As Kurosaki and I made our way back to the GEN Academy room, we both got a pop up showing who would be fighting next.

<Commencing next game>
[Jinrai] Haruno Yuuki vs [Alba] Yuasa Kouta

"No one from GEN again."

"I-I'm starting to get nervous..."

Kurosaki sighed. She looked like she wanted to have her turn sooner, rather than later, to quell the nerves. Maybe I lucked out getting the first fight...

By the time we returned, both competitors were at the fight table, and their game was already underway.

"By the way, Haruno-san."

Yuasa looked away, rubbing the back of his neck.

"E-eh? What's up?"

Haruno blinked, scratching their cheek.

"Sorry if this comes off as rude or insensitive, but I wanted to ask so I don't accidentally misgender you... what pronouns should I use for you?"

Yuasa, like me, was also confused by Haruno's androgynous appearance, making him unsure whether they were a boy, girl, or enby.

"Oh! Don't worry, I'm really glad you asked me! Most people wouldn't have the courtesy to, ha ha..."

Haruno smiled, laughing nervously.

"You can use any pronouns for me, I don't mind! All of them work for me."

"O-oh, seriously? That's great then, thanks."

"Ah, no, thank you! It's good to ask if you're unsure, so I appreciate it!"

I also thanked Yuasa for helping clarify it for me... I guess I'll use he/him for Haruno.

"Good luck to you, Haruno-san!"

"Good luck to you too, Yuasa-san."

A blue card each descended in front of them, with Haruno catching his in the palm of his hand and Yuasa snatching his with a confident smirk. A burst of special effects ignited the cards, realising their decks.

A bluish purple crest of a complex magic circle overlaid on a grimoire appeared over Haruno's deck, while a fiery red crest of scaled armaments crossing appeared over Yuasa's deck.

The system decided Yuasa would go first.

"Stand up, Vanguard!"

"Physical Training from Scratch, Luticia!"

"Surprise Egg!"

"T-Takamine-san, look! Another Lyrical deck!"

Kurosaki tugged my sleeve, pointing at the screen excitedly.

"Oh, nice. I can't wait to see what Haruno-san plays!"

Though, judging by that starter, it's probably Luticia. I wouldn't blame him though, she's one of the strongest decks in the nation.

"Stand and draw! I discard to ride Heart-pounding Blaze Maiden, Rina! I get the Energy Generator, and my turn ends!"

"A XoverDress deck, huh?"

Kuyou, being a Dragon Empire main, leaned forward in interest as it was the first time we had seen Dragon Empire appear in the tournament.

Yuasa:
Hand: 5
Damage: 0
Energy:
OXO
OOO

Haruno:
Hand: 5
Damage: 0
OXO
OOO

"Stand and draw! I discard to ride Staying in Even On Days Off, Luticia! And since I'm going second, I draw and set the Energy Generator with 3 energy!"

"L-Luticia?!"

Kurosaki was more than just surprised to see the deck, she looked almost spooked by it.

"Damn, looks like I've got tough competition on best Lyrical main."

I laughed, half-joking as Haruno confirmed his deck was Luticia.

Considering Yuasa was using XoverDress, I'd say things were heavily weighted in Haruno's favour, so he'd probably advance to the next round.

"Since I have a Luticia vanguard, I play the order Cursed Sugar Sparkle! I put it into soul and soulcharge 1! Then, I choose a card from my soul and call it! Let's see what I soulcharged... oh hell yeah! I call Overflow Happiness, Naustria—"

"Uh... Haruno-san, you can't do that."

Yuasa paused, stopping him. Haruno blinked, his excitement dissipating as he looked at Yuasa with confused eyes.

"W-what do you mean I can't do that?"

"Your order... you have to call a card with the same or less grade than your vanguard."

Haruno's face burned bright red before he turned into stone as his misplay was broadcasted for the entire greater world to see.

"W-wha... s-since, since when...?"

Haruno picked up his card and read it over and over, shattering in disbelief as he found the line of text Yuasa was referring to.

"Aww no, I feel so bad for her...! T-that must be so embarrassing...!"

Kurosaki covered her mouth, empathising with Haruno as this was the sort of thing she would probably end up doing too.

"His teammates must feel like fools too, ku ku. Did they never point it out to him during testing? What a bunch of idiots."

Kuyou mocked the rest of Jinrai for not catching onto such a simple mistake.

"I... I don't call Naustria..."

Haruno swallowed his tears and put the card back into soul.

"Seeing what my other option is... yeah, I'm not calling. L-Luticia attacks... (8000)"

"Dang... Zonne guards! (23000)"

Yuasa, despite doing the right thing, looked like he felt a little guilty dampening Haruno's spirits and embarrassing him on live TV.

"Drive check! (Anathema Slap Twinkle) No trigger... turn end!"

