"Ah~ I lost."
With his Life Points reduced to zero, John lay flat on the floor, stretching comfortably as if lazily sunbathing on the lawn.
"Not only that," said the transparent Cobalt Crystal Eagle hovering nearby, "you barely scratched his Life Points. If anything, you just nicked him a bit."
John froze for a moment, then realized that it was indeed the truth.
"Well, that's pretty... discouraging."
Doesn't that mean he was sweating and toiling for nothing while his opponent didn't even move and he couldn't break through their defense?
It really was quite disheartening.
"There's nothing you can do about it; after all, it's 'that' Yuki Judai," the Amethyst Cat consoled. "He was the one who teamed up with the First Duel King to face off against the cosmic overlord and successfully delivered the final blow."
Indeed, Yuki Judai, with such glorious achievements, was now regarded by everyone as more than just a regular student.
Moreover, everyone knew that Judai played a crucial role in the battle against the Cosmic Darkness with Youyu.
This wasn't just empty boasting like claiming to have broken through enemy lines alongside General Zilong; Judai actively contributed and even delivered the decisive strike.
He should definitely be considered a Legendary Level duelist, right?
Judai walked over and laid down comfortably next to John.
"Dueling is so great, isn't it?"
"Yeah." John nodded and smiled, "Though losing can be frustrating... dueling is indeed enjoyable.
But your tactics are really unfriendly, summoning 'Ra's Disciple' to my field... I didn't expect such a novel strategy from you, Judai."
Judai scratched his head sheepishly.
"Ah, I'm not that great. These tactics... I didn't come up with them myself..."
"Ah, so you had expert guidance." John nodded thoughtfully, "I thought so; such a cunning and sneaky approach doesn't quite match your character..."
Although someone surnamed "You" nearby hadn't heard the conversation, he suddenly sneezed and sniffled.
"But you're really an interesting guy," Judai laughed.
"You too, quite the interesting guy," John laughed as well.
"Haha, I feel we get along incredibly well!"
As the two lay there, bonding and laughing happily, Yubel on the side was feeling uneasy.
This brat, trying to become Judai's good friend on the first day they met?
I don't remember giving my approval!
While Yubel continued to pout discontentedly, John seemed to notice her.
"By the way, I've been meaning to ask; is this your spirit? She doesn't quite match the style of Elemental Heroes or Neo-Spacians..."
"Huh? She's Yubel," Judai seemed to remember the long-ignored Yubel at last. "She's been with me ever since I was little.
Though she can be a bit difficult sometimes, she's a great partner!"
"Wow~ A spirit that has been with you since childhood? I'm so envious," John looked yearning, "You must cherish her.
Spirits are the best lifelong companions!"
Yubel flicked her eyelids.
This guy named John... hmm, looking closely, he really is quite pleasant.
His personality is similar to Judai's, he's skilled at card games, and has deep bonds with spirits...
...And more importantly, he's very good with words!
Yubel is very pleased with him, extremely pleased!
Fine, I'll allow you to be Judai's friend.
Marufuji Shou mused, "This external school student named John, he kind of resembles Judai..."
"Could he also want to be Judai's underling?" Kenzan quickly got alert, "He's got to know that I'm the number one underling of the boss!"
Marufuji Shou quickly flared up, "Nonsense! I was here first!"
And so the two ended up bickering once again.
Ed, quietly observing from the edge of the venue, couldn't help but take silent notice.
"John, who uses a Crystal Beast Deck... Pegasus mentioned him before; I didn't expect him to be so like Judai..."
This person deserves attention!
Meanwhile, in the spectators, Manjome was clenching his fists.
Hmph, it doesn't matter how many newcomers appear; it won't change one foundational fact.
Yuki↑ Ju↓dai↑! I, Manjome Jun, am your first and final rival!
"Judai-sama~"
Judai was stepping off the dueling platform, walking with John toward the audience when he saw the energetic first-year girl Saotome Rei rushing over with a towel and a water bottle.
One could foresee that this loli would grow up to be a perfect wife and mother type.
But seeing this scene made Asuka unhappy.
"Wait a second, isn't this freshman's behavior a bit inappropriate?"
On such an occasion, with so many supervisors watching! Do the young girls today have no manners?
Asuka was very displeased with this first-year junior sister.
Seeing this scene, Youyu couldn't help but sigh slightly.
Judai sure is popular.
But it's understandable; after all, he's my student.
Youyu opened the panel, glanced at the extraordinarily high charisma score of 90, and nodded slightly.
Hmm, in this regard, Judai takes after me.
The troubles of being handsome, not everyone understands.
...
But at this time, no one noticed that aside from Judai's companions, juniors, and underlings, someone else was quietly observing this venue, watching him intently.
It could be because he's the world's protagonist or because he's the version's favorite child in this "GX" era. Or maybe it's just his naturally remarkable background, making him always have objects of interest for antagonists.
Like when Tragoedia targeted the Winged Kuriboh in his hand—since Tragoedia's heart was sealed by this little creature three thousand years ago.
Or the Light of Destruction from outer space, which similarly marked him as a primary target, because the Ultraman Judai drew as a child conveniently is an arch-nemesis of the Light of Destruction; he himself also holds the powers of the "Cosmic Darkness," posing a great threat to the Light of Destruction.
And this time, he once again became the center of attention.
"Finally... I've found him."
Someone in the darkness murmured, their eyes unable to hide their excitement and joy.
"Yuki Judai, the bearer of the 'Cosmic Darkness,' who houses a great soul, and our...
...King."