Chapter 4 | Their reactions

*Note: Longer chapter/ Reactions of other characters to Illumi's duel*

[Syrus Truesdale]

Watching my new friend Illumi- at least I think we're friends...

Well anyways, watching Illumi's back I thought about our entire interaction, although he was somewhat odd he was a nice person.

Something else I was sure of and somewhat envious of... was his confidence. It's like he believes nothing can hold him back, I wonder what type of life he's lived to act like that. I'm sure even before his duel's started he's 100% sure he'll win, though seeing that card I'm sure he can.

I guess I should just watch and cheer him on, after all by the looks of it he'll be dueling against the instructor who hasn't lost once yet.

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[Vellian Crowler]

Looking through the new students I couldn't help but sigh at their pathetic niss, not even a quarter of those who passed deserve to be taught by me.

An examinee who had even looked at my direction laughed. He laughed!

Even more observed, after questioning him, he said he thought my pony tail was funny! MY Pony TAIL! The work of art, that numbskull couldn't even begin to understand.

Needless to say, I failed him on the spot.

Though it didn't change much, his dueling skills barely reached the minimum requirements for those Slifer Slackers, but now he'll probably just end up in some community college. Though I'll have to cover it up, since the principle doesn't like it when I fail students, even though it was for the sin of insulting my hair.

Turning my head to the side in frustration, that I couldn't fail that student twice, I decided to focus on the other students.

Among those select few students I'd thought worthy of my teaching I had already picked out my favorites. From the duels I've watched so far the interesting ones where Alexis Rhodes and Chazz Princeton.

Alexis Rhodes was a perfect example of a star student and easily one of my favorites. She even knew how to show respect to those lesser grade teachers, someone I'm looking most forward to teaching.

Chazz Princeton on the other hand was although skilled, quite arrogant. I believe that is the proper attitude to have towards Slifer Slackers but it did bring down my evaluation of him if he acted that way towards me.

Other than that, at first I was interested in Zane Truesdale's brother Syrus but unfortunately he turned out to be a complete and utter failure. I can understand why Zane doesn't talk about him much, he was probably to embarrassed to admit they where related. I mean he tried to activate a trap card the turn he played it! He was a complete and utter train wreck, freaking out and messing up throughout his duels, a far cry from the calm and collective Zane.

Among those who hadn't finished yet, I had heard about two other interesting examinees, Bastion Misawa and Illumi Tanaka.

Bastion was an apparent geniuses who was the first in his prep-school and second on the written exam. He was quite a promising future student, who I believe I could be proud of having as a student.

Next up was Illumi, he was a bit of a mystery. Some how he was apparently a normal person, who didn't attend any prep-school or private tutoring, yet still achieved first place on the written exam. He was the reason why Bastion was second and not first having achieved a perfect score. Some teachers assumed he had cheated, yet after reviewing it multiple times, it was proven against and the student had achieved such scores all on his own merit.

I was waiting to see his dueling style in action to decide if I would like the student or not, but just off his marks I had a favorable impression of him

He was someone else I was looking forward too, in fact his examination was beginning soon.

Suddenly an announcement was made on the PA.

[Examination .175689: Illumi Tanaka, Arena 3.]

I guess I'll get to decide sooner than later, I thought as I turned over to said arena, after taking one more glance at Bastion's match.

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[Alexis Rhodes]

I was at the rows watching the matches alongside Zane, but sadly their wasn't anyone of note. During the duels, Zane seemed particularly interested in his younger brother, Syrus, but he wasn't much. It wasn't that he was too bad or his deck was unbalanced, but he just didn't shape up to Zane.

Though that wasn't my place to judge, so I decided not to get involved or give my opinion, Zane already looked quite disappointed.

Other than that, until a few moments ago I was watching some sort of genius who had apparently achieved second place in the written exam, Bastion I think his name was. He was good, a calculative and calm attitude, he seemed like a good duelist but nothing I couldn't handle.

Sighing to myself I leaned against the railing when the PA sounded.

[Examination .175689: Illumi Tanaka, Arena 3.]

At the PA announcement Zane opened his eyes and calmly looked towards an arena, I myself was slightly surprised at his reaction and decided to ask him why he was reacting like that.

''What's up with you?'' I asked in and he answered while still looking over the edge.

''Illumi Tanaka is the name of the person who got first place on the written exam.'' He said curtly and my eyes slightly widened in surprise.

Turning back over the edge, I felt my curiosity peak and I looked for arena 3.

''So what's so special about him?'' I asked as I waited for him to appear.

