The student who had just identified Li Yuu as the top scorer looked over with open admiration.
"I'm In Koujin from the Fusion Alliance. I ranked second on the written exam—just missed one question. Honestly, I thought no one could possibly beat my score… but clearly—"
He let out a wry laugh.
"There's always someone better out there."
Li Yuu raised an eyebrow and gave In Koujin a once-over.
The guy's appearance was the very definition of "forgettable." Average height, generic features, plain expression. He blended into the crowd so seamlessly that if you blinked, you might lose him in an instant.
It was as if he had mastered the art of invisibility—vanishing into the background like a drop of water into the sea.
Li Yuu gave a soft laugh and a thumbs-up.
"With a name like 'Invisible Guy,' you really nailed the branding."
In Koujin smiled bitterly, clearly used to this kind of joke. He scratched his cheek and muttered, "My dad named me that. Said he wanted me to walk the world with kindness and righteousness. A name to keep my conscience clear…"
Kyūyō Tenma chuckled. "Sounds like you're from a scholarly family, Mr. Stealth!"
The name was good—just… maybe not the best fit for the surname.
With the ice broken, the three boys eased into casual conversation. The practical exam hadn't started yet, so they took the chance to bond a bit more.
Meanwhile, on the second floor of the examination hall, a different group of students sat in the observation seats above. They wore high-end uniforms and bore arrogant expressions, looking down on the examinees with cold, evaluating stares.
Among them was a pale-faced student with sleek, silver-gray hair parted neatly down the middle. His eyes were sharp and disdainful—a face that screamed "trouble."
After his companion whispered something in his ear, the silver-haired student narrowed his gaze at Li Yuu and let out a derisive laugh.
"The top scorer, huh? Heh. Let's see what he's really made of in the practicals."
Even before the words left the boy's lips, Li Yuu felt his gaze like a knife. He lifted his head and locked eyes with the student—unflinching.
A challenge sparkled in that silver-haired boy's eyes.
Li Yuu's eyes narrowed.
"Who are those guys?" he asked coolly.
In Koujin noticed too and answered, "Ah, they're Special Admissions students. You know how the Academy was co-founded by the Five Great Alliances, right? Each Alliance has special privileges—like a quota of students they can admit directly, without exams."
Tenma frowned. "That doesn't sound fair."
In Koujin just shrugged. "The Five Alliances are the backbone of the Sacred Star Realm. Some perks are inevitable. But even if they skip the entrance exam, once the school year starts, everyone's judged equally."
He continued, tone more serious now.
"The Academy has a monthly elimination system. Every month, there's a test. Fall to the bottom of the rankings—even if you're a Special Admission—and you'll be expelled. No exceptions."
He let out a sigh.
"Sacred Star Duel Academy is the best in the realm. Anyone who gets in is seen as a chosen one. But if you get kicked out… it's a disgrace that can ruin your life. No one wants that stain."
"Is that so…" Li Yuu murmured with a faint smile, a glimmer flashing in his eyes.
Just then, a teacher stepped onto the central stage and raised his voice.
"Sacred Star Duel Academy's entrance evaluation—practical phase—begins now!"
"Will the following ten candidates please head to your designated arenas: Li Yuu, Tianhai Bing, In Koujin, Diana... and others. Please proceed to your assigned duel platforms."
Li Yuu arched an eyebrow. "Starting with me, huh?"
In Koujin took a deep breath and offered a supportive smile.
"Let's both do our best, Li Yuu."
Kyūyō Tenma raised a clenched fist. "Let's make it in together!"
Li Yuu nodded confidently and strode toward Platform One, each step firm and unshaken.
All eyes turned to him.
Waiting at the platform was a young examiner with sharp features and a composed demeanor. He nodded in acknowledgment and began to explain.
"You'll use your own deck. You have three turns to defeat me. If you fail to win within three turns—or if I defeat you—then your exam is considered a failure."
Li Yuu nodded. "Understood. And the scoring?"
"My starting Life Points are 10,000. The score you earn is equal to one percent of the damage you deal," the proctor replied. "However, for each extra turn you use, your score will be reduced by 10%."
Li Yuu's lips curled upward.
"So if I win in one turn—it's a perfect score, right?"
The crowd buzzed with surprise at the bold declaration.
"One-turn kill? Talk about cocky!"
"Well, he did get a perfect score on the written test. Maybe he wants both."
"I heard no one's ever gotten full marks in both written and practical."
"Are we about to witness history?"
The examiner remained unmoved. He'd seen plenty of overconfident prodigies over the years.
But few of the students knew this examiner by his Academy nickname—Iron-Faced Executioner. Cold, ruthless, and exacting. No one had ever taken a perfect score from him.
He didn't bother responding. Just gave a curt nod.
"If you're ready, we'll begin."
Li Yuu chuckled and raised his arm. A sleek duel disk snapped into place, gleaming with energy.
His eyes burned with competitive fire.
"Let's begin."
Both shouted in unison:
"DUEL!!"
The proctor moved first.
"I'll take the first turn."
(Note: This duel follows the current Master Rules. The first player does not draw.)
"I summon Buzzsaw Shark and activate its effect! From my deck, I Special Summon Right-Hand Shark in defense position!"
— Buzzsaw Shark – LV 4, ATK 1600
— Right-Hand Shark – LV 4, ATK 1500
A SPLASH! of water erupted as a sleek, mechanical shark with a chainsaw fin leapt onto the field.
Then it was joined by a darker, more sinister shark—blades lining its body like armor, eyes glinting with menace.
Li Yuu narrowed his gaze.
"This setup… feels familiar. Don't tell me he's going for—"
Sure enough, the examiner pressed on with a practiced fluidity.
"I overlay my two Level 4 monsters to build the Overlay Network!"
"Burning with searing flames, forged in unyielding spirit—become the indomitable fortress!"
"Xyz Summon! Appear—Number 59: Crooked Cook!!"
— No.59: Crooked Cook – Rank 4, ATK 2300 / DEF 200
A pillar of flame shot skyward. From within the blaze emerged a grotesque figure: a chef wielding a flaming wok and wielding a menacing grin.
Li Yuu smiled faintly, eyes gleaming.
"Perfect. I know exactly how to take you apart."