The human world was a far cry from the other dimensions. Duel Spirits here had no physical bodies. Even with the power of Super Polymerization, Hikaru Amagi could only barely hear their voices—unlike Jaden Yuki or Chazz Princeton, who could see them clearly.
But honestly? Even just hearing them was a big deal.In the original timeline, even Aster Phoenix, user of Destiny HEROes, couldn't hear his cards at all.
After returning through the dimensional gate, Hikaru went back to classes like nothing happened.
...Kind of.
Something felt off.
Professor Banner—who normally muttered to himself while half the class fell asleep—was suddenly... engaged. Enthusiastic, even.Every time Hikaru was in class, Banner would pause after each lecture segment, turn to him, and ask,
"Well? What do you think, Amagi-kun?"
Wait. He thinks I'm into alchemy now?
That was the only explanation Hikaru could think of.
In this world, Alchemy was very real. Banner wasn't just the school cook or a weird teacher with a cat—he was a true alchemist, someone who had created a Philosopher's Stone, gained eternal life, and became one of the most powerful Duelists alive.
So yeah, if a guy like that wanted an apprentice before he kicked the bucket (again), it made sense.
In the original story, Banner eventually realized Jaden's incredible Fusion affinity, and in his final days, passed down his legacy:the Philosopher's Stone, a card that could transform into any card the user imagined.It was absurdly overpowered.
But while the card lived on, Banner's knowledge and technique died with him.
If Jaden had ever learned how to create Philosopher's Stones, forget other Duelists—nobody would stand a chance.
Anyway.
Hikaru had his own motivations. He needed to ace his exams, climb the rankings, and win a scholarship to escape the daily bread-and-water lifestyle.
So if Banner was willing to teach?
He'd take the opportunity.
And somehow—maybe it was the aftereffects of the dimensional journey, or the Duel Spirit support, or Super Polymerization awakening further—alchemy was finally starting to make sense.
The stuff that had baffled him weeks ago? He could follow now. He was even starting to answer Banner's questions in class.
Even better: with his growing knowledge of alchemy, Hikaru discovered something else.
His control over Super Polymerization was improving.
Back when he first arrived, he could only fuse basic stuff—an eraser with a pencil, something dumb like that.
But now?
He could fuse a ballpoint pen.
Unbelievable progress.
"You seem really into alchemy."
It was after class. Hikaru was still scribbling down notes when a Yellow-uniformed student leaned in politely, studying him.
"You are…?"
Cough cough.The guy cleared his throat, a little surprised by the blunt response."I heard you and Jaden went to another dimension?"
"Tch. That bigmouth again? Or was it Sho?"Hikaru packed up his notebook, not even bothering to hide the irritation in his voice."Yeah, it happened. Doesn't matter. Just a duel. Nothing special."
His tone was cold.
Partly because everyone had been asking about it lately, and he was done answering.
But mostly because acting annoyed was the best way to shut people up before he said something stupid.
"Er…"
"Still something you need?"
"...Did you know Yellow Dorm has a dimensional gate too?"
Oh?
"And again—you are?"
"Seriously?"The Yellow student looked offended."It's been weeks. You still don't remember me?""I'm Bastion Misawa."
"Ohhh right—Equation Skydude!"
"IT'S MISAWA!"
Of course Hikaru hadn't actually forgotten.
In the original GX storyline, Bastion was technically the "third lead," the top of Yellow Dorm. But his screen time dropped off so hard he became a running joke.
Still—in this world, Bastion was dangerous.
He was the number one academic student, and Hikaru? He needed that spot.For the scholarship. For real food. For his life.
So Bastion Misawa was an obstacle to be annihilated.
After a few exchanges, Hikaru got to the point.
Duel Academy was about to hold its annual Friendship Duel Match against North Academy.This year, Professor Crowler had chosen Misawa as the representative.
"Right. I remember now. Jaden got selected by Zane Truesdale, yeah?"Hikaru nodded casually."Ohhhh, I get it.You want to beat Jaden—but you don't know what cards he got in the other dimension.So you came to me to sniff around?And you're offering next month's dimensional gate slot as payment?Damn, Misawa. I didn't know you were that underhanded."
"WHAT?!"Misawa looked horrified."That's not what this is!"
"Huh? It's not? I was gonna tell you."
"Agh…"Misawa nearly collapsed, ran his hands through his hair, then sighed deeply."It's not about Jaden. The school's rules changed."
"How come?"
This wasn't in the original timeline. Hikaru leaned in, intrigued.
"North Academy offered a special prize this year.Apparently, they discovered a new dimensional coordinate.Rumor has it—it's home to unknown Spellcaster-type monsters.The winner gets first access."
Spellcasters?
Now that was worth Hikaru's attention.
"So what's that got to do with me?"
"You really don't know, huh?"Misawa looked exasperated."You've been nominated.Professor Reiji Akaba from the Fusion Department selected you as a potential rep."
…
…
WHAT!?
I'VE NEVER EVEN MET HIM!
That cueball's scheming something.
Hikaru knew it instantly.That man was not a "good teacher." He never did anything unless it served a larger purpose.
In the original story, this entire duel match was basically a joke—the prize was a kiss from the matron of the dormitory.Both academy heads were in love with her.
So it had nothing to do with students.
But now?A dimensional expedition?
That was something else entirely.
"Of course," Misawa continued, "they're not just letting you enter.Akaba set up a test duel.You have to beat a second-year first.If you lose, you're disqualified.If you win… you duel me."
"You?"
Hikaru narrowed his eyes.
Misawa smiled with confidence.
"I'll defeat Jaden Yuki. I'm sure of it."
Hikaru nearly spat out his soul.
Defeat Jaden? You?!
You've got to be kidding.
"Also—Professor Hanzawa said this duel will serve as the second round of screening for Yellow Dorm's top rank."
Hanzawa. Yellow's homeroom teacher. An NPC if there ever was one.
"Top rank, huh…" Hikaru rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"I won't give up that title," Misawa said with folded arms.
"Thanks, Mizuno Takeshi."Hikaru smiled."Thanks for the info. You're a decent guy."
Then, suddenly—his eyes lit with fire.
"But for the record—I'm getting that scholarship.Top of the year. First place.It's mine."
Because if I eat one more loaf of plain bread—I'm going to die.
"IT'S BASTION MISAWA!" Misawa roared.
"Just wait. I'll crush Jaden, then I'll make sure you never forget my name!"
Can he win?
Of course he will.