Eventually, we caught up with Haruno and Shiramichi, all four of us out of breath.

"Are you this hyperactive normally...?"

"No, I kind of just started moving without thinking and committed to the bit way too hard..."

"M-my lungs..."

"...you're an idiot, Haruno-san."

Shiramichi was the first to recover, rightfully scolding her teammate for putting us through that unnecessary exercise.

"S-sorry!"

"D-did Agon-san get back to you yet, Takamine-san...?"

"Yeah, he said he's waiting at the entrance... what about Kazuraba-senpai?"

"S-she's there too..."

"Nice. Let's head over now then."

As we walked over, Haruno and Shiramichi asked who Kazuraba was, we explained to them she was our manager.

When we reached the entrance, we could see Kazuraba and Agon standing a little bit away from each other. To my surprise, Agon was with Tsuruha, like I saw last time.

As the two of them recognised us, they began walking over, accidentally bumping into each other on the way.

"Oh, sorry!"

"My apologies."

"Reona-chan! Agon-san!"

"Yuuma-chan!"

"Kurosaki-san. Takamine-san."

Kurosaki and Kazuraba hugged as a greeting while me and Agon shook hands.

"Looks like everyone is here."

"And a couple extras too, eh?"

Kazuraba, noticing Haruno, Shiramichi, and Tsuruha, teased me a little.

"Hey, hey!"

Haruno wasted no time greeting the others. Shiramichi just stepped back and watched, probably letting Haruno handle all the socialising.

"I see you also brought someone along too, Agon-san."

As I pointed out Tsuruha, she waved at me with a small smile.

"My apologies. Do not worry, Tsuruha-san was just accompanying me over."

"Nah it's fine! She can join us if she wants. The more the merrier!"

Agon looked over at Tsuruha.

"What do you say?"

"Sure, I'm down."

Tsuruha nodded.

"Thank you for the invite, Takamine-san."

"Pleasure's all mine. How do you two know each other anyways?"

"It is a bit embarrassing to say, but she is my only friend among the Alba Academy competitors."

So, all the schools were packing someone socially inept, huh? Kurosaki for GEN, Agon for Alba, and Shiramichi for Jinrai.

"Agon-kun's a big loner, so I thought I'd help him out a bit."

Tsuruha nudged him with her elbow, giving a cheeky smile.

"I appreciate it. You are an easy person to talk to, Tsuruha-san."

"Ah man, now I feel left out... I should've brought a plus one with me too!"

Kazuraba moaned, puffing her cheeks.

"H-ha ha, sorry Reona-chan..."

"No worries, no worries. I'm just glad to see you get along with others."

Kazuraba smiled, putting her hands on Kurosaki's shoulders.

"Shall we go? We might end up having to wait for some space to open with how big our group is." I said.

"Let's get it! Lead the way, Takamine-san!" Haruno said.

"Aye, sure thing."

Our group - now expanded to me, Kurosaki, Kazuraba, Agon, Tsuruha, Haruno, and Shiramichi - headed to a nearby cafe that was a ten minute walk away from the stadium.

We started ordering our food and drink. I decided to go with fried gyoza with green tea. Kurosaki got ramen with melon float. She was slurping down her noodles with a big smile on her face.

"So, everyone here but Agon-san and Kurosaki-san have fought in the tournament so far, huh?"

Tsuruha started the conversation. I looked around me.

"Huh... I guess you're right."

"It's funny considering they're both the same Categories too."

"I hope that does not bother you."

Agon, probably feeling self-conscious about his ranking, prefaced that to the rest of us while taking a bite of his gyoza.

"Oh, no it doesn't! I actually used to be Category Five, so I get the pain..."

Haruno laughed awkwardly. Considering he was Category Eight now, he must've worked really hard to climb up the ranks.

"I'm sure Shiramichi-san feels the same way. To guys like Kuyou-san and Jouraku-san, anything lower than Ten is never good enough. That's why Etou-san is the best leader ever!"

Shiramichi, having attention drawn towards her, looked away as she sipped on her coffee. She nodded in agreement, letting Haruno speak on her behalf.

"Yeah, Etou-san did seem more down to earth than those other two... you'd never think she was that kind of person with how she carries herself."

Tsuruha commented, stealing a piece of Agon's gyoza and eating it. He looked at her with owlish eyes. She stuck out her tongue.

"She does give off ice queen energy." I said.

"Etou-san, huh..."

Kurosaki, who had strong feelings regarding Etou, mumbled that to herself. She then slurped up even more noodles to eat away the pain.

"Yuuma-chan, slow down. Otherwise you might choke on your food."

Kazuraba gently chided her for being so reckless.

"Sowwy..."

Kurosaki apologised while her cheeks were stuffed with food.

"Hey, umm... if you two don't mind me asking... well, I've been curious about it since I first heard about it... but how did you guys end up being Category Zero?" Haruno said.

Before answering, Agon looked over to Kurosaki. Kurosaki looked back at Agon, their eyes meeting each other. She then diverted her gaze before nodding. Agon closed his eyes and turned to face Haruno.

"Motion sickness. We get nauseous while being in the digital world, so we have never won a game inside it. Thus, we have no points on the MGP leaderboard, and are relegated to Category Zero."

"Oh wow... that sounds so unfair! I had no clue that this was a thing. Did you know about it, Shiramichi-san?"

Shiramichi shook her head. I guess this was Haruno's way of trying to involve her, since she barely talked even on the way here.

"I-it's a very rare condition..." Kurosaki said.

"It does not help that there is not much information or research about it since it is also quite a new phenomenon." Agon said.

"Wait... if you guys are competing, aren't you going to get sick?"

"Most likely."

Agon didn't beat around the bush.

"Eh? But... wouldn't that be bad for you? Do you have any ways to get around it?"

"There is not. But to be honest... it would be worse not taking this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Haruno was stunned by Agon's answers, but nodded in understanding.

"Right... that's also true. It's not like anyone can fight in the Tri-deity Circuit. Even getting invited is like winning the lottery!"

"Exactly. I wouldn't want to pass up the chance to participate in the Tri-deity Circuit, even if my body hated being inside the digital world." Tsuruha said.

"It is bullish, but I am planning to thug it out. Putting my body on the line is something I am used to. If I throw up, I throw up."

Agon was completely shameless. Granted, it might look like the nastiest vomit ever, considering he's been doing nothing but eating and drinking the entire day... I felt sick just from imagining how gross his would look like.

"Ha ha, Agon-san is so hardcore... what about you, Kurosaki-san? Are you doing the same thing?"

Kurosaki shook her head.

"My nausea... is way more severe... s-so, I have some ways to work around it. I-I hope no one finds it weird..."

"I'm sure they'll understand if you explain it." I said.

"And if they don't, I'll beat them up for you." Kazuraba said.