Yuasa:
Hand: 4
Damage: 0
Energy: 0
OXO
OOO

Haruno:
Hand: 6
Damage: 0
Energy: 3
OXO
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! I discard to ride Snuggling Blaze Maiden, Reiyu! Rino's skill, when she's rode upon by Reiyu, I call a Trickstar from deck! I call Blazing Heavenly Render Equip Dragon, Aparajea and use its skill! I soulblast and discard to call a Prayer Dragon from my deck! I call Illuminate Equip Dragon, Graillumirror! Graillumirror attacks! (8000)"

"Tri-laning turn 2, nice."

Kuyou approved of Yuasa's rush tactics.

"No guard! (Cooling Heart, Yuika)"

"Aparajea attacks! (10000)"

"I play the blitz order, Anathema Slap Twinkle! Since I have a Luticia vanguard, I put it into soul and give a unit +15k power! (23000)"

"Boosted by Trickstar, Reiyu attacks! (15000)"

"No guard!"

"Drive check! (Blazing Holy Sword Equip, Stravairina)"

"Damage check! (Cherish Starlight, Reshelto)"

"Turn end!"

Yuasa:
Hand: 3
Damage: 0
Energy: 3
XXX
OXO

Haruno:
Hand: 5
Damage: 2
Energy: 3
OXO
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! I discard to ride Heavy Leaning on Expectations, Luticia! Luticia's skill, I put a card from hand to the bottom of my deck, and add a Cursed Play order from deck to hand! I add Wishing Your Happiness! I call Overflow Happiness, Naustria! Her skill, I scry 3, put a card from among them into soul, and botdeck the rest! I put Anathema Slap Twinkle! Next I'll play Cursed Sugar Sparkle! I put it into soul, soulcharge, and this time, actually call Naustria from my soul with +5k! (10000 > 15000) Her skill once again, scrying 3 and putting Ludivine into soul!"

"I-if Haruno-san calls down a skank bitch, this turn is going to become disgusting... bleh..."

Kurosaki covered her mouth, shaking her head. Judging by her reactions thus far, it looked like she had experience fighting Luticia before. More importantly, who was she referring to?

"Uh... skank bitch?"

I raised an eyebrow. Kurosaki looked at me with dead eyes.

"The devil herself... the reprinted to hell generic Lyrical staple... the one Takamine-san surprisingly doesn't play!"

"Wait... you mean— hey, why is she a skank bitch?!"

I didn't even run Yuika but I felt offended on her behalf.

"Double Naustria turn 2 is the last thing you wanna see... that's nasty. You got any of the bouncer to go along with them?"

Yuasa grit his teeth, mentally preparing himself for what was about to come.

"Unfortunately, no... but I don't need Yuika where I'm going."

For the first time in this fight, Haruno put on a cocky face, smiling bravely. Yuasa narrowed his eyes, smirking.

"Ah, I get it... your Arcana skill's going to bail you out from Stravairina's board wipe, is that it?"

"Maybe... or maybe, I just have more Naustria up my sleeves! Luticia attacks! (10000)"

"I hope not, since that'd be a real pain in the ass! Burning Flail guards! (25000) oT to pass!"

"Drive check! (Precious Tune, Edwige) Critical trigger! All to Naustria! (15000 > 25000/1 > 2) My non-critical Naustria attacks! Her skill, since I have four or more Cursed Play in soul, she gets +15k! (10000 > 25000)"

"No guard! (Blaze Maiden, Cindi)"

"Naustria attacks! Her skill, +15k! (25000 > 40000/2)"

"No guard! (Strike Equip Dragon, Stragallio, Mirror Reflection Equip, Mirrors Vairina)"

"To be honest, Yuasa-san... you got it right on the money. I'm going to use my Arcana ability now!"

Lavender purple circuits began glowing dimly all over Haruno's body, gliding across his arms and legs before being channelled into the core of his chest in the form of a cursed soul that transmuted into his chest as a Roman numeral.

VI.

"Lovers ability, activate."

"Demonic Charm! At the end of my turn, I bounce all of my rear-guards to hand, and since I bounced two or more, I draw! Over to you!"

"And here I was hoping I could get rid of them... this is getting real interesting."

Yuasa:
Hand: 2
Damage: 3
Energy: 3
XXX
OXO

Haruno:
Hand: 7
Damage: 2
Energy: 6
OXO
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! From the sea of flames, the imperishable feathers bathed in blazing sunlight will be reborn over and over again! Cross the boundaries of life and death, my avatar! I discard to ride Chakrabarthi Phoenix Dragon, Nirvana Jheva! Reiyu's skill! When she's rode upon by Nirvana Jheva, I scry 7 and add a Prayer Dragon to hand! I choose Argneas! Next, I XoverDress Trickstar and Graillumirror to call Mirror Reflection Equip, Mirrors Vairina! Graillumirror's skill, when it becomes an originalDress, I soulblast to scry 7, choose two Vairinas from among them, add one to hand and discard the rest! I add Bram Vairina and mill Stravairina! Mirrors Vairina's skill! When he's called by XoverDress, I put two Vairina from drop as originalDress! I choose Stravairina and Mirrors Vairina! Jheva's skill! I discard to call a Trickstar and Prayer Dragon from my drop! Trickstar comes back, and I choose Graillumirror! Now XoverDress once more, Trickstar, Aparajea, and Graillumirror! The red talisman emperor that surpasses the world's limits and drives despair into the floor with the flaming scales of hope, appear now by my side— Blazing Holy Sword Equip, Stravairina!"

