After the Junior Division of the Duelist League ended, Morgan's words spread throughout the dueling world, and calls for reforming club operations shot to the top of news trending lists.
However, the current system had been in place for too long, and no one had an immediate alternative. Reform would have to proceed gradually. Some even predicted it would be nothing more than a flash in the pan, soon reverting to the old ways—but Morgan no longer cared.
She wasn't interested in whether her words brought change to the industry; she had simply wanted to say them.
What Morgan cared about was the Junior Division prize—a custom-built D-Wheel, designed to her preferences and modifiable to fit her as she grew. It was a thoughtful gift.
Before long, online discussion about Morgan faded, as if everyone was deliberately lowering the hype. The reason was simple: she had said she didn't want her life disturbed.
Everyone respected that, avoiding the topic altogether. After all, she had claimed the championship purely to voice a deliberate opinion—that alone earned admiration.
Despite that, the clubs that had participated in the information auction were still heavily criticized, especially Team Predator, which had made the highest bid.
Nerissa bore the brunt of the backlash, endlessly issuing statements and too busy to dwell on being turned down.
To avoid the fallout, the Duelist League immediately launched an internal mole hunt, naming and removing anyone in clubs connected to the leak, and further tightening security measures.
Haisen Club, on the other hand, benefited. Since they had never placed a bid or purchased duelists, they became the top choice for young duelists, and applications flooded in. Milo was swamped.
It was then that the League's general affairs director summoned him, delivering an astonishing decision.
Milo still wore his trademark black coat, but he looked worse for wear. After learning where Hannah was, he'd been elated for days, itching to storm the Shadow Duelists' hideout to bring her back. Combined with the recent workload spike, he hadn't rested properly in days.
He rubbed his brow and forced himself to be alert.
"Director Charles, calling me here so late… what's the matter?"
Charles eyed him, lips pursed, and instead of getting straight to the point, gave a friendly warning.
"Young man, I know you've got energy to burn, but learn to pace yourself. You'll regret it when you're older."
"Huh? Oh…"
Milo was baffled.
Concern for his health? He'd been feeling run-down lately, but calling him out at night for this?
Seeing Milo take it to heart, Charles nodded. He liked this young man and didn't want him to repeat his own mistakes.
"The Minister of Internal Affairs' identity has been confirmed. Three years ago, he was bribed by the Shadow Duelists and became a mole within the League. They were able to slip through registration checks because he pulled strings."
Milo's fatigue faded in shock. He'd never expected this. He and Hale went way back—he had suspected many people when the Shadow Duelists appeared on the field, but never Hale.
"Unbelievable…"
He was crestfallen, but Charles continued.
"There's more—Hale isn't the only mole in the League. Two sweeps have failed to find the other. Either their position is too high to trace, or they've yet to pass information to the Shadow Duelists."
Charles's tone grew grave. Only League insiders knew how close the last incident had come to disaster. The Shadow Duelists had nearly succeeded in converting a large number of duelists. No one knew why they failed in the end, but it was a warning.
"They're back."
Milo nodded. That said, he wasn't a League member, so he couldn't do much about the mole hunt.
"This meeting is to tell you the League may reopen the Duel King selection."
Milo's eyes widened. "The current Duel King's still around… why hold a new selection?"
Normally, no new tournament was held unless the reigning Duel King stepped down. Before the last, there had been over twenty years between selections. This time, less than ten had passed.
A bad feeling crept over him.
"A month ago, the Duel King lost contact with the League. We're certain he's no longer in this world."
"Not in this world?" Milo's first thought was death, but Charles's words sounded literal.
"Exactly. You know there's the Spirit World where Duel Spirits live. Before he vanished, the Duel King told us he was going there to investigate the Shadow Duelists' origins. If he went missing, the League could open a new selection to choose his successor."
"So…"
"He's likely in the Spirit World now. How and when he got there, and whether he'll return, are unknown. With the Shadow Duelists active again, we're at a disadvantage without him—so we'll hold the selection."
Charles sighed. Trouble had been relentless.
Milo frowned. "Why tell me this?"
"The League values you highly. I think you're a strong candidate."
Milo felt a chill. "Me? That's a mistake."
"Trust our judgment. In this scandal, your club was the only one to emerge unscathed—and even benefited. We've wanted to reform the way clubs buy duelists, and now's the chance. We want Haisen as a pilot program."
Milo understood, but still asked, "What's that got to do with me being a candidate?"
"Wouldn't 'home of a Duel King candidate' be attractive?" Charles smiled.
