"You!?"
Takuma Saiou sat in his chaotic bedroom, glaring coldly at the mirror before him.
The mirror surface was already webbed with cracks, as if it had been smashed with a heavy force. Facing that mirror, the other side was not his own reflection, but another man.
A man dressed in an immaculate white suit, waving a black cane in his hand.
Takuma Saiou squinted his eyes.
"I didn't know anyone else was still on Earth."
"Is that so? But I'm very clear about your situation," the man in the white suit said leisurely, "Perhaps it's because someone has been too high-profile all along."
"Everything is within my control," Saio coldly said, "Unlike you all, I clearly remember my mission."
"Or maybe it's just recklessness."
The man in the white suit said.
"Is that right?" Saio sneered, "I'm not like some people who choose to tread cautiously in a backward world. Have you forgotten our mission? This world, many more worlds, in the end, will all become light, and only light."
"Yes, I haven't forgotten," the man in the white suit shrugged, "It's just unlike some who dive into delusions before they've even mastered their host."
"I am in complete control!" Saio shouted.
"Is that so?"
The man in the white suit reached out from the mirror, slowly caressing from the other side as if he were stroking the cobweb-like cracks on the mirror.
Then he laughed, a laugh filled with unrestrained mockery.
Saio understood his meaning, of course. This mirror was shattered by his own fist in a fit of rage, because his other self, the original personality of Takuma Saiou, kept babbling incessantly in this mirror, infuriating him.
Saio's face turned ashen: "I said, everything is under my control."
After a pause, as if realizing the statement lacked persuasion, he added,
"Perhaps that troublesome personality hasn't been completely purified yet, but it's not long now. And it will certainly not affect my plans."
"Let's hope so."
The man in the white suit said coolly.
"Only your recklessness forced us to expose ahead of time. Hope your plan succeeds, otherwise..."
"It will definitely succeed."
Saio interrupted stiffly.
"I don't need any help. All you need to do is keep your eyes wide open and watch properly."
"Heh, then I'll definitely be watching."
The man in the white suit chuckled, stopped talking, ending the conversation.
The image in the mirror became blurry and transparent, until it completely vanished.
Takuma Saiou stared at the mirror, watching the man in the mirror gradually disappear, change back to his own reflection, only to become increasingly furious, slamming the mirror again with a punch. The already cracked mirror shattered with a crash, fragments flying everywhere.
A knock on the door was heard outside.
"Enter," Saio said.
A man in white pushed the door open, standing straight with respect, offering a salute.
"What is it?" Saio asked.
"It's the Prince," the man said, "As you revealed in fate, the prince has set out."
Saio's expression softened slightly.
"Finally, some good news."
He stood up, striding out of the room.
"Let's go."
The man in white was stunned, asked, "Where to?"
"Duel Academy."
...
...
Duel Academy.
"Something has happened!"
Instructor Napoleon hurriedly strides with his short legs, running breathlessly into the principal's office.
Professor Chronos, currently full of himself, was sitting with crossed legs in the principal's office. On the desk before him sat his nameplate. Originally written as "Chronos Interim Principal," someone had sneakily erased the word "Interim."
"What's the matter that has you so frantic?"
Chronos leisurely sipped coffee, already possessing an air of authority.
"Principal Jiaodao, Principal Jiaodao has returned!"
Chronos sprayed a mouthful of coffee out.
"Nani!?" Chronos shot out of his chair, "Doesn't that mean I'm demoted back to an instructor?"
"No, the new instructor is now me."
Instructor Napoleon said earnestly.
"As for Professor Chronos, I think you might be fired directly."
Chronos jumped up: "That's too much!"
"Oh, seems like you're discussing something interesting."
Principal Jiaodao appeared at the door, hands clasped behind him, smiling.
"Principal..."
Chronos inhaled sharply.
"Why so tense, Professor Chronos, like you're meeting me for the first time?"
"Ah, this...is... happiness."
Chronos barely managed to squeeze out a smile.
"Really, then I am really thankful." Principal Jiaodao chuckled, "Gather the students in the auditorium for a meeting. I have something important to announce."
...
...
An hour later, all the students were gathered.
"Long time no see, students."
Principal Jiaodao stood on the podium, grinning.
"I've returned this time with a special gift for everyone."
The students immediately started discussing. Judai was particularly excited: "Oh oh! The principal returned from traveling the world, surely bringing loads of special items, right?"
Shou Marufuji's eyes sparkled: "Will it be delicious?"
Principal Jiaodao pointed to the large screen behind him: "My gift is this!"
The screen lit up, showing a badge imprinted with "GX."
"The duel to determine the world GenerationX champion, named GeneX, abbreviated as GX, will be held for the first time at this Duel Academy!"
The students erupted into commotion.
"Duel!"
Judai was even more thrilled.
To him, it was the only thing more appealing than food.
But Shou Marufuji started trembling: "Ah? Duel competition... do we all have to participate?"
"Students from the Duel Academy upper division and branch school are all required to participate. Apart from this, professional league players, as well as some internationally invited skilled duelists will join.
This is a chance for our school students to directly compete with world-class experts!"
The scene went into an uproar.
"Duel with professional players!"
Judai jumped from his seat, prompting Professor Chronos's loud reprimand. Yet Judai, immersed in anticipation for the duel, paid it no mind.
"The dueling field is this island, any site on the island counts. All participants will receive a badge as qualification."
The principal showcased the GX Badge in hand.
"Participants are obliged to duel at least once a day, cannot refuse the first daily duel challenge. Winners take all badges from the losers.
In the end, the person with the most badges wins, along with a special prize from the tournament."
"Great, leave it to me!"
Judai had already leaped out of his seat.
"The prize is absolutely mine!"
Shou Marufuji quietly reminded: "Brother, from experience, past academy tournament prizes are usually a kiss from Auntie Tami..."
"Eh!?"
Judai instantly petrified.