Synopsis: The weeks have passed, and World Buddy Academia has finally opened. At the same time, a young prince who proclaimed himself as "Hou's Rival" has arrived too. Why does he call Hou that?
Fireworks, Balloons, and streamers pop out of nowhere. And the crowd goes wild as they gather in front of the newly constructed, prestigious World Buddy Academia. It's incredibly wild like cars in a traffic jam. Kei Jingunji steps out onto the stage in front of the podium.
Kei: Ladies. And Gentleman. Boys and Girls. I officially present to you...(Open Arms) WORLD BUDDY ACADEMIA.
The crowd cheers wildly. While at it, Kei shows a few hovering pictures of the academy's facilities and behind the scenes of the project.
Kei: After 3 whole weeks of construction, many number of coffee breaks and sleepless nights, Helping Hands Academy has finally transformed into greater heights. In there, Buddyfighters get to roam around exploring new possibilities that will GUARANTEED make them a world-class fighter. The stakes are high, as this academy could make or break our future titles. So to those of you in the crowd, I thank you all so much for your patience. Now, let's have this event underway!!!
The crowd cheers even more. Meanwhile, Hou, Daryl & Masato, along with their buddies, are in the crowd looking impressed.
Masato: You gotta hand it to the president. He makes the best speeches there is.
Daryl: But his actions spoke louder than words and made a dream into a reality.
Hou: Well, this is our new chapter. (To Daryl & Masato) I wish you guys the best of luck.
Daryl: You too.
Masato: Ditto, Bro.
Hou: New School. New Adventures. I can't wait. This is going to be awesome!!!
OP: Undead
As the celebration goes on, there are many event stalls outside the Academy. Some are selling delicious food. Some consist of different types of Games. And there's even one stall that sells different types of merchandise. The three Aces walk around the area to see what it's like in surprise and joy.
Masato: This place is really packed.
Daryl: It's a party. So what'd you expect?
Meanwhile, Hou is carrying some delicious food on a plate as he & Garga munch it left and right.
Hou: Mmm. So Good.
Garga: Indeed. I give thanks for the meal.
Daryl: Don't you two think you're eating too much?
Masato: I like food too, but I would reserve my strength for later.
Hou: (Munch) But I've been so hungry since breakfast. I didn't even get to eat a proper meal because I was late just now.
Daryl and Masato: {Awkward} Whatever you say...
Gwen: (Waves Excitedly) Hou!!! Daryl!!! Masato!!! Over here.
Gwen & Amaterasu are in front of them.
Hou: Hey, Gwen. You're here too.
Gwen: I sure am. I'm here to attend this school too.
Masato: For Share!!! But are you sure? What about your cafe?
Gwen: Don't worry. My dad is home, so he can manage things from there.
???: Don't forget about me as well.
They all turn their attention towards the unknown voice. It's Light Kurouzu as he walks in from the side.
Hou: Light!!! It's been a while.
Light: Likewise. I'm here to attend this school as well.
Hou: Well, colour me impressed. But I ain't gonna be losing to you guys. (right fist up) I'm gonna attend this school and go world-class!!!
Masato: {smiles} Aren't you confident? I like it. But I don't intend to lose as well.
Daryl: What he said. Although when you think about it, President Jingunji still hasn't explained what the exam is about.
A flashback reveals them studying in a library, sharpening their skills and decks together.
Daryl: I hope our preparation was worth it.
Flashback ends.
Hou: {Dismayed} Daryl, no offence, but please don't give us any anxiety because I don't want to be quite nervous here.
Masato: I'm with Hou on that one.
Daryl: Apologies. I was speaking about the facts.
Light: Although when you think about it...
Hou, Daryl & Masato: Hmm?
Light: Don't you think it also makes you more excited? Like going on a treasure hunt to find a treasure chest.
Gwen: I suppose that's kind of true.
Masato: (Ponders) Hmmm...whatever it is, let's find out with our own eyes, then we'll decide what to do. Until then, like Hou said, I wish you all the best of luck.
Everyone else: (nods) Right.
And soon after a few minutes, everyone has gathered in the main courtyard. The courtyard is really lengthy, so to speak, almost the size of an Arena. There are 10 lines of participants. Everyone else sits in the spectator areas between them. Kei once again steps onto the podium.
Kei: Alright. Before I explain how the exam's gonna go, we still have one last participant who is absent at the moment.
All of the participants are whispering. Some are saying "Huh", "What?", "weh", "who?" and etc. As Hou looks around, too, suddenly, everyone hears some whirring above the sky. It's quite loud, and to their surprise, there are 4 jet-copters and 1 golden jet flying in the air. The 5 vehicles slowly land, and it's so loud that everyone covers their ears. Except for Hou & his friends, because they are stunned by what they're seeing. The wind created by the jet copters moves their clothes while at it.
Hou: What in the what?
Masato: What's going on?