"In Vanguard, right?"

Kazuraba smiled at me innocently.

"Right...?"

"Violence is prohibited, Kazuraba-san." Agon said.

"I'm just kidding, relax!"

Kazuraba laughed, slapping me and Agon on the back.

"Still though, I find it incredible how brave you guys are... despite the risk, both of you are going out there to give it your all and fight anyways. I feel like that's not an easy thing to do. I'll definitely be rooting you guys on!"

Kurosaki's eyes widened at Haruno's kind words, her lips curling to a shy smile.

"T-thank you... i-it's really sweet of you."

"Ah, it's nothing at all. We're all underdogs here... well, except maybe Takamine-san."

"Hey, Tsuruha-san is a Queen."

I raised my hands in defence.

"She lost, so she doesn't count anymore."

"Can't be an underdog if you're not fighting anymore."

Tsuruha laughed, crossing her legs.

"C'mon, I feel like I earned my flowers... I won against Odium, y'know how hard that is?!"

"Just play Levi, it's that easy."

Now even Kazuraba was ribbing on me!

"Speaking of decks... if you guys don't mind me being nosy... what decks do you guys use?!"

"Secret."

"I-it's a secret..."

Immediately, both Kurosaki and Agon shot down Haruno at the same time. The glimmer in Haruno's eyes disappeared and he faux sniffled.

"T-that's fair... if I had to guess though... Agon-san looks like a Keter Sanctuary player and Kurosaki-san looks like a Lyrical Monasterio player!"

Agon looked at his hands then at Haruno.

"Do I really look that knightly...?"

Kurosaki scratched her cheeks.

"W-well, the Lyrical girls are pretty..."

"Oho? Did I get it right?"

No, he was completely off the mark for Kurosaki!

"I can neither confirm nor deny." Agon said.

"I-I don't play Lyrical, that's Takamine-san's nation..." Kurosaki said.

"I'm going to continue pegging Agon-san as a Keter player. Probably Youthberk, since they both have white hair!"

Agon stared at Haruno like he was an idiot.

"Kurosaki-san though, hmm... maybe you're a Stoicheia player! I know, you play Magnolia!"

Haruno was so close... but unfortunately, that was someone else in GEN.

Kurosaki shook her head. Haruno sighed, looking over to Shiramichi.

"Shiramichi-san, help me out...!"

Shiramichi looked reluctant to join in, but seeing Haruno beg with puppy eyes, she caved in. She glanced at Kurosaki and Agon before putting down her cup.

"...Agon-san plays Stoicheia. Kurosaki-san plays Keter Sanctuary."

Kurosaki froze up as Shiramichi had hit bullseye. Agon didn't react whatsoever to her, so she was probably wrong about that.

"Woah! Completely opposite guesses to me! What makes you think that?"

"...a woman's intuition, I guess? Well, for Kurosaki-san... I guessed that because she always looks at me with a grumpy pout."

"E-eh? I-I do?! I-I'm so sorry, S-Shiramichi-san! I-I didn't mean to...!"

Kurosaki, who hadn't even realised her own disdain for Shiramichi's deck was leaking out, pleaded for forgiveness. Shiramichi sighed.

"...don't worry, I'm used to it. Besides, you really think I'd be intimidated by you...? I'm more intimidated about talking to others... it's exhausting."

Considering how silent Shiramichi was the entire time, it was clear she was an introvert to an extreme level. The more I interacted with her, the more miraculous it seemed that Haruno could converse with her.

"W-wait, how does a grumpy pout mean she uses Keter? I don't get it Shiramichi-san, explain it to meeeee!"

Haruno whimpered, shaking her. Shiramichi groaned, furrowing her eyebrows as she gave in to his puppy eyes again.

"...think about what deck I play, Haruno-san."

"Eva— no, Obscudeid! Does that mean Kurosaki-san was pouting at you because of your avatar...? Wait!"

Haruno slammed the table as he hit his eureka moment.

"In the lore, Obscudeid is Mordalion's former teammate and is hated by Thegrea! That must mean Kurosaki-san plays Mordalion!"

Seriously, how does this guy lose the 50/50 too?!

Kurosaki looked like she was on the verge of a heart attack seeing Shiramichi so casually call her out like that. If anything, I learnt that Shiramichi was an extremely observant person... the fact she picked up on those small details is amazing.

She must have done the same to make the guess that Agon plays Stoicheia. I tried to think back at what would give it away, but... there was nothing.

"E-ehhh... t-that d-does remind me... S-Shiramichi-san's avatar is Obscudeid and not Eva... I-I wonder w-why...?"

Kurosaki was an awful liar. It was clear she wanted to know why Shiramichi liked Obscudeid but didn't want to give away her disdain for the character. I decided to help her out.

"Yeah, why do you say Obscudeid is your avatar? Most people play Eva, for... well, Eva."

Shiramichi sighed, scratching her head.

"...I have to do more socialising?"

She muttered, looking at Haruno. He laughed awkwardly, patting her shoulder.

"Come on, it's okay. We probably won't see them ever again after the tournament, so consider it practice. Even if you fail, who will remember? You've got this!"

Shiramichi looked away before sighing. She swallowed her nerves and swivelled around to face the rest of us, using her bangs to hide her eyes and avoid eye contact.

"...I like Obscudeid because he's a strong and cool dark knight... I like the way he looks and I like his story... I find it tragic that he was placed in such a hard situation but had the resolve to make a decision, even if it meant betraying everything he ever knew... and... I admire the fact he's someone who protects others. That's... the coolest trait of them all."

Even though she bumbled through her words and ended up saying more than she intended, everyone listened intently to Shiramichi's genuine words.

"E-embarrassing..."

After explaining that, she turned away and hide her face from everyone else, hyperventilating a little into her hands.

"You did great Shiramichi-san, well done!"

Haruno consoled her, patting her back.

"W-wow..."

Kurosaki's eyes widened at Shiramichi's explanation. She was genuinely moved by how honest Shiramichi had been about her love for Obscudeid.

"S-Shiramichi-san... I totally get it! I-I... I feel really similar about my avatar too! E-everything about them... every little detail, from their appearance, to their skills, to their story... all of it, I love! I love all of it! I totally get what you mean, Shiramichi-san!"

Incredible... I found it a little funny how Kurosaki went in as her biggest hater but somehow ended up as her biggest supporter.

"...Kurosaki-san."

Shiramichi glanced at Kurosaki over her shoulder and removed her hands from her face. She nodded.

"N-now I feel silly..."

Kurosaki, feeling embarrassed she even felt that way towards Shiramichi in the first place over her avatar, slumping in her seat to hide under the table.

"Kurosaki-san, you're fine, don't worry..."

I stopped her from disappearing by grabbing her wrist and yanking her up.