Yuasa's right arm was suddenly transformed into Stravairina's armoured claw, before gripping onto a replica of his sword that suddenly manifested in his hand. Pointing the fiery edge at Haruno, Yuasa's lips curled into a wide smirk.

"Aparajea's skill! When it becomes an originalDress, I draw, and that unit cannot be chosen by your card effects! Stravairina's skill! Since it's in the XoverDress state, it gets +10k, and my Nirvana vanguards get +10k and Triple Drive! (13000 > 23000) (13000 > 23000/2d > 3d) Then, I play Radiance Caliburn to draw 2! Mirrors Vairina attacks! It's skill, it gets +10k since it's in the XoverDress state, and I drop one of its originalDress to draw! (10000 > 20000)"

"Fabiola guards! (25000)"

"Nirvana Jheva attacks! (23000/3d) Jheva's skill, I counterblast to restand a XoverDress rear-guard! Mirrors Vairina, get back up! Render the boundaries to ribbons, Reincarnated Juggernaut!"

"No guard!"

"Triple Drive!!! (Sparkle Rejector Dragon, Chakrabarthi Phoenix Dragon, Nirvana, Blazing Heavenly Slash Equip Dragon, Drahas) Ah, nothing..."

"Damage check! (Cursed Sugar Sparkle)"

"Mirrors Vairina attacks again! It's skill, +10k, and dropping an originalDress to draw! (10000 > 20000)"

"Anathema Slap Twinkle! I put it into soul, and my vanguard gets +15k! (25000) And since I have four or more Cursed Plays, I draw!"

"Stravairina attacks! (23000)"

With a roar, Yuasa swung the sword in his hands at Haruno.

"No guard! (Soapy Splash, Riviena)"

Haruno grit his teeth, crossing his arms and taking the brunt of the attack, being pushed back.

"Turn end!"

Yuasa:
Hand: 9
Damage: 3
Energy: 6
XXX
OOO

Haruno:
Hand: 7
Damage: 4
Energy: 6
OXO
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! Luticia's skill, since I have a Cursed Play in soul, I can ride up by soulblasting a Luticia! Only the stars have the right to bear this curse! A true lead overcomes adversity with effort, and effort alone! I ride my avatar, Grimoire Etoile, Luticia!"

Hearing that chant, Kurosaki's eyes sparkled and she looked up in awe.

"W-woah... so cool...!"

"I've never seen Yuuma-chan be so enamoured by a ride chant before."

Kazuraba, also curious about Kurosaki's reaction, craned her head over to her.

"E-eh? S-sorry, that was weird of me..."

Her face went bright red as she started playing with her ponytail, stroking it and twirling it between her fingers.

"Hey, Kurosaki-san. Out of curiosity... have you fought Luticia before?"

Kurosaki froze up, covering her blushing face with her ponytail, before looking at me shyly and nodding.

"Umm... h-how do I put this..."

She squeezed her eyes shut and tilted her head, releasing her ponytail as it fell over her shoulder again.

"D-daddy... h-his main deck... i-is Luticia... s-so, um, whenever we fight... he plays it... a-and he has all sorts of nicknames for his cards!"

"Huh..."

Suddenly, that explained a lot. I didn't know what kind of person her father was like, but now I was imagining some kind of waifu enjoyer.

"What?! I would've never expected that from him!"

Kazuraba was really surprised by that. Okay, maybe the image in my head is wrong...

"Holy crap, being a gooner runs in the family! Ku ku ku!"

Kuyou, overhearing our conversation, burst into side-splitting laughter.

"I-it's not what you think! I-it's just, Luticia plays most similarly to his favourite deck from V format..."

"Oh my god, he's a Dragonic Overlord The X sucker! Ku ku ku!"

"N-no... Overlord is lame...! H-he... he played..."

Kurosaki puffed out her cheeks, before standing up and proudly declaring what her father's deck was—

"T-the coolest dragon in all of Vanguard! Claret Sword Dragon!"

Kuyou's laughter was cut short hearing that. He looked genuinely surprised to hear that.

"Huh? Claret Sword? What's that?"

Momoka raised an eyebrow, having never heard of it before.

"I think it was some tier 2 deck or something."

Iori looked it up, projecting it on a screen for her.

"Yeah, I've never heard of it either."

