"Stealth Beast, Cat Devil!" Mikazuchi-sensei said.

"Barit Dracokid!" I said.

My hand right now didn't look that great. Despite doing a mulligan, I had failed to draw into a grade 2 to ride. I might have to stall on Demolition Dragon if I don't get one.

"Would you like the first move?" Mikazuchi-sensei asked.

I'd have a much larger advantage going first, as I'd be able to get my Imaginary Gift earlier and widen the gap between us during my grade 3 turn. But due to the state of my hand and my opponent using Murakumo...

"No thanks. You start us off."

"Alright. Stand and draw! I ride, Stealth Fiend, Rainy Madam! Cat Devil lets me draw a card. Turn end."

Ryuzaki:
Hand: 7
Damage: 0
OXO
OOO

Yuuto:
Hand: 5
Damage: 0
OXO
OOO

"Stand and draw. I ride, Demolition Dragon, and draw! Call, Rising Phoenix! Phoenix, attack! (8000)"

I decided to go with a aggressive start to make-up any lost tempo I might get from a possible G Assist. Plus, if he attacks my Phoenix, I'll let it go through since I can revive him. A strong offence and defence.

"No guard. (Right Arrester)"

...I somehow feel a bit of regret being so aggressive out of the gate now. Giving him access to ZANBAKU earlier than expected was not part of my plans.

"Demolition Dragon attacks next! (8000)"

"No guard!"

"Drive check! (Supreme Army Eradictor, Zuitan)"

Thankfully, I managed to secure a grade 2 ride.

"Damage check! (Fantasy Petal Storm, Shirayuki)"

"Since Demolition hit, I draw a card. Turn end."

Somehow, things have been turning in my favour. I managed to miss G Assisting, and my fear of this fight had disappeared.

While Murakumo is a strong deck, especially during it's hay-day, Mikazuchi-sensei appeared to play a version that was inferior to the top builds.

Furthermore, he had lost one of his Shirayuki. If he heals it into the drop zone, that might be a bother, but for now, getting rid of such a strong card so early works in my favour.

Ryuzaki:
Hand: 7
Damage: 2
OXO
OOO

Yuuto:
Hand: 7
Damage: 0
OXX
OOO

"Stand and draw! I ride, Left Arrester! I call Million Rat and use his skill! Counterblast and call a clone from deck! (8000 > 4000)"

I would assume he'd not waste any counterblast to utilise ZANBAKU straight away, but it seems like he's giving me a chance, perhaps? What a kind sensei.

However, I don't need such handicaps.

"Left Arrester attacks you! (9000)"

"No guard!"

"Drive check! (Stealth Dragon, Reikou Slug)"

"Damage check! (Dragon Dancer, Catharina) Front trigger! (8000 > 18000) (8000 > 18000)"

The best possible damage trigger. Mikazuchi-sensei looked a bit disappointed but shrugged it off.

"Turn end."

Ryuzaki:
Hand: 7
Damage: 2
XXO
XOO

Yuuto:
Hand: 7
Damage: 1
OXX
OOO

"Stand and draw! I ride, Supreme Army Eradicator, Zuitan! Zuitan attacks the vanguard! (9000)"

"I guard with Stealth Beast, Moon Edge! (9000 > 24000)"

Stopped dead in my tracks, huh?

"Drive check! (Desert Gunner, Gaiban) Phoenix attacks Million Rat next! (8000)"

"Million Rat can go."

"Turn end."

Ryuzaki:
Hand: 6
Damage: 2
OXO
XOO

Yuuto:
Hand: 8
Damage: 1
OXX
OOO

"Stand and draw."

Mikazuchi-sensei paused and looked at me after glancing at his hand.

"Takanori-san. Why did you choose GEN Academy?"

"The answer should be obvious."

"C'mon, it's meant to make you think. I want you to self-reflect a little."

"Because I received an invitation. This school is regarded as Japan's best. Why wouldn't I want to come here?"

"What a boring response."

"It suits me."

"Forget a surface level response like that. I want you to think of the real reason why you chose this school over all the others."

The answer in my head was simple. Freedom.

But the words I spoke were different.

"I don't know."

"Since you're lost... let me make you an offer." Mikazuchi-sensei took off his glasses, and placed them on the table. "Last year, I had a student come to me in order to fulfil his dreams. I accepted his application and became his mentor. With my guidance, that former student had become someone incredible. Not only has he become King for his school, he and his team has gone all the way to the top and even conquered Nationals!"

Mikazuchi-sensei pointed at me.

"In you, Takanori-san, I see that same unlimited potential to go even further than who you are right now. My offer is simple. Let me be your mentor when you've enrolled in GEN Academy."