"B-but Takamine-san, I can't face her like this! S-Shiramichi-san is too pure, I'm evil in comparison!"

"Y-you're taking this misunderstanding too far, Kurosaki-san..."

Haruno laughed watching the two of us.

"Those two are pretty similar aren't they, Takamine-san?"

I nodded, laughing awkwardly as well.

"Yeah... they really are."

As we finished lunch and got ready to leave, I decided to shoot the question that was most lingering on my mind before we departed back to the stadium.

"Hey, Agon-san, Tsuruha-san."

"Hm?" Tsuruha said.

"What is it, Takamine-san?"

"I was just kinda curious... how did you two meet each other?"

"Ah... it is a long story, but it is not really that interesting."

"Seriously?"

Agon nodded.

"If you want, I can explain it to him."

Tsuruha offered to do it in his place. Agon nodded.

"Sure. You probably remember better than I do."

As our group made our way back to the stadium, me and Tsuruha were at the back, tailing the rest of them while talking.

"I'm surprised by how interested you are in our connection, Takamine-san."

"Ha ha, sorry... I just found it really surprising. I didn't get a chance earlier to ask for more details, and the thought nearly slipped my head during all the group conversation we were having."

"It's fine. I'm glad that Agon-san is slowly making more friends. Despite how aloof he looks, he's actually quite the social person."

"Eh? What do you mean by that?"

"Oh... I should have probably explained that Agon-san was a transfer student to Alba Academy."

"Eh? A transfer student?"

"Yup. He got an invite to your school, GEN Academy, but for some reason the school administration dropped him out."

My eyes widened as Tsuruha said that. Agon... was supposed to be going to our school? I tried to imagine a world where he did come, and all I could see...

...was a world where me, Kurosaki, and Agon all got along together in our own little corner of GEN.

Thinking about that... what could have been... it made my chest feel empty. Days spent hanging out together like that sounded like so much fun. I can't believe someone like that was so close to me, and I didn't even notice.

"Because of that, he ended up going to Alba instead. As I was class rep, I was assigned to look after him, so we ended up becoming friends that way. But let me tell you, during that first week Agon-san was here, he was on fire! He was talking to literally everyone and anyone - from upperclassmen, people in other classes, and even the teachers! It was completely unlike his usual reserved self now."

"Seriously...? I can't imagine that at all..."

"Right? Since he was so outgoing, I thought it would be fine to leave him to his own devices and kept pretty hands-off. However... by the second week, that momentum had dried up completely. Agon-san withdrew himself and refused to follow up on any offers to hang out. And by the end of the third week, he came up to me and—"

Tsuruha paused, her eyelids hooding. I raised an eyebrow. Seeing my confused expression, she laughed awkwardly.

"Sorry. I probably shouldn't say this bit without his permission."

"It's fine, you don't have to tell me."

To be honest, she didn't need to. I could already guess what it might be— Agon begging her to be his friend.

"Thanks. I felt like I did a bad job of looking out for him, so I decided to start hanging out with him a lot. I was pretty much the only person who would bother speaking to him. And that's... pretty much how we became friends."

"That was unexpected... I really thought Agon-san was the unsocial type."

"I think he picks and chooses... as you saw earlier, he's perfectly comfortable talking to others, unlike Shiramichi-san or Kurosaki-san. It's more like he decides not to talk to others."

"Hmm, yeah. That's fair. Well, thanks anyways Tsuruha-san. I'm not sure if I felt like I understand more about Agon-san, but I definitely learnt something new today."

"No problem. What about you? How'd you end up becoming friends with Kurosaki-san? You two seem pretty close too! Are you two a couple?"

A barrage of questions right from the get-go... I laughed awkwardly and started telling her about how mine and Kurosaki's relationship came to be.

By the time we arrived back at the stadium, the next match had already been announced. Me, Kurosaki, and Kazuraba hurried back to the GEN Academy room not to miss it.

<Commencing next game>
[GEN] Amasawa Iori vs [Alba] Hiryuu Sousei

For some reason, the last name Hiryuu was familiar to me. I couldn't quite put my finger on why... I've definitely heard it before, but I don't remember from where.

Ah, whatever. If I don't remember, it probably wasn't that important anyways.

"Good luck, Iori-san!"

Momoka gave her a high-five as she went out to fight.

"Thanks. I'll make sure to land a win for us!"

"You better. It's going to be hell if we suffer three consecutive losses, ku ku."

Kuyou was leaning against the wall, his hand against his pockets.

"Don't worry, my opponent is only Category King. You know what they say? The bigger they are, the harder they fall."

"Ku ku. I like that snarky attitude. Break a leg out there."

"You got it."

Iori fist-bump Kuyou.

"Good luck, Iori-san!"

I also cheered her on. She gave me a thumbs up.

"G-good luck, Amasawa-san!"

However, when Kurosaki wished her luck, Iori did nothing back. She just left the room, heading to the arena.

"You good, Busujima-san?"

Kazuraba, noticing Busujima was sitting by herself in the corner, checked up on her. Busujima nodded, playing on her phone. I guess she had no more interest in the tournament since she was knocked out.

In the arena, Iori and Hiryuu stood across from each other, ready to fight.

"No harsh feelings, but... I'm going to crush you, Hiryuu-san."

Iori came right out with a bold statement. Hiryuu chuckled.

"Don't worry, I was feeling just the same way. Alba Academy is planning to sweep this tournament. We won last year's Tri-deity Circuit, after all."

"Yeah, everyone knows. Bragging about it makes you look insecure."

"I'm just reminding you. You seem to like underestimating your opponents."

Hiryuu may be the enemy, but she was kinda right... Iori had a bad habit of thinking she was stronger than she actually was. She thought the same way during her fight with Kurosaki, after all.

A blue card each descended in front of them, with Iori kicking hers open and Hiryuu slicing through hers horizontally with a chop. A burst of special effects ignited the cards, realising their decks.

A green crest of animal paws appeared over Iori's deck, while a silver crest of rail tracks twisting like DNA appeared over Hiryuu's deck.

The system decided Hiryuu would go first.

"Stand up, Vanguard!"

"Falstather!"

"Sylvan Horned Beast, Lotte!"

It was a good thing Iori would be able to go second as that meant she could superior ride Magnolia Elder with Friendship Fairy and get her deck's game plan online faster.

"Stand and draw! I discard to ride Inno Progrett! I get the Energy Generator! Inno Progrett's skill, I reveal the Impauldio in my ride deck to set a SYSTEM CODE: X-ceed token in my order zone! Wandel Regenbork's skill! When I discard it for my ride deck, I reveal a card with Persona Ride from my ride deck and soulblast to add a Persona Shield ticket to my hand! Turn end."

"Damn, she even has the new rainbow cyclers."