Busujima chipped in, but considering her origin, that was understandable...

"What is your old man, a fascist?"

Without missing a beat, Kuyou sneered at Kurosaki's declaration and looked down on her. Kurosaki flinched, shrinking away.

"Kuyou-san, knock it off."

Akitani gave him a stern warning. Kuyou sighed.

"Sorry, sorry. Ku ku."

He snickered before going back to watching the game.

"Oh, it's a restander!"

Momoka exclaimed as she read the card for the first time.

"It's famous for being the first restander to actually plus you in terms of card advantage."

Kazuraba chimed in with that little nugget of Vanguard history knowledge.

"T-Takamine-san..."

Kurosaki tugged my sleeve, getting my attention. As I turned my head to her, she leaned in and whispered into my ear, probably trying to avoid the others from overhearing her.

"A-actually, the reason I'm so excited is because... H-Haruno-san... her ride chant... i-is the same as daddy's!"

My eyes widened.

"Huh? Is your dad a famous cardfighter or something...?"

Kurosaki shook her head no.

"H-he... had a little stint as a pro riding duellist... when he did... he used that as his chant!"

My eyes widened hearing that. Riding Duels were my thing! If her father was a pro in that circuit, I should know him...

"Seriously? Damn... just who is your father anyways?"

Kurosaki got embarrassed again, avoiding eye contact.

"I... I don't really wanna say, since he's famous, and I don't want people to think I'm some sort of nepo baby or something..."

I scratched the back of my head. If only she knew she was talking to someone who was in the exact same position as her...

"Don't worry, I won't judge. Besides... I'm really into the Riding Duel circuit. My goal is to actually go pro in that area specifically. So, there's probably a good chance I know who he is and I probably haven't realised it..."

Kurosaki looked at me in surprise before squeezing her eyes shut and nodding, mentally preparing to resolve herself.

"O-okay... I-I'll... show you who my daddy is then... b-but only because it's Takamine-san!"

I smiled.

"Thanks, Kurosaki-san. I'll keep a secret, don't worry!"

And, maybe...

I'll tell you the truth of who my mommy is too.

Who could her father be anyways...?

I ran through all the Luticia players I knew in my mind, and...

One flashed up as a passing thought.

I looked at Kurosaki, comparing her face to his.

N-no way...

Could it be...?

Is Kurosaki's father the man they dubbed as the brand-new racing legend—...?

"I call Cooling Heart, Yuika and two Naustria! Yuika's skill, since your vanguard is grade 3 or greater, when a unit is placed in the same column as her, she gets +5k! (8000 > 13000) Naustria's skill! I scry 3, put a Yuika to soul, botdeck the rest! Again, scry 3, put a Reshelto, botdeck the rest! I play the order Wishing Your Happiness! Since I have a Luticia vanguard, I put it into soul and add a card from soul into my hand! And since I have two more Cursed Plays in soul, I also get to put a card from drop into soul and give one of my units +5k! I add Slap Twinkle and put Riviena in! Luticia will get the +5k, and she gets another +5k on top of that since I played a normal order! (13000 > 18000 > 23000) Luticia attacks! (23000) Her skill, I counterblast, and since I have two or more Cursed Plays in soul, I draw and she gets another +5k! (23000 > 28000) Rebellion Bloodriver!"

Kurosaki covered her mouth, trying to contain her scream.

"S-she said the thing...! She said the thinggg...!"

"What a hardcore attack name for such a cute idol... no guard, Haruno-san!"

"Ha ha, I only follow the best! Twin Drive!! (Cooling Heart, Yuika, Snowskip Palvi) Alright, a front trigger! (10000 > 20000) (28000 > 38000) (10000 > 20000)"

"Damage check! (Blazing Heavenly Render Equip Dragon, Aparajea)"

"Luticia's skill! Since I have four or more Cursed Plays in soul, I discard to restand the vanguard with drive -1! (38000/2d > 1d) Reshelto's skill! When she's discarded, I energyblast 3 to draw! Luticia attacks once more! (38000/1d) Rebellion Bloodriver!"

"Sparkle Rejector Dragon, perfect guard!"

"Drive check! (Cursed Sugar Sparkle) Naustria attacks! Her skill, +15k! (35000)"

"No guard! (Blaze Maiden, Rona) Heal trigger! All to vanguard, healing one! (13000 > 23000)"

"Boosted by Yuika, Naustria attacks! Her skill, +15k! (35000 > 48000)"

"No guard! (Blaze Maiden, Parama) Late front trigger."

"Yuika's skill, end of battle she boosted, I soulblast to bounce Naustria back to hand! Turn end!"

