Let's play cards! In a fantasy world of swords and magic

Friday's practical class is supposed to follow a pseudo-random arrangement based on student performance.

The goal is to allow academy students to duel as many suitable opponents as possible, improving through practical combat.

But on the second day after Luka's enrollment, Aisha was scheduled to duel her in a practical test.

This was similar to how Kevin had been arranged for the "expulsion battle" earlier.

At critical moments, Aisha always felt like the supposedly random system was targeting her.

This didn't feel random at all.

"Little Ai, how was it sharing a room with the beautiful transfer student last night? Or rather, I bet You Ling was the happiest, being able to admire a golden-haired beauty all the time. So enviable."

Having lost her privilege to crash at Aisha's dorm now that Aisha finally had a roommate, Ilin's jealousy was bubbling up again.

Aisha smiled awkwardly.

"Not really, Lin-chan. Luka didn't stay in the dorm last night."

"She didn't stay? Why?"

"Luka said her luggage with her daily necessities hadn't arrived at the academy yet, so she stayed at a hotel outside the academy for the night."

That's right, the Elven Continent also had express delivery services, handled by griffin knights who airlifted any luggage. The efficiency wasn't any lower than that of a technological civilization.

If only they had online shopping, students could enjoy a completely宅 (homebound) lifestyle without ever leaving the academy.

"No wonder I didn't see Luka around."

Ilin glanced around the duel arena. Wherever the beautiful transfer student went, she was sure to be surrounded by curious and enthusiastic classmates.

But while there were plenty of students, including second-years, gathered to watch the excitement, the petite figure of Luka Slint was nowhere to be seen.

In their usual spot on the distant stands, Ilena and Kaiba had once again come to watch the first-year practical tests.

"It's all because these people are too enthusiastic. They probably scared the transfer student into hiding."

"Hmph, no matter how cute she looks, if she's not strong in duels, she's just a pretty face."

With her arms crossed, Kaiba Seto calmly looked down, her words almost identical to Kevin's from the day before.

"That may be true, but I think you're also curious, Kaiba. About the true strength of an XYZ Academy student who managed to outshine Kevin in a summoning contest."

It's no wonder Fusion Academy couldn't keep secrets.

With so few students, what happened in the first-year classroom yesterday had spread to the second-years within a day, effectively reaching the entire academy.

"I'm more concerned about Aisha Carlos's duel. If she loses to the transfer student from the Slint family, it would be a second disgrace for the Seto family!"

The first disgrace was Aisha, a bottom-feeder, defeating Kevin Seto. This was a grudge Kaiba was determined to settle.

But no matter what, Aisha Carlos now bore the title of "the one who defeated the Seto family."

Before this grudge was settled, if she were to lose to another duelist—especially one from the Slint family, a prominent noble family from another country—the impact on the Seto family and even the entire nation would be disastrous.

The world of the nobility might sound fantastical, but it was just a realistic and dirty.

If such an outcome occurred, Kaiba could already imagine the sarcasm, rumors, and conspiracy theories about the Seto and Slint families flooding in.

The Carlos family, already a declining noble house, would likely be crushed by the ugly underbelly of this vortex of power.

"Aisha Carlos, she should know what this duel represents, right?"

"I think she has no idea."

Ilena hit the nail on the head.

Just by looking at Aisha's current behavior, it was clear that her naive nature had never been involved in the scheming and deceit of noble politics.

Expecting the current Aisha to see through the political machinations of noble families through a simple practical test was completely unrealistic.

"I actually think it's better this way."

Unlike the serious Kaiba, Ilena was relaxed. "A heart untainted by darkness and ugliness—that's what makes Aisha who she is. Don't put too much pressure on yourself; it's easier to perform well in duels that way."

"If only it were as simple as you say."

However, Kaiba's ominous premonition didn't disappear, whether it was about the outcome of today's duel or about Luka Slint herself.

The eldest daughter of the Slint family, who had specifically transferred to Fusion Academy, was undoubtedly the calm before the storm.

…

"Explode!—Black Flame Bullet!"

"Ahhhhhhh! I can't accept this!!"

Mizuki Mu LP: 100 → 0

The black dragon's flames scorched the earth as Kevin once again secured a crushing victory in the practical duel test.

The morning tests were more than halfway through, but there was still no sign of Luka.

"Could something have happened to her?" Ilin began to worry.

A girl as cute as Luka, staying alone at a hotel outside the academy—when you thought about it, it was quite dangerous.

After the duel ended, Teacher Erin flipped through the list in her hands.

"The next practical test will be between Aisha Yuna Carlos and Luka Slint. Please take your positions."

"Teacher, Luka hasn't arrived yet," Aisha raised her hand to point out.

"She's this late?" Teacher Erin frowned slightly. "Luka did ask for leave yesterday, saying she'd be a bit late. But I didn't expect her to delay this long…"

"I-I'm here!"

A tired voice came from the edge of the crowd.

Then, the onlookers naturally made way for the girl.

Luka, struggling to drag a suitcase larger than her petite body, trudged toward the duel arena in the center of the crowd.

You Ling: "That's the luggage Luka mentioned, filled with daily necessities? What kind of daily necessities could possibly take up that much space?"

Small in stature but with luggage bigger than herself—You Ling, a straightforward man, would never understand a girl's concerns about living away from home.

But even among girls, it was rare to see someone like Luka, who, despite the academy providing basic necessities, still dragged such a massive suitcase to the dorm.

"Sorry for being late, Teacher!"

"It's fine. Hurry and take your position, Luka."

Putting down her luggage and stepping onto the duel arena, Luka shook off her tired demeanor and smiled at Aisha.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Aisha. Let's begin—a fun duel!"

Unlike yesterday's cute outfit, today Luka's most eye-catching feature was her slender legs, each wrapped in a different color—black and white stockings.

It gave off a kind of heterochromatic aesthetic.

"Sure, let's do our best, Luka."

Aisha lifted her skirt slightly to draw her deck.

Ding-ling~!

Faintly, You Ling once again heard the sound of wind chimes clinking.