''He's a complete mystery.'' Zane said, confused I looked back over for clarification

''What do you mean?'' I asked.

''Just that, a mystery. Before the examination, he hadn't attended prep-school, any private tutoring, or any events or tournaments big or small. No one knows anything about him at all.'' Zane explained and I felt my curiosity peak even further, after all what type of guy would make even Zane this interested.

Soon a handsome guy with pale beige color hair and Golden-ish eyes. He looked tall for his age but he seemed nicely built, overall he looked more like a model than a duelist with his particular appearance. But I wasn't one to judge a duelist by his looks, Afterall many people did such to me.

Waiting for the match to start I wondered about the mysterious boy.

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[Zane Truesdale]

'I heard he uses a dragon deck...' I thought as I looked over to arena 3 where a gold eyed kid and an examiner stood facing each other.

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[Chazz Princeton]

Looking at all the newcomers I thought I was wasting my time, no one was worth the time of the Chazz.

I thought I'd see something worthwhile, but I guess not...

Suddenly one of my lackeys had the nerve to interrupt my chasing of thought.

''Hey Chazz look, it's Illumi Tanaka!'' The glasses wearing lackey said to me, but I didn't even know who that was.

''Who the hell is that?'' I asked back not paying much attention to his words.

''He's the guy who got first on the written exam!'' He said and my curiosity was slightly peaked.

The first place on the written exam he's still probably nothing in front of me though... but just out of curiosity, purely curiosity, I'll find out about his deck.

''So what type of deck does he use?'' I asked and like a loyal dog my lackey answered.

''That's the thing no one knows! He hasn't participated in any tournaments, events, or even prep-school.'' Lackey 1 answered and I snuffed at his answer.

Hasn't participated in any tournament, event, or prop-school? That just means he was afraid, a no-body who hasn't made any achievements! He'll probably lose in the first 3 turns, 5 if he's lucky.

''Oh it's starting!'' Lackey 2 interrupted me and I turned my attention to the starting match, it seems like the examiner is taking the first turn.

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[Turn 3]

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[Syrus Truesdale]

Watching the match I began to feel nervous, the examiner had just summoned his Mefist the Infernal General. Although Illumi wouldn't lose this turn, his life points would take a major hit.

Though for some reason Illumi seems just as relaxed as he did going into the duel, I believed he could still win... somehow, but it would be hard. I wonder what his plan is.

Honestly, I was so invested in this duel that I hadn't even noticed Bastion's duel had ended and he sat near I was, also watching Illumi's duel.

''Man that's one tough spot to get out of.''

Suddenly a voice sounded from behind me and I wiped my head towards it. Standing their was a brown haired kid in a red shirt and grey jacket. He looked about average height, but even that was tall compared to me... he also had a cheerful smile and seemed like an optimistic guy, noticing my gaze, the guy introduce himself.

''Oh, I'm Jaden Yuki, by the way! The future king of games!'' He introduced and I was momentarily stunned by his cheerful attitude.

''I'm Syrus... nice to meet you.'' I said slightly awkwardly, he nodded and we both turned back to the duel.

Suddenly, Illumi had already brought out another card, added a card to his hand, and used a trap card.

''When did he do all that!?'' I exclaimed at the drastic change.

''He had used his Masked Dragon to special summon Chaimber Dragonmaid and used Chamber Dagonmaid's ability to add a spell card to his hand. Finally he used a trap to negate the examiners other attack.'' A calm and calculative voice came from in front of us, turning towards it both me and Jaden saw the previous duel examinee Bastion Misawa.

''Really! He used an awesome combo like that and I missed it!?'' Jaden yelled somewhat frustratedly, I nodded though, as I could understand his sentiment.

''O! I'm Jaden by the way, nice to know you!'' Jaden said to Bastion with his cheerful attitude. Bastion and I stared at Jaden for a moment, a little overwhelmed with his enthusiasm.

''Bastion.'' Bastion greeted with a small smile after regaining his cool.

''So anyways, it looks like we're about to see some serious butt kicking! This duel is about to get even sicker!'' Jaden said as he was practically bursting with enthusiasm watching Illumi's duel. Unconsciously a smile formed on mine and Bastion's face as we turned towards the duel, it seemed Jaden's enthusiasm is contagious...

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[Alexis Rhodes]

I was partly becoming a little disappointed as his first move, but after seeing this Illumi person, completely take control of his opponent's Battle Phase and special summon a monster, add a card to his hand, and stop Goblin Elite Attack Force, I raised my evaluation of him.