Yuasa:
Hand: 7
Damage: 5
Energy: 6
XXX
OOO

Haruno:
Hand: 10
Damage: 4
Energy: 6
OXX
XOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! From the sea of flames, the imperishable feathers bathed in blazing sunlight will be reborn over and over again! Cross the boundaries of life and death, my avatar! Persona Ride the grand deity of the brand-new future, Chakrabarthi Phoenix Dragon, Nirvana Jheva! (10000 > 20000) (23000 > 33000/3d) (23000 > 33000) I call Blazing Heavenly Slash Equip Dragon, Drahas! Since I have a Nirvana vanguard, I counterblast and retire Mirrors Vairina to superior call two different Blazing Heavenly cards from my deck or drop as rest! I call Aparajea and Blazing Heavenly Spearhead Equip Dragon, Nandeeka! And since I retired a XoverDress unit, I draw! Jheva's skill, I discard to revive Trickstar and Piercing Equip Dragon, Argneas! Argneas' skill, since I have a Nirvana vanguard, I energyblast 3 to add a XoverDress from drop to hand! I add back Mirrors Vairina! Cindi's skill, since I revived a Trickstar, she also revives herself from drop! I XoverDress Trickstar and Aparajea to call Mirrors Vairina! (10000 > 20000) Mirrors Vairina gets two Vairina as originalDress, and when Aparajea becomes originalDress, I draw and give protection to Mirrors! Stravairina attacks! (33000)"

"Palvi guards! Her skill, get +5k shield! Naustria intercepts! (38000)"

"Boosted by Drahas, Mirrors Vairina attacks! It's skill, +10k and draw! (20000 > 28000 > 38000)"

"I play Anathema Slap Twinkle! +15k and draw! (13000 > 28000) Misa guards! (43000)"

"Nirvana Jheva attacks! (33000/3d) Jheva's skill, counterblast to restand Stravairina! Stravairina's skill! When it's stood by my vanguard, since your vanguard is grade 3 or greater, I counterblast to stand all my Talisman and Prayer Dragon rear-guards! Get back up, Mirrors and Drahas! Reincarnated Juggernaut!"

"Riviena, perfect guard!"

"Triple Drive!!! (Blaze Maiden, Cindi, Burning Flail Dragon) Critical! All to Stravairina! (33000 > 43000/1 > 2) (Flaring Cannon Equip, Baur Vairina) Boosted by Cindi, Stravairina attacks! (43000 > 51000/2)"

"Riviena, perfect guard once more!"

"Boosted by Drahas, Mirrors Vairina attacks! It's skill, +10k and draw! (20000 > 30000 > 38000)"

"No guard! (Anathema Slap Twinkle)"

"That's all from me... turn end!"

Yuasa:
Hand: 13
Damage: 5
Energy: 6
XXX
XOX

Haruno:
Hand: 3
Damage: 5
Energy: 6
OXO
XOO

"Stand, draw, and charge! Only the stars have the right to bear this curse! A true lead overcomes adversity with effort, and effort alone! Cross Persona Ride my avatar, Rive Etoile, Luticia!"

The surroundings around Haruno and Yuasa changed instantly, the ceiling being replaced by an endless glittering night sky, and the floor being replaced by a flowing river ran between the two of them, it's shimmering reflection lighting up the arena in gentle hues of stardust blue.

"(13000 > 23000) Luticia's skill! When she's placed, I add a Cursed Play from deck or drop! I add Wishing Your Happiness and play it! I add Riviena to hand and put Naustria in! Reshelto's skill from drop! When I play a Cursed Play, I counterblast to revive her with +5k! (10000 > 20000 > 25000) I call Naustria! (10000 > 20000) Yuika's skill, she gets +5k! (8000 > 13000) Naustria's skill! Scry 3, put Yuika in, and botdeck the rest! Luticia's skill! I counterblast to gain the following based on the number of Cursed Play in my soul! Since I have six or more, she gets all the effects! The first skill gives my front row +10k! (20000 > 30000) (23000 > 33000) (25000 > 35000) Luticia attacks! (33000) Rebellion Bloodriver!"

"Now I finally get where that part of your attack name comes from... a flowing river of blood, huh? Sure sounds pretty cursed! Dragveda, overGuard! (63000)"

"Twin Drive!! (Precious Tune, Edwige) Critical trigger! Critical to Naustria, power to Reshelto! (20000/1 > 2) (25000 > 35000) (Soapy Splash, Riviena) Luticia's skill! I discard to restand the vanguard with drive -1! However, with her final skill, she doesn't lose any drive checks! Get back up, Luticia!! Reshelto's skill! When she's discarded, I energyblast 3 to draw! Luticia, go again! (33000) Rebellion... Bloodriver!!!"

"You sure are damn tenacious... but I like that a whole lot! Sanctitude, perfect guard!"

"Same here! If it's not a game worth staking my entire soul on, then I don't want it! Twin Drive!! (Snowskip, Palvi) Front trigger! (20000 > 30000/2) (33000 > 43000) (35000 > 45000) (Sigh of Relief, Fabiola) Heal trigger! Recovering a damage, power to Naustria! (30000 > 40000/2)"

Yuasa's eyes widened in surprise as the river Haruno summoned splashed up and down, the falling droplets glimmering like stars.

