A few days before exams, at Duel Academy's island landing strip, a teenager with a hairstyle that looked more like a wind turbine than anything found in nature leapt down from a private plane.
He shook his wild mane dramatically, took a deep breath, and stared up at Duel Academy's tall towers—before letting out a long, theatrical sigh.
"I've returned... Duel Academy."
His name was Chazz Princeton.A first-year in the elite Obelisk Blue dorm.
"Go get 'em, Chazz! The President's watching your back—we're rooting for you on those exams!" the pilot called out from the cabin.
Chazz nodded. But didn't answer.He wasn't sure if that was really true.
Taking confident strides toward the towering structure of the Academy, he paused just short of the doors.The chatter of students spilled out from inside—and with it, memories.
Chazz Princeton.Disciple of Seto Kaiba.
It had all started with a fateful encounter.One card—a Duel Spirit—chose him. And he'd believed, then and there, that he was the chosen one.The one marked by destiny.
He began entering beginner-level tournaments. While still in elementary school, he racked up victory after victory—some whispered his family, the Princeton Conglomerate, had helped him behind the scenes. That his wins were bought.But it was enough.Enough to earn the attention of Seto Kaiba, who would go on to take him in as a personal disciple.
He was accepted into Obelisk Blue.
But that's when the doubts began.
Did people think he bought his way in? That he hadn't earned a damn thing? That the only reason Kaiba noticed him was because of his Duel Spirit card?
Doubt was poison. And it ate at him.
So he swore:I'll win every duel at Duel Academy.I'll earn recognition with my own strength.
And then—he lost.In an exhibition match, no less.To a Slifer Red named Jaden Yuki—a boy who hadn't even been to another dimension, yet was still chosen by a Duel Spirit.
His perfect plan, shattered.So he ran.
Called it "training."But it was hiding.
He locked himself in KaibaCorp, avoided everyone… until his master found him, scolded him as a fool, and kicked him straight into the AI Duel Simulator, forcing him to fight endless battles against Hero decks.
But now…
"I'm not afraid anymore, Jaden!"Chazz clenched his fists, brimming with fury and resolve.
The new me is terrifying.
As he reached the classroom door, he prepared to kick it open and make a loud, dramatic return… but—
Inside, a riot of voices.
"Ahh, Hikaru, lemme borrow your notes—"
"Hey, hey, not fair, I wanna see too!"
Frozen in the doorway, Chazz peered inside.A crowd had gathered—Jaden, Syrus, and a dozen others—all buzzing around one seat.
"Hikaru, what page is that alchemy formula on again?""Hikaru-senpai, what does 'Mercury Secret' refer to?"
What.
His triumphant entrance fizzled in his throat.He just stood there, stunned.
Only Winged Kuriboh noticed him—floating up beside Jaden with a chirp.Jaden turned, saw him, and brightened. "Oh! Chazz, you're back?!"
"Chazz-senpai? He's back?" Syrus glanced over and waved politely.
Chazz, deflated but still haughty, scowled and asked, "What are you all doing?"
"Oh, exams are coming up, you know?" Jaden scratched his head. "Cultural classes are a pain—especially Alchemy. No one understands anything. Only Bastion and Hikaru are any good at it."
Exams…?
A drop of sweat ran down Chazz's neck.
He hadn't been in class in weeks.Sure, KaibaCorp had arranged some tutors. But nothing in-person.And most of his days were spent locked in simulated duels—not lectures.
Wait.
Why was there an exam in Alchemy?!
He thought that was just… an elective. For fun.What kind of dueling school tested this nonsense?!
Apparently, he wasn't alone.
Even Bastion—who helped everyone review—didn't understand Alchemy.He was just absurdly good at memorizing things.
And Hikaru… Hikaru wasn't just good—he was brilliant at it.
That's why Hikaru was aiming for the scholarship.He had a massive edge over everyone in this subject.Jaden? Syrus? Bastion? Even Ocean Mizuki? They all struggled to stay awake during Alchemy lectures.
And as for the rest of the exams—Duel Academy didn't bother with math or science or literature.Just card names, effects, and rules.
Even Dr. Crowler once gave lectures on Field Spell rulings, dissecting every little detail with dramatic flair.
In short—if you asked Hikaru to take a real-world standardized test, he'd bomb it.But at Duel Academy?
He was cruising toward top marks.
"Wait—WHAT?! Jaden LOST to that guy?!"
Chazz's voice cracked as he processed the latest bombshell.
Jaden losing… to Hikaru?
The same Hikaru currently helping students cram for Alchemy?
He gawked at the mild-mannered, smiling student calmly answering questions at the center of the class… and then whirled to glare at Jaden.
"You loser! How could you lose?! To him?!"
"Huh?" Jaden blinked. "Duels have wins and losses, don't they? And Hikaru's really strong!"
"Bullshit! I'm the only one allowed to beat you!"
"But… you already lost to me…"
"Shut up!!"
Chazz slammed a hand on the desk."That's it! This exam—I'll defeat Hikaru for you!"
"Watch closely! I'll show you my new strength!"
From the corner of the room, Hikaru sighed.
Was this guy trying to play a mid-boss cutscene?
Here is the first part of the promised mass release, more update later ! Please leave a review if you appreciate !