"I TRIBUTE STOVIE TORBIE!"
The orange stove-cat leapt into the air, glowing before shattering into two emerald circles.
Chazz reeled back. "What!?"
"And I TRIBUTE LADY LABRYNTH!"
Lady Labrynth jumped to the sky, her body glowing into eight radiant stars, aligning themselves within the green rings.
"With their combined levels and also both being Dark types, I can now 'Fusion' summon 'this' level 10 monster from my extra deck!" Mash drew a gleaming card and raised it high.
From the seats, Jaden leaned forward, grinning. "Aw yeah! Mash is about to drop something awesome!"
Bastion frowned in intrigue. "Yes… though I've never seen a 'fusion' summoning sequence quite like this before. Shouldn't they be flying upward to a swirly vortex or something..."
Syrus tilted his head. "Maybe it's just unique to Mash… like his Labrynth monsters appearing through those silver doors."
"O HARBRINGER OF CHAOS..."
"I CALL UPON YOUR CHAOS, SO YOU CAN BANISH MY FOE TO THE SHADOW REALM!"
"I MANIFEST YOU TO THE FIELD..."
He slammed the card onto his Duel Disk. The green circles erupted in a blinding pillar of light that pierced the sky.
"{CHAOS ANGEL}!!"
The entire stadium, Chazz, Jaden, Alexis, even the random birds and squirell perched nearby stared wide-eyed, waiting for what kind of monster that would emerge. Everyone in the stadium started to have the same question in their mind
[What monster is he summoning...? And...]
The pillar of light began to fade.
[Where is it?]
No monster seemed to be summoned on the field.
A second passed.
two seconds passed.
and now five second passed and...
Still nothing.
Lovely scratched her cheek. "Darling… this is getting awkward."
"But it should've worked!" Mash hissed under his breath, then lean closer to her to whisper. "I mean, in Bonds Beyond Time Yusei literally Synchro Summons! So why doesn't—"
He froze. Lovely wasn't looking at him, she was looking past him with a pale face.
Mash glance at Chazz, and he too, had the same expression.
"…What are you guys—" Mash turned around.
And then he saw it.
Two massive black circles hovered in the air behind him, swirling like portals.
Mash's jaw dropped. "…The hell is that—"
From each portal, a giant black hand reached outward.
"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!" Mash screamed and hide behind Lovely. "WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT!?"
The hands then moved to a spot in between their portals before gripping the empty air.
"What are those things doing...?" Jaden asked
But that question is about to be answered as the black hands then pulls the empty air and giving open to a diamond shape rift. Where something Chaotic and Corrupt emerged.... Floating out of it.
One wing is white like an angel, one is black like a demon, Its whole armor is white but is adorned with skulls, while his helmet is pure white with no eyeholes in sight... In its right hands, black energy spews out of it while the other spews white energy. It has a strange aura, Holy and yet, corrupt as if it's a fallen angel or just an Chaos given from... Or both.
{Chaos Angel|10 Star|Dark|Fiend/Synchro/effect| ATK: 3500 DEF: 2800}
Jaden's jaw dropped. "Thirty-five hundred attack!?"
Syrus shocked. "That's more powerfull than a Blue-eyes!"
Alexis whispered, "Can you even… call that a monster?"
Bastion was intrigued "Ho... Another one of Mash monster I have never seen... Chaos Angel, huh?"
The entire stadium was silent, not a soul daring to move. Every eye was locked onto Chaos Angel.
Mash, still crouched halfway behind Lovely, gawked at the towering figure. "Wha—what the hell is this!? I mean, yeah, I summoned a strong monster, but this is way over the top!"
Lovely whispered back, "Maybe it's because this one… has its own summoning animation."
Mash blinked. "Chaos Angel has a summon animation!?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Darling, did you really forget?"
"…Okay, in my defense, it's been over a month since I last touched Master Duel—"
He stopped.
Because he noticed Chaos Angel had turned its faceless helmet toward him. It raised one arm, then tapped its wrist where a watch should have been.
"…Right. My bad."
Mash cleared his throat and straightened up.
"Uh, uhm.. So, When Chaos Angel is... 'Fusion' summoned to the field by tributing 2 monster with a combined level of 10, I am able to Banish a card on your field!"
Chazz's face twisted. "What!? Then you'll banish my-!"
"That's right! The one I shall banish…" Mash thrust his hand forward pointing at the mech "is your VWXYZ!"
Chaos Angel raised his right hand, conjuring a small swirling black portal in his palm. Behind VWXYZ, a more massive portal appear in the air. Without a sound, Chaos Angel slid its hand into the smaller vortex.
until the same colossal black hand from before burst out of the giant portal behind VWXYZ.
