This incident ultimately concluded with the report that an outside intruder had broken into the old dormitory and destroyed it using an as‑yet unidentified method.
Because a student had been injured during the event, Professor Crowler voluntarily accepted responsibility and requested punishment.
However, Principal Sheppard did not impose any—Crowler had willingly taken on the Shadow Duel, and the other two students accompanying him were unharmed.
The ruins of the old dormitory have now been completely sealed off, with no one allowed to enter.
As for Youmi—stabbed in the side by Blazing Cartesia, the Virtuous—he was discharged from the academy hospital on the fourth day. Although the wound had not fully healed, it no longer affected his classes.
"Professor Mama‑mia, why are your eyes swollen like a goldfish?"
Walking into Professor Crowler's classroom and seeing his clearly tear‑swollen eyes, Youmi was startled.
"Youmi! I'm so glad you're all right!"
Seeing that Youmi only had a few bandages wrapped around him, Professor Crowler lunged forward emotionally—only for Youmi to step aside, causing him to fall face‑first onto the floor.
"Sorry. Reflex."
Youmi quickly helped the fallen professor up. Though the movement tugged painfully at his wound, his physique surpassed that of normal humans, so it wasn't much of a problem.
"Youmi, you're out of the hospital!"
"Youmi…!"
As he lifted the still‑sniffling Professor Crowler back to his feet, Youmi turned to see Jaden, Alexis, and Syrus entering the classroom.
"Ah, I'm tough. And it wasn't a serious injury anyway, so I'm fully revived. Perfect—" Youmi attempted to strike a Joey Wheeler‑like pose, but the over‑exaggerated motion tugged at his wound, making him grimace and cutting the gesture short.
"Anyway, I'm fine. And back then… thanks, Jaden. And you too, Professor Crowler~"
When Youmi had been stabbed by Cartesia and unable to move, it was Jaden who dove in and prevented the falling debris from crushing him, and afterward, both Jaden and Crowler carried him out of the collapsing dorm.
Syrus had also accompanied them on their daily hospital visits and was deeply relieved: "Youmi‑nii, I'm so glad you're okay! Going into such a dangerous place… we were all worried. And doesn't this mean you completely missed the monthly exam?"
"About that…" Just as Syrus mentioned the exam, Professor Crowler wiped his eyes and spoke to Youmi and the others: "After this class, Youmi, Alexis, and Jaden—stay behind. There's an official notice from the academy I need to relay."
······
After class, in Professor Crowler's office.
"Eh?! A Punishment Duel?"
Jaden and Alexis shouted in surprise, while Youmi stood to the side wearing an expression that clearly said, "Called it."
"Yes. Even though I took responsibility myself, the academy knows the three of you entered a sealed, extremely dangerous building. They've ordered a Punishment Duel for the three of you. If you lose, you'll likely face disciplinary action… though I don't know to what extent."
Crowler folded his hands beneath his chin, looking heavily troubled.
"A Punishment Duel requires a tag team. Each of you may choose one additional duelist from your dorms to participate. Ideally, pick a strong student—preferably someone from Alexis's Obelisk Blue. I'll also work to reduce the severity of any punishment, y'know."
"What's wrong, Professor Mama‑mia? You're talking like we're guaranteed to lose…"
Youmi, who had been leaning against the wall, walked forward after hearing the concern in Crowler's tone. "Me, Jaden, and Alexis—we're all strong. There's no way we'd lose a Punishment Duel."
Crowler glared at Youmi: "Don't call me Professor Mama‑mia, Youmi. And yes, you three are strong—even that slacker Jaden has potential—but the academy may dispatch professional duelists. No matter how skilled you are, pros will be difficult opponents."
"But if it's Jaden and Alexis teaming up, that's no problem~ As for me, worst case, I can take on two people alone and still have a shot."
Youmi looked at Jaden and Alexis, who stared back in surprise.
"What? Alexis hasn't beaten me. And in the practical exam, I outperformed Jaden, right? So let me solo two duelists. No need for Alexis to recruit someone, or for any of the Slifer Red guys to get involved~"
Since he still had to continue acting within Duel Academy for future plans, Youmi could not afford to let himself be eliminated here—even if he had to use his full power.
SLAM!
The door to Crowler's office burst open.
"I'll team up with Youmi‑nii!"
The one who rushed in was Syrus.
"That night, I followed Jaden because I was curious where he was going so late, so I was near the old dorm too—even if I didn't go inside. If they're punishing people, they should punish me too! Five days ago, I couldn't help at all and had to watch Youmi‑nii get hurt so badly. At least this time… I want to help!"
He had clearly been eavesdropping outside for a while, and only burst in when he heard that Youmi intended to go one‑against‑two.
"But Syrus, your written exam last time was only barely better than Jaden's, right? This is a serious Punishment Duel. If your strength ends up dragging Youmi down…"
Crowler's meaning was obvious; he feared Syrus would become a burden.
"It's fine! I'll use the true ACE I've kept secret from every exam until now!"
As if to prove his resolve, Syrus pulled three cards from his pocket. "I decided not to use these until I earned my brother's approval… but if it's to help Youmi‑nii, I'll break that vow!"
"These cards are… I see. If it's your Vehicroid Deck, then with these, you might pull off a miracle… Still, it depends on Youmi. What do you think? Would you team with Syrus? If not, then Alexis will need to contact—"
Without a second thought, Youmi nodded: "I'm willing. My partner will be Syrus. I believe he won't hold me back."
Crowler signed a few documents and filed them away: "Then, since the team is decided—the Punishment Duel will take place this Sunday. You still have time to build your Decks and prepare. If I hear any info about the pro duelists assigned to the match, I'll notify you immediately."
...
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