Time passed, and thanks to her still-developing young body, Morgan recovered fast.
The thick cast on her right leg had already been removed, and she could now move it with ease.
She had full mobility again, with no lingering pain or side effects.
At Belle's insistence, the doctor ran a full set of check-ups, and the results showed she had healed remarkably well—well enough to return to school.
Only then did Belle finally relax.
Back home, she cooked a feast to celebrate Morgan's discharge.
Morgan was just as happy. At last, she was free from that disinfectant-smelling place.
More importantly... no one would interfere with her Duels anymore.
After a few days of rest at home, ranking up to Platinum in Virtual Duel and redeeming a few useful cards, Morgan returned to school accompanied by Jade.
But to her surprise... she had become famous at Duel Academy.
She was the first student in Academy history to get injured from improper Duel Skateboard use.
Naturally, that made her a center of attention.
Unfortunately, most of it was mocking.
"Hey, look, she's back—the bottom feeder of the Middle Division!"
"Seriously, still showing her face? Can't even handle a Duel Skateboard... so embarrassing!"
"Word is she already failed two exams. If she flunks the midterms again, she'll probably get expelled, right?"
"Haha, and this time the examiner is Mr. Grant, a retired pro Duelist! He's super strict!"
Hearing the snide comments around them, Jade nervously glanced at Morgan, half expecting her to stubbornly hold back tears.
But to her surprise, Morgan walked forward without a care, as if she hadn't heard a thing.
Jade let out a sigh of relief... though then her worry came rushing back.
Because she knew just how bad Morgan's grades were. No exaggeration—she was solidly at the bottom of the Middle Division.
Now, with two failed exams already under her belt, one more failure would really mean expulsion...
"Morgan, come over to my house tonight. I'll tutor you!"
"Tutor me? Tutor for what?"
Seeing Jade's panicked face, Morgan chuckled.
"Obviously Duel theory! Failing this exam would be a disaster!"
The Middle Division exams at Duel Academy had two parts: a written test covering basic Duel rules and theory, and a practical test where students faced off in Duels under teacher supervision.
Regardless of win or loss, whether you passed depended on the teacher's evaluation.
Of course, winning essentially guaranteed a pass.
Morgan had seen the written test questions. Basic card knowledge at best—she could ace them with her eyes closed. As for the practical... her toxic burn Deck had left even Jade helpless. Beating other students shouldn't be a problem.
"Relax, I'll be fine."
Morgan ruffled Jade's fluffy hair.
To be honest... she kind of wanted to ruffle other places too. But on second thought... maybe not. A bit awkward.
Climbing the stairs, they suddenly found their path blocked by a familiar figure.
Long golden hair, delicate features, and a fitted uniform that perfectly showed off her curves—none other than Isla, Morgan's frequent Duel opponent.
Arms crossed, Isla gave Morgan a once-over.
When she confirmed that Morgan had really recovered, her clenched fists relaxed, and her expression softened slightly.
Morgan caught every bit of that subtle change.
After a brief hesitation, Isla spoke in a small voice:
"Y-you okay?"
Before Morgan could answer, Jade had already stepped forward, hands on hips and chest puffed up, glaring furiously at Isla.
"You've got some nerve! You knew Morgan wasn't used to Duel Skateboards and still pushed for a Speed Duel! You did it on purpose!"
At Jade's words, Isla's face turned cold again. A faint, icy smile tugged at her lips.
"Speed Dueling is a basic skill for any real Duelist. If she wasn't trained enough, that just means she wasn't qualified yet."
"You—!"
Jade was ready to argue, but Morgan stopped her.
Morgan had been itching to try a Speed Duel anyway. Now... seemed like the perfect chance.
"Whether I'm qualified or not... that's something only a Duel can decide. Isla... how about we finish our unfinished Speed Duel?"
Both Isla and Jade froze, clearly not expecting Morgan to initiate the rematch.
Given the injury, most people would've developed trauma by now.
"...Are you sure?" Isla asked cautiously.
Morgan nodded.
"Same rules as last time. Both sides wager a rare card. One Speed Duel. No other restrictions."
Seeing Morgan issue the challenge, Isla had no reason to back down. She bit her lip and agreed immediately.
"Fine! But I'm adding one condition: If I win, you have to grant me a request!"
"Tell me after you win."
Morgan said casually, then brushed past her, heading for class.
...
That evening, with the sunset painting the sky,
Morgan and Jade, Duel Skateboards in hand, snuck into the school's Speed Duel field.
The place was silent. Isla had been waiting there for a while, and as soon as she spotted them, she immediately came over to greet them.
...
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