The VWXYZ struggled trying to free itself, its cannons firing wildly, sparks tearing across the field. But the black hand gripped its waist with unyielding force. VWXYZ resisted but slowly and inevitably, it was dragged into the portal before it snap shut.
Chazz's field was now empty.
[No way…] Chazz's thoughts races as panic starts to gnaw at him. [I did everything perfectly… I cornered him, I countered his deck… so why-!]
Alexis narrowed her eyes. "It's over for Chazz…"
Mash snapped forward, voice sharp. "Go, Lady Labrynth, direct attack!"
Lovely twirled her twin silver rapiers with a flourish. "Ohohoho~! With pleasure~!" She then darted across the field in a blur of silver.
Chazz's eyes widened. [No. It was because of that.]
Her blade pierced clean through. "Ugh…!" Chazz staggered back. [That silver eyes thing… just like that time!]
{Chazz LP: 4000 -> 1000}
[If it weren't for those silver eyes drawing him that card… I would've won!]
"…And now." Mash, frowning at Chaos Angel, gave a hesitant order. "Attack. But please, don't make it traumatizing."
Chaos Angel exhaled with a low sigh. Raising its hand, it opened another black portal. This one appeared directly in front of Chazz's face, just the size of his head.
Chazz flinched, sweat running down his temple, staring into the void.
From within, the black hand emerged… and simply flicked his forehead.
"Ow."
{Chazz LP: 1000 -> 0}
As soon as the LP bar reach 0, the crowd erupted into thunderous cheers, the stadium trembling as, for the first time in (This version of) Duel Academy's history, a Slifer had defeated an Obelisk in the Promotion Exam.
Jaden threw up his fists. "Ahahaha! I knew Mash would win!"
Bastion smiles, satisfied. "That duel was razor-close. If he hadn't drawn that Level 2 Stovie Torbie…"
Alexis exhaled. "Honestly… it could've gone either way. Until Mash decided to use his 'white eyes' thingy."
Jaden grinned. "Kinda reminds me of a white dragon with 3000 attack."
Syrus deadpanned. "Jay… that White Dragon has Blue-Eyes."
Back on the field
Lovely planted her hands on her hips, tossing her hair back with smug delight. "Ohohohoho~! That was an ez win~!"
Mash folded his arms with a flat look. "…Yeah."
Up in the viewing box, Kaiba turned away from the glass. Counselor Sheppard and Crowler who is now flattened like a board against the floor watched in silence.
Kaiba's voice was sharp, leaving no room for debate. "You better do what I told you, Sheppard."
Sheppard bowed nervously. "Y-Yes, sir…"
Back at the arena
Chazz stood frozen in the center, fists clenched, teeth gritted. The roaring crowd around him felt like knives, stabbing at his pride. It was as if his organs themselves boiled with rage.
[If only I had drawn Royal Decree earlier… I would've won!]
But he didn't lash out. His pride wouldn't allow it. Swallowing the fire, he forced a scoff. "Tch. Whatever. He just got lucky." He turned on his heel and left the field.
As Chazz climbed the stairs back toward the Obelisk section, he noticed the students—silent, murmuring to one another.
[They're talking about me, huh... Figures. Probably trashing me since I lost to a Slifer. Whatever. I'll ignore them-]
"THERE HE IS!!" one Obelisk student shouted.
Suddenly, every Obelisk turned toward Chazz. But instead of scorn, their eyes gleamed with awe.
"Way to go, Chazz!""Truly befitting of a Princeton!""MY MAN, CHAAAZZ PRIIINCETOOONNN!!"
Every single one of the Obelisk students (mostly boys) cheers at Chazz.
Chazz blinked, utterly confused. "What is this…? Are you guys mocking me!? Shouldn't you all be mad I lost to some Slifer!?"
Taiyou shook his head. "Yeah! If it were some random Slifer, of course we'd be mad!"
Raizou shouted, grinning. "But this is Mash the Trap King! The guy who terrorizes us for DP every day! And you cornered that monster!"
Taiyou thrust a fist into the air. "EVERYONE SAY IT WITH ME! CHAZZ IS OUR SAVIOR!"
All the Obelisk boys erupted: "CHAZZ IS OUR SAVIOR! CHAZZ IS OUR SAVIOR!"
Chazz doesn't get what the fuck is going on, but...
He rolled with it.
"AHAHAHAH! You're right!" He struck a dramatic pose. "I am the savior of Obelisk Blue! CHAZZ PRINCETON! AHAHAHAHAH!"
"Tch. What a narcissist." Behind him, Mash muttered with a deadpan expression.
Chazz jumped out of his skin. "MASH!?"