I raised a brow.

Mikazuchi Ryuzaki-sensei is an undoubtedly brilliant man. He's the founder and owner of Ryuzaki & Co., one of the most prominent companies in the world, and is also the most richest person in the world to boot. I had no doubt in my mind that this genius had the ability to create that insane growth for someone.

He's a real famous fellow. Despite his fame and fortune, he's incredibly flippant. He does things on whims and uses a lot of crude humour. However, this fight showed me a more serious side of him. This entrance exam was important, but I'd still imagine he'd have his flair. Regardless, his words were smooth and persuasive. I expected nothing less.

It still bothers me. Why is a man like him is doing here, being a teacher in a high school? Surely there are better options in life, right? Isn't he preoccupied with his own company? Plus, his generosity to strangers is unnerving. Someone as plain as me, getting a life-changing offer like that straight from the source, without having to apply for an internship... anyone would kill for this chance, yet I felt nothing twinge in my heart.

Any palpable excitement I had over this was washed away by one key fact.

Mikazuchi Ryuzaki-sensei knows who he is.

It's not a far stretch to say he set Mikazuchi-sensei up to this.

What a coward. Because you couldn't ever reach out to my heart, you're using someone else as an intermediary. You're absolutely pathetic. The world would be a better place without you. Just die already.

"Thank you for the offer. But I'm going to refuse."

Mikazuchi-sensei didn't look surprised. Instead, he seemed strangely pleased by my declaration.

"Don't worry. The offer won't be closing anytime soon. At any point if you want me to become your mentor, I'm welcome to accept that offer." Mikazuchi-sensei raised a card into the air and slammed it down on his vanguard circle. "What is law? Something to be torn down by my sword! This blade and chain rules everything, be it time or space! I ride! Dueling Dragon, ZANBAKU!"

Here it is. His avatar.

"Imaginary Gift: Accel II! I draw a card! Now, I move Rat up, call Reikou Slug and Jakotsu Girl! (9000 > 14000) ZANBAKU, attack! (12000) Fated Slash!"

"No guard!"

"Twin Drive!! (Stealth Fiend, Yukihime) Power to Rat (8000 > 18000), and healing one! (Stealth Beast, Cat Rogue) Got me a spicy double trigger! Power to Jakotsu and draw a card! (14000 > 24000)"

How annoying... now he can recover Shirayuki with Rainy Madam.

"Damage check! (Dragonic Deathscythe)"

"Boosted by Reikou Slug, Million Rat attacks! (18000 > 25000)"

"No guard! (Detonix Drill Dragon)"

"Slug's skill, I'm placing Rat to the bottom of my deck to give Jakotsu Girl 5k Power! (24000 > 29000) Jakotsu Girl, attack! (29000)"

"No guard! (Spark Edge Dracokid) Critical. All to vanguard. (9000 > 19000)"

"A bit late on the trigger, huh? Turn end."

Those provocative words won't shake my heart.

Ryuzaki:
Hand: 8
Damage: 1
XOXO
   XOO

Yuuto:
Hand: 8
Damage: 4
OXX
OOO

OST: Gluttony Fang II

"Stand and draw."

That's right. I'm nothing like him.

"The thunderclap that rocks the world from the bottom to the top..."

I'm not even the slightest bit obligated to even resemble him.

"The fist of light that carves a path to the future..."

That's why, I'll destroy anything in my way that makes me recognise him.

"I'll brawl until the bitter end! Explode with the rage of a thousand stars, and stand up, my avatar!"

That includes you... you bastard of a teacher, Mikazuchi!

"Erase everything in my path! Eradicator, Gauntlet Buster Dragon ride!"

I slammed my avatar onto the vanguard circle. Mikazuchi-sensei looked extremely satisfied at me.

"Imaginary Gift: Accel II! I draw a card! I call Supreme Army Eradicator, Zuitan! (9000 > 14000) Gauntlet Buster Dragon's skill, I counterblast and discard a card from my hand! All of your front row rear-guards are bound face up! Vanish before my eyes... Giga Sparkle Buster!"

In an instant, his front row rear-guards disappeared.

"I'll drag Slug to the front lines! Zuitan's skill, he and Gauntlet Buster get 5k each! (14000 > 19000) (12000 > 17000) The skill of Phoenix in the drop zone! I call him back out with an extra 3k power! (8000 > 11000) Then, I call Fiendish Sword Eradicator, Cho-Ou and counterblast to bind your last front row rear-guard! Zuitan's skill once more! (19000 > 24000) (17000 > 22000) Phoenix in my drop zone once more! (8000 > 11000)"

With his field cleared out, I can finally go all out.

