Yu-Gi-Oh!: Worldwide Mix, the Ultimate Necromancer Duel

The next day.

Sunlight spills across the island, a gentle sea breeze carries a faint salty scent, and several seagulls circle and cry out over the distant reefs.

The circular arena sits in the center, its giant egg-shaped shape gleaming in the sunlight.

This is the Duel Academy's practical assessment venue, which can accommodate thousands of spectators. The oval-shaped dueling arena is already packed with students who have come to take the practical exam. The stands are filled with a large number of people, and noisy discussions are rising and falling.

In the center of the arena, Professor Chronos was making final preparations.

He wore his signature dark blue suit, his bow tie perfectly tied, and a gold pocket watch chain hanging down his chest. He paced back and forth, checking the operation of the dueling disk equipment, occasionally uttering that distinctive, slightly exaggerated emphasis in his voice.

The second floor of the stands is a special viewing area, reserved for senior students and invited guests.

Asuka Tenjouin leaned lazily against the railing, her hand supporting her chin, her slender waist curving into a graceful arc. Her gaze was fixed on the dueling arena below, her eyes somewhat vacant, as if she were lost in thought.

Marufuji Ryo stood beside her, arms crossed, his expression as blank as ever.

His poker face showed no emotion, only the occasional movement of his eyes suggested he was observing something.

"I heard you went to Domino during the holidays?" Marufuji Ryo asked casually.

Asuka Tenjouin blinked and replied softly, "Yes, I really gained a lot from this trip to Domino."

She paused, the scene from that day flashing through her mind—that figure standing in the dueling arena, that incredible infinite chain, that composed smile.

"I saw some rare tactics," she added.

Marufuji Ryo nodded slightly: "There are indeed many strong individuals on Tong Mino's side, especially in the satellite area, which hides many powerful duelists. Going there for a visit will definitely allow you to learn a lot of unimaginable tactics and summoning methods."

As the academy's acknowledged Caesar, Marufuji Ryo had his own intelligence network regarding the distribution of duelist strength across various regions. He had long heard numerous rumors about the place called Domino.

Asuka Tenjouin didn't reply, only giving a soft "hmm." The figure in her mind grew clearer and clearer.

"It's not just tactics," she murmured, her voice so soft it was almost a whisper to herself, "I've also seen a dark horse that's different from others."

Marufuji Ryo turned his head to look at her.

"In just one day," Asuka Tenjouin said slowly, "she advanced from a one-star duelist to a three-star duelist."

Marufuji Ryo's eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly.

"And his opponent," she turned her head and met Ryo Marufuji's eyes, "is still the All-Japan Champion."

Upon hearing this, even that stubborn, poker-faced man finally showed some emotion.

Marufuji Ryo's eyes widened slightly, a hint of emotion flashing deep in his pupils.

"A one-star duelist... defeated the All-Day Champion?"

He repeated the sentence as if to make sure he hadn't misheard.

He knew all too well what the difference between star levels meant.

The gap between one star and four stars cannot be bridged by luck alone.

Not to mention that the opponent is the All-Day Champion—which means that the opponent is not only high-starred, but also has far more practical experience, deck building, and tactical skills than ordinary people.

Marufuji Ryo's gaze returned to the dueling arena below, his eyes becoming deep and thoughtful.

"I wonder when we'll have another chance to meet," Asuka murmured softly, turning her gaze away and leaning against the railing, lost in thought.

……

"Achoo!"

You Chen sneezed loudly from the stands.

He rubbed his nose and frowned. "Strange, why am I sneezing all of a sudden? Have I caught a cold?"

The Great Sun Goddess floated beside him, leisurely reclining in the air. Hearing this, she chuckled and said, "Could it be that someone is thinking of you?"

You Chen was both amused and exasperated.

"Who would want to?" He shrugged. "I just arrived here, I don't know anyone here, and I can count the number of people I know on one hand."

The Great Sun Goddess tilted her head, smiling without saying a word.

You Chen ignored her and took out his phone to take a look.

The written test results have been released.

He glanced at it, a slight smile playing on his lips.

First place.

Full marks.

If there are multiple perfect scores, they are ranked according to the submission time. His submission time of less than ten minutes secured him a solid first place.

The admission ticket number has been updated to 001.

The second name is Misawa Daichi.

"001..." You Chen muttered to himself. This number was quite easy to remember.

Just then, Professor Chronos's unique, high-pitched voice came through the loudspeaker.

"Ahem—Alright, let's begin the practical assessment right away!"

His voice echoed within the circular dueling arena, carrying a touch of exaggerated drama.

"The first one to enter is number 001—You Chen!"

Upon hearing his name called, You Chen stood up and walked towards the dueling arena.

Sunlight shone on him, casting a long silhouette on the track.

From the stands, countless eyes focused on this spot at the same time.

"Huh?!"

On the second-floor viewing area, Asuka Tenjouin's bright eyes suddenly lit up.

Almost instinctively, she straightened up, placed her hands on the railing, and leaned slightly forward. A hint of surprise flashed in her beautiful eyes.

It's him.

The figure she had seen before in Tong Shiye was now walking from the passage below towards the center of the dueling arena. The tall, upright figure, the composed gait, and that unique aura—she recognized him instantly.

Marufuji Ryo noticed her reaction and followed her gaze.

"What's wrong?"

Asuka Tenjouin had a smile playing on her lips, a smile that carried an indescribable meaning.

"I told you before," she said softly, "that guy who defeated the All-Day Champion and advanced to three stars in a single day."

She paused, her gaze falling on the figure that was gradually disappearing into the distance.

"It's him."

Marufuji Ryo raised an eyebrow slightly.

His gaze locked onto You Chen, scrutinizing him from head to toe. His eyes were completely different now—no longer looking at an ordinary freshman, but observing a worthy opponent.

"Interesting," he muttered to himself, resuming his crossed arms, but his gaze never left You Chen.

Below the stands, Daichi Misawa sat in the first row, also staring intently at Yu Chen as he walked onto the field.

His gaze was focused and sharp. As the second-place finisher in the written exam, he was filled with curiosity about number 001, who had outperformed him.

"Is this the guy who got first place in the written exam?" he muttered to himself, his fingers unconsciously tapping his knee.

The scene sparked a public outcry.