Seeing Hannah appear, Morgan seized up. Hannah smiled warmly, handing quilts to Jade and Isla—standard-issue supplies from the academy. Lodging was free, with all necessities covered by the school, managed by dorm supervisors.
"It's getting cold tonight. Here are quilts—don't catch a chill."
Jade thought Hannah was simply being kind and cheerfully accepted. "Thank you, Ms. Hannah! It really did feel colder on the way back… though it's odd, it's not the season for it yet."
Hannah stiffened for a moment, then smiled even more gently. "Perhaps the chill came early this year."
In truth, when mass Shadow Duelist conversions occurred, the concentrated darkness warped the environment itself, lowering temperatures. Hannah's visit was to test Morgan and the others—though indeed, they hadn't noticed.
"By the way, Ms. Hannah, I saw you in the Hunting Duel today. How did you do?"
The sudden question startled Hannah. She always chose remote spots for her duels, ensuring no witnesses. How could Jade have seen her? Had Jade already discovered her secret and was probing?
No… Jade usually acted naïve, but maybe she was sharper than she looked.
As Hannah scrambled to respond, Jade continued brightly: "I dropped my badge and spent ages finding it. By accident, I saw you dueling. Your Deck looked amazing! What kind was it?" Stars of admiration shone in her eyes.
Her Floowandereeze Deck was strong though unimpressive visually—she longed for something more awe-inspiring. Hannah's monsters looked angelic, yet tainted with a black aura.
"Nothing special. Just a normal Fairy Deck. You should rest. I won't disturb you further."
Hannah hurried off, relieved. Jade had only stumbled upon her by chance. As long as Morgan remained unaware, tonight would pass, and tomorrow the academy would change.
She smiled. Tomorrow, Zelo and the others would deal with Milo. She herself had no wish to face him again—her earlier loss unsettled her. Another defeat might trigger something strange.
As Hannah's figure receded, Isla frowned. Teachers weren't banned from Hunting Duel; that said, Hannah was different. Isla had seen every teacher duel before—except Hannah. Even in classes, she used recordings instead of live battles.
What secret did Hannah's Deck hold?
Still, Isla didn't link her to Shadow Duelists, only curiosity. After all, academy teachers were usually retired pros. For Hannah to join their ranks meant she was formidable.
That night, the dorms glowed with excitement. Students compared badges, reviewed duels, and tweaked Decks, too energized to sleep. Hunting Duel lasted three days, and they would burn bright until the end.
Regardless, Morgan sensed something darker on her floor—far stronger than other Shadow Duelists. A heavily converted one.
She rushed out, startling Jade and Isla, and flung open a door.
"Morgan, what's wrong?" Isla followed hurriedly.
Inside stood a petite girl in white, Duel Disk on her arm, black aura swirling. She smiled twistedly.
"Well, if it isn't the academy's number one, Morgan. Come to duel me so late?"
Jade and Isla couldn't see the aura. They only wondered why Morgan barged in—wasn't she tired after a day of dueling? They recognized the girl: Yula, a top-ranked second-year, quiet and reserved… or so they thought. Now she was talkative, even mocking.
Morgan felt it instantly—Yula's aura eclipsed all others. She was the true threat; the rest were small fry.
Albeit, why had so many become Shadow Duelists? Even in Hunting Duel, the numbers were unnatural. Unless someone inside the academy had been spreading it all along…
Morgan shook off the thought. Reasons didn't matter—victory did. She readied her Duel Disk.
"I'll never refuse a duel."
Yula only laughed, stepping past her. "Not here. The stage is too small. Follow me."
Jade whispered, "Was Yula-senpai always this bold?"
Isla shook her head. She recalled that Yula had once auditioned as an idol; however, she failed due to her height and shyness. Maybe her silence was a mask… maybe she'd always craved the spotlight.
The girls followed as Yula led them not to the duel arena, but the open grounds before the dorms. The view was clear—anyone at the windows could watch. Students leaned out curiously, muttering.
"Morgan's dueling at night? She's addicted!"
"Addicted? No—that's passion. Pros need it."
"Is that Yula from the second year? She's supposed to be skittish. What's she doing here?"
The crowd grew, Yula's excitement rising. She would defeat Morgan here and be remembered.
The duel began. Five cards drawn, LP displayed.
"Duel!"
The White Dragon coin flipped. Morgan won the first turn. Unsure of Yula's Deck, she planned to test the waters. Sky Strikers couldn't lock the board turn one—only stall with hand traps or Shizuku. Better suited for going second.
"My turn, draw!"
Her draw was Raye. She smiled—time to play.
Abruptly, before she could act, Jade whispered, "Isla, do you know what Deck Yula runs? She's top of her year… it must be strong."
Isla thought, then nodded. "Not exactly sure, but I've heard rumors. Something called Drytron."
Morgan's eyebrows furrowed, overhearing them.
Drytron? Instant noodles? Was she really up against 'that' Deck?
...
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