"I didn't expect things to end this way… what a surprise."
Venti withdrew his Duel Disk, half laughing and half sighing.
He had thought that after pulling the Dark Magician at the last moment, things would play out exactly as in the manga—Dark Magician obliterating Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon in a single strike, bringing him the final victory.
But alas, manga was manga.
Reality? Reality loved being unpredictable.
That little rascal Klee actually got a God Card from Boss Han!
And not just any God Card, but one of the Egyptian God Trio that could be summoned directly into reality!
Simply absurd!
Venti, of course, knew just how terrifying the Three Gods were in the manga.
It was pure luck that the card ended up in Klee's hands.
If it had fallen into the Fatui or Abyss Order's grasp, Mondstadt would already be in grave danger.
"I really should keep a closer eye on things," Venti thought quietly.
But then he considered it again—since Boss Han was here personally holding the fort, nobody else would dare make a move.
And as for whether other nations would get dragged into trouble?
Heh. What did that have to do with Barbatos, anyway?
"Forget it. Better to keep loafing around."
The moment the thought settled, Venti felt instantly lighter.
"Humans really should think less—that's the true way to live carefree."
He stretched with a lazy yawn.
"Hmph, this time you won. I'll remember this grudge. Next time, I'll take it back!"
Eula stepped forward, her voice icy.
Although the duel had technically ended with Winged Dragon of Ra intervening, everyone knew who the real loser was—Eula.
Once Dark Magician was summoned, Blue-Eyes Ultimate Dragon would never have stood a chance.
Eula knew that clearly.
And losing was losing.
As a descendant of the Lawrence Clan, she would never deny defeat.
But next time? She would definitely reclaim victory!
"Ahaha, let's leave that for next time."
Venti brushed it off with a laugh.
He wasn't crazy enough to duel against someone holding three Blue-Eyes White Dragons.
This time, drawing Dark Magician had been sheer dumb luck.
That kind of fortune didn't strike twice.
Venti only wanted to enjoy games—not get stomped.
"Good. Then it's settled!"
Eula misunderstood his words as agreement. Turning away, she prepared to leave.
She had to take Klee back to the Knights of Favonius headquarters.
Something this serious had happened, and with Klee holding a God Card of such overwhelming power, Jean had to be informed.
Poor Klee. She hadn't even had the chance to properly enjoy her new card before it was about to be confiscated…
Once Eula and Klee left, the others drifted back into the manga shop.
After witnessing such an epic duel, none of their hearts could settle down.
The scenes replayed vividly in their minds, sending thrills through their chests.
What stood out most were, of course, the three monstrous beings:
Eula's awe-inspiring Blue-Eyes Ultimate DragonVenti's peerless Dark MagicianAnd, above all, the Winged Dragon of Ra, oozing divine presence with every flap of its wings!
Each one was a creature rarely seen in a lifetime.
And they had witnessed all three in one sitting!
The experience was intoxicating.
More than a few people began to grow curious about Yu-Gi-Oh!
Perhaps they should try reading it themselves in a few days.
Who knew? They might even draw a card that summoned such beasts!
Venti, already familiar with Yu-Gi-Oh!, had no plans to reread it.
But since no new manga had been released yet, he figured he'd just take a nap.
Meanwhile, Noelle, now calm again, picked up Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious and found a quiet spot.
"Judging by the title, the protagonist must have a… peculiar personality?" she mused, opening the book.
Buying three full suits of armor? One of them just as a backup for the backup?
"Hmm… actually, that's perfectly logical!"Using full strength against mere slimes?
"A little exaggerated, but reasonable—what if that slime was secretly powerful?"Eliminating all traces after defeating an enemy?
"Harsh… but when you think about it, staying cautious isn't wrong."
As she read, Noelle felt she had stepped into an entirely new world.
So this was another way to approach problems?
If one prepared thoroughly enough, stayed vigilant, and anticipated every possibility—
then no challenge would be insurmountable!
From this manga alone, she felt she was learning so much.
For instance, cooking for others—if she mastered every possible dish, then no matter what someone requested, she could deliver it without hesitation!
"Yes… I really am lacking in ability right now."
Noelle sighed softly.
There was still so much for her to learn.
Half an hour later, Diluc rose, placing Digimon Adventure back on the shelf.
Clearly, he had finished.
"Mr. Diluc, how did you find that manga?"
Venti perked up immediately, curious again.
Paimon's take earlier hadn't satisfied him—her view of the world was far too narrow.
But Diluc was different.
As the master of Dawn Winery, with all his experience and sharp mind, surely his perspective would align with Venti's own?
Diluc gave his thoughts without hesitation:
"The world-building isn't complete, but the story is engaging. The problem is… there are too many adventurers."
"Too many?"
A bad feeling crept into Venti's chest.
"Yes. In my opinion, that boy Taichi possesses all the qualities of the Crests. He alone, with Agumon, could clear the entire journey."
Diluc rested his chin on one hand, thoughtful.
As a former Cavalry Captain, this was his professional judgment.
He admired Taichi greatly—if possible, he would like to be friends with him.
But the others? Forget it.
Most of them were just dead weight.
Venti froze.
This was even harsher than Paimon's critique!
At least Paimon had spared three members of the main cast.
Diluc had slashed down all seven in one stroke?!
"Could it be… that I really misunderstood this story?"
Venti began doubting himself.
Diluc ignored him and went to the counter.
It was time to see what reward awaited him.
This time, he wasn't greedy—
he just prayed it wasn't another "limited-time trial card."
Two of those in a row would be unbearable.
Han Feng nodded and turned to the system.
A new line of text appeared:
[Customer Diluc has finished reading Digimon Adventure. Reward: a set of Gorillamon's instruments.]
[Gorillamon's Instruments: the essential equipment for Gorillamon's concerts. Exceptional sound effects, unmatched audio quality!]
"…This system, honestly."
Han Feng could only laugh bitterly.
Of all the things to hand out—it had to be this.
Just imagining the aloof, cold-faced Diluc performing on stage was… bizarre.
But also strangely entertaining.
He was already thinking of the perfect song title: In the Name of Lu!
Buzz—
A radiant light descended, enveloping Diluc.
Moments later, the glow faded, leaving behind a set of instruments at his side.
"…Boss, what is this?"
Diluc's eyes narrowed slightly.
"You know Gorillamon, right?" Han Feng asked.
Diluc gave a curt nod.
"These are the instruments it uses when performing."
Han Feng explained, then added with a smirk,
"Excellent sound effects, unbeatable quality."
(⊙_⊙)
Diluc fell silent.
Was it just his luck?
Why did everyone else get such flashy, powerful rewards—
like Klee's Winged Dragon of Ra, or Jean's Conqueror's Haki—
while he, the wealthiest man in Mondstadt, the city's Darknight Hero, always ended up with… this?
What good were instruments to him?
Did the system expect him to… go on stage and sing?
The very thought made his expression stiffen.
This was even worse than his first reward.
"Mr. Diluc, what reward did you get?"
Venti approached curiously, now in high spirits again.
"…Huh? Isn't that Gorillamon's set of instruments?"
The moment he spotted the red guitar and mic, Venti instantly recognized them.
As a bard, he had a sharp eye for instruments.
He remembered them clearly from the manga.
So Diluc had gotten these?
"Wait, are you planning to hold concerts like Gorillamon?"
Venti's face lit up with excitement.
"If so, can I be your guest performer?"
At that thought, Diluc's face darkened.
~~--------------------------------------
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