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CHAPTER 1 – THE TRANSFER STUDENT
Japan, 2145
– Toru, you’ll be late! – Satoru heard someone shouting from downstairs.
– Coming. – he said softly. She probably didn't listen, and he didn't care.
Today was Satoru’s first day at Tohjo’s Academy, the only duel school in Tohjo, the city where he had been living for 2 months. He used to live in England with his parents, but he lost both in a car accident. He lives with his grandparents now.
After spending 10 extra minutes staring at the ceiling he finally went downstairs where he saw his grandma preparing breakfast.
– I thought British people…– his grandma started, but was interrupted by him.
– … enjoyed punctuality… you’ve said this quite a few times already. – he said in a playful tone.
– I understand you’re hurt and I understand how changes can be difficult for you, but I hope you can see how I'm trying. I know there's a lot to get used to here, but you just need to give it a chance.
– I'm sorry but I just don't get it. – he said – I just don't understand why I can't go to a normal school. I don't know why I need to learn about dueling. Shouldn't I be studying something more useful?
– Dueling schools have been increasing in popularity and ever since the new rules were implemented, being less than decent at dueling isn't an option anymore. Now finish your breakfast and hurry to school. I don't know how things are in London, but we do hate tardiness.
The walk to school was peaceful. He just followed a group of other students from afar. Every once in a while he would walk past a destroyed house or signs saying “Remember them”.
After spending around 15 minutes in the principal’s office because the man had lost his transfer files, he was sent to his classroom. He was a bit late, but he found out that the teacher has just arrived as well, so things were fine in the end. After being introduced to his classmates and after giving a considerably modest bow. He sat on the last seat.
He was still a bit embarrassed, but when he realized it was a History lesson, he immediately felt better. He loved History.
– Today we will have our traditional first class which I call “Why we duel”. – the teacher started. He wrote these words on the board. – Do you remember the world before the new system? What was it like?
Different students raised their hands and brainstormed different words which the teacher wrote on the board. Things like “freedom”, “boredom” and “violence”.
– And then what happened eight years ago? – the teacher asked.
– The Fourth World War started because of a dispute involving natural resources. – A boy sitting in the front row answered. He had brown, wavy short hair.
– That's right, Keiji. Who were the winners of the war?
– Well, technically China. – answered a girl.
– But there weren't any winners to be honest. – said the boy who teacher called Keiji. – After all, ⅔ of the human population were decimated.
– You're right. And what did the world leaders do?
– They gathered and came up with a solution. To preserve life, countries had to prevent the use of any type of weapon. People would need to find alternative ways of solving conflict.
— And why did they choose Yu-Gi–Oh! of all games?
— Well, it's an old, traditional card game. It was very popular for a while and even after losing space to other card games, the catchphrase “it's time to duel” has never stopped being iconic. It was instantly recognisable anywhere you go. And now I would say that it's even more popular than before.
– You're absolutely right, Keiji. Nowadays people don't use weapons anymore. We only duel. That is why we duel. We duel for justice. We duel for union. We duel for companionship. We duel for peace. Let's repeat?
Everyone except Satoru repeated the motto.
– Satoru, you don't agree with the motto? – the teachers asked.
– Not entirely, Kojima-sensei.
The teacher smiled gently.
– You're allowed to have your opinion.
That came as a shock for Satoru. He didn't know what he was expecting, but it wasn't that. He felt deep respect for the teacher. It seemed like the moment “why we duel” was about to end, but Keiji, the boy with brown hair, raised his hand.
– Kojima-sensei, can I ask our new friend a question? – he asked. The teacher nodded. Keiji was sitting in the front row. He stood up, looked straight into Satoru's eyes and asked: – What's wrong with the motto?
– Well, for a start, I don't think we are living in a world of peace. – said Satoru.
– How can you say that when it's been literally 8 years since we had a murder in the world? Isn't it peace for you?
– First of all, it's impossible to track that information. Who's in control of this data? And another thing, the government installed microchips on all of us. Chips that track our brain activity and prevent us from doing violent acts because if we do that, we black out. This isn't peace. It's control.
– Well, you can say whatever you want to say about the system, but it's working. What would be your solution for the end of violence, then?
– Well, I don't have one. I'm not a politician, I don't have to come up with solutions. What I do know is, if I were, whatever solution I came up with wouldn't mess with other people's free will. And why on earth would I allow people to decide a land dispute with a silly children's card game.
That last part seemed to make Keiji even angrier. Everyone was locked in the fight.
– You just don't get it. – said Keiji angrily. – Our once fertile, good soil is poisoned because of people like you.
Students were shocked by what he said. The murmurs started almost immediately.
– Okay, that's enough. – the teacher intervened – This will lead nowhere.
– He's right. – said Satoru. – I won't change my mind. I don't think you'll change yours. There is not a healthy way of solving this.
– You see, that's where you're wrong. – said Keiji. – There is a way.
– Sorry?
– Let's duel! Whoever wins is right.
