NOVEL NEXT Chapter 52: TST [51]
"Minister, I demand the immediate suspension of the Duelist League and a full investigation into the Shadow Duelists infiltrating it!"
In the office, Milo braced both hands on the desk, staring directly into the Minister of Internal Affairs' eyes without the slightest hint of retreat.
Minister Hale looked at Milo indifferently. Instead of rebutting, he stood up and asked in return:
"Milo, you've been part of the League long enough to know how massive this organization is. It practically governs every duelist in the country. Do you know how much it costs to keep this system running every single day?"
Hale shot Milo a sharp glance.
"It's dozens of times more than your Haisen Club's current liquid assets."
Hale, now over fifty, had held the ministerial post for many years. His voice carried authority without effort.
Milo faltered a little at his words but forced himself to stand firm.
"That still doesn't justify letting Shadow Duelists run wild!"
"Hmph. The entire League is hosted by the Duelist Alliance, and the budget is astronomical. Shutting it down for even a single day means a huge financial loss. Who do you think will cover that? You?"
"The moment Shadow Duelists show up, you all lose your nerve. And you call yourselves pro duelists?"
Under Hale's reprimand, Milo shrank like a child being scolded, bowing his head.
After a moment, he spoke weakly:
"Shadow Duelists are at least on par with pros, perhaps even stronger. They're constantly recruiting allies. Without contact with the Duel King, this shift in balance could prove disastrous for us."
He had lived through the last Shadow Duelist incident. He knew the gap between them all too well.
His own childhood friend had vanished during that chaos. It left a deep mark on him.
Hearing this, Hale turned away, hands behind his back, staring out the window.
"Whatever the case, the League won't be stopped. For now, stay in groups and avoid being targeted."
Milo showed a resigned expression and left the office, disheartened.
He didn't notice a new application form sitting on Hale's desk.
...
Soon, the Duelist League began.
Classes at the Duel Academy Middle Division were suspended. Teachers and students watched the matches live.
After all, watching top-level duels offered far more to one's growth than reading textbooks.
On the big screen in the classroom, footage of the competition played.
Sleek D-Wheels roared by. Diverse monsters followed behind the duelists. The energetic commentary fired up the crowd, and the audience below let out deafening cheers.
"Saint King Club's team is on fire this year! That's three wins in a row already!"
"Where's our Haisen Club? Haven't they played yet?"
"Forget Haisen, I'd rather watch Team Predator's matches. Skintight suits and D-Wheels? Too hot to handle."
"Huh? Why did Team Beast swap out their ace? Are they hiding a trump card?"
Students chattered about their favorite club teams. When the boys brought up Team Predator, a wave of knowing laughter swept the room, drawing disdainful looks from the girls.
Some students also noticed that not just Team Beast, but many clubs had replaced their main players.
Familiar duelists weren't appearing, so hype was a bit lower than usual.
The main league was made up of Speed Duels, but for safety, the Junior Division—where Morgan would compete—used standard stand-up duels instead.
Also, its schedule was offset from the main event and would begin a little later.
During this period, both events dominated all online traffic.
No matter the website, Duelist League sat at the top of the trending lists.
Teachers took the opportunity to analyze each match, using them as real-time lessons. During League season, students gained the most.
Just then, a striking figure on screen drew everyone's attention.
Though the person wore a helmet, hiding their face, their sleek black bodysuit perfectly outlined a flawless figure. A cropped vest and jacket exposed a slim waist. Black leather pants hugged one leg while the other remained bare, pale, and gleaming under the lights.
Leaning forward on a D-Wheel, their body curved into an elegant silhouette.
She instantly became the focus of the crowd.
The cameraman knew what he was doing—most shots stayed on her.
"Whoa, which club is she from? I don't recognize her."
"A female duelist outshining even Team Predator?"
"From now on, she's my goddess!"
"Wasn't your goddess Morgan? Changed your mind already?"
"You don't get it! Bigger is better! More is merrier! Goddesses? The more the merrier!"
...
The first day of the League ended soon after. Each club had wins and losses. With a full week of matches ahead, this was just the appetizer.
After school, Morgan parted from Jade and Isla and walked home alone since it was already late. Under dim streetlights, Morgan ambled along.
As she passed an alleyway, a silhouette emerged from the shadows, blocking her path.
...
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