The doors from the 5 vehicles open and outcomes a few bodyguards dressed up in formal suits lining up beside each other while standing firmly in front of the golden jet. Everyone's surprised until one fellow just jumps out of the golden jet, does a triple somersault, and does a superhero landing. He has chino spiky hair, wears an ancient, regal, and stylish princely attire. He stands with confidence and lets out an open smile with open arms. (Okay, I seriously have some trouble describing him, you'll have to find out on the net. I think you all know who it is. )
Alexandre Ankh: Greetings. Citizens of Malaysia. I'm humbly pleased that you've accepted my presence. I am Prince Alexandre Ankh. Yes, the Alexandre Ankh, the next king of the Ankh Kingdom!!! Nice to meet you.
Tons of his guards come up and praise him here and there as the latter acts like a stylish model, posing here and there.
Everyone: {Confused} Uh...
Kei: Ah. You made it just in time. (Bows) Welcome, Your Majesty. To World Buddy Academia.
Hou: {Confused} Sorry, but who is that guy?
Daryl: (scrolls through his phone) I found it.
Hou & Masato: Huh?
Daryl: Prince Alexandre Ankh. Hailing all the way from the Ankh Kingdom, located in the land of Ancient Egypt. It's said that his kingdom is responsible for supplying the rarest of gold there is, which was then crafted into royal necklaces, jewels, and whatever fancy items there.
Hou: So then—
Masato: —, he's rich.
Daryl: That's not all. Aside from being next in line for the throne, he's a skilled buddyfighter. It's said that he was able to beat even the famous Kyoya Gaen at one point. Proudly known as the "Ace of Legend".
Hou and Masato: {Surprised} Another Ace Like Me???
Alexandre Ankh: (Walks in) Indeed, I am. Greetings, Teng Hou Ren.
Hou: (Turns around) {Confused} Huh? Do I know you?
Alexandre Ankh: Of course you do. You're my sworn rival.
Hou: Uh...what?
Alexandre Ankh: You heard me. My sworn rival. Ace of Games versus Ace of Legend? Surely, you think about it as much as I do?
Hou: Okay, first of all, I've never met you before in my life. Second, no offence, your Majesty, but I didn't even know you exist.
Alexandre Ankh: (Taken Aback) Ah? How dare you insult your majesty? Guards!!! Take him—
Kei: (interrupts) Hold it!!!
All: Huh?
Kei: The exam is about to begin. And might I add, this school does not condone violence. Not even from his Majesty.
Alexandre Ankh: Ack...(sigh) Very well. I won't deny I'm here to participate as well. (To Hou) And I promise you, I will not lose to you.
Hou: Ummm....
Kei: (Ahem) Right. Time to explain how this exam works. As you all can see, we have exactly 1000 participants here. And the harsh truth is that only half of you can make the cut.
Everyone else: Huh?
Kei: The exam will be held for 5 days. Each day, only 100 participants will be accepted should they pass. The moment there are 500 accepted applicants, the exam will be over. Now comes the hard part, so pay attention.
A diagram appears on-screen to show how the exam works.
Kei: 200 participants will be selected to take part. You will need to pass in 6 different subjects: Music, Maths, Science, English, Sports, and of course, Buddyfight. Should they manage to score at least a 75% in a subject, a point will be earned. 6 points and you will be instantly accepted. And this goes on again and again until the last day.
Hou: Figured it's not just buddyfight. There are other subjects, too.
Masato: I hope our preparations will be worth it.
Kei: And might I add that if there are not enough accepted applicants, the remaining spots will be decided via lottery. Don't worry, there won't be any eliminations until the last subject. Is that clear?
Everyone else: Yes.
Kei: Very well. That is all I have to say. I wish you all good luck, and I'll see you in class. Now, let's have our first 200 participants out. Ms Shelly.
Kei leaves the podium leaves the podium and everyone claps, and a teacher steps onto the podium.
Shelly: Thank you, Mr President. Now, without further ado, to the names I call out, please step forward. Let's start with our three, or rather, FOUR Aces: Mr Teng Hou Ren, Mr Daryl Hoshino, Mr Masato Rikuo, and Mr Prince Alexandre Ankh.
All four: Huh?
Alexandre Ankh: (smirks) Well, this ought to be fun... (To Hou) I won't lose to you, Capiche.
Hou: (smiles) May the best man win, your majesty.
Alexandre Ankh: Ey??? I thought you would be afraid or something.
Hou: {Confused} What's there to be afraid of?
Alexandre Ankh: Ack...We'll see about that.
And soon the exam begins. In the Music exam, Hou's fingers dance over the violin strings, drawing a soft, harmonious melody. However, Alexandre, with a confident smile, plays with such speed and precision that the auditorium resonates with awe. Observing the teacher's nod of approval towards Alexandre, Hou's grip tightens slightly on his instrument, a subtle acknowledgment of the competition's intensity. In Science, Hou solves problems with focused determination, but when Alexandre's name is announced with accolades, Hou's pen pauses briefly above his paper, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. Despite the challenges, they both pass the exams, though Alexandre consistently emerges as the top scorer. Meanwhile, Daryl, Masato, Gwen, and Light succeed too, bringing a smile to Hou's face as he gives them an encouraging thumbs up. Alexandre watches them, his arms crossed, momentarily casting a glance of envy. As the exams continue, the anticipation builds, leading up to the final challenge. A voice on a megaphone attached to a pole makes an announcement.
