After achieving victory through the attack, Tenjo Hikari walked a few steps forward and picked up the Torture Machine card.
The card retained the image of the Torture Machine, and besides that, there was a noticeable dark aura visible to the naked eye, evidently intensified by "darkness," which is why it seemed so confidently arrogant.
Tenjo Hikari looked around, and those of its kind were being pulled toward him by purple Puppet Strings. Tenjo Hikari held them in his hand, roughly estimating them.
The quantity seems to be no less than that of Tenjouin Fubuki, when he first encountered the "darkness" state...
Tenjo Hikari's expression was solemn.
It's been only over a year, yet the power given by darkness to such probing nature's minions is already substantial.
Not only this, after gathering all the cards, Tenjo Hikari actually found a "Heavy Metal Raiders," evidently the power truly provided by darkness. Its single card strength exceeds that of the others combined, seemingly intended for dimensional travel by these Spirits.
Previously, Tenjo Hikari received a "Psychic End Punisher" from darkness, a card clearly crafted with the notion of creating Artificial Gods, loaded with vast energy.
And now what's in Tenjo Hikari's hand are just trivial little parts.
However, since they are now in Tenjo Hikari's possession, surely they must be utilized effectively.
Just like before when Tenjo Hikari could enhance El Shaddoll Midrash's completion with the power of darkness, now these things in Tenjo Hikari's hands can certainly inspire attempts to create cards he previously couldn't.
Overall, it's a gain.
Tenjo Hikari pocketed the cards and turned back toward the Academy, when he suddenly heard a rustling sound. Shortly thereafter, a silhouette in a silver-white suit leaped from the small grove beside him, glancing at Tenjo Hikari.
"Minister?"
He seemed slightly surprised mid-air.
"Ed?" Tenjo Hikari also spoke in surprise.
Ed landed on the ground, knelt with one knee, then slowly rose to a standard hero's entrance.
He shook the leaves off his clothes, casually swung his backpack behind him, and looked at Tenjo Hikari.
Just as Tenjo Hikari was about to greet him, suddenly flames ignited beside him. A burly warrior immediately spoke: "I understand, my lord, this must——"
"Hold on."
Seeing the Flame Sword about to take action, Tenjo Hikari hurriedly stopped him.
Flame Sword looked puzzled, but upon hearing Tenjo Hikari's command, he slightly bowed to Ed and gradually turned into embers, dispersing.
Tierra was piqued by curiosity.
Until now, she had no idea how Tenjo Hikari discerned it instantly. In her eyes, the previous "Ed Phoenix" and the present "Ed Phoenix" appeared identical.
"Hehehe, Minister, it seems you encountered it just now as well?" Ed noticed Flame Swordsman's action next to Tenjo Hikari and immediately figured out the possibility.
"It seems you encountered it as well? What's the situation specifically?"
Tenjo Hikari hurriedly asked him.
Ed walked forward while smiling, explaining.
He had been riding his beloved surf motorbike to Duel Academy Island, originally intending to dive for a bit, but suddenly noticed pitch-black clouds appearing in the sky, covering Duel Academy Island with a transparent thin wall. At that moment, he quickly packed up and headed to the Duel Academy to see what exactly was happening.
It was then he encountered "Tenjo Hikari."
Regardless of appearance, behavior, or habits, no matter how one looked at it, it was Tenjo Hikari.
Originally, Ed had not suspected anything, because he had previously agreed with Tenjo Hikari to meet at school today. Therefore, it was not impossible for Tenjo Hikari to be waiting for him ahead of time, honestly, he was quite excited then.
But soon, Ed perceived a few odd points.
First, that Tenjo Hikari did not lead him to Duel Academy but instead to a corner. When asked if Duel Academy was in danger, his explanations resembled lies.
Second, although that Tenjo Hikari's attire, behavior, and habits were nearly identical to Tenjo Hikari, one thing was absent—the card that Tenjo Hikari usually had on his chest—
Ed would never forget that card.
But this "Tenjo Hikari," although was wearing a card, it wasn't that card—the Dreadmaster informed him.
It was at that time Ed became vigilant.
After all, he couldn't confirm anything, but what if someone could mimic Tenjo Hikari so accurately?
Unexpectedly, his assumption was correct. That "Tenjo Hikari" suddenly attacked when leading him to a secluded corner. Fortunately, Ed was prepared, and with the protection of Dreadmaster and Divine Eel, he wasn't harmed.
Then came the duel, naturally.
After overcoming his opponent, it seemed to Ed that something beyond common understanding was occurring in Duel Academy. Just in case, he walked through the forest, acting alone.
"Wise indeed. As expected of you," Tenjo Hikari praised.
Ed was cool, smart, and meticulous; besides DD and Aiko, few in the original work could make him lose rationality briefly. Even if the imitation was perfect, it wasn't genuine in details. Even if Ed hadn't seen "that card," he might not have been easily fooled.