Alexis Rhodes never could have imagined that one day, an elementary school student would become her romantic rival.
However, she quickly saw traces of the past in Blair Flannigan's youthful features.
"Now that I think about it, you're that kid from the School Duel Festival who was cheering for Jaden, aren't you?"
Blair pouted. "To think you actually remember something from that long ago."
So it really is her.
This girl had crossed the ocean from a great distance just for Jaden Yuki.
Alexis suddenly understood why Jaden had looked so helpless earlier. Knowing the reason, she didn't know whether to admire the little girl or feel pity. To travel so far alone just to see the boy she liked that took an immense amount of courage.
"It's getting late, Blair. You should get some rest," Alexis said. Seeing Blair acting like a moody child, Alexis decided it was best to take her leave. Staying any longer would only lead to more awkwardness.
Leaving the room, Alexis shook her head and sighed. She wasn't sure if she was worried about the girl or about Jaden. Regardless, knowing Jaden's personality, this girl's "crush" was likely going to end in tragedy.
The next day. Duel Academy Hall.
After a long time, the students were gathered in one place, listening quietly to Chancellor Sheppard's speech on the screen. Even Jaden Yuki, who was usually nowhere to be found, was present. Among the neat sea of Obelisk Blue uniforms, his vivid red jacket was exceptionally striking.
"The annual friendly duel between North Academy and our school will begin next month."
"Last year, Zane Truesdale represented Duel Academy as a second-year student and brought us glory by defeating North Academy's representative."
"This year's representative has not yet been decided. I hope everyone will work hard toward the goal of becoming our school's champion."
As Chancellor Sheppard finished his speech, the screen cut the connection. The students immediately erupted into excitement, everyone buzzing about the upcoming battle for the representative spot.
"Jaden, are you interested in competing for the representative position?" Alexis walked over after the assembly, asking with a smile. Given Jaden's strength, if he set his mind on it, no one else would dare challenge him for the spot.
"That kind of thing doesn't really matter," Jaden said, rolling his eyes.
"That's rare. Based on your personality, I thought you'd try for it just for the sake of dueling," Alexis said, looking at him with surprise.
Of course, Jaden had other reasons for not wanting to get involved. He remembered clearly that this so-called inter-school representative duel was, to put it bluntly, a fight for a "kiss" from the two chancellors' "beloved" Ms. Dorothy. He had no desire to participate in such a ridiculous duel like he had in the original story.
"I'm off. I have to help Professor Banner take care of his cat today." Jaden waved his hand and walked toward the exit.
"Honestly..." Alexis shook her head with a wry smile. Though he was still difficult to get close to, he was at least doing better than before.
Watching Jaden walk away and Alexis waving from where she stood, Blair, hidden among the Slifer Red seats, felt a surge of jealousy.
"Unbelievable... that woman can talk to Jaden at any time. Is it possible she really has some kind of relationship with him? No, absolutely impossible! A maiden in love is invincible! I... I..."
A stubborn, competitive feeling rose within Blair. She looked at Alexis, her eyes burning with the fire of fighting spirit.
Once Jaden had disappeared into the distance, Blair strode forward and stopped in front of Alexis. Under Alexis's surprised gaze, Blair pulled out her deck and glared at her.
"Senior Alexis! Duel me!"
"Eh? A duel?" Alexis was completely caught off guard.
"If you win, Senior Alexis, I'll leave Duel Academy! But if I win, will you give Jaden to me?"
Seeing the absolute seriousness in Blair's expression, Alexis sighed and pressed a hand to her forehead. What on earth is this? I've somehow become an elementary schooler's romantic rival, and now I'm being forced into a bizarre duel?
"While I have no interest in making some strange bet, as a duelist, I cannot refuse a challenge," Alexis said, her expression returning to her usual sternness.
If a duel could solve this, then she would help Jaden end this nonsensical "romance" once and for all!
The duel was set at the seaside pier. After putting on their Duel Disks, Alexis walked to Blair, and the two exchanged decks to shuffle.
"I hope you won't underestimate me, Senior Alexis," Blair said with a bright smile as she handed Alexis's deck back.
"As a duelist, I always give my all." Alexis returned Blair's deck. They slotted their decks into their Duel Disks and returned to their respective sides.
They pressed the "DUEL" buttons. The holographic projectors expanded instantly.
"DUEL!"
As the two girls made their declaration, the waves crashed against the reefs, sending spray high into the air.
*[Alexis Rhodes LP: 4000]*
*[Blair Flannigan LP: 4000]*
Pharaoh the cat yawned lazily, napping on a haystack. Not far away, Jaden sat on a tree branch, using binoculars to scan the surrounding area for card spirits.
"It looks like there's nothing suspicious... Did those six cards really come here?" Jaden muttered to himself, beginning to doubt Maximillion Pegasus's information.
After days of patrolling, he hadn't seen a trace of those six cards, let alone their spirits. It was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Even using the power of the Supreme King to sense unusual auras was difficult; the island was so densely populated with spirits that pinpointing one specific, faint trace was nearly impossible.
"Meow!"
Suddenly, Pharaoh hissed from beneath the tree. The cat's fur stood on end, its body arching in terror as if it had seen something horrific.
"What is it, Pharaoh?" Jaden was startled and quickly looked in the direction the cat was staring. However, even with the Supreme King's Eyes, he saw nothing.
Yubel and Winged Kuriboh appeared by his side, nervously scanning the environment.
"Kuri kuri!" Winged Kuriboh suddenly pointed toward a corner and cried out loudly.
Jaden and Yubel turned their heads. They saw a cluster of eerie blue flames flare up, slowly floating toward the distant coast.
"A will-o'-the-wisp..." Jaden's eyes lit up as realization dawned on him. "I see. No wonder we couldn't find the spirit. This card spirit isn't a normal one it's a hybrid of a ghost and a spirit."
Jaden immediately strapped on his Duel Disk, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
"I know which card you are now. Ghost Ogre & Snow Rabbit... it has to be you!"
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