In the eyes of an observer, time seems to pass swiftly, but for humans, it is far less rapid.
After darkness departed, Tenjo Hikari quickly began searching for the formula of the "antidote," while on the other side, Yuki Judai had already approached Professor Cobra.
Regarding this duel, Tenjo Hikari was actually not too worried.
In the original story, Yuki Judai had dueled with Professor Cobra before, and although Professor Cobra possessed the "Venomous Snake God" card, which could directly secure a victory, he was ultimately defeated by Judai.
Even if Professor Cobra in this world had additional card support, Judai had grown significantly since the original story.
However, this duel was still quite important to Judai, so important that during the duel, he paused several times to ask Professor Cobra why he was doing this.
After months of acquaintance and understanding, Judai knew that Professor Cobra was not a talentless person. On the contrary, his teaching abilities were evident and cherished by many students, especially Kagurazaka-san, who held Professor Cobra in high regard.
But why do this?
Hearing this, Cobra gazed at the coastline, as if recalling something, and after a long silence, he finally spoke: "I used to be a mercenary, living a life on the edge of a knife on the battlefield."
Until one day, he adopted a son, who was like a beacon of hope for him. Because of that pure child, he felt his life was not in vain and wished to educate the child to become a useful person.
In the end, that day came when his son died unexpectedly.
He couldn't accept this reality. He petitioned to the Venomous Snake God, offering a sacrifice and willing to exchange his own life for his son's resurrection, but the Venomous Snake God told him these words.
"Cobra, humans are doomed to die."
Birth, aging, sickness, and death are the rules of this world. Unless someone dies in a duel, no entity can alter the history of this world.
Perhaps other dimensions have ways, other dimensional beings have means for resurrection, but in this world, birth, aging, sickness, and death are irrevocable.
Every universe, every dimension, has its foundational logic. In this Cosmos, even the greatest existences cannot defy "death."
Hearing the Serpent God's response, Cobra was left in utter despair. Since then, he lost interest in everything else, mechanically teaching classes, and disregarded the olive branch offered by Akaba Leo, as if he were a teaching machine, clocking in and out of the Western Branch.
Until that day, Yubel appeared before him and let him see his son again, promising to help resurrect his son, and thus, he came back to "life."
Judai was taken aback.
Was it truly for resurrecting his son that he embarked on this path?
At first glance, it seemed quite sorrowful, but Judai, having experienced many things and understood the logic behind them, quickly raised another question: "Professor, such a thing is completely impossible!
You should know yourself, that's something that absolutely cannot be done!
If she really could resurrect your son, then why not directly present him to you by now!"
Judai understood too well. During this time, he had seen it countless times: "Ultimately, that's not your son, but a simulation created by mind control and memory alteration, isn't it?
Professor, there are so many comatose people in the academy, you should have noticed!"
Cobra remained silent.
There was indeed nothing he could criticize or lecture Yuki Judai for, as Judai had grown beyond "flaws" and "imperfections." Precisely because of this, Judai could instantly see that the illusion Cobra experienced was absolutely created by Yubel.
He had personally witnessed his beloved Teacher Daitokuji, who due to the rules of this world, couldn't even remain human and had to be reincarnated as a Spirit. He knew that Yubel was powerful, but he couldn't believe Yubel could challenge this world's rules or resurrect a child long gone without accomplishments.
No such probability existed.
But for Professor Cobra, it was the only hope.
Therefore, upon hearing Yuki Judai say such things, Cobra's face instantly turned cold: "Impossible, I saw him with my own eyes… it can't be wrong."
"There is no good outcome in indulging in a beautiful dream, Professor! Accept reality!"
"What's so bad about a world of illusions!" Cobra retorted angrily.
Originally—
Judai slowly fell silent.
It wasn't because he was unaware, but because he could only place his hope above this.
"But what about those students who admire and respect you, don't you have any feelings for them?"
Those kids?
Cobra reflected on the students he had interacted with recently. Many were smart and lovely, and the child called Kagurazaka, in particular, genuinely respected him and studied diligently every day.
Perhaps this was why, in Kagurazaka's study plan, he had made special additional remarks.
In his heart, he also thought that if Kagurazaka didn't go to extremes and rely on Yubel's power, perhaps he could also become an excellent Duelist.