🤗 Please if you find any incorrect names let me know in comments so I can fix themÂ
The next day.
While browsing the internet, Jaden Yuki saw news like "Fugitive Suspect Defeated by Mysterious Hero." Unfortunately, this news was quickly overshadowed by the popularity of the professional league.
Now, headlines like "[Jaden Yuki VS Aster Phoenix]" were everywhere online. The two were the youngest players of similar age in this professional league. Both were prodigious youths, both used [HERO] decks. And their performances in the professional arena were equally outstanding, each with their own merits.
The hype for this match was unprecedented. The entire world was watching, wondering who would be the strongest HERO user. However, after that groundbreaking duel where Jaden broke through a blockade, astonishing duelists worldwide, Jaden Yuki's popularity soared to an absurd degree.
Scrolling through the major match predictions, almost all showed Jaden Yuki's support rate significantly in the lead. From the voting data, over eighty percent of people believed that Jaden Yuki would win this duel without a doubt.
"Even geniuses have differences. I don't think there's another duelist as unique as Jaden Yuki in the world."
"Although I've supported Aster Phoenix for a long time, I have to admit, there's still a big gap between Aster and Jaden Yuki."
"But winning or losing doesn't matter. I just want to watch a battle between HEROes."
Opinions varied online. Everyone was speculating about the direction of the duel. Online, some even created simulated duels. They would simulate based on the cards used by the two in previous matches to infer the possible upcoming battle between them.
Looking at the news online, Jaden Yuki felt a bit helpless.
"Destiny HEROes aren't as simple as you think, okay?"
"Aster, in his previous duels, has always used lower-level Destiny HERO monsters. I rarely see him bring out Fusion Monsters."
Jaden Yuki leaned back in his chair, muttering softly. Indeed, in the original anime, Aster's Destiny HEROes rarely featured Fusion Monsters. The only Fusion Monster was the [Destiny End Dragoon], which had a mediocre battle record. But this didn't mean Aster's Destiny HEROes were only at this level.
"But at least one thing is certain: he can't possibly bring out the [Phantom HEROes] used in the manga."
"But what about those Destiny HERO Fusion Monsters?"
Grumble.
Just as he was thinking, an unseasonable sound from his stomach instantly broke Jaden Yuki's train of thought. Jaden Yuki glanced at the time, only to realize that he had missed dinner. Hmm, he had been too focused on Aster's deck. He hadn't even noticed the time.
Shoving the matter to the back of his mind, Jaden Yuki headed down to the restaurant, ready to satisfy his cravings first.
Just as he reached the stairwell. Jaden Yuki saw the gray-haired youth coming towards him. Seeing Jaden Yuki, the youth paused. He seemed not to have expected to encounter his next opponent at such a time.
"Jaden Yuki."
"Aster Phoenix."
The two stood on the stairs, gazing at each other. They could both see a hint of fighting spirit ignite in the other's eyes.
"I'm really looking forward to our next duel."
Aster looked at Jaden Yuki. After a moment of silence, he slowly spoke.
"Ah, me too."
Jaden Yuki responded calmly. This nonchalant tone made Aster somewhat silent. Did he… not take my HEROes seriously? Or is he standing in a high position, waiting for me to challenge him?
Watching Jaden Yuki walk past him, Aster remained silent for a long moment, then turned to look at Jaden Yuki.
"My Destiny HEROes are not inferior to your HEROes."
Jaden Yuki paused, looking at Aster in confusion. Although he didn't quite understand why Aster said that, the hotel's free meal service had a time limit. If he wasted any more time here, he'd miss dinner.
"I admit, perhaps in terms of strength, there's still a considerable gap between you and me."
"But my [HEROes] carry a heavy destiny that you cannot imagine."
"This burden is something your HEROes cannot comprehend."
"Jaden Yuki, I will defeat you in our duel. I will utterly and completely defeat you!"
After speaking, without waiting for Jaden Yuki's response, Aster turned and left without looking back.
Only Jaden Yuki was left, looking at the situation before him with a somewhat bewildered expression.
"HEROes carrying destiny, huh…"
"Although it sounds like something a child would say… he is just a child, after all."
Jaden Yuki couldn't ignore that Aster's actual age was only twelve years old. In fact, he was even a year younger than Jaden himself.
However, if it came to carrying destiny, Jaden Yuki slowly drew a card from his deck. Looking at the four words, [Dark Fusion], on it, Jaden Yuki's eyes narrowed slightly.
