The automatic door of the principal's office slid open along the track, and Youyu heard a strange cry of "Mama Mia" before he even entered.
With such a uniquely distinctive voice, highly recognizable voice tone, looking at the entire Duel Academy... No, perhaps in the whole dimension, there is probably only this one person.
In "Yu-Gi-Oh! GX," the renowned user of the Dark Middle Ages Deck and the legendary "Ancient Gear" series, known as "Greedy Professor" Cronos.
This is said because the appearance of this teacher is too distinctive, almost identical to the Divine Card "Pot of Greed" that card players worship.
Especially when he grins, his vivid and lifelike lewd expression, yellow teeth, and squinted eyes...
If you add a handle to the back of his head, he would look just like the Pot of Greed itself. Walking down the street, people might even point at his head and exclaim that the Pot of Greed has become a real spirit...
"Mr. Youyu." Principal Samejima quickly stood up to greet him, "Long time no see."
The principal's head was as reflective as ever, shiny and dazzling.
"This is Professor Cronos, an elite among our academy's faculty."
Cronos was recruited into the academy only last year, and except for large-scale events needing Youyu's presence, he hadn't attended school often, thus this was their first official meeting.
The emotions of this Greedy Professor were evidently quite excited. To the students, honorary principal Youyu is a legend in the academy, known but never seen, and the same applies to the teachers.
Cronos de Medici in the GX Series is undoubtedly the teacher who left the deepest impression on the audience, but he has a deep-rooted elitist sense, being particularly harsh on Judai and other low-rank students in the early plot, appearing as a negative character.
Yet because of this, he respects and admires true elites and legendary figures even more.
As soon as Youyu entered the room, he noticed Cronos nervously biting his handkerchief. It was a rather delicate handkerchief with an embroidered chibi large-headed design, blue eyes, and flame-like helmet, seemingly depicting "Masked Hero Goka."
"Mama Mia, Mr. Youyu!" Professor Cronos bowed a standard ninety degrees, "You may not notice, but I'm actually your fan, Norne!"
Adding "Norne" at the end of each sentence is Cronos's catchphrase, without which his voice lacks spirit.
Youyu's gaze swept over the soon-to-be-bitten handkerchief embroidered with Goka, thinking to himself actually it's quite obvious.
"Don't be surprised when you see this."
The professor cautiously rolled up his sleeve, revealing a tattoo on his arm, his expression like a child displaying his most precious toy.
It appeared to be a face tattoo.
Youyu glanced at it and nodded, "I quite like Mr. Bean too."
Cronos: "..."
The atmosphere was quite awkward for a moment.
"Wait." Youyu raised his eyebrow, "Are you trying to say that's supposed to be me?"
Cronos: "......"
Youyu felt a rush of frustration, even having the urge to drag out the tattoo artist and duel three hundred rounds with him. (Meaning to play cards)
What kind of tattoo is this?
It doesn't even show one percent of my handsomeness!
"Ahem." Youyu coughed, "This time, Principal Samejima should have told you the reason for my visit, right?"
"Huh?"
Cronos looked blankly at Principal Samejima.
"No? It's fine." Youyu said, "I have something to discuss with you this time. But before talking business..."
He smiled, raising the Duel Disc he held.
"Would you like to give it a try?"
Professor Cronos began chewing his handkerchief again.
"Mama Mia! Is it true? Can I duel with the First Duel King!?"
Dueling with legendary figures is almost an aspiration for any duelist, hardly any card enthusiasts can refuse such temptation.
However, Cronos got excited for a while, then suddenly seemed to realize something.
"Wait, Principal Samejima said I could be selected for Excellent Teacher this month, the selection criteria wouldn't be..."
Cronos took a sharp breath, subconsciously pulling hard on the handkerchief in his mouth. The poor handkerchief tore with a ripping sound, finally unable to bear the stress.
"Mama Mia! Is my assessment to duel with the Duel King!?" Cronos wasn't feeling good at all.
Principal, if you don't want to award me Excellent Teacher and raise my salary, just say so!
If I can beat this god-like figure, going straight to be Duel King isn't better? Why bother with a damn Excellent Teacher award?
"Ahem, calm down, Professor Cronos." The principal coughed, "This won't affect the selection."
Youyu smiled, "Or, if you perform well in this duel, it's not impossible for me to write you a recommendation letter."
Cronos's eyes lit up.
A recommendation from the Duel King himself!
With this, who would dare to stop him from being selected?
This is practically a direct ticket to Excellent Teacher!
"Alright then." Cronos perked up, "Please advise me, Mr. Youyu, Norne!"
Three minutes later, at the academy's Dueling Arena.
"Duel!" x2
[Youyu, LP 4000]
[Cronos, LP 4000]
"Then I'll take the first turn, drawing a card, Norne!"
Cronos's Duel Disc is quite unique, unlike the conventional model worn on the hand, Cronos's Duel Disc is a special instructor edition worn like a backpack on the chest.
Youyu actually has this design of Duel Disc, he took some when Kaiba Company first released them. However, he's accustomed to the traditional model and still found the chest-worn design inconvenient, so he stored them unused in the warehouse.
After all, he's used to his left hand.
"First is this card," Cronos took a deep breath, drawing a card from his hand, "Field Magic 'Geartown'!"
The Magic Card was absorbed into the far side of the Duel Disc, causing the whole field to morph instantly. Countless mechanical gears interlocked, ancient machinery emerged from the earth. High-temperature white steam spouted upwards like spring water, the dueling field seemed to warp back in time instantly to a steam-filled Dark Middle Ages.
"Then Magic Card 'Ancient Gear Catapult'!" Cronos shouted, "When there are no monsters on my field, destroy a face-up card on my field and special summon 'Ancient Gear' from my deck ignoring the summoning conditions!"
Cronos quickly drew a card from the deck, displaying it.
"Mr. Youyu, please watch, my trump card, the strongest Middle Ages giant dormant in my deck—
——Ancient Gear Golem, summon!!!"