"Gauntlet Buster Dragon's skill! He gets 5000 power and a critical for each of your open front row rear-guard circles! (22000 > 37000/1 > 4) I'll call Demolition Dragon and Gaiban as well! Demolition's skill, he gets 3k! (8000 > 11000) Boosted by Gaiban, Gauntlet Buster Dragon, attacks the vanguard! (37000 > 44000/4) Big Bang Knuckle Buster!"

"...No guard!"

"Twin Drive!! (Fiendish Sword Eradicator, Exorcist Mage, Lin Lin) Front trigger! (24000 > 34000) (9000 > 19000) (44000 > 54000/4) (11000 > 21000)"

"Quadruple damage check! First! (Stealth Dragon, Zanba Rider) Critical, all to vanguard! (12000 > 22000) Second! (Dueling Dragon King, ZANGEKI) Third! (Stealth Beast, Leaves Mirage) Draw, all to vanguard! (22000 > 32000) Fourth! (Left Arrester)"

I had managed to push him to five in a single strike. Now, I just had to break past his defence to win.

"Gaiban's skill! He gives Cho-Ou 3k power, and you can't call sentinels during the battle he attacks! (19000 > 22000) Boosted by Demolition, Phoenix attacks! (21000 > 32000)"

"Fantasy Petal Storm, Shirayuki, guard! Her skill, I soulblast two, and your front row gets -10k Power!"

I was betting on the fact he didn't have any Shirayuki to get me through this... The current attack dropped (32000 > 22000) leaving it unable to hit, while my other two attacks (34000 > 24000) (22000 > 12000) couldn't hit at all.

This was the worst position to be in. I had overcommitted and none of my attacks were able to break through. In addition, he managed to tank my vanguard's most deadly strike while getting immediate access to ZANBAKU on his following turn.

Having no other lines of play, I had to accept my losses.

"Turn end."

Ryuzaki:
Hand: 8
Damage: 5
Bind: 2
OOXO
   OOO

Yuuto:
Hand: 6
Damage: 4
XXXX
   XXX

"The world has rules! It is everyone's fate to be a slave to them! However, I will forge the rules of the world and not stand as a slave to them! Everything in the world will be a slave to these golden chains! PERSONA RIDE! Dueling Dragon, ZANBAKU! Imaginary Gift: Accel II! I draw a card, and call Left Arrester! (9000 > 14000) ZANBAKU's skill! Counterblast and soulblast! I call from my deck Right Arrester (9000 > 14000), and ZANBAKU gets 5k! (12000 > 17000) Right Arrester's skill! Since I have ZANBAKU as my vanguard and Left Arrester on my rear-guard, I counterblast two and put a card from my hand into soul! Your vanguard cannot stand during your stand phase!"

I've been dreading this moment.

"That's not all, though. ZANBAKU's skill, continued! Since I have both Right and Left Arrester, you can't ride next turn as well!" Mikazuchi-sensei pointed at me. "I want you to imagine it: my vanguard's cold steel chains manifesting all around your vanguard and tying you down. Will you let my lockdown dictate the way how you live your life? Or will you break these chains that are weighing you down to gain freedom?"

It seems that Mikazuchi-sensei is more perceptive than I thought.

"Regardless of your answer, I want you to realise that it's not my lock that's truly restricting you. I want you to realise it's your own chains that are holding you back. If I become your mentor, I'll help you break those chains that are keeping you down!"

"Shut up."

Those words escaped my mouth before I had time to think.

"I call, Jakotsu Girl. Here comes the first attack! Right Arrester, hunt him down! (14000)"

"Dragonic Deathscythe, guard. (12000 > 17000)"

"Next up, ZANBAKU attacks! (17000) Arrester Piercing!"

"Seiobo, guard. (12000 > 32000)"

"Two triggers?"

"Yes."

"Twin Drive!! (Stealth Fiend, Rainy Madam, Dueling Dragon King, ZANGEKI) Attack, Left Arrester! Skill, I soulblast and he gets 5k! (14000 > 19000)"

"Helena, guard. (22000)"

"Jakotsu Girl attacks! (9000) Since the attack can't hit, I look at the top seven cards of my deck and... no Shirayuki, so I return them to deck and soulcharge instead. Turn end."

Ryuzaki:
Hand: 8
Damage: 5
Bind: 2
XXXOX
OOO

Yuuto:
Hand: 3
Damage: 4
XXXX
XXX

I looked over my hand and field. I decided I'd just have to make a last ditch attempt with what I had in front of me.