"Reshelto, attack! (45000)"

"Mirrors intercepts! Zonne, Cindi, Aparajea, and Trickstar guard! (13000 > 18000 > 33000 > 48000)"

"Boosted by Yuika, Naustria attacks! Her skill, +15k! (45000 > 60000 > 73000/2)"

"Parama, Rona, and double Burning Flail guard! Parama gets +5k! (13000 > 33000 > 48000 > 63000 > 78000)"

Yuasa panted heavily as he just barely managed to guard it, with only two cards left remaining in his hand. Haruno grit his teeth, laughing nervously.

"He he... Yuika's skill, I soulblast to bounce Naustria. Turn end!"

Yuasa:
Hand: 2
Damage: 5
Energy: 6
OXX
XOX

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

Yuasa wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, showing a determined grin.

"Stand... and before I draw, I'm going to use it."

"Use it...? Wait, do you mean...!"

"Yeah. I was waiting for it, Haruno-san. The ultimate moment to unleash this Arcana of mine."

Concentrate his bulging right arm, still moulded like Stravairina's claw, Yuasa's circuits crackled red and expanded, revealing the Roman numeral engraved into his forearm.

XIX.

"Sun ability, activate."

"Chosen Miracle! Before my draw phase, I search my deck for any card of my choosing, and put it on top!"

"What?! But, but that's just a top-deck button...!"

"Heh. Yeah, it pretty much is. A really protagonist-like ability for the un-protagonist-like me. A complete mismatch, but... I feel blessed to be chosen for this."

Haruno stepped forward, exclaiming loudly.

"Bring it on then, Yuasa-san!"

"Draw!"

Yuasa grinned and ripped the top card of his deck, revealing it to Haruno.

"From the sea of flames, the imperishable feathers bathed in blazing sunlight will be reborn over and over again! Cross the boundaries of life and death, my avatar! Persona Ride the grand deity of the brand-new future, Chakrabarthi Phoenix Dragon, Nirvana Jheva!"

"He used his Arcana to secure the Persona Ride he was missing!"

Even I couldn't hide my surprise. Out of all cards Yuasa could've chosen... of course it would be his vanguard!

"It's all or nothing for him on this turn now... ku ku."

"H-Haruno-san, don't give up! You can win! You can do this!"

Kurosaki began shouting at the screen too. Looks like she was getting really into this fight as well.

"(23000 > 33000/3d) (23000 > 33000) Cindi's skill! I put her into soul to add a XoverDress unit from drop to hand! I choose Baur Vairina! Nirvana Jheva's skill! I discard to revive Trickstar and Graillumirror! Then, I XoverDress Trickstar and Argneas to call Flaring Cannon Equip, Baur Vairina! (23000 > 33000) Argneas's skill, when it becomes an originalDress, I soulblast to countercharge! Baur Vairina's skill, I soulblast 2 to retire Yuika! I energyblast 7 to draw! Then, I call Trickstar and Zonne! Get ready, Haruno-san... this is my final turn!"

The river Haruno summoned burst into flames, being replaced by a golden sky and rocky mountainous landscape that was only hospitable to fire dragons and lizards alike. As Yuasa thrust his sword forward, a ring of flames surrounded both of them.

"Boosted by Graillumirror, Baur Vairina attacks! Baur Vairina's skill, since it's in the XoverDress state, it gets +2k for each of your open rear-guard circles! There's four, so +8k! (23000 > 31000 > 39000) And since you have one or less rear-guards, I counterblast to give Baur drive -1 and the ability to drive check! (39000/2d > 1d)"

"Holy Herminia rip-off!"

"Lagrele jumpscare!"

"Impauldio moment!"

Me, Kurosaki, and Kazuraba all exclaimed at the same time.

"This moment... is the one I'm going to bet on. No guard, Yuasa-san!"

"One crit ends it... don't fail me now, partner! Drive check! (Blazing Holy Sword Equip, Stravairina) Damn, no trigger..."

"Damage check! (Floating in Paradise, Ludivine) No trigger...!"

It looked like Haruno was betting on getting at least one to soften the blow on the rest of the attacks. Question was, did he have enough shield in hand to stop everything else?

"Boosted by Trickstar, Stravairina attacks! (33000 > 38000)"

"Palvi and Reshelto guard! Reshelto interceps! Palvi gets +5k shield! (43000)"

"Boosted by Zonne, Nirvana Jheva attacks! (33000/3d) Jheva's skill, counterblast to restand Stravairina! Stravairina's skill, counterblast to restand all my Talisman and Prayer Dragon! In other words, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, my whole board is getting right back up! Reincarnated Juggernaut!!"

"Riviena, perfect guard!"