Since they were so new, I was surprised to see them here at this tournament, but it made sense that Hiryuu would include them in her deck since it got additional cards in drop to set as AutoMOD gauges.

"Hmm, I wonder how I can use this in Thegrea..."

Kurosaki, who was also intrigued by the new cycler, began thinking of ways she could implement it into her deck. Considering what I saw earlier when she showed her lists to Etou... yeah, I can see it.

Hiryuu:
Hand: 6
Damage: 0
Energy: 0
OXO
OOO

Iori:
Hand: 5
Damage: 0
OXO
OOO

"Stand and draw! I discard to ride Blossoming Flowers Sylvan Horned Beast, Charis! Lotte's skill, draw and get the Energy Generator with 3 energy on it! Charis attacks! (8000)"

"No guard. Come at me and get a crit!"

"And help accelerate your deck's power? I'd rather check a blank Heal! (Sylvan Horned Beast, Banaspati) Nothing."

"Aw, I would've appreciated it a lot though. Damage check! (Sky-leap Conversion, Vindschtar) You already know what happens, but for our audience at home, I'll explain what SYSTEM CODE: X-ceed's skill does! When a card is put into my damage zone during your turn, I choose a card from my drop and turn it into a AutoMOD gauge! Since I have three or less AutoMOD gauges and I didn't check a trigger, my vanguard gets +5k! (8000 > 13000)"

"An annoying defensive skill, but lucky for me I don't have anymore attacks to throw at you. Turn end!"

Hiryuu:
Hand: 6
Damage: 1
Energy: 0
AutoMOD: 1
OXO
OOO

Iori:
Hand: 7
Damage: 0
Energy: 3
OXO
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! I discard to ride Dras Evolia! Once again, Wandel Regenbork's skill! I soulblast to add a Persona Shield ticket to hand! Here's where the fun begins. I call Headway Router Dragon! Headway's skill, since I have an AutoMOD gauge, I energyblast 3 to scry 5 and call a card from among them. I call Great Sickle of White Flash, Baldareid! Boosted by Baldareid, Headway attacks! (8000 > 16000)"

"No guard! (Sylvan Horned Beast, Golidoat)"

"Baldareid's skill! End of battle he boosted, since I have a set order, I put him into soul and scry 5 for a grade 2 or greater unit or a set order and add it to hand! I grab Destined One of Exceedance, Impauldio! Now Dras Evolia attacks! (10000)"

"Peppery Pepper guards! (23000) oT to pass!"

"Drive check! (Nebula Invoke Dragon) Turn end!"

Hiryuu:
Hand: 8
Damage: 1
Energy: 0
AutoMOD: 1
XXO
OOO

Iori:
Hand: 6
Damage: 1
Energy: 3
OXO
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! I discard to ride Mercy Sylvan Horned Beast, Lattice! Charis's skill, I scry 3, call Hulappoi Lilikkoi from among them, and mill the rest! Hulappoi's skill, I energyblast 3 to revive a Sylvan Horned Beast in drop! Come back, Sylvan Horned Beast, Giunosla! Hulappoi attacks your vanguard! (10000)"

"Tri-laning me with no boosters is risky. Are you thinking of betting on a Front trigger? No guard! (Bullet of Creation, Pansermermia) X-ceed! I put a card as an AutoMOD gauge and get +5k! (10000 > 15000)"

"I know I won't hit your vanguard without boosters, but I wasn't aiming for that. I'm looking to gain advantage. And since you Impauldio players don't play your retire options, so I'm safe to build early without getting punished!"

"Because the retire options suck?"

"Then pray to Kidani-sama you don't get any more cards like you're Control Bastion. Lattice attacks your vanguard! (10000)"

"Ouch, that's a low blow. No guard, one to pass! Hope you get that crit."

Hiryuu grinned and licked her lips. Iori shuddered.

"You must be some kind of masochist, wanting to take damage that badly... drive check! (Serene Maiden, Lena) Draw trigger! I draw and give power to Giunosla! (10000 > 20000)"

"Denying me of both my damage and gauge, eh? How cheeky."

"Don't act like you don't enjoy it, you masochist lady! Besides, you're at two gauges right now... if I give you the third, Impauldio will set the fourth, letting you give your front row 10k on turn 3. I'd rather avoid that, thank you very much. Giunosla attacks Headway! (20000)"

"They say it takes two to tango in bed. Headway retires."

"H-huh? Don't say things like that, everyone is watching!"

"You're the one who brought it up first."

Hiryuu deadpanned.

"T-that's... that's because you shamelessly act like one! Turn end!"

"That's just how my deck plays though..."

I've never seen Iori get that flustered before. Then again, Hiryuu was also saying some provocative stuff to her... the line between was a sadist and masochist was very blurred.

Hiryuu:
Hand: 8
Damage: 2
Energy: 0
AutoMOD: 2
OXO
OOO

Iori:
Hand: 8
Damage: 1
Energy: 3
XXX
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! The rails of the universe open up to you. Beyond starlight in the cosmos, with your strongest, beat their strongest, and break your limits faster than the speed of sound! I ride my avatar, Destined One of Exceedance, Impauldio! Dras Evolia's skill! When it's rode upon by Impauldio, I put the top card of my deck as an AutoMOD Gauge! (Patrol Robo, Dekarcop) Then, I can choose an AutoMOD card and add it to hand! I'll grab that Dekarcop for some extra shield. Pansmermia's skill! When discarded for ride deck, energyblast 3 to draw! Impauldio's skill! I counterblast to turn a card from drop into an AutoMOD gauge and scry 5 to call a card from among them! I call Nebula Invoke Dragon! Then, Impauldio gets a red text skill that gives my front row +5k for every two of my AutoMOD gauges! (13000 > 18000) (10000 > 15000) I call Nebula (10000 > 15000) and Baldareid. Let's go faster than anyone has ever before— Impauldio attacks! (18000) Reaccelerate Railgun!"

"No guard!"

"Twin Drive!! (Bullet of Creation, Pansmermia, Patrol Robo, Dekarcop) Critical trigger! Impauldio goes critical (13000/1 > 2), power to Nebula! (15000 > 25000)"

"Damage checks! (Planar Prevent Dragon, Sea Strike Dragon, Enlargulv)"

"Boosted by Baldareid, Nebula attacks! (15000 > 23000)"

"No guard! (Elegy Pixy) Heal trigger! All to vanguard and recovering a damage! (10000 > 20000)"

"Baldareid's skill! To soul, scry 5, and add Vindschtar to hand! My other Nebula attacks! (25000)"

"Hulappoi's skill! When my Sylvan Horned Beast vanguard is attacked, I retire it to give +10k! (20000 > 30000)"

"Turn end!"

