotion—only curiosity. “Josh… the boy hunting us alongside that girl.”

Etan nodded. “Yes. You said earlier that you knew little about him beyond what I told you in the meeting. But I know more. I’ve studied them. Watched them. Josh and Diana aren’t ordinary humans.”

Nightshroud turned his head slightly. “Oh?”

Etan’s eyes narrowed behind his mask. “They have the capacity to bend fate—draw the exact cards they need when the universe should say otherwise. More than that, their souls… I’ve seen them up close. They shine brighter than even Jaden’s. More volatile. More… malleable.”

A slow grin stretched across Nightshroud’s face.

“How interesting…” he said, savoring the words. “A boy with the power to defy destiny… and potentially strong enough to hold me .”

He nodded once, a slow, deliberate motion. “I will keep that in mind, Engineer. If the time comes—perhaps I’ll test the limits of his soul myself.”

Then, in a swirl of black and crimson mist, Nightshroud vanished—leaving only a brief shimmer in the stale air.

Etan remained still for a moment, letting the silence settle back in.

Then, he chuckled darkly to himself and pulled down his scarf just enough to reveal a grin.

“I wonder if being possessed will finally shut Josh up…”

With that, he turned and exited into the shadows—already plotting his next move.