Marjoram took a direct hit, briefly dropping to her knees. Then, her wings began to dissolve, and her body slowly floated up.
After all, this wasn't a Shadow Duel. Though she felt some pain, it wasn't too severe.
Her Duel Disk started to transform back into its original staff form.
"What a surprising warrior. Dueling you has made me believe that agreeing to that middle-aged human's invitation wasn't a waste of time," Marjoram said with a warm smile after the Duel ended, casually mentioning someone.
Middle-aged human.
That must mean Principal Sheppard.
The Principal had really gone all out, personally inviting Duel Spirits from all sorts of regions to participate in the GX Tournament.
With the Duel over, the surrounding scenery gradually reverted back to the forest. The Duel projections faded, and Thunder Dragon Colossus slowly shrank down into a small dragon, circled around Hikaru twice, spat out a ring of electricity, then vanished completely.
"Now, please come inside," Marjoram didn't waste words and directly invited Hikaru's group into their garden. Some people still wanted to speak, but the forest's branches and wildlife began gathering to drive them away. No matter how much they struggled or tried to apologize to Marjoram and Rosemary, nothing could change the situation.
Throughout the whole process, the Aromages didn't even look at them.
As they left, Celina glanced back at the crowd, smirking proudly, looking as if she could float into the sky. It wasn't until Hikaru called her that she hurriedly turned to follow him.
Following several Spirits into the garden, Hikaru saw other Aromage members. However, only a few, this wasn't the full lineup of Aromage monsters. Also, there were some other young Plant-Type Spirits in the garden.
Like the Land of Glorious Knights, this Sacred Healing Zone was another remnant left behind by a Spirit faction after the Spirit World's fragmentation.
But unlike the "Forest," this was the "Sacred Forest."
"Continuous Spell Cards are Spirit Dimensions too?" Bastion, naturally recognizing the card, asked immediately.
"Of course. Every card was once a legend and a miracle. We Spirits were born from them!" Rosemary said cheerfully as she placed some slices of cake in front of Hikaru and the others.
Hikaru understood well.
For example, the Predaplant Dimension must be from the Continuous Trap "Predaplanet," and his inherited Grand Universe Workshop was also a Continuous Trap.
Marks weren't something you could fake. If you could, then anyone could replicate them.
"Forest" Zone marks required a special perfume seal, with distinct markers. During the finals, these would pass inspection.
"Actually, all you need is recognition to get a mark. Even if you lose the Duel, it doesn't matter." Marjoram used a small perfumer's wand to carve a tiny mark onto Hikaru's GX badge, then lightly tapped it. A burst of golden light sparkled from the mark. She nodded and pushed the badge back to him.
"Also, since Duelists of different grades are participating, the challenge levels differ... You've probably heard that from your teachers, right?"
Hikaru and the others nodded.
It wasn't about "respecting the Duel", outside the tournament, this was still an Academy exam. Using the same standard for first, second, and third years wouldn't be fair.
Generally speaking, first-years couldn't go all out. Second-years could decide for themselves. Third-years should go full force.
"Anyway, congratulations on defeating me. This card... I'm giving it to you. This little one really wants to go with you." As she spoke, Marjoram lifted a potted plant and gently placed it in front of Hikaru.
Hikaru's eyes narrowed slightly.
White petals slowly rose from its stalk. Though it was just a "seed," its curious eyes blinked at Hikaru.
"Oh my..." Rosemary tilted her head and smiled. "Looks like it really likes you."
It was a Glow-Up Bulb.
Surprised, Hikaru picked up the pot and greeted it. The bulb blinked again, seemingly pleased.
Then, golden light surrounded it, transforming into a card that appeared in Hikaru's hand, still continuing to greet him.
"It's a rather shy child," Marjoram said, resting her cheek on her hand. "Usually too timid to leave its spot. But after watching your Duel today, it got very excited."
"I see. Got it. I'll take good care of it."
"Mhm, if it's you, I feel reassured," Marjoram said softly.
In the GX Tournament, because Spirit-Human Duels weren't full-on "rituals," there was no card loss involved. Even in defeat, she didn't need to give up a card.
But today, Hikaru showed her a "new possibility" she herself hadn't realized, a Fusion possibility.
Even she had never seen a Fusion version of Aromages back home.
This new potential stirred even her evolved self.
However, she was still the head of this zone and needed to prepare the younger Spirits here for future trials in other Dimensions. Leaving wasn't an option.
She glanced at her sister.
Rosemary was busy, excitedly chattering to the three humans about her recent Critical Nexus adventures, occasionally cheering. Bastion was visibly embarrassed.
Forget it.
Such a dummy.
"Ah, by the way," Marjoram suddenly remembered something. "The human organization called KaibaCorp said before, the champion can apply for a prize.
"I'm curious, what do you all want?"
She raised her hand flat before her: "As one of the Twelve-Star Duelists, I can notify KaibaCorp in advance. If you win the championship, you might get your prize earlier.
"So, is there anything you want?"
She smiled, looking at Hikaru.
Marjoram thought highly of Hikaru.
This warrior's conviction was strong.
"Uh... I..." Bastion scratched his head. A figure flashed through his mind... then turned into a tiger... and vanished. "This... hmm..."
"Champion, huh..." Celina crossed her arms, frowning.
Whether she could win or not aside, she needed to think of something first.
"Ah, on the S-Dimension stream, I saw a girl who looked just like me. I want to meet her," she suddenly said.
Total impulse.
She honestly didn't know what she wanted right now.
Maybe finding another "self" could help her find an answer.
"What about you, Master?" she asked Hikaru curiously.
Everyone turned toward Hikaru, especially Marjoram, who stared at him with eager anticipation.
"Me?" Hikaru stirred his tea with a spoon and casually said:
"I want a Blue-Eyes White Dragon card."
'!!???'
...
Bonus @200
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