They stepped forward, replaced the Magitech Ball with one fully charged with magic power, activated the Life Barrier, and then inspected the card tables on the Duelist Platforms.
Once the inspection was complete, the two duelists met in the center and shook hands, the ceremonial atmosphere fully in place.
"Don't forget the wager." Ai Luli Clarissa released his hand and said quietly.
Dark replied with a grave expression, "I'm already thinking about which Magitech Card to pick from your deck."
Ai Luli suddenly raised her head, her smile as radiant as sunshine. "Good. Now that's a duel! If you want to win, then show me!"
She then took half a step back, turned sharply around, and walked away with effortless flair.
Dark glanced at her retreating figure, composed his expression, and turned toward the Blue Duelist Platform.
This time, he was still on the blue side, while Ai Luli was on the red side.
The two duelists stepped onto their platforms, and the cheers from their respective fans were evenly matched.
Among all the upperclassman duelists Dark had faced so far, the [Fairy Princess] was undoubtedly the most troublesome.
Or rather, she was the first duelist Dark had encountered who could truly be called one of the academy's best.
Her fourteenth-place ranking in the points tournament was already enough to prove that her strength was completely different from the opponents Dark had faced before.
"Trust in your Magic Spirit Cards."
After steadying himself, Dark placed his newly reconstructed deck into the card slot on the table and activated the shuffle.
The projection rose into the air, displaying the words [Preparation Phase].
The two exchanged a glance, then quietly waited for the duel to begin.
Naturally, their private wager could not be brought out into the open.
But in the eyes