Satoru tried his best to contain his laughter, but he couldn't.
– Are you insane? Aren't arguments won through logic and eloquence anymore? Is it all just duels now?
– I knew you'd be scared.
– You know what? Fine. Let's duel. But I have a better idea. If I win I don't want you to ever talk to me again, unless I say so.
Their duel was going to happen after class. The rumour of the match spread throughout the whole school. Satoru became some sort of outcast. Apparently everyone seemed to agree that he had completely absurd opinions about a system that saved humanity from being extinct.
It was lunch time. Satoru was on the rooftop, eating his bento alone. Suddenly he felt a tap on the shoulder. He looked up and saw a boy with blond hair and piercing blue eyes.
– Can I sit next to you? – he asked.
– Sure, but don't be surprised if people stop treating you like you don't exist. – said Satoru.
– I’m sorry about what happened.
– Don't be, I don't care.
– You know, you're not alone. There are many people who think like you.
– I don't think that is the case. I feel completely alone.
– You're not. People just don't have the courage you had. Remember, we're constantly being monitored. It can be dangerous.
– Yeah, I don't care.
– And it was brave of you to challenge Keiji. He's like the second best duelist in the whole school.
– Really? Who's the first?
– Me, of course. – he beamed an overconfident smile. They both laughed.
Satoru liked talking to that boy. He had a calm, relaxed personality. It felt like for the first time someone understood him.
– Do you have a deck on you? – the boy asked. – Name is Luka, by the way.
– Satoru. And yeah, I have a deck. It's not really a deck, it's just a mixture of cards my mum and my dad used. I put them together and built this deck.
Luka made a strange facial expression.
– Can I see it? – he asked.
Satoru handed him a purple deck box that was inside a small bag he was carrying. Luka went through each card with a smile on his face.
– This really feels like a mixture of two completely different decks. But it may work. You never know. I think you gotta believe in the heart of the cards or something like that.
– I think we should go. – said Satoru standing up. – Lunch time is almost finished.
– Wait. – Luka prevented him from leaving. – Take this card. Use it in the duel against Keiji. Let's see what you can do with it.
Satoru took a look at the card. It was an effect monster. It read: “Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Beginning”. Satoru didn't have time to read its effect because the bell announcing the end of lunch time started ringing. So he simply rushed towards his classroom. He didn't want to be late.
The rest of the day went by very fast. Satoru simply went through class after class. In the end of the afternoon, it was finally time to face Keiji. They agreed to meet in the school arena. When Satoru got there, he found Keiji waiting for him.
– So you came. – said the boy.
– Of course. I wouldn't miss my favourite game for anything in the world. – Satoru replies with an ironic smile.
The place quickly became crowded. Almost every student was in the bleachers, even some teachers. Satoru scanned the crowd in search of piercing blue eyes, but couldn't find any. A school referee approached Keiji and Satoru, who were standing in the middle of the arena. Take your places.
Each of them stood next to a pedestal in the arena. These pedestals had a structure similar to a playmat, so they could play the cards. A robotic, female voice echoed through the arena.
“Preparing virtual reality. Duel field on.”
Suddenly, the world turned blue as if the crowd disappeared. It was like they were alone in the arena, but they still could hear people cheering and screaming. Most of them were chanting something that sounded like “End this weirdo”. Satoru assumed he was the weirdo in question.
– I'll start! – shouted Keiji.
They both drew 5 cards from their decks.
Keiji: 4000 LP
Satoru: 4000 LP
– I'll start by summoning “The Six Samurai – Yaichi” (warrior/WATER/effect | 1300 Atk / 800 Def ) in attack position. I set two cards face down and I end my turn. Show me what you got.
– I draw! – Satoru shouted.
He went over the cards in his hand. Not a strong hand, but manageable, he believed. Keiji’s monster was relatively weak after all.
– I'll summon “Mystic Tomato” (plant/DARK/effect | 1400 atk / 1100 Def) in attack position. My tomato has more attack points than your samurai, so here I go. Mystic Tomato, attack The Six Samurai - Yaichi.
Keiji smiled confidently.
– Not so fast. – he said. – I activate my face down: Negate attack. This will end your battle phase.
– Fine. – Satoru accepted. – I'll just put one face down, then. I end my turn.
– My turn. I draw! I hope you're ready to admit that I was right. – Keiji teased.
– Keiji, I don't think the outcome of this duel will change anything.
– We'll see about that. You won't enjoy what I have in store for you. I activate my field spell: Shine's castle of mist!
The field around them started changing to a gloomy purple. A large, vertical castle that reminded Satoru of a dojo appeared in the middle of the field. The atmosphere became eerie. The visibility became weak. The only things visible were the monsters in front of them. There were some crows flying around the field as well.
