Aisha walked nervously, taking tiny, hesitant steps forward.
Their destination lay ahead: the Vice Principal's office.
"We're done for, Mr. Miles! We must have caused big trouble!"
"We caused trouble? That's not really my problem, is it?"
"Of course it is, Mr. Miles! You used both Xyz Summoning and Synchro Summoning in front of the entire student body. It'd be stranger if you weren't summoned for a talk."
Their fated duel with Kevin had barely ended, and as they waited for their final Skill Credit evaluations, Aisha and Miles received an invitation from Professor Field—an invitation from Vice Principal Raiden.
It was called an invitation, but the professor's stern expression told Aisha this was serious trouble.
Miles said, "Isn't Professor Field always serious‑looking?"
Rather than worry about Raiden's summons, Miles was more concerned with how many Skill Credits they'd earn from this Practical Test duel.
At Fusion Academy, which valued practical training over theory, weekly dueling tests were the main way to gain Skill Credits.
And the amount awarded was tied to the strength of the opponent you defeated.
Beating Kevin for the first time was like opening a boss chest after six months of saving—it had earned Aisha a full 380 credits.
Converted 1:1 into Magic Points, that equaled an A‑rank rare Spell Card.
After his only loss to Miles, Kevin had gone undefeated again in every Practical Test since—meaning the "boss chest" had built up rewards for another half year.
If they won again, Aisha could finally accumulate enough for that A‑rank Quick‑Play Spell the Pharaoh once used, one Miles longed for: [Thunderspeed Summon], the card that could call forth the Gods.
"That's different, Mr. Miles! Let's hurry over. Skill Credits won't run away, but angering the Vice Principal could mean losing credits!"
Cautious as ever, Aisha headed straight for the office before results were even announced.
The most outrageous incident in Fusion Academy history: openly using the Summoning methods of two rival academies before the whole school.
Disregarding the face of Fusion Academy. Flouting rules and bottom lines!
The punishment—expulsion!
All of this was just in Aisha's imagination.
"Expelled?!" Just hearing the word triggered Dark Aisha's trauma reflex, her whole body shuddering as she clung helplessly to Miles.
Miles rubbed her head gently. "How could that happen? Don't scare yourself. If anyone's getting expelled, it won't be you."
If using another academy's Summon method was grounds for expulsion, then Raiden's vision was far too small.
At least from Miles's perspective: when Aisha had once Summoned The Winged Dragon of Ra, draining an entire summoning array's mana, Raiden had taken responsibility instead of blaming her. Such a man would never expel her.
"Even so, it's still scary."
They finally reached the office door. Aisha could already imagine Raiden glaring and shouting in anger.
"Why is it that even though I wasn't the one dueling, I'm the one getting scolded?"
"We don't know that yet. Let's just go in and see."
"Okay…"
Aisha knocked softly. Hearing the aged voice inside give permission, she tremblingly pushed open the door.
First glance: Vice Principal Raiden, seated at his desk, expressionless.
Second glance: Kaima, standing by his side, equally expressionless.
"(￣ー￣) Come on, give me something… And why's senpai Kaima here too?" Aisha muttered inwardly.
"Aisha Yuna Carlos…"
Raiden's voice was slow, more solemn and serious than his usual kind tone.
Something truly serious was going on.
"After consideration, I've decided you will temporarily leave Fusion Academy."
"Wh‑what, expelled for real?!"
Her worst premonition realized, Aisha collapsed face‑down in despair.
…
"What, an exchange program? Not expulsion? Oh, thank goodness."
Once Raiden explained, Aisha breathed a huge sigh of relief.
Raiden looked puzzled. "And why would I expel my adorable granddaughter?"
Miles said, "Don't blame the old man—it's just her dark side overreacting."
"So, Grandpa Raiden, what does 'exchange program' mean?"
"After watching today's duel, I realized you are the most suitable choice."
The old man stroked his white beard, wisdom gleaming in his eyes.
"This is tradition among the Three Academies. A month after the term begins, we organize an exchange program. In truth, it's basically warm‑up for the Inter‑Academy Ranking War held three months later. So duels with other academies are inevitable."
Hearing this, Miles grew excited. "We get to duel students from other academies? That sounds amazing!"
Having already dueled everyone in Fusion Academy, the chance to extend his claws to other schools set his Duelist soul ablaze.
It was time for other academies learned the fear of Mokey Mokey.
Raiden continued, "Normally, academies send third‑years. Anyhow, after today's duel, I finally realized it—"
His eyes blazed with passion no less than Miles's own.
"Aisha Carlos, you are Fusion Academy's secret weapon!"
"Secret weapon… me?"
Her ahoge curled up into a perfect question mark.
"Not only are you skilled in Fusion Summoning, you've even mastered Xyz and Synchro. Most importantly, in today's duel, you fused a Synchro and an Xyz Monster together!"
"Ah, Grandpa, you mean [Dragon Knight Draco‑Equiste]. But that only requires a Synchro Monster—it doesn't need an Xyz."
"A Synchro requirement alone is already more than enough! I can already picture the other academies' dumbfounded faces."
When it came to inter‑academy rivalry and underhanded schemes, no one surpassed this sly Vice Principal.
Miles said, "If the requirement was Synchro, then the academy you'll be sent to must be…"
"Last year's champion in the Inter‑Academy Ranking War—Synchron Academy. This year's exchange destination is set. Aisha, our secret weapon, make ready!"
...
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