"Triple Drive!!! (Mirror Reflection Equip, Mirrors Vairina, Burning Flail Dragon) Critical trigger! All to Baur Vairina! (23000 > 33000/1 > 2) (Blazing Heavenly Render Equip Dragon, Aparajea) Boosted by Graillumirror, Baur Vairina attacks again! It's skill, gets +10k, and I counterblast to perform drive checks! (33000 > 41000 > 49000/2d > 1d)"

"Riviena, perfect guard!"

"Drive check! (Blaze Maiden, Zonne) Critical trigger! All to Stravairina! (33000 > 43000/1 > 2) This is it... boosted by Trickstar, Stravairina attacks!! (43000 > 48000/2)"

Yuasa swung down fiercely with the blazing holy sword, causing Haruno to flinch and cross his arms, gritting his teeth as he took the brunt of the attack.

"Not yet... I'm not giving up, just yet...! Anathema Slap Twinkle! To soul, give +15k, and draw! (13000 > 28000) Then, Edwige and Fabiola guard! (28000 > 43000 > 58000)"

Haruno pushed the sword away with a vicious roar, using everything at his disposal to fend off that last attack. He panted heavily with a desperate expression as Yuasa skidded back in surprise.

"Damn... I guess I couldn't close things off after all. Turn end!"

The crackling flames withered away, disappearing as Yuasa passed it back to Haruno.

Yuasa:
Hand: 6
Damage: 5
Energy: 2
XXX
XXX

Haruno:
Hand: 1
Damage: 5
Energy: 6
OXO
OOO

"Stand, draw, and charge... I energyblast 7 to draw!"

Haruno's eyes widened as he saw what he drew.

"I play the normal order, Cursed Sugar Sparkle! I put it into soul, soulcharge, and superior call Naustria with +5k! (10000 > 15000) Naustria's skill, I scry 3, put Wishing Your Happiness into soul, and botdeck the rest! I call Naustria and use her skill again! I put Luticia into soul! Luticia's skill, I counterblast to gain all her skills! (15000 > 25000) (13000 > 23000) (10000 > 20000) Luticia attacks! Rebellion Bloodriver! (23000)"

"Zonne guards! (28000) One to pass!"

"Twin Drive!! (Anathema Slap Twinkle, Sigh of Relief, Fabiola) Got it... heal trigger! All to Luticia, recovering a damage! (23000 > 33000)"

"Damage check! (Blazing Holy Sword Equip, Stravairina) Looks like you got me. Good game, Haruno-san."

"Ah... good game, Yuasa-san!"

Haruno smiled, breathing a sigh of relief. The two shook hands.

"Wow... that might just be the most intense game we've witnessed today...!"

Kurosaki was in awe. Honestly, I don't blame her.

"I was also impressed seeing how these two went back and forth... I originally wrote off Yuasa-san since he was using XoverDress, but he nearly clinched it at the end there."

"H-Haruno-san was awesome out there too... umm, Takamine-san... I-I wanna meet her as well..."

"Sure thing! Let's go quickly so we don't miss him!"

Kurosaki smiled and nodded. Looks like we were off on another adventure again...

As we made it to the entrance of Jinrai High's tunnel again, there was already someone waiting for Haruno.

It was like when Touka and Kumohiko waited for Etou, but this time, it was someone else entirely.

With that dark skin, hunched figure, and brooding face, Shiramichi was easy to spot from a mile away.

"S-Shiramichi-san?!"

Kurosaki, startled by her unexpected appearance, stayed a little behind me. I guess it couldn't be helped, considering she disliked Obscudeid, so seeing the person who uses the deck that features him must've felt awkward...

"...and you are?"

As we approached her, Shiramichi glanced at us with an uninterested expression. Even though her height was nerfed due to her bad posture, now that we were up close, I still felt like a dwarf compared to her...

"Umm... I-I'm Kurosaki Yuuma... I-I'm one of the participants in the Tri-deity Circuit..."

Kurosaki, immediately becoming shy as she met a new person, failed to make eye contact with Shiramichi. She then glanced at me, signalling me to introduce myself as well.

"Hey, I'm Takamine Minoru. You might've seen me play in the first game."

"Oh... I see."

Shiramichi turned her focus back to the tunnel. Then, an awkward silence fell between us.

"Uh... so, what are you doing here, Shiramichi-san?"

"...Haruno-san wanted to see me after his game, so Etou-san told me to wait for him out here."

From the sounds of it, if her leader didn't instruct her to do so, she probably wouldn't have bothered leaving Jinrai High's room.

"Oh, we're here to meet Haruno-san too! Kurosaki-san and I were seriously impressed by his performance that game."

"Is that so?"

Shiramichi raised an eyebrow before shuffling to the side.

"...you guys go ahead and talk to him first then. He's my kouhai, so I can talk to him any time..."

"Shiramichi-san is older than Haruno-san?"

She nodded.

"I'm a 2nd Year. He's a 1st Year."

