NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 19: TST [19]
Soon, it was time for the midterm exams.
All Duel Academy students gathered at the largest Duel Arena in the Middle Division.
At the center of the arena were eight dueling areas, each the size of a badminton court, allowing up to sixteen duels to co-occur.
In the spectator stands, students were passionately discussing the exam rankings. After all, the top scorer in the midterms would receive an additional prize. In the past, it was a rare card; this year, it supposedly included a custom Duel Disk.
As a duelist's weapon, Duel Disks came in various styles, often reflecting their user's personality.
Take Milo, for example, who used a Volcanic Deck—his Duel Disk could transform into a gun and fire cards, even capable of being disassembled like a real firearm.
The students, however, all used standard-issue basic Duel Disks.
"Wonder who'll take the crown this year!"
"I think Zion will keep first place. His dueling is flawless—never makes a single misplay."
"Isla has a shot, too. If she gets lucky and banishes a key card, she might pull it off!"
"Heh, forget Isla! Word is she lost her Trishula and spent all yesterday panic-buying cards for a replacement!"
"What? Then this year's result might be a foregone conclusion..."
As the discussions heated up, the principal stepped onto the stage and clapped his hands. The crowd fell silent.
"Students, the midterm exams are about to begin. I trust you're all prepared!"
"Before we begin, let us welcome this year's special guest—Milo from the Haisen Club!"
The principal stepped aside as Milo, dressed in a black leather coat, walked up to the podium.
The audience erupted in cheers.
Milo scanned the crowd as if searching for someone, then smiled and addressed them:
"I'm sure many of you know me. I'm Milo from the Haisen Club."
"It's an honor to be invited by Duel Academy. I hope to see all of you show your best side today."
"That's all from me. Good luck on your exams—feel free to visit the Haisen Club anytime!"
Thunderous applause followed. Many students were fired up, determined to impress in the upcoming matches.
Milo handed the mic back to the principal and casually asked:
"By the way, Principal, has your school hired any new teachers lately? I'm curious about your academic standards. We might collaborate in the future."
Of course, that was just an excuse. Milo had no intention of being a guest—he only came to find the mysterious duelist.
The principal, however, interpreted it differently and hurriedly introduced a short-haired young man:
"Yes, yes! This is Mr. Grant. He joined recently and is a retired professional duelist!"
'Oh? A retired pro?'
Milo sized up Mr. Grant, wondering if he could be the mysterious duelist.
Even after retirement, pro duelists didn't lose their skill easily. In fact, some gained new insights and returned stronger than ever.
Mr. Grant felt a bit uncomfortable under Milo's gaze. He had certainly heard of Milo before, yet tried to appear composed and confident.
"Principal, the exams are about to begin. I should go get ready."
"Ah, yes! Of course!"
As Mr. Grant walked off, Milo watched thoughtfully.
He was indeed trying to avoid him. To confirm whether he was the mysterious duelist, Milo would probably have to challenge him directly.
...
The midterm exams began. All eight arenas were occupied, with monster explosions echoing nonstop.
Each student's opponent was assigned randomly. With good luck, they might face an easy opponent and breeze through. With bad luck, they could get crushed by one of the top-tier duelists.
That was just how it went. No use complaining.
Some left in defeat, shoulders slumped.
Others returned to their seats brimming with excitement, secretly watching to see if Milo had noticed their moment of glory.
But to their disappointment, Milo didn't spare the dueling grounds a glance. He was fully focused on his handheld device.
Just moments ago, the mysterious duelist "SunshineStriker" had come online again!
Milo hurriedly looked up. Mr. Grant was gone, and another teacher had taken over supervision.
Plenty of students were also using their devices to pass the time.
Milo paused. This could be his chance to unmask the mystery duelist.
But just then, the duelist logged off—and Mr. Grant returned to the arena to resume his duties.
"Next match: Duelist #1, Zion..."
"Versus Duelist #409, Morgan!"
Hearing her name, Morgan exhaled.
Finally, her turn.
She was so bored that she had logged in and started grinding ranked.
Closing her device, she stood up and walked toward the arena.
...
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