Career?
Yugen felt slightly interested after hearing it.
He hadn't interacted much with the professional circle of this world yet. The only professional player he had directly engaged with was that Tomoki player from the Link System... but to be precise, he was a semi-professional, not a full pro.
No, to be honest, it seems he doesn't even count as a semi-professional anymore.
Because later, he heard that dude withdrew before his debut, and no one knew why. The media speculated it might be due to overwhelming psychological pressure from an unknown cause, perhaps triggered by some external stimulus, leading him to withdraw hastily.
When Yugen saw this news, he was puzzled. Such a promising newbie, why withdraw from a match like that? He had faced him before and felt that his skills were actually quite good...
Yugen couldn't help but think the mindset of duelists nowadays is really lacking. It's just getting ganked by the Chestnut Ball and Lava Demon God combo, so what?
If someone feels pressured by dueling at this level, it's really hard to understand...
But after all, he wasn't a full professional. He sure had an interest in learning about the professional circle; in the future, if there's a chance to win a world championship in the league to earn some extra cash, why not?
Of course, in this world, not all experts go professional, and the prestige of a "World Champion" isn't as high as the "Duel King" in the game.
For instance, the legendary duelists like the original Tomb Guardian trio, the Doma Three Musketeers, and Joey from the game didn't pursue careers in the professional circuit. So there's a saying, "true masters are among the people"; while the professional circle certainly represents a high level in the dueling realm, it may not include the very elite.
The truly top-notch masters might not often take the stage to compete.
Judai dragged him all the way to the venue, which was already packed inside. After all, it's now winter break, and students are already on holiday. Those staying on the island are only waiting for a return boat, and since there are no classes, except for those who stay in their dorms to sleep, most have come to this venue.
After all, quite a few students at this academy aspire to break into the professional circle in the future, so hearing a lecture from an active professional player piqued most people's interest.
When they arrived at the venue, there were no seats left, so Yugen could only squeeze in with Judai and the others outside to watch the stage.
"Oh, oh, is that a professional duelist?" Judai's eyes lit up.
He was a well-dressed man. A black suit that fit perfectly with smooth lines, and a black bow tie on his chest. His features were well-defined, with a neatly trimmed mustache, exuding elegance and composure in his demeanor.
However, rather than a duelist, his appearance was more like a bartender.
"Hm... doesn't really look professional," Judai said, puzzled.
"Heh, you're really blind, Judai,"
It was Chazz speaking, appearing behind them with his arms crossed.
"This is Somlier Baka, ranked eighth in the professional league last season," Chazz snorted.
"Eh? This guy?" Judai was surprised.
Perhaps as they were standing relatively close to the front, their conversation was overheard by the professional guy on stage. However, he wasn't annoyed at Judai's offense; he just glanced at the jellyfish-headed student and elegantly smiled.
"It's really impolite; to call me 'uncle' is a bit too early," Somlier smiled. "Well, a duelist is like fine wine; the longer it's stored, the more mellow it becomes.
Though the students of Duel Academy might be very talented, they lack a bit of seasoning. Without the passage of time, it's hard to become fine wine."
Judai was baffled: "Um... I don't quite get it. What does wine have to do with dueling..."
"Hahaha, the world of dueling encompasses everything; there's wisdom to be gained from everything in the world,"
Somlier laughed heartily.
"As for me, what I've studied is the 'Dao of Wine.' My dueling is like winemaking. It requires selectiveness about the ingredients, reverence for the craft, and respect for time.
Ingredients are the foundation of winemaking. Choosing quality grains, fruits, and water is the first step to fine wine, just like selecting the right card deck is the pathway to victory.
The craft is the key to making good wine. Even with a good card deck, without an excellent duelist, it's the same as having strict controls over saccharification, fermentation, and distillation.
Lastly, and most crucially...
He smiled slightly, lifting a wine glass filled with red wine, gently swirling it.
"That would be time. Fine wine needs time to mature and brew, just like life needs the tempering and honing of years. A duelist who hasn't been through enough trials can't stand alone.
This is why I, Somlier Baka, have reached my current stature in the professional circle."
Upon hearing this voice, Yugen couldn't help but frown, feeling like he had heard it before.
Then, after frowning in thought for a while, he suddenly realized.
Damn, isn't this Master Ban?
This person, claiming to be ranked eighth professionally, although only a minor character in the GX animation, shares the same voice actor with the famous Master Ban from the neighboring Konohagakure.
As he talked about the secrets of winemaking and duels, all Yugen could think of was "Do you also want to dance.JPG"...
He now remembered. This so-called professional guy, in his anime appearance, thrashed Asuka's close friends Junko and Momoe but was immediately countered by Asuka, who was, at the time, brainwashed and darkened... or perhaps whited by Saio.
Overall, he was basically a background character, though a very prominent one with the title "ranked eighth in the professional circle."
Evidently, this person is quite the wine enthusiast, with a persona akin to a traditional martial arts master who loves wine and swords and blends the Dao of Wine into Sword Dao. His card deck was also a "Wine" deck, primarily an anime original, not made into physical cards.
"Of course, mere words are just hollow theory, and everyone might find it hard to grasp. But don't worry..."
Somlier smiled, picked up the Duel Disc on the podium, and put it on his hand.
"I'm in a good mood today, so I'll make an exception... and personally guide you Duel Academy students with a demonstration."
He scanned the students, asking,
"So, is there any student who wishes to receive special guidance from the eighth-ranked professional?"
"..."
Of course, many felt the itch in their hearts. Facing off against a professional player is a rare opportunity.
However, it could also be an opportunity to embarrass oneself in front of the whole school, so many weighed their abilities and didn't act rashly.
After all, stepping up also represents the students of Duel Academy, and losing too badly would certainly be shameful for everyone.
And speaking of a duelist everyone acknowledges as skilled and wants to see perform...
"..."
Seconds later, Yugen glanced around, helpless.
"Why are you all looking at me?"