Kurosaki peeked out from behind me.

"W-we're 1st Years..."

"Looks like I'm surrounded by a bunch of young people..."

Shiramichi sighed, mumbling to herself.

"Ahh! Shiramichi-san! You really came after all!"

From the corridor, we could hear Haruno's cheery voice as he sped up to meet her.

"Haruno-san... welcome back."

Shiramichi raised her head ever so slightly, her long black bangs shifting out of the way of her eyes.

"Thanks! I was so nervous out there, I thought my heart was about to leap out of my throat..."

Haruno laughed, clutching his pounding chest. As he calmed down, he noticed Kurosaki and I standing there, smiling and greeting us.

"Oh hey! You're GEN Academy students right? What are you two doing here?"

"Yep. Actually, Kurosaki-san wanted to meet you."

"Eh? Who's Kurosaki?"

"This girl right here."

I grinned and stepped away, leaving Kurosaki to stand across from Haruno who waved at her. As he did, she panicked and looked away, her face becoming red as she twiddled with her fingers.

"A-ah... h-hello, Haruno-san... I-I'm Kurosaki Yuuma, it's nice to meet you..."

"She's a shaking mess..."

Shiramichi mused. I laughed nervously.

"You get used to it."

"Hey! I'm Haruno Yuuki. Did you need something from me?"

Kurosaki shook her head no before lifting her face slightly, her eyes finally meeting with Haruno's gentle gaze.

"Umm... i-it's more like, um... I-I was really impressed by your fight...! S-so, I was just wondering... umm... i-if you wanted to be friends...?"

Haruno started blushing before he scratched the back of his head and laughed nervously.

"E-eh? What? I mean, what a formal way of asking..."

"S-sorry, I didn't know how to word it any other way...!"

Kurosaki looked like she was beginning to regret coming here. It seems Shiramichi's presence completely threw her off.

"Oh no, it's okay! It's just... the way you said it, I thought I was going to hear something even more unexpected..."

For some reason, Shiramichi huffed. Maybe these two are closer than I thought...

"Of course we can be friends, Kurosaki-san! There's no need to ask."

"R-really...?"

"Really, really. Say, since it's lunch time, do you and Takamine-san want to grab a bite with me and Shiramichi-san?"

Shiramichi grumbled.

"Haruno-san, you know I'm not good with dealing with other people..."

"Consider this practise then!"

However, upon hearing Shiramichi that, Kurosaki's eyes widened slightly.

"S-Shiramichi-san... is not good at dealing with other people too...?"

She crossed her arms and looked away with a nod.

"...Haruno-san is my only friend. I... can't talk to others well."

Kurosaki gasped, clasping her hands over her mouth.

"M-me too, Shiramichi-san! I-I... I only have one friend too... which is Takamine-san."

Shiramichi's eyes also widened slightly as she heard Kurosaki say that.

"I'm Takamine."

I don't know why, but I felt the need to throw up a peace sign as I said that. Well, at least it got a chuckle from Haruno.

"Make that formerly one friend, both of you! Takamine-san, you'll be friends with Shiramichi-san too, right?"

"Of course I will."

Shiramichi looked at me before looking away, playing with the ends of her hair.

"I... see..."

"Looks like both of you found a soul you could relate to. That's great!"

Kurosaki nodded in agreement to what Haruno said.

"O-oh... about that lunch... umm... m-me and Takamine-san already made plans with Agon-san from Alba Academy..."

"Eh, seriously? You mean the guy we didn't meet?"

"Y-yeah... but he's actually really sweet! H-he protected me one time from Jouraku-san..."

"He began hitting on Kurosaki-san out of nowhere and Agon-san managed to pry him off her."

"No way! And here I was expecting Agon-san to be some kind of beefcake with dreads... you gotta let us join in, I wanna meet him too!"

"E-eh?!"

Kurosaki was surprised as Haruno exclaimed in excitement. Shiramichi scratched her cheek, probably against the idea of having more people join in. However...

"Sure, that sounds good to me. The more the merrier, right?"

I accepted, sensing this as a good opportunity for Kurosaki to try and make more friends. I also just felt bad for her, as even though she tried to befriend Etou earlier, her harsh attitude quickly ended any opportunity for it to happen.

"I-I mean, I don't mind, but..."

"If you're worried about Agon-san, don't sweat it. We can just say it's my idea, and if he has any problems, he can just speak to me about it."

"T-Takamine-san..."

"You guys are too sweet... alright, let's do this! Come on Shiramichi-san, Kurosaki-san, Takamine-san! Let's get lunch!"

Haruno grinned and grabbed Shiramichi by the hand, dragging her after him as he ran down the venue.

"Hold up, you don't even now where we're meeting Agon-san!"

I began running after them so I wouldn't lose them in my line of sight.

"W-wait for me, Takamine-san!"

Kurosaki panicked, catching up to me as we moved forward side-by-side each other together.