– Now, – started Keiji. – whenever my Six Samurai monsters are attacked, the attacking monster loses 500 atk. And that's not all. I also activate my Continuous Spell Card: Gateway of the six! A large portal appeared next to Keiji. Whenever I summon a Six Samurai monster, I place 2 Bushido counters on it. Now I'll summon ‘The Six Samurai – Zanji” (Warrior/LIGHT/effect | 1800 atk / 1300 Def). I'll place 2 Bushido counters on my Gateway of the six, but I'll instantly remove it because I want to use its effect. I'll remove two counters and raise the atk points of one of my Six Samurai monsters by 500. And the target I choose is Yaichi. Hahaha! Are you ready? Yaichi, attack Mystic Tomato!
Satoru’s LP: 4000 > 3600
– I'll activate my Mystic Tomato's effect! – said Satoru. – When it's destroyed by battle, I can special summon a DARK monster from my deck in face-up attack position. I choose “Spirit Reaper” (Zombie/DARK/effect | atk 300 / Def 200).
Satoru quickly realised that Keiji’s field was becoming stronger and stronger as he kept adding pieces to manipulate the attack points on both sides. He needed something to slow things down and spirit reaper was the perfect card since it cannot be destroyed by battle.
– Very well, – continued Keiji – now I'll attack your spirit reaper with Zanji.
– Spirit Reaper cannot be destroyed by battle.
– You still take the damage, though!
Satoru's LP: 3600 > 2100.
– And that's not all. At the end of the damage step, if Zanji attacked, it can destroy the monster he attacked with his effect.
– What?! – exclaimed Satoru.
Satoru's monster was destroyed.
– The power of my samurais will overwhelm you. You shouldn't have messed with me. Go ahead. It's your turn.
Satoru was sure he was about to lose. Keiji's field was just too perfect. What could he do? Maybe he could destroy one of his samurais, but he would just bring another one and the spells made thiings even more difficult.
– I draw. – said Satoru, lacking confidence. Dark hole! That's it. Maybe there's hope! – I activate my spell card: dark hole. This will destroy every single monster on the field.
– You didn't think I would let you get away with this, did you? I activate my trap card: Magic hammer. I'll discard a card and negate the effect of your spell card.
Of course he had a response. Of course he would do that. What could Satoru do now?
– I'll just set a monster face down, then. – said Satoru. – I'll set another card face down and that will end my turn.
– You must be hopeless. Hahaha! I draw. I summon “The Six Samurai – Nisashi” (Warrior/WIND/effect | atk 1400 / Def 700). Now I'm going to activate Yaichi’s effect. Once per turn, I can destroy one spell or trap card on the field. You have two. Let me see, I'll choose the one on the right.
It was a mirror force. That could have helped a lot.
– Oh wow, that could have been very useful for you, right? – teased Keiji. – That's a shame. Because he used his effect, Yaichi can't attack this turn, but it doesn't matter. I'll end things right now. First, I'll attack your face down monster with my Zanji.
Face down: magician of faith (Spellcaster/LIGHT/effect)
– I'll activate Magician's Faith flip effect. – said Satoru. – I can add one spell card from the graveyard to my hand. The card I choose is Dark Hole.
– It's a shame you won't be able to use it next turn! My Nisashi can attack twice per battle phase. Do you know what it means? It's finished! Nisashi, attack Satoru's life points directly!
– I activate my second trap card: waboku. This turn, I don't receive any battle damage.
– You bought yourself one turn. Well done, I guess. I'll set one card face down and I'll end my turn.
– Let's see what I can do. I draw!
And there it was. The card Luka had given him earlier. He finally had time to read its effect. He looked at the field. That might work.
– First, I'll activate the Dark Hole in my hand to make your monsters disappear.
Keiji didn't have a response.
– Now, by banishing the spirit reaper (DARK) and the magician of faith (LIGHT) from my graveyard, I'm going to special summon “Black Luster Soldier– Envoy of the beginning” (Warrior/LIGHT/effect | atk 3000 / Def 2500). Now I'll activate the equip card “Metamorph”. I can equip it to one of my monsters and if my life points are lower than yours, the targeted monster's original attack points is doubled, which means Black Luster Soldier now has 6000 attack points. Battle phase! Go Black Luster Soldier, attack his life points directly.
– I won't allow that! I activate my face down card: reinforce truth. With this card, I can special summon a level 2 warrior monster from my deck. I choose “ Kagemusha of the blue flame” (Warrior/EARTH/normal | atk 800 / Def 400) in defense position.
– I knew you would do something like that! Go Black Luster Soldier, attack Kagemusha!
Keiji’s monster was destroyed.
– You see, Satoru. I didn't take any battle damage because my monster was in defense position.
– It doesn't matter.
– Excuse me?
– I activate Black Luster Soldier’s effect. When he destroys a monster by battle, he can perform a second attack.
– What?
– Now, Black Luster Soldier, attack his life points directly!
Keiji’s LP: 4000 > 0
The duel ended. The virtual reality turned off. People in the crowd were shocked.
Keiji stood there in the middle of the field, with no reaction at all.
Satoru had never felt like that before. He had never felt such satisfaction after a duel.
But he didn't think it was the duel itself.
It was just the feeling of removing Keiji's confident smirk from his face.