When Jimmy stepped onto the duelist platform, it was obvious he had not come merely to go through the motions.
Dark decided to take him seriously.
"Good afternoon, Dimon."
After Jimmy stepped onto the Red Duelist Platform, he activated the card table and greeted him.
"Good afternoon, Abbott."
Dark returned the greeting, then casually asked, "How's your astrology assignment coming along?"
Jimmy immediately looked troubled. "Could we not talk about that? It's way too difficult..."
Dark laughed. "Fair enough."
The distance between them instantly narrowed considerably.
Jimmy composed himself again and said solemnly, "Please go easy on me in the coming duel!"
Dark nodded. "Likewise."
After that, they exchanged no further pleasantries and quickly began preparing.
Dark had already placed his deck into the card slot before Jimmy arrived.
Once Jimmy placed his deck into the card slot as well, both card tables began shuffling simultaneously.
The words "Preparation Phase" appeared above the card tables.
The referee in charge of the match looked to both sides, then blew his whistle as a reminder. "Both contestants, get ready. The countdown phase is about to begin!"
The commentator, who had been briefly introducing the two contestants, immediately stopped and waited.
The atmosphere of the duel gradually built.
Dark placed his hand atop his deck, ready to draw quickly.
"Beep—"
The referee blew his whistle again.
A "30s" countdown immediately appeared behind "Preparation Phase"!
Both contestants' expressions turned grave in an instant.
Their solemn faces were magnified by the projection for every spectator to see.
The changing expressions duelists made during a duel were also one of the factors that drew audiences to duel matches.
Among today's off-site spectators were some who had specifically come to support Dark Dimon after receiving advance word that the "designer" would be dueling that afternoon.