All Obelisk boys scared, "HIIII, IT'S MASH! SAVE YOURSELF!!"
Mash snapped, glaring at them. "SHUT UP! I'm not here for your DP's right now. I'm here to talk to Chazz. Alone."
All Obelisk girls curious "…Talk to Chazz… alone…?"
"NOT THAT THING!"
"You want to talk to me…?" Chazz narrowed his eyes, glaring. "Then if you want to talk, talk here! I don't want to sneak off somewhere just so a Slifer can whisper something in my ears!"
The Obelisk students behind Chazz broke into hushed whispers, their eyes darting between the two.
"I know that you're just here so you can rub your win, mock me and the entire Obelisk dorm."
Mash scratched his cheek nervously. "Ugh… do I really have to say it in front of everyone…"
Chazz scoffed, crossing his arms. "Tch. Whatever it is, I'll face it here and take it in front of everyone. Give me your best shot, coward."
"Fine. Chazz…" Mash raised his hands dramatically, then dropped them into a handshake pose.
"Let's be friends."
Mash: (・∀・)
Obelisk's: (⚆_⚆)
Chazz: (ಠ_ಠ)
"let's talk there." Chazz pointed.
---
The two of them walked down the corridor exiting the stadium.
Mash took a deep breath and exhaled. [That was... FUCKING EMBARASSINGGGGG!!!]
[SAYING THAT MY LITTLE PONY TYPE Of SHIT IN FRONT OF THE ENTIRE OBELISK DORM, WHAT AM I THINKINGGGG!!!]
[Well, that's fine. I just can't sleep today thinking about this... BUT, being friends with Chazz is worth it! Because... He's my most favorite character in GX even if he can be a bit of a douche-.]
"Oi."
Chazz stopped mid-step, leaning casually against the wall with his arms crossed. His gaze hardened as he looked at Mash.
"So. Tell me one good reason why Chazz Princeton here, would want to be friends with a 'Slifer slacker' like you."
"Easy." Mash smirked. "Because I know that you do not see me as a 'Slifer Slacker,' in your eyes, Chazz."
Chazz blinked. "…What."
Mash leaned forward. "Remember that time when Dr Crowler present my Entrance Exam sheet to the whole class."
Chazz scowled. "I remember it, you put 'Lovely Labrynth' as every single one of your answer and got a zero."
Mash snapped his fingers. "AHA! So... When you first saw that, what do you think?"
"I think that you're a dumbass with only your 'Girlfriend' the only thing in your mind."
"UGH!" Mash flinched, clutching his chest. "That's—totally logical… BUT. You do remember I'm top 1 in the class when it comes to academics."
"Tch. Yeah? And what about it?"
Mash leaned in, eyes gleaming. "Don't you have a suspicion… that I may or may not have flunked the test?"
Chazz's jaw dropped. "What!? That's so stupid! Why would you flunk the entrance exam just so you can be in Slifer—"
He stopped mid-sentence. A spark flickered in his brain. His eyes widened.
"…Wait a minute. You're saying you purposely got into Slifer Red just so you can farm us Obelisk for DP's!?"
"Wait a minute, you're saying that you purposely got into Slifer Red just so you can-"
Mash grinned. "Exactly. Well it should've been real obvious for someone who's been stalking me."
"NOT 'stalking' but 'Observing'" Chazz stammered, fists tightening. "B-but why!? Being an Obelisk has so many benefits than being a 'Slifer no lifer'. Better dorms, food, friends, and facility! We even get 50 DP a day for our allowance!"
"Sure. But I can make fifty times that amount in a single day." He clapped a hand on Chazz's shoulder, grinning smugly. "Just like the world revolves around money, this school revolves around DP. A luxury is just a luxury, Chazz."
Chazz's face twisted as he tried to parse Mash's bizarre ideology so he just snapped, "Enough of this crap! So what's your point!?"
Mash crossed his arms. "My point is, Chazz… is that I'm the only 'Slifer' you don't see as a 'slacker,' because you know that I am equal or above your skill in dueling"
"T-that's..."
"And also I'm probably the only Slifer you can hang out with. You already know what my reputation in Obelisk Blue is like, so no one should think less of you for hanging out with me. (I think)"
Chazz grit his teeth, looking away. "…You're… tch." [I don't want to admit it, but… he's right.]
Mash smirked. "Also, having a rich friend is just great."
Chazz blinked. "…What."
Mash coughed. "I mean-having a nice friend is just great."
"I heard you say rich..." Chazz ignores it before proceeding to gave him a sharp side-eye. "…What are you planning, Mash? This isn't really like you. Going out of your way to talk to me like this just so I could be your friend... don't you have your own 'Slifer Slacker' circle or something. Or you just want something more..."