Hiryuu:
Hand: 11
Damage: 1
Energy: 0
AutoMOD: 3
XXX
OOO

Iori:
Hand: 8
Damage: 3
Energy: 3
OXX
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! I discard to ride Sylvan Horned Beast King, Magnolia! Enlargulv's skill, since he was discarded for riding a grade 3, I draw! Lattice's skill, I soulblast to add Enlargulv back to hand! Golidoat's skill, I put him into soul to give my vanguard +5k! (13000 > 18000) I call Friendship Fairy! Friendship Fairy's skill! Since I have a Magnolia vanguard and your vanguard is grade 3 or greater, I counterblast and put her into soul to ride from my hand—!"

Iori smirked and revealed the grade 4 in her hand.

"Heed before the roar of the majestic king that soars through the sky, and tremble under the gathering of the fiercest beast army! I ride my avatar, Sylvan Horned Beast Emperor, Magnolia Elder! Magnolia Elder's skill, I call Golidoat from my soul! And since I have a Magnolia in soul, all my rear-guards can attack and intercept from back row, and they all get +5k! (10000 > 15000) (10000 > 15000) I call two Inlet Pulse (13000 > 28000) (13000 > 28000) and Enlargulv! (13000 > 28000) Enlargulv's skill, since I'm grade 4, I soulblast to add back Hulappoi to my hand! Magnolia Elder attacks! (13000) Regal Aeroclaw!"

"You sure you don't want to pop your Arcana skill this turn? It's better you burn it sooner rather than later. No guard!"

"You're arrogant despite using a deck that only has three attacks, you know? Even if you unleash yours next turn, unless it stacks Eldobreath to the top, I'm still confident I can live through it. Triple Drive!!! (Elegy Pixy) Heal trigger! Recovering a damage, power to Giunosla! (15000 > 25000) (Blue Artillery Dragon, Inlet Pulse Dragon, Sylvan Horned Beast, Banaspati)"

"Aren't you a clever girl, putting the crit on rear-guard? You want your attacks to hit that badly, hmm? Damage check! (Flowers in Vacuum, Cosmo Wreath) X-ceed! I put a card from drop as an AutoMOD gauge and get +5k! (13000 > 18000)"

"W-wait... Takamine-san, isn't this match-up the worst possible one for Amasawa-san...?"

I nodded.

"Yeah... with the way how Iori-san plays her deck, she uses her turn 3 to dig for her pieces with Inlet, leaving it extremely susceptible to damage triggers as she's only swinging with pokes. But, since Hiryuu-san is using a deck that basically gets a damage trigger every time she takes damage, she can shut down half of Iori-san's offence without wasting her hand. It doesn't help she's also bolstering her own offence next turn by creating more AutoMOD gauges."

"Don't forget about Impauldio's Divine Skill too. Even if Hiryuu-san doesn't use her Arcana, whatever it may be, she can still apply extreme pressure through the combined drive checks of Impauldio and Vindschtar."

Kazuraba chimed in with her own analysis. Kurosaki gulped.

"I-is there anything Amasawa-san can do at least...? Anything...?"

"Well, there were a couple of options... like trying to push through the AutoMOD power with cards like Banaspati and Golidoat who gain more power. However, considering she threw down two Inlet and Enlargulv this turn and didn't use any cards from hand to guard Hiryuu-san's assault last turn... I suspect she had no other choice but to do this play, as those were the only cards she drew into early."

While usually those cards would be the best opening she could've asked for, against Hiryuu's Impauldio, it definitely felt more like a brick than a boon.

"She could have used her Arcana to try and push power, but... with how low her damage is, Hiryuu-san could've just eaten all the attacks and increased her AutoMOD gauge by four. That would've made Iori-san's position even worse, since she'd be forced to deplete her resources to guard next turn."

Either way, Iori was in a tough position. If she aggro'd, she would get aggro'd back even harder. If she held back, Hiryuu could drag this game out longer. In a battle of attrition, Impauldio would come out on top compared to Magnolia.

"Amasawa-san..."

Kurosaki looked up at the screen with concerned eyes. I found it surprising she was genuinely worried about her, since Iori also bullied her over being a Category Zero.

Seriously, I found it amazing how Kurosaki could forgive others so easily... personally, I couldn't ever do it myself. There are just some things that can't be forgiven, like...

I shook my head, shaking off those creeping thoughts. Maybe I just don't get it...

I put my hands together against my temples and laughed under my breath.

...or maybe, I'm just a bad person.

"Inlet Pulse attacks! (18000)"

"No guard! (Headway Router Dragon) X-ceed! I gain another AutoMOD gauge and +5k! (18000 > 23000)"

"My other Inlet Pulse attacks Nebula! (18000)"

"He retires!"

"Giunosla attacks! (25000) His skill, I counterblast to give Enlargulv his power! (18000 > 43000)"

"S-she did it! She found a way to get more power!"

Kurosaki cheered, but actually... that might have been a fatal mistake on Iori's part, depending on how she plays it. After all, Hiryuu has four AutoMOD gauges and three open damage... surely, if Iori noticed it on turn 3, she'll notice it now too, right?

"So you found a way around my gauges, eh? No guard! (Destined One of Exceedance, Impauldio) X-ceed! I get an AutoMOD and +5k! (23000 > 28000)"

"It's not perfect, but it's good enough to hit over that stupid mech of yours! Golidoat attacks Nebula! His skill, he gets +10k! (15000 > 25000)"

"He also retires!"

"Golidoat retires and I draw! Enlargulv attacks! (43000)"

I grimaced. Kuyou clicked his tongue— he must've seen the same thing I did. I guess there's such a thing as getting wrapped up in the battle, because... Iori just handed Hiryuu the win with that one attack.

Hiryuu's eyes widened briefly before curving into a smirk. She quickly took the damage.

"No guard! (Blitz Pilot, Jagt) Critical! Unfortunate it came at the last swing. X-ceed, get an AutoMOD gauge and +5k! (28000 > 33000 > 43000)"

"Alright, Amasawa-san got her to five damage! She managed to turn this around!"

Kurosaki was excited to see Amasawa be in the winning position, so I didn't want to break the bad news to her that Hiryuu was actually in the better position right now due to how many AutoMOD gauges she created this turn.

"Ku ku... once a Category Zero, always a Category Zero. That's a naive observation."

Kuyou shook his head at Kurosaki's words. Momoka nodded in agreement.

"Hiryuu-san had multiple chances to guard Iori-san's attacks with 5k shields, but instead took them all. Her aim was never to prevent Iori-san's multi-attack... she wanted to take all of that damage to speed up her AutoMOD gauge production."

"The magic number in that deck is eight gauges. Category Zero, you can count to eight, right? How many gauges does Hiryuu-san now, huh?"

Kurosaki's eyes widened.

"S-she... has seven..."

"One away. Oh wait... ku ku ku! Impauldio sets one with his skill! Iori scuffed it. She gave Hiryuu the last piece to her puzzle."