"Stand and draw!"

I stood everything but Gauntlet Buster. However, I could still use his skill.

"Gauntlet Buster's skill! I counterblast and discard a card to bind your front row! Vanish before my eyes, Giga Sparkle Buster!"

Mikazuchi-sensei's field disappeared in a single swoop.

"Zuitan's skill! He gets 5k for each card bound! (14000 > 29000) Boosted by Demolition, Phoenix attacks! (8000 > 19000)"

"Sorry, but I can't have you deal you even a single more damage to me at this stage of the game. Fantasy Petal Storm, Shirayuki, guard! Her skill, soulblast two and your front row gets -10k Power!"

I almost expected he had another one up his sleeve. (19000 > 9000) Annoyingly, this shut down my Cho-Ou column as well. (9000 > -1000) However, Zuitan was still able to hit. (29000 > 19000)

"Zuitan, attack! (19000)"

"Moon Edge! (12000 > 27000)"

Right now, if I have any chances of surviving Mikazuchi-sensei's next turn, I'll need to stock up on defence. There's a slim chance, but by using Zuitan's skill, I may be able to draw into a bigger shield. I decided to hedge my bets.

"Zuitan's skill! He goes into soul and I draw a card!"

It paid off. I drew into Guld, my perfect guard.

At least, it should've paid off. This was a double-edged sword due to my incredibly small hand size. Mikazuchi-sensei's board may have been obliterated, but with how large his hand is, he could fill it in a flash.

Am I really going to lose here?

Am I really going to be labelled as "the worst student"?

I felt disgusted with myself, somehow.

"Turn end."

Ryuzaki:
Hand: 7
Damage: 5
Bind: 5
OOXOO
OOO

Yuuto:
Hand: 4
Damage: 4
OXXX
XXX

"Takanori Yuuto-san, I'm going to conclude our entrance exam on this turn." Mikazuchi-sensei said with such a dark tone, I unintentionally flinched. "You will be the worst student."

I let those words sink in.

The worst...?

Me...?

I'd be no different from...

"Final turn."

Those crass words shattered my thoughts. Mikazuchi-sensei stare pierced through my soul.

I felt for a moment, he could see through me. He could see me for what I was truly worth.

An extraordinarily average nobody with no dreams or skills.

"The status quo is flipped upside down! The god descends to punish the opposition! Rules are rules, and my rules are absolute! PERSONA RIDE NEXT! DUELING DRAGON KING, ZANGEKI!"

Slamming it down, a devastating black vanguard circle expanded and rippled out.

"Imaginary Gift: Accel II! I draw a card! ZANGEKI's skill! Since I have a Dueling Dragon in soul, you can only call grade 0 cards from hand to guardian circle!"

He just made three of my cards in hands useless.

"I call, Left Arrester (9000 > 14000), Right Arrester (9000 > 14000), ZANBAKU (12000 > 17000), Shirayuki, Rainy Madam, Million Rat and Reikou Slug to rear-guard!"

He's completely sacrificed his hand in order to fill out his board. There were six attacks staring me in the face...

"Because I have Left Arrester and Right Arrester, ZANGEKI gets 5k and a critical! (12000 > 17000/1 > 2) Let's break him down, ZANGEKI! Boosted by Rainy Madam, he attacks! (17000 > 25000/2) King Power Cleave!"

"Guld, perfect guard!"

"Twin Drive! (Stealth Beast, Moon Edge) Critical! All to ZANBAKU! (17000 > 27000/1 > 2) (Stealth Beast, Leaves Mirage) Draw! All to ZANBAKU! (27000 > 37000/2) ZANBAKU, finish it! (37000/2) Fated Slash!"

With no means of stopping what was coming at me, I reluctantly put my hand on my deck and uttered the two words I never wanted to say in this entire fight.

"No guard."

I flipped the cards over, hoping for a heal trigger.

"Damage check. (Detonix Drill Dragon, Eradicator, Gauntlet Buster Dragon)"

Accepting my defeat, I stretched my hand out.

"Good game."

"Good game." Mikazuchi-sensei slapped my hand, then shook it firmly. "Welcome to GEN Academy, Takanori Yuuto-san. You've just been accepted as "the worst student"."

I collected my cards and stood up, walking to the door. Just before I left, I took one last glance at Mikazuchi-sensei who escorted me.

"You're free to go home now, Takanori-san. Your entrance exam is over, after all."

"Did he set you up to do this?"

Mikazuchi-sensei smiled.

"Nope. He had nothing to do with this."

I opened the door.

"...I'll consider your offer."

With those words, I left the room.