Although he didn't take the initiative, he completely took control during his opponents turn and even switched up his entire field, though I could still beat him.

Turning my head over to see Zane's reaction, I was momentarily stunned at his reaction. He was gripping the railing and leaning over it, eagerly watching the duel. Confused I asked him why he was acting as such, but received a frankly, annoying answer.

''Alexis, you can't begin to comprehend how powerful having the ability to chose any spell card from your deck really is.'' He replied, not even bothering to look back at me.

Furrowing my brows slightly annoyed he had, even if indirectly, questioned my abilities as a duelist, I turned back towards the duel. Wondering how much of a difference 1 spell card could actually make, especially one I'd never heard about.

And what's whit his weird monsters, 'Dragonmaids'? This is a duel not a maid café... As I was pondering such, Zane left one more comment that left me slightly stunned.

''...and something tells me, that there's more to the Chamber Dragonmaid than just adding a spell to the hand...'' Zane said in a strangely cryptic tone, confusing me greatly as I decided to watch the duel closer, and boy was he right.

In his next turn, he'd destroyed all his opponent's monsters and had even brought a level 8 dragon monster from his graveyard.

''...He just destroyed his opponents entire field. To think that Chamber Dragonmaid could bring back that other Dragon... what was it Dragonmaid Tin...Tink...?'' I said as I tried to remember the name of the red dragon on the field, having missed it, since he had summoned it so quickly.

''Dragonmaid Tinkhec.'' Zane clarified for me and I nodded thankfully at his explanation.

However that wasn't the end of it, that guy special summon a monster with over 3000 attack. What was the most mindboggling thing, was that he started this round with a single monster with 500 attack points.

I could understand why Zane was so interested in this Illumi guy, not only that but he had summoned his Dragonmaid Sheou with the very Dragonmaid Changeover he had gotten from his Chamber Dragonmaid, the move I had disregarded earlier...

Watching the examiner shakily draw a card I shook my head, even more so when that guy heartlessly used his monster to summon back his Dragonmaid Tinkhec. I shook my head in pity at the examiner.

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[Zane Truesdale]

He used a complex combination of cards and affects. Not only are his strategies and timing good but his cards and effects are also top notch, the only down side I see so far are the lower level Dragonmaid monsters being very weak, but that too is made up for by the ability to summon higher level Dragonmaids easier.

How have I never heard of these cards, Dragonmaids huh...

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[Chazz Princeton]

''Ugh...'' I grunted as I watched the duel, it was frustrating but I had to admit, he was good. Not as good as me obviously, no one's above the Chazz, but he was ok.

Going through the duel so far, I tried to wonder what I'd do in his spot with my own deck but couldn't think of many combos and the ones I could think of, where usually when I had a pretty good hand... maybe that Illumi guy also had his best possible hand... ya that's it! It was all luck!

Feeling the tension release, I sat back and sighed. He must have been damn luck to get his best possible hand during the examination.

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[Vellian Crowler]

I was flabbergasted, to think this young student could pull off such a fine strategy and completely turn the tables, summoning a monster even more powerful then my Antient Gear Golem. In fact the only monster I had, that was more powerful was my Ultimate Gear Golem.

As I looked at the young student, who had for the better part of this duel, stayed calm and played his duel as if he was orchestrating a symphony I felt my heart flutter. Yes this would be one of the future student's of Dr.Vellian Crowler.

As I looked at the bundle of untapped potential in the arena a small, smile appeared on my lips. I would most definitely mold him into a work of dueling art! He was without a doubt a champion in the making even if he was a bit rough around the edges.

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[Turn 4]

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[Bastion]

As I watched the duel I tried running scenarios around each move and what my decision would have been. It was undoubtable a masterful show of skills. Illumi Tanaka, a mysterious figure who had suddenly appeared and taken the first place on the written exam from me, he was quite the duelist.

Originally, I had wanted to see what type of person could have... surpassed me, in academics, the subject I prided myself on most of all.

At first he seemed to play sluggishly, but later on he had revealed he was orchestrating a master plan from his first move. All of his actions had a purpose and played off one another, he was like me.

Instead of trusting luck, he had built a masterful strategy that didn't even leave room for luck or chance and did it better then I could ever do it on top of that. Watching the duel I felt the sudden sense of inferiority in my chest growing little by little. But I steeled my resolve and decided to watch till the end, promising myself that I would overcome him with the things I learn form his duel.

Clenching my fists, I focused on the duel as I eagerly waited for the next move Illumi Takana would play. I wonder if I could secure a copy of the match later on?