"Turn end! My two Inlet Pulse's skills! Since I attacked four or more times this turn, they both go to soul and I draw 2!"

Towards Kuyou's cruel truth, Kurosaki shook her head.

"N-no... it's not over just yet... I can feel it's not over!"

"Aww, don't say you believe in stuff like miracle heals. I'll die of laughter, ku ku."

"I... I believe in Amasawa-san's skills. D-do you remember...? On turn 3? S-she was very conscious about Hiryuu-san's gauges... I don't think she would throw that consciousness away so easily. That move... each attack... was a deliberate and calculated decision to secure her kill turn!"

Kuyou, and even me, looked at Kurosaki with a puzzled expression.

"But... how?"

"Because I fought against her before... I know how strong Cultivated Overgrowth is... but it's most effective when the opponent is at five damage. Amasawa-san knows Hiryuu-san will want to take damage to set up her AutoMOD gauge... so, she used it to blitz her down to five so she can finish Hiryuu-san off on her next turn!"

"Don't be ridiculous. She won't have a next turn because everything—"

"Amasawa-san probably has perfect guards in her hand! T-that's why... she made that decision... because she knew she could defend against Hiryuu-san!"

Momoka's eyes widened. Giving it some thought, she also nodded in agreement.

"She makes a good point, Kuyou-san."

Kuyou narrowed his eyes.

"Yeah... that makes perfect sense, Kurosaki-san! Even Iori-san said it herself, Impauldio is a three attack deck. Since she's on two damage, Iori-san can afford to risk eating a crit, then use sentinels to stop the other two attacks. The only way this could fall apart is if Hiryuu-san checks a heal on her turn..."

I grinned, following the logic of Kurosaki's explanation. Suddenly, there was a glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel for Iori's chance in this fight.

"S-she can also counter that heal by checking a crit... it's just whoever gets luckier in that aspect. P-plus... even if Amasawa-san didn't have a perfect guard... s-she was probably betting on drawing one with her triple drive, two Inlets, and Golidoat!"

"Ku ku... ku ku ku."

Kuyou covered his face with his hand, laughing under his muttering breath. Through the cracks between his fingers, I could see him staring intensely at Kurosaki. I glared at him, trying to get him to knock it off, but—

Kuyou's eyes were hyper-focused on her. He didn't even notice that I was looking at him. For a full five seconds, he didn't blink. It wasn't until after he removed his hand from his face he went back to watching the large screen.

What the hell was that all about...?

Hiryuu:
Hand: 11
Damage: 5
Energy: 0
AutoMOD: 7
OXO
OOO

Iori:
Hand: 12
Damage: 2
Energy: 6
OXX
XOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! The rails of the universe open up to you. Beyond starlight in the cosmos, with your strongest, beat their strongest, and break your limits faster than the speed of sound! Persona Ride my avatar, Destined One of Exceedance, Impauldio! (13000 > 23000) Impauldio's skill, I counterblast to put a card from drop as an AutoMOD gauge, scry 5, and call Headway Router Dragon! Impauldio also now gives my front row +20k since I have eight AutoMOD gauges! (23000 > 43000) Headway's skill, I energyblast 3 to scry 5 and call Moonlit Ainsel! I call Nebula (10000 > 20000 > 40000), Headway, and Sky-leap Conversion, Vindschtar! (13000 > 23000 > 43000) Vindschtar's skill, since I have two AutoMOD gauges, he gets +5k! (43000 > 48000) Let's open up the King's dominion!"

Hiryuu smirked as light green circuits lit up all over her body, shooting from her heart before concentrating into her left forearm, which she held up to show a Roman numeral.

XVII.

"Star ability, activate."

"Starlight Siegfried! The next time I gain drive checks, I double the amount I gain!"

Hearing this, Iori narrowed her eyes and gritted her teeth.

"Oh, don't tell me..."

"That's right. Now that you're in the King's dominion, it's only fair he goes all out— Impauldio's Divine Skill, activate! Since your vanguard is grade 3 or greater and I have four AutoMOD gauges, I counterblast and discard 1 to make Impauldio go critical and get +2 drive checks! However, because of Starlight Siegfried's effect, I'll double the amount of drive checks I gain, making it a total of +4 drive checks! (43000/1 > 2/2d > 6d) This is what the fastest in the universe looks like! Are you ready to get left behind in my tracks, Amasawa-san?"

"Hah, as if I'd be afraid of that hulking lump of defunct metal. Have fun taking your scrap robot back to the junkyard once you finish checking six blanks this turn!"

"For your sake, I hope your words don't age too badly when I check my oT. Boosted by Ainsel, Impauldio attacks! (43000 > 51000/2/6d) Reaccelerate Railgun... Overdrive!"

"That's all you lame-ass Brandt Gate users amount too... Eldobreath this, Eldobreath that, you're all so obsessed with checking him! What the hell would you guys do without that oT, huh? Elementaria Sanctitude, perfect guard!"

"I'll gladly show you then! Hextuple Drive!!!!!! (Great Sickle of White Flash, Baldareid, Moonlit Ainsel, Destined One of Exceedance, Impauldio, Cardinal Draco, Enpyro) Front trigger! My front row is getting +10k! (48000 > 58000) (51000 > 61000/2/6d) (40000 > 50000) (Nebula Invoke Dragon, Blitz Pilot, Jagt) Critical trigger! All effects to Vindschtar! (58000 > 68000/1 > 2) Ainsel's skill, she goes to soul and I countercharge!"

"Ha! Only two triggers in six checks? Pathetic. You must suck at gacha."

Iori, who saw how little triggers Hiryuu got, started to become cocky that she could escape her Divine Skill turn unscathed.

"You're a glass is half-empty kind of girl, aren't ya? Because to me, getting at least even one trigger is more than good enough! Boosted by Headway, Vindschtar attacks! (68000 > 76000/2) Headway's skill! Since I have five AutoMOD gauges, I soulblast to give it +5k! (76000 > 81000/2) Vindschtar's skill! Since I have four AutoMOD gauges and no other rear-guards performed drive checks, I counterblast to let him drive check during this attack! And while he would normally lose a drive, since I have eight AutoMOD gauges, his drive checks are immune to being reduced!"

"There's no way I'd let you through! Planar Prevent Dragon, perfect guard!"

"Twin Drive!! (Blitz Pilot, Jagt) Critical trigger! All on Nebula! (50000 > 60000/1 > 2) (Cardinal Draco, Enpyro) Heal trigger! All to Nebula, recovering a damage! (60000 > 70000/2) End of battle, Vindschtar binds himself!"

Iori flinched seeing Hiryuu pull the Heal, since it let her take one attack and build her gauge up again. In the worst case scenario, if the fifth damage Hiryuu checked was a trigger, her vanguard would be sitting at a comfortable 28k, basically neutering all of the advantages Iori would get from Cultivated Overgrowth.

