A faint scorched smell still lingered in the air of Branch Hall No. 4 after Super Polymerization had forcibly torn space open.
The students in the stands filed out, every last one of them still talking animatedly as they went over the thrilling duel they had just witnessed.
Jaden had his head lowered as he carefully slipped that brand-new Elemental HERO Neos into a compartment in his Deck Box, his grin stretching almost from ear to ear.
Rei Saotome hovered nearby like a little sidekick, her eyes sparkling as she stared at Yūki, admiration written all over her face.
Yūki unhurriedly put his somewhat scattered cards back in order, then closed his Duel Disk.
He raised his wrist and casually glanced at his watch.
"Tsk, it's only just past two."
Yūki muttered to himself, then raised his head. His gaze passed over Jaden, who was still grinning foolishly, and landed squarely on Syrus Truesdale a few steps away.
Meeting Yūki's gaze, Syrus Truesdale's shoulders tensed almost imperceptibly, and the fingers hanging at his sides unconsciously curled.
An exceedingly friendly smile suddenly spread across Yūki's face, and even his voice became especially gentle.
"Syrus, there's still plenty of time this afternoon, and our rental time for Branch Hall No. 4 isn't up yet."
"Since everyone's here and the equipment's still warmed up... how about it? Want to come up and have a practice duel with me too?"
As soon as those words left his mouth, much of the chatter beside the Dueling Arena abruptly died away.
Syrus Truesdale froze on the spot.
He stared blankly at the harmless smile on Yūki's face, his throat tightening. For a moment, he was at a loss.
A practice duel?
Yūki... was actually challenging him to a duel?!
Syrus Truesdale's heart clenched, and it felt