You Feng didn't waste time. Taking advantage of the calm, he quickly completed today's sign-in.
[Ding! Congratulations to the host, sign-in complete. You've received 2000 Duel Points as a bonus!]
[Ding! Skill unlocked: Mind Scan! You can select one skill before each duel; only one skill can be activated per duel.]
"Mind Scan, huh?"
"Isn't that similar to Pegasus' Millennium Eye ability?"
"This one doesn't let you read the opponent's hand, just the field. A little lacking."
"But still quite useful."
You Feng smirked. Compared to the Millennium Eye, which could read thoughts and cards in real time, this skill was certainly limited—but in practical terms, seeing what's on the field was more than enough for strategic domination. With this edge, he felt even more confident confronting the god-tier duelists that lay ahead.
---
Meanwhile, Ryo Maruto walked straight into Chancellor Sheppard's office.
"Ryo? It's rare for you to come see me on your own."
"What brings you here?"
Sheppard raised an eyebrow. Even for one of the school's best duelists, this was unusual.
"My graduation duel has been decided," Ryo replied coolly.
"Already? That's fast."
"Who's the poor soul that has to face you in your final match?"
Professor Chronos couldn't help but chime in with a sinister chuckle.
"As one of the top duelists and currently ranked 37th on the Duel King Gold List, this will be a nightmare for whoever it is!"
"You Feng."
Maruto Ryo's response was brief and calm.
"What? You chose him?"
Sheppard was surprised.
Chronos immediately burst into wild laughter. "Ah! That arrogant transfer student actually agreed?! This is delightful! Finally, he'll learn his place, Noney!"
Ryo continued: "I chose him because he's the only duelist in the Academy who genuinely makes me want to duel. The match is set for three days from now. Also…"
Ryo turned, pausing before adding, "It will be a wager duel—deck against deck."
"NANI?" Sheppard and Chronos both jumped up in shock.
Wagering a deck was no small matter. In the dueling world, a deck was a reflection of a duelist's soul—their history, tactics, and bond with their cards.
"Ryo would never suggest something like this on his own," Chronos muttered with disdain. "This ridiculous bet clearly came from You Feng. That brat's reckless."
"But good!" he continued with a malicious smirk. "Once he loses, he'll have nothing left to say! Noney!"
"This duel will attract attention across the Academy—and beyond," Sheppard concluded. "Chronos, announce the match. Make it public."
"Post it on the bulletin board: Clash of Decks: You Feng vs. Ryo Maruto!"
"Make sure the entire academy sees it. No, better yet—broadcast it across all three major dueling regions!"
"This battle will skyrocket our Academy's visibility," Sheppard smiled, clearly seeing opportunity.
"Leave it to me! The final graduation duel of our perfect duelist must be legendary!" Chronos nodded, already thinking about the promotional angle.
---
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---
52. Duel King Gold List Rank 35: John Anderson! (1/5—ask for flower tickets!)
"Hey, did you hear? You Feng's actually challenging Ryo Maruto!"
"Of course! Chronos just made a campus-wide announcement and it's all over the bulletin boards!"
"Not just the Academy—this match is trending in the Three Major Regions!"
"One side's the undefeated perfect duelist, ranked 37th on the Gold List..."
"The other? You Feng—the guy who took down Asuka Tenjoin in a public duel!"
"Two rising stars, battling it out with their decks on the line. The whole world's watching."
"In fact, Gold List rankings only go up to 50! Even if it doesn't factor in deck synergy, duelist ranking alone can show potential."
"Still… going up against Ryo Maruto and putting his deck on the line? You Feng must be crazy. I hope Ryo crushes him and restores our school's honor!"
By nightfall, the whole school was buzzing.
Then it happened.
From above, golden light split through the sky.
The Duel King Gold List had appeared again.
From the divine crack in the clouds, rays of energy illuminated the academy. A celestial voice thundered:
[Duel King Gold List – Rank 35 in Overall Power!]
[Name: John Anderson]
[Affiliation: Duel Academy – North Branch]
[Card Archetype: Crystal Beasts]
[Skill Breakdown – Suppression: 70, Anti-Interference: 80, Luck: 80, Deck Synergy: 72, Defense: 62, Strategy: 75]
[Total Power Score: 439]
[Reward: +5 to Defense, Suppression, and Assembly; rare card unlocked: Higher Dark Binding!]
Another Duel Academy student!
Cheers erupted across the campus.
"YES! Another one of us made the list!"
"The Duel Academy really is the strongest!"
"Looks like all four major branches are gonna rank soon!"
Above the school grounds, the golden scroll continued to shimmer with power, leaving divine fluctuations in its wake.
---
Principal Sheppard's Office
"Haha! That's the third Duel Academy representative to make the list!"
"At this rate, even the Eastern Branch will soon rise!"
Sheppard was jubilant. The Duel Academy's prestige was climbing.
Little did he know, a crisis was approaching fast.
"Hehehe… as it should be!" Chronos cackled. "The Duel Academy is unmatched in all three regions, Noney!"
---
Hospital Wing – Duel Academy
"Aniki! The Gold List just updated again!"
"We're dominating!"
Sho Maruto jumped excitedly beside his older brother.
"Ah… still no sign of my name," Judai muttered, a bit discouraged. "Ryo's there—but I'm not."
"I wonder if I made it on the list?" asked Fubuki curiously.
Everyone looked at each other.
"Not yet."
"Wow… then I must be too good for the list!" Fubuki grinned, striking a silly pose.
"…Ugh." Asuka facepalmed.
"How is he my brother?"