Chapter 17 | Exam Day - Practical Test (4/5)

[Short Chap]

Staring ahead of him, Bastion stared at his opponent and possibly toughest yet, Illumi Tanaka, who was staring back with an aloof yet playful smirk.

To Illumi this duel seemed to be just another duel for him to enjoy, a trait he shared with Jaden, both treating duelling closer to a fun game than a sport.

Bastion couldn't fully agree with their views, but he wouldn't deny it either, after all, the man in front of him was possibly his most difficult opponent yet, and Jaden wasn't that far behind. Well at least in his opinion.

To Bastion who treated Dueling as a science, this duel meant more than just a school test, it was a test of resolve and trial which he would undoubtedly grow from.

Seriously speaking, Bastion wished for a bit more time to observe and study Illumi's duelist style, but that was not an excuse he was willing to use. Not for a man who had spent years studying it.

He couldn't fault his opponent for not taking the duel as seriously as he, after all his opponent was a man who stood equal if not higher than him; he had displayed remarkable skills both academically and practically.

But Bastion felt he needed to make one thing clear, that he would duel with everything he had and expected Illumi to do just as much, not as some aragont pride but as a show of respect to his opponent and friend.

''Illumi,'' Bastion called out with a deadly serious expression, catching Illumi who had a somewhat zoned-out expression off guard.

''Hm?'' Illumi cocked a brow.

''I'm going to put everything into this duel, just as I have to this deck that I've made especially to defeat you!'' Bastion declared and Illumi found himself momentarily stunned, not knowing how to reply.

''I want to ask you a favor...'' Bastion took a deep breath before continuing.

''I hope you'll put everything into this duel, just as I will!''

''...'' Illumi just stared absentmindedly at Bastion, inwardly he was deep in thought.

'He wasn't like this in canon... why is he so determined?' Illumi who had not remembered Bastion being this... determined(?) in the anime wondered inwardly, but before they could continue, the Procter had already signalled for the duel to start.

''The duel will now begin! Please draw your cards!''

Deciding to shake off his thoughts, Illumi answered Bastion.

''Stop your flirting, let's duel already!'' Illumi threw a curve ball, completely catching Bastion off guard.

''Th-that's not- Oh! Mental warfare, I see! But I won't be taken off guard so easily!'' Bastion caught himself and took the initiative.

''I Draw!''