Following the introduction by the Vampire Fraulein, Tenjo Hikari soon met the Duke of Demise and the Spirit Princess.
These two were cards released shortly before Tenjo Hikari arrived in this world, but according to the Fraulein, they have existed for hundreds of years and are relatively ancient spirits.
Especially the Duke of Demise, who holds a certain status in the "Zombie World." Although not as exalted as the Voivode who rules the entire Vampire Kingdom, he is well-known among the Zombie-Type and Fiend-Type, often invited as an arbitrator when conflicts arise.
Under his command are many lower-level spirits, seemingly those isolated in this dimension due to accidents and unable to master the skill of dimension travel and are thus residing temporarily here.
The Duke and Princess provide them refuge here, and they have some dealings with the Vampire Kingdom.
Upon hearing that Tenjo Hikari wanted to challenge him for a trial, the Duke of Demise was ready to agree without much thought but quickly proposed a condition.
It's possible, but there's a condition.
Regardless of whether he or Tenjo Hikari wins, to undertake the trial duel with him, a residence must be provided for these subjects under his protection.
"I see, that's quite simple—" Tenjo Hikari smiled, picking up the "Emerald Book" to show the two spirits.
"Is that the Leader's book?!" Camilla exclaimed from the side.
The leader of the Seven Stars, a peerless Alchemist, Teacher Daitokuji's book.
Such an item in terms of recognition is more effective for these Seven Star spirits than any words could be.
"A gift from my teacher... It connects to a vast Spirit Dimension, the [Grand Cosmic Dimension], which is an artificial dimension whose borders are expanding with the efforts of my friends and me. There's definitely enough space if they were to go there."
At these words, some spirits behind the Duke of Demise clearly showed relief, as residing in an entirely new place would certainly be safer and more peaceful than where they currently are.
And as Tenjo Hikari mentioned this matter, the Fraulein couldn't help but lower her head, pondering slightly.
If that's the case...
"Very well, an excellent young individual." The Duke nodded repeatedly, "Then I shall accompany you in a Duel Ceremony as a gesture of thanks to Lord Voivode and Miss Fraulein."
Tenjo Hikari was immediately delighted.
The Duke's fusion conditions are quite favorable.
How favorable?
"Fiend-Type · Zombie-Type Monster X2"!
Tenjo Hikari and the Duke of Demise stood before the residence of these fiendish, Zombie-Type monsters, and Tenjo Hikari started the duel directly by laying out his deck.
"Duel!"
Duke of Demise, LP: 4000.
Tenjo Hikari, LP: 4000.
The Duke of Demise took the first turn.
"Then, my turn." The Duke of Demise, overall appearing quite gentlemanly, carried a bit of aristocratic air in every word and action. He drew a card, glanced at it, then suddenly his expression changed, and his demeanor shifted dramatically.
?
Without knowing when, Tierra floated out, side by side with Tenjo Hikari.
Dueling with spirits is always interesting; she was curious about what this fiend was up to.
The Fraulein, noticing "Midrash," instinctively widened her eyes.
This spirit...
The feeling it gave off, was dangerously intense.
What has Hikari been through and changed in this past year?
"Human, though I admire you and am grateful for your willingness to provide my friends with a residence, there is no favoritism in the sacred Duel Ceremony."
"Ah, I absolutely understand that."
"However, as a spirit, I inherently have biases."
??
Tenjo Hikari was a bit unsure of what exactly it was saying.
"Over this year, I've heard about many incidents concerning the Fraulein." The Duke of Demise looked at the card in his hand and said, "I've heard that in the Human World, you defeated her, which led to her returning to this dimension but only able to awaken from her sleep when there is an invasion."
Whenever I think about how the Voivode entrusted her care to me before leaving, I feel guilty."
"Eh—Patron, that isn't the case." The Fraulein quickly waved her hand.
She already discussed it with Teacher Daitokuji. Becoming a Seven Star naturally has its reasons and causes, and though she lost, she also gained something she desired—and she especially wanted to delegate trivial matters and work to her blood demon subordinates and indulge in a long nap herself.
But, the Duke of Demise apparently did not take these into account.
So he continued talking about the matter non-stop, making the Fraulein rather embarrassed.
Tenjo Hikari understood this feeling.
It's that awkward expression you have when old histories you stopped caring about get brought up in front of relatives during the holidays.
Even the aloof Fraulein found herself particularly embarrassed at this moment.
"During this time, I've also heard much about you and your duels, so, Lord Hikari, let me see if you can defeat me under such circumstances and earn our approval—
I Normal Summon, Archfiend Heiress."
A devilish little girl manipulating a skeletal magic staff appeared with a gleeful smile.
Archfiend Heiress, LV 3, Dark Attribute, Fiend-Type, Attack Power 1000.
Although the entity's name is "Duke of Demise," in reality, the Duke of Demise is a bona fide Fiend-Type monster. Therefore, using a Fiend-Type monster in a duel, Tenjo Hikari wasn't surprised.