"Representing Year One is the duelist ranked No. 1 in skill credits, the super-elite with the highest win rate, son of the Duke—Kevin Seth!"
The second match of the Class Year Team Duel Challenge: royal-blooded Deion Kaiser versus duke-blooded Kevin Seth.
A dragon vs. dragon duel. Red-Eyes vs. Cyber Dragon. What, you say Cyber Dragon is a Machine-Type?
"Finally! It's my turn at last!"
Swinging his muscular arms, his duelist spirit ignited by Irena and Ren, Deion Kaiser could barely contain his desire to step onto the platform.
"Irene Austin, just watch. My duel won't lose to yours!"
"Kevin..."
Furrowing her brows slightly, Kaima couldn't shake her unease. She knew this duel had to happen eventually, but Kevin versus Deion still stirred anxiety in her.
To most, the relationship between the noble houses and the royal family of Livorden might appear harmonious.
But a century of peace had long sown seeds of unrest within the country.
Among them, the relationship between the Seth family and the Kaisers was especially tense.
Kaima understood Reigun Seth's ambition better than anyone.
What he yearned for, what his ambition reached for, went far beyond the rank of duke—this duel between the royals and the Seths was surely arranged by Reigun Seth himself.
"It's your turn now, Kevin."
On the other side, Aisha and Ren were just as worried.
With the first match ending in a draw, the burden for Year One now rested squarely on Kevin's shoulders.
If Kevin won, Year One would essentially secure the overall victory. Even if Aisha and Kaima lost their duels later, it would at worst end in a tie.
However, if Kevin lost here, Year One would fall into a critical disadvantage.
"Aisha Carlos, I won't lose." Kevin's voice was firm. "As the one I am destined to defeat, I will clear every obstacle before I reach you."
Miles said, "That's my soul-brother for you. Don't let Cyber Dragon get its momentum, Kevin."
Deion and Kevin locked eyes on the Duel Arena. The duelists shared one key trait:
They both viewed Miles as their greatest rival… without even knowing he existed.
A true clash of unknowing nemeses.
"Don't disappoint me, Kevin."
In the VIP box, Reigun Seth crossed his arms, wearing his usual stern expression.
He was never one to cheer on his son. All he demanded was that the duel demonstrate the Seth family's superiority over the royals.
"With the cards I gave you, defeating Deion Kaiser and his Cyber Dragons should be easy. The Seth family's rise to the top of this nation is only a matter of time."
"Time to begin, little brother of the Seths."
Familiar with Kaima, Deion's easygoing nature made him treat this as a regular Class Duel—just a fun match with a younger student and friend. His posture radiated relaxed confidence.
"Let's go!"
[Deion, LP: 4000]
[Kevin, LP: 4000]
"Duel!"
The duel officially began. The glow of Spirit Eyes on Kevin's arm indicated he had first turn.
"I Normal Summon in Defense Position—The Black Stone of Legend!"
[The Black Stone of Legend] Level 1│DARK│Dragon│0 ATK
With 0 Attack and Defense, the monster appeared as nothing more than a glossy black rock.
Yet an intimidating pressure radiated faintly from within. Likely due to its status as a Dragon-type monster, faint dragon roars could be heard from inside.
"Then I activate The Black Stone of Legend's effect. By tributing it, I can Special Summon 1 Red-Eyes Black Dragon from my Deck!"
The black stone shattered, and in its place emerged a growing, dark silhouette.
"Burning between the sky and earth, black flame dragon—grant me victory! I Special Summon in Attack Position: Red-Eyes Black Dragon!"
[Red-Eyes Black Dragon] Level 7│DARK│Dragon│2400 ATK
"ROAR!!"
With a thunderous roar, the dragon fully materialized. Black flames scorched the ground; black wings cloaked the skies.
Miles: "Summoning Red-Eyes Black Dragon on turn one? Nicely done, Kevin."
As time passed, Kevin had grown more adept at using his Red-Eyes deck.
That incident in his first duel with Miles—when Red-Eyes got stuck in his hand and discarded by Exchange—probably wouldn't happen again.
"I Set one card and end my turn."
Now it was Deion Kaiser's turn to deal with the pressure of a field-dominating Red-Eyes.
"Oh? Interesting. A dueling style similar to Kaima's. But it's still not enough to beat me! My turn, draw!"
Deion's thick arm drew with such force it stirred winds across the Duel Platform.
"After watching such a fiery duel earlier, there's no way I'm holding back with slow-paced play. I'm going all out for victory—now!"
[Deion, LP: 4000]
Miles said, "Damn, full-health struggling Cyber Dragon? That's just disrespectful."
With a powerful draw, Deion raised a Spell Card high above his head.
As always, royals spared no expense—an A-rank Spell Card.
"Activate Equip Spell: Future Fusion!"
Direct fusion summon from the Deck—the strongest version of Future Fusion, just like in the anime.
Miles was surprised, "Wait, the strongest Future Fusion? Don't tell me Deion's going straight for Cyber End Dragon."
Yet, Deion's next move shocked everyone present.
He pulled his entire Deck from his Spirit Eyes and tossed it all into his graveyard!
"I'm fusing my entire Deck!"
...
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