As Illumi Tanaka drew a card he looked at it for a moment, as if in deep thought and played his next move, with the new card still in his hand. Using an incredible combination he had brought back his Chamber Dragonmaid in defense position and once more added a Dragonmaid spell card to his hand.

After that he played the card he had just drawn, as he played it a sudden blaze of fire appeared from his card as the flames died down somewhat the card was revealed to be...

...Sparks...

A small ember slowly flew from the examiner who was expecting some sort card dealing great damage and had braised himself, instead a pea size flame flew over and landed on his chest before bouncing off.

Illumi Tanaka: 1800 LP

Duel Examiner: 2900 LP

The examination room filled with silence as I tried to process Illumi Tanaka's strategy. The two behind me having been dumbstruck and swept in a wave of confusion as well, looking around I widened my eyes as everyone had been stunned.

He was playing a level of psychological warfare I couldn't even begin to comprehend, he was like a puppet master gracefully pulling the stings of his puppets. The two behind me seemed still lost since Illumi Tanaka played such an odd play.

''Why'd he play that?'' The short blue-haired kid, Syrus asked.

''Even I know Sparks isn't that good of a card and I'm not that bright...'' The brown-haired kid, Jaden said.

Deciding to fill them in, I explained the genius move that had just transpired.

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[Syrus Truesdale]

Confused at Illumi's odd move choice I asked Bastion and Jaden why he did that. I mean normally no one would even think of adding Sparks into a deck since it was so bad.

Among effect damage cards, it was one of the weakest cards. In fact it was incredibly popular for being so bad.

When I'd asked Jaden seemed just as confused as me, but Bastion seemed to have grasped some deeper meaning.

''He's playing chess while where playing checkers.'' He said, confusing me even further, Jaden asked the same question in my head as we looked to Bastion.

''I though they where playing duel monster?'' Jaden said and I subconsciously nodded. Bastion not expecting that reply had a momentary twitch in his lips.

''That's not what I mean. I meant he's playing the game of mental warfare while dueling, getting into his opponents head. Masterfully so, if I might add. You can tell by looking around, everyone was stunned by his move.'' As Bastion clarified mine and Jaden's eyes widened as we looked around the stadium. He was right everyone had a frozen or shocked expression unable to except his move.

As me and Jaden meet each others eyes, we gulped at how scary the thought was. Looking back towards the arena, where Illumi was about to begin his next move I noticed his calm demeaner unbothered by He really was an incredible duelist I thought as I waited for his next move.

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[Alexis Rhodes]

Expecting another big move, I watched the duel intently completely forgetting my conversation with Zane, now fully focused on the duel.

Looking at the duel so far, I'd realized that every action that guy took was calculative and was connected.

I felt as if I'd found a worth rival I could duel with everything I've got. As it was once again Illumi's turn he drew and activated his Dragonmaid Sheou's affect bringing back Chamber Dragonmaid and once again adding a spell card to his hand. Eagerly awaiting his next move, he played...

Sparks.

Momentarily stunned at the questionable card that guy had just played I blinked and rubbed my eyes, making sure I had not seen wrong.

Looking over to my side I saw Zane wearing the same confused face as me and shock my head.

''Did he just play Sparks?'' I asked but Zane didn't answer, instead he continued to stare in silence as his expression became odd.

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[Vellian Crowler]

I think I saw wrong... yes I definitely saw wrong. I'm probably just hallucinating, I'll go get a glass of water... after the duel.

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[Jaden Yuki]

Watching the awesome duel, I looked over to the guy who'd just play Sparks. An odd move in my opinion but hey, it worked, psyco-logic warfare or whatever!

After that, this guy got on his A-game. He played an awesome spell card and bump up his monster's attack up 3800. I had to admit that was a crazy strong card, who would have ever thought, a maid could be so strong.

Ending the duel, that guy attacked with his Dragonmaid Sheou. Looking at the match which had only lasted 4 turns I smiled.

I really want to duel him I thought as my blood started pumping. Turning to Syrus who, had been watching the duel with me, I asked.

''What did you say that guys name was, again?'' I asked and Syrus turned to me.

''He's Illumi, Illumi Tanaka.'' Syrus replied and I nodded.

''It's a tough act to beat. But I'll make sure to give it my all in my duel!'' I exclaimed but Syrus and Bastion turned to me with an odd expression.

''What's going on, guys?'' I asked at their odd reaction.

''Um... Jaden, I think this was suppose to be the last duel...'' Syrus said and Bastion nodded with a weird face and I momentarily blanked.

''Whaaaaat!?'' I shouted.

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