Aren't all HEROes people who bear an inescapable destiny and bravely move forward?
"Damn it, the restaurant's meal service time is almost over!"
Glancing at the time, Jaden Yuki hurriedly ran towards the restaurant.
As the hype for the "HERO" battle continued to escalate, the duel arena on this day was packed with a sea of spectators. The audience seats were already full, and crowds continuously poured in from outside the venue. Everyone wanted to witness the battle between the HEROes. They also wanted to witness who was stronger between these two prodigy youths, widely acknowledged as geniuses in the dueling world.
It was said that tickets for this day's duel league had been scalped to an extremely absurd price. Many people, by acting as scalpers, made eye-popping fortunes.
And far away in Japan, although it was late night, countless people were still watching this final match.
Duel Academy Middle School. Many students even spontaneously organized an all-night viewing party, broadcasting the professional league live in the gymnasium. This action was not met with opposition from teachers or the principal.
Instead, many teachers participated. The gymnasium, usually quiet late at night, was now packed. Aside from those who truly couldn't stay up late, other students, even standing on the high platforms on both sides, wanted to watch this focal battle.
"Jaden Yuki is truly the pride of our academy," the Middle School Principal said with satisfaction, standing with his hands behind his back in the audience seats.
"To be able to nurture such a student, Principal, you also deserve a great deal of credit." Several teachers immediately flattered him.
"Cough…"
The Principal coughed, waving his hand. "Keep it low-key, low-key. You can say these things in private, but don't blurt them out casually."
It seems even you know this flattery is a bit over the top, the teachers secretly grumbled in their hearts.
Among the students, the atmosphere was even livelier.
"Hey~ Miss Asuka, who claims she never stays up late to watch matches, is actually here!"
"Heh heh, Asuka, why don't you go back to the dorm and sleep?"
"Oh, no! Junko, Momoe, stop talking!"
Asuka's face flushed as she playfully squabbled with her two best friends beside her. But deep down, she was incredibly focused on this match.
In another corner, a sharp-eyed boy in a school uniform stood silently with his arms crossed, watching the broadcast on the screen.
Chazz Princeton.
Although, ever since Jaden Yuki dropped out to participate in the professional league and Zane Truesdale advanced to the Pro League. Chazz had, as he wished, become the NO.1 of Duel Academy Middle School.
But… the blow Jaden Yuki dealt him that day was simply too great. This left a lingering shadow in Chazz's heart. These past few days, he had been secretly paying attention to Jaden Yuki. And he absolutely did not want to miss today's duel. He wanted to know how big the gap between himself and Jaden Yuki truly was at this moment. Chazz didn't want to immerse himself in this false NO.1.
He wanted to catch up! Catch up to that red silhouette.
At this moment, on the duel field.
Lights glittered, and the crowd surged.
"Jaden Yuki! Jaden Yuki! Jaden Yuki!"
"Aster! Aster! Aster!"
The enthusiasm of the live audience even surpassed that of the C Block finals that day. As expected, compared to beautiful women with hot figures, card players were still more devoted to handsome HERO battles.
According to official statistics, the number of spectators on this day had already exceeded ten times that of the C Block finals! Many spectators who couldn't find a seat even stood in the corridors, desperately cheering for Jaden Yuki and Aster.
Jaden Yuki's parents were also almost lost in the crowd. Fortunately, Kaiba Corporation had enormous power, and soon, Kaiba Corp. staff came forward and escorted the couple to a luxurious VIP suite.
Looking at the text messages from his parents, assuring him they were safe, Jaden Yuki breathed a sigh of relief and turned off his phone. It was a good thing he had anticipated how lively the outside would be today.
So, he had personally called Kaiba Corp.'s president, Seto Kaiba, in advance to ask for a favor to use a back entrance. With various connections, using this back entrance was also very easy. Although Seto Kaiba had a cold personality, he was not stingy with such small favors for a duelist as talented as Jaden Yuki.
"Since that's the case, I don't need to worry about anything else."
Putting on his red jacket, he donned his Duel Disk on his left arm. Jaden Yuki's eyes flickered with a dark gold glow as he stepped onto the elevator leading to the duel stage.
"Let's have a duel between HEROes, Aster."
🚨 Note : Consider to Support this Story on Patreon.com/Flokixy to access +300 advance Chapters and To Support The Daily Update