Duelists Never Surrender!

Chapter 9: You Shall Not Question the Power of the Gods!

"Duel's over, you win," Zhuxiu handed his deck to Hara Shichi. "As we agreed, you can pick one card from this deck."

"What about enrollment?" Hara Shichi asked instinctively.

"Of course, no problem. Not only that, but room and board are also completely covered," Zhuxiu said.

"I understand."

Hara Shichi took Zhuxiu's deck and began to choose. First, he set aside the Cyber Dragon cards. Although they boasted high attack points and quick special summon conditions, their individual significance was minimal. Next, he excluded Skill Drain. While powerful, it didn't fit his deck's style. Then, he spotted the card known for its ability to devour any monster—Gama the Kaiju.

Its effect allowed him to Tribute one monster on the opponent's field to Special Summon itself from his hand to the opponent's field in Attack Position. Duelists often used it to deal with monsters on the opponent's field that had high resistance or powerful effects.

"Teacher, was this the card in your hand at the time?" Hara Shichi suddenly asked. Without Book of Moon, if he had attacked Azure with Tiramisu of the Tiara, his Tiramisu of the Tiara would likely have been Tributed by the Kaiju next turn.

"That's right. Kaiju can deal with monsters on the opponent's field that have higher ATK than mine, so I put in six in total: three Gama the Kaiju and three Kaiju Monster Powder," Zhuxiu inquired. "Your deck needs two Level 4 monsters to summon that powerful monster. You could consider adding a Kaiju to your deck to deal with monsters that might disrupt your plays on your turn. Do you want to choose Gama?"

"No, my deck already has Forbidden Chalice. I'll choose Mystical Space Typhoon," Hara Shichi said. Under Zhuxiu's strange gaze, he drew a Mystical Space Typhoon and returned the deck to Zhuxiu.

"Mystical Space Typhoon... Alright, I'll give you this Monster Reborn as well. Consider it an enrollment gift," Zhuxiu said, placing a Monster Reborn into Hara Shichi's hand.

"Here's your dorm key, it has the room number on it. As for your uniform and related items, I'll have someone deliver them to you tonight," Zhuxiu said. "Welcome to Duelist Academy."

"..."

After the duel, Zhuxiu led Hara Shichi and the others out of the practice room. Yukikaze, seeing Zhuxiu and Nafili leave, secretly sidled up to Hara Shichi and said, "That's great! We'll be classmates from today on!"

"This is all thanks to you," Hara Shichi said, returning Book of Moon to Yukikaze. "Without this card, I would have likely been defeated by the Head Teacher next turn."

"Ahem," Yukikaze awkwardly scratched her fair cheek, pushing Hara Shichi's hand back. "It wasn't as exaggerated as you say~ As for Book of Moon, I'll give it to you."

"Huh??" Hara Shichi asked, confused. "Isn't that your rarest card?"

"It's fine, I got another rare card today!" Saying this, Yukikaze, under Hara Shichi's slightly bewildered gaze, pulled out the Mystical Space Typhoon Nafili had given her. "See, I have Mystical Space Typhoon now too."

Hara Shichi recalled the Head Teacher's strange expression at the time and suddenly felt something was off.

Wait, does that mean... Mystical Space Typhoon isn't actually that rare of a card?

Hara Shichi couldn't help but grumble inwardly.

"Oh right, classmate Hara Shichi, what was the Head Teacher saying to you just now?" Yukikaze asked curiously. When they parted earlier, the Head Teacher had suddenly pulled Hara Shichi aside and said something, looking quite serious.

Hara Shichi blinked, then smiled. "He was just warning me not to get too arrogant and complacent, afraid that I'd get too full of myself because I'm young and ambitious."

"But Teacher Nafili just told me that Duelists should maintain their arrogance?" Yukikaze said, confused. "Which one is right?"

"They are both right," Hara Shichi smiled.

"Be arrogant, but don't be complacent? Isn't that contradictory?" Yukikaze asked.

"Teacher Nafili's 'arrogance' probably refers to having a winning spirit against any opponent in a duel, while the Head Teacher's 'don't be complacent' refers to not losing yourself after a victory," Hara Shichi explained. "They seem contradictory, but they're actually talking about different things, so they aren't contradictory at all."

"Duelists should be arrogant, yet humble."

"I see. I think I understand," Yukikaze said, frowning, looking like she understood but didn't quite.

Well, she probably, maybe, should have understood.

"Let's not talk about this anymore. I'll take you to the dorm. Let me tell you, all our school dorms are single rooms, and each room even has its own private bathroom!"

With that, the girl excitedly walked ahead of Hara Shichi, leading the way.

"Why didn't you tell her the truth?" Yi suddenly appeared and asked.

Hara Shichi looked at the girl's retreating back. "I think it's better for idiots to live carefree lives."

"But... I didn't expect something like this to happen within Duelist Academy," Hara Shichi murmured, recalling the Head Teacher's instructions.

"Yeah, the board of directors, after losing to other academies in last year's National High School Tournament, actually incited students to engage in card-betting duels. They grandly called it a 'iron-blooded' educational method. Those who refused were cursed as cowards, unfit to be called Duelists, and those who lost their decks were expelled... Isn't this just raising fighting cocks?" Yi exclaimed indignantly, hands on her hips.