"Boosted by Headway, Nebula attacks! (70000 > 78000/2)"

"No guard! (Serene Maiden, Lena) Draw trigger! All to vanguard and I draw! (13000 > 23000) (Hulappoi Lilikkoi)"

"Impressive. You actually survived that. Turn end."

It looks like Kurosaki's vision of the fight was right... how the hell did she get that read so accurate? It was seriously impressive, considering no one else saw it.

Well, putting that aside, this was a major chance for Iori to mount a counterattack and come back from behind! I hope she can pull something incredible off as well.

Hiryuu:
Hand: 16
Damage: 4
Energy: 0
AutoMOD: 8
OXX
XOX

Iori:
Hand: 9
Damage: 4
Energy: 6
OXX
XOO

"Cut the pretty words out... I didn't survive anything. All your turn amounted to was a giant coin flip from you. Either I had PGs to stop your attacks, or you would've won right then and there. The coin just so happened to land on my side."

Hiryuu smiled at Iori's brutal honesty of their situation.

"For a preppy rich girl, you sure don't mince your words."

"Mama didn't raise no spoiled brat, I can tell you that much. Stand, draw, and charge! Once more, I ride Sylvan Horned Beast Emperor, Magnolia Elder! Magnolia's skill, I call Golidoat from soul! Golidoat in my drop's skill, he goes to soul and gives my vanguard +5k! (13000 > 18000) I energyblast 7 to draw! Then, I call Sylvan Horned Beast, Banaspati! Banaspati's skill, counterblast and soulblast to revive two units! I call another Banaspati and Gabregg! Magnolia's skill, they all get +5k! (10000 > 15000) (10000 > 15000) (10000 > 15000) (10000 > 15000) (10000 > 15000) Since you've shown me the King's dominion, allow me to indulge you in the Jack's authority!"

Brimming from her chest, a circuit of light green began flowing up her neck before manifesting in a cluster on her tongue, which Iori stuck out to reveal a Roman numeral etched into it.

VIII.

"Strength ability, activate."

"Cultivated Overgrowth! I activate Persona Ride, and for the rest of this turn, when a unit attacks from the back row, all my units get +5k! (15000 > 25000) (18000 > 28000) (15000 > 25000) Golidoat, start the attack! His skill, he gets +10k! (15000 > 25000) Overgrowth's skill, everyone gets +5k! (25000 > 30000) (28000 > 33000) (25000 > 30000) (15000 > 20000) (15000 > 20000) (25000 > 30000)"

"So even the attacking unit gets another +5k from it, hmm? What an interesting Arcana... too bad it won't be enough. No guard! (Bullet of Creation, Pansmermia) X-ceed! I get another AutoMOD gauge and my vanguard gets +5k! (13000 > 18000)"

"Golidoat retires and I draw! Next up, Banaspati attacks! (20000) Banaspati's skill, he gets +5k for every 2 grades of my vanguard! (20000 > 30000) Then, Cultivated Overgrowth! (30000 > 35000) (33000 > 38000) (30000 > 35000) (20000 > 25000) (30000 > 35000) Gabregg's skill! When another unit in the same column as it attacks, I soulblast to give it +10k (35000 > 45000), and during the battle it attacked, you can't guard with cards from hand as the same grade as your rear-guards! No more 2s and 1s for you!"

"Gesund and Baldareid guard! (38000)"

"Giunosla attacks! (25000) Cultivated Overgrowth! (45000 > 50000) (38000 > 43000) (35000 > 40000) (25000 > 30000) Giunosla's skill, I counterblast and give his power to Gabregg! (50000 > 80000)"

"I've been holding onto this one far too long... I play the Persona Shield ticket! It gives my vanguard +10k and allows me to play two Blitz Ordees this turn! I also add Headway to guard! (33000)"

"Magnolia Elder attacks! (43000) Fly high, Regal Aeroclaw!"

"Cosmo Wreath, perfect guard!"

"Triple Drive!!! (Peppery Pepper) Critical! All to Gabregg! (80000 > 90000/1 > 2) (Friendship Fairy, Elegy Pixy) Heal trigger! I don't heal, but power to Gabregg! (90000 > 100000/2) Gabregg attacks! (100000/2) You can't guard with grade 1s or 2s!"

"W-wow! Amasawa-san made a card hit 100k power!"

Kurosaki was stunned to see such a massive attack heading Hiryuu's way. However, considering the unwavering look on her face, she too was also prepared to stop Iori's turn dead in her tracks.

"No one said anything about Blitz Orders however! Sanctitude, perfect guard!"

"Tch... of course you'd save that."

"I figured it out the moment you called him. I don't need the free PG anyways, I'm swimming in hand cards."

"You won't be after Banaspati is through with you! His skill, +10k! (40000 > 50000)"

"A walk in the park. Enpyro and Gesund guards! (53000)"

"Turn end!"

Hiryuu:
Hand: 6
Damage: 5
Energy: 0
AutoMOD: 9
OXX
XOX

Iori:
Hand: 14
Damage: 4
Energy: 2
XXX
XOX

"Stand, draw, and charge! Unluckily for you, I don't need Persona Ride where I'm going. Impauldio's skill! I counterblast, set another AutoMOD gauge, scry 5, call Vindschtar, and give my front row +25k! (13000 > 38000) (13000 > 38000) (10000 > 35000) Vindschtar gets +5k too! (38000 > 43000) Impauldio attacks! (38000) Reaccelerate Railgun!"

"Sanctitude, perfect guard!"

"Twin Drive!! (Sky-leap Conversion, Vindschtar, Cardinal Draco, Enpyro) Front trigger! It's like Persona Ride never left! (43000 > 53000) (38000 > 48000) (35000 > 45000) Boosted by Headway, Vindschtar attacks! Vindschtar's skill, I counterblast to drive check! Headway's skill, I soulblast to get +5k! (53000 > 61000 > 66000)"

"Elegy Pixy, Melodia Pomera, two Peppery Pepper, and Enlargulv guards! Enlargulv gets +15k shield! (13000 > 28000 > 43000 > 58000 > 73000 > 88000) No pass!"

"Twin Drive!! (Patrol Robo, Dekarcop) Critical, all to Nebula Invoke! (45000 > 55000/1 > 2) (Flowers in Vacuum, Cosmo Wreath) No trigger. Vindschtar binds itself! Boosted by Headway, Nebula Invoke attacks! (55000 > 63000/2) Headway's skill, soulblast for 5k! (63000 > 68000/2) Nebula's skill, I soulblast to give him +15k since I have five AutoMOD gauges! (68000 > 83000/2)"

Iori looked at her field, looked at her hand, and bit her bottom lip. She grinned, not letting the fear of being on the verge of getting knocked out from the tournament take over her body.

