Ye Kun and his entourage swaggered off into the distance, heads held high.
"Didn't expect Ye Kun to show up in person," Kyūyō Tenma remarked. "He's kind of a big deal in the Xyz Alliance. He's racked up so many trophies in the junior tournaments, it's ridiculous. Got a decent fanbase too."
Li Yuu shrugged. "That so?"
Right then, Tenma's stomach growled like a feral beast.
In Koujin chuckled. "Guess we're all starving. Let's eat. I saw a beef hotpot place with great reviews nearby. My treat! We've all got something to celebrate—we're officially students of the Sacred Star Duel Academy!"
"Nice! Free food!" Tenma cheered.
Li Yuu didn't object either.
Getting into the Academy came with full scholarships, subsidies, and prestige. Students didn't exactly live lavishly, but they rarely had to worry about money.
The trio made their way to the hotpot restaurant. Unsurprisingly, it was packed. The scent of rich broth and sizzling beef hung thick in the air, and Tenma's eyes practically sparkled with anticipation.
However, the hostess at the front desk spotted them and quickly surmised their identity. With so many students and families celebrating entrance exam results today, it wasn't hard.
"You three must be candidates from today's exam, right? From the smiles on your faces, I bet you all passed. Congratulations!"
She smiled politely—then offered a bow of apology.
"But I'm afraid we're currently full, and the wait's quite long. I'm terribly sorry!"
Li Yuu glanced around. Sure enough, the place was jam-packed.
The three weren't about to make a fuss. They sighed and turned to leave.
Xingren offered a sheepish apology. "Sorry, that's on me. Should've figured it'd be rush hour around now. Let's find somewhere else."
Tenma grumbled. "Damn shame. It smells amazing in there."
Li Yuu nodded. "If we're starving, we might as well find something nearby, even if it's just passable."
Just as they were about to step out, someone entered from the opposite direction. Li Yuu moved aside out of courtesy—but the newcomer halted abruptly, staring at him.
"You!"
Li Yuu looked up, puzzled.
The speaker was a striking young man in a pristine white motorcycle jacket, his silver-gray hair brushing past his ears, and crimson eyes gleaming with intensity. His demeanor was cold, refined… about the same age as Li Yuu.
Li Yuu didn't recognize him.
But In Koujin immediately called out, "You're Ryuu Seikon, aren't you?!"
Li Yuu turned. "You know him?"
Xingren nodded. "He probably doesn't know me—but I know him."
"He's a genius from the Synchro Alliance. The Academy offered him a Special Admission slot, but he declined. Chose to take the exam like everyone else."
"Scored near the top on the written test. In fact, his practical performance came in just behind yours. Ranked third overall."
Li Yuu raised an eyebrow. "So you're Ryuu Seikon, huh?"
The cold expression on Liu's face melted slightly as he smiled—a rare, eager smile.
"I took the exam to see if there was anyone who could surpass me."
"I didn't just find someone who did… I found someone who aced both the written and the practical."
"That person is you—Li Yuu."
Even the hostess at the counter gasped. "He's the double top-scorer?!"
Li Yuu gave an easy grin and waved it off. "Meh. Child's play."
Liu's eyes narrowed in intrigue. He looked like he was about to say more when a voice called from inside the restaurant.
"Yo! Xinghun! Over here!"
Three more people stepped out—each dressed in the same sleek biker-style gear as Ryuu Seikon.
The one in front had wild, bright orange hair styled like a broom and a laid-back expression. Total street racer vibes.
Behind him stood a pair of twins with matching emerald green hair. The boy wore his hair in a ponytail, while the girl's flowed like a waterfall over her shoulders. His aura was playful and spirited; hers was calm and gentle. The two were opposites in every way—yet perfectly complementary.
Upon spotting Liu, the hostess rushed over with a bow. "Young Master Liu, your private room is ready. Right this way—"
But Liu didn't move. He looked at Li Yuu and asked, "You guys didn't get a table?"
Li Yuu shrugged. "Isn't it obvious?"
The three newcomers walked over, curious—until their eyes landed on Li Yuu. All three jolted in recognition.
"Wait… you're Li Yuu?! The top scorer from today?!"
The ponytailed boy's eyes lit up. "Dude, that was amazing! I've basically become your fan!"
Li Yuu ran a hand through his hair and sighed dramatically. "Sigh… can't help it. When you're this good-looking, you're like a firefly in the dark—always gets noticed."
In Koujin laughed awkwardly. "Li Yuu, that joke's ancient."
The three newcomers introduced themselves in turn.
"Pleasure to meet you. I'm Chou Sei'oku," said the orange-haired one.
The ponytail grinned. "Ryuu Seito. This is my sister, Ryuu Seishin."
The green-haired girl gave a polite nod. Li Yuu and Tenma both returned the gesture.
Xingdou added, "We're all new students this year too. Same as Xinghun."
"We've been a team for years back in the Synchro Alliance. We go by the name—Team Satisfaction."
Tenma's eyes sparkled. "You're Team Satisfaction?! From the Duel Links tournament circuit?! You guys are famous!"
Xingdou smirked proudly. "Damn right. Xinghun's our captain."
Li Yuu tilted his head. "Duel Links? What's that?"
Xingdou looked stunned. "Wait—you don't know?!"
Before he could launch into an explanation, Liu raised a hand to cut him off.
"It's mealtime. Let's not talk ourselves to death on empty stomachs."
He turned to Li Yuu.
"This city's packed. Most places are slammed."
"I have a suggestion—Li Yuu… how about a duel?"
Li Yuu blinked. "Now?!"
Are these people all duel maniacs? Zero delay challenge to a card battle? Seriously?