"And they're supporting a club called the Crimson Lotus Society to specifically steal other students' decks and stir up conflict," Hara Shichi scoffed. "Are the board of directors' brains kicked by a donkey?"

"Who knows," Yi sighed. "I thought the atmosphere at Duelist Academy was great, which is why I brought you here. I didn't expect something like this."

"I'm curious how many sharks will come sniffing around for me," Hara Shichi mused, gently stroking Tiramisu of the Tiara in his hand.

"You want to be a killer whale?" Yi asked curiously.

"I want to be a vigilante and give them a 'personality correction' punch," Hara Shichi said. "Guys who only think about taking other people's decks are probably not good people."

"Well said, I support you!" Yi nodded.

"Then, can you offer some practical support?" Hara Shichi asked expressionlessly, extending his hand. "Including the Book of Moon Yukikaze gave me, I've gained three cards today. And you, who keep saying you're my cheat system, haven't even given me a single rare card."

"You... what do you mean by that!" Yi's face flushed red. "Didn't I say I'd print one for you today? What's the rush? Just wait, I'll print one for you tonight, a card stronger than any Mystical Space Typhoon, Monster Reborn, or Book of Moon!"

"That's what you said."

"Hmph, are you questioning the power of the gods?!" Yi turned her head away disdainfully.

"No, I trust you implicitly."

"That's good then."

"..."

Chapter 10: Ten Consecutive Card Prints!

Duel Cards are a gift from the Goddess of Duels to humanity.

They represent both the nothingness of 0 and the infinity of ∞.

Starting with the original white Duel Cards, humans developed yellow Monster Cards, green Spell Cards, red Trap Cards, and even purple Fusion Monster Cards and silver Synchro Monster Cards.

Duelists can choose different Duel Cards based on their needs, infusing them with their Duel Power to print cards.

The stronger the Duel Power, the stronger the cards that can be printed.

"Hara Shichi, Duel Power, Stage Three! Rank, Low-Tier!" Ai shouted, pointing at Hara Shichi's forehead.

"Can you not suddenly act silly while you're commentating?" Hara Shichi grumbled.

The two were currently in the Duelist Academy dorms. Just as Yukikaze had said, the Duelist Academy dorms were all single rooms with private bathrooms, and...

"This bed is so soft," Hara Shichi sighed, sitting on it after his shower.

"I just thought a simple explanation would be too boring," Ai said, sitting beside Hara Shichi. She was wearing a sky-blue dress, her long silver hair scattered across the clean bedsheets. However, if one looked closely, they would notice a barrier, like a wall of air, between her body and the bed.

"So you really are like a ghost. I didn't feel much during the day, but now that it's night... what are those lights around you?" Hara Shichi asked, noticing the faint glow surrounding Ai.

"It's the radiance of the divine, the light of the Goddess shining upon her subjects." Ai spread her small arms, adopting what she thought was a benevolent expression. To Hara Shichi, however, it just looked like a strange little girl making a very strange, comical gesture.

"Alright, alright, stop messing around. Let's print some cards," Hara Shichi said.

"You're the one messing around!" Ai tucked her fair legs under her and sat opposite Hara Shichi. She continued, "In short, printing cards is the act of a Duelist infusing their Duel Power into a Duel Card. Since you're a human from another world, you don't have Duel Power within you. Therefore, all the Duel Power generated by your duels will be absorbed by me, and I will print the cards for you. Understand?"

"Question," Hara Shichi said, holding up a hand.

"Ask," Ai replied.

"Can Duel Power be increased? How?" Hara Shichi inquired.

"Duel Power, as the name suggests, is the energy generated by dueling. You can increase it by dueling constantly. In theory, you gain Duel Power regardless of winning or losing, but Duel Power generally favors the victor. So, strictly speaking, it's usually seven parts for the winner, two for the loser, and about one part that might be lost," Ai explained.

"Second question: Since you do something that ordinary Duelists can also do, what's the difference between you and them?" As soon as Hara Shichi finished speaking, he noticed Ai's gaze turn dangerous.

"Are you comparing me, a Goddess, to ordinary Duelists?" Ai gritted out.

"I didn't, I wouldn't, don't twist my words," Hara Shichi quickly denied.

"Hmph! Let me tell you, first is the absorption rate," Ai said, holding up a finger. "Humans are just humans; they can't absorb Duel Power completely. Depending on their physique, the absorption rate is usually between fifty and eighty percent. But as a Goddess, my absorption rate is one hundred percent!"

"Furthermore, it's not about how much Duel Power you absorb, but how much you can use. Part of the Duel Power is absorbed by the body, part automatically increases your Duel Rank, and the remaining part is the Duel Power you can use after mastering it."

"The higher your Duel Rank, the purer the Duel Power within you, and the more powerful the cards you print."

"And as a Goddess, my Duel Rank is the highest, and my Duel Power is the purest. This means that with the same amount of Duel Power, an ordinary Duelist can only print ten cards after absorption, while I can print a hundred cards, and of the highest quality!"