Milo realized the ploy. Still, he saw no harm—if it worked, Haisen would gain a lot.
As he was about to agree, Charles asked, "You're close to Morgan, right?"
Milo was wary. "Somewhat."
"See if you can get her into Haisen. She's a great prospect."
Milo's expression turned odd. "I am close to her, but she'd never listen to me. If you think you can convince her, go ahead."
Charles coughed awkwardly. "I wouldn't know how to talk to a young girl. But why does she dislike clubs?"
"Probably the current environment."
"Hahaha, opposing what she dislikes—that's the spirit of the Duel King I once knew!"
Milo gave him a look. He suspected they were more interested in Morgan than in him.
"Prepare yourself. The exact date isn't set, but it'll be within a few years—there's a lot to arrange."
Milo nodded and left. Even without Charles's words, he would grow stronger… for Hannah.
...
On a sunny beach, Hannah lay in a black swimsuit on a sun chair, cocktail in hand, enjoying the perfect sun. After fleeing the arena, their boss had sent them to this deserted island.
With the mission failed, there was no point brooding—they might as well relax. Hannah relished it; after so much time in dark alleys, her eyes needed the light.
Akiyama, however, disliked it. Without other women around, he was lonely.
Meanwhile, Zelo was cracking coconuts for drinks when a message came. He read it, then approached Hannah.
"Hannah, the boss has a new mission."
She kept sunbathing.
"He specifically wants you."
She sighed. "Does he love ruining people's good time?"
Zelo grinned. "He wants you to enter Duel Academy's Senior Division as a teacher. He'll set up the identity."
'A teacher?'
That was unexpected, and her resistance softened.
"What kind of mission is this?"
"We've taken heavy losses. The boss thinks instead of training from scratch, we should steal talent already trained."
"When?"
"Next year."
"That's ages away." She turned away.
Zelo chuckled. "You still have to start preparing now. Becoming a Senior Division teacher is tough—you need multiple certificates, written tests, and practical exams. Most applicants are Platinum-ranked pros."
"Just kill me…"
Zelo's grin widened. "I can only give you moral support."
Hannah glared through teary eyes. She'd never imagined being a Shadow Duelist would still mean job applications.
"Why not send you?"
"I've already been on TV—and with my size, I'm too recognizable. As for Akiyama, would you trust a harem-obsessed maniac?"
"I've been on TV too."
"People were looking at your body. And you can use disguise tools."
"That's called makeup…"
She sighed. Looking between the hulking Zelo and the lunatic Akiyama, she realized she had no choice.
"Have we no other talent?"
Zelo grew serious. "Don't worry. The boss says former legendary-tier Shadow Duelists have broken free and returned—like the vampire Myura. Our strength will grow."
Hannah nodded, but her face fell again. She'd still have to be a teacher.
...
Time soon came for the Graduation Duel, also the farewell for the third-years.
Life had been calm for Morgan since the league. Her speech hadn't caused intense backlash, though more people confessed to her… now even strangers on the street.
Despite that, Belle, hearing this, wasn't against it—in fact, she was pleased. She'd feared Morgan's free-spirited nature would leave her unloved. Seeing so many admirers put her at ease.
Morgan, however, was just annoyed. People had even formed a "Goddess Morgan Church."
Now, everyone gathered in the arena to send off the third-years.
The principal was giving another long, dull speech—but to the graduates, it felt nostalgic.
Then came speeches from the third-year and first-year representatives. Second-years just stayed put.
Soon, all eyes turned to the Duel Stage—the Graduation Duel was about to begin.
Students chattered. Since Morgan's identity had been revealed, expectations for her had skyrocketed.
"Who do you think will win?"
"Obviously, Goddess Morgan—she's the Junior Division champion!"
"True, but I've seen Kairos in action—he's strong!"
"Cyber Dragons can work miracles too!"
Amid the chatter, Morgan and Kairos stepped onto the stage.
Knowing her identity, Kairos felt no fear—only a strong fighting spirit. Win or lose, he wanted a spectacular duel.
"Morgan, for this match, I hope you'll use your Trickstar deck. Will you?"
He had long wanted to face the legendary deck—this might be his only chance.
The crowd erupted. Morgan looked at him in surprise; it was rare for someone to ask to face that kind of torment.
Albeit she didn't refuse. She switched to her Trickstar deck.
Kairos smiled in satisfaction, his fighting spirit peaking.
Their Duel Disks activated—8000 LP displayed.
Both drew five cards, and the White Dragon coin flipped into the air.
"Duel!"
...
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