The audience's eyes widened at Morgan's dazzling chain of plays. Though they didn't fully understand why she transformed Absolute Zero with Mask Change, the moment they heard her words, they froze.
"When this card leaves the field: destroy all monsters your opponent controls!"
"What?!"
Charles's eyes shot open. Snowflakes suddenly drifted down onto his field, the temperature plummeting as frost spread across the ground. He watched in alarm as his monsters turned to ice, then shattered into pieces.
He raised his Duel Disk to brace against the pressure of his monsters' destruction, his brows furrowing.
Even with his ace destroyed, he wasn't necessarily finished. He still had chances to recover with his hand and field. But for now, he'd have to endure a direct assault. Fortunately, his Life Points were still full. With Acid and Sunrise's combined Attack barely over 5000, Morgan couldn't finish him this turn.
Or so he thought—until Morgan's voice rang through the fading mist.
"Next, I activate [Mask HERO Acid]'s effect!"
"When this card is Special Summoned: destroy all Spell and Trap Cards your opponent controls!"
Charles froze. Acid's spray gun unleashed a torrent of corrosive liquid, instantly melting his set cards, wiping out every option he had left.
A chill ran down his spine. Was Morgan planning to end the duel right now?
Suddenly, as the smoke cleared, his eyes went wide again. Somehow, a new female HERO stood on Morgan's field in Defense Position.
Morgan smiled.
"When [Elemental HERO Solid Soldier] is sent from the field to the Graveyard by a Spell effect: Special Summon 1 [HERO] monster from your Graveyard in Defense Position."
Solid Soldier and Liquid Soldier had similar effects, but Solid Soldier's was broader—triggering whenever sent by a Spell, not just when used as Fusion Material.
"I Special Summon [Elemental HERO Shadow Mist] in Defense Position!"
"When this card is Special Summoned: add 1 [Change] Quick-Play Spell from your Deck to your hand."
Her pale fingers drew out another [Mask Change]. With no once-per-turn limit, she could use it again.
"I activate a second [Mask Change]!"
"I send [Elemental HERO Shadow Mist] to the Graveyard to Special Summon [Mask HERO Anki] from my Extra Deck!"
Shadow Mist vanished, replaced by a dark, demonic figure—the other DARK Mask HERO after Dark Law.
Charles's face finally changed. Now, Morgan had three monsters on the field with a combined Attack of over 7000. Even if he somehow survived, his Life Points would be too low to recover.
The easy composure he had at the start was gone, replaced by grim tension.
He had never imagined being pushed this far by Morgan. He had lost before, but never to a student.
The spectators were stunned, watching the turnaround unfold. Who could have expected Morgan to come back from an empty field to an overwhelming counterattack?
Even Hannah, tipsy with drink, was drawn back to the match, hiccuping as she watched.
With everything in place, Morgan didn't pause.
"Battle! [Mask HERO Acid], direct attack!"
A spray of burning acid drenched Charles, his Life Points dropping sharply.
"Next, [Mask HERO Anki], direct attack!"
Charles staggered under the second blow, glaring at Morgan. His Life Points fell to just over 2000. Sunrise was still waiting.
"This is the final attack—[Elemental HERO Sunrise], direct attack!"
Sunrise struck, Charles's Life Points hitting zero. The duel ended, the holograms fading away.
Charles slowly straightened. There was no doubt… he had lost. He may have underestimated her at first, though afterward, he had fought seriously.
This defeat was nothing but proof of her superior skill.
He admitted it freely, without regret. Failure was part of life. He was used to it.
But as he looked at Morgan, curiosity burned. Her talent rivaled even the Duel King's. She was the most promising duelist he had seen in years.
"Candidate No. 68, you've passed the exam."
"And I take back what I said earlier. Can you tell me your name?"
For the first time, Charles smiled.
Morgan put away her Duel Disk. "Of course, teacher. My name is Morgan."
Gasps erupted in the stands. The spectators—mostly teachers and examinees—recognized the name. They had all heard it before, but after a year's absence, and with her looks and style changed, none had realized it was her.
"No way… she's the Witch, Morgan?"
"She caused such a stir a year ago, then vanished. And now here she is."
"No wonder she dared to challenge the Director… and won. She really is the Witch."
"Seeing her in person, she's even prettier than I imagined—and the kind of beauty that only grows on you."
Hearing their chatter, Charles too was surprised. Usually, duel prodigies like her were scouted by clubs, not entering Duel Academy. He had heard rumors about her; even so, wanted to ask directly.
"Heh… Witch Morgan, welcome to the Senior Division. But tell me—why did you turn down a future with the clubs to come here? After all, our ultimate goal is still to become pro duelists."
The others leaned forward eagerly at the question.
Yet, Morgan only smiled. "No reason. I just felt like it."
Laughter broke out. That reckless answer could only belong to the Witch.
Hakun clenched his fists, excitement burning. He couldn't wait to strip the wind of its freedom.
He exhaled slowly, then began to clap.
Clap, clap, clap—!
Others followed. The duel truly deserved applause.
Amid the ovation, Morgan returned to the stands. She had passed—and by extension, Jade had too.
However, Jade's Deck's weakness had been exposed. As her future teammate, she couldn't afford to lag behind. Morgan decided she'd get her a new, simple Winged Beast Deck.
After the duel, the exams continued. Isla and Rowe passed without issue.
Isla noticed Hakun had vanished, already gone after passing. Something about him left her uneasy, albeit she had no chance to test him.
When the exams ended, those who passed had earned the right to set foot on the island. A ship would take them there in a week.
Belle was thrilled when she heard Morgan had passed, preparing a feast to celebrate. She even encouraged her to make friends and enjoy her youth.
Morgan ignored it, more interested in smothering Jade than dating.
…
A week passed quickly.
Morgan dragged her luggage to the meeting point, where Jade and the others were already waiting.
By the pier, a massive luxury cruise ship stood out in all its grandeur.
As the first step in welcoming new students, Duel Academy never skimped on style.
"Morgan, finally! You're late. I was so excited last night I couldn't sleep at all!"
Dropping off her luggage, Jade immediately chattered at Morgan's side.
With time to spare before they reached the island, Morgan pulled out a brand-new Deck. She planned to use the trip to teach Jade how to play it.
She smiled at her friend. "Jade, want me to teach you how to play with birds?"
...
If you want to support, please consider Patreon, and read advanced chapters! Your support keeps this series going!
[Patreon.com/RedZTL]