"Moreover, I can precisely print cards according to my own will. Unlike ordinary Duelists who print cards by chance, as long as I have enough Duel Power, I can print any card I want!" Ai finished speaking and stared directly at Hara Shichi, indicating for him to say something.

"I understand. As expected of the Goddess of Duels, your power leaves me in awe!" Hara Shichi praised insincerely.

"It's good that you understand," Ai nodded.

"So, what cards can we print with our current Duel Power?" Hara Shichi asked.

"Since you've only had two duels, the Duel Power you've gained isn't much. Adding the Duel Power left over from me printing Marincess cards, we can print at most ten cards, or... precisely print one N card."

"Choose," Ai said. "Do you want a ten-pull, or print one normal N card?"

"Ten-pull, of course!" Hara Shichi said without hesitation. Ten cards versus one, was there even a choice?

"I thought so too!" Ai waved her small hand, and ten white Duel Cards appeared between them.

"Are they all white Duel Cards?" Hara Shichi asked.

"These Duel Cards are all creations of my own. Cards like yellow, green, and yellow ones are innovations humans made on these basic cards. If you want those kinds of cards... you have to buy them. Do you have money?" Ai asked, looking at Hara Shichi with annoyance.

"No, sorry. Please continue," Hara Shichi replied, indicating his empty pockets.

"Then... let's begin." Ai's slender fingers touched the rightmost white Duel Card. Immediately, colorful light surged from her fingers, slowly enveloping the card. The card itself then emitted a somewhat dazzling light, and a yellow card illustration began to gradually appear.

"This color... it's an Effect Monster!" Hara Shichi held his breath, staring intently at the moment. Soon, the name and star level, along with the card art, appeared before Hara Shichi:

Rescue Cat: Level/4, Attribute/Earth, Type/Beast, ATK 300/DEF 100. You can only use this card name's effect once per turn. ①: You can send this card on the field to the Graveyard to activate. Special Summon 2 Beast monsters with 3 or lower from your Deck. The effects of monsters Special Summoned by this effect are negated, and they are destroyed during the End Phase.

"How was it? Didn't I tell you I was amazing? This is just the first card, and I've already printed a rare monster like Rescue Cat!" Ai exclaimed excitedly.

"..."

"Say something, why are you so quiet?" Ai tilted her head, looking puzzled.

"I'm regretting it," Hara Shichi said dejectedly.

"Why? Isn't Rescue Cat good?" Ai waved Rescue Cat in front of Hara Shichi's face. "Look, look, it's cute and powerful! It can Special Summon two monsters with one card!"

"But this card is useless in my current deck," Hara Shichi said, holding his forehead. "I was careless. No matter how rare a card is, if I can't include it in my deck, it's just for looking at. I shouldn't have chosen the ten-pull; printing a usable N card was the correct choice."

"Can I still choose to print an N card now?"

"It's too late," Ai said, pointing at the second Duel Card. "While you were talking, I already printed the second card."

Hara Shichi looked at the printed card and his vision instantly went black.

Spell Card: Fire Formation - Tian Ji

You can only activate 1 card with this card name per turn. ①: As the effect of this card upon activation, you can add 1 Warrior monster with 4 or lower from your Deck to your hand. ②: While this card is in the Spell and Trap Zone, your Warrior monsters gain 100 ATK.

"Fusion is the noblest summoning method!" Nafili declared passionately from the podium. "With just a simple Fusion Spell Card, you can skip the tedious setup process and summon a powerful boss monster. What summoning method could be more wonderful?!"

"Is he always like this?" Hara Shichi grumbled from his seat in the audience.

"Teacher Nafili's lectures are always very 'lively'," Yukikaze whispered beside him.

"This is so boring. I, the great Goddess of Duels, actually have to accompany you here to listen to this basic course." Yi rested her hands on Hara Shichi's chest, leaning over his back.

Incidentally, because she was a spirit, Hara Shichi didn't feel any weight.

"If it's boring, then don't stay out here," Hara Shichi whispered, glancing at Yukikaze.

"Where else would I go if I don't stay out here?" Yi yawned.

"Huh? As my cheat, shouldn't you be residing inside me according to the settings?" Hara Shichi asked curiously.

Yi glanced at Hara Shichi dismissively. "Heh, how can a mortal body contain a divine soul?"

"I've merely linked your soul and mine together to prevent my spirit from collapsing without a host."

"Ho ho ho, a divine soul, you say," Hara Shichi sneered. "A god can print common cards like White Rabbit? Are you perhaps the God of White Rabbit?"

Yesterday, besides Rescue Cat and Fire Formation - Tian Ji, the remaining cards were Reinforcement of the Army, two Rank-Up-Magic, one Scrap-Iron Scarecrow, and the rest were all common monsters like White Rabbit.

"What do you mean? Aren't there powerful cards like Rank-Up-Magic and Scarecrow? What exactly are you unhappy about!" Yi frowned, then suddenly seemed to understand something and revealed a sly smile. "Ah~ I get it!"

"Get what?" Hara Shichi suddenly had a bad feeling.