Hou: (Sits on a bench, exhausted) Phew. We all passed. Congrats again.
Masato: (Scratch his backhead) I'm not gonna lie. I barely passed the Music & Science exam.
Daryl: And I nearly had trouble passing Sports.
Hou: Hey, look on the bright side, during the past two weeks, we helped each other in different subjects. And therefore we passed, did we not?
Masato: That's true.
Daryl: Bright as always.
Hou: Although...that young prince though... You weren't kidding when you mentioned he's the Ace of Legend. I mean, he got higher marks than me, and he has to flaunt and show off like it's nothing.
Daryl: Why did he even call you his rival? Are you sure you haven't met him before?
Hou: {emotionless} If I were lying, then I wouldn't be like this, wouldn't I? No offence to myself, but I don't get around often.
Masato: Oh...
Daryl: I suppose...
Gwen: Aside from that, the final exam is later, and I'm sure you guys can pass with ease. Now that your buddies have evolved.
Light: How did you guys even do it, though?
All three aces stare at them while blinking their eyes three times, and they go "Uhhh...", which Light & Gwen find confusing.
Hou: It's a secret.
Masato: (Joins in) Yes.
Daryl: (Joins in) Definitely.
Gwen: Okay...
Light: You good?
Hou: Yeah...anyways, (stands up) The last exam is coming. I wish you guys the best of luck.
Daryl: (To Hou) You too.
Masato: (To Hou) Ditto.
Hou: Right. (Walks forward) Time to bring my A Game.
While Hou walks forward with confidence in his eyes, the scene comes to a pause as everything is now crayon-drawn. The wind moves through Hou's hair and clothes while his friends behind him look at him, smiling.
Soon enough, the final exam is about to begin. Everyone is gathered at one of the buddyfight stages outside of the Academy. Kei, as always, steps onto the podium and speaks into the mic.
Kei: Thank you all for your patience. And I trust you all have a nice break. Now, before I begin the buddyfight exam, allow me to once again explain how this works.
Once again, a diagram is shown. Kei explains how it works as the diagram moves itself.
Kei: Participants will draw a number from a box like the one I'm holding right now. And therefore, two people with the same number must fight each other. However, this is a sudden death tournament, so should you lose, you'll be disqualified immediately.
All: {Shocked} What???
Kei: In this very academy, Buddyfight is a very important aspect. It's more than just a game, and only those who are worthy shall be known as a true buddyfighter. Do you have what it takes to become a true buddyfighter? If so, then prove it in a match. Now, let's get the final exam underway.
Everyone cheers. Hou is quite hyped.
Hou: Okay. I ain't gonna lose. Time to bring my A-game.
Hou moves forward to a teacher holding a box.
Teacher: Please draw a number, Mr Teng.
Hou: (Draws and checks) I got number 1.
Teacher: Oooh, not everyone draws that number.
???: Are you sure about that?
Hou: Huh?
Hou looks right to see that the young prince, with his hands beside his waist, forehead shadowed, smirking. This made him a little awkward.
Alexandre Ankh: Not everyone draws that number, she says. (Walks forward, acting all smug) He may be the Ace of Games, but I'm about to turn his game off.
Hou: Uh, what do you mean?
The young prince draws a number from the same box.
Alexandre Ankh: This...(Reveals the Same Number, Confident Smirk) IS WHAT I MEAN!!!
Everyone's shocked.
Masato: He got the same number as Hou!!!
Daryl: What incredible luck.
Alexandre Ankh: Hehehe. The time has come for me to defeat my sworn rival. (Points at him) The Ace Of Games, Teng Hou Ren.
The young prince laughs out loud with his arms open wide. Thunder sparks behind him like flash, much to Hou's confusion.
Hou: Okay. You got lucky. You don't have to flex.
Alexandre Ankh: Ack!!! {Bratty} Do you even know how to react???
Soon enough, the two fighters are already on stage.
Hou: Overpower all that stands in your way. Command the Very Heavens itself. Luminize... Draknight!!!
Alexandre Ankh: Behold! Every part of my fight is legendary! Luminize, Legend of Double Horus!
Kei: Buddy...FIGHT!!!
Both: Raise the flag.
Hou: Dragon World.
Alexandre Ankh: Legend World.
The camera closes up on the young prince standing all high and mighty with his arms open wide. Then Hou himself smiles with confidence.
Hou: [Not gonna lie, I knew I had to face him at some point. Seeing that he is so into me. Except, I couldn't find much about his playstyle, so I don't know how this is gonna go. Regardless, I'm not gonna chicken out for this one. Whatever opponent I'm facing, I'm not gonna go down easily. (smirks) Let's Duel.]
ED Plays.
Preview:
Hou: The first match is underway, and I swear, that guy is no one to mess with. Next time, "Ace of Legend". Join us for a Buddyfight.
Story end.