The graduation Duel ended perfectly. Many students witnessed a spectacular match that they might never forget. The explosion of the effect damage might remain etched in their minds forever.
Because of this, after the third-year students graduated, the first and second-year students couldn't help but debate during this period—
"Jaden lost to my brother in one strike before, and now they tied!?"
"Jaden's progress is incredible. Shocking, really. Hmph, but that just makes chasing him all the more fun."
"I'm really curious between Jaden and Hikaru now, who's stronger?"
Even the students of the Fusion Club couldn't help but chime in.
One side claimed that if Jaden could now match Zane, he must have surpassed Hikaru. The other side argued that Hikaru had already beaten Jaden before, so you couldn't judge until they faced each other again.
"You've really been underestimated, Hikaru! Hurry up and make that guy Jaden kneel!" Tierra snapped after passing by two arguing students. "Go! Prove you're the true pinnacle of Fusion at this academy!"
Hikaru gave an expressionless look and didn't respond.
He was on the phone.
"Yeah, don't worry," he said to the person on the other end.
"Jaden's been relaxed lately, trust me." Hikaru listened to the question and replied, "You know his personality. Since he already said goodbye to you, there's no way he'd still be hung up over it."
Yes, Hikaru was on the phone with Zane Truesdale.
By now, Zane had left the academy and joined a group, soon to enter the pro dueling world.
When he left, Hikaru made sure to get his contact info, intending to keep in touch.
In truth, he had sensed Zane's lingering unease—Because there were still things Zane couldn't let go of.
"As for Syrus, he's actually doing alright," Hikaru answered the key question while rubbing his chin. "You know, ever since then, the Polymerization Club has kept a really low profile. After Aster Phoenix showed up, they went totally quiet. Mostly, they just use Syrus as a mascot to recruit freshmen.
"But after a year of experience, most people don't fall for that anymore. Maybe they'll stir up trouble again once the new term starts."
Hikaru didn't have any strong resentment toward Syrus. Though in the original alternate dimension arc he was quite "abstract," now he was just a bit of a cocky "bottom-tier guy."
Thanks to his unique style, and also because Hikaru had recommended him there, he didn't bear ill will toward the Fusion Club. Back when he was in the Polymerization Club, he mostly just shared some "outrageous" sketchbooks with classmates.
High school boys liking female monsters? Totally normal.
Even Chazz couldn't resist the Dark Magician Girl. Being a fan of hers was entirely typical.
All in all, it wasn't a bad thing.
As long as the Polymerization Club wasn't bullying others, it was fine.
"Sorry about this, Hikaru," Zane continued over the phone. "This was supposed to be my responsibility, but I ended up choosing to Duel Jaden instead."
He had considered dueling Syrus in the end, but couldn't let go of Jaden's state. So now, he had to ask Hikaru for a favor.
He was still worried Syrus would be corrupted by the Polymerization Club.
Still, Hikaru didn't think that was necessary, who was corrupting whom was really unclear.
Syrus had great dueling talent. Outside of official Duels, his win rate was the highest in the school. In the original, he could crush even Jaden in simulation duels.
Everything considered, besides his cowardly nature, another large part of his personality was... well, perverted.
The former made him a bit puffed up after being the club's figurehead for a while. The latter wasn't something that could change.
Regardless, it wasn't really a big problem either.
Hikaru believed it wasn't anything major since it's not like he was battling Yubel or Sartorius.
If all he had to do was keep an eye on him, fine.
So he simply said, "It's fine. If it's related to Fusion, it's my business."
"Hahaha, now that's a reassuring answer," Zane laughed.
After a while, Hikaru hung up. Tierra immediately pressed him again to challenge Jaden to an official Duel.
"There's no need for that," Hikaru said. "Even if we Duel once or twice, it's just a temporary outcome."
He glanced at Tierra, confused.
She wasn't usually the type to care about her own reputation. Most of the time, she didn't even care about humans. To her, ordinary mortals were like air, only things she found interesting drew her attention.
So far, Tierra's only interests in the human world were cards, dueling, and maybe instant noodles.
Even though she had watched that entire Duel the other day, she didn't react much afterward. Just a passing comment on how both humans were pretty impressive.
Yet, today, she was insisting on him dueling Jaden? And even called him by name?
That didn't sound like her.
"You're not doing this on purpose, are you?"
"Mm—hahaha~ Not bad, oh Chosen of Order. You saw through me," Tierra chuckled, placing her hands beneath her chin with no hint of guilt. She really did want to see Hikaru prove he was the strongest. After all, he was her chosen one.
Nevertheless, since her other intention was exposed, she didn't bother hiding it anymore.
'She really was doing it on purpose?' Hikaru had only been fishing for a reaction, yet Tierra admitted it outright.
Maybe, the moment she was found out, she gave up on scheming.
Which meant she was sure he'd agree?
Tierra leaned forward, hands under her chin as if resting on an invisible table. She raised a finger and said playfully, "Then I'll just say it straight, Amaki Hikaru.
"From that human called Jaden, I sensed a strong, terrifying darkness. It was hidden very well at first. I felt a glimpse of it once before, then again at your hospital, and during that Duel, when the combined damage surpassed 50,000, I was finally sure.
"He holds a deeper, more terrifying darkness than I imagined. And now, it's awakening."
She tilted her head and smiled, "This is the perfect chance. If you Duel him now, you might even gain a super-powerful card!"
"And help you recover your energy faster, right?" Hikaru sighed. "You're not even hiding your agenda anymore."
Still, an awakening of power?
It made sense.
The appearance of the Light of Destruction, Yubel's return, Jaden's Supreme King power awakening it was all natural.
"Strange. You duel different people every day to absorb their energy. So what difference does it make if it's him?" Tierra said, puzzled.
"Heh. A true "Duel" must begin at the perfect moment," Hikaru said softly. "That's why Jaden hasn't come to me for a Duel either, right?"
"Hmm…" Tierra understood now.
They wanted to fight at the most fitting, perfect moment. With everyone watching.
'Just like how Zane chose Jaden as his graduation Duel opponent?'
'Duelists, huh—so interesting.'
"Then you should gather more power! Look, that human already possesses light, wind, fire, and water. What about you? You only have darkness and wind." She was talking about Elemental HERO and El Shaddoll. "It's time to accelerate! I have a brilliant idea!
"Quick! Convert Captain Crystal into a FIRE attribute!"
She'd done this kind of thing before, she was used to it.
"Lady Winda—!" Captain Crystal couldn't take it and protested.
Hikaru shook his head.
He wasn't going to do something like that.
Besides, he had already decided where to go and do next.