"I need a miracle heal now, huh? No guard! (Hulappoi Lilikkoi, Sylvan Horned Beast Emperor, Magnolia Elder) No triggers... good game, Hiryuu-san."

Iori sighed, relieved the fight was over, but looked disappointed she lost despite all her smack talk throughout the game.

"Good game to you too, Amasawa-san. I honestly wasn't expecting you to play around me so well."

"You have to gamble a little to win. Unfortunately, looks like I didn't get lady luck's blessing."

Iori sighed, before smiling with a giggle.

"If you didn't get that crit, I would've taken that attack and then got my next turn. Do ya think you could've survived?"

"I would've ended my turn on 12 cards in hand, so I feel confident I would have. The deck out would've gotten to me first though, however."

"Shame. By the way, was your Eldobreath still in deck?"

"Huh? Nope, not at all. I drew it turn 1 and kept it hidden to keep you on your toes."

"Uwa... I think that's relatable for all Brandt Gate players."

Iori and Hiryuu shared a laugh before exiting the arena.

"I can't believe we lost another fight..."

"Ku ku... worthless."

Kurosaki flinched as Kuyou's voice cut through the tense air.

"This whole team... this whole class... all of it... is worthless."

It was like venom was leaking from Kuyou's mouth as he spoke.

"Kuyou-san, please calm down. You're going to regret—"

"I'm going to regret what I say... is that what you were gonna say, yeah? Ku ku. My whole life is filled with regrets, dumbass. What's one more going to change?"

For the first time since I've met him... Kuyou didn't sound like an arrogant scumbag for once. There was a genuine desperation in his voice I'd never heard before.

"Kuyou-san, please tell us what you need so we can support you. You don't have to start lashing out like this—"

"I'd like you all to leave me the hell alone. Get away from me. All of you."

Kuyou distanced himself from the rest of us, sticking one foot out of the door.

"I can't stand it... I can't bear it any longer... looking at all of you..."

His eyes narrowed as his gaze fell upon Kurosaki, then upon me.

"It makes me want to hurl."

Reflected in the pupil of his eyes were a silent threat of death aimed at me.

"I'll fight. But not for GEN Academy anymore. I'm doing this for myself, and myself only. I hope the rest of you lose."

Kuyou then left the room with a spiralling laugh.

"Especially you, Takamine. You're the one most unworthy... of still being in the tournament. Ku ku ku."

I raised an eyebrow. What the hell did he mean by that...?

As the door shut behind him, Momoka kicked the desk she was sitting at.

"Ahh... what a pompous dickhead. If it wasn't illegal, I would've castrated you by now. Crashing out on us over a couple losses? Get your priorities straight, weirdo."

She sighed, before turning red and side-eyeing the rest of us.

"S-sorry... you had to see that... that was unbecoming of me."

"Honestly sis, I've felt the same way since day one."

I raised my hand, reassuring Momoka that she wasn't alone. She looked over at me and Kurosaki before sighing.

"I can see why you have a bone to pick with him now. I can't believe I ever considered that guy a friend..."

"He was normal enough the first time we met him. I only stopped caring for him since... you know."

I gestured over to Kurosaki, who began also going red from embarrassment. Momoka laughed.

"Right, right, that makes sense. Actually, while I'm here I guess... hey, Kurosaki-san."

"E-eh? A-Aiuchi-san?"

"Look... I know I haven't been the best person to you in the past either, but I definitely don't want to hang out with Kuyou anymore. That's why, I'd like to apologise if I hurt you in any way with my words before. And, if it's alright with you..."

Momoka looked away, scratching the back of her head as her cheeks went red.

"C-could I hang out with you and Minoru-kun?"

Kurosaki's eyes widened, her cheeks also going red.

"A-Aiuchi-san... I-I really appreciate it... umm, of course, if you do want to hang out with us, you're more than welcome..."

"Momo."

"A-ah?!"

"Call me Momo, or Momoka if that's too forward. I hate being called by my last name, you know? It's too formal."

"O-oh... s-sure thing, M-Momo-san!"

"Nice, nice, I like the sound of that! Yuuma-chan okay with you?"

"H-hwe?!"

Kurosaki made an adorable noise as Momoka suddenly used her first name.

"It's okay? Great! Let's get along lots, Yuuma-chan!"

"A-awawawa?! I-I mean, I-I'll be in your care too, M-Momo-shan!"

Momoka started shaking Kurosaki's hand, making her blush like a peach. I think Momoka might unexpectedly be rizzing her up without realising it...

At the same time, Iori reentered our room with a confused look on her face.

"Hey... anyone know what's up with Kuyou-san? I saw him walk past me with the strangest look on his face. I couldn't tell if he was pissed or upset. I tried talking to him, but he just pushed me away..."

Momoka looked at Iori over her shoulder and sighed.

"Don't worry about that cry baby. He crashed out on us after you lost. He called us all worthless and insulted Minoru-kun, the only person who actually won. That ego is way too big for his head."

Iori's eyes widened before she frowned.

"He... really said all of that?"

Everyone in the room nodded. Iori turned around to leave the room.

"I... I'm going to look for him. I think Kuyou-san doesn't mean what he said earlier."

"Wait, are you sure it's a good idea?"

I don't know why, but I felt compelled to say that.

"I don't see anyone else going to check on him."

"Huh? Isn't it obvious? He's been obscenely rude to everyone here." Momoka said.

"I know. Kuyou-san can be abrasive with his words. I get it. What he said earlier to you, Momo-chan, also rubbed me the wrong way. But... it's not like his intentions are bad. And... my intuition is telling me he wants to be chased after."

I suppose he wouldn't make such a dramatic exit otherwise.

"Don't worry, Amasawa-san. Since I'm team manager, I'll go handle it. You should take a rest, since you just did a hard-fought Battle out there."

Kazuraba smiled. Iori shook her head.

"No... even if it's your responsibility, I'm going with you. For better or worse... I'm the one who has spent the most time with him. I know what he's like better than anyone else."

"In that case, I'll come too. Just in case things get messy. I get along with Kuyou-san fairly well too."

Akitani stood, offering to help as well.

"Looks like a field trip with the three of us then! Lucina-sensei, can you hold down the fort?"

"Of course, leave it to me! You kids just do what you need to do to help each other."

Lucina-sensei gave a thumbs up.

"Thanks! Oh, and Yuuma-chan! If your fight is coming up, good luck! I know you can do it!"

And, almost as if Kazuraba jinxed it, a pop-up appeared in front of all of us.

<Commencing next game>
[Alba] Christopher Ford vs [GEN] Kurosaki Yuuma

"E-eh... eh?! I-I'm... I-I'm going up n-n-next?!"