" Ugh... this damn Emo..." Mash sighed, pinching his nose. "Look, man. I just want to be friends with you. That's all. I want to be Friends with no ulterior motives. Okay?"
Chazz studied him quietly for a moment, then grunted. "Okay."
Mash leaned in. "Okay… we're friends now?"
"No."
[YDVIUSVDIOUDAYOSIGHAUHHAVXPUSIASVQIUDIOUOIUBIJSONOFABITCH] Mash screamed internally while smiling.
Chazz lifted a finger, his tone sharp. "But..."
Mash tilted his head. "Hm?"
Chazz pointed at Mash. "Don't get the wrong idea. But, I'll acknowledge you… as my rival. So you'd better watch out."
Mash blinked, caught off guard. "…O-Okay…"
Chazz's smirk hardened into a vow. "I'm going to defeat you, Mash. I'll be the first to do it." With that, he pushed off the wall and strode past Mash, "So don't you dare lose to anyone else before then." Then walk down the corridor and exit to the Stadium.
[I thought we were already rivals when we first dueled...] Mash slumped with a heavy sigh. "…Progress is progress, I guess."
---
After that, I went back to where Jaden and the others were sitting, we were just killing times by chatting and even playing chest that Bastion pulled out from his Jacket.
Until a crackle came over the intercom."Krssk—Attention students. Those whose names are called, please report to your dorm teacher in class."
The students started whispering nervously as names echoed out from the speakers.
Mash leaned back with a sigh, stretching his arms. "Hoo… So this is how we find out if we're getting promoted or not, huh."
Lovely smirked, brushing her hair with her fingers. "We're 100% going to get promoted, right, Darling~?"
Mash chuckled dryly. "I'd be more surprised if we didn't."
A few hours later...
The line of names continued until almost every student in the stadium had been called everyone except me… and Jaden, still slouched in his chair beside me.
Jaden groaned, folding his arms behind his head. "Man… it sure is taking forever."
"Well, how about a duel, Jay? " Mash tilted his head toward him with a sly grin. "I'm feeling pretty bored right now and I want some fun..."
Jaden rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Uhh… uhmm… well, I can't-"
The speakers cut him off."Krssk—Jaden Yuki, please head to class 1-C."
Jaden leapt to his feet. "Because I need to head to class, so, uh-gotta go!"
He jogged up the stairs toward the exit corridor, waving lazily behind him.
Lovely crossed her arms with an unimpressed huff. "Geez… and you call him your childhood idol?"
Mash sighed with a half-smile. "Like they say, Lovely 'never meet your heroes.'"
Finally, after what felt like an eternity…
The speaker buzz to life in the empty stadium. "Krssk—Justin Mash..."
"Ah!" Mash's eyes widened. "Finally! Let's go to class now, Lovely—"
"Please head to the counselor's room, Immediately."
Mash and Lovely froze, speaking at the same time. "...What."
Inside the counselor's office, the air was strangely calm compared to the noise outside. The faint smell of coffee hung in the room. Counselor Sheppard was already waiting, seated comfortably at his desk with a steaming cup in hand.
"Ah… you must be the infamous 'Trap King' Mash, eh?" Sheppard's chuckle was light, but his eyes were sharp. What's even more sharper is the light reflecting off his bald head.
"Yes…" Mash muttered, nervously taking a seat. He set his Duel Disk down by the chair.[WHAT DID I DO WRONG TO GET DRAGGED INTO THE COUNSELOR'S ROOM…!?]
Sheppard laughed heartily. "Ahahaha! Don't be so tense, Mash. Relax. Coffee?"
"Sure!" He lifted the cup, took a sip and immediately spat it out. "What is this, coal!?"
Sheppard leaned forward, his tone softening. "Now then, Mash… tell me, do you want to be promoted to Ra Yellow?"
Mash answered instantly. "Nope."
Sheppard blinked, then leaned back. "Alright then. We're done."
Mash stared at him, confused. "What? That's it? Then why was I brought here instead of just being sent to class like everyone else?"
Sheppard's lips curled into a knowing smile.
"So you could meet me."
The sudden shift in tone chilled the room. It wasn't Sheppard's voice.
The words was too sharp and cold but yet too familliar.
Mash stiffened and slowly turned his head toward the sound.
Behind him stood a figure he recognized instantly—tall, broad-shouldered, with a sharp white suit and sharper eyes. It was none other than-
"MOTHERFUCKING KAIBA!!?????!?!?!?" Mash's jaw dropped.
"Mash…" Kaiba spoke coldly. "…You're expelled."
____________________________________________________________________
Progress may be